Prairie

Rear Window

Rear Window is absolutely one of my favourite Alfred Hitchcock movies of all time. The lovely Grace Kelly and cuddly Jimmy Stewart are the perfect pick for the roles.  They say that Hitchcock had a cameo in every movie he made.  I have spotted him in this one - obscured - walking along the sidewalk in a street scene. You have to be quick to spot him between the buildings.  Grace Kelly's outfits are ever so posh and I think she's exquisite ! If this clip peaks your interest - you might like to know that cult following says; it has one of the best "kissing" scenes ever made.

Houghton Mill

In the better weather months, I love to walk to the nearby villages of Hemmingford Grey, Hemmingford Abbots and Houghton.  In the summertime, the fields are dotted with - people, people pushing prams, people pushing geriatrics in wheelchairs, kids on bikes and lots of puppy dogs - all walking the well-used paths in the fields. Everyone out and about, enjoying the beauty of rural England, and hopefully an appearance from the sun.  Along the way, one might stop at the pub for a cold beer, at a tea room for a cuppa or an ice cream from the local grocers. It really is, one large social gathering of people from all over the country.  A very big attraction on this scenic walk is Houghton Mill.  I found this wonderful, old black and white photo, taken in the early 1900's.  The Mill looks very much the same today.

Since before the Norman Conquest, there has always been a mill at this site.  This current mill dates from approximately -  the 18th century. It sets on an island foundation and is the last working water mill on the Great Ouse.  Today, the mill is owned and cared for by the National Trust.  It still has a working water wheel which is operational on weekends and Bank Holidays. One can actually purchase a sack of flour which has been ground by this ancient mill. The history of the mills that have set on this historic site - is detailed, some destroyed by fire, owned by monks, a Quaker and Kings even. I've only provided a few historic facts about Houghton Mill - I'll leave it up to you, to do the research - I'm here for the photography of this lovely old building.  This photo was borrowed from Kevin Sinclair's website. He gives permission to use it, as long as I give him credit for the photo. Fair enough.  I have no photo of the mill in it's entirety, as I like to take photos a bit differently. I like to examine the architectural detail in bits and pieces. Many years ago,  I was fortunate enough to work for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the experience inspired me so much - I now have a fierce love for architectural detail.  If you ever visit Phoenix, Arizona - please be sure to tour FLW's  "winter camp" - Taliesin - for an example of Wrights organic architecture.

That's a real bird sitting up there ! Quack, quack !

This is the hut which houses the impressive mill wheel.

This is the retired mill wheel that sits right outside Houghton Mill - it has an ancient beauty.

I do believe this is the Wardens(?) House - the person who looks after Houghton Mill. Maybe they call them caretakers here in England ? The house is right across the street from the mill and always has unique, orange flowers growing by it's door in the summer months.  A delightful house !

Behind Houghton Mill, right after you cross the bridge, you'll find a small group of punts and the man who rents them out. I hope you enjoyed looking at my images of Houghton Mill in detail, the beauty of  it's bricks, dark, rough wood and remnants of steel on brick and mortar. 

If you enjoy reading my blog, please pass my link on to - well - everyone !!   Thank you for reading Prairie !   

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-houghtonmill

Images of Cambridge

This was the first thing I saw in Cambridge last Sunday - a busker in a rubbish bin. I wonder if it stinks in there ?  The weather was decent and the city crowded !

I loved this row of bikes that seemed to go on forever.  Makes you wonder how many are nicked each year.

These people were taking tea and coffee at Auntie's Tea shop - and getting a tan.  Just kidding about the tan part. Is this not the most adorable dress ?  This little market stand always has such wonderful, kitsch clothes.

This is Kings College - just playing a bit with the photo here.  The reality photo is below. 

There are several of these carvings on this building. In a former life, it was a bank.  Today, it's part of Corpus Christi College. The city of Cambridge just dedicated this £1 million dollar clock. It's not your ordinary clock. It features this creepy, sci-fi grasshopper, which looks like something I use to see in my nightmares as a child.  The insect moves mechanically, crawling and turning the clock dial which lights up the time in blue lights. As you can see - it was approximately 2:25 p.m. when I took the picture.  I do believe the famous Physicist Stephan Hawkins dedicated the Corpus Clock at the official unveiling ceremony. It's a spectacular and bizarre design.

I peeked through a fence and saw this lovely courtyard - looks even better in sepia.

I even ran into a very inebriated Johnny Depp imposter.  Believe me, If that had really been Johnny Depp, I would have pulled a Borat: put a cloth bag over his head, slung him over my shoulder and taken him back to my place. Captain Jack,  was in a big hurry to get back to his ship to swill some rum - so I had to quickly snap his photo with the car in the background.  I hate that.

To see a great clip of the Corpus Clock and a narration by the inventor - look on YouTube of course !

Tanner Leuellen

To keep up with current events, I read approximately five on-line newspapers every morning - U.S. as well as British - it's the same depressing headlines day after day - like eating hamburger, it tastes the same, just cooked with a different recipie. So it was refreshing to happen upon the video clip of this enthusiastic, little buster - Tanner Leuellen.  

I don't know what his mother's been feeding him - whatever it is, I want to package and sell it. He's only eight years old and he's looking to learn - he's looking for an apprentice position !

Tanner created his own business cards which say:  

"Tanner Leuellen, apprentice creator, specializing in everything I can learn with interest in almost anything you can teach me.  Call or email me today with help for your next project."

He recently networked at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Dinner & Expo, handing out his cards and doing a bit of handshaking.  Tanner charges $5.00 (£3.46) per hour.  He's booked for Spring Break but his weekends are free.  

This video made me smile.

La Muse

Tucked away, just off Bridge Street in St. Ives, is the charming, fashion boutique - La Muse. Lovely window vignettes, featuring ball gowns, evening wear, jewelry and other exquisite bits and pieces, distinguish La Muse, as being very different to the other shops of St. Ives. 

I called in on La Muse's proprietor, Corrine Harwood-Davey, to find out more about this dreamy boutique.Corrine told me, that La Muse officially launched in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. Being a woman who knows the fashion business, she realised there was a potential niche market for ball gowns and prom dresses in St. Ives, when she had an overwhelming number of requests from customers. 

Corrine estimates that her clientele travels from as far away as fifty miles to shop for special occasion attire and possibly, further afield.  The boutique's busiest times are - January to June - with Spring months being the prelude to Prom, as the ultimate busiest.  Prom dresses and gowns are available from size 0 to 24 - and special orders possibly arriving by next day - depending on the company and gown style. La Muse also provides alteration services for gowns, at a very modest cost.

The choice of gown styles and luscious colours are endless. Most afternoons in La Muse, you will find a gaggle of excited girls, fresh out of school for the day - trying on prom gowns and playing Princess. It's not unusual for entire families, Mum, Dad and even Grandparents, to help with the decision of which gown to purchase.  After all - Prom, is a very special event for these young women.

In addition to a stylish selection of shoes, La Muse carries hire-out hats as well - £25 for the week !

The jewelry in La Muse is very smart indeed.   Corrine hand picks every piece when at exhibition - bits from Spain, France and Italy.  She also commissions handmade designs by a local jewelry artisan from St. Ives. 

If you were to explore the back room of the boutique, you would find a whimsical display of children's things in a pretty, vintage armoire. Clothes, slippers, hats, jumpers, pajamas, soft fuzzy rabbits and many more playful items !

The women who work at Muse are extremely helpful - suitable fashion consultants so to speak - they give solid fashion advice and will assist with selecting a party dress or a sporty outfit for that holiday abroad and also accessorizing the entire outfit.. La Muse is so much more than prom dresses - it carries scarves, handbags and sophisticated coordinates: trousers, jumpers, summer dresses and adorable shirts and tops. Most of the day wear clothing are from small, individual, European labels. 

 

La Muse hours are: Monday to Saturday - 10 to 6

It's a lovely little shop !

La Muse

1 The Broadway

St. Ives, Cambridgeshire

PE27 5BX

01480 494400

www.lamuse.co.uk

Astrud Gilberto

Here's the lovely Astud Gilberto singing the eternally  famous "Girl From Ipanema"  I use to listen to this song when I was a young girl and it was considered to be very sophisticated for it's day. How about that Astrud ? She's a bit out of control with her emotions - eh ? Maybe the hair bow is too tight. I wonder if she's any relation to Bebel Gilberto ? Another songbird I love to listen to.

Do you recognize the the man playing sax ?  It's Stan Getz, the famous jazz musician.  I love this vintage video clip. Astrud is so phlegmatic and reserved, not even a wince of emotion. 

This music clip is from the cheesy, 1964 movie { "Get Yourself a College Girl" } which stars Nancy Sinatra and some other names you may recognize. It's corny good fun !  By the way  - Astrud flashes a smile at the very end of the song. 

The History of My Photography

The first time I ever used a camera - I was eleven.  My Mum gave me an old, black, shutter box camera and told me to take photos of a dog's funeral.  Although he had a proper home and a family who loved him, in the hearts of the town's children, Gomer - a chocolate-coloured, hound dog - belonged to all of us.  He was gentle and lazy and we all loved him.  Day or night you could find him, sleeping outside the local pub door, waiting to accompany his master safely home.  He would raise his head to anyone who spoke his name and with a grunt, welcome a scratch behind his ear, a rub on his tummy and of course a beef jerky treat. 

All the young persons, from six to eighteen years, protested his death.  A poster size petition nailed to a fence was signed by all the town's youngsters, including a few adults.  Sadly, no amount of signatures could save him.  The Town Council had a witness - saying he saw Gomer - killing two of Mr. Remsing's sheep.  Shortly after that meeting, Gomer was spirited away to a field where he was shot - then buried at an undisclosed location.

The "mock" funeral was held on a Saturday. The boys, wearing over-sized, cast off, charity shop suits, loud ties and sneakers, rode their bikes in procession down Main Street, pulling a wagon that carried an empty wooden box with "Gomer" painted on the side.  I captured these childhood memories, to black and white film. Taking most all the images - vertically - I ordered my ragtag friends about, scrunching them closely together around the grave site so as to fit them all into the picture.  Typically a shy and quiet girl, here I was bossing everyone around.  That day, I truly was - "a photographer"

When I look through these wonderful childhood images from the 1960's - I remember how excited I was to be the recorder of that special day, when we all said goodbye to our beloved Gomer.  As the years rush by, I continue to document the substance of my life in photos.  I snap thousands - of married life, babies, family reunions, pets, holidays and sunsets. 

The more photos I take, the more I experiment - attempting to take something artsy and profound.I become that bossy little girl all over again - ordering my little dog around, I pose him on the arm of the sofa and splayed out on my bed.  I dress him up in toddler's clothes - stripy, orange turtle neck sweaters. I tape one ear up and one ear down, I make him wear little hats. I manipulate and tempt him with doggie biscuits to sit for me in the most outrageous scenarios that no normal dog could be coaxed into doing.  He becomes addicted to the camera.  The instant he sees my Pentax K1000, he yaps with excitement and runs around in little circles. Programmed now - he jumps on the arm of the sofa and vogues for me.  I have, created a monster.

I proceed to take photos of my daughters, eating, sleeping, watching TV, sitting on the toilet.  My daughters become very afraid and lock themselves in their bedrooms.  I've become a lunatic and no one is safe from my madness.  I am - ashamed.  Fortunately, my daughters came out of it unscathed and are fairly normal young women today - no counseling was needed.  I go on to take photo after photo - even crossing the globe to Nepal, where I'm assigned as official photographer for the 2003 Everest Marathon. I stand for ten hours in a dusty, dank potato field - waiting to take photos of the runners as they cross the finish line. 

And here I am today, living on this lovely, green, ancient Isle called Britain. I look through my camera lens and frame; countryside, river, lakes, sheep, birds, graveyards, architecture, little old ladies with shopping carts and COWS.  I am a woman with a camera who has gone wild in the wilds. I use the soft light that filters through the windows of this flat and experiment with still shots, especially fruit and flowers.  I set my camera on time exposure, daring to take nude images of myself.  I join the local Photography Club, meeting a group of very congenial hobbyists and suffer through some of the most boring, yet amusingly eccentric meetings I've ever attended.  A new life, a new country and I even have a new motto which is:

"You can never take enough photos of cows!"

Saturday in Oundle

For the second time this year, I visited Oundle - an ancient, market village with splendid, olde world, Jurassic limestone buildings.  The town is comfortably positioned near the River Nene and surrounded by flat, marshland fields which play host to a plethora of wildlife - a paradise of palettes, for artists and photographers.  I like the fact that Oundle has very little of the typical high-street market chain type stores. The streets are clean and the buildings regal - a perfect place to shoot a BBC period drama.  Here are a few photo memoirs of my day.

The black and white photograph of the cottage above, is the same as the one below.  I like to play !!

These little busters were waiting faithfully for their mistress - right outside the local Oxfam shop. 

I'm not sure if this building was a private residence or Council offices. I thought it very dignified.

A red door - The American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright - loved red doors and I love Frank !!

I loved this old stone wall with it's bits of moss, old wood door and the skyline of rooftops and chimneys.

Spring is blossoming in England - yippee !!  Cheerful, yellow daffodils are springing up everywhere.

I took this photo from the car whilst driving past - a man, his two children, a wooden cart full of wicker baskets and a fabulous white horse, more interested in eating than pulling.  I tried cropping the signs but the image lost it's scale - so I purposely left them in the scene.  Transformed to black and white, except for the little girl's cap - which was red.  The scene is somewhat charming - yes ??

The English fields are dotted white, with precious lambs - hopping about and springing straight up into the air.  I wanted to take one home, they are too adorable !!  I felt sorry for this Mother sheep, she had five newborns chasing her for a mouthful of lunch.  The clumps lying all over the ground are sugar beets, left by the farmer - a source of energy and sustenance.  No wonder those little lambs are so hyper - sugar beets !!

Amélie-les-crayons

I would queue miles to see Amélie-les-crayons in concert.  There were so many YouTube videos of her that I liked - it was a difficult choice trying to choose just one.  This one is dreamy and beautifully done. 

Happy Sunday - enjoy !!

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

You may have noticed some small changes to this blog site recently.  I've posted a new Prairie banner, a photo of some very  naughty cows - and notice the brown letters that spell out "Prairie?"  Well - that's actually cow poo. My cows are so clever, I can train them to do anything!  Also - after several complaints about how ghastly my personal photo looked, I've changed that out also.  I was told by a friend that my old photo looked like one of those sweet, little-old, murderous women in the movie "Arsenic And Old Lace."   I was wondering why no one would let me make them a cup of tea lately.  Okay - on to today's movie post.

Better grab an ice cold cider or a beer will do nicely.  Aye, aye, aye - always the beer with me. You must think me a big lush by now. I'm warning you though, it's going to get hot and steamy watching this movie clip !!  When you feel the perspiration beading up on your brow, just take that ice cold bottle of beer and roll it across your face and neck - mercy that feels good !  I so love this movie. Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor - a sizzling combo.  Now I ask you, how many female readers of this blog have ever met, dated or married a man named "Brick?"  How about that sultry music playing in the background - eh?  

Great escapism to the 1950's.  Enjoy !

Bearcreek Cemetery

Bearcreek, Montana is a nearly forgotten mining town that's being resurrected as one of the safest and most desirable places to live. The promise of employment with Smith Coal Mining Company in the early 1900's lured emigrant families from all nationalities: Italian, Croatian, English, Irish, Polish, Welsh - just to name a few.  Today, as in the 1900's, Bearcreek is experiencing an influx of new residents, not looking to secure mining jobs, but desiring to retire in this popular valley and take opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of beautiful Montana. Come with pockets full of money - land is expensive here !!

A small, western town bursting with history, Bearcreek is very close in proximity to the Beartooth Mountain Range - aka Snowy Mountains - and  neighbouring, legendary Red Lodge, another historical historical mining township.  Below are a few photos of the Beartooth Mountains.

Hoo boy - I'm sure I will burn for this - I had nothing in my photo archive so I borrowed these from another website.  I lived in Montana for 20 years and being very proud of this state, I wanted to share the splendor of this mountain range with you.

The first time I visited Bearcreek Cemetery, it was a very emotional experience for me. Historically, it's a memorial to many souls, men, women and children from all races.  I wonder how it would have been back in the day to live in this town, where everyone spoke a different language - a mix of cultural differences.  And because it was a mining town - these men from different backgrounds had to get along and work as a team deep in that mine shaft, as their lives depended on it. I took these black and white images about seven years ago with my trusty 35 mm film camera - a Pentax K1000.

In the distance lies urban Bearcreek.  Concealed just beyond those low hills and at the base of that big mountain range is Red lodge and the gateway to the Beartooth Mountains Pass. The pass is usually snowed in until the latter part of May - sometimes until early June.  The drive is spectacular and will take you into Wyoming and some of the best trout fishing in the world.  

I hope you don't think me too morbid for posting images of headstones - but I wanted to show you  the history and diversity of people and children buried here.  Two significant things happened in this area in the early 1900's.  The first one - around 1918, the the most virulent flu epidemic in history passed through, killing approximately 5000 souls in Montana.  I noticed many inscriptions of babies and toddlers on the tombstones - children struck down by this flu. Many families journeying to the west coast, with destinations of Oregon, Washington and California, in just a matter of a few days, lost family to the pandemic - many left behind, laid to rest in this dry basin, brimming with sagebrush and dashed dreams.

Secondly, in 1943, an explosion in the Smith Mine, claimed the lives of 74 men - three miners escaped alive. After the closure of the mine, Bearcreek more or less faded away. Houses were demolished or moved away bit by bit until there was not much left of the once thriving community. Today, the town has a heartbeat once again.  At the back of the cemetery, you will find a memorial tombstone to all the men who lost their lives in this mining tragedy.  I was touched by the lovely, composed angel who stands in the middle of this graveyard.  With bowed head, eyes looking downward - she serenely watches and waits for a miracle.

I happened to catch a lightening strike in the distance - just on the horizon.  If you ever visit Bearcreek, you will sense a spiritual energy in this valley, of melancholy memories as well as hope for new beginnings.  

http://www.bearcreekmt.com/index.htm

Crufts 2009

I was looking through some older photos recently and thought it would be fun to post these images from Crufts, taken in 2004.  Serendipity !!  I happened to look at the Crufts website last night and discovered the event begins today in Birmingham at the NEC, running until Sunday.  It's a huge event, so if you abhor wading through crowds of people, then stay away from this event - it's jam-packed, chaotic and smells like dog pee. On the other hand, if you enjoy chockablock public events - dive in right in and embrace it !!  Just be careful where you step. 

I love puppy dogs - but am divided about this event as to whether it's a good thing for pooches.  Whilst some dogs seem to enjoy being centre stage and relish performing in the limelight - I couldn't help but sense some misery as I walked around taking pictures.  Lots of bored looks and heavy sighs.  I'm not a dog whisperer, but I translated the canine sighs and vacant looks to mean - "Mommy - Daddy, can I go home now?"  It is the opinion of some veterinarians - that dragging a dog to this event to perform, is sadistic.

The above photo - was the performance event for Australian Shepherds.  It's incredible how well these lovely creatures heed commands. Unfortunately, I happened to sit in front of some very irritating American women who were up and down and up and down in their seats. Every time they got up or down, they would knock me in the back of the head with the huge handbags they were carrying.  Not only that !  They spent the entire time talking on their mobiles to their husbands - who were golfing - and talking to each other.  Very loud, bossy types.  I begin to sigh like those unhappy little dogs and wished at that moment that I was home.  Those American women were sadists. I wanted to tell them off but they were a lot bigger than me and I decided I would get the doggy doo knocked out of me - so I just sighed a lot instead.

If you can't be there in person, you can catch it on Crufts very first ever, live broadcast via the internet. How nice is that ?!  No pushing through crowds, stepping in pee and doggy doo or getting knocked in the head by handbags. I can sit back comfortably with a bottle(s) of pear cider, a bag of crisps and cheer for my favourite canine. Woof, woof !!

http://www.crufts.org.uk/

http://www.cruftslive.tv/

Six Billion Others

Many months ago, I happened upon a website called Six Billion Others.  It's been passed around the world wide web for a long time now and most likely you've seen it already.  I think it's worthy of yet - another posting on this, Prairie - just one of the 13 million blogs here in the UK.  Now - 13 million may seem  like a lot, but it's nothing compared to the 380 million active blogs in the US.  It's like a run away train I tell you !! Gives me a headache just thinking about it.  I'm just a little pea in a gigantic pea patch - I try.

"Six Billion Others" is a project by a fascinating and talented man - Yann Arthus-Bertrand - you may recognise his popular "Earth From Above" project, a spectacular  ariel photographic survey of the earth.  I cannot imagine the energy put into the undertaking of this work. The book sold over three million copies.  

Is this posting full of numbers today or what ?!  Six mill here - three bill there !!

Whilst Yann Arthus-Bertrand was doing the "Earth" project, he decided to send his crew to 65 countries, where they conducted over 4000 close up, personal interviews  of people being asked simple questions about life, love, dreams, fears and so on. You will realise after watching the faces of these people from far away countries, that no matter what language or colour of skin, people have common human needs. We are not that different - we feel, fear, love and dream - we are all connected. I suspect that this is the message Yann, wanted to get across.  It's compelling - please have a look !

http://www.6milliardsdautres.org/

Yann's website:

http://www.yannarthusbertrand.com/v2/yab_us.htm

Recycle This

When my daughters were very young, I held a job for many years as an office cleaner for a group of attorneys. It was good money and a bonus was, they gave me all the magazines from the waiting room lounge once they put out the next month's issue.  Variety such as National Geographic, Architectural Digest and many wildlife and gardening digests.  One article has stayed with me - a story about the impoverished  people of Vietnam, telling all about how they scrimped, saved and recycled everything from food to a plastic bag.  Yes - a plastic bag was precious commodity, they even bartered with it.  I read that article some twenty years ago. I'm sure that plastic bags flow a plenty in Vietnam these days. I started on this topic today because I think plastic bags should be outlawed - I hate them !

Many shops in United Kingdom have begun charging 5 pence (7 cents) for a plastic bag - including the charity, Oxfam.  Although many people, including myself, use the reusable type carriers for heavy grocery items and also the popular bag that folds down to a teeny size and fits into any pocket or handbag - many people still rely on plastic. It's an odd and uncomfortable moment that I need to ask for plastic - oh my - the guilt !!

I'm all for recycling - but finding ideas to reuse materials is as overwhelming to me as the mounting waste pollution problem itself.  Do people really have time to recycle everything ?  Let's face it - people don't like to cook much these days, let alone think about what to save or throw away. They would rather have fast food or food that goes DING !  {microwaved}  I give credit to those who are doing their best with recycling and cooking something nourishing for the family.

I found some ingenious recycle ideas - which I'm posting here today.

Yes Siree Bob - here on Prairie, you never know what I'm capable of posting.

I found these on Etsy - an artist making rings out of old pool balls. I'd have one.

Mailboxes from old license plates - you could have figured this out !

Light bulbs made into flower vases - this is too kooky even for me. Who has time to cut the bottom off of a lightbulb and secondly, would you want these hanging around your house as decor. horrible !  Maybe a gardening business could use them to sprout plants.  Really - is it just me or does this annoy you also ?

Yes !! Prairie gives these a thumbs up ! Bags and carriers made from juice cartons made by the Manila Women's Co-op.  From no capital to supporting themselves with this project - clever indeed !

I'm addicted. Aren't you ?

My favourite - a tree sculpture made from old books.

Plastic bottle house - notice the fragile sign ?  Let's hope for his sake that the big bad wolf who huffs and puffs, doesn't pay him a visit. Wonder if the other papers are "property condemned" notices.

This is so up my alley - pencils made from recycled human remains. Brilliant !

I wonder if they could make me into a rolling pin for making pie crusts.  I like to get "around" a bit !

Ha ha ha - snort.

And the award goes to ........

Many eco-conscience inventors are using old materials, such as throw away airplane and golf cart seats and running them up on sewing machines into bags of various sorts.  Good idea.  

Question: am I suppose to rinse out my bottles and cans before recycling ?  How much water is wasted doing this I wonder ?  Here I go - getting started on the guilt thing. It stems from my childhood. You see, I was brought up by a Mother who washed out and reused every bit of plastic bag and aluminum foil. Nothing was wasted in our house - leftover food went into soups and everything had to be eaten off of the plate or I had to suffer through the "starving children in Africa story."  Mum sewed me a few new dresses but mostly everything was hand me downs or charity shop finds.  I was second year in high school before I purchased something brand new from a shopping mall - with money I saved from a part time waitress job. 

Unfortunately - my daughters hate me for passing the "recycle genes"  onto them.  My oldest, married daughter Julia, was infected the worst.  She had some explaining to do, to her new husband when he asked why there were dozens of  freshly rinsed, wet, dripping plastic bags and foil hanging from every cabinet in the kitchen.  "Damn you Mother !"  - was her frustrating response.

It was evident that a sickness ran in the family when I last visited my mother and opened several cupboard doors in her kitchen - chock full of yoghurt containers.  She had hundreds of them.  Another clue that my Mother had taken the "can't bear to throw it out" thing too far - was during a visit one summer - we had all sat down to a spaghetti dinner and passed around the parmesan cheese canister.  I took one bite and knew. I picked up the can and the expiration date was 1974.  It happened to be 2002.  My Mother - gotta love her !

I don't want to give you the wrong impression of my Mum - her house is antiseptic clean, neat and tidy. Just be very careful when you open a kitchen cabinet or closet door.  

As with everything in life - there has to be a balance when it comes to recycling.  I deposit bottles, paper, glass and no longer drive a car - my small effort.  Does recycling really make a difference or is it something we all buy into ?  I can't really tell - can you ? The better solution would be not to make wasteful things like plastic bags and packaging so readily available - because with it - comes responsibility and more serious waste issues.  When did we all become so lazy and dependent ?  All I know is I will no longer fret about throwing away the shells after eating pistachios.  I am my Mother's daughter - sort of.  There is always therapy for this - right ??

If you love reading - please check out my favourite book recycle website:

http://bookmooch .com

A Classic

I love movies from the 1950's - especially if the film stars Paul Newman.  He's without a shirt in the first part and don't he look delicious !!  This video clip is ten minutes long and I'm certain after you watch it, you'll be gagging to know how it ends - does he win her over ??  Do they ever kiss ?? 

I cherish that lovely blue dress that Joanne is wearing and the little ribbon in her hair is adorable. Check out that power look suit and red tie combo that Paul is sporting - very classy look.

I like to watch this movie whilst sipping an ice cold beer and for company, a bunch of swooning, giggling girlfriends to drool along with me - gosh he's cute ! In real life - Paul and Joanne got married right after the filming of this movie was completed.  In just ten minutes from now - you'll be in your car driving like greased lightening to the nearest shop to rent this movie.  I'm pretty sure of it.  Enjoy !

Nostalgia

Twenty some years ago, my Grandmother Amelia, presented me with some very vintage family photos which I'm posting tonight.

My Grandmother and Grandfather were of German - Russian heritage,

she landing in Canada and Grandfather settling on the prairie lands 

of North Dakota. They met just once, at a dance - the intros arranged 

by Amelia's brother. A few letters were sent back and forth, then came 

the proposal and "yes" was the answer.  So much for a long engagement.

Jack brought Amelia from Canada to a "little house on the prairie" so

to speak - it must have been lonely for her at first so far away from family.

Six children later, they moved to what was considered a nice home in

the 1930's. Here they are with their puppy dogs. 

My Mother Alice, is the little girl in the back row with her hand

across her chest.  She hated wearing dresses and shoes and told

me one time that she would crawl through the barbed wire fences

on purpose to tear them and always shed her shoes. My Mum is 

what the British call a "ginger" - a redhead with lots of freckles. 

The day this photo was taken, cousins and neighbour children 

came to visit.  Must be Sunday - all dressed up in their finest.  

Back row: Helen, Alice, Ruby - the three sisters.  

I love these old photo's of the 30's and 40's.  Life without TV, iPods,

computers, mobiles and the only "blackberries"  were the ones you 

made into jam. Back then it was: marbles, kites and bicycles. To 

think kids actually did chores without being told and played outside 

instead of watching television or video games. I hear my Grandfather

was fairly strict and did not hesitate to get out the belt if needed. Ouch !!

Following, are several photos of Grandpa Jack with his horses. 

He was so proud of those critters. For me - these photos evoke 

such strong sensations, the scent of earth and horse flesh.

Throughout my teenage years - I would regularly visit my 

Uncle's farm and watch with fascination as my cousins hand 

milked the cows.  Sometimes, the baby calves would wander 

into the barn and bother the milkers, begging for milk. On a 

generous night, they were given a few inches of milk in a silver 

pail.  While the calves were contently slurping dinner, I was 

able to scratch their ears and smell their little cow heads. 

My cousins always had that scent of cow on their clothes, hair 

and skin. I liked that bouquet, it was fresh and clean.  I'm certain

my Grandpa Jack smelled like a cow.  Cow crazy - that's me !

I think this is my Uncle John and possibly my brother.  I love the 

way my Uncle is dressed like James dean - the white t-shirt and

rolled up blue jeans.  The old car is great ! The next three photos

are my great Grandparents with various Grandkids. Times were 

tough back then - and here I am, with my Apple Mac computer,

sitting in bed - blogging.  A bit phantasmagorical isn't it, then 

and now. 

I think my great Grandfather looks like Teddy Roosevelt - yes ?

And strange how they both placed their hands on their laps.  

My eye is drawn to those hands.  My Great Grandmother's right 

hand, the fingers are curled under.  I can't help but wonder if she's 

clutching a hanky.

 

I'm ending the post with my favourite image. My Mum is the

"little rascal" wearing the bibs and looking very naughty.

Did they get the "little rascals" TV programme in England,

I wonder.  Besides photography and cows - I love vintage cars.

That old car in the background gives true meaning to this image.

I so love it !!

The Floods of St. Ives

Firstly -

I've been wanting to say something about the English for a long time now.

Cannot contain myself any longer - here goes ...

I love it when someone says to me - "What are you like then ?!!"

My hair stylist says that to me whenever I see him - he cracks me up !!

Today - I had lunch in Ely, at a lovely restaurant next to Ely Cathedral.

I happened to sit across from a lady - now I don't want to sound indelicate,

but she looked like a potato, like she was just dug up fresh from the field.

She was an odd looking woman indeed. Her chin was off centred, she had

a teeny mouth and wore thick coke bottle glasses, which gave her eyes a childlike

appearance.  I was transfixed by her eating skills.  With every bite, she attempted 

to put a huge amount of food in her mouth. It was a bad plan as one third made 

it into her gob, one third fell back onto the plate and the last third stuck to her 

potato face. I think I have the prototype for my next children's book - "Mrs. Lump."

I had a roast beef and horseradish sandwich for lunch - please don't tell the cows.

Last weekend  we had record snow fall - this weekend it's all melted.

The above photo is a normal view to the field outside my window.

This is the same view.

One big ocean of water.

Remember this photo from last weekend ?

This was taken from St. Ives Bridge - looking out over the fields.

The same field -  I took this on Friday.

My favourite view from The Old Mill.

Also taken last snowy weekend.

My lovely field where all the cows lived last summer - flooded !!

Last night I dreamt that I was walking back to the Old Mill and

it was surrounded by water - I waded in water up to my waist.

I was really angry because I was wearing my new brown boots.

My solace is in the fact I live on the first floor - second floor to you Yanks.

It was only a dream - it was only a dream - it was only a dream.

I'm ending this little excerpt with a photo I took on Friday.

"The Chapel Bridge"

I wish all of you - a lovely Valentine's Day.

❤

The Rockwell Retro Encabulator

I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get one of these for my 

birthday.  Maybe next year. Just thinking where I could put 

it in this teeny tiny apartment. Not sure what it does exactly,

but I'm convinced that I need one - doesn't everyone ?!! 

Sunny Snowy Saturday

It's been something like eighteen years since England saw this 

much snow.  Maybe six inches or so !  I chuckled about the chaos

it was causing. Growing up in America, I shared my time between 

the States of Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota - where temps

and wind chill were - brrrrrr - below zero most of the time and 

snowfall was so extreme,  it easily reached the rooftops. 

Because it's rare for England to receive this much snow, this paltry 

amount of white stuff  kept six million persons from going to work

this last week and closed many of the schools. For me though, it 

meant a great photo opportunity to check up on my cows and little 

sheep - maybe catch them frolicking in the snow. I really wanted 

to sneak up on them - you know - surprise them. But I wore my 

brown cords and every time I took a step they made a funny noise. 

They heard me coming from miles away. 

I took this photo right outside my front door - one of my first 

with my new camera.  There use to be a wooden bench under

those trees that added character to the scene - it's gone now !!

Sad.

Well there they are the big busters !  White cow is licking his

chops as he just finished eating a big helping of hay.  All this

time I worried that no one was bringing them feed.  Just the 

other day, I was thinking about checking into how much a few

bales of hay would cost.  I'm so relieved that the farmer is caring

for my cows and little sheep.

If you can enlarge this photo by clicking on it, you will see

how really ugly this cow is.  He has one bulging eye that points

this way and one that points the other way - cockeyed !  Also his

stubby little horns are going in different directions.  He looks

like a crazy cow.   He's scary but I love him just the same.

I searched everywhere for little sheep - I was panicking as

he was no where to be seen.  For twenty minutes I looked 

for him.  Then I saw his little feet in the under brush.  The

cows were surrounding him - he was standing in the thicket,

as still as a statue.  He never came out and the cows were vigilant.

No photo of little sheep today.

After three hours of walking the white fields, I decided I had

best head home to St. Ives - I was desperate for the loo.  

The sunny weather was perfect for a walk in the fields, feeding 

the birds at the quay, walking the puppy dog and taking photos.

Everyone I met had a camera - even the puppy dogs !!

After my long day walking in the fresh air, I should be 

drinking a tall glass of freshly made carrot juice tonight.

Instead - I'm drinking a lovely pear cider.  More snow is

forecasted for next Wednesday.  Fun.

The Harvest

Brrrr.....

It's a cold night here in England - a light, dusting of snow

is on the ground. According to the weather girl, the storm 

is blowing in from Russia - imagine that.  When it gets this 

cold, I think about my cows and little sheep. Notice how I said 

"my cows and little sheep?" Like they are mine ? Okay - so I 

love them as much as I love Johnny Dep, and I do love him !

Hope they're getting on okay. Have not been to the lakes to 

check on them recently.  I worry - no one leaves them any hay 

or feed. Soon, I will have a little wander and visit those busters.  

I'm thinking of knitting them all hats. Tonight though - I wanted 

to share this quirky little movie with you. Grab a beer, put your feet 

up and have a look !  It's brilliant.

Dogs of the Mediterranean

Pétanque

I'm blogging about France again - and telling my story with photos.

This is St.Paul - a timeworn city belonging to the distant past.

It's primitive buildings and cobbled streets are surrounded by

a buttress of stone wall. Firmly fastened to this hill, it looks out

over a panoramic valley of rolling, green vista. It was here, that

I watched my very first game of boules - the French are

passionate about it ! I will tell you about my day with photos.

I happened to take this woman's photo as she was boarding

a bus. A most unique hairstyle - reminds me of some sort

of exotic animal - and the coat helps with that impression.                                                                                

Wonder if it's real or faux fur ?

Want to see her again - here she is.

Honestly - she creeped me out a bit.  My imagination is running wild

now - the stripy, wild animal hair  and fur coat.  Maybe she eats people.  

Most likely she's an artist.  This area is a haven for them.  All I know 

is my Grandmother never looked like this ! Maybe she's an alien...

When I first saw these trees in the town's Market Square, I thought they

had been wrapped in some sort of camouflage fabric or netting.  At closer

inspection I saw it was the bark !  They're called "plane" trees.

A very pregnant Mother cat peering at a frustrated little boy 

who was attempting to fixing his bike at the bottom of the stairwell.

A clever artist has created and perched this little iron bug 

sculpture in a niche, right next to his front door - "13 Rue Lacoste"

 Are these not the oldest doors you've ever seen? Impressive. 

Yes - I get very excited over doors - I'm a bit mad that way.

I loved this metal man sculpture, staring forever into infinity.

I was compelled to look up into the sky myself .

One very lucky horse !

As I walked down the hill towards a coffee shop, I came across 

two serious games of  boules. It looked like great fun and I wanted

to join in - but I stuck to observing and taking photos and getting 

in their way - while I was taking photos.  The French love boules !!

Much like I love playing pinochle.

Pensively posed and studying the opponents moves - very serious stuff.

What a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon.

I was watching the lady, the one in the photo above - playing

boules wearing heels when I suddenly saw this fellow. He was

wearing a bright red beret and had a face so full of character,

I could not stop taking his picture - I was smitten with him.

He was marvelous !

Now how many guys can carry this off, wearing a red beret and 

a hunter green, quilted coat ?  I do believe he was American.

I was trying not to get in his way or annoy him but at the

same time I so wanted to frame his hands in the picture.

Almost - not quite.

He looks like a Rembrandt painting here - simply wonderful !

Arriving back to Nice - just in time to watch the sun set on the 

azure sea.  I loved this day !

"The game of boules, otherwise known as pétanque , is perhaps 

the sport that is closest to French hearts. Similar to British lawn 

bowling or Italian bocce , the French version is traditionally played 

with metallic balls on a dirt surface beneath plane trees, with a glass 

of pastis at hand. The local boulodrome is a social focal point in 

southern France."  - quote taken from Discover France website -                                                                                                                                                                                       

Constance Amiot

I love this artist - sharing some music with you today !!

Images of Nice, France

I have a few more photo to share with you - a bit of this and that.

This will be dreadful - sort of like when you go to someone's house

and they get out the snaps of their latest holiday and bore you for

hours - hope you are not too bored.  Allow me to narrate ..... ahem !

Took this photo as I was walking to Nice Port. It's a brighter ocher 

colour but I've toned it down some - because I like it better that way !

Nine little sailboats being tugged out to sea to play.

Thought it fun to do a black and white and colour one sail.

Nice Marina is amazing - so many lovely boats !

I spent a few hours just watching all the activity.

The Promenade all decked out with stands for an up and coming event.

I loved how the line of them went on forever - I love patterns and repetition.

Back to Nice Harbor - I love how the architect used these massive cement

blocks (bollards ?) not only in a practical sense but an artistic one as well.

Form follows function ??

A lonesome little fruit, vegetable and flower stand in the village of St. Paul.

I captured this image while on the bus to Eze - it's been dropped into 

photoshop for a play.  I love the comic book effect.

This was taken in Grasse - an old wall advert painted in an alley.

Another "taken from the bus photo"

I almost took this little kitty cat home with me - she had the most beautiful 

green eyes.  She was very chatty - meow, meow, meow.

Nice Market - love what this vendor has done with her radishes.

Nice - looking as beautiful as ever.

Those little sailboats have been cut loose to the sea.

I was trying for a Retro image of Nice here - I really like it !!

Fluffy clouds - blue sea - perfect.

Noisy gulls crying "me, me , me !"

And off into the sunset they go - au revoir little boats.

Gosh and good golly - must clean my lens one of these days !!

The Gifted Child

I listened to a delightful interview today on NPR's website.

Ethen Bortnick - is a gifted little boy who knew from the age of three,

that he wanted to play the piano.  Not only does he play it well - he

has composed about thirty songs.  So you know, the interview is about 

seven minutes long - but is worth the listen and will make you smile.

When you go to the link , just click the "LISTEN NOW" at the top of page.

What a cutie pie -  I love this child !! 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98482724&sc=nl&cc=es-20090118

The Promenade

Walk with me along the Promenade and see it through my eyes.

 

A Perfect Day !

Every Monday, Nice Flower Market's fruit and veggie stands are replaced 

with a fabulous antiques market.  I spent most of the day here - looking through 

treasures. Buskers wander here and there from cafe' to cafe '- singing all genre of 

music from Italian and French ditty to Elvis compositions.  The sun was shining 

and it was a perfect day to wear a hat.  Come to think of it - everyday is a good day

for wearing a hat !!  The sidewalk cafes were brimming with people soaking up the

sunshine and drinking their espresso, wine or beer. I do believe, I've started 

smoking again - cough, cough, hack, gag !  It almost feels that way as I've been 

forced to gulp buckets of second hand cigarette smoke - gosh, good golly - this 

is a cigarette smoking country !!

I love the Promenade and could spend all day watching people.  Not only 

are the people fascinating to watch, so are the puppy dogs - all breeds and 

sizes. The French love their dogs and treat them exceptionally well. Dogs 

seem to be very well behaved here and are even welcome in restaurants - 

sitting in a chair at the table along side their owners.  Now that's something 

you never see in America or England - puppies at the restaurant dinner table.

Some dogs like to fish !!

What a splendid way to spend the day - sitting seaside and enjoying the sun.

It was about 57 degrees Fahrenheit and bright, full sun !

I watched this young man for a very long time. He was very good on

his skates. I must have snapped about 50 photos of him.

The ochre tiled rooftops of Nice.

Nice harbour

Looking at other people's laundry in Old Town Nice !!

 

She's great - just one of the many great characters you see by the sea !

En France

I explored the ancient city of Eze today.  Perched on a pinnacle of rock 430 

meters above sea level, Eze is a historical, fortress village built somewhere 

around the 1400's ( guessing a bit here) As you might imagine, it's a village 

steeped in history, with the most pristine views over the Mediterranean Sea. 

It's charming, winding pebble streets lead up to a serene tropical planet and 

cactus garden, complete with lovely statutes and a man made waterfall.

My internet connection is really unreliable in this flat and has knocked

me off several times already and I've had to post these images several times

over. Very frustrated and so will say bye for now and hope you enjoy the photos !

Moo Cards

 

I was really happy to see my lovely Mini Moo Cards finally arrive in the post.

I was somewhat anxious about the quality of my images and how they 

might indeed, transfer to a teeny card measuring 1 x 2.25 inches.  

I love them !!  The back of the card is simple: my name, phone number 

and email address. Everyone I show them to - asks if they can have one.  

Not your typical biz card and a great marketing tool for my photography. 

If you would like one - send me an email with your address and I'll post 

one out to you. Check them out !  www.moo.com

Leave it to me to order from a company named Moo. 

Oh, how I love my cows !

Then there's La Pêche Enterprises - my little greeting card, cottage industry.

Born by accident and a big bolt out of the blue even to me.  True, I had sold a 

photograph here and there over the last five years to one or two patrons, but 

never thought my photography would take off so well.  Goodness - now I've 

got them in Borders Books even !!  Hoping to launch them on Etsy this year.

http://www.la-peche.co.uk/

I have to admit that I've lost the plot a bit since the New Year.

Maybe it's the grey sky and lack of sunshine here in U.K. - winter blahs.

I originally planned to blog more about being an American living in 

England, the differences in culture and my day to day unexpected 

experiences living in the Cambridgeshire countryside, but instead I've 

created a mish mosh of  little topics that really don't amount to much,

except to me.  I think in the next few months - this blog must go through

an evolution of sorts. I will get it right. 

Okay - will stop my whining now and show you one of my 

lovely cow photos.  I've made him my official mascot. I think he needs a name.

Any suggestions ? I rescued him from a local charity shop for 49 pence (74 cents)

The night temperatures in England have been bitter cold lately.

I wonder how my Limousin cows and little sheep are doing ?!

Whilst all the other cows were taken out of the fields - hopefully

back to a friendly barn and not to a dinner plate - these busters have

been left out in the pasture to fend for themselves for the winter months. 

Early in the morning, they huddle closely together, next to a hedge of trees

for warmth. The cow on the left, with his head in the trees, is trying to keep 

his ears warm I think. Have never seen anyone bring them hay nor is there

any sign of feed pellet leftovers on the ground.  Just call me cow crazy.  

I'm thinking for 2009: calender, post cards, canvas, exhibitions

and retailing to shops in London.  How about shooting for Country Living ?!!

Now that would be a dream come true.  Wonder if they would like a feature

cow article - hmm. Maybe I should have a local exhibition - of cow photos.

Anything is possible.

I so need a holiday.

Gassy Cows

You probably have gathered by now from reading my blog,

that I'm very fond of bovines.  Smelly, drooling, gassy cows !!

I found this hilarious video some time ago - cute animation.

Also - it has a sheep in it - just like the little sheep that lives

with the herd of cows at the lakes near my house. Cute buster !

You really must read my very first post - "The Land of Tea and Lovely"

to understand the relationship between these two critters.

TV Gets Colour

Childhood - why was it that watching TV at someone else's house was more 

fun than your own ?  My cousins lived only three minutes (if I ran really fast) 

from my house. But at eight years old and in the middle of watching 

"Alice In Wonderland"  I dare not risk missing one single frame of that cartoon 

movie.To think I use to watch TV cartoons in black and white !!

 

Between 1946 and 1950, the research staff at RCA laboratories 

were working away like busy little bumble bees, on an electronic, 

monochrome, compatible color television set. December 17th, 1953 

saw the official launch of that first color television in America.  

Good Golly Miss Molly !! TV culture certainly has evolved, going 

from innocent entertainment and the nightly, family bonding 

session - to sex, violence and yes, the depressing six o'clock news.

Believe it or not - there were no news broadcasts when television first

began and at the first, broadcasting was only a few hours each day.

I remember watching in the afternoon from noon to four p.m.

Today it's 500 channels and not a thing to watch.

 

Suddenly, every home in America in the 1950's had this set of metal TV

 trays tucked away somewhere in the corner of the living room or the 

hallway closet. Picture this for family night: little Suzy and Johnny, 

along with Mum, Dad and Grandma, all watching "The Ed Sullivan Show" 

and eating Jiffy Pop Popcorn on TV trays. My generation grew up watching 

programs such as: I Love Lucy, Andy Griffith and George and Gracie.  

What did I happen to switch on whilst channel surfing the other night ??  

A program about a 40 year old woman in California, who goes to her cosmetic 

surgeon and has her entire vagina reconstructed to look like it was 18 again.  

Did I watch it ?!  You bet I did !  I had no idea such a thing was possible.

It was fascinating and repulsive all at the same time. tsk, tsk.  

That very first color television set cost a small fortune back

in the 1950's.  Not many people could afford the $1175 (£812)

to see that NBC bird in all his glory. I remember the announcer

would say: "The following program is brought to you in living

color on NBC" and it really irritated me because I had to stare

at that dull peacock while the more privileged were looking at 

his colorful plumage.

 In 1961, Disney's Wonderful World of Color, was a turning

point, persuading consumers to go out and purchase color sets.

 

"Colour" crossed the pond to England in 1966.  Those that

had a black and white set were able to purchase a color

receiver costing around £250 or $362.

 

Gosh how I miss these kooky shows !!

Do you see any of your favourites on this poster ?

 

People find it hard to believe when I tell them that I was without a 

TV for almost two years.  It was actually a good thing.  I read more 

books, taught my self to knit, made lots of homemade bagels and  

listened to Public Radio twenty four seven. Yawn. 

 

You can buy this apple television on Amazon.

At the moment - they are sold out.

 

I love "The Andy Griffith Show!"

It was a great documentary - not unlike where where I grew up.

Barney - gotta love him.

Best Wishes for the New Year !

I had a lovely day today, this last day of 2008.  Although it was

a brisk day, I bundled up and took a long walk along the river to 

take photos and visit my cows and little sheep.  Thanks so much 

to everyone for stopping by to visit my blog. Sending you love and 

my best for 2009. Have a happy and safe New Years evening, 

drive safely and easy on the champagne !!  Here are some photos 

of my day.  Warning: Yes, there will be cow photos. 

Sorry - I love my cows ! xxx

 

 

Lambretta Fever

If you were to ask me which one I love better, Johnny Depp or 

this Italian Lambretta - golly gosh - it'd be a difficult choice.

I've never been on a Lambretta and honestly can say the same 

about Johnny.... 

big sigh - staring off into space and drooling on my shirt now.

Both of them are gorgeous - but common sense tells me that I'd

be riding the scooter before I'd ever....drool, slurp, gahhhh....

It's been a fanciful notion for many years now - riding the scooter.

Haven't even told my daughters.  They'd frown on it - just like 

they did when I announced in 2000, that I was getting my 

navel pierced.  They were so tyrannical for a fourteen and 

seventeen year old.  Absolutely no fun those two.

 

This could be me and Johnny on this Lambretta - scooting along

on the Riviera coastline !!  I could ride side saddle like this as this

is how I use to ride horses - Madonna taught me !!  Madge was 

so good riding those horses when she was English. 

 

If you've ever watched the movie - Roman Holiday - starring

Audrey Hepburn, you would see her zipping along the 

streets of Rome on the back of  a Lambretta.  Lucky girl !

 

Even Jayne Mansfield gets to drive one - or shall

we say, pose on it provocatively with one butt cheek 

barely touching the seat and looking very pout(y) and 

pointy. She has excellent posture.  I really love her shoes !!

 

Now this more like it - I look exactly like this woman.

I have dark hair, the cleavage, nice legs, I wear scarves

and I always wear high heels with my shorts.  She doesn't

look like anyone famous - so there's hope for me yet.

 

White or blue ??  

I can never make up my mind so I'll have one of each. 

 

Lovely photo.  This is the one. I'll have the red one please.

My idea of customizing would be a woven basket on the front 

with a baguette, cheese, bottle of wine, flowers and a little

poodle. Just so you know, I wouldn't have the poodle sitting

on the bread or cheese - not very hygienic.

Okay then - sit back, relax with a bowl of popcorn and 

watch this very kitsch, vintage Lambretta advert about 

fifty-five times.  Check out the guys with the cow patterned

suits. Those had better not be real cow suits. 

Ernie

I wanted to tell you about the lovely little book I received 

for Christmas.  Originally printed in 1985, it's a photographer's 

chronicle of a cat named "Ernie."  The photos are charming and 

whimsical, capturing the sweetness and naughty character of this 

feisty, fur ball !

Tony Mendoza, arrived to New York City, his car loaded down with

photography equipment, no place to live and a determination to make

it big in the art world.  He posted adverts all over downtown Manhattan,

looking for an inexpensive loft. One day he noticed someone else's ad ...

The advert read:

A painter wishes to share a darkroom-equipped loft with another artist.  

Tony rushed to the nearest phone. 

The conversation went something like this: 

"Hello, my name is Tony Mendoza. I'm a photographer and I just 

saw your ad." 

"Are you allergic to cats?"

"No, I don't think so. You have a cat?"

"Do I ever!"

The book is narrated, by both the artist and the cat. 

The cat's ill-mannered viewpoint - told exactly as a cat might 

think, makes it spirited and adds a bit of quirk.  I love this book !!

Big fight - bring it on !!

"Ernie" went out of print in the early nineties. Tony kept hearing from

fans - where could they get another copy ?  Their original book was

falling apart, or a friend wanted a copy, or they wanted it as a gift.

Tony decided to have it re-published. (2001)

The new and improved edition of Ernie has fourteen photos 

not included in the 1985 printing and better quality pictures.

I have a select few photography books on my bookshelf - 

photography captured by great artists such as Atget, 

Sanders and Stieglitz. I'm thrilled to add Ernie to my 

collection !

Bonjour Little Sheep

The very first Prairie blog I ever wrote - was about a little sheep 

who lived with a herd of cows. (see post: the land of tea and lovely) 

I captured some incredible pictures of a cow, tenderly nudging this 

little sheep, to get up and follow.  While most of the cows outside 

my window have been moved by the farmers, this herd + little sheep 

are still grazing like crazy by the lakes near my house.  I took a walk 

yesterday to see if little sheep was still hanging with the herd. 

And there he was !! 

He's so fat now in his winter coat.  Looks as if someone

has put him in the dryer - on the fluff setting ! 

Some might call me a silly cow ( there's that cow word again) for taking 

photos of cows - but I can't help it. They are just so gosh darned photogenic !

Move over Cindy Crawford - you are being upstaged by Cindy Cowford !!

I mean - look at 'em !  Vogue a la natural !

Getting back to the sheep.  Look at him checking me out !

Should we name it ? Any suggestions ?  Fluffy ?

Besides taking photos of sheep and cows, I love taking photos of 

the ancient, twisty trees that grow in this pasture and around the lake.

And back to cows again - I love them !

 

Happy Holidays !

The Big Day Movie

Watching "love actually" at Christmas time has become customary, 

ranked up there with the classics !   Personally, I love this one .... 

The Story of Daniel Lambert

This is the town of Stamford, and that gorgeous young woman in the photo 

is my youngest daughter, Christina.  We called into the "The George" - a

grand old hotel - for tea and scones during her visit to the U.K. last March.  

Do you see that beam high above the road ?  It's been said that in ye olde days,

law-breakers were hung from this beam and carcasses left there to rot as a 

warning to any hooligans, upon their entering Stamford city limits. I've never 

been able to verify this but you can bet,  I was on my best behaviour during my

visit - no littering,  jaywalking or loitering.  And to insure I wouldn't end up as 

bird kibble, I kissed a little bit of Mayor derriere and washed his car, weeded his 

flower garden and walked his poodle.

This spherical, young fella is Daniel Lambert - who lived from 1770 and died 

in 1809.  I bought this postcard at The George.  Daniel,  had a bit of celebrity 

status back in the day and would frequent the pubs in Stamford, challenging

persons to a foot race - the stipulation being that they give him a small head start.  

Now there were many narrow passages connecting the main streets of  Stamford, 

and Daniel, once ahead of his competitors, would use these alleys - his size made 

it impossible for anyone to get past him and so he always won. He sounds like a 

mischievous guy - just my type.

His amazing physical statistics were as follows:

Height - 5 ft 11 in  (180 cm)

Waist - 9 ft 4 in ( 284 cm)

Calf - 3 ft 1 in (94 cm)

Weight - 739 pounds (52 stone)

I've looked at this portrait postcard many times, studying his face and eyes 

and I'm convinced that everything said about him, that he was kindly and 

compassionate, was true.  As a child, Daniel was of ordinary weight. 

He claims he didn't drink, and ate normal portions but continued to gain size.  

Daniel took over his Father's job as Keeper of a small prison and it's recorded 

that he took very good care of the prisoners and gained their respect for his 

benevolence.  After the prison shut down and he lost his yearly salary of £21 ($31)

Daniel traveled to London and put himself on display for money, like a circus 

oddity.  He hated having to do this and felt it demoralizing.  At the end of the day 

though, it afforded him to have specialized clothes made and an extra large 

carriage constructed for traveling. 

In 1809, when Daniel was thirty nine years old - he came to Stamford to attend 

the horse races and it was there, that he died suddenly during the night. In order 

to remove his body from the room, a window had to be taken out and an entire 

wall demolished. It took twenty men to lower Daniel into his grave. He rests in 

St. Martins Churchyard, in Stamford.

And so it is - the history of Daniel Lambert.

Shop at Toms

When I was a young girl, I was very afraid of thunderstorms - my 

Mother loved them.  I remember after a rainstorm had passed by, she 

would turn on the porch light, go out to the front yard and stand barefoot 

in the wet, cold grass.  She believed that standing on the ground right after 

it'd been jolted by lightening strikes was good for the body - energizing.

After all these years, I still wonder about her ritual.  Could be this is why 

she's lived for so long?  Between you and me, I think she was re-charging, 

like a battery.

Yes, my Mum always had some strange, eccentric belief or weird theory or 

creepy wives tale that she tried to teach or instill in me. If not this, then guilt. 

When she wasn't passing on all this unconventional wisdom, she was scaring

the holy bejeezers out of me - terrorizing me with bizarro stories that sucked  

every last bit of childhood joy from my body. I'm astonished I've made it this 

far in life without regular therapy.  If only you knew what rattles around in 

my head, you would be cowering under your sheets right now. 

It's a deep-rooted phobia now - going barefoot.  

Even when at home, I schlepp around in thick socks or slippers - never barefoot.

Remember - lightening storms - wet grass - Mother ?! 

So when I came across this video, I was dismayed. It's so much more than 

one of my silly phobias or quirks, it's serious stuff.  These people need help and 

it's so simple really.  Please watch this video and then visit:   Toms Shoes

Find The Marmite Contest

I was painfully homesick for America, my first year living in United Kingdom. 

I pretty much clung to my computer, checking it continuously throughout the 

day for any emails from friends and family.  What was wrong with these people ?!  

I wrote them several times a day and they wrote only once a week !  

Just because they had jobs, a life and were busy with family, was not a justifiable

excuse. I needed words of consolation, a familiar interconnection from my people.

I needed emails !  

Now - I'm probably the most rational, stable person you'll ever meet (subjective)

so this will shock you to the core when I tell you that I came up with the most 

off-the-wall idea ever.  I decided to sponsor a "Find The Marmite Contest."  

Don't ask me where these brilliant ideas spring from - genius just oozes from me. 

 I was sure to get lots of email, responding to my contest.

(clap hands and insert squeals of joy here !!)

Anyhoo - there was no chance that any of my U.S. posse would win as they 

had no idea what Marmite was. Could they Google it ? Well sure. But if they 

aren't taking time to write to me - they most certainly should not be spending 

time Googling anything !!  I felt entirely safe in the fact that I offered as prize, 

the 12 foot, bronze statute of Oliver Cromwell that stands in St. Ives, Market 

Square. Most of them had no idea who Oliver Cromwell was, let alone know 

the prize on offer weighed a few tons. Just to be sure I wasn't sued by the 

winner  - I stipulated in the rules that it was the responsibility  of  her/him, 

to collect the prize themselves. All bases covered here.

It was pure glee !!  The emails were pouring in - oh happy day !  

As I predicted, the statue of the gruff Oliver Cromwell, with his glaring expression,

outstretched arm and pointing finger - was safe.  No one had a clue as to what the 

heck Marmite was. *note - Doesn't Oliver remind you of one of those scary wall 

portraits, the kind that seem to stare at you no matter what part of the room you 

move to?  The eyes follow. Because of an oversight on my part though - the contest 

was called due to a technicality. Here is the original letter, sent September 2007, 

to all on my email list.

Dear Contestants,

 

First of all, I would like to thank each and everyone of you  for submitting 

entries for this, the first of many exciting contests to be launched in 2007.  

Unfortunately, we did not have a winner this time due to a technicality.  

The lost Marmite was actually, not in the fridge, but on a cabinet shelf, 

behind a box of stale popcorn.  And although it was a big disappointment

to the contestants, something good did come from my blunder - whilst 

I was searching for the Marmite in my mucky fridge, I decided to give it a 

good scrub and in doing so found my long lost electric toothbrush.

It was behind the celery. Had been looking for it ever since landing to 

the UK.

To those overseas contestants that wrote in thinking Marmite was some

type of rodent, I should explain that it is in fact, somewhat of a British 

olde world culinary tradition; a yeast type substance that British folk 

love to eat on toast. But in my opinion, it does smell and taste a bit like a 

rodent.  So an honourable mention for that awesome guess goes out to 

contestant Mary, from Phoenix, AZ.

 

Note: Marmite can also be used to thicken and flavour stews and soups. 

I sent a small jar to my Mum, Alice,  proprietor of  "Alice's Restaurant."  

She's been adding a pinch to soup recipes and it has been a brilliant success. 

She says business has increased tenfold and rumours have it - so has the 

resident' s sex life.  Men wearing trucker's caps have been queuing at the door !!

*note to readers:  I'm busy constructing a contest for 2009.

It's going to be  - "win the noisy old lady who lives in the flat above me" contest. 

The old gal doesn't know this yet - but she's about to win an all expenses paid 

holiday, to a surprise destination. A three way win - old lady, contestant and moi'.

The contest is open to most anyone.  Will keep you posted.

Sushi

I promised myself when I started Prairie,  I would not be slapping a bunch 

of  YouTube videos on my posts. I apologise, I'm weak and easily influenced 

and quite possibly in need of help. Would anyone know if there's a clinic for

YouTube addicts ?  But gosh, golly, darn it !  It's such a fun place to explore 

and when I find something I like, I have to share it !!  I just have to !!

Could not resist this one, it's extremely satirical - and meant to be literal.  

Biting humour at it's best.  Although it starts off a bit slow - I promise you, 

it will draw you in.

In the mean time.....

Prairie is busy sewing little girly gifts for girlfriends, designing a calendar 

for 2010, all sorts of cards and I'm out walking the fields looking for some 

cows to photograph. Not a cow in site - sad.

I suspect they have all gone on holiday, to the South of France.

I have no other alternative but to follow them to the Riviera and bring

them back to England. I will find them - naughty cows !

They are in big trouble, those busters.

Now watch this and learn - How To Eat Sushi

Woolies

Photo: Christmas rush - 1955 Woolworth's Department Store

It was 129 years ago, when Frank Woolworth opened his first Woolworth's store 

in the state of Pennsylvania, USA.  Unfortunately, 1997 saw the last Woolworths 

store in America close it's doors for good. So for me, it was a nostalgic moment 

the first time I walked over St. Ives, Bridge Street and caught sight of that large, 

red Woolies sign, I sort of lost it.  "woolies, woolies, woolies, woolies !!"

That was me screaming with my arms outstretched as I ran down Bridge 

Street like a marathon runner going for the finish line. I was told I had this crazy 

look on my face and my eyes had glazed over.

As in America, Woolworths, is soon to be only a memory here in the U.K.

I stepped into Woolies, for what I considered to be the last time  the other  

day and purchased an iron for £3.99 ($6.11)  People were queueing impatiently

in long lines for the cash registers. Not much different from the scene in that 

1955 photo above.  In fact, I think I saw that woman in the photo - the one 

wearing a scarf.   Yep - she was right in front of me - still standing in line.

For posterity's sake, I thought I would snap one last photo. 

Hello - what's this ?? 

Ah yes - here stands the future of England, wearing a pink tutu and smoking a fag.

I wonder what "finishing school" she attends ?!

I have now lost all focus on what I was going to write for this post.

Oh well - one photo is worth 1000 words they say.

Hmmm - wonder if Woolworths have any plastic hangers left....

They make great Christmas presents.

So long Woolies !

Prairie

"The world stands out on either side

  No wider than the heart is wide

  Above the world is stretched the sky,

  no higher than the soul is high"

  - Edna St. Vincent Millay

I knew when I named this blog Prairie, and put a photo of a cow on my banner,

it would appear to have a country theme to it. Readers who don't know me 

personally, might assume that I'm a cowgirl who rides horses, ropes and square 

dances. Far from it ! And although I grew up in what some might call a whistle 

stop -  a mere speck of buildings on the flat, North Dakota grasslands, that 

whizzed by the car window of motorists as they drove past - nevertheless, I had 

a huge imagination and dreams to match.

Yep - just a small town girl who loved to do what any ten year old loves to 

do, fish, ride my bike, climb trees and beat up all the twelve year old boys in 

the whistle stop. What can I say, I liked older men !

Deep down inside though, I secretly dreamed of being a photojournalist and 

living a bohemian lifestyle in New York.  Funny how life turns out.  We can

plan our hardest, but in the end, life has it's own destiny in mind for us.  

I liken it to driving a car - take just one little detour off the planned route and 

suddenly you find yourself lying on the floor in a pool of sick, in a bar in Wibaux, 

Montana, wearing only one shoe and wondering what the hell happened to 

your brassiere. Hmmm. Think I'll save that story for another day. 

The point I'm trying to make is this; one must never force fate or what I call,

your Prairie, for Prairie leads us where it wants us to be.

So was it fate that I took a wrong turn, lost my bra and favourite shoe ?  

I say yes !  Fate is strange sometimes. And what did I learn from this ?  

To stay the hell out of Wibaux, Montana.

Your own personal Prairie might be a life in the city, with it's glacial concrete 

and metro bustle and hum. Or perhaps you have a green Prairie, the solitude

and simplicity of country living. For others, Prairie is limited and lonely, a 

constant view from a window they gaze out of each and every day.  Everyone 

has their own individual Prairie, the place where you arrive to, where you might 

be this very moment. Prairie is ever changing and always teaching.

My Prairie for right now happens to be England and 

some "naughty cows" right outside my window !

Prairie philosophy says: - where ever you go, you take your Prairie with you.

Now I ask you - could you see me making mine a fashion blog?

Me most mornings ....

prai.rie  - a large open area of grassland

ORIGIN late 18th century, from French, from Old French praerie,

from Latin pradum "meadow"

Doris

I love Doris Day.  Some people say that I'm a lot like her.  Except for the blonde hair, I think we're identical really. We both like to tote guns, shoot rattlesnakes, rope, chew, spit, ride stage coaches and we love to wear britches. She's perky, pretty, wholesome and gosh durned, purdy good at singing !

Hello Friday !

Bettie Page, sex kitten icon and pin up girl, passed away today in her home state of California. She had been in a coma since  suffering a fatal stroke. Innocence and naughty girl, all wrapped up into one sweetly fringed package. This is a great five minute feature and interview about the most compelling woman of her day.  Adieu Bettie !  

{*note: please see my post: Legacy - 7 December 2008}

The view from my Old Mill flat looks out over the River Ouse.

It was a "see your breath" morning today.

Within just a few minutes though, the horizon had evolved to this stunning vignette of colours. A fiery pink-orange sky, it took my breath away, forcing me to stop and admire.  Pop it up !

As it got lighter, I noticed the frosty coating of snow on the fields and foliage. It doesn't snow much anymore in Cambridgeshire - this was a real treat. 

I love this field - must have photographed it hundreds of times.

Never tire of snapping it. I miss my cows - "naughty boys"

I was so excited to see the snow and the frost on the trees, flowers and shrubs, I ran downstairs with camera in hand wearing nothing but my Victoria's Secret, black,  silk night gown and my green wellingtons. I didn't really wear this but I thought it would make this post a bit more interesting in a visual sort of way.  Close your eyes and imagine. Are you there yet ? I need the blog ratings, so let me do this okay ? So here I am outside, freezing cold, wearing nothing but this silk nightie and my wellies. Good huh ?! 

Can you see the frost on this bench ?  If not click on it and it'll pop up large. 

See how cold it is?  And here I am,outside, half naked and shivering - just so I can take these photos for you readers.  I hope you appreciate all of this. 

This plain wood bench which sits right by the river's edge has been a stalwart companion to so many souls looking for respite and meditation. It's also great peeing territory for pooches. It's been an extremely functional piece of front yard furniture.

This frosty foliage would make a nice holiday card don't you think ? Check this out ! Reminds me of one of those cards my auto insurance company used to send me.

I love this field I tell ya !

Taken with my Canon Rebel - 300D - not too bad - oui'?

Country Living, if you're reading this give me a call.

We can talk.

This last one is for you Bettie - you were really something !

 

I kept the black nightgown story to a "G" rating. But I will tell you this, 

the first draft had a delivery man and a big feather in it.  I'm doing you a favour by holding back - if I were to unleash my imagination full power, all at once, it would destroy you all. Little by little ....

Be patient.

Strange Days

It was a biting cold, cloudless day here in East Anglia.  I woke up feeling that the day had a strange feel to it. Have you ever experienced this feeling ? Anyway, I'm a list maker - so before I go to sleep, I habitually leave little lists of things I need to accomplish for the next day, on my table or my nightstand.   Something I taught myself to do when I worked in the corporate world, in a past life.  Today though, felt a bit odd - a bit off - creepy.  I told myself it was just me having one of my creepy moments and proceeded to have my fruit, granola and two cups of my soy-laced, free-trade, caffeine fix.  My list said the following; an appointment at the hairdressers, a run to the bank , pay some bills,  shop for some bit's and pieces from the market and a chat with my extremely posh friend, Corrine. I first noticed it as I crossed the ancient bridge and made my way into the village.

What's this ?!  I stopped and stared for a few seconds......

Hmmmm - well that's interesting.  The holiday spirit is certainly abundant in the little market village of St. Ives.  I forced myself  to think this or alternatively, I may have to go back on those pills again.  Please no !! Not the pills !!

It suddenly washed over me, that this phenomenon was no fantasy, it was reality.  As I continued to make my way into the village, I kept reminding myself that I was not sleep walking nor was this one of my bizarre dreams, like the time I dreamt about the jogging tin of Spam that had cartoon arms and legs. Slowly, I began to acclimatise to what my eyes were seeing and accept the situation. After all,  I live on an ancient, mystical Island.  Yes, yes, I'm in England !  Things are different here on this little island.  

Get with it, Marsha !!

Okay, so the swans are in on this lunacy too ? 

I can accept it, after all, Christmas is said to be magical right ??  

Oh how adorable !  This is exactly like being in a Walt Disney movie.

Who needs pills when I can live out my  life in a celluloid, cinematographic film.

"Et tu Brute?!"  Or should I say, Oliver Cromwell !!

Finally -  proof that Cromwell was not really a Roundhead.

He's wearing a pointy hat - is he not ??

So secretly - he must have been leader of the little known, 

"Secret Society of Pointy Heads."

Okay, okay, okay ....

What sort of sick and twisted person would do this ?

This is my favourite shop !!

So not cool.

And the winner is ......

She's probably the ring leader of the Secret Society of Pointy Hats.

It suddenly dawned on me that there was to be a full moon tonight.

Strange things always happen when the moon waxes round and full.

Honestly, all I want to do is finish my errands, have my girlfriend chat

and get home where I can be safe.  I really want to go to my quiet place

right now.  I mean - look at them - they out number me !!

And you do NOT want to mess with a villager when there's a full moon.  

No telling what the "Secret Society of Pointy Heads" are capable of doing.

 

 I'm walking fast now - I'm walking across the bridge, almost 

over the bridge, I see my street, I'm not far from my flat - keep it steady ....

Hold it !  I must stop for just a second and admire the lovely green

field whilst the sun sets.  Isn't that gorgeous !!

This vista makes it all worth while. The Secret Society, the Walt Disney

existence, the corrupted Buddha, all of it just fades away when I look at this.

Okay - now run like hell !!  

{post script}

No seagulls, swans, dogs, people or Buddhas were harmed in 

the making of this blog, nor were they coerced into wearing the pointy hats.  

The seagulls were a bit reluctant at first - but they eventually came around.

All participants were allowed to keep their pointy hats.

Tiny Kline

She stands just  4 ft. 10 in. tall and weighs all of 98 pounds and in 1932 this petite Hungarian, Jewish emigrant, crossed Times Square in a most unconventional, maverick manner - flying over the streets of New York by her teeth - like a blooming Tinker Bell !  

I'm pretty sure she doesn't have dentures.  

Tiny Kline; former circus aerialist and burlesque dancer, actually landed the job of the real live Tinker Bell at Disney Land and was performing this stunt 

well into the age of 70.  Tiny's flight was stopped by running her into a wall of mattresses.  She was known for being a bit temperamental.  I can't blame her.

How would you like to be slammed into a wall of mattresses night after night ? 

She retired in 1964 - because of poor health.

The Ring of Light

I got a letter the other day from this lady.

Her name is Angela and she claims she was handed an envelope with a list of people that were experiencing dire circumstances in every aspect of their life; financial and emotional, and that my name was on the list and it was then, during a divination session, that she had a spontaneous vision, something that occurs very rarely....

Whew !  How was that for a run on sentence ?

I'm warning you - this next part is scary !

She saw that there's a shadow zone standing in the way of my happiness at this time and that the atmosphere around me is charged with negativity.  Angela, is very worried about me.

What a sweet woman !!  I'm impressed, as Angela lives a long ways from me - in the Netherlands.  Her powers must be awesome ! 

I was wondering though, is there anyone else out there that knows about this list?  I feel so uniformed right now.

Because she's such a kind and caring woman, she cannot simply sit by and do nothing. She wants to give me help and believe it or not, she does not do this for just any old joe !! Golly gosh - She's already like a Grandmother to me. Where has this woman been all my pitiful life ?!

Wait - there's more !  

The best part was the second envelope.

This is almost as exciting as  "The Da Vinci Code" isn't it ?

Between you and me - I could not get this second envelope opened fast enough. I was gagging to see what was inside.  Surprise ! It was a testimonial letter from this young woman - Julie Preston. A copy of a hand written letter - both sides full - explaining how miserable her life use to be.

Crikey !  I was in tears after reading this letter.  The poor girl has suffered so much.  She felt as if everyone in her life was conspiring against her; neighbours with evil intentions, jealous work colleagues and if that wasn't enough, she was surrounded by negative vibrations that were impregnating her environment - which was being caused by objects in her house. Lordy, lordy that wretched child !

Julie explained in her letter, that for a mere £15 ($22.26) I too, could discover the beneficial power of the "Authentic Ring of Light" that has been kept a mystery until now.  She went on to say, The moment I started wearing the Ring, I began to have a strange sensation....

A strange sensation - eh ?

 

Which leads me to believe they must include some kind of pills with this offer. I mean - look at how she's smiling !!

The "Authentic Ring of Light" - a replica worn by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt - creates a sphere of protection around the person wearing it, placing them out of reach from any harmful attack. 

Listen to this amazing story....

Soon after she put the ring on, Julie was involved in a serious accident - hit by a truck while driving to work.  The shock was terrible but she managed to get out of her car unhurt. Julie considers this a miracle, since her car was a total loss. 

I wasn't quite convinced about the ring until I read this last bit - The "Authentic Ring of Light" is a powerful weapon, capable of destroying any attempt by the evil eye to do you harm.

And as a bonus - it protects from evil spells.

Why didn't they say this in the first place ?!

It reeled me in.  I just knew I had to order this magical talisman.

But I had to hurry because there are only so many left - yikes !!

Well - I signed those forms faster than you could whistle "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and ran as fast as my little, fat legs could go and posted it straight away via airmail.  Hope it gets there in time.

I know I shouldn't have, but I used my mad money.

or should I say my - barking mad - money.

Angela, you have forever changed  my life.

I am a believer - thank you !

P.S. - please do not forget to send those "sensation pills."

Thanks again,

Marsha

Goodbye Naughty Boys !!

The dreaded day has arrived. This morning I woke up to an empty field. Naughty Boys were no where to be seen ! Either they were eaten by some Eastern Europeans or the farmer has taken them back to his farm. But since I've not noticed any people walking through the field with knife and fork in hand, I would hope it's the latter one.

The remark about Eastern Europeans may not seem kind or politically correct - it is how it is - here in United Kingdom. With the influx of Eastern Europeans to this country, vast amounts of fish are being netted from England's rivers and the Queen Mum's beloved swans, which are protected species, have been slaughtered and wings piled six feet high next to migrant camps, evidence of recent banquets.

What's next ? A Barbeque Swan Wings franchise next to the fish and chips shop ?

Although Eastern Europeans may be breaking UK laws, I empathize with them. My very own Grandparents, poor as church mice, emigrated to the US from Ukraine and with no strict laws against it, fished, shot and skinned anything edible to feed the their six children. It's no wonder then that the masses of buffalo disappeared from the prairie lands - mark and learn.

Enough of that, I'm here to blog about bovine, not use this as a platform for social and political beliefs.

So then, back to my cows.
I've always suspected Naughty Boys were girls but since I'm more city girl then country girl and know nothing about cows and cow bits and parts - I call them "boys." I believed the farmer to round them up around November time, not this soon ! No more waking up to see them queuing for turns on the scratching post, nor will I see them running full speed to huddle together, sheltering from the steady pouring of rain, beneath the row of trees just outside my window.

Hopefully, you will not think me too "barking mad" for posting cow photos and blogging about these critters.
Some might say that to be barking mad - is a good thing.

Cows, bless 'em, are messy, mucky creatures; bovine have a constant glob of gooey ooze from their eyes and they drool, slobbering a gelatinous slime that hangs from nose and mouth. They also chew with their mouth open, stink of poop, and have a fog of annoying flies that follow them everywhere. Cows eat and eat and poop and poop and poop ! Nevertheless, I love these critters ! Each one has a distinct personality, some days they can be playful and loving life and other days, grumpy and unsociable. Just like a typical British man.

But cows are more than just drooling, pooping fly catchers. They are highly intelligent, curious creatures. It's proven that cows are problem solvers and have incredibly long memories - never forgetting humans who have hurt them. They also interact in socially complex ways amongst their own, forging relationships that last forever or perhaps holding a grudge against another cow who has treated them unfairly. Like humans, cows are capable of learning lessons from each other, some are slow learners and others are very bright. It is said that a cow's intellect is matched closely to that of a dog and slightly above a cat's IQ - by a whisker. (bad pun)

No matter what you think or may not think about cows, I hope after reading the last paragraph, you might see them differently somehow and not merely as; cow + baked potato.

Goodbye Naughty Boys - I'm sure going to miss you !

{post script} This was originally posted 21 September 2008.

Legacy

I heard on my wifi radio this morning that Bettie Page, pin-up icon of the 1950's has lapsed into a coma after suffering a health setback. She has to be one of the most unique and identifiable sex kittens of her era with that trademark - shiny, raven black hair. I'm sure she's in her eighties now and for many years has lived an obscure and private life.

I also read an article about Columbian born author, Gabriel García Márquez - who was awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. He has terminal cancer. I'm currently reading his novel "Love in the Time of Cholera." It's a wonderful book. I'm really sad to hear about his illness.

Sounds silly and weird - but when I heard the news about these two persons, it set me off navel-staring, thinking about my own legacy and what I might leave behind.

But then I remembered this lovely piece of literature penned by Emerson: "...to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded."

Two daughters, many gardens, I've played, laughed and sung with verve, I recycle my bottles and paper products, do volunteer work from time to time and hopefully, I've been a good friend and confidant to many persons.

Emerson reminds me, that I've done just fine - so far.