Grass.
Grass.
As you know, we love the RHS Gardens at Wisley. Our last visit was to photograph some of the autumn colours there. Although, to be honest, there was no real need, given the wonderful colours round here in the Surrey Hills as shown in our slide show.
There is always lots to see at Wisley and a bonus was the climax of the ornamental grass season, of which there are masses at the gardens. So, here is our tour of those ornamental grasses in all their glory – before the scythe comes to end another season. (more…)
You’re a Twat!
You’re a Twat!
Bertie: “Bobby… Wot’s a twat?”
Bertie reads the 2018 Christmas Special of Big Issue.
The Autumn Leaves.
The Autumn Leaves.
The rain thundered down at Sutton United and we hid in the stand. Driving home on flooded roads, we knew that this was the beginning of the end of a glorious autumn. The best we could ever remember. The best that is since last year. Especially the Autumn Leaves.
One Night Last Summer.
One Night Last Summer
Bertie: “Wot! Amateur dramatics? You must be bleedin’ joking!”
Bobby: “Now look, Bertie. We are a team. Tim and Tracey together with Oakley (Technical Director, Artistic Director and Guide Dog) have kindly invited us to their daughter Debbi’s new musical with the Hinchley Manor Operatic Society. “One Night Last Summer”. They are coming down all the way by train from their canal boat in Birmingham. And we are going.”
Yours truly at the theatre.
Untold Story.
Untold Story.
Next week is Alcohol Awareness Week. 19-25 November 2018.
Details from Alcohol Concern follow. Also at: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/alcohol-awareness-week
A very important issue that warrants a rare mid-week extra story to meet the date.
Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day.
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we wrote the story of Private Evan Davies. In a year’s time, maybe we will say the same thing again. For some, the years pass and the memories fade. For others, they are as fresh as the day they were encapsulated in time. On this Remembrance Day, we don’t want to forget anything for those we truly love. And that is one, possibly the most important reason, for writing Mindfully Bertie. Keeping memories alive. Not just of loved ones, but of times gone by. Childhoods. Unforgettable events. Always remembering that yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. So live for today.
Proudly wearing Bobby’s knitted poppy.
The Wall.
The Wall.
The Wall.
This, in Laurel Cottage, is a love affair in three pictures. Most people’s favourite picture is of Diddley and Bobby at the Shredded Wheat factory. So, we are pleased to present to you the three pictures on The Wall.
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The Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair.
Glorious showman engines. Over one hundred powering the steam fair.
Bobby had stretched out our hospital adventure to a whole week, centred on the Travelodge at Ilminster. In doing so, he could hardly avoid the signs to the Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF) for the following few days. (more…)
From a Railway Carriage.
From a Railway Carriage.
Jay.
This little boy, enjoying the view from a railway carriage, is the future. Diddley never knew him but he will know all about her in the fullness of time. For this is Jay, her great grandson. Son to Jasmine and Jay (senior). (more…)
Over the Hills and Far Away.
Over the Hills and Far Away.
Diddley hated violence of any kind. She would never watch a nasty film or TV programme even potentially violent. Emmerdale was her limit! So how come she watched every episode of “Sharpe”? A series of true violence, based on the Napoleonic wars. Each week awash with death and destruction mostly at our French friends’ expense. Simple. Sean Bean! He was a true man. His accent and his deeds in Sharpe swept her off her emotional feet. He was not an officer or a gentleman either and that appealed to her rebellious nature. Add to that the mesmeric theme tune – “Over the Hills and Far Away” above and her lust for Sharpe was insatiable to such an extent she bought the crated boxed set.
Now this is what I call a box set!