A blog for heart matters and natters.
One of the biggest joys of the whole Christmastime is to watch a school nativity play.
It is such a busy full term for those that had started school for the first time and after a breather of a half term holiday, the focus is on Christmas.
The excitement of the young children coupled with the seriousness they took their roles was a sheer joy.
Such unique unrepeatable times.
There is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from tidying up. Whether it is because you make an even worse mess which then gets neatly arranged or the surprise when you find a long lost item it is a job well done.
A bumper crop of apples this year and a bumper crop of medlars.
Not many people seem to have heard about medlars and fewer have tasted them.
They cannot be eaten until they are bletted.
It is an unusual fruit and a different taste, if you get an opportunity to try one it is well worth it.
The Clifton train station always seems to be a throwback to calmer times. The library nearby has very helpful staff, always much appreciated.
I don't mean to plug a particular company but the Everyman theatre is marvellous and to be able to watch a film in elegant comfort.
I decided to prepare, cook then sieve the last bowls of apples this year. There were rather more than I gauged and by the end of the day I don't want to see another apple again for a while!
With the nights starting earlier and dark overcast days we decided to get the fire going again, particularly as it is not worth or necessary to put the central heating on. It still fascinates me to watch how wood glows and seems to light up from within.
As the days get gloomier and the weather get worse, what a delightful counter to that is to watch the children in their Harvest Festival. There were some lovely songs and it always amazes me how confident some of the children are.
A lovely traditionn and one that I hope will carry on.
Modern cars are extremely complex but so much more reliable than of old and quite remarkable feats of engineering.
I am always astonished how well they cope with the British weather, especially those cars that aren't garaged. Years ago cars seemed to be held together by rust. Does anyone remember driving along whilst watching the road by peering through a hole on the floor?
So taking the car in for a service wasn't the trepidation it used to be. Coupled with a fantastic local garage meant a good fair bill for an honest thorough service.
