I spent a lovely afternoon on the last day of 2008 with Nicola. We started off with lunch at a restaurant en-route to the Tate, then we went to see the Rothko exhibition.
Nicola was horrified that I had never been to the Rothko room at the Tate (I had never even heard of Rothko until a few months ago when Tracey texted me to ask if I had seen his work at the Tate...) so I suspect she may be taking a more firmer hand in my art education going forward! Before we went to the exhibition she joined the Tate as a member + 1, so I didn't have to pay to get in either which was a real bonus!
The show was really good - I wasn't too keen on his black pieces, but some of the others were just amazing. And there were a lot more than you usually see in the Rothko room (according to Nicola) so it was definitely worth going. And afterwards we went to the Members Room and enjoyed a very nice glass of mulled wine :-).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Squeezing in one last walk...
Julia and I went for the last walk of 2008 - Hassocks to Upper Beeding. 10 miles, graded 8/10 in terms of difficulty.
It was a great walk! We're having VERY cold weather at the mo, and the day was perfect - clear blue sky (although a bit misty), and very cold. Grass crackling under out feet as we walked through the frost - brilliant. And it was along the South Downs which is one of my favourite places, and we haven't walked there for ages, so it was just great to get back down there, walk up a few hills and stride along the Downs. It would have been a lot harder if it hadn't been so cold as a few stretches of it were quite muddy, but as the mud was frozen it didn't impact on us at all.
It was really quiet as well - aside from around the lunch spot, we didn't really see many people at all. And we finished just as the sun was going down, so we weren't walking in the freezing cold - cos when the sun goes down at the mo the temperature seems to drop about 5 deg :-). There are a couple of photos below, but also more on Flickr.
We have many plans for doing more walking in 2009 as well...
It was a great walk! We're having VERY cold weather at the mo, and the day was perfect - clear blue sky (although a bit misty), and very cold. Grass crackling under out feet as we walked through the frost - brilliant. And it was along the South Downs which is one of my favourite places, and we haven't walked there for ages, so it was just great to get back down there, walk up a few hills and stride along the Downs. It would have been a lot harder if it hadn't been so cold as a few stretches of it were quite muddy, but as the mud was frozen it didn't impact on us at all.
It was really quiet as well - aside from around the lunch spot, we didn't really see many people at all. And we finished just as the sun was going down, so we weren't walking in the freezing cold - cos when the sun goes down at the mo the temperature seems to drop about 5 deg :-). There are a couple of photos below, but also more on Flickr.
We have many plans for doing more walking in 2009 as well...
Me and frost - Hassocks to Upper Beeding, Dec 2008
Me and frost - Hassocks to Upper Beeding, Dec 2008
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Top of the first hill...
Julia with the valley below - Hassocks to Upper Beeding, Dec 2008
Julia with the valley below - Hassocks to Upper Beeding, Dec 2008
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Working our way up to the top of Devils Dyke - and lunch!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Cold War Modern
I took myself off to this exhibition on Monday - it was a bit of a marathon effort to get there as there were problems on the trains, but I've got a list of things to get done before I go back to work on the 5th so I persevered!
As I was by myself I got an audio guide as well - it was the first time I used my Art Fund membership (which gives me half price entrance to loads of different galleries and exhibitions) so I was quite pleased to start to save money immediately.
It was a really interesting exhibition, although by the end of the 7th room I was flagging somewhat it has to be said... The first half was fascinating - seeing how the East and West were competing each other through their designs as well - and how much that influenced the stuff that we still use today. When it got more in to the art and the paintings at the end it wasn't quite as interesting for me.
Well worth the effort though!
As I was by myself I got an audio guide as well - it was the first time I used my Art Fund membership (which gives me half price entrance to loads of different galleries and exhibitions) so I was quite pleased to start to save money immediately.
It was a really interesting exhibition, although by the end of the 7th room I was flagging somewhat it has to be said... The first half was fascinating - seeing how the East and West were competing each other through their designs as well - and how much that influenced the stuff that we still use today. When it got more in to the art and the paintings at the end it wasn't quite as interesting for me.
Well worth the effort though!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Chris had to work on Christmas Day so Maya and I had a very lazy day, watching tv and prepping the veges for the dinner. It was quite strange to have to wait until the evening to eat and open the presents, but once Chris got back he could finally relax and we could start our Christmas proper.
I had struggled to get into the Xmas spirit this year, and didn't have any decorations up, but Maya wasn't having any of it, and bought me a lovely wee Xmas tree which is lit up with pink lights - it is so pretty, and did help the Xmas spirit!
Yet again Chris cooked a delicious chicken, and I was really quite spoilt giftwise by the pair of them. I'm particularly looking forward to trying out my new bottle of whisky - The Peat Monster! From the tasting notes it looks like it will be just what I like!
We had planned to go ice skating on Boxing Day, but we decided not to do it - Chris was knackered from the long hours he'd been putting in, so we decided just to amble along the Thames path to Kingston and go for a drink. A much nicer and less strenuous way to spend the late afternoon :-).
I had struggled to get into the Xmas spirit this year, and didn't have any decorations up, but Maya wasn't having any of it, and bought me a lovely wee Xmas tree which is lit up with pink lights - it is so pretty, and did help the Xmas spirit!
Yet again Chris cooked a delicious chicken, and I was really quite spoilt giftwise by the pair of them. I'm particularly looking forward to trying out my new bottle of whisky - The Peat Monster! From the tasting notes it looks like it will be just what I like!
We had planned to go ice skating on Boxing Day, but we decided not to do it - Chris was knackered from the long hours he'd been putting in, so we decided just to amble along the Thames path to Kingston and go for a drink. A much nicer and less strenuous way to spend the late afternoon :-).
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Pre-xmas panic...
I only did a half day at work on the 24th and Maya came round about 4ish. We then headed off to the supermarket to do all the last minute shopping that needed to be done. One supermarket down, with most of what we needed (except for custard and potatoes) we headed off to the other one to finish our list.
Shock horror! It was closed!! Slight panic set in as we had no custard for the trifle, and still had no potatoes for the dinner! Fortunately M&S came to the rescue with the right type of spuds (King Edward) and also custard :-).
So crisis averted we headed home, safe in the knowledge that our dinner was safe!
Shock horror! It was closed!! Slight panic set in as we had no custard for the trifle, and still had no potatoes for the dinner! Fortunately M&S came to the rescue with the right type of spuds (King Edward) and also custard :-).
So crisis averted we headed home, safe in the knowledge that our dinner was safe!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The amazing 'War Horse'
I went to see War Horse with a friend from work. I didn't really know much about it but Alex had heard a lot of good things, so we decided to treat ourselves as a Xmas present.
Absolutely amazing! Its adapted from a childrens story about a boy's journey to find his horse on the battlefields of WWI and it was done so well. The horses were done by a puppet company - but they were big enough that the actors could sit on them and 'ride' them around the stage. It was just so well done. We were completely entranced - I forgot I was seeing horses that were puppets and just felt like I was watching real horses. Brilliant. The story was great as well - dealt with the futility of war so well, without over-egging it.
And I cried at the end :-).
Absolutely amazing! Its adapted from a childrens story about a boy's journey to find his horse on the battlefields of WWI and it was done so well. The horses were done by a puppet company - but they were big enough that the actors could sit on them and 'ride' them around the stage. It was just so well done. We were completely entranced - I forgot I was seeing horses that were puppets and just felt like I was watching real horses. Brilliant. The story was great as well - dealt with the futility of war so well, without over-egging it.
And I cried at the end :-).
Saturday, December 06, 2008
No scary dogs - and a bit of craft
Saturday was the 3rd section of our London Loop endeavour - this time from Jubilee Country Park to West Wickham Common, and after seeing the hell hound last time we were all a bit nervous! But aside from much mud, we didn't see any exciting animals, although we did see many other lovely dogs which kept Nicola happy (being our resident dog lover).
We passed the memorial to the abolishment of slavery - where William Wilberforce discussed the subject for the first time with the PM George Pitt.
Afterwards we went to Craftacular - the first time it was held in the UK. I think we all thought it would be a bit bigger than it was, but I did buy a nice wee new brooch and have found a great new tapestry project to stitch - once I finish all my other projects of course!
We passed the memorial to the abolishment of slavery - where William Wilberforce discussed the subject for the first time with the PM George Pitt.
Afterwards we went to Craftacular - the first time it was held in the UK. I think we all thought it would be a bit bigger than it was, but I did buy a nice wee new brooch and have found a great new tapestry project to stitch - once I finish all my other projects of course!
Nicola, Mhairi and me by the Wilberforce bench
Nicola, Mhairi and me by the Wilberforce bench
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Behind us is the memorial bench for the abolishment of slavery.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
The Hours
On Dec 2nd I went to see The Hours again with Divya. They played at a great venue - Proud Galleries in Camden - and they were fantastic (again). The venue was a converted horse hospital so the band played in the front half, while in the back all the old stables have been converted into little booths for hanging out and looking cool in. Which Divya and I did our utmost to do - but we're not really very cool so I don't think it worked too well!
We did see Ronnie Wood however - with his new young Russian girlfriend... Not a bad star spot we thought!
We did see Ronnie Wood however - with his new young Russian girlfriend... Not a bad star spot we thought!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Me - a rugby head?
Well I don't think I quite qualify as one, but I do enjoy getting into the game when I get a free ticket!
Saturday was great fun - we had great seats at the back of the middle tier in the East Stand - looking side on to the goal posts in the NZ half for the second half - so perfect views to watch the tries go over! The only way we could tell if Dan Carter had managed to get the ball over properly however was whether the English fans cheered loudly or not! The singing of 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' during the haka was amazing, and every now and then the crowd would start up again to try and get the England team engaged in the game. Obviously though that didn't work! Luckily for England Dan was so off form, otherwise the final score would have been even worse.
After the rugby it was straight round to Simon's place to put up a couple of banners and blow up some balloons, and then help him celebrate his birthday. Not quite the over top affair of last year but that combined with the day at the rugby did mean that Sunday was very quiet as I let my body recover... :-).
Saturday was great fun - we had great seats at the back of the middle tier in the East Stand - looking side on to the goal posts in the NZ half for the second half - so perfect views to watch the tries go over! The only way we could tell if Dan Carter had managed to get the ball over properly however was whether the English fans cheered loudly or not! The singing of 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' during the haka was amazing, and every now and then the crowd would start up again to try and get the England team engaged in the game. Obviously though that didn't work! Luckily for England Dan was so off form, otherwise the final score would have been even worse.
After the rugby it was straight round to Simon's place to put up a couple of banners and blow up some balloons, and then help him celebrate his birthday. Not quite the over top affair of last year but that combined with the day at the rugby did mean that Sunday was very quiet as I let my body recover... :-).
Birthday boy and the cake
Birthday boy and the cake
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Simon cutting the highly delish cake baked by Mhairi... not quite as lovely as the one she made for me, but it was pretty good!
Waiting for England to come out
Waiting for England to come out
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Just before England came out - to a deafening roar!
All Blacks clapping the crowd
All Blacks clapping the crowd
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Taken at the end of the game, as the All Blacks clapped the remaining supporters.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Just to confirm...
for any siblings in any doubt - I will in no way shape or form be supporting England at the rugby match tomorrow...
In fact, I am hoping (shopping expedition dependent) to be dressed entirely in black, one item of which will be an All Blacks top (last worn when they played England in the Rugby World Cup back in 1999...).
I support England always - unless they are playing my home country.
Bring it on!!
In fact, I am hoping (shopping expedition dependent) to be dressed entirely in black, one item of which will be an All Blacks top (last worn when they played England in the Rugby World Cup back in 1999...).
I support England always - unless they are playing my home country.
Bring it on!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Lucy's tribute to Mum
Lucy wrote this poem last week while suffering from tonsillitis and she has now had it published on the Tearaway site.
I think it is absolutely beautiful, makes me teary every time I read it and I just know Mum would love it.
Where would we be without family? Love you Lucy :-)
I think it is absolutely beautiful, makes me teary every time I read it and I just know Mum would love it.
Where would we be without family? Love you Lucy :-)
And so endeth my quiet time...
Busy time coming up for me as we head into the start of the silly season. Top of the list however is GOING TO TWICKENHAM on Saturday to watch the All Blacks hopefully thrash the English :-). Closely followed that evening by Simon's birthday party...
Can't wait!!
Can't wait!!
I could have seen the Queen...
I could have seen the All Blacks...
And who did I get to see - John Key and Boris Johnson!!
The '100% Pure New Zealand' rugby ball is currently installed at a field next to my office, and a friend of mine from work's flatmate is in Manaia, one of the Maori culture groups. Hence we knew they were doing a welcome this morning at 9am. We thought it was for the Queen and the Allblacks but sadly not. However, we walked around the incredibly lax security (see photo), took some photos, watched the powhiri and wandered back to the office discussing how easily we could have caused mayhem given the laxness of the security!
What was more annoying was that Rachel went out again at 2 and did see the Queen and the All Blacks but I had a meeting to go to! I did think it was a pretty good coup to get the Queen out tho!
But the ball looks pretty cool and I'll definitely be paying it a visit before it leaves...
And who did I get to see - John Key and Boris Johnson!!
The '100% Pure New Zealand' rugby ball is currently installed at a field next to my office, and a friend of mine from work's flatmate is in Manaia, one of the Maori culture groups. Hence we knew they were doing a welcome this morning at 9am. We thought it was for the Queen and the Allblacks but sadly not. However, we walked around the incredibly lax security (see photo), took some photos, watched the powhiri and wandered back to the office discussing how easily we could have caused mayhem given the laxness of the security!
What was more annoying was that Rachel went out again at 2 and did see the Queen and the All Blacks but I had a meeting to go to! I did think it was a pretty good coup to get the Queen out tho!
But the ball looks pretty cool and I'll definitely be paying it a visit before it leaves...
Me & Rachel by the ball
I may look drunk here but it is 9am in the morning, freezing cold and windy!
Security - what security?
Security - what security?
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Note the sign saying 'Pedestrian diversion' - we weren't allowed to walk down the path, so walked over the grass instead...!
The ball
The ball
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
You have to admit that is a pretty cool site with Tower Bridge in the background...
Whoops - clearing the clothes away during the welcome...
Whoops - clearing the clothes away during the welcome...
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Note the guy clearing away the clothes here - the Powhiri had started but no one had thought to clear away Manaia's coats etc - very funny!
Cute as a Button...
Yes I know I'm cute...
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
On Saturday Mhairi and I went round to Nicola's flat to meet her new cat Buttons, recently adopted from a rescue home. She was very wee, and very cute. Reminded me a bit of the late Puddy - almost as fierce as well!
Actually this time I haven't been doing much...
Which is why I haven't blogged recently. Although then I looked at my phone and found some photos I'd taken and thought there probably is stuff I could be talking about...
I went to the Tate Modern a couple of weeks ago to get Tracey's birthday present (see I couldn't have mentioned that until I knew she had got her parcel...) where I had a great time wandering around the latest exhibition in the Turbine Hall - TH-2058. Read the essay on the Tate site - best way to understand it. Very cool though. I liked the apple core but the skeleton was a bit scary for me...
I went to the Tate Modern a couple of weeks ago to get Tracey's birthday present (see I couldn't have mentioned that until I knew she had got her parcel...) where I had a great time wandering around the latest exhibition in the Turbine Hall - TH-2058. Read the essay on the Tate site - best way to understand it. Very cool though. I liked the apple core but the skeleton was a bit scary for me...
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Powerful photos
I went to see the 'Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life' exhibition today with Nicola and her friend Sarah.
It was a great show - I'm a fan of Annie Liebovitz anyhow as she is often in Vanity Fair, but what I loved about it was that it had some of her family snaps and photos of her partner Susan Sontag as well.
She had a series of photos of Susan Sontag when she was ill with cancer, and also of her father when he was very ill taken just before he passed away. I could look at the Sontag photos but not at the ones of her father - I just had to walk away. Very powerful and really quite emotional.
It was a great show - I'm a fan of Annie Liebovitz anyhow as she is often in Vanity Fair, but what I loved about it was that it had some of her family snaps and photos of her partner Susan Sontag as well.
She had a series of photos of Susan Sontag when she was ill with cancer, and also of her father when he was very ill taken just before he passed away. I could look at the Sontag photos but not at the ones of her father - I just had to walk away. Very powerful and really quite emotional.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Pretty sparkly fireworks
I went into town to meet Chris & James and David & Dominic to go and see the Lord Mayor's fireworks on Saturday evening.
We initially thought we had got the best spot as we were right by where the barge was anchored in the Thames - until we realised that as the display started it was towed further away from us! But we still had a great view and the fireworks were pretty impressive. I tested out the fireworks setting on my camera, and aside from having to pre-empt when you wanted to take a photo (so I had a lot of mis-shots), I thought it worked pretty well.
We followed that with a delish dinner at Wahaca - which I'd not been to (or heard of to be honest...) but it was great Mexican food, and REALLY nice margueritas :-).
We initially thought we had got the best spot as we were right by where the barge was anchored in the Thames - until we realised that as the display started it was towed further away from us! But we still had a great view and the fireworks were pretty impressive. I tested out the fireworks setting on my camera, and aside from having to pre-empt when you wanted to take a photo (so I had a lot of mis-shots), I thought it worked pretty well.
We followed that with a delish dinner at Wahaca - which I'd not been to (or heard of to be honest...) but it was great Mexican food, and REALLY nice margueritas :-).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The fantastic Hot Chip
And no I'm not talking about the deep fried variety...
I went to see Hot Chip with Mhairi and Divya who were absolutely fantastic. Great light show - very slick, and they played all my fave songs - including 'Made in the dark' which is often on high rotate.
They were supported by the appallingly awful Max Tundra - who I'm not going to link to. If you want to find out you can google him! Not my cup of tea - and it was far too loud...
It was also generally a very loud gig - first time for ages I've come out of a gig and I could 'feel' it in my ears if that makes sense!
I went to see Hot Chip with Mhairi and Divya who were absolutely fantastic. Great light show - very slick, and they played all my fave songs - including 'Made in the dark' which is often on high rotate.
They were supported by the appallingly awful Max Tundra - who I'm not going to link to. If you want to find out you can google him! Not my cup of tea - and it was far too loud...
It was also generally a very loud gig - first time for ages I've come out of a gig and I could 'feel' it in my ears if that makes sense!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The People Whom You Love
Be calm and still long enough
the people whom you love will come
as the deep stream clears when
surface ripples are all done.
Nothing will be said, but you
will recognise the true expression
on each face just as you remember
them. Nothing will be said, but
they will come, not conjured by
your dreams, or grief, but just
wishing to call by. Nothing will
be said, but the people whom you
love will walk at ease and smile
and take no notice of your tears.
by Owen Marshall
the people whom you love will come
as the deep stream clears when
surface ripples are all done.
Nothing will be said, but you
will recognise the true expression
on each face just as you remember
them. Nothing will be said, but
they will come, not conjured by
your dreams, or grief, but just
wishing to call by. Nothing will
be said, but the people whom you
love will walk at ease and smile
and take no notice of your tears.
by Owen Marshall
Monday, October 27, 2008
The ritual of sherry
Its funny little random comments sometimes...
Went out for a pint with Owen after work (VERY unusual for a Monday I hasten to add, but he was away last week so we were catching up...), and on the way back to the station we started to talk about the drink you have (but shouldn't have) at the end of the evening (mine being whisky in case anyone's interested).
Having just been to Spain he mentioned how they had been drinking sherry while they were there - pale sherry, chilled. Before dinner. So of course I mentioned the Shield's family ritual to him - and that started me wondering where did Mum get it from? Most pubs don't serve sherry chilled - but Mum did. I have no idea, but perhaps someone in the whanau knows when it started.
Anyhow - I went home with a smile in my heart remembering the sherry ritual.
Its the random comments...
Went out for a pint with Owen after work (VERY unusual for a Monday I hasten to add, but he was away last week so we were catching up...), and on the way back to the station we started to talk about the drink you have (but shouldn't have) at the end of the evening (mine being whisky in case anyone's interested).
Having just been to Spain he mentioned how they had been drinking sherry while they were there - pale sherry, chilled. Before dinner. So of course I mentioned the Shield's family ritual to him - and that started me wondering where did Mum get it from? Most pubs don't serve sherry chilled - but Mum did. I have no idea, but perhaps someone in the whanau knows when it started.
Anyhow - I went home with a smile in my heart remembering the sherry ritual.
Its the random comments...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Lovely dogs and a Hell hound
Today was the second of our London Loop walks - this time from Bexley to Jubilee Country Park.
This was a much nicer section than the first one - most of it meandered through some really quite lovely woods - and despite still being very close to civilisation, at times felt like we were really quite rural. We saw many lovely dogs having a great time splashing around in the River Cray - Bacchus would have had a ball.
On our first walk we spotted the killer doberman guard dogs - this time, in the middle of the woods having all been studying a sign we turned around to see the most ENORMOUS dog which seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. It was truly the size of the hell hound and given that it just appeared, it was somewhat disconcerting. More disconcerting was the fact that it came towards us, barking every now and then (despite being muzzled that wasn't stopping it barking, so presumably would not have stopped it biting either...). I was somewhat reassured by the fact that its owner wasn't perturbed or hurrying towards us, but was also worried that it was still woofing at us when it was quite close. However once the owner got to us it relaxed and we all patted it - aside from Jackie who preferred to stay behind Nicola. Given that it was almost the same height as her though we thought that was allowed! We're now a bit nervous what we'll spot on the next walk... Watch this space!
In between the lovely dogs we said hello to several quite friendly people - and got a bit concerned about one man who seemed to be a bit keen on following us at the start. Initially helpful, he was telling us about the raw sewage we were about to encounter (fortunately it was only over a very short stint), and then just seemed to be 'lingering' a bit - no doubt he was harmless, but its a suspicious world at times...
We were hoping to get to see the memorial of William Willett - the inventor of Daylight Saving Time which would have been very apt given that our clocks go back in the UK tonight, but we missed the turnoff. Nicola (organiser extraordinaire - usually...) had left the London Loop book at home and we had to rely on the instructions from the website which were a bit more vague. We also missed a moated manor (again for the same reason) which was a shame...
Despite those minor disappointments it was a lovely 7.1 mile walk!
This was a much nicer section than the first one - most of it meandered through some really quite lovely woods - and despite still being very close to civilisation, at times felt like we were really quite rural. We saw many lovely dogs having a great time splashing around in the River Cray - Bacchus would have had a ball.
On our first walk we spotted the killer doberman guard dogs - this time, in the middle of the woods having all been studying a sign we turned around to see the most ENORMOUS dog which seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. It was truly the size of the hell hound and given that it just appeared, it was somewhat disconcerting. More disconcerting was the fact that it came towards us, barking every now and then (despite being muzzled that wasn't stopping it barking, so presumably would not have stopped it biting either...). I was somewhat reassured by the fact that its owner wasn't perturbed or hurrying towards us, but was also worried that it was still woofing at us when it was quite close. However once the owner got to us it relaxed and we all patted it - aside from Jackie who preferred to stay behind Nicola. Given that it was almost the same height as her though we thought that was allowed! We're now a bit nervous what we'll spot on the next walk... Watch this space!
In between the lovely dogs we said hello to several quite friendly people - and got a bit concerned about one man who seemed to be a bit keen on following us at the start. Initially helpful, he was telling us about the raw sewage we were about to encounter (fortunately it was only over a very short stint), and then just seemed to be 'lingering' a bit - no doubt he was harmless, but its a suspicious world at times...
We were hoping to get to see the memorial of William Willett - the inventor of Daylight Saving Time which would have been very apt given that our clocks go back in the UK tonight, but we missed the turnoff. Nicola (organiser extraordinaire - usually...) had left the London Loop book at home and we had to rely on the instructions from the website which were a bit more vague. We also missed a moated manor (again for the same reason) which was a shame...
Despite those minor disappointments it was a lovely 7.1 mile walk!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Hadrian - Empire and Conflict
I went to this exhibition tonight after work with a friend from work - "the other Megan" - although technically that should be "the other Meagen" as we have different spellings...
We'd been talking about going to this for a few weeks, both of us thinking it was on until the New Year, until we realised it finished on Sunday... so it was a Friday night outing for us. It did feel strange going to an exhibition on a Friday night and I have to admit at 5pm on Friday it was the last thing I felt like doing.
But it was great! Really interesting, and fascinating to see some of the statues etc they had. An enormous head of Hadrian at the start in particular - only unearthed in January 2007 - quite something to see photos of them finding it in the ground, and then to see it in front of you. Made me realise the appeal of archaeology!
He was an interesting character, and the exhibition was done very well - although it was mainly comprised of a lot of statues of him, it actually told the story of his life very well, and didn't feel dry or dull at all. But it was BUSY - even on a Friday night we were often 3 or 4 people deep trying to read about the exhibits. Still - it was worth it. So now I understand a bit more about Hadrian's Wall (which I went to many years ago with my friend Kathryn), and also the Pantheon. He got about did Hadrian!
And as according to Wikipedia Adrian comes from Hadrian there was even a family connection as well!
We'd been talking about going to this for a few weeks, both of us thinking it was on until the New Year, until we realised it finished on Sunday... so it was a Friday night outing for us. It did feel strange going to an exhibition on a Friday night and I have to admit at 5pm on Friday it was the last thing I felt like doing.
But it was great! Really interesting, and fascinating to see some of the statues etc they had. An enormous head of Hadrian at the start in particular - only unearthed in January 2007 - quite something to see photos of them finding it in the ground, and then to see it in front of you. Made me realise the appeal of archaeology!
He was an interesting character, and the exhibition was done very well - although it was mainly comprised of a lot of statues of him, it actually told the story of his life very well, and didn't feel dry or dull at all. But it was BUSY - even on a Friday night we were often 3 or 4 people deep trying to read about the exhibits. Still - it was worth it. So now I understand a bit more about Hadrian's Wall (which I went to many years ago with my friend Kathryn), and also the Pantheon. He got about did Hadrian!
And as according to Wikipedia Adrian comes from Hadrian there was even a family connection as well!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Stunning Kew
On Saturday we (being Mhairi, Jackie and Nicola) went to Kew to admire the pretty autumnal colours from the tree top walkway.
And the colours were fantastic - it was also great to go back to the walkway and see it in a different season. Can't wait to go back in Jan/Feb and see how it looks in winter.
A couple of photos below - but more on Flickr so check them out.
And the colours were fantastic - it was also great to go back to the walkway and see it in a different season. Can't wait to go back in Jan/Feb and see how it looks in winter.
A couple of photos below - but more on Flickr so check them out.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Ahh... the politics of youth
I was listening to a podcast interview with Michael Parkinson and one of the questions a listener asked him was how he reconciled the fact that when he was younger he had said he would never accept an award from the Queen, but he now has a CBE and is in fact Sir Michael. He responded that isn't everyone much angrier when they are young - and in fact you should be a bit stauncher when you are young, but inevitably as you age you calm down.
Made me think of some of my past 'beliefs' which included:
I'm definitely getting old!!
Made me think of some of my past 'beliefs' which included:
- I would never get married (in fact I'm pretty sure I told Kevin that one when we started going out...). Now I'd just like someone who wanted to ask me!
- Refusing to shave my legs to make them look nicer for the boys (and boy, do I cringe about that one now!)
- Getting VERY cross if people called us girls - at the time our response tended to be something along the lines of 'I'm not a girl, I'm a fully 'functioning' woman'. The word wasn't functioning of course, but referred to our 'monthly courses' (as they put it in olden day novels). That one still makes my friends fall about laughing...
- Ringing in to a talkback show on BFM to argue against the fact that males should hold doors open for females... I really can't believe I felt that passionate about it :-). Now I hold open the door for whomever is coming in behind me regardless of gender and expect them to do the same for me...
I'm definitely getting old!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Family on my mind...
This month is shaping up to be a difficult one, and the next couple of weeks are going to be particularly hard. However, me, the Wellington crew and the Piha crew have all discovered the joys of Skype over the last week (in the past I'd only managed one voice call with Eryn). I've had a video call each with Piha and Wellington which was just fab. I got to show Adrian and Eryn my flat (courtesy of walking around with my MacBook and pointing the camera at different bits!), and then we also managed a 3 way conference call with all of us (but no video sadly).
'My family are the biz' as Adrian might say - I miss you guys loads, and I'm thinking of you loads at the moment. I'm also crying again at the drop of a hat - thought I had that under control but it seems to have made a return. Sigh.
This posting by Leigh also really resonated with me - I'm doing lots of 'remembering' and looking back at the moment - so the ability to have a 3 way call with family was great. Almost as good as physically being there with you all when I can't be... Here's to having lots more of them.
'My family are the biz' as Adrian might say - I miss you guys loads, and I'm thinking of you loads at the moment. I'm also crying again at the drop of a hat - thought I had that under control but it seems to have made a return. Sigh.
This posting by Leigh also really resonated with me - I'm doing lots of 'remembering' and looking back at the moment - so the ability to have a 3 way call with family was great. Almost as good as physically being there with you all when I can't be... Here's to having lots more of them.
Bad blogger...
Yes thats me I'm talking about...
Anyhow, below is a catch up of what I've been doing for the last couple of weeks. Better late than never as they say!
Anyhow, below is a catch up of what I've been doing for the last couple of weeks. Better late than never as they say!
I love Elbow!
Went to see Elbow play at The Roundhouse last night - absolutely fantastic! Although incredibly hot inside... which made it quite uncomfortable for quite a while. But the singer is just such a lovely guy, and a real talker to the crowd which always makes it more entertaining. When they played 'One Day Like This' balloons and streamers came falling down from the roof as well - it was just great. A wonderful song, and it just seemed so happy and uplifting - I loved it. A couple of their mums were in the crowd as well and he dedicated it to them - bless!
I really recommend the album - they won the Mercury prize off the back of it this year which was well deserved - it is great.
Mhairi and I are hoping to go and see Fat Freddy's Drop at the Roundhouse in December as well - if tickets are still available once we get paid again :-).
I really recommend the album - they won the Mercury prize off the back of it this year which was well deserved - it is great.
Mhairi and I are hoping to go and see Fat Freddy's Drop at the Roundhouse in December as well - if tickets are still available once we get paid again :-).
Friday, October 10, 2008
Winston's birthplace...
It turned out that Nicola also had this week off so we decided to a day trip out of London somewhere. First choice was Hatfield House - which I've been wanting to go to for years... And almost made it with Leigh and Maurie this year, except that I realised at the last minute that the house wasn't open on the day we were going. And this time Nicola checked to find out that the house isn't open over winter! I am fated to not go I feel...
Anyhow, second choice fell to Blenheim Palace - which had been a possible for Tracey's visit, but we'd run out of time when she was here.
However this was a successful choice and we duly headed off. It is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough (the current one is 82 years old, but he has a heir, and the heir also has an heir so the line looks pretty safe for a while yet...) and also where Winston Churchill was born. As the was the 'spare' he was never the Duke - just went on to lead a small country for a few years... The Palace is lovely - and the family still live there in private apartments. Lots of lovely tapestries to look at (which I have to admit did start to all look the same) - most of which depict the victorious Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Blenheim. The grounds are gorgeous - created originally by Capability Brown - who didn't do the formal look as I thought, but created man made grounds that looked natural (ah - the things I learn from Nicola!).
We went for a nice stroll around some of the grounds (and saw many pheasants), and then made the mistake of doing the new visitor experience 'Blenheim Palace - the Untold Story' which was rubbish. It wasn't the untold story - we'd heard most of it in the tour, and once you got into it you couldn't escape until each room was complete. Very tedious. And sadly that meant we didn't get time to complete the maze (the 2nd largest hedge one in Europe apparently). We did go into it, and got far enough to get to the top of one of the footbridges, but then the Palace man (not the Duke sadly) came and told us we only had 10 mins to complete it and we didn't think we could solve it in 10 mins so Nicola retraced our steps and we went back out where we had come in. I say 'we' - really it was Nicola - I was just following her!
We also checked out the Butterfly House which was very cool - lots of live butterflys flying around, although I did take pictures of some of the dead ones... And Nicola fooled me into thinking one of them was alive by blowing on its wings... I got quite excited for a while until I realised how hard she was laughing at me...
Then we went and had a very nice pint of ale while we waited for the bus back to Oxford - lovely day out! A couple of pics below, but more on Flickr so make sure you check them out!
Anyhow, second choice fell to Blenheim Palace - which had been a possible for Tracey's visit, but we'd run out of time when she was here.
However this was a successful choice and we duly headed off. It is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough (the current one is 82 years old, but he has a heir, and the heir also has an heir so the line looks pretty safe for a while yet...) and also where Winston Churchill was born. As the was the 'spare' he was never the Duke - just went on to lead a small country for a few years... The Palace is lovely - and the family still live there in private apartments. Lots of lovely tapestries to look at (which I have to admit did start to all look the same) - most of which depict the victorious Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Blenheim. The grounds are gorgeous - created originally by Capability Brown - who didn't do the formal look as I thought, but created man made grounds that looked natural (ah - the things I learn from Nicola!).
We went for a nice stroll around some of the grounds (and saw many pheasants), and then made the mistake of doing the new visitor experience 'Blenheim Palace - the Untold Story' which was rubbish. It wasn't the untold story - we'd heard most of it in the tour, and once you got into it you couldn't escape until each room was complete. Very tedious. And sadly that meant we didn't get time to complete the maze (the 2nd largest hedge one in Europe apparently). We did go into it, and got far enough to get to the top of one of the footbridges, but then the Palace man (not the Duke sadly) came and told us we only had 10 mins to complete it and we didn't think we could solve it in 10 mins so Nicola retraced our steps and we went back out where we had come in. I say 'we' - really it was Nicola - I was just following her!
We also checked out the Butterfly House which was very cool - lots of live butterflys flying around, although I did take pictures of some of the dead ones... And Nicola fooled me into thinking one of them was alive by blowing on its wings... I got quite excited for a while until I realised how hard she was laughing at me...
Then we went and had a very nice pint of ale while we waited for the bus back to Oxford - lovely day out! A couple of pics below, but more on Flickr so make sure you check them out!
Me in the oak tree
Me in the oak tree
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
I was a bit worried a big greebly was going to drop on me so wasn't going any further in than this!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Catchin up on films...
I've had this week off work which has been lovely. Didn't go away, but had many chores and things to get done. I've crossed off most of them so I didn't do too badly...
I also managed to catch up on some films as well. First up was The Duchess, which I thought was very good. First time I've watched a film with Keira Knightley in it when I thought she could act... And lots of lovely pretty frocks to admire as well of course!
I also went to see Hellboy II: The Golden Army which I thought was very good. Missed one of the characters from the first movie, but that would be my only criticism. I just love the character of Hellboy - whats not to like when he likes kittens so much!
Lastly, I finally went to see the new Batman movie - which has been out for ages - I've just been really crap recently. I thought it was fantastic - Heath Ledger was phenomenal as the Joker - very very disturbing. Made me realise again what a waste his death was.
I also managed to catch up on some films as well. First up was The Duchess, which I thought was very good. First time I've watched a film with Keira Knightley in it when I thought she could act... And lots of lovely pretty frocks to admire as well of course!
I also went to see Hellboy II: The Golden Army which I thought was very good. Missed one of the characters from the first movie, but that would be my only criticism. I just love the character of Hellboy - whats not to like when he likes kittens so much!
Lastly, I finally went to see the new Batman movie - which has been out for ages - I've just been really crap recently. I thought it was fantastic - Heath Ledger was phenomenal as the Joker - very very disturbing. Made me realise again what a waste his death was.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Wendover Circular - a lot of walking and a bit of getting lost...
Branching out from our usual destinations of the South Downs and Kent, Julia and I headed off to north of London to do the Wendover Circular - apparently 11.6 miles, but by the time we finished we had probably done closer to 13!
The description said this walk was particularly pretty in autumn and they were right - it was lovely. The weather was ok (started raining just as we finished) and the colours of the trees were gorgeous. The description of the route could have been a bit better though it has to be said - it is normally pretty hard to get lost doing a Time Out walk, but this one just didn't make sense. We worked out where we went wrong, went back, but just couldn't see the path as they described it. So we took another try, walked to a pub which was mentioned in the instructions and tried retracing our steps. That still didn't work :-(. So we ended up walking up the road for a while until we could pick the path back up.
So at that point we thought it was all fine and dandy... But no! Then we were wandering around a forest (with a howling gale, and dark clouds scudding over so it seemed very menacing and all very 'horror movie-ish') looking for a tree with a white cross painted on it. Quarter of an hour later we managed to stumble across it and picked up the path again... We did eventually finish without further incidents, but it just added to our general 'We don't like North London' view point! A couple of photos below and more on Flickr...
The description said this walk was particularly pretty in autumn and they were right - it was lovely. The weather was ok (started raining just as we finished) and the colours of the trees were gorgeous. The description of the route could have been a bit better though it has to be said - it is normally pretty hard to get lost doing a Time Out walk, but this one just didn't make sense. We worked out where we went wrong, went back, but just couldn't see the path as they described it. So we took another try, walked to a pub which was mentioned in the instructions and tried retracing our steps. That still didn't work :-(. So we ended up walking up the road for a while until we could pick the path back up.
So at that point we thought it was all fine and dandy... But no! Then we were wandering around a forest (with a howling gale, and dark clouds scudding over so it seemed very menacing and all very 'horror movie-ish') looking for a tree with a white cross painted on it. Quarter of an hour later we managed to stumble across it and picked up the path again... We did eventually finish without further incidents, but it just added to our general 'We don't like North London' view point! A couple of photos below and more on Flickr...
Really? Do dogs on lead please sheep? - Wendover Circular, Oct 2008
Really? Do dogs on lead please sheep? - Wendover Circular, Oct 2008
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
I loved this sign!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Flamborough Head
On Sunday (after getting up at a slightly more civilised time of about 9am!), Julia and I headed out to Flamborough Head for a more leisurely stroll.
Fantastic views over the cliffs and the coast - watching all of the fishing boats out in the water as well was amazing. Julia regaled me with tales of how they would go out there when she was young - her family used to farm a lot in that area.
Stunning scenery and so different from what we'd seen the day before - it was hard to believe it was so close geographically.
And we had the second best fish & chips I've had this year! Second only to the ones Tracey & I had in Kilkeel - absolutely delish! Completely removed the stain of the abomination Leigh, Maurie, Kevin and I suffered when we attempted to go to the sea forts!
Fantastic views over the cliffs and the coast - watching all of the fishing boats out in the water as well was amazing. Julia regaled me with tales of how they would go out there when she was young - her family used to farm a lot in that area.
Stunning scenery and so different from what we'd seen the day before - it was hard to believe it was so close geographically.
And we had the second best fish & chips I've had this year! Second only to the ones Tracey & I had in Kilkeel - absolutely delish! Completely removed the stain of the abomination Leigh, Maurie, Kevin and I suffered when we attempted to go to the sea forts!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Dinner - and Nellie's
Saturday night we went out for a lovely meal with Julia's parents. Julia has often talked about the lovely pub meals she has when she goes home, and this one was fantastic. I haven't eaten that much in ages - starter, main, dessert and coffee!
Towards the end of the evening conversation turned towards what we would do on Sunday and then about how we would fit in a visit to Nellie's - a pub that is an institution in Beverley (which is where Julia grew up - about 10 miles or so down the road). So off we go to Nellie's that night.
I was knackered, full and really didn't feel like another drink, but I could hardly refuse. And I can honestly say it is one of the best pubs I've ever been in - Maurie you would love it! It is gas lit (yes really!), and is made up of several different rooms which are still furnished with pieces of furniture from when the original owners (a couple of elderly women - one of whom was called Nellie) ran it. It was not like any other pub I've been in - it wasn't 'styled' as a house - it literally was one that had been converted. Julia had tales of doing her under-age drinking there, her dad Joe now drinks there after his badminton games, and he knows people who did their underage drinking there as well. Absolutely brilliant - and it was great to see it at night in all its dark, gas lit murkiness!
Towards the end of the evening conversation turned towards what we would do on Sunday and then about how we would fit in a visit to Nellie's - a pub that is an institution in Beverley (which is where Julia grew up - about 10 miles or so down the road). So off we go to Nellie's that night.
I was knackered, full and really didn't feel like another drink, but I could hardly refuse. And I can honestly say it is one of the best pubs I've ever been in - Maurie you would love it! It is gas lit (yes really!), and is made up of several different rooms which are still furnished with pieces of furniture from when the original owners (a couple of elderly women - one of whom was called Nellie) ran it. It was not like any other pub I've been in - it wasn't 'styled' as a house - it literally was one that had been converted. Julia had tales of doing her under-age drinking there, her dad Joe now drinks there after his badminton games, and he knows people who did their underage drinking there as well. Absolutely brilliant - and it was great to see it at night in all its dark, gas lit murkiness!
Now if only I was a Heartbeat fan...
Seeing as how we were only a few miles down the road we headed off to Goathland - which is where the tv series of Heartbeat is filmed.
Very pretty - but very busy!! Loads of tourists - and really there isn't a lot to see. But they had a lovely wee railway station, and Julia made me have a touristy photo taken outside the garage!
I might just have to watch an episode now...
Very pretty - but very busy!! Loads of tourists - and really there isn't a lot to see. But they had a lovely wee railway station, and Julia made me have a touristy photo taken outside the garage!
I might just have to watch an episode now...
Julia enjoying the sun
Julia enjoying the sun
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Julia enjoying the sun at Goathland train station - we were waiting for a steam train that never turned up...
The Hole of Horcum
Which some people believe was created by alluvial activity, but obviously it was created by the giant picking up a handful of earth to fling at his wife...
On Sat morning we chose our walk - a circular walk around the Hole of Horcum, so armed with walking book, OS maps, the road atlas and a packed lunch, Julia and I headed off. Julia's dad had very helpfully marked our route on the road map - most useful for me as a navigator!
We started from Levisham - which both Julia and I kept wanting to call Lewisham - two very different places! And straight away the walk was fantastic. Through lovely countryside up to the Hole which was just stunning, then around the edge of it to drop back into Levisham. If we'd been a few weeks earlier the heather would have been in bloom which would have just been stunning - but even so the scenery was just fantastic.
Look out for the photo on Flickr which has the triangular building in the distance - this is Fylingdales - the British equivalent of Waihopai. And apparently they used to be the golfball style too, but have now been changed...
We ate our lunch on heather which had been burnt off looking out over towards the other side of the Hole, with the sun blazing down on us. Absolutely brilliant. Just before the end of the walk we saw the cutest hairy looking cows - a bit like Highland cows, but the horns were slightly different. Very cute! Then it was back to the pub at Levisham for a drink in the sun before heading off to Goathland - or should I say Aidensfield...
(Check out my Flickr for more pics)
On Sat morning we chose our walk - a circular walk around the Hole of Horcum, so armed with walking book, OS maps, the road atlas and a packed lunch, Julia and I headed off. Julia's dad had very helpfully marked our route on the road map - most useful for me as a navigator!
We started from Levisham - which both Julia and I kept wanting to call Lewisham - two very different places! And straight away the walk was fantastic. Through lovely countryside up to the Hole which was just stunning, then around the edge of it to drop back into Levisham. If we'd been a few weeks earlier the heather would have been in bloom which would have just been stunning - but even so the scenery was just fantastic.
Look out for the photo on Flickr which has the triangular building in the distance - this is Fylingdales - the British equivalent of Waihopai. And apparently they used to be the golfball style too, but have now been changed...
We ate our lunch on heather which had been burnt off looking out over towards the other side of the Hole, with the sun blazing down on us. Absolutely brilliant. Just before the end of the walk we saw the cutest hairy looking cows - a bit like Highland cows, but the horns were slightly different. Very cute! Then it was back to the pub at Levisham for a drink in the sun before heading off to Goathland - or should I say Aidensfield...
(Check out my Flickr for more pics)
Friday, September 19, 2008
And so to East Riding, Yorkshire...
On Friday Julia and I headed off to Yorkshire. It occurred to me I didn't actually have any idea exactly where I was going - I didn't even know the name of the village that her parents lived in! But seeing as how she was with me that was ok...
Trip was fine, and after meeting her parents we headed off and had a late dinner at a pub en route back to Hutton Cranswick (out ultimate destination as I found out on the train...).
There was a bit of discussion that night about where we could walk on the Saturday, but no decisions were made - aside from us having to get up at 7.30am! Scary stuff for a weekend...
Trip was fine, and after meeting her parents we headed off and had a late dinner at a pub en route back to Hutton Cranswick (out ultimate destination as I found out on the train...).
There was a bit of discussion that night about where we could walk on the Saturday, but no decisions were made - aside from us having to get up at 7.30am! Scary stuff for a weekend...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Parlimentary Library nostalgia
I was sent a link to the photos from the book launch and the staff function at the Parliamentary Library recently.
Very strange to see photos of Tracey on the internet when they're not on my blog! Also saw photos of Anita and Des, plus people I worked with when I was there for about eight months. Recognised a lot of faces, but couldn't quite put names to all of them...
Am off up to East Yorkshire tomorrow with Julia to visit her parents and do some walking, so hopefully will have some great photos to post next week!
Very excited - a new part of the country for me!!
Very strange to see photos of Tracey on the internet when they're not on my blog! Also saw photos of Anita and Des, plus people I worked with when I was there for about eight months. Recognised a lot of faces, but couldn't quite put names to all of them...
Am off up to East Yorkshire tomorrow with Julia to visit her parents and do some walking, so hopefully will have some great photos to post next week!
Very excited - a new part of the country for me!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Never stop...
I wanted to type that as Echo & the Bunnymen sing it, but its quite hard to translate to the typed word on a blog...
Anyhow - what a fantastic gig. The first set was like the 'best of' their old stuff - headline for me was 'Never Stop' - my all time fave EATB song. I remember Tracey had the ep of it at home and I just loved it. Weirdly it was a bit like the encore was the first half - I would have been happy (or so I thought) to leave at the end of that as it was great.
First gig I've been to where I've had icecream at an 'interval' as well!
Ocean Rain was just great. Its the first gig I've been to where they play the album and it was slightly odd to know what they were going to play next, but the orchestra just matched it perfectly. It was just such a good gig - it has joined the ranks of my all time fave gigs - and it takes quite a bit to make that list!
Weirdly it seemed to round off the last week as well. I really associate EATB with being at home and somehow the gig helped me get deal with last week's emotions. Power of music aye :-).
Anyhow - what a fantastic gig. The first set was like the 'best of' their old stuff - headline for me was 'Never Stop' - my all time fave EATB song. I remember Tracey had the ep of it at home and I just loved it. Weirdly it was a bit like the encore was the first half - I would have been happy (or so I thought) to leave at the end of that as it was great.
First gig I've been to where I've had icecream at an 'interval' as well!
Ocean Rain was just great. Its the first gig I've been to where they play the album and it was slightly odd to know what they were going to play next, but the orchestra just matched it perfectly. It was just such a good gig - it has joined the ranks of my all time fave gigs - and it takes quite a bit to make that list!
Weirdly it seemed to round off the last week as well. I really associate EATB with being at home and somehow the gig helped me get deal with last week's emotions. Power of music aye :-).
Monday, September 15, 2008
And how excited am I..
about going to this??
VERY!!
Late offer of a ticket as Kevin's mate can't go - really really looking forward to it - I've been blogging to Ocean Rain to get myself geared up for it.
Roll on tomorrow night!!
Although I'm worried I'm tempting fate by blogging about it before the event....
VERY!!
Late offer of a ticket as Kevin's mate can't go - really really looking forward to it - I've been blogging to Ocean Rain to get myself geared up for it.
Roll on tomorrow night!!
Although I'm worried I'm tempting fate by blogging about it before the event....
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Loopy walkers... Part One
And thats the only time I'll use that as a title for a blog post!
This weekend (amazingly) we had two lovely days of sun which is the first time for absolutely ages... And perfect timing as it was also the start of my new walking endeavour.
On Sunday Nicola, Mhairi, Jackie and myself walked the first section of the London Loop - 8.5 miles from Erith to Old Bexley. We're going to do a section roughly every 6 weeks - eventually we'll complete the 150miles...
So the first section was not too bad. Fairly industrial in parts - (a highlight was walking past the industrial trailer park unit complete with snarling, savage enraged rottweiler guard dogs leaping up and down. It felt like a scene out of a movie! Fortunately the fence was high...) and we had to cope with the sound of the motocross track just across the Thames from us, but it was still a grand start.
Next time we'll be a bit more prepared in terms of timing for lunch etc - I did have a wee bit of a sense of humour failure at one point as we were trying to find somewhere for tea and cake, and I didn't want to 'schlep around un-necessarily' as I put it... Low blood sugar - I couldn't help myself!
A couple of pics below - and once I get one of the group I'll blog that as well. I was being a bit stupid and couldn't get my self timer to walk. Doh!
This weekend (amazingly) we had two lovely days of sun which is the first time for absolutely ages... And perfect timing as it was also the start of my new walking endeavour.
On Sunday Nicola, Mhairi, Jackie and myself walked the first section of the London Loop - 8.5 miles from Erith to Old Bexley. We're going to do a section roughly every 6 weeks - eventually we'll complete the 150miles...
So the first section was not too bad. Fairly industrial in parts - (a highlight was walking past the industrial trailer park unit complete with snarling, savage enraged rottweiler guard dogs leaping up and down. It felt like a scene out of a movie! Fortunately the fence was high...) and we had to cope with the sound of the motocross track just across the Thames from us, but it was still a grand start.
Next time we'll be a bit more prepared in terms of timing for lunch etc - I did have a wee bit of a sense of humour failure at one point as we were trying to find somewhere for tea and cake, and I didn't want to 'schlep around un-necessarily' as I put it... Low blood sugar - I couldn't help myself!
A couple of pics below - and once I get one of the group I'll blog that as well. I was being a bit stupid and couldn't get my self timer to walk. Doh!
Rustling reeds
Rustling reeds
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
These made a very pleasant rustling sound in the wind... not enough to drown out the moto-x tho.
Signpost lovelies...
Signpost lovelies...
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
The little green sign post is the London Loop one...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Bad moon rising...
Moon rising over Surbs
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Well maybe not - but I did have a fantastic view of the moon rising out of lounge window on Saturday night!
No I wasn't out doing cool and exciting things - I was at home watching the wonder of nature... :-)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Walking during 'Monsoon Weekend'
Julia and I had hoped to go for a 'proper' walk this weekend, but the weather was bad at the end of the week, and the headlines on the paper were talking about the 'Monsoon Weekend'.
So instead of heading out into the country we did a wee stroll locally instead. Walked up to Wimbledon Common (didn't see the Wombles - they must have been hiding...), through the common to Richmond Park, through Richmond Park (past the deer), into Richmond for lunch, then along the river past Kingston and back to Surbiton. So we reckon it was probably around 6-8 miles anyhow, so not a bad stretch.
And in between the rain it was really rather pleasant!
So instead of heading out into the country we did a wee stroll locally instead. Walked up to Wimbledon Common (didn't see the Wombles - they must have been hiding...), through the common to Richmond Park, through Richmond Park (past the deer), into Richmond for lunch, then along the river past Kingston and back to Surbiton. So we reckon it was probably around 6-8 miles anyhow, so not a bad stretch.
And in between the rain it was really rather pleasant!
Deer at Richmond Park
More deer at Richmond Park
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
This was one of the smaller groups we passed. There was a fantastic large group (herd?), with some pretty full on antler action going on, but the camera on my phone wasn't good enough to get a pic of it from that distance.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Shock and awe
On Wednesday it was off to the Luminaire to see The Autumn Defense, a side project of two of the guys from Wilco.
I realised I had been to the Luminaire a few years ago to see Goodshirt play, but it seemed like a much better venue this time round. Laid out a lot more sensibly for a venue than I think it was when I first went.
Kevin spotted John Stirratt walking past him so nabbed him, shook his hand, and had about a 10 minute conversation with him. Towards the end of the evening he was still 'shocked and awed' from his encounter with someone from Wilco!
They were fantastic - and at such a small venue we were very close. Brilliant musicians, and they played a lot of my fave songs :-). Kevin took the photos below on his phone.
I realised I had been to the Luminaire a few years ago to see Goodshirt play, but it seemed like a much better venue this time round. Laid out a lot more sensibly for a venue than I think it was when I first went.
Kevin spotted John Stirratt walking past him so nabbed him, shook his hand, and had about a 10 minute conversation with him. Towards the end of the evening he was still 'shocked and awed' from his encounter with someone from Wilco!
They were fantastic - and at such a small venue we were very close. Brilliant musicians, and they played a lot of my fave songs :-). Kevin took the photos below on his phone.
Monday, September 01, 2008
And it feels like it...
Check this story out from the BBC
I've almost forgotten what it is like for the sun to shine for more than one day ... Saturday was gorgeous - blue skies and hot in the afternoon.
Sunday morning - woken up by thunderstorms and it proceeded to drizzle most of the day, then storm again at the end...
I've been here too long - I'm obsessing about the weather...
I've almost forgotten what it is like for the sun to shine for more than one day ... Saturday was gorgeous - blue skies and hot in the afternoon.
Sunday morning - woken up by thunderstorms and it proceeded to drizzle most of the day, then storm again at the end...
I've been here too long - I'm obsessing about the weather...
Poker-tastic
Well sort of!
Friday saw the inaugural poker game at Simon's house (the venue of choice in case you hadn't worked that out from previous posts!).
Me, Simon, Sylvia (his sister), Julia, Jennie and Kevin sat down (eventually) to play some poker... Several hands of Texas Hold'Em later, I was reigning fairly high, Simon was creaming us all and Sylvia had bluffed once too often...
We ended up playing Stud poker which I think is what we used to play as kids (with matchsticks!). When you get dealt 5 cards, and then have two more rounds when you can get new cards dealt if your hand is rubbish - does that sound right Eryn/Tracey (I'm figuring it was you guys I used to play with!).
Good fun tho - and it looks like it may become a more regular event. Simon is desperate for us to play with real money in the kitty - and I've got a sneaking suspicion Kevin would prefer that as well!
Friday saw the inaugural poker game at Simon's house (the venue of choice in case you hadn't worked that out from previous posts!).
Me, Simon, Sylvia (his sister), Julia, Jennie and Kevin sat down (eventually) to play some poker... Several hands of Texas Hold'Em later, I was reigning fairly high, Simon was creaming us all and Sylvia had bluffed once too often...
We ended up playing Stud poker which I think is what we used to play as kids (with matchsticks!). When you get dealt 5 cards, and then have two more rounds when you can get new cards dealt if your hand is rubbish - does that sound right Eryn/Tracey (I'm figuring it was you guys I used to play with!).
Good fun tho - and it looks like it may become a more regular event. Simon is desperate for us to play with real money in the kitty - and I've got a sneaking suspicion Kevin would prefer that as well!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Lenny
Lenny
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Its been a while - thought it was time for an updated photo of the lovely Lenny...
Tracey & Lucy
Tracey & Lucy
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Looking a tad windswept in Wellington. I'm sure Lucy won't like me for saying this but I can really see the family resemblance between her and Thomas in this one!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sand art on the Thames...
Walking down to the Tate on Saturday I passed these guys making their sand sculptures. Its the second time I've seen them - this time I thought to take a picture!
Tate and a mate
Well two mates really.
I met up with the 'newlyweds' David and Dominic on Saturday afternoon and we headed off to the Tate Modern to see the Street & Studio: An Urban History of Photography exhibition (which I think Leigh and Maurie went to when they were here as well).
The exhibition was great - there was a fantastic set of video clips at the end of teenagers in a club in Liverpool - very funny, and very telling. And a couple of truly outstanding shellsuits on the boys... We then went and had cake and coffee which rounded the afternoon off perfectly.
It was great to see the two D's (as I've taken to calling them), and see their photos from the honeymoon in Greece - it is absolutely on my list to visit next year...
I met up with the 'newlyweds' David and Dominic on Saturday afternoon and we headed off to the Tate Modern to see the Street & Studio: An Urban History of Photography exhibition (which I think Leigh and Maurie went to when they were here as well).
The exhibition was great - there was a fantastic set of video clips at the end of teenagers in a club in Liverpool - very funny, and very telling. And a couple of truly outstanding shellsuits on the boys... We then went and had cake and coffee which rounded the afternoon off perfectly.
It was great to see the two D's (as I've taken to calling them), and see their photos from the honeymoon in Greece - it is absolutely on my list to visit next year...
Monday, August 18, 2008
In Bruges
I'm not - but I did just go and see the film which I thought was FANTASTIC! I had wanted to see it when it came out a few months ago but missed it, but one of my film going chums had been keeping an eye out for it.
I didn't really know much about the story, so was a bit surprised when I sat down and saw that it was an 18... until they started speaking. Lots of bad language, a bit of violence, and some very clever dialogue. And a great ending.
So that's my film recommendation for you - go see it - or if you've missed it, rent it on DVD - although I do think it would be best at the cinema.
Just remember its an 18....
I didn't really know much about the story, so was a bit surprised when I sat down and saw that it was an 18... until they started speaking. Lots of bad language, a bit of violence, and some very clever dialogue. And a great ending.
So that's my film recommendation for you - go see it - or if you've missed it, rent it on DVD - although I do think it would be best at the cinema.
Just remember its an 18....
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Gathering
I just finished this book by Anne Enright - the winner of the Booker Prize last year. I heard her interviewed on the radio in one of the podcasts I listen to and thought she sounded really interesting, and the book sounded good as well.
I struggled with it almost all the way through. I just couldn't get into it, and spent a lot of the time wondering why Booker winners are always so bleak and grim. Perhaps a lot of the stuff about the large family was a bit too close to the bone...
But somewhat bizarrely in the last couple of chapters I seemed to 'get' it, and I started to enjoy it. Prior to those chapters I had it marked as a charity shop book (I don't keep ones I don't enjoy anymore), but have now changed my mind. It stays on my bookshelf, and I'll definitely be re-reading it - in fact I suspect I'll get more out of it on the second go.
I struggled with it almost all the way through. I just couldn't get into it, and spent a lot of the time wondering why Booker winners are always so bleak and grim. Perhaps a lot of the stuff about the large family was a bit too close to the bone...
But somewhat bizarrely in the last couple of chapters I seemed to 'get' it, and I started to enjoy it. Prior to those chapters I had it marked as a charity shop book (I don't keep ones I don't enjoy anymore), but have now changed my mind. It stays on my bookshelf, and I'll definitely be re-reading it - in fact I suspect I'll get more out of it on the second go.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Psycho Buildings!
Great title huh? Also the name of the latest exhibition I went to see on Friday with Nicola. We started off with a glass of wine at the Concrete Bar - as it was 2 for 1 it would have been criminal not to really... Plus it was Friday evening and I think we were both in dire need of a glass - well I certainly was given the week I'd had!!
It was really interesting - and a lot of the exhibits you wondered how exactly they have managed to get that set up inside! Or outside even - particularly the boating lake on the roof of the exhibition. We didn't go into the row boats - the queue was huge, and despite the fact that it is the middle of August it was also quite cold outside! But we did go out and have a look, and thanks to Nicola's prompting I took a couple of snaps on my phone to give you an idea of what it looked like.
Another interesting piece was the Observatory, Air-Port-City, 2008 which is essentially a big orb with a top level. You can either stay and observe from the bottom, or go into a lucky dip to go on to the top level. We didn't bother with the lucky dip, but did quite enjoy lying around and watching people manage to navigate themselves around - especially the women who were wearing skirts... To enter it you had to go through an airlock door to maintain the pressure.
I really liked Fallen Star by Do Ho Suh (a scale model of his home from Korea crashing into an American house), and Place by Rachel Whiteread - a collection of dolls houses lit up. Both very cool. These pictures from the Guardian will also give you a good idea of the exhibition.
It was really interesting - and a lot of the exhibits you wondered how exactly they have managed to get that set up inside! Or outside even - particularly the boating lake on the roof of the exhibition. We didn't go into the row boats - the queue was huge, and despite the fact that it is the middle of August it was also quite cold outside! But we did go out and have a look, and thanks to Nicola's prompting I took a couple of snaps on my phone to give you an idea of what it looked like.
Another interesting piece was the Observatory, Air-Port-City, 2008 which is essentially a big orb with a top level. You can either stay and observe from the bottom, or go into a lucky dip to go on to the top level. We didn't bother with the lucky dip, but did quite enjoy lying around and watching people manage to navigate themselves around - especially the women who were wearing skirts... To enter it you had to go through an airlock door to maintain the pressure.
I really liked Fallen Star by Do Ho Suh (a scale model of his home from Korea crashing into an American house), and Place by Rachel Whiteread - a collection of dolls houses lit up. Both very cool. These pictures from the Guardian will also give you a good idea of the exhibition.
Normally, Proceeding and Unrestricted With Without Title (2008)
Normally, Proceeding and Unrestricted With Without Title (2008)
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
No I don't get the title either... but this gives you an idea of what it looked like! The water is about 0.9m deep I think. I was stood on a very wobbly 'jetty' to take this!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Strangely tempted...
To go to this - sadly I don't have any little kids I can use as an excuse! Its one of my favourite books from my childhood, and I even have a copy on my shelf here in London.
And its the same age as me - how cool is that :-)
And its the same age as me - how cool is that :-)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Pick a title...
- Olympic gold for stupidity
- Could my day get any worse
- Expletive, expletive, expletive
Plus points: it was only my wallet this time - not my bag, my ipod, my phone or my house keys
Minus points: I had just taken out £50, I've lost the wallet given to me by Lindsey, I lost the gift vouchers I got for my birthday from Kristie & John. The rest was pretty much disposable - I learnt my hard lesson when I lost my whole bag.
Please anyone feeling like leaving a comment about being careful, watching my possessions etc - don't. It was a crap end to a crap day.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Too wet to walk...
So Saturday became an impromptu lunch at Julia's local, the Jolly Gardeners. Despite being part of a chain (I think) it is a great pub.
As always the food was delish, company fine (me, Julia, Simon and Owen), and a very wet afternoon was passed very pleasantly!
Oh and I came a distant last in Scrabble and managed to lose to Julia in Connect 4 in 3 moves!! So not my finest hour!!
As always the food was delish, company fine (me, Julia, Simon and Owen), and a very wet afternoon was passed very pleasantly!
Oh and I came a distant last in Scrabble and managed to lose to Julia in Connect 4 in 3 moves!! So not my finest hour!!
Great antidotes to bad days...
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Are my family blessed...?
While Tracey was here, the weather picked up, and on the whole June was a fairly pleasant month weatherwise. Not amazing - but ok for June.
Tracey left, the weather packed in.
Leigh arrived, the weather picked up. Maurie arrived - the weather got better.
Leigh & Maurie left and the weather has turned to custard again...
What can it all mean??
Tracey left, the weather packed in.
Leigh arrived, the weather picked up. Maurie arrived - the weather got better.
Leigh & Maurie left and the weather has turned to custard again...
What can it all mean??
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Amended functionality...
One of the things I've copied from Maurie is to amend my comments page - now when you click on the 'Comments' link at the bottom of the post, the comments pop-up in a new window, rather than load in a new page, which I think is much more user friendly.
Thanks also for your comments on my post re the competition - its always nice to know that people are reading! Sometimes I feel like I'm typing into the ether with no one out there!!
Thanks also for your comments on my post re the competition - its always nice to know that people are reading! Sometimes I feel like I'm typing into the ether with no one out there!!
Friday, August 01, 2008
The competition is on!
Maurie and I had a great time swopping technology and Web 2.0 bits and pieces while we here as he had been doing a lot of looking at that stuff while tripping around the US. So I now have an RSS feeder set up on my Mac (which I have at work, but hadn't bothered to do that at home until now), Maurie is much more Facebook literate than he was, and most importantly I have downloaded a visitor counter to my site!
So while Maurie is a few thousand ahead of me, I'm keen to get my numbers up - so if I promise to update regularly you have to all promise to keep visiting me so he doesn't thrash me!!
So while Maurie is a few thousand ahead of me, I'm keen to get my numbers up - so if I promise to update regularly you have to all promise to keep visiting me so he doesn't thrash me!!
The best laid plans...
Leigh & Maurie returned from Liverpool on Saturday evening and I had a few plans sorted out for them... However I am now the master of 'Plan B'!!
Tuesday: Plan was to go to Hatfield House - something I've been wanting to do for ages. Except that at the last minute I realised the house wasn't open on Tuesdays... As Leigh & Maurie have both spent quite a bit of time in London before, at the last minute I struggled to think of anything to do. But at the last minute I remembered London Walks so we headed off to do the Old Westminster walk - which was great! As always whenever I do one of these, I think how much I should do them more often...
Wednesday: Plan was to go down to Herne Bay with Kevin to do a tour out to the old sea forts with Bayblast. So far so good... Except we neglected to book for the 12pm tour, and the boat broke down on that tour and didn't do any more that day! I think Kevin was the most gutted, but we were all really disappointed. We did go and have a look at Reculver Tower, and then Kevin detoured on the way home to visit Leith Tower. It was a lovely day, so if they tower had been open Leigh & Maurie would have enjoyed an even better view...
Thursday: Plan was to go for a walk outside of London. Except Leigh woke up feeling wiped out and unwell, so we just ended up having a quiet day, doing a bit of shopping in Kingston...
Friday: As I wasn't involved in the planning, Leigh & Maurie did manage to get to Gatwick Airport ok, and last I heard had made it to their hotel in Barcelona!!
Tuesday: Plan was to go to Hatfield House - something I've been wanting to do for ages. Except that at the last minute I realised the house wasn't open on Tuesdays... As Leigh & Maurie have both spent quite a bit of time in London before, at the last minute I struggled to think of anything to do. But at the last minute I remembered London Walks so we headed off to do the Old Westminster walk - which was great! As always whenever I do one of these, I think how much I should do them more often...
Wednesday: Plan was to go down to Herne Bay with Kevin to do a tour out to the old sea forts with Bayblast. So far so good... Except we neglected to book for the 12pm tour, and the boat broke down on that tour and didn't do any more that day! I think Kevin was the most gutted, but we were all really disappointed. We did go and have a look at Reculver Tower, and then Kevin detoured on the way home to visit Leith Tower. It was a lovely day, so if they tower had been open Leigh & Maurie would have enjoyed an even better view...
Thursday: Plan was to go for a walk outside of London. Except Leigh woke up feeling wiped out and unwell, so we just ended up having a quiet day, doing a bit of shopping in Kingston...
Friday: As I wasn't involved in the planning, Leigh & Maurie did manage to get to Gatwick Airport ok, and last I heard had made it to their hotel in Barcelona!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I finally get it...
On Saturday I went to David and Dominic's Civil Partnership ceremony. The ceremony itself was held at the Reception Room at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, and we then went on to the reception and meal at a lovely local hotel.
It was a lovely ceremony - and I really get just how important it is for gay people to have the same chance to have a 'marriage' ceremony. As far as I was concerned it was a wedding, and it was special and romantic, and I was pleased I got the chance to be part of it.
It was a lovely ceremony - and I really get just how important it is for gay people to have the same chance to have a 'marriage' ceremony. As far as I was concerned it was a wedding, and it was special and romantic, and I was pleased I got the chance to be part of it.
The happy couple
The happy couple
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Dominic and David after the ceremony - Mr & Mr!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Arrival number two...
Was Maurie on the Tuesday morning. I met up with him and Leigh after work - given he'd done the evil flight from the US, he was in pretty good shape and lasted until just after 10pm before having to go to bed!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Now where should we go...?
I was struggling with this question as I knew Leigh had done most of the big main London sights in her previous two visits.
Fortunately I discovered that she hadn't been on the Thames or to Greenwich so that was the day sorted!
Firstly though we went to the BP Portrait Award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery which was fab. Then we cruised down the river, had a stroll around Greenwich and the Queen's House, before a spot of dinner. Very nice!
Fortunately I discovered that she hadn't been on the Thames or to Greenwich so that was the day sorted!
Firstly though we went to the BP Portrait Award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery which was fab. Then we cruised down the river, had a stroll around Greenwich and the Queen's House, before a spot of dinner. Very nice!
Very cool spiral staircase in The Queen's House
Very cool spiral staircase in The Queen's House
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
I got told off for taking this photo - no pics in The Queen's House... But it did look cool!
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