Saturday, 24 February 2007
Equus
Today we are off to the theatre to see Equus with the Armstrongs & Millers. Going to the theatre is always exciting but to go with the feeling of dread? I have seen this play before and boy is it depressing. I had also avoided going to see Notes on a Scandal because of the subject matter but in the end was glad I went! Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett were on top of their acting. This is a film makers movie. It was all there. The acting, the editing and the story. We will see about Equus.......
Friday, 23 February 2007
Sulgrave Manor
Thursday a group from the SJWWC Women’s Club visited Sulgrave Manor, the home of George Washington ancestors. It was the 275th anniversary of George Washington’s birth and Gwyn Davies our wonderful guide showed us around this wonderful example of a manor house of Tudor Times. In 1539 the manor was bought by from Henry VIII. For the next 120 years Lawrence Washington’s descents were to live in the house. In 1656, his great, great grandson Colonel John Washington (a royalist!) left England to take up land in Virginia. Col. Washington was the Great Grandfather of George Washington, first President of the United States of America. The parts which remain of the original Washington house are to the south, the porch and screens passage and the Great Hall on the ground floor, the Great Chamber and two smaller rooms above. In 1914, Sulgrave Manor was presented by British and American donors to the peoples of Great Britain and the United States of America, in celebration of the hundred years peace between the two nations. In 1924, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America generously endowed the Manor House and started it on its road as a place of education and history!
The tour was very entertaining and enlightening. We got to see a handle from George Washington’s coffin, learn that the Welsh were indeed involved in the war of 1812 and the most beautiful embroided bed hangings I think I have ever seen. I can hardly sew on a button but they alone are worth the visit to the Sulgrave Manor.
The tour was very entertaining and enlightening. We got to see a handle from George Washington’s coffin, learn that the Welsh were indeed involved in the war of 1812 and the most beautiful embroided bed hangings I think I have ever seen. I can hardly sew on a button but they alone are worth the visit to the Sulgrave Manor.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is before the first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday) in the Christian Calendar always falling 47 days before Easter Sunday so the date varies from year to year. Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day, because it is customary to eat pancakes on this day. In the USA and elsewhere – Shrove Tuesday day is called Mardi Gras!
“Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs can be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, sugar and flour are disposed of immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes were therefore the perfect way of using up these perishable goods, besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself. The word shrove is a past tense of the English verb "shrive," which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by confessing and doing penance. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the shriving (confession)that Anglo-Saxon Christians were expected to receive immediately before Lent. - Wikipedia
The traditions of pancake racing started long ago and are held in towns across England. The tradition is said to have originated in Olney, Buckinghamshire when a housewife was so busy making pancakes, that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake. Held since 1445, the Olney pancake race is run traditionally by women holding frying pans containing hot, cooking pancakes. She must toss the pancake three times during the race that starts at the market square at 11.55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375-metre course (the record is 63 seconds set in 1967) and arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the bell ringer, and be kissed by him, is the winner. She also receives a prayer book from the vicar.
Some of the races in London are - Great Spitalfields Pancake Race, the Great Pancake Race: on Tower Hill Terrace and the Poulters’ Company Pancake Race (between teams representing each of the traditional livery companies (trade associations).
“Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs can be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, sugar and flour are disposed of immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes were therefore the perfect way of using up these perishable goods, besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself. The word shrove is a past tense of the English verb "shrive," which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by confessing and doing penance. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the shriving (confession)that Anglo-Saxon Christians were expected to receive immediately before Lent. - Wikipedia
The traditions of pancake racing started long ago and are held in towns across England. The tradition is said to have originated in Olney, Buckinghamshire when a housewife was so busy making pancakes, that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake. Held since 1445, the Olney pancake race is run traditionally by women holding frying pans containing hot, cooking pancakes. She must toss the pancake three times during the race that starts at the market square at 11.55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375-metre course (the record is 63 seconds set in 1967) and arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the bell ringer, and be kissed by him, is the winner. She also receives a prayer book from the vicar.
Some of the races in London are - Great Spitalfields Pancake Race, the Great Pancake Race: on Tower Hill Terrace and the Poulters’ Company Pancake Race (between teams representing each of the traditional livery companies (trade associations).
Monday, 19 February 2007
Presidents Day
Presidents Day
The third Monday in February is Presidents Day in the USA. An unofficial name for what began as George Washington’s Birthday celebrations. Americans hold Washington in very high regard as a soldier and statesman. Our first president was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, February 11, 1731 on the old style Julian Calendar.
Abraham Lincoln another revered president was born on the 12th February 1809 in Harding County, Kentucky. The first formal observance of our 16th President’s birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, (while watching the play Our American Cousins at the Ford Theatre) when both the Senate and Congress gathered for a memorial
service.
In 1968 several federal holidays were affected when legislation was enacted that shifted Washington and Lincoln’s birthday celebrations to the third Monday in February. The change which took effect in 1971was designed to give federal employees three-day weekends and simplify the yearly calendar of holidays.
Although a federal holiday, many states celebrate the day differently; some recognizing only Washington, some all the presidents. What remain consistent are the advertising campaigns for President’s Day Sales!
Abraham Lincoln another revered president was born on the 12th February 1809 in Harding County, Kentucky. The first formal observance of our 16th President’s birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, (while watching the play Our American Cousins at the Ford Theatre) when both the Senate and Congress gathered for a memorial
service.In 1968 several federal holidays were affected when legislation was enacted that shifted Washington and Lincoln’s birthday celebrations to the third Monday in February. The change which took effect in 1971was designed to give federal employees three-day weekends and simplify the yearly calendar of holidays.
Although a federal holiday, many states celebrate the day differently; some recognizing only Washington, some all the presidents. What remain consistent are the advertising campaigns for President’s Day Sales!
Sunday, 18 February 2007
77 Million Luminous Paintings
Jeff and I went to the department store Selfridges on Oxford St. yesterday to see Brian Eno’s installation of Luminous 77 Million Paintings. Luminous is Brian Eno’s installation of paintings using multiple monitors to display a constantly changing painting. Jeff, a long time fan of the music of Roxy Music, King Crimson, Genesis and any mutation of Fripp and Eno was pleased to attend! On my part, going may have been a little pay back for all those fru fru English houses I have dragged him through over the years. This was not the only time I paid him back though, we once flew to Berlin overnight for a Crimson concert and I swear I was the only female in the hall!
On the ground floor of Selfridges we entered through black drapes into a black room to sit on wide low black couches (which are never comfortable for people with short legs!) and I was immediately struck not with sound and images but the other people in the room. I wondered how long the dads with baby carriages would last in the room. Were they just trying to escape while the wife shopped? How many of these people are familiar with Music for Airports or Another Green World? You could tell that some of them just didnt get it by how quickly they left or by the conversations they were having amongst themselves. As I settled in and focused my attention on the art I was drawn to the 30 monitors arranged into four major grouping each group a different size and layout. It was hard to concentrate on them all at once, especially the small ones at the ends of the display wall. My favorite group looked like a windmill and I was consistently thinking about how some of the images would look as mosaics! The colours and patterns were fantastic! Eno, being the master of ambient sound matched the music perfectly to the images! As I tried to get comfortable on the couch and fought like hell not to slide off as I sunk deeper and deeper into a comatose state of relaxation, I thought this could be playing in my deprivation tank and I would enjoy it very much! It must be impossible to watch all image possibilities in one day but we were happy to spend a few hours watching the pictures appear and disappear. Since we were not on drugs or drunk - it was time to go before we were tempted! I may not have always liked Eno’s music but could always appreciate his willingness and talent to explore new sights and sounds! I am glad he shared his visions with us! The catalogue was a rip-off at £7.70 and there didnt seem to be anyone around to anwer questions or pay for this limited edition catalogue. Not helpful! This free exhibition is on until 11 March at Selfridges.
On the ground floor of Selfridges we entered through black drapes into a black room to sit on wide low black couches (which are never comfortable for people with short legs!) and I was immediately struck not with sound and images but the other people in the room. I wondered how long the dads with baby carriages would last in the room. Were they just trying to escape while the wife shopped? How many of these people are familiar with Music for Airports or Another Green World? You could tell that some of them just didnt get it by how quickly they left or by the conversations they were having amongst themselves. As I settled in and focused my attention on the art I was drawn to the 30 monitors arranged into four major grouping each group a different size and layout. It was hard to concentrate on them all at once, especially the small ones at the ends of the display wall. My favorite group looked like a windmill and I was consistently thinking about how some of the images would look as mosaics! The colours and patterns were fantastic! Eno, being the master of ambient sound matched the music perfectly to the images! As I tried to get comfortable on the couch and fought like hell not to slide off as I sunk deeper and deeper into a comatose state of relaxation, I thought this could be playing in my deprivation tank and I would enjoy it very much! It must be impossible to watch all image possibilities in one day but we were happy to spend a few hours watching the pictures appear and disappear. Since we were not on drugs or drunk - it was time to go before we were tempted! I may not have always liked Eno’s music but could always appreciate his willingness and talent to explore new sights and sounds! I am glad he shared his visions with us! The catalogue was a rip-off at £7.70 and there didnt seem to be anyone around to anwer questions or pay for this limited edition catalogue. Not helpful! This free exhibition is on until 11 March at Selfridges.
Thursday, 15 February 2007
Valbirthday
I am lucky enough to be blessed with a terrific family and some very special friends. I don’t often forget that but the feeling always intensifies on my birthday. As my friends know and often tease me about is that I was born on February 13th but didn’t find that fact out until I applied for a passport when I was 16. My mother always celebrated my birthday on the 14th. The 13th is the day I was born on but the 14th is the day that I celebrate my birth! This year it is 42J – no more numbers just letters! Lorrie Stanton coined the term Valbirthday! Again this year she and Mike sent a very humorous e-card! Friends and family in the States called and sent cards - how nice it is to be remembered! Thanks Dad & Glenda, Donna, Steve, Aunt Fran, Mom & Dad, Holly, Dave, and Polli!
As we celebrate Chinese New Year this week, a group of fabulous women friends met for lunch in London’s Chinatown to celebrate my birthday. The lunch at Joy King Lau was superb and the conversation excellent! It was a treat to share a table with witty intelligent women of a certain age! We despaired over the candidates this US primary season, talked about health concerns, hot flashes and our lives as ex-pats in London. I couldn’t help but bathe in the self satisfaction of how wonderful my life is at the moment! If you havent met Carlene, Peggy, Kathy, Loretta and Anne you should! They are the best of women! They even bring gifts!
As for my family, my lovely daughters made the effort to make it home for a birthday dinner. Boy was that appreciated! I realize what busy lives they lead with loves and jobs of their own. We had a great dinner at La Casalinga on SJW High Street. The food is always top notch and the staff are some of my favorite people in all of London. It was the place to be on this special night! La Casalinga is a family run business and you are always made to feel part of their family. I like that! The restaurant was beautifully decorated for Valentine’s Day with balloons! We ate well, sang, recited dialogue, laughed a lot and of course ended the evening with a piece of very yummy chocolate cake with a candle on top! The girls and I were each given a red rose as we reluctantly went home!
As we celebrate Chinese New Year this week, a group of fabulous women friends met for lunch in London’s Chinatown to celebrate my birthday. The lunch at Joy King Lau was superb and the conversation excellent! It was a treat to share a table with witty intelligent women of a certain age! We despaired over the candidates this US primary season, talked about health concerns, hot flashes and our lives as ex-pats in London. I couldn’t help but bathe in the self satisfaction of how wonderful my life is at the moment! If you havent met Carlene, Peggy, Kathy, Loretta and Anne you should! They are the best of women! They even bring gifts!
As for my family, my lovely daughters made the effort to make it home for a birthday dinner. Boy was that appreciated! I realize what busy lives they lead with loves and jobs of their own. We had a great dinner at La Casalinga on SJW High Street. The food is always top notch and the staff are some of my favorite people in all of London. It was the place to be on this special night! La Casalinga is a family run business and you are always made to feel part of their family. I like that! The restaurant was beautifully decorated for Valentine’s Day with balloons! We ate well, sang, recited dialogue, laughed a lot and of course ended the evening with a piece of very yummy chocolate cake with a candle on top! The girls and I were each given a red rose as we reluctantly went home!
Woo Hoo, what a great day! Isn't that what everyone wants to say at the end of the day!
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
Coffee
The wonderful Anne C. is in town this week with her husband, John. They have been painfully missed by Jeff and I since they moved back to the States last year. We had a lovely dinner at the Mango Room on Sunday night followed by a hilarious search for a cab on a rainy Sunday night in Camden. Last night while, the husbands were out doing business things Anne and I ordered in Chinese food from Lee's. We spent the night eating too much and watching Paris When it Sizzles with William Holden and the fabulous Audrey Hepburn. In its time this movie didn't win any BAFTAS or Oscars but I thought it a wonderful campy 60't flick! The plot revolves around Richard Benson (Holden) who has two days to produce a movie script in a Paris apartment because he has spent the time and money he was paid to write the script living the high life. He makes several references to his drinking whiskey but you always see him drinking what appears to be vodka! He hires a temporary secretary, Gabrielle Simpson (Hepburn), to help him complete it in time and farce and romance in sue! Tony Curtis is very funny in his supporting actor method actor role.
This morning it is a reunion of friends at Peggy H's. flat. Anne and another friend visiting from NYC are the guest of honours. Tonight Anne, Kathy and I are off to see Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre. Looking forward to it!
This morning it is a reunion of friends at Peggy H's. flat. Anne and another friend visiting from NYC are the guest of honours. Tonight Anne, Kathy and I are off to see Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre. Looking forward to it!
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