This England....................

Today is St George's Day...........Prince William and Dutchess Kate had their baby today, another boy... What a pity it is that their first born was named George haha. I wonder what this one will be named, I would love for it to be Arthur.
So today I feel Patriotic as always. I could never ever be American. I love my England too much, even though I may never live there again I will always be English.
Every piece of her is a part of me

People I love are there.

If it were not for my Poodles right now I could leave tomorrow and never look back.

“This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,–
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England..”
~‘The Tragedy of King Richard II’- William Shakespeare, who was both born (April 23 1564) and died on this day, (1616).

I love the history, not just the history but the people from our history. I love them too and I can never explain that except in a remote way as being because I love my Queen. They are from her family and so mine.

"Remember that you are an Englishman [sic],
and have consequently won first prize in the lottery of life"
-Cecil Rhodes

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land,

“And did those feet in ancient time” (1808) by William Blake, best known as the anthem “Jerusalem”, with music written by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916.
William Blake one of my best loved poets expressed it so eloquently.

(Long Barrow near Avebury)

Shakespeare hit the nail on the head in the quote above. In today's world it is not politically correct to be Nationalist or whatever they call it. I can be proud to be English without feeling others inferior although I admit that I do believe that the Britons of the past may have been just a bit better than average haha.

I am proud of our Commonwealth of Nations and the part that Britain plays in that. I believe it helps us to be more open minded and comfortable with people of other races, colours, creeds and religions. It is a GOOD thing and I am proud our lovely Queen rules over them, not in an imperialistic way any longer but like the Mum with them as her children, her giving a guiding light and figurehead to rally around.


King Arthur, Bodicea, Alfred, Caractacus, Hereward the Wake all are a part of me, the Romans who came and stayed for 500 years the Vikings. All left their DNA in me. I am a part of and will always belong in England.

Michigan in the Spring..........

Sometimes the Spring comes early and sometimes it comes late. It is neither predictable nor reliable. Some years I have bought and planted my flowers in mid April. This year I will be lucky to get them in by the end of May, that is the official start of our growing season. Apparently for good reason. They are half heartedly announcing that the "Winter" Pansies are in. They are hardy little souls that can bloom through the snow. Trouble is if you don't plant those in the Fall that can't happen. I really want to get some but I know that by the time I get them in the ground it will be too hot for them.

Its somewhat of a joke in these northern states, that one can sunbathe while there is still snow on the ground. It is NOT a myth.


They do not need to photoshop those Meme's This is me yesterday and Gerry shoveling some of the snow off of the drive where the Van had been pretty much stuck for a couple of days.


The Poodles were all out sunbathing too. It was not that hot comparatively but I was certainly burning.
The Detroit Zoo.......well it probably was not that bad by now but one does wonder if some of the animals enjoy the extremes of temperatures some years

The average American house wife (does such a thing still exist?) may not choose to hang out her washing on the line outside. Not that it is allowed in many places anymore

Today is almost 50 degrees and should be nice this week, at least sunny. We really need the snow to melt so we can get the garden raked and debri curbed by 21st. Oh wait that was yesterday..........bummer.

The next beautiful thing about Spring in Michigan is the potholes.............yup we have two seasons Winter and Road construction.

Its not a joke, the roads in Michigan can be a real hazard at this time of year.
Well I just sent Gerry to the store and to fill up with gas..........want anything?

Hope to get out this week weather permitting.

Feeding Critters...................

I love my birds and animals. I will do all I can for them as often as I can. I will help those, sorry to say over most humans. They are innocents. Even children have organizations to help them, but I would help a child in need too, I am not saying that I wouldn't, but my true love is animals.
I was raised in a rural village as I have said many times. It is a natural thing for me to love the creatures of the earth. Maybe God makes some of us that way? I think of heaven as being here on earth tending the earth and it's creatures. After all God did say He would be making all things new, the Lion would lay with the Lamb. You can keep your streets of Gold and beautiful jems (I would not say no to a couple of diamonds, for their beauty not their worth, I see rainbows in them.)

My horse Lady was an example. I had just started to take riding lessons when the guy who owned the farm sold it. He had lesson horses that were older and was selling them. I bought Lady who was 16 at the time. I would give up almost anything for my animals and so she had the greatest care her entire life. She lived to be 41. Now one thing about me is I spoil them. They get fat. I can't help it they look at me and I just give them whatever they want.

My Poodles get fat too but that's more Gerry's fault. He has the same problem, those puppy eyes and they get something shoved in their gob. I told the vet about him but it made no difference. They just keep expanding, much like myself, although I can at least moderate myself somewhat. I just can't resist the eyes of those animals.
So imagine this. We have had a truly harsh Winter this Spring. Take that in........ The Robins are back, they are full of eggs. Waiting to nest down. The poor things come and sit in the tree by the deck looking for shrivelled up berries. The Holly is frozen under the snow and ice. I could not get the berries off there. How can I manage when they sit and look so sad?

They were traipsing around in the snow looking for a clear patch to dig. The worse thing is that under the snow is ice. Gerry had cleared a path and they had a constructive time digging for a couple of days. Now there is nothing. I have found that the birds are enjoying the pond, we took the net off and so they can drink.
Anyway, back to feeding birds that do not eat seeds. I have not been back to the store because getting the car out when it's iced in is too hard for me. Plus I don't see so well driving in snow. So................a friend told me that birds will eat cat food. So out come the kibbles. I threw out a bunch of cat food and low and behold Mrs Robin tasted a few. She even came in with the Starlings there.

The next thing I found was when I put out some stew (Gerry was saving for lunch) the Crows and Seagulls enjoyed that along with the Starlings but guess what? So did Mrs Robin. I saw her tasting a green bean. She just dug right in with the Starlings

Hungry enough to not be intimidated.

Now the moral of this story is should we or should we not feed animals things that are not good for them????
Well, no, we should not. However, when it comes down to starving to death or eating something that allows you to make it through another day. Well I am going to do my darndest to get them through. That heap of vegetable crap will go when the snow melts, it won't sit there and rot, I will dig it into the dirt as soon as I can find it. Meanwhile the Bunnies and critters and the birds can all have their fill. I emptied my cupboards of raisins and nuts and anything edible so they have a choice. I was happy to see the Crows and seagulls getting along. My Peaceful Kingdom. If I can't live back out in the country then by golly I will do what I can where I am.

We are not supposed to feed the waterfowl or deer. It's not good for them. Not good for the environment. Well I agree. Again, it's a question to me of live or die? I will feed the deer and I will feed the ducks if I have the opportunity to do so. I won't make them dependent and I will feed them good food if I can. I am all for obeying the law and those who work in the environmental protection thingie but..........if I see an animal who needs help, like the Raccoon we brought home then by golly I will help if I can. We named the Raccoon Blueberry because he loved the Blueberries. I could not find anyone willing to help him. That shocked me. No they carry worms, they have diseases that transmit to your pets. Well be sensible then and don't let them near the dogs and be very careful. Blueberry got to go home again and I hope had a long life. Probably not, but I did my part.

It's April ...... really? ......

Well yesterday it rained all day the snow was just about gone for the most part. The weather man has been warning us of a "Winter" storm coming. Well "Spring" storm is more like it. Well it's here. Already news from Leelanau County and power is out. This is heavy wet snow with ice under it. The forecast showed areas of snow, and snow and ice. We are on the verge of the snow and ice and it's also windy so I know there will be a lot of branches down.
Look at the Pines out front of my house. The snow is still coming down and the wind is picking up.


The plough goes by and closes up the cross roads. We live on a side street and the next road over is 8th st, a one way to the hospital. So they keep that open first for fire and ambulance. I remember when my friend Mary who lived out in Lake Leelanau would come into work, she would say how bad the roads were. Well sometimes it was harder for me only a few blocks away when the plough would leave us blocked in the driveway and then the end of the road would also be blocked so that made me late.

I am glad I cancelled my groomers appointment today, the poodles were due for a haircut. I called her yesterday, I felt bad cancelling but she was happy enough not to have to drive in. I mean, to cancel on a 4 cut appointment just would not be fair, she makes room for me on a Saturday as it is. Anyway, she was happy to oblige and now they will go in two weeks. A bit fuzzier but safe. Can you imagine getting stuck in all that with 4 small dogs. Looking out this morning I am sooooo glad I cancelled.

I was going to cut some Forsythia branches to bring in the house so they will bloom. What with snow and rain I have not done so. Now look at them.

The back yard is heavy with branches laden with snow

This poor squirrel was waiting for food (there was plenty under the snow) we filled the feeders and he came down for a few minutes but did not linger.

The food is already covered. Funny enough out in the country the birds go to the feeders no matter the weather. Here in town not so much.

Gerry went out to clear a path. Tristen is coming over for the day. I was surprised they actually came, he had TaiKwanDo, I thought they would cancel but nope, they had it. A lot of business's were closed. So he is here for the night.

Bella went out to potty. Yesterday she would not go out in the rain, the others did. I turned around and she had gone on the doormat so I was surprised she went out today.

We had probably a foot of snow so far. At least it seemed that much was on the deck.

So far it has not stopped and I thought the weatherman said tonight (Saturday) was going to be the worst of it. So we shall see. I am prepared. If the power goes out I will find candles and we have a flashlight. I always keep enough food in the house.I was raised in England, I know how to survive. Loads of blankets if the heat is off and I do regret no fireplace but that's OK. We will all snuggle up and find stuff to do. I don't expect that to happen but we will be OK no matter.
Anyway it's a PJ day for me and I will draw and paint I think, I should start sewing but bleh!!!! not in that mode right now. I really must get that done soon.
I guess my garden plans are on hold for the immediate future but I also know how quickly this can melt and turn to 90 degrees really fast. It's Michigan, what can I say.

Old Friends......................

When I think of old friends I always think of my English friends. I have after all known them most of my entire life. I remain in contact with all of them still living.
Where to begin. Well When I lived at 785 Dunstable Road I must have been around 3 or 4 because we moved to Bidwell Hill when I was 4. I am not sure my memory serves me well because my first school was when I lived at Nan's house. We called the house Minerva after my Granddad's ship. He was in the Royal Navy during the first war. Well, I do remember my first day of school because I can even see the corridors, painted top one colour and bottom was green with a black band between them. When Mum was in the office with glass windows and doors I asked to go to the bathroom. Well some lady took me but then would not let me go back to my Mum, that would have been OK but I wanted to say goodbye and was told no. I cried. Funny how I recall how tall I was because I was way below that middle mark where the colours on the wall separated. I also remember going to lunch and refusing to eat the crap that was put in front of me. Some kind of stew. A teacher came and sat with me and spoon fed me the first taste. It was great.....so I ate it. I remember 3 friends during my time there. Jane Palmer who was the daughter of the lady my Nan worked for. A girl named Jillian who lived across the road and the girl next door was Susan. I spent most time with Jane I suppose.

When we moved to Bidwell Hill I started Top School in the village of Houghton Regis.
That is Jennifer Bright on the left and Margaret Dryden on the right. Others in the class were also long time friends. Joyce Dollimore and Margaret Piper among others.

My cousins Janet and Brenda both went to Bottom School down on the Green so I seldom if ever saw them. The first person I met was Jennifer Bright.

Her and her Mum came around to meet my Mum and me and Jennifer both hid behind our Mums. We stayed friends all through school until we moved on to Northfields when I didn't see her so much. Her auntie Flo lived in the village near the Kings Arms and I could walk down there whenever I wanted. They moved from Bidwell Hill into a house in the High Street. I can still see her mum answering the door "Can Jenn come out and play?"......
The next friend on the Hill was Sylvia Miller, she lived down the road a bit and her Dad drove an ambulance. Her Mum worked on a farm down the hill. We spent a lot of time together across the fields, gathering Violets and Bluebells for our Mums.

Then there was Margaret Dryden, from Grove Farm.


She was my constant companion right up until she got Married. We spent so much time down on the farm and she always came away on holiday with us to the Norfolk Broads. She was with me when I met Graham. (Laura's Dad)
At some point the neighbours moved and the McDonalds moved in. They had two daughters Dawn and Heather. Dawn and I became good friends. We didn't hang out because we were a little different in age and so not in the same year at school. We could not help but be friends though. Our bedrooms in the semi detached house we shared were next to each other. So we could tap on the wall or hang out the window and chat.

Once I left school and started work that introduced me to a whole other set of friends.
One was Sheila Wilson who was a bit younger than me and Margaret but the three of us became inseparable for many years.

Those were our boyfriend years rather than childhood. We spent our weekends together at the Cali (California ballroom) and would double date and all those things. Concerts in other towns. Long bus rides to check out the not so local talent. Days up in London or at shows there during the Christmas holidays. Margaret didn't work at the same place we did but I saw Sheila every day. We were good friends with Rena Bruff who married Roy Tompkins and moved to Canada. I was her bridesmaid. They divorced in later years and both remarried.
Sheila and boyfriend Mick, Rena and Roy and me with my boyfriend Mick Goldsmith.

Rena and Roy's wedding with me and Maureen Jones as bridesmaids.

Roy and daughter Adrienne

Roy calls me now and then and it is so good to hear the voice of an old friend. Rena did not stay in touch but I follow her on Facebook. She still looks the same. So does Roy even though he is close to 80 now. So hard to believe. All I think of is the concerts we went to and Roy's parents lived across the street from where we worked. We would go over there for lunch and listen to music. I remember he loved Buddy Holly and one day had a new album by a new group called the Beatles. We went to see them in concert soon after that.
Pam, Chris, Rena and me then Dorothy and Maureen.

Most of the women in the office I worked in (Hollerith) were friends. There were a couple of older ladies that we were good friends with, they enjoyed entertaining us and we would go for tea at Dorothy and Ivans house.

Back then we dressed up to go out in the evening. I remember Dorothy would make Scotch Eggs, sandwiches and always a lovely cake, sometimes a Victoria sponge. It was lovely and usually Sheila, Rena and me and often the other lady Maureen (we called Mo) who was also older and married. Maureen was married to Johnny Jones and when us younger girls wanted to be out late we would stay at her house for the night. The older ladies husbands loved us younger ones and would have us sit on their laps and it was all innocent on our part but now I wonder haha.............I do recall Rena and I going in to kiss Johnny and Maureen goodnight, we wore little baby doll pajamas and I bet that he just loved that. Hmmmmm.
Margaret and me on holiday Norfolk Broads

In later years, after I went to London and came back when I had Laura, well I eventually went back to work at the same place. It was later when I started to go out again that I became friends with another group, Chris, Diane and her sister Denise and Shirley. Those were the years of going to the base at Chicksands where I met my husband.
I met girls when I lived in London and I am still in touch with a couple of them.
Kath and Shelagh

I never seem to lose touch with friends. They may be in my life for a time when we spend all our time together but life moves on.............but I can never let go. I still stay in touch and always have. The older friends are gone now. Johnny Jones is still alive but not on the computer so I hear about him from a lady who lives near him. Dorothy and Maureen are gone now. Most of the others are still around and still in touch.
Margaret lost her husband recently and so I am grateful that we have Facebook now..........its so good to be able to stay in touch that way rather than writing letters and waiting for a reply. Same goes for my cousins who I reconnected with via Facebook. It makes life easier.
Most of the old friends are on there now I am so happy about that, we are all in our 70s now and its good to remember good times when we were young.