Ramblings from my Desk…..(4)

I think it is confirmed. I am married to a Christmas Baby. Not just one who has a special birthday a few days before Christmas, but one who can be heard singing various Christmas songs the length and breadth of the house. Irritatingly, he can actually sing, which is more than I can do.

So, we have the tree up. Much to my disgust. It is far too early. The tree completely decorated my hubby. Although I think it is too early, it does look nice!

Hubby has also been enjoying his collection of “snow” covered Lilliput Houses.

This week I have had more physio. Having waited weeks before my NHS appointment came through, I did have a few private sessions. I chuffled my way across to the physio. It does pain me to say this, but what a waste of my time and energy. The first NHS appointment was as you would expect case history, understanding the pain and my mobility. I left with a series of exercises which I have been doing. All 5 of them three times a day. I arrived to appointment two, to more case history, a few more exercises and the sounds of the physio telling me that my Sciatica is gone. I disagree.

When will fellow health professionals listen to their patients. I agree the pain has changed, but that is not unusual. I have had the pain since May and been continuing to work. It eases with rest. I have a job where I am on my feet for at least 10 hours a day and I do not usually get sufficient rests – OK I am the boss, so that is my fault, but clearly something is pressing on my Sciatic nerve.The physio is going to request a series of X-Rays and speak to my GP. Meanwhile, I have another appointment with my GP and a referral for the end of January with the spinal unit.

So, I am now not only fed up and in pain. I am now angry and frustrated. The following day after the appointment with the physio I had the most dreadful pain and I am back to the end of October as far as the pain is concerned. I have had a tightness in my back since I started my sickness absence. The only physio to touch my back & perform any treatment has been the physio I paid privately to see. I am obviously paying my NHS contributions so I can sit in an NHS chair for 30 minutes and be talked too.

That is how annoyed I am. – VERY!

This week, Alfie our Border Terrier, who routinely puts in an appearance on this blog had a vets appointment. It was boaster time last week and he merrily has a jab and a snort of Kennel Cough treatment and is very good. This week there was surgery, in the nether regions of Alfie. So he is in discomfort and has been fairly poorly following the surgery.

Here he is, cuddled up with hubby on the settee on his bed. That blue bunny I made at school when I was about 14 years old, and now it is loved by Alfie, although he can not run and play with it at the moment.

And here he is at bedtime. What a sad face. He was thoroughly unimpressed with that busker collar I can tell you, but he can not be trusted, he is a nibbler and has stitches. Not a good combination!

So a household of three; two humans and a dog – the only cheerful one in the building is hubby singing Christmas tunes. So, in true school report style “there is room for improvement” and I would agree there is!

Until next time!

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Cigarette Card By Ogden’s – Guildford Castle Circa 1901

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Joining the 2012 Foodies Read 2 Challenge

Hosted by Joyfully Retired for 2012 is the Foodies Read Challenge. Click HERE to sign up

I am committing to reading 3 books for this challenge across the year, known as Short Order Cook! This will allow some overlap between the other challenges I am taking part in to combat the over flowing pile of books that I have ready to read.

Here are my books –

  1. Gypsy Feast: Recipes & Culinary Traditions of the Romany People by Carol Wilson (Published 2004)
  2. Master Chef Tom’s Burns Night by Tom Bridge  (Published 2010)
  3. TBC
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Guildford High Street circa 1905

Some research on the people involved with the postcard appears HERE

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Postcard Friendship Friday – Guildford High Street 1905

Back in October I started a project entitled Guildford and District. Based loosely on an earlier shelved project. This postcard can also be seen over on that site, with quite a few others already posted and more to come!
This postcard intrigued me. It was not just about the view, which is always lovely to see, but it is about the people who sent the card and the journey they were physically on, its about the message they sent and the person they sent it to. So many questions……

The Message
“We spent the day here & had a lovely time – came to London July 25th will sail for home Sept 29th if all is well. Aunt Lina (or Ina).”

The Address
Miss Anna Davis
Lansford
Pennsylvania
U.S. America

The Details
The front postmark is dated 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp.
The rear stamps show again 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp and shows it arrival in the USA with the stamp of Lansford PA Aug 19 1905 at 8am

The Research
I searched the nearest US Census to the postage date which was 1910. The census revealed for Lansford, Carbon County a William S Davis aged 44 years. Born in Wales. He migrated to the US in 1869. His occupation is described as a foreman in a coal mine. Residing with him with was Ella Davis his wife aged 41 years who was born in PA and a daughter Anna aged 19 years, born in PA and a further two children – Ada aged 13 years and William aged 7 years. Both born in PA. The formal address was Banks, Carbon Pennsylvania.

I stepped back to 1900 and looked at the Census again. The were recorded as Banks, Carbon, Pennsylvania  and William and wife Ella are described as being married for 11 years, making a marriage circa 1889. The household consists of William’s mother Annie Davis aged 61 years and born in Wales, William S is recorded as aged 35 years, Ella aged 31 years, Annie S is aged 10 years and Ada is aged 3 years.

The Census for 1920 reveals a new address – Altoona Ward 7 Blair. The head of the household is Ella Davis aged 65 years. Living with her are Sarah E Davis aged 30 years, Anna M Davis aged 29 years and Charles E Weaver aged 20 years recorded as Grandson and a truck driver.

So that is as far as I have researched. Perhaps someone with a connection to the family will step forward? Are there any records of Lena’s trip? Would descendants like the postcard?

Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy 
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Cigarette Card – Guildford Coat of Arms 1905

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The Horse & Groom Inn at Merrow

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St John’s Church and The Horse & Groom Inn, Merrow 1946

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Tea Cup Tuesday – Royal Commemoratives 1897

This is one of my favourites. Made by Foley for the 60th Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The number displayed in the last photo, represents the year it was made which confirms 1897.

I am not sure what the pink swirl is on the middle photo. When I purchased the cup about 10 years ago it was there, and on looking at it again, as I write this post I wonder if it is dye from the pretty pink floral design that can be seen on the first photo, but then again, should that have been there? Or is this an 1897 rejects piece? There was a lot of crazing on this cup, but that adds to the appeal, it shows that it has been treasured and loved before I purchased it.

Here it is, sitting on the shelf that I have been featuring recently.

Submitted as part of Tea Cups Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha’s Favourites

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100 Word Challenge – Week 22 – Is that Bells I hear?



Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is 


……is it me or are bells ringing?……

They were walking arm in arm, just the two of them and their dog. Wrapped up warm; with gloves, scarf’s and hats. The air was so cold their breath drifted in front of them. Just as they approached the brow of the hill she said is it me or are bells ringing? They stopped to listen. The sound was just faint, but the closer to town they got the louder the sound. The sound of the bells filled the evening sky with a familiar and festive ring. The sound of hope; they shared a brief kiss before continuing their way home.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #22

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