THE FISH IN SCOTLAND DISCOVERED SOMETHING NEW

In the midst of the varied discussions on the proposed changes to marriage laws Rabbi Sacks in November last year, delivered this keynote presentation in front of an audience of faith leaders and scholars from across religions and 23 countries around the world.

"I want this morning to begin our conversation by one way of telling the story of the most beautiful idea in the history of civilization:  the idea of the love that brings new life into the world.  There are of course many ways of telling the story, and this is just one.  But to me it is a story of seven key moments, each of them surprising and unexpected.

The first, according to a report in the press on 20th October of this year, took place in a lake in Scotland 385 million years ago.  It was then, according to this new discovery..."

You can find a transcript of his presentation here.

THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO

Before preaching on Sunday, Andrew played this song for us to listen to.  I just wanted to jump up and sing along but managed to control myself.  Beautiful song.  Have a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JxqQYc9aIU

BEFORE AND AFTER - THE GUEST BEDROOM

Here's the 'before' photograph.  Doesn't look that desperate for a makeover from the photograph but it really did need freshening up.  The beautiful Mackintosh chair that David made has been moved to the small lounge (library!).  David replaced the skirtings from the small half-dowling to a more substantial skirting.  We removed the curtains and he made a timber pelmet for the blind on the front window.  The doors to the verandah, where the curtains are we have left bare. Windows to front - no curtains, just the blind.  The doors aren't clear glass so there's plenty privacy.  David also put up a picture rail to break the walls up a bit.  Ceiling, all paintwork including picture rail, skirtings, architraves, doors are in white and for the walls we have again used the washed out green that we used in our bedroom.

I've move the beds around and put an old desk on the wall beside the doors.  A nice view from the hallway as you pass.  Also pulled up the rug to make the room feel less cluttered.

Not terribly clear but gives you an idea.  Remember, you can click the photographs to enlarge them.

You like my quilts?  Both hand-quilted and hand appliqued.  The first one has been sewn with my machine but hand quilted.  The second one, inspired by my dear friend Robyn Ginn.  Google her and see her amazing work.

I've just recovered from laughing.  A glove suddently appeared outside my window.  David had put it on a long pole and was waving it in front of the window.

Photograph of the next project - the hallway and the bathroom to the right.  Photograph taken looking towards the front door.

And, this one taken from the front door.

Watch this space!

SIGNS OF SPRING

The beautiful magnolia in the background and dear Hamish in the foreground.

IT'S GREER'S BIRTHDAY TODAY!

 With her Mamma in 1978.   

And not so long ago....

Hope you have a wonderful day Greer.  

SHADAHROBA

I'm 'madly' coursing through the MAD MEN series.  When it originally came out some years ago, I watched the first few episodes and then, for some reason didn't keep up with the series.

Anyhoo!  Back I am and in the evenings, when David does some guitar practice after dinner, down I sit, set up the next episode, draw my quilting on to my lap, lower the lamp to sew and press START!

And one of the many things I love about the series is the song which finishes each episode. Last night, poor Don's personal life has just fallen apart!  And the song...fabulous Roy Orbison singing SHADAHROBA.  

Oh! the 60s!  The songs we sang!

IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

  I can almost put myself back into the photograph, standing at the door watching you write in your journal, taken, what, over twenty five years ago!   

Have a wonderful day!

IT'S TIME...

...to paint the fence.

Not really sure if the hand on the hip really improves the image that much!