Happy Blue Monday...London weekend break

Morning! (Oops it's not anymore)

I'm a little late today, but what can you expect when you've had a hectic weekend away in London. 

I must admit taking a break from all the renovations, mess and army of workmen coming in and out of the house was a brilliant and much appreciated idea. It must have been mine!

We only had a limited time for a short break, but never the less, we sure packed in a lot of things...so much so that I was limping at the end of the weekend (contrary to my hubby's constant comments about inappropriate shoes, my shoes were fine ) 

In order to get around the city we used the underground rail system. It is the oldest and one of the busiest underground railway networks in the world!

I didn't really realise what was in store...travelling to Covent Gardens on a Saturday night was madness as far as I'm concerned! 

I don't like crowds and people in my personal space, but let's just say I didn't have much choice. I've never been pushed and poked so much in all of my life. I'm sure at one stage my feet lifted off the ground, as I was swept along with the tide. 

I'm sure my physical examination wasn't as up close and personal.

 I thought it was just me...but I did hear a young girl frantically telling her boyfriend that she didn't like it...NOT ONE BIT! She looked like a bunny caught in the headlights! 

It was quite reassuring that I wasn't the only one feeling like I was a piece of meat off packed off to market! 

I could have taken a photo to show you the madness, but there again I had no idea where my arms where, never mind my camera! 

If you prefer the era of the steam trains then you might like to take a peek at one of my earlier post ~ click here 

I like this photo because I think it gives the impression of London, it's exactly what was happening...everything whooshing past at incredible speed and you just have to hang on and go with the flow. 

(I know...don't I sound an old fuddy duddy?)

Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos over the weekend...namely because I forgot to take my camera out with me! Not only an old fuddy duddy...a forgetful one too 

I felt like I'd lost a limb and there was no way I could return to the Hotel to collect it because we had dinner and a show to see.

However, I did manage to capture these cool Bowler Hat light shades in the Hotel lobby.

(The first bowler hat was originaly created for Edward Coke, the younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester in 1849. It was designed by London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowlers for hatters Lock & Co of St. James's. The brief was to create a piece of headgear that could be worn by gamekeepers when they were out riding to protect their heads from low-hanging branches. It is thought that before accepting the hat Coke arrived at the shop in London and stamped on the crown twice to check its robustness. He paid 12 shillings for it. The Bowler went on to be associated with businessmen in the City of London. During the 1950's and 60s men wore the Bowler as part of the City uniform but the practice died out during the seventies...

...info courtesy of Laura Roberts, The Telegraph)

 I think they're really cool...what do you think?

If you ask anyone to name a London icon along with the Bowler Hat there's a good chance that they will say......the London Red Bus! 

Da...dah!

I quite like the fact that this red bus now has my blog advertised on its side (hehe) 

This particular bus is a vintage model and used for weddings. 

And so on to Convent Gardens. 

Now this was a treat. 

What a fantastic place and as you can see incredibly popular. 

Street acts, fantastic restaurants, beautiful architecture and so much more.  

There's definitely a buzz about the area too. 

We actually had difficulty finding a restaurant that didn't have at least an hours waiting time for a table. This was a little stressful because we had tickets for a show.

I needed to eat otherwise my stomach may have out rumbled and roared Mufasa 

(we were going to see The Lion King hence the reference) 

But finally we did manage to eat and arrived at the theatre by the skin of our teeth...running up the stairs and virtually crowd surfing to our seat as the opening bars of the show resonated and reverberated throughout the theatre. 

From those opening bars we were spellbound. 

The costumes, music, choreography and incredible voices cast their spell. 

Here's a brief clip and each time I hear it...I get goose bumps! 

What an amazing spectacle and that voice!!!!

I think if you are able to see this show then you should because you will not be disappointed. 

It would be a fantastic Christmas treat for the children because it keeps very true to the Disney film. UK booking and various venue details here

(By the way, just to clarify I'm not receiving any form of payment for this promotion...this is just my view)

I'm not sure when it happened but I'm beginning to think that I'm now an old country bumpkin. The frenetic pace of the big city was a little much at times and I must admit I gave a sigh as we left. London is fantastic to visit and stay for a brief time but for me personally, I like to get back to open spaces with room to breath!   

I know that there is a fair amount of red in my post today, but there's also flashes of blue. 

I'm hoping that Sally who hosts Blue Monday will forgive me and allow me to link up today. 

If you look at the video clip you will see Rafiki has fantastic blue makeup 

I'll wish you all a Happy Blue Monday.

Don't forget to pop across to see more of the Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally's blog.

 

An Arctic Blast...and McMuffy isn't happy!

That's it winter has come to grab hold of us and by the feel of it, it means business and won't let go!

There's an arctic blast whipping through, which has reduced me to a fire magnet. 

But I'm not the only one...McMufftypup isn't very impressed either ^..^

I know we shouldn't laugh, but that's exactly what we did do over the weekend.

Picture the scene...Muffy went out for her morning ablutions early on Sunday morning, only to stop dead in her tracks virtually as soon as she'd walked out of the door. 

The grass had a white, crisp covering of frost, that came as a complete surprise shock to her.

For those of you that may not know McMuffy was born in Qatar, in the Middle East 

(yep heat, deserts, virtually no rain and generally temperatures which can range from the mid 20's to 50⁰+...Celsius that is!) 

So when she arrived in Melbourne Australia, she had a little awakening to cooler weather with seasons for the first time. During the winter months it could be quite wet and cold...well to her standard it was cold).

But then her cruel owners whisked her away once again, to an even colder place...Scotland! 

(If you'd like to read the tale of her journey from Qatar to Melbourne click here)

You can imagine the toilet break that frosty morning was the quickest on record. 

She was like a greyhound out of the traps.

Immediately as I opened the door to let her come back in...she dashed past me and straight into her bed (which is next to the wood burner...see we're not that cruel) 

Frantically, she tried to fluff up her blankets but then the penny must have dropped because she remembered she'd been sleeping at the bottom of my daughter's bed and that she'd been cosy there. So like a herd of elephant's she ran through the house and up the stairs. 

I think if her legs had been a little longer, she'd have jumped up two at a time if she could have. Nah what am I thinking? She's a mini shuh-tzu for goodness sake!

She'd never manage that...bless...she's like me...vertically challenged!

After reaching my daughter room, she somehow managed to launch herself up unaided (which is a miracle in itself because she always gruffs and asks to be lifted because it's far too high for her (yeah right m'lady...you're busted now)

Without asking permission she burrowed under the sheets and didn't move for the next 45 minutes! 

Here she is later emerging when she thought it was safe and warm enough.

 (Yawns...lip smacking...and where's my brekkie look?)

I haven't broken it to her yet, but she's booked into the groomers for next week! EEK!

I think she'll probably decide to hibernate after that! 

She'll probably never forgive me, but she'll dry out far quicker if she's clipped. 

We've got jumpers and jackets at the ready to ensure she doesn't freeze. 

She's a little madame though and will milk it for all she's worth...shivering whenever anyone looks at her. 
It seems chicken always helps to keep her warm! 

I know it's a mystery to me too. 

Stay cosy if winter has come to call...but if you're lucky and you're on your way to summer ~ ENJOY! 
(I'm not jealous in the least )

Wordless Wednesday...Dawn breaks

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The Jenny Evolution

Crathes Castle...Blue Monday

When the dawn breaks to a beautiful crisp autumnal day, you can do nothing but head outdoors to appreciate it. And that's exactly what my daughter and I did.

Wrapped in our winter woolies, hats, gloves and boots plus of course our camera we headed along the River Dee towards Banchory. 

Our destination is my favourite local castle. 

Crathes Castle has fairytale turrets, gargoyles and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1313 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of this historic castle. 

The gardens of Crathes and estate are ideal for walks, picnics, or just to relax and enjoy. There are six separate trails to explore. 

A delight at any time of year, the famous gardens feature great yew hedges which never cease to amaze me. There are also colourful herbaceous borders. 

So are you ready for a walk? 

The Crathes Gate House appears in the background.

This photo is for everyone who visited yesterday for Silent Sunday and wanted to take a further peek through that gate...don't worry I'm going to revisit in the spring, when there will be so much more to see. I hope you don't mind me just showing a fraction of it today. 

Here's another gateway...which has 'Rebuilt in 1810' engraved over the top. 

You can also see the castle in the background. 

It was a perfect day to appreciate the autumn colours.

Still waters...

The metal structure on the right-hand side in the photo below is a fish ladder. This allows salmon to continue swimming upstream to their spawning grounds where they themselves were born. Salmon are capable of swimming against extremely strong currents and leaping up large waterfalls. Autumn is when the salmon are most prolific but unfortunately we didn't see any this time.

And so onto the castle...

Okay, so I've teased you enough... here is the majestic Crathes Castle.

I adore the ancient topiary hedges of Irish yew dating from 1702 which separate the garden's eight themed areas. 

They remind me of Walt Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' don't you think? 

I wouldn't be surprised to see them dance around. 

Because we were wanting to stay outside, we didn't go into the castle but don't worry I will take you in soon. 

But we did stop for a much needed cuppa and a scone of course

(as one does after walking the forest trails) 

plus a visit into the art and craft wee shops and gallery.

Here's my daughter perusing all of the fabulous artwork...

(Don't worry the boys were having a great time too...in the pub watching their football team win).  

Just look at that blue sky!

 Wow, it was such a fantastic day and who would think that we're in the middle of November.

Which is why I'll wish you all a Happy Blue Monday.

Don't forget to pop across to see more of the Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally's blog.

 

Silent Sunday...Crathes Castle Gate

A Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY ~ Thursday 7th November 2013

Outside my window...Although the light is fading now there's still clear patches of blue sky edged with grey rolling  low clouds. We woke to a cold, frosty, crisp, tingly morning with the temperature just below freezing. The field had a white thin blanket of frost covering the wide open space. I know there will be lots of mornings like this and far worse perhaps, but it was beautiful so I stopped to appreciated it. 

The birds were eager to queue up at the bird feeders, some more patient than others. It's beginning to get tough for them out there and it's every bird for himself.

My son put up another bird house on one of the trees in the front garden and within hours from when the hammering stopped, three blue tits were fighting for a viewing. We haven't even advertise it on the market yet!

There's plasterboard and general debris outside which has been thrown from the bathroom window, but I'm not going to mention the alterations in today's post. There's been enough said over the last week I think. I'm already feeling that I'm living in a Grand Design programme and that Kevin McCloud will come walking down my driveway at any minute. 

I heard a pheasant in the front field but unfortunately didn't see him. They can be very shy...but I'm hoping he'll overcome that and come to call. After all there's a five star restaurant waiting for him when he does. 

I saw a dog playing on the outskirts of the woods, friskily trying to find all of the rabbits when suddenly I thought there must be another dog with him....a much bigger dog but then I realised he had flushed out a deer. A young stag in fact. It was fantastic to see it gallop and leap across the field coming straight towards the house. I grabbed my camera and took a few photos. He appeared to be moving in slow motion. It was just so incredible to watch, but I only managed to get one photo in the end that was in focus. It's in a my peek into my day at the end of this post if you want to have a look. 

Well it's totally dark now with just the flickering lights on the other side of the river bank, so I'll move on.

I am thinking...about my 'to do' list that grows like a triffod each day. If only my plants would be so prolific! 

I am thankful...that I can make choices. From simple things...to more complex. What to eat, drink, where to live, spending time with whomever, even down to what to wear. I'm lucky and am truly blessed.  

In the kitchen...there's a Victoria Sponge cake...well half of one actually. I've been busy baking cakes this week due to the builders, slater, sparkie (electrician) and plumber visiting. This is the third cake that I've baked this week...but they've all been well received and seemed to disappear within minutes so at least they are appreciated. 

I am wearing...a black thermal vest, fluffy black jumper, a leopard pashmina, jeans and my Ugg slippers. So we're all cosy here.

I am creating...idea's at the moment. There's no logic to them, but it's good that my creative mind is still active. I did wonder for a while if I had left it somewhere. 

I am going...to see a big West End show soon. I can't wait and no doubt I'll be telling you all about it.

I am wondering...how I ever got started in a morning without listening to the Chris Evan's morning breakfast show on BBC Radio 2. I've never heard anyone so awake and full of beans at such an early hour. I'm a morning person but even I find him incredibly full of energy. It's a good start to the morning. 

I'm reading...Brochures and magazines mainly for ideas on refurbishments, fittings, decor and fixtures. 

I'm also still reading Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult but only for a few minutes each night before my eyes close...much to my annoyance. 

I am hoping...that I can get back to drawing or painting soon. I really miss it so much. Everything else seems to take priority but I'm going to try to change this. Even if I have to go to a class in order to achieve it.

I am looking forward to...a forthcoming weekend away. It will be great to escape for a few days.

Around the house...Hmm...I said I wasn't going to mention the renovations in this post, but it's pretty hard to ignore it at the moment. There are dustsheets from the front door right the way through to the top of the house. I don't want to even look in some of the rooms, but I think today and tomorrow should be the worst. Then we'll can start to get organised and work on all the good stuff. Hopefully seeing the plan come to fruition. 

My favourite quote of the day...

One of my favourite things...is my sat nav or should I say satellite navigation system. Although as many of you know, I've lived here before, at times it doesn't feel like it. I've had trouble finding my way around the city and beyond. I've found streets that I have known but didn't know how to find them until I suddenly am driving along. All flying by the seat of my pants really, but not anymore. I'm plugged in and raring to go...

A few plans for the rest of the week: Well the week is almost over as it's now Friday, so I'll let you know the plan for over the weekend. My daughter is coming to stay which is fantastic because we haven't seen her for a few weeks. She's been so busy working lately, it'll be great to have her come to chill and be spoilt by Mum ;D 

A peek into my day...here's the deer that I mentioned above...

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit to my Daybook. 

Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and check out the other day book entries.

 I hope to see you again soon...Have a wonderful weekend.

Have fun and hopefully the sun will shine for you!!!

~ ♥ ~

Happy Blue Monday...

How quickly did that last weekend fly by? 

It's Monday already!

But don't be perturbed because it's a Happy Blue Monday

Although I'd like to catch up watching a 'Strictly' or an episode of the 'Great British Bake Off Masterclass' with Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood 

(or as my hubby thinks just watching 'Loose Woman' all day) 

I can't because there are major decisions to be made! 

(Just before I move on, I'd like to clarify that I DON'T watch daytime TV EVER, well nearly never! ;D)

If this is your first time visiting me, then you won't be aware that although I never wanted to partake in a renovation job on our home (I've watched so many of those programme's and they nearly always go over budget, take forever and cause such stress, that I thought I could do without all of that going on in my life...there's enough ciaos already) but it appears that we're a living TV episode. 

I'm just waiting for Kevin McCloud to appear on our driveway. 

Our first major job is renovating the master bathroom. 

With all the noise, comings and goings, boots thundering overhead etc I decided to give Muffy a break. She is being desensitized to loud bangs and drills (not even flinching when our neighbour had fireworks on Saturday) but sometimes you just need to get out and have some peace. 

So we scooted to the tile shop (more decisions to made) then we stopped off in Duthie Park. 

(Duthie Park is a park of 44 acres which was donated to the city by Miss Duthie in 1880 and opened to the public in 1883...I'll be writing a post about the park at a later date). 

It's a great meeting place plus you can grab a coffee and the dogs can walk around the whole park off the lead (leash).

As we walked around look what I spotted...Blue Monday just came to mind as soon as I saw the Boat Lake. 

I couldn't have asked for more...having this chap playing with his model boat. 

It was freezing and I for one wouldn't be messing about with boats on a lake when the North Wind Doth Blow...but he seemed to be thrilled.  

I'm off to look at more bathrooms, tiles and windows now, but I did manage to add some music to the video clip that I mentioned last Blue Monday.

So if you're feeling in a little stress...take a deep breath and relax. 

Happy Blue Monday to you all.

Don't forget to pop across to see more of the Blue Monday Gang

Silent Sunday...Demolition

There's always a plus and minus in everything

So here we are...Halloween's passed and we're into November already!

Next there's Bonfire Night and before we know it, it'll be Christmas. 
Argh!!!

But before I go any further, I want to apologise to all my fellow bloggers if I haven't  visited you lately. It's not that I don't want to...I like nothing better than to pop over to your place to see what you've been up to and I do try...honestly I really do, but at the moment my online time seems minimal. 

But I'll keep trying. 

As to art? 

Well, I just give up on that for now.  

One of the reason is that we have the builders in and it's full steam ahead. 

But wait a minute...as it's the 1st November let me show you this months photo first. 

(the rear view on 1st November)
As you can see the leaves on some of the trees have finished their colourful display, they've fallen and flown away on the wind. The branches look very bare but at least we can see the birds more clearly now. 

There's always positives in there somewhere...you just have to look or dig deep enough to find them.

It's good to see the beautiful blue sky too, but let me tell you...to get that clear blue sky you need a strong wind to blow all of that grey cloud away and oh boy, did we have wind. 

(oh sorry that sounds positively rude ;D)

I think it was possibly the tail-end of the storm St Jude which we thankfully missed here.

It's been such a lazy wind today, as my mother would have said...it didn't blow around you...just straight through! 

Again there's the plus and minus I suppose. 

(Blue sky +, freezing wind -)

Whilst the builders were busy upstairs demolishing my bathroom, McMuffy and I feared that the ceiling would come crashing down upon us, so we nipped out to the tile shop and then into the park for a quick walk. 

Note to self...next time I must remember to wear my hat and gloves. 

(new bathroom + demolition -) 

It's a sharp reminder that winter's on it's way!

So before the garden is lost under a white blanket (well you never know) I thought I'd let you take a peek into the side garden. 

Well I'll love and leave you for today because after all it is Friday night and the weekend's about to start...so enjoy and I'll see you soon.

Wordless Wednesday...Muffty drying on the Aga

Yet another use for the Aga...drying a cold wet pup! ^..^

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