Hamada and I spent such a wonderful four days with younger son Jo in the beautiful Chilterns, Bucks. Jo and his beautiful Laura, entertained and looked after us so very well. It was such a delight to do nothing for the long weekend and so many thanks to Jenny and Ian who helped Hamada to make this journey with help travelling, and all the necessary carrying of extra ‘bits and bobs’ to make Hamada as comfy as could be. Hamada managed so well, but still having to sleep once again after breakfast, enabling him to join the fun in the evening. It was a super time, some good shopping and lots of laughter for me with the girls and wonderful party times in the evenings with superb dinners – Jo being a consummate chef – and not having to cook a single thing the whole weekend, thanks Laura, was an extra treat. It was really special to catch up with family and friends, to see Rich and James once again, they had grown up with Jo and had frequented our family home in earlier years and are now young men. Thank you Jo and Laura, I am sure you noticed the extra sparkle in Hamada’s eyes X
Category: Uncategorized Page 14 of 25
Photo: Easter Sunday Last Year ! – 2008. I have spent the morning baking for our Village Spring Flower Show, which is tomorrow. In the morning I will pick a flower or two and some nice greenery, to make a small display to enter. There are not many flowers in my garden that are in bloom at the moment, mostly daffodils but I will see what I can come up with. Although listed as a flower show, there is always a very successful baking section, a wonderful display of scrumptious home baking. Cakes, scones, flans, jams, lemon-curds all manner of goodies . There are some very fine cooks and chefs in the Village but it’s always great fun to enter even as a novice. Some of the men, who would never normally cook have a go, and I can vouch that some of their flapjacks turn out to be very fine indeed! When the serious business of judging is over, all the items are auctioned off, which is such great fun, causing a lot of merriment, as we all get to bid on each others offerings and very often go home with something special for tea.
Shown above: Two simple fruit cakes with a little touch of brandy in each. One ‘old fashioned’ Apple-pie, and Two, Ham, Mustard, Egg and Cheese Flans.
How nice to be published today in this unusual collection of poetry. These poems were written by a group of this country’s poets about life here in the UK. Putting together their feelings, thoughts and opinions about their homeland which defines our unique culture and spirit. A somewhat different style for me, as I am known for my ‘poems of love’ see http://www.susiehemingway.blogspot.com still in many ways my poem written about Horncastle and shown here below, is still in a way, a poem of love.
Published by United Press Ltd 2009.
It’s been a long Winter this year but today the sun shone as tender shoots started to turn green. The vivid yellow of the Laburnum was in evidence from my windows and the air had that little hint. As the sheep returned to the fields even the Cat came along to saviour this glorious sunny morning. Yes, I know we had heavy snow here last year on Easter Sunday! when it was even difficult to get in and out of the village but although chilly today, it indeed feels like Spring has come.
In watchful reverence as slumber creeps
Comes the silver rays that cast shadows on my walls
My pen doth scratch the paper,
In breaking silence comes my poetry by moonlight,
Rest quietly beloved, with your rendezvous in dreams
This daily plunder systematically steals your frame
But nought can rob your soul.
This modicum of peace, this repose in sleep.
I proffer my heart as my hand trembles in writing,
Just your breath faint and steady, holds my heart.
And as the clouds cross the quivering rays
Leaving my heart in darkness,
In breaking silence, comes my poetry by moonlight…
All Rights Reserved :@ 2009
“I Watch” has been selected to be published in a forthcoming book by United Press called ‘Poetry By Moonlight’
It was such an important Consultation for Hamada yesterday – as Para Protein/M Spike is now at an alarming 8.1 – we gained a much desired second opinion.
Armed with all our questions and with no time limits, we discussed once again, any treatments now open to Hamada.. Our Doctor Angel who had been studying Hamada’s blood chemistry and massive amount of medical notes also agreed, that to try with Velcade at the present time is not an option. He also suggested that another drug combination, one that has not been tried before, maybe sought further on. Hamada’s blood CBC is very poor and damage from any of these strong ‘chemo’ drugs, may do more harm than good, spoiling what quality of life he enjoys now. The consultant has requested another Skeletal Screening and a further Bone Marrow Biopsy. These will take place this coming Monday. So it is final that at the moment it is a wait and observe approach. The Doctor answered every question frankly and clearly which is how we like it. It was a good consultation and I feel that all is being done for dear Hamada.
How delightful afternoon tea is. Not much beats this, in my opinion. Yes of course it should be the real deal, of tiny thin crust-less sandwiches filled with such delights as salmon and cucumber or potted paste. Then to follow a nice slice of rich homemade fruit cake, all serve-up with a good quality pot of tea. It is such an English tradition, that still works well, even if only during the weekends of our busy lives. But what about the humble scone, which is often neglected, still cheap to make and can turn in a minute, into the most delicious tea-time treat, with a good portion of whipped cream and topped with some really wonderful strawberry jam. When the need for a full high-tea is not required, this little humble cake can been perfect. It is also such a useful stop-gap when having a house full of weekend guests, particularly if you are to eat out or perhaps later in the evening. It makes a focus to the afternoon, gathering guests together for a cosy afternoon chat. Always remember, that the not so humble scone, makes a very reasonable quick and scrumptious tea time treat which never seems to stay on the plate for long.
Decided to make a giant 13 inch Chicken Pie to take on Saturday for the “Pie and Pea do” at the Village Hall. I do hope they enjoy.
An evening with the Ploughmans Bunch with friends joining us next Saturday in our little village. Looking forward to that, a great group see http://www.pbunch.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/ploughmensbunch. Oh dear! and I forgot I am reading a couple of my poems too! should be a fun evening.
As sun doth melt the silver days
and fresh green buds do chase away
the remnants of these chilly days,
I write for you…
you sleep and sleep my only love
you miss spring birds and clouds above,
in dreaming slumber, days do pass, and
even though against the breeze
the fragile words do come to me,
still sleep stays on those lovely eyes,
for days are shorter dear for you
the circle smaller, in violet blue,
again the sun will find it’s rays
to warm your heart and fill your days
and I will spend my time with you
in quiet gentle solitude,
till this day, my only love,
I write for you…
soon once again, dear God for me
you’ll sit on swing, beneath the trees,
to listen to the buzzing bees
the rustle of the summer leaves,
then you will snuggle close to me,
when smudges of my tears
do fall, to stain the ink,
and you will sleep,
and I will write
my words for thee…
This Poem read by Susie on BBC Radio on 20 May 2009 during Poetry Week, can be heard, on: http://susietest.stff.me ( just scroll down, past the poem “Love Smiles” )
Copyright @ 2009
My heart goes out to Teresa (TK) my friend on here, and on ‘Face book’ . Her dear Husband Richard, lost his fight against Mutiple Myeloma yesterday. Teresa has always been so supportive and so very knowledgeable, helping to guide many, on medical issues through her informative blog. Richard was a brave and courageous man who will be missed very much.
My prayers and thoughts are with you Teresa
Hamada updates and a new poem ” I Write For You” on: http://www.susiehemingway.blogspot.com
I am very much looking forward to watching another chapter of this wonderful new series on ITV1 on Thursday at 9pm. This epic journey, in the company of the very amiable Billy Connolly, covers ten weeks travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across Canada, above the Arctic Circle, via the Northwest Passage. I cannot think of anything more I would rather watch that these ‘Journey’s of a lifetime’. For one thing, it is most unlikely that I would ever manage to see these awe inspiring places, and simply wonderful scenery. Mr.Connolly started his journey at Pier 21 in the very busy sea port of Halifax in Nova Scotia.and for me what adds well to all his travel programs, is Billy’s total joy of life, his delight and enthusiastic dialogue as we travel with him on this fabulous journey. It was so nice to witness his camaraderie with everyone he met along the way. This Thursday we see the comedian continuing his journey through the remote regions of Canada and along to Baffin Island, he will met the Inuit communities, and then along for a two day trek into the Auyuittuq National Park. I do know he joins a seal hunt? so not too sure about that, but if like me, you like to travel the world from the comfort of your armchair, do take a look at this short four episodes series. It’s certainly worth a watch.