Squidoo : Lenses by Stazjia

Classic Poems for Kids

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:40:33 -0600

Poems, with their rhythms and rhymes, can engage children's attention while the often vivid images conjured by the words feed their imaginations. I can still remember and recite many of the poems that were read to me when I was a young child and they left me with an enduring love of poetry. Classic poetry often has a richness of language, so enlarging a child's vocabulary and giving an appreciation of good writing. The poems are ideal for reading aloud to kids, in fact, they can encourage a child to like bedtime, knowing there will be poems or a story. Some great poets of the past have written for kids - Robert Louis Stevenson, G.K. Chesterton and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to name just three. Illustrated books of poems make lovely, colourful Christmas and birthday gifts for children especially the collections from different poets. They are always on the top of my Christmas gift lists for kids in my family. Picture above: Read Across America Event - US Navy photograph in the Public Domain

Classic Funny Poems for Kids

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:06:40 -0600

When I was a young child, my family and, later, teachers, read classic, funny poems to us and I can still recite many of them. Some, like The Jumblies and Matilda (who told such dreadful lies), still make me smile today. The reason they are classics and have stood the test of time is because they can be understood by today's children regardless of the old-fashioned language. What makes them so memorable? Is it the rhythm and the rhyme or is it the stories they tell? They can appear quite heartless, for example, Matilda perishes in a fire at the end of the poem. No child I've ever known seems to have minded at all. Kids pick up the key phrases, though, and repeat them. I've read these poems to my own children and others too and I've always had a great response. My own two girls both love to read and love poetry - not just humorous poems either. This is a small selection of my own favourite funny poems. I hope you'll like them too. Remember, books of children's poems make great Christmas and birthday gifts. I've always given them to the children in my life. Picture: Reading to children - part of Little Rock Navy Week - Photograph by US Navy, in the Public Domain

I Had a Mini-Stroke and What Happened After

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:57 -0600

In 2007, when I had a mini stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA - the medical term for a mini-stroke) it was a terrible shock. What followed was even more shocking for me because six months later a specialist surgeon told me the condition I have is inoperable and incurable. When it happened I quickly realised I was having a mini stroke and knew I needed medical attention quickly. I didn't know anything about the tests and treatment I would have once I was taken to hospital and got the official diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack. I thought long and hard before writing this lens. It's about my health and it's something I never discuss except with those very close to me. Writing about my own experience might help someone else, though.

Make Do and Mend - From the 1940s

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:41:35 -0600

Instead of calling it Make Do and Mend, this page could be called Frugal Living or Recycle Instead of Buying New Things. This particularly applies to clothes and re-using fabrics and yarn of all kinds. Of course, some skills are required like basic sewing and possibly knitting or crochet. The good news is that these are all easy to learn and high levels of skill are not required for most recycling of textiles. It gives us the chance to exercise our creativity and the sheer joy of creating clothes, bags, rugs and much more, to our own design to suit our own needs and tastes.

Art Deco - Design for the Modern Age

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:12:24 -0600

Art Deco, popular originally in the 1920s and 30s, took its name from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an exhibition held in Paris in 1925. The style was first seen there in the work of French designers who had been experimenting and refining it for some years. The fashion for Deco spread throughout the world and examples in architecture can be seen as far apart as the USA, New Zealand, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, France, the UK, Greece, Switzerland and the Netherlands, Vietnam, India, Malaysia and Thailand as well as many other places throughout the world. Not only did the style spread far and wide, it has also endured and now, in the 21st century, is more popular than ever. Picture: The entrance hall of the Grade 2 Listed Troxy Theatre, London, UK, with its wonderful Art Deco interior Copyright © Alexander Baxevanis - Creative Commons License

Squidoo Lenses: Using Pictures Effectively

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:04:22 -0600

Have you ever landed on a web page and found it was either completely or almost completely text only? If you have, did you stay and read it or did you bounce out to find something that looked less dry and unfriendly? Occasionally, I have stayed and read a page that had no illustrations or graphics of any kind but only because it contained information I wanted very badly. It's harder work on a screen to read a lot of text that isn't broken up with pictures or at least changes in font size and colour. Most of us writing a Squidoo lens or other web page aren't giving many people information that they want enough to work through a lot of text to read. We have to make our pages as attractive as the page of any popular magazine. Publishers don't pay for photographs and other illustrations for their editorial pages so they look lovely. They do it to encourage people to want to read their publications. We have to take the same attitude with a lens or web page. Picture above: Part of a display of pictures in the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT, UK Copyright © Oxyman - Creative Commons License

Favorite Poems about Dogs

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:29:00 -0600

A large number of beautiful poems have been written about dogs. Is it any wonder when they are such an integral part of life for many of us. Dogs they are usually a much loved family member. They bring us pleasure, love and fun. They get us out of our armchairs and away from the television or the computer to take them for walks. It's essential for them and for us too. It might be the only exercise some of us take. Stroking our dogs calms us and helps to reduce our blood pressure. They comfort us when we are sick or unhappy. They play with us and keep us young. They break our hearts when they die. Worse still, we might be called upon to take the terrible decision to end their suffering. Then we not only have the sorrow of losing them but the nagging guilt about whether we made the right decision. Picture: A Maltese Terrier - Artist: Heinrich Sperling (1844-1924) In the Public Domain

Quick and Easy Blueberry Cake

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:07:16 -0600

This Blueberry Cake is one of my favourite dessert or cake recipes I can mix it up in about 15 minutes from getting out and measuring the ingredients right through to putting the cake in the oven. I am a very impatient person and love quick and easy recipes, particularly when I'm trying to make a cake in the middle of a busy day. Another reason I like it is because I can use any berries, not just blueberries. In fact I use blackberries more often in the late summer and autumn, rather than any other kind of berry. It's the quantity of berries that is the most important thing rather than which kind you use. Picture above: Blueberry Bush Copyright © Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic - Creative Commons License

Historic City of York, England

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:53:37 -0600

York, the county of Yorkshire's major city and a magnet for visitors from all over the world. They are attracted by the quaintness of the streets, the city's beauty, York Minster and the city's long history which includes Romans, Angles, Vikings and Normans. York has many interesting museums including one devoted to trains and railways that displays full size train engines and carriages. There are festivals throughout the year that bring people from many different countries to take part and the city even has its own saint, Margaret Clitheroe. Picture: York Minster by night by Smu03mw and in the Public Domain on Wikipedia

Bengal Tigers in the Wild

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:36:13 -0600

The Bengal Tiger or Royal Bengal Tiger was once found through a large area of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet and other countries in South East Asia. Now its distribution through these areas is patchy as may be seen from the map below. There were eight subspecies of tiger but only five remain as the other three became extinct during the last 100 years. These five subspecies, including the Bengal tiger, are endangered. Their habitats have shrunk as man's activities have encroached, they have been hunted for sport and for the use of body parts in traditional Chinese medicine. What a tragedy if these beautiful animals were to disappear in the wild. Even if most of us will never see a wild Bengal tiger living a natural life, many of us take pleasure in knowing that they exist and will mourn their loss. Picture: A 6 month old Bengal Tiger - Copyright © Steven Bennett - CC Licence

Crazy Quilts With a Difference

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:59:01 -0600

I don't suppose my method of crazy quilting is unique but I did think of it for myself. I am quite an impatient person so you might think that making crazy quilts is the last thing I would want to do. In fact, I love making quilts but once I've done the patchwork, I lose interest. I don't like putting the backing and padding on then having to quilt the three layers together. I feel I've done the creative work and the rest is finishing off. I know it all takes skill, particularly some of the beautiful quilting designs that people are able to do. It's just that this part of the process bores me. Instead of having to beat myself up to finish quilts, I came up with this method of doing all three parts of the process together. I sew the patches, padding and backing all in one go and, incidentally, end up with something that looks like quilting even though I don't achieve the lovely quilting patterns that others achieve by doing this at the end. The picture shows part of one of my quilts.

Art Nouveau - A Beginner's Guide

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:49:27 -0600

The Art Nouveau style occurred during the last quarter of the 19th century and evolved from Aestheticism and the Art and Crafts Movement. The revolution occurred because many artists and designers were disenchanted and bored with the fussiness of Victorian art, design, style and fashion. New design and style ideas appeared in many different areas of Victorian life, and designers continued to search for ways to reflect the changing world of the late 19th century. In Britain, in the last quarter of the century, international trade was more important than it had ever been. At the same time, there was a consciousness, particularly among artists and designers, that this was a new, modern age which should be reflected in their work; they needed a 'new art' or, as the French say, "Art Nouveau." This was not a purely British movement but was seen worldwide in Europe, Australia, the USA, Canada and Japan. Picture: Art-Nouveau window in Belgium by architect Paul Saintenoy. Copyright © GeS - Creative Commons License.

Who Are London Cockneys?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:54:21 -0600

When you hear of Londoners, you probably think of Cockneys but not everybody who is born or lives in the capital city is a Cockney. The tradition has been that it only applied to somebody born within the sound of Bow bells. There are traditions and activities associated with Cockneys: the Pearly Kings and Queens, rhyming slang, a great sense of community and neighbourliness, quick humorous repartee, sense of humour, market trading, taxi drivers, criminals, stock exchange traders... Picture: Cockney Pearly King and Queen In the Public Domain and from Wikipedia.

Flowering Shrubs for Shade

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:48:52 -0600

Many flowering shrubs demand a position in bright sunlight so finding species to grow in shade can be difficult. In my last garden I had two big trees growing quite close together. This meant they provided shade over about a quarter of the garden. Luckily it was partial shade so it was possible to find shrubs and other plants to grow nearby. The bigger problem was that the trees' roots made it a dry area with relatively impoverished soil. The roots just out-competed for water and nutrients. I enriched the soil with compost, horse and chicken manure, blood fish and bone and good thick mulches to retain as much moisture as possible. It's important to remember that the problem is not always lack of sunlight, it can be the soil nutrients and moisture. The flowering shrubs I suggest are probably not going to do very well in deep, constant shade but they should succeed in partial or dappled shade. Even a few hours sunlight a day can make the difference between success and failure. Picture: Camellia x williamsii 'Debbie' Copyright © A. Barra - Creative Commons

Wade Whimsies and Figurines

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:20:30 -0600

Wade Whimsies and other Figurines enjoy an enduring popularity with collectors that continues today. The original Wade Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, England, began in 1810 and took over several companies in the area and in Northern Ireland. It wasn't until the 1920s it started producing figurines and the 1950s when it started its famous Whimsies which have enchanted people ever since. Now these cute little figures are a major area of collecting in the UK, USA and Canada as well as other places worldwide.

England's Seaside Towns

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:39:29 -0600

When I was a child in the 1950s, we went to English seaside towns for our summer holidays. In those days only the very wealthy went out of the UK for holidays (vacations). After the schools closed for the summer at the end of June, families prepared for their annual migration to the coast in either July or August. Just like today, there was a great diversity in the places catering for holidays. There was the hectic fun of Blackpool or the more sedate charms of Brighton or Bournemouth (see picture, left). Both towns have livened up a lot over the intervening years and have an almost endless range of entertainment on offer. Then there were the very quiet seaside towns whose main attraction was the peace and quiet with uncrowded beaches and charming country walks. Some of these still exist today. Below you'll find a selection of English seaside towns showing the diversity available along the coast of England. Picture above: Bournemouth Beach in summer Copyright © Stephen Gilmore - Creative Commons License

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:04:41 -0600

The British Christmas Pudding is a very rich traditional dessert, served as part of Christmas Day dinner. Of course, many people just can't manage to eat it then, so often it's served later in the day and for several days following because, unless you have a large family gathering, it is too big for one meal. Because it is so rich, most people only eat small portions. The pudding is made as much as three months before Christmas because, stored correctly, the flavour matures. In fact, some people even use them when they are one or two years old.

Portmeirion Pottery for Collectors

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:11:58 -0600

Portmeirion Pottery's most famous design is Botanic Garden but the company has produced a wide range of pottery from the sumptuous to the bizarre. Of course, designer Susan Williams-Ellis is the daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the creator of the bizarre village of Portmeirion so it is no wonder that she has produced some extraordinary pottery designs. Perhaps the surprising thing is that the most popular designs use 19th century botanic illustrations and have been wildly successful in the UK, USA and elsewhere. Although Susan Williams-Ellis died at the age of 89 on 27th November, 2007, the company continues and still comes out with new designs and products so keeping to the spirit alive of its founder.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:11:13 -0600

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. Multi-talented, he designed buildings, furniture, textiles, interiors and painted unusual and dramatic watercolours. In spite of being probably the most gifted designer of his generation, he died in obscurity and poverty. It was only after he died that his genius was recognised. His iconic designs are now instantly recognisable. It's just a shame that he didn't live to see how admired, successful and influential his work became. Picture: Charles Rennie Mackintosh - in the Public Domain from Wikipedia

Tower of London

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:11:49 -0600

The Tower of London is one of the capital's best known and most popular visitor attractions, as well as a World Heritage site. The Tower has had a dark and sinister reputation, although it was used as a palace for a while, it's also been a prison, a place of torture and of execution - notably by beheading with an axe. It's no wonder that many people have seen ghosts in the Tower. Nowadays, visitors can see the places where executions took place, the Crown Jewels which Captain Blood attempted to steal, and the famous Yeoman Warders, nicknamed Beefeaters. Picture: The White Tower, part of the Tower of London Copyright © Crux - Creative Commons License

Toby and Character Jugs

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:13:57 -0600

Love them or hate them, most people can identify a Toby jug. They depict a multitude of characters from historic times to the present day and come in a range of sizes. Popular for more than 200 years, in the 20th century they enjoyed renewed surge of interest with the introduction of character jugs made by one of the best known ceramics makers - Royal Doulton. Many people collect them just because they like them without worrying whether they will increase in value but, buy with care, and you might find they have been a good investment.

Cranberry and Ruby Glass

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:59:11 -0600

Because ruby and cranberry glass is so beautiful and has been made in so many different styles, from the simply elegant to the ornate, it looks good in even the most modern homes. Although its origins go back to Roman times at least, it became very popular in the 19th century in Britain, Europe and the USA. Today, both antique and new ruby and cranberry glass remain popular with collectors. It has a wider market than just collectors, though. Because it is so beautiful, many people choose it for wedding and anniversary gifts as well as for themselves because they love the look of it.

Paperweights

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:56:53 -0600

Who can resist paperweights? Made by master craftsmen, they are objects of supreme beauty. Is it any wonder that they were hardly ever used for such a mundane task as securing loose papers? In the 19th century, educated ladies and gentlemen sat at their desks writing letters and making entries in their diaries. Of course, this opened up a market for manufacturers to produce desk accessories including paperweights. Although paperweights had been produced in Venice, probably as early as the 15th century, the major period of production was between 1845 and 1860 by the great French glass making factories of Baccarat, Clichy and St Louis. During this period and later, they were made in other countries like the UK, the USA and Bohemia but these generally did not match the superb quality of the three French factories.

Unusual Novelty Teapots

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:03:17 -0600

Collecting teapots has been growing in popularity for many years and now collecting modern unusual novelty teapots is particularly popular. Many American and British potters specialize in producing weird, wonderful and beautiful teapots, many of which are never meant for use and are completely impractical. The point is that they are art, many of which make a statement about the world as it is now, for example, the Industrial Waste Teapot, shown below. Making teapots in unusual shapes is not new. Teapots were first made in China in the 16th century and within 200 years they were making them in lucky shapes like pomegranates and peaches. Around the same period, Wedgwood, English pottery, was also making them to look like cauliflowers and pineapples. Picture above: copyright © cliff1066 - Creative Commons license. Title: Van Gogh/Mona Lisa Teapot

Moonflowers - Night Blooming Plants

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:53:34 -0600

Moonflowers must be among the most beautiful of flowers as well as one with a very romantic name. Imagine sitting in your garden on a warm summer evening, a full moon overhead and beautiful moonflowers blooming nearby with their fragrance wafting on a light breeze. Several different plants are called moonflowers but the one most commonly referred to by that name is the Ipomoea alba, a twining, vine-like plant. The picture on the left shows a moonflower growing around a tree. You can see from the background that the photograph was taken at night. Others include Datura innoxia and Mentzelia pumila, although this one is also sometimes called Evening Star because of its night blooming habit and usually the flowers are more star-like in shape. Picture: Copyright © Benjamin Graves - Creative Commons License

Antiques & Collectibles of the Future

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:04:30 -0600

Antiques of the future are undoubtedly around us right now. Most of us just don't recognise them. If people in the past hadn't bought good quality furniture, ceramics, glass, and other items, then kept them, loved them and looked after them, there would be very little for the antiques trade to sell. The question for many buyers nowadays is, "What can I buy that will eventually appreciate in value and one day qualify as a desirable antique or collectible? Would you look at this rocking Mickey Mouse and think it worth buying as an investment? Perhaps you'd look for individually made unique pieces from a crafts person or prefer valuable jewellery with intrinsic value in gold and precious stones. Whatever you choose, you are relying on your judgement to one day make a profit for either you or your descendants.

Quick Fruit Cakes

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:11:37 -0600

These fruit cakes are quick to prepare for the oven. Preparation should only take a few minutes. Try the recipes and you will see I am right. That's the good news. The bad news is that some fruit cake recipes take quite a while to bake while one of the ones here goes in the freezer overnight. You could always read the latest novel, watch television, or talk on the phone to your friends with a perfectly clear conscience while you're waiting - you are multi-tasking as you are home baking at the same time! Picture above: Copyright © Stuart Spivack - Creative Commons License

The Historic City of Bath, England

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:41:41 -0600

I moved to Wiltshire, just 12 miles from Bath, in 1993. Since then I've fallen in love with this beautiful city in south-west England. We still live in Wiltshire although much further away from Bath but I still visit it often. It is popular with visitors from all over the world. They are drawn to see the Roman baths and other Roman remains, the Georgian terraces including the famous Royal Crescent and Circus and its 15th century abbey. Situated on the River Avon, it provides lovely walks and parks, a variety of cultural activities, festivals and many activities for both visitors and tourists. Bath has the distinction of being the only entire city in the UK to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO reflecting the number of perfectly preserved Georgian buildings, 5000 of which are listed.

Traditional English Recipes

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:24:36 -0600

Traditional English recipes are often described as 'good plain cooking', particularly by the people who like them. In fact, most of us over about 30 or 40 years old have been brought up on it in the days when home-cooked meals were a regular occurrence. At its best, it can be nourishing and delicious, at its worst it is horrible. Traditional recipes have been handed down from mothers to daughters (in the days before many men cooked!) and they were good for people who were doing hard manual labour and using a lot of calories. Nowadays, a regular diet of many English dishes is a guaranteed way to put on weight and possibly increase your cholesterol levels. Even here, we eat this kind of food very seldom. It's just that we really enjoy it when we do - for us English, it's the ultimate comfort food.

The Sacred Scarab Beetle

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:34:47 -0600

The sacred scarab beetle in this picture doesn't look to me like a bug anybody would want to worship but I'd be wrong. This is Scarabaeus sacer, one of the varieties of dung beetle and its image is found in ancient Egyptian temples, the Pyramids and other Egyptian archaeological sites. It looks quite threatening with those large pincer like legs at the front but this is one of the beetles that does a very useful job in clearing rotting material and helping to fertilise the soil.

Jack Vettriano - The Book

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:28:42 -0600

Jack Vettriano is one of the most popular living artists in the world but not with critics and so-called experts. It seems impossible to most ordinary people that an artist whose prints outsell those of most others, whose work appears on all kinds of articles from postcards to mugs, posters to umbrellas, and whose most famous painting sold for �744,800 at auction should be shunned by art critics and public gallery curators. This is the case for Jack Vettriano, self-taught painter and former mining engineer from the Scottish coalfields. His sometimes romantic, other times sinister paintings, strike a chord with people of all kinds from all around the world. I really love this book with its many beautiful reproductions of Jack Vettriano's paintings.

The Life & Works of Rudyard Kipling

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:29:42 -0600

Rudyard Kipling has been a deeply unfashionable writer for many years. He's been accused of jingoism, imperialism and racism as typified by this poem The White Man's Burden. Take up the White Man's burden- Send forth the best ye breed- Go, bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait, in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild- Your new-caught sullen peoples, Half devil and half child. In spite of using the language of his time, which often does sound racist and jingoistic, there is evidence in Kipling's works that he admires and respects the people of India and other countries that were once part of the British Empire. Kipling, although he outlived Queen Victoria by more than 30 years, was a Victorian in outlook and it is unfair to judge him by our politically correct times. Nowadays we can't understand he could have used his influence to get his son into the army during the First World War when he was exempt for genuine medical reasons. Now most of us are not so extremely patriotic that we would see it as the right thing to do. Again we must make allowances for the era Kipling lived and the way men of his class were educated. His work became unfashionable and unpopular even before his death but there has recently been a revival of interest especially with people who can read it with an open mind and realise he was not the imperial apologist that he is often portrayed.

Collecting Teddy Bears

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:16:31 -0600

Old teddy bears are not just loved by their owners, now they are highly sought by collectors too with over �100,000 British Pounds being paid for one notable bear. Even though most teddies will not be as valuable, they are still profitable enough to attract the fakers. The history of the teddy goes back over one hundred years although there is some debate about exactly who and how they came into being. So how do you find out if your old teddy is valuable or just lovable? If you want to collect teddy bears, you need to know how to sniff out the genuine ones from the fakes.

The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:38:45 -0600

Mention the name Louis Comfort Tiffany and most people immediately think of his lamps with their beautiful jewel-like shades and unique designs. Considering how famous and popular they have been since they were first put on sale, it's surprising that this is the first book in many years devoted exclusively to Tiffany lamps although a couple have been published since this one. Two of the authors, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, are experts in Tiffany's work and run their own company in private of sales of Tiffany lamps and other important 20th century decorative arts. Martin Eidelberg is Professor Emeritus, Art History, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and has written extensively on Tiffany while Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen is Curator of Decorative Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Oscar Wilde Meets his Fate

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:11:44 -0600

Oscar Wilde (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900), playwright, poet and a great wit, was one of the most successful men of the late 19th century. Born in Dublin, Ireland, into an Anglo Irish professional family, he went from being one of the most famous men in Victorian England to disgrace, prosecution in a criminal court and then a sentence of hard labour in prison. If only, if only... Could he have avoided it if he had never heard of the Aesthetic Movement or if he had stayed in Ireland? He had opportunities to avoid his ultimate fate, just before it finally overtook him, but he refused to take them. Instead it broke him like a butterfly on a wheel.

St Paul's Cathedral, London

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:54:55 -0600

St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous buildings and has been used for major state occasions like the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, later known as the Princess of Wales, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. It has been a sanctuary, a landmark and a symbol of London's resistance and determination to fight on during the Second World War.

English Food Explained

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:21:17 -0600

English food has had a terrible reputation. I don't believe it's truly deserved especially if it was being judged by food served in our homes in years gone by. In fact, our reputation for bad cooking made us a real joke in France where food is of paramount importance. We are improving, though, and some of our traditional food is good when cooked properly using good quality ingredients even if some of it, like black pudding, is an acquired taste.

Collecting Thimbles, Old and New

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:24:44 -0600

Thimbles are simple, utilitarian objects worn to protect the finger-tip and most people who do much hand sewing will own and use one. For collectors, though, they are much more than that and the thimbles they collect can range from the beautiful to the whimsical. Some collectable thimbles are old while others are brand new and made especially for the collectors' market. A collectible thimble may be made of gold, silver, porcelain or many other materials. What makes a thimble collectible is very much in the eye of the collector.

Maybe Queen Saved My Life

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:26:28 -0600

In 1984 I was deep into a year long major depression. I wasn't really interacting with people around me, my internal landscape was a black desert with the leafless remains of dead trees. As part of the depression, I was concentrating on losing weight - so yes, I was heading into anorexia. Combined with not eating, I spent hours walking, just walking around London where I lived at the time. Then it got serious. I was considering suicide. I spent much of my time looking for ways and means. Almost nobody in the UK owns a gun and certainly nobody I knew did so that was definitely out. I won't bore you with all the methods that went through my mind but it was getting more real to me and I felt it was just a matter of time. This will sound really silly but one day I heard Radio GaGa by Queen played in a pub. It caught my attention, a very unusual occurrence at the time. I asked my friend who was singing - I didn't have a clue, Queen had never made much impression on me before. I started listening to the radio again, hoping to hear it played which it was because it was a big hit here in the UK. I was hooked and my downhill race to oblivion was at least slowed if not halted.

Collectible Cornishware Pottery

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 04:44:37 -0600

We've all seen the traditional Cornishware - even if you aren't a collector, you will recognize its typical, blue hoops on a white background said to represent the blue of the Cornish sea and the white of its clouds. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, Cornwall, England's most south-westerly county, has become famous for its artists and craftsmen including many potters. Ironically, the most famous of the ceramics associated with the county, Cornishware, also called Cornish Blue, has always been made in Derbyshire and has no connection at all with Cornwall apart from its name.

Susie Cooper: A Great Pottery Designer

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:12:48 -0600

Susie Cooper, became one of the giants of 20th century ceramic design in a career that spanned more than seventy years. How did the youngest child of a middle class family become one of the most influential designers of the 20th century? Her work has been somewhat eclipsed by the popularity of Clarice Cliff's ceramics in recent years but Susie Cooper's work throughout her career was innovative in both designs and techniques. Even as an old lady, she still experimented and was willing to try new ideas. Picture above: Kestrel Teaset by Susie Cooper Copyright © Museum of Wales - Creative Commons License

Quiz: Classic Poems for Kids

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:29:34 -0600

The classic poems in this quiz are most usually associated with children from the youngest to teenagers. Some are read for fun - or they were when I was young - and some were learned for school homework. How confident are you that you can remember that far back? Why not have a try at this quiz. I'm sure you'll find it's much easier than you think. Of course, you can cheat and check the answers online in another tab but why would you do that? Nobody but you will know your score. Have fun, that's the reason for doing a quiz.

Thomas the Tank Engine - Evergreen Favorite

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:23:33 -0600

Tales of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends are still as popular in the 21st century more than sixty years after the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry wrote the first story. I expect the Reverend Awdry never would have dreamed his stories of a railway engine and his friends could endure so long. Like many other children, my two year old nephew is one of the latest converts to these magical books. He loves the toys and DVDs too. Thomas and his friends seem to have achieved immortality. For young children, the primary audience for the books, they don't seem old-fashioned, just fun.

Blackpool: Sand, Sea and Fun

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:50:02 -0600

Blackpool, in the north-west of England, is one of the country's most famous seaside resorts and it was almost literally built on fun. From the introduction of the railways in the 19th century right up to the 1960s and 1970s, it has attracted working people to spend their summer holidays (vacations) to have fun there. Situated on the Fylde coast of north-west England, it is famous for its sandy beaches, Tower and numerous other visitor attractions. It's also famous for the strong winds that blow off the sea through the town. Sometimes they are so strong that you can see people hanging on to lamp posts to avoid being blown along the street! Picture: Blackpool Tower and Beach Copyright © Ingy the Wingy - Creative Commons License

New City of Brighton and Hove

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:16:42 -0600

Brighton and Hove, on the English south coast, have formed a single conurbation for many years now. Brighton still appears much racier than the more genteel and sedate Hove but, even so, you would be hard pressed to know when you are crossing from Brighton into Hove. In 1997, as part of local government reforms, the two towns were officially joined together to form one borough. Three years later they were given official city status and are now called the City of Brighton and Hove. Brighton is the most famous of the Sussex seaside resorts. Originally called Brighthelmstone, Brighton's pre-eminence is due to the Prince Regent who first visited the small fishing village in 1783. Here he built the Royal Pavilion, an enduring landmark and symbol of the town. Nowadays many of Brighton and Hove's residents work in London and the city is particularly popular with actors and people in the media. With a sophisticated local population, it is famous for its nightlife, restaurants and its gay culture.

Cat Mugs for Cat Lovers

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:01:34 -0600

Are cat mugs taking your passion for cats too far? Do you have a cat who you love? Even if you don't have one, do you wish you did? If you're like me, then you will think it's entirely appropriate to wear your heart on your tableware, in particular, on your coffee mugs. This is a small selection of my favourite cat mugs sold by Amazon.com. Some have pictures of cats while others just have something humorous to say about cats and the people who love them.

Legends of the Old West

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:50:46 -0600

As a child and teenager living in England, I was entranced by movies showing the Wild West - ones like High Noon, Gunfight at the OK Corrall and Cheyenne Autumn. While many of the characters in movies and television westerns were fictional, some were based on and used the name of real people. Gunfight at the OK Corrall is a case in point. Wyatt Earp and his brothers really existed and they really did take part in that gunfight. Without a doubt, Wyatt Earp is a legend of the American Wild West. You can see him sitting second from the left in this picture of the Dodge City Peace Commission June 1883.

Blackcurrants - A Superfood?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:00:45 -0600

The blackcurrant is a great summer fruit. I love the smell of blackcurrants and their foliage when they are growing in the garden. The berry has a strong, delicious flavour but without being too sweet or cloying. In fact, most people eat it cooked and sweetened. It's not just their flavour, though, that makes them such a favourite in Europe. They are a very good source of vitamins and antioxidants to the extent that they are often promoted as a superfood. Blackcurrants make lovely summer desserts, preserves and jellies and I'll share a favourite recipe with you here.

Quiz: How Well Do You Know London, UK?

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:10:10 -0600

London, capital city of Great Britain, is probably one of the most famous cities in the world and even people who have never visited it know a great deal about it. It's famous for its financial district and history. It's also a great place to go shopping. Visitors come from all over the world to see its famous buildings like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and many others, too numerous to mention. So how much do you know about London? Take this quiz and find out.

Christmas and Non-Believers - Should they celebrate it?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:20:00 -0600

Should non-Christians celebrate Christmas? Their feelings about the festival are very different from those of believers. Some Christians are offended by the secular nature of Christmas now. Some think it seems to have lost it's religious meaning. At the same time, non-Christians see Christmas as a festival that celebrates family and friendship. I guess most people fall somewhere between these two extremes. Have your say below. Tell us what you think about this topic.

Sugar - Friend or Foe?

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:21:18 -0600

Sugar is an intrinsic part of a western diet. It is found in obviously sweet foods like cakes and in less obvious places like baked beans and salad dressings. It provides the preservative for jellies (jams) and makes some foods more palatable. As well as sugar found in various foods, we add sugar to drinks like tea and coffee and sprinkle it on our breakfast cereal. So it's a real enemy, isn't it? We know we should cut down on the amount of sugar we eat. We know that it makes us fat and gives us diabetes...or does it?

British Christmas Cakes

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:05:20 -0600

The traditional British Christmas Cake is full of fruit, nuts, and spices, usually with added alcohol in the form of brandy or rum. It's a rich mixture, covered with royal icing (a kind of frosting) and decorated. It's often the centrepiece of the Christmas tea table or sideboard. Like Traditional Christmas Pudding, it is customary to make the cake well in advance of Christmas so it can mature before being iced (frosted) and decorated. Just wrap the cooked cake in 2 or 3 sheets of greaseproof paper and then store in an airtight container. My favourite non-traditional Christmas cake uses tropical dried fruit - see the second recipe below. This is a recipe I have used for the last five years and is very popular with everybody who has tasted it. This one keeps well too. If you have health problems that require a low fat diet or you are trying to lose weight, there is a recipe for a version of the Christmas Cake that has only 2mg fat and 225 calories per portion. The other two recipes are for an Economical Christmas Cake and a Light Christmas Cake. These three recipes don't keep as well as the first two, unfortunately, but often the whole Christmas Cake gets eaten quite quickly so that isn't a problem. *Picture above and alongside recipe: Copyright Currybet - Creative Commons License.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:49:50 -0600

Many of the monasteries of England and Wales had become rich and powerful institutions by the 16th century. At that time they were all Catholic. They provided employment, charity for the poor, hospitals for the sick and education. Henry VIII had broken away from the Roman Catholic Church over his desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn. He also wanted to acquire the wealth of the monasteries for himself and his favourites. This led to the Dissolution of the Monasteries and a great change to the countryside and way of life. Picture: Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire - Part of a World Heritage Site.

Salisbury, Wiltshire's Cathedral City

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:18:47 -0600

Salisbury Cathedral's famous spire is the first glimpse that most people have approaching this city. A quintessential English scene, it has been painted by many famous artists, including Constable, and engraved by Whistler. It's origins are lost in the mists of time as there have been settlements here for thousands of years although they started on a bleak easily defended hillside, rather than the kinder valley. The present city of Salisbury is a centuries old 'new town' and laid out to a pre-determined plan, unlike most towns of its age. It is just a few miles from one of the most famous prehistoric places in the world - Stonehenge.

My Hero - The Person I Admire Most

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:44:44 -0600

A hero can be somebody in the armed forces who wins a medal like the American Medals of Honor pictured here, or the British Victoria Cross or any other other awards and decorations for gallantry in countries around the world. Although people like the men and women awarded these medals for great courage, usually in the face of the enemy, are the ones we automatically think of when we talk about heroes, there are many other kinds of heroism. It might not be as obvious as taking an enemy position in spite of overwhelming fire or rescuing a fellow soldier at the risk of the person's own life but it can take as much courage and determination. Here you will find the stories of two heroes in particular, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Then there are links to pages about other people's heroes and the opportunity to submit your own hero to the list near the bottom. Picture above: In the Public Domain, Source: the United States Government - Found on: Wikipedia

Gardening Jargon: What It Really Means

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:32:02 -0600

You hear gardeners using jargon like 'vigorous' or 'free seeding' to describe the attributes of plants but do these terms describe desirable or undesirable qualities? Should you be pleased when you read that the plants you just bought are 'strong growing'? Would you worry if descriptions say 'moisture loving' or 'drought tolerant'? Stop worrying. I'm going to tell you what these and other gardening terms really mean.

Knickerbocker Glory Dessert

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:56:48 -0600

A knickerbocker glory ice cream was the greatest summer treat in the world when I was a child. Not only was it Big with a capital B, it was also expensive. It was something that neither my mother, nor anybody else I knew, ever made at home. When we were visiting the seaside and sitting in an ice cream parlour, I would look longingly at other people, particularly kids, eating knickerbocker glories. They were served in tall cone shaped glasses and had to be eaten with an especially long spoon that reached right to the bottom. Now, ice cream isn't such an expensive luxury as it was when I was a kid so a knickerbocker glory is affordable and it's surprisingly easy and quick to make particularly as none of the ingredients need cooking. Picture above: Knickerbocker Glory Copyright © Eggybird - Creative Commons License

Wilkie Collins: Inventor of the Crime Novel?

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:46:55 -0600

Author Wilkie Collins, (1824-1889), most famous for his novels The Moonstone and The Woman in White, has been credited with inventing the detective novel genre although most of his books could be described as 'sensation novels'. In fact, it was probably Edgar Allen Poe who really invented the modern crime novel with Murders in the Rue Morgue. Collins' earlier work was extremely popular when published and some of it has stood the test of time. He was a friend of Charles Dickens and worked closely with him. Collins was also an unusual Victorian who refused to conform to the social norms. When the appearance of living an upright life was essential, he lived openly with two different women, one of whom had three of his children.

Central London's Popular Landmarks

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:51:01 -0600

Popular and famous landmarks are plentiful in Central London. If you go to Trafalgar Square, you are within easy reach, on foot, by bus or on the London Underground of some famous and not so famous London landmarks. For example, for art lovers, the National Gallery is on the north side of the square while Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are literally ten minutes walk away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column. As you can see from the picture on the left, the big viewing wheel, the London Eye, is also close by. It's just a walk over Westminster Bridge and then a short walk alongside the river on the other side. On your way from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben, you walk along Whitehall right past Horseguards and Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister. You also pass close to the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms. If you use the London Underground or a bus, it's just a short journey to other famous attractions in Central London.

Bleak House

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:20:27 -0600

Bleak House by Charles Dickens is a satirical look at the complicated legal system in London as it consumes the minds and talents of the greedy and nearly destroys the lives of innocents. The story takes us from the foggy streets of 19th century London and the maze of the Inns of Court to the peaceful countryside of England. Likewise, the characters run from murderous villains to virtuous girls, from a devoted lover to a 'fallen woman,' all of whom are affected by a legal suit in which there will, of course, be no winner. The story revolves around the mystery of Esther Summerson's mother and it involves a murder story and one of English fiction's earliest detectives, Inspector Bucket. Most of all, though, the story is about love and how it can cut through human tangles and produce a happy ending.

Hampton Court Palace, Near London

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:08:39 -0600

Hampton Court Palace, situated about 15 miles south west of Central London, has seen many dramatic events in its 500 years of history and there are many reports of ghosts. It is a popular place to visit both with Londoners and visitors to the capital. It also plays host to one of the country's biggest festivals of gardening, The Hampton Court Flower Show.

Local Time and Railway Time

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:48:10 -0600

Throughout the ages, the way to measure time was usually by the movement of sun - daily, monthly and annually. Right up to the 19th century the majority of people didn't need a more precise measurement of time in their daily lives. It was the spread of railways that made an exact universal measure of time important. Until the coming of the railways, towns just a few miles apart would set their clocks to a different time according to their local sundial. Places in the same country a considerable distance apart would have an appreciable difference in their local times. In Britain, the difference between the east and west of the country was around 30 minutes. It didn't take long before railway operators realised that this was no way to run a railroad and used railway time for their timetables.

William Morris, Designer

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:15:09 -0600

As William Morris, called the Father of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and Edward Burne-Jones were walking down a street in Oxford in 1853 they were instantly captivated by a painting in a shop window - The Return of the Dove to the Ark by John Everett Millais. It was a turning point in the lives of the two young men. They had both been destined for the Church but instead Morris decided to become an architect and Burne-Jones a painter. It wasn't, however, quite the Damascene conversion that it appears as both men had been interested in the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood before they saw the painting by one of its leading lights although it led to Morris starting the Arts and Crafts Movement in 1861

Chocolate Drinks for Summer

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:25:00 -0600

A long cold chocolate milkshake or smoothie, like the one shown here, can be totally delicious when you are relaxing on a hot, sunny day. If you are watching your fat intake, skip the piped cream on top, use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and you still get all the beneficial nutrients from the milk. Add some fruit as well, and it's even healthier. Unfortunately, the ice cream rather detracts from the healthy properties of milkshakes so they are not to be recommended if you are trying to lose weight. The recipes here are quick and easy to make so they don't require a lot of effort.

Should Art & Antiques be Restored or Not?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:40:28 -0600

When is restoration justified and when is it vandalism to destroy the marks of history and to replace them with a modern sheen that completely destroys its original character? This is the question posed by Richard Philp, a well respected and long established art dealer based in London. Have you ever been to an antiques fair and seen a beautiful desk or table in pristine condition? The top has a shine to rival any mirror. It is impeccable - but that is the problem. The desk or table might be 18th or 19th century and it obviously has not survived the years without a scratch or other mark so it must have been 'restored'.

Chester, England - Medieval City

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:10:05 -0600

Chester, county town of Cheshire, in the north west of England, stands on the River Dee, not far from both Liverpool and North Wales. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country because it has kept many of its medieval features including tiered shopping galleries. There is also a lot to see and do - including a visit to the cathedral, boat trips on the River Dee or a day at the racecourse. There are also museums that tell the story of Chester's history going right back to the Roman period.

My Favorite Climbing Plants

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:18:47 -0600

Flowering climbing plants are among my all-time favourites in the garden. I've grown them up walls and fences as well as through shrubs and trees. They soften and brighten the look of walls and fences. If your fences or walls are low, put trellis on top so climbers can give height and vertical interest to the garden. By growing them higher, you get more flowering space and privacy in your yard. In one of my gardens I inherited a very boring evergreen shrub. I used it for a beautiful, fragrant honeysuckle (lonicera) which grew through and over it. It was very close to French doors at the back of the house and so we had the benefit of seeing lovely honeysuckle against the dark green conifer together with the scent of the flowers coming into the room. Many people use climbers along the outside walls of their houses and they can be very effective in improving the appearance of a home.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, London

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:24:52 -0600

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is the most famous rescue centre in the UK. There is almost nobody in the country who hasn't heard of it and its work. Founded in 1860, it has been helping dogs and cats for almost 150 years. It is situated on the South Bank of London's River Thames, near Chelsea Bridge. Picture: Copyright © Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Cook the Christmas Turkey

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:47:12 -0600

Roast turkey is the favourite main course in Britain for dinner on Christmas Day. The trimmings are the traditional accompaniments like cranberry or bread sauce, stuffings as well as gravy made from the giblets. On one bird there is enough to feed a large family gathering and the meat is palatable served cold, in sandwiches or made up into other dishes after Christmas Day. It is essential, though, that you know how to store and cook your turkey as well as defrost it properly if it is frozen. If you don't you and your family could end up with food poisoning.

Ancient Somerset Levels

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:14:09 -0600

The Somerset Levels and Moors are an internationally environmentally important wetlands habitat situated in the south west of England (UK). Across the area, 25ft above sea level is the maximum height attained. A coastal clay ridge protects the area from sea flooding. The moors usually have peat soil while the Levels are usually marine clay. The Polden Hills run through the middle like a backbone while the northern edge is bounded by the Mendips and, to the west, are the Quantocks. Situated in the county of Somerset to the south west of Bristol and Bath, the Levels and Moorland were once covered by sea which retreated 6000 years ago. Gradually peat and clay were laid down and then man arrived and has had the greatest impact on the landscape since earliest times to the present day. Gradually, the local residents learned to manage the water allowing the Levels to be farmed and the floods controlled - at least some of the time. Nowadays the importance of the wetland habitat is recognised as a precious and important habitat for flora and fauna and local farmers are rewarded for managing the water levels to maintain it.

The Importance of the New Forest, Southern England

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:12:27 -0600

The New Forest, in Hampshire, Southern England, is the largest tract of lowland common land in Britain making it of great importance for the environment and conservation as it covers a range of habitats from boggy valley bottoms to dry heathland. Due to its long history and in spite of its name, the New Forest, has a large area of heathland as well as ancient mixed forest including oaks and other native species and more recent plantations of trees managed by the Forestry Commission.

Windsor and Eton, Berkshire

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:19:34 -0600

Windsor is an ancient town in southern England, about 23 miles from London. It is dominated by its famous castle, home of royalty for almost a thousand years. It is reputed to be the favourite home of the present Queen and it is said that she was devastated when part of the castle was badly damaged by fire. Of course the castle dominates the town of Windsor but it has many other quaint and interesting buildings. Its other main feature is the River Thames running through it and dividing it from Eton, the location of the famous public school, Eton College where many of England's most famous men were educated. Picture above: Windsor Castle at Sunset Copyright © Diliff- Creative Commons License

Le Creuset - Fabulous Cast Iron Cookware

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:22:59 -0600

I was given my first Le Creuset cast iron pan way back in 1989 and since then, I've never wanted to use anything else. I love their traditional designs made with French flair, adding a degree of sophistication to pans and casserole dishes. I also like the colours available - most of mine are a deep blue but I like the red ones shown here too. Even more than their look, I appreciate the great way the cast iron holds the heat and distributes it evenly thoughout the pan. You don't get hot spots in Le Creuset cookware so food cooks evenly. For more information on the set featured in the picture, see below.

Raspberries - My Favorite Fruit

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:23:13 -0600

Raspberries are my absolute favourite fruit, although I love most summer fruit - strawberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries and the rest. I will eat raspberries fresh off the bush: - one in my mouth, one in the basket; one, two in my mouth, two in the basket; and so on. I have to admit, more end up in my mouth when I pick raspberries. I love them fresh with cream, in pies and tarts, in smoothies and milkshakes, and in many other ways. I have grown raspberries in the garden and fought with the birds to eat them when they ripen. I have made them into jam, put them in cakes and desserts and even preserved them in liqueurs for Christmas.

Make a Glazed Lemon Cake

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:05:21 -0600

This glazed lemon cake is another of my recipes that is easy and quick to make. It is also a good everyday kind of cake. Big cream and frosted cakes are great for special occasions but not for slipping into a lunchbox for taking to work or school. What the Glazed Lemon Cake lacks in decoration and frosting, it makes up for in the natural flavour of lemons. It's also easy to wrap and carry in your lunchbox. Give this plain jane cake a try. I'm sure you'll enjoy eating it.

Tasty Fish Recipes

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:15:15 -0600

Making tasty fish recipes for your children right from when they are being weaned can mean they grow up liking fish. Many children grow up hating it which is a shame because there is no doubt that it is a healthy food for both children and adults. If they eat it regularly before they develop food fads, there's a good chance they will grow up enjoying more fish dishes than mass produced fish fingers. By experimenting with different recipes, you might find that the most confirmed fish-haters, both kids and adults, will find one or more dishes they like.

Saga of Saffy's Paw

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:26:26 -0600

My English Springer Spaniel, Saffy, endured pain and depression when a simple problem developed into something not only more severe but life-threatening. All this because the veterinarian made a misjudgment. If I hadn't disagreed with the vet and insisted on a second opinion from another vet, Saffy might have lost her front leg or even died.

Dartmoor, Devon

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:14:39 -0600

Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in 1951 and covers an area of 368 square miles. The landscape ranges from lovely wooded valleys to desolate but beautiful wild moorland interspersed with rocky tors. There are areas of bogs and rough pasture. The range of habitats found makes it important for wildlife and the moor's long history of human settlement makes it rich in archeological remains. Picture: Saddle Tor Copyright © Herby - Creative Commons License

Quiz: What Do You Know About Chocolate?

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:09:39 -0600

If you like eating chocolate and the picture on the left makes you drool, then you probably know quite a bit about it - I mean more than just that it tastes delicious! Test your knowledge by taking this Chocolate Quiz. Are you an expert or an amateur when it comes to our favourite food? Picture above: Belgian Chocolates - Copyright © frank wouters - Creative Commons License

Mowing Your Lawn

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:52:49 -0600

One of the most important aspects of lawn mowing is buying the correct mower for you and your garden. I can remember when I was a young teenager being given the job of pushing the mower round the garden. My goodness, how I hated that job. Now there is a wide range of mowers to choose for the task - it doesn't have to be one you push. When lawns in gardens first became fashionable in the 16th century, the only way to cut them was with a scythe, shears or with grazing sheep. The first lawn mower was invented in 1830 and began to be manufactured thirty years later. Of course mowing your lawn keeps it looking good but it also encourages healthy growth. You need to choose the right height to cut your grass, depending on which variety you have and how you use your lawn. You should always choose the right weather conditions and the correct seasons for mowing.

The Great Full English Breakfast

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 06:02:36 -0600

Our full English breakfast is one meal that most people around the world agree we English do well, even though English cooking has had a terrible reputation in other countries in spite of the many great Michelin starred restaurants here now. Most of us natives would agree the English breakfast is not healthy meal. It's full of fat and calories, to put it mildly. Here, it's jokingly referred to as 'a heart attack on a plate' - that's our sick English humour. Oh, but it is delicious and a great way to start a day occasionally, especially after a luxurious lie in bed late on a day there's no rush to go out.

Novelty Clocks - Useful and Fun

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:44:45 -0600

I love the novelty clock pictured here - it's been on my kitchen wall for about 8 years and I've never got bored with it. The clock tells the time as well as any ordinary, boring clock but it's got character. Perhaps you might not want a novelty clock in every room in the house but I think they are particularly suitable for kitchens, studies and children's rooms. Take a look at the clocks below, listed under the room I think they suit best, and see if you agee with me.

St Paul's Cathedral, London - The History

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:49:19 -0600

It may come as a surprise to learn that, although there has been a cathedral on the spot for 1700 years, the present building is only just over 300 years old. The great buildings here repeatedly been destroyed by fire which is a fate that, during World War II, almost engulfed the beautiful St Paul's Cathedral that we have today. The story of the cathedral since AD 604 has really encompassed the history of London, Britain's capital city. St Paul's Cathedral, London Picture in the Public Domain from Wikipedia

Discover Christmas Collectibles

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:09:01 -0600

How about buying Christmas collectibles as gifts for close friends and families this year? Not only are they interesting and decorative, they could well appreciate in value as well. Additionally, many people pass Christmas tree ornaments down through the generations so your gifts will become heirlooms. There are other Christmas collectibles that are treasured: cards and postcards, commemorative plates, as well as Disney figures and many other modern products. Some appreciate in value over the years while others are collected or treasured for their beauty or the sentiment attached to them. Whichever it is, collectors derive an enormous pleasure from displaying their collections during the Christmas period. Picture: Christmas card from 1940.

High Tea for Children in 1950s England

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:55:30 -0600

High tea is the meal that I remember best from when I was a child in the 1950s. It was usually the best meal of the day during the school terms. School meals were often not very good, typical canteen food, but they were filling and supposedly nutritious. Children were so active in those days that we needed a proper meal when we got home from school and that was high tea which took place between about 4pm and 5pm. That left enough time for us to play before going to bed. When we were in bed, our parents would have dinner. I was about 11 years old before I was judged old enough to eat dinner regularly with adults. The food was simple but usually good and enjoyable. We learned to eat a wide variety of food - in the 1950s parents didn't tolerate food fads from their children. Picture: Poached egg and crumpets, typical of the food we had for high tea Copyright © Annie Mole - Creative Commons License

The Dark is Rising

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:53:19 -0600

The Dark is Rising sequence of five fantasy novels is a children's favourite. It's one of those rare kids' books that appeal to adults too. They are among the few special books like The Hobbit and the Harry Potter novels which bridge this gap. I first read the series when I was about 35 and absolutely loved it and everybody I know who has read it seem to include it in their lists of favourite books. Written by Susan Cooper, the first book in the series Over Sea Under Stone was originally published in 1965 with the last book being published twelve years later in 1977. The whole sequence has stood the test of time and now parents who read it when the books first came out, are buying it for their children and even their grandchildren, especially at Christmas and for birthdays.

Richmal Crompton, author of Just William

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:08:11 -0600

Richmal Crompton is best remembered for her humorous 'William' stories about an 11 year old boy and his gang the 'Outlaws.' During her long life, she wrote 41 novels for adults and 9 collections of short stories but, much to her annoyance, the William stories were always the most popular of her works. There was something about this mischievous English schoolboy and his friends that touched a chord in girls and boys as well as adults. Maybe they all wished they could be like William.

My Top Ten Musicals

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 04:20:36 -0600

My parents were big fans of musicals of all kinds. They bought the long playing records (we call them albums now), went to see them in London theatres when we lived near enough and saw them as movies too. As kids, my brothers and I were brainwashed at an early age to love them. By the time we were allowed to use the stereo on our own, we would as often play My Fair Lady or West Side Story as anything else. The musicals are in no particular order. I couldn't possibly choose the best musical from them. The pity is there are so many more I could have included but then it wouldn't have been a top ten.

Squidoo Lenses - Quickly and Efficiently

Mon, 16 May 2011 04:49:25 -0600

I'm not going to tell you how to build a Squidoo lens in 20 minutes. You might be able to do one that fast but the trick is build a good quality lens as quickly and efficiently as possible. We've all seen lenses on Squidoo and web pages elsewhere that look as if they've been thrown together with the minimum of time and effort - and it shows. If somebody can't be bothered to do their best with a lens or page, why should I bother to read it and I certainly won't buy from it. Even so, there's no need to spend hours and hours slaving over every lens. Preparation, organization and efficient working methods can save time and effort. Additionally, some of Squidoo co-branded lens formats can help you to build quickly. Picture above: Copyright © Greekgeek - Creative Commons License

And The Ladies Of The Club

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:09:30 -0600

"...And Ladies of the Club" by Helen Hooven Santmyer made an enormous impression on me when I first read it back in the mid 1980s. There I was, an Englishwoman in my late 30s, living in London, UK, totally entranced by a very long tale of small town American life covering sixty years. This book certainly exerted a magic hold over me. It runs to almost 1200 pages so it has to put a spell on the reader to persist to the end. It must have exerted a similar spell on the author as it is said to have taken her 50 years to write the novel that covers the period from 1868 to 1932 in the small town of Waynesboro, Ohio. I lent the book to a friend and it disappeared (isn't it always the way?) and, about four months ago, I decided I wanted to read it again. There was nothing for it but to buy another copy. Again, I read it from cover to cover perhaps with even more enjoyment than the first time.

The Wind in the Willows

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:16:03 -0600

Wind in the Willows is a classic tale about animals of the riverbank and has delighted children and adults for 100 years with the adventures of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger. It is a lovely story with excitement but without being too frightening. It can open the door to the world of books for young children and show them that their own imagined visions of a tale can be as gripping as anything on television or their computers.

Chocolate and Butterscotch Brownies

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:46:14 -0600

Chocolate and Butterscotch Brownies are my favorites. I think chocolate and butterscotch go together like coffee and cakes. This recipe is great because it's really quick and easy to prepare too. You should be able to understand the ingredients whether you are English, like me, or American because I've used both languages in the recipe. Picture: Copyright © Gdr - GNU Free Documentation License.

Legendary Glastonbury in Somerset

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:06:34 -0600

Glastonbury, Somerset in South West England is heavily associated with the legends of King Arthur and Camelot. There are many other legends connected to the town and its surrounding area. This has made it a centre for 'new age alternative' culture and a magnet for people interested in the spiritual aspects of the town. On a more mundane level, it is also a very popular destination for visitors to the area. Outside the town, near the village of Pilton, the annual Glastonbury Festival takes place attracting thousands of rock music fans.

My Father - In Memoriam

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:47:55 -0600

My father is still Daddy to me and always will be. Somehow 'Dad' doesn't feel right, it doesn't reflect the love I still have for him even though he died 22 years ago. I still miss him so much. He was what we call here in the UK, a "lovely fella." He was far from perfect but then who is? He had a great sense of humour and if you were with him you had to be able to take a joke against yourself. He didn't only dish it out, though, he could take it too when he was the butt of a joke. He was affectionate, but not in a soppy way, and he was there when somebody needed practical help. Then he would get embarrassed and offhand when thanks were given. I'm going to share some of my memories of my father, Donald Llewellyn Fisher, chef, family man and joker.

Fruit Harvest Recipes

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:38:24 -0600

For Americans, using fresh garden produce in autumn is symbolic when home made apple pies can be served as part of the Thanksgiving meal, emphasising the meaning of the Thanksgiving celebration. For all of us, wherever in the world we were born or live, what could be better than strolling out into your own garden and harvesting fresh fruit and using it immediately? You can choose not to use chemical fertilisers or pesticides so, not only are they as fresh as can be, they are free from pollutants too. If you grow fruit in your garden, there can come a point where you just don't know what to do with it all. Harvest time can become difficult as friends and relatives refuse to answer the door when they see you with another bag of apples and thank you through clenched teeth when you sneak up on them and present them with yet another 10 pounds of plums. Instead of pressing fruit on people who don't want it, why not try these recipes which taste good and some of them freeze well too? You can makes them into desserts like pies, crumbles and cobblers or preserved in jars like brandied peaches.

Dick Whittington: Truth or Legend?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:14:28 -0600

The legend of Dick Whittington is the archetypal 'country boy comes to the big city and makes good' story. It is well known to most people in the UK and is performed on stage regularly as a pantomime during the Christmas period. It is also a popular 'fairy' tale told or read to young children. Many people don't know, though, that Richard Whittington, to give him his full name, was a real person and his story is as interesting as the legend. You can still see memorials to him in London. They include a stone with his cat sitting on it at Highgate, a big mural at Archway station illustrating the legend and a blue plaque marking his house near the church of St. Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London EC4.

Quiz: What Do You Know About Fruit?

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:08:12 -0600

We all know fruit is good for us but do we all know why and how much we should eat each day? Find out how good your knowledge of fruit is here. Some of the questions are easy and a few might make you think a little harder. Overall, though, this should be a fun quiz to do. The good news is that the result is confidential - it's just between you and your computer. Picture in the Public Domain and from Wikipedia - Photographer: Dungodung

Torquay - South Devon

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:15:06 -0600

Torquay is the largest of the three main towns on Torbay on the south coast of Devon in the south of the UK. Torquay stands on the northern side of the bay, Paignton is in the middle and the smallest, Brixham, is on the south side. The three towns are now almost one conurbation around the bay as they have grown over the years. Torquay has ancient caverns, a medieval abbey, famous residents as well as its harbour, beach, beautiful countryside, and many places to visit nearby. All this makes it the most popular seaside resort on the South Devon coast. As well as being the name of the bay, Torbay is also the local authority county borough. The boroughs of the three towns were amalgamated in 1968. It is also the first borough in the south west of England to have its own elected mayor. Torquay was a small village right up until the 19th century when, first naval officers started to visit, then the mild climate attracted sick and convalescing patients. Nowadays it is still plays a part in the town's popularity bringing in a lot of holidaymakers and elderly people who retire here. It is also a popular area for foreign students learning English. Picture above: Torquay and its Harbour Copyright © Averoxus - Creative Commons License"

Chocolate Recipes for Christmas

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:09:08 -0600

Chocolate recipes are an integral part of Christmas celebrations for most people. It's a time that everybody wants their favourite food and for most people that includes chocolate. Of course, these recipes are very popular at Christmas - the big family occasion but most can be used for any important occasion. Some take skill and time to prepare while others are fairly easy and quick. Most cooks will be able to make them if they take their time and follow the recipes. Picture: Chocolate Truffles, picture in the Public Domain from Wikipedia

Glastonbury Music Festival

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:47:04 -0600

Did you know that The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the famous festival's correct name? Maybe you didn't realise that it's not actually held in Glastonbury but on a farm in the small village of Pilton, about a mile south of the town. It began in the 1970s as a reflection of the times of hippies, love and free music festivals. I guess founder Michael Eavis must be amazed how it's grown in size and importance since then. It is now the biggest green field music festival in the world. The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Music Festival Picture from Wikipedia and in the Public Domain.

The New Forest, UK, for Visitors

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:54:57 -0600

The New Forest attracts thousands of visitors every year, most come in summer when the Forest can become very busy. There are many attractions and activities within the New Forest to bring in the visitors and it is also ideally situated for visiting many towns, villages, and places of interest around it. I hope this page will give you a guide to some of the best, most interesting and entertaining places for both adults and children like Bucklers Hard, shown in this photograph. A New Forest Sunset at Handy Cross Pool Copyright © Simon Barnes - Creative Commons License

Desserts for Christmas

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:34:50 -0600

Special desserts for Christmas and other special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, christenings are an essential part of a celebration meal. The good news is that these desserts are delicious, not difficult to make and most are not especially time consuming either. That really is the best of all possible worlds. They really do bring forth many compliments from guests for the cook.

Meet the English

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:51:47 -0600

If you visit England, you may have preconceived ideas of what the English are like, although some of these may be quite contradictory. Are they upper class lords and ladies or servile peasants and servants tugging their forelocks? Maybe they are mostly bowler-hatted city gentlemen with furled umbrellas and stiff upper lips or jolly working classes, singing in pubs while swigging pints of warm beer. Perhaps the pictures of drunken football hooligans is more representative of the English. Perhaps English people are all of these or none of these, or more likely, some mixture of them all.

Fear of the Dentist

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:15:04 -0600

Fear of the dentist is fairly common, I believe. There are very few people who love going to visit the dentist and some who feel total terror at the prospect. For many years I was one of the latter and my dental phobia was caused by the insensitivity and stupidity of one particular dentist during the process of drilling a tooth for a filling. Picture Copyright © Leeds City Council

Make Lemon Curd

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:36:29 -0600

Lemon curd is a very easy preserve to make and it is delicious, much nicer than you can buy in the store. It is my favourite spread and this recipe is one I've used for about 30 years. Homemade lemon curd should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a month - it doesn't keep as well as jam or marmalade. This isn't usually a problem. In my experience it gets eaten very quickly and there are always requests for more. Picture: Homemade Lemon Curd Copyright © Kochtopf - Creative Commons License

English Afternoon Tea

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:35:20 -0600

English afternoon tea is a tradition going back less than 200 years and was popular among upper class ladies with time on their hands. It's never been a traditional part of the day of the average English person - most were working too hard to take time for dainty sandwiches and cakes and drinking tea out of delicate bone china cups. Even so, in a more robust form, it is a custom that has worked its way through all levels of English society and an afternoon teabreak is something many of us look forward to during a busy day, even if it's only five minutes sitting at our desks. Picture: Afternoon Tea by Carl Thomsen In the Public Domain - See it on Wikipedia Commons

My Own Collectibles and Art

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:46:40 -0600

Collectibles and pictures didn't play a big part in my life until I was in my 30s when I began to acquire them gradually. I had accidentally stumbled in to the antiques business at the end of 1977. I applied for a job on a specialist antiques newspaper in London, where I lived at the time. When I got the position, I learned about antique dealers, fairs (shows) organisers and auctioneers. Almost against my will, I acquired some knowledge of antiques, art and collectibles - probably not even enough to hold an intelligent conversation. I really had no interest in antiques or collectibles although I've always like various forms of art. Now it's 32 years later and I've spent all those years in work related to the UK antiques trade and publishing. I've learned an awful lot. I'm still not a big fan of collecting antiques or collectibles just because of their age or because other people collect them. However, I have bought and been given things that qualify as collectibles and art. Many of them are new and all the ones I've bought or been given and kept are things I like. I look at them and they give me pleasure. I position pictures on the walls so I can see them from my usual position in a room. The three D picture on the left is above the sink in my kitchen so I see it everyday. If I don't enjoy looking at something, then I give it away or sell it on eBay if I can. This way it doesn't matter how much or little I pay for something or it is worth because its value is the pleasure it gives me. I hope the selection I show here will give you pleasure too.

Enjoy Visiting London

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:49:29 -0600

London can be a very enjoyable city for people to visit although, like many big cities, London can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Which areas are safe? What is the best way to travel around London? Are all the historic attractions expensive to visit? What are the pitfalls and dangers for visitors? These are just a few of the questions that visitors to Britain's capital city might have which I answer here.

Aquilegia - The Columbine

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:52:01 -0600

Aquilegia or columbine is one of my favourite flowers. I love the way the aquilegia comes in such an amazing variety of colours, the various shapes of the flowers and the way you can find it in the most unexpected places as well as growing in gardens. Its common name is columbine and it is part of the Ranunculaceae family of plants which includes buttercups, clematis and delphinium, among many others. The name aquilegia comes from the Latin aquila meaning eagle because it is thought that the shape of the petals resemble an eagle's talon. The name columbine comes from the word for dove because it was thought the petals looked like dove's wings. It also has the name granny's nightcap, again from the shape of the flower. Picture - Aquilegia vulgaris Copyright © BerndH - GFD License

I Love Lilies

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:57:15 -0600

Lilies are not universally popular. My best friend doesn't like them because the look of them and their scent reminds her of funerals. I know what she means but I love them anyway. I love the way they look, the myriad of varieties as both cut flowers and garden plants and I love the way they perfume a room. Their pollen is a nuisance - if you get it on your clothes, it can be hard to get off but that's a small price to pay. I grew lots of varieties of lilies when I had a garden, now I just buy them as cut flowers. Whenever I went to the garden centre and saw another variety, I'd buy it, take it home and plant it even though I was running out of space for another lily. By the way, did I say that I Iove lilies?

Meccano - One of My Favourite Toys

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:26:57 -0600

A Meccano set wasn't the obvious choice for a favourite toy for a little girl in the 1950s. I was a relatively sweet looking child, according to my relatives and even the old photographs seem to confirm this. The truth was, though, I was a real tomboy inside. I didn't like dolls and never had any idea of what to do with the stupid things. I pulled the head off my teddy bear. I climbed trees, ran around with little boys playing cowboys and Indians instead of playing 'nice' games with little girls. Above all, I liked boys' toys. When I was a child in the 1950s, there was a definite distinction between the sexes when it came to play. One of my absolute favourites was my brother's Meccano set. Picture: Some pieces from a 1970s Meccano 2 set. Copyright © Lady Alys - Creative Commons License

Brixham - a Pretty Fishing Town

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:11:48 -0600

I spent my early teenage years in Brixham, the pretty, little fishing town on the south side of Torbay, opposite Torquay. Although it's more than 40 years since I lived there, I still have a soft spot for the place. It is a working fishing port with terraces of houses rising up the hills above the harbour. It is very picturesque making it popular with artists who can always be seen in summer sitting on the stools on the quayside, painting their hundredth picture of Brixham Harbour. They are usually surrounded by a swarm of holidaymakers who flock into Brixham all through the summer. They are attracted by its charm, places of interest, activities and beaches there and nearby. Brixham has a long history centred around the sea and the harbour. The town made important contributions to the British fishing industry and played a part in naval defence during the centuries. One of the best-loved hymns, Abide With Me was written by the local vicar.

Henry's Biography: A Small Dog's Tale

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:18:46 -0600

This was written before Henry died on Friday, September 25th, 2009, at the age of 11 years and 4 months. He had a stroke and the veterinarian said that there was no chance for him and the kindest thing we could do was to allow her to put him to sleep. It was a terrible decision but the only one we could take as he was never going to regain consciousness. We miss him very much. He was a very sweet and loving dog. My name is Henry and I'm a cavalier King Charles spaniel. I'm a small dog in size but I'm big inside. I'm sure I could be fierce if I really tried and frighten everybody but I have a nice nature. I live in England which I believe is in the UK - I'm not good at geography. I don't understand maps at all. I am 11 years old and very cute. You can see I'm not lying about being cute by looking at my photograph. How much more cute can you get than that? I don't look my age, do I? My two-legs think I'm stupid. They say things like "Henry's only got two brain cells. He was bred for cuteness not cleverness." Huh, what a nerve! How can they possibly say that when they can't tell when a dog has used a lamp post. I can tell just by sniffing it when it was to the nearest hour or less. This is my biography, as I remember it, told in my own words.

Celebrate National Women's Friendship Day

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:26:57 -0600

On the third Sunday in every September, you can celebrate National Women's Friendship Day. Like many other women, my female friends are precious to me and none more so than Sylvie, my best friend for more than 37 years. It doesn't seem possible we have been friends for so long. Perhaps this year we will celebrate our friendship on the Sunday in September designated for the purpose. The picture above shows Sylvie and me in the mid 1970s. Sylvie's on the right and the little girl in the middle is my half sister and Sylvie's daughter.

Pesticides: Don't Kill the Good Guys

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:41:42 -0600

Pesticides - are they the answer to the problem of pests or do they cause as many problems as they solve? Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that all the insects and other pests in your garden have disappeared forever - no more slugs and snails, aphids, lily beetles, caterpillars and all those other creatures that chomp their way through your flowers, vegetables and fruit. It sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it? Now comes the nightmare - the force that took out the pests has made all the other insects disappear too. Imagine your garden without bees, hoverflies, butterflies, ladybugs, dragonflies and other beneficial or harmless creatures. Would it really matter if we didn't have them in our gardens? Wouldn't the benefits of getting rid of slugs outweigh the loss of butterflies, beautiful as they might be? What would the practical consequences be if we lost the beneficial insects as well as the pests?

Tea - Black or Green

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:00:09 -0600

I'm English so I drink tea all the time. I think it's natural that everybody loves it. It's hard to believe that it's a comparatively recent introduction and for centuries it was largely unknown outside China and Japan. The history of tea is long and interesting as are some of the stories, myths and customs attached to it. There are many varieties of tea, each with their own distinctive flavours and characteristics. For many years there have been anecdotes of the healthy qualities of tea and recent research seems to be providing scientific evidence to support some of them. As tea first arrived in Europe in the 17th century, it is only natural that there is a good collectors' market in tea related antiques and collectibles. For a simple drink, tea has had an amazing impact on our culture particularly here in England.

Novelty Teapots: Decorative and Fun

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:39:54 -0600

I think the novelty teapot in the shape of cow pictured here is great fun. I'm not a collector of novelty teapots but this is one I do own. I believe someone gave it to me as I don't remember buying it. As you can see, I have it on display because it's fun and I like it. I've seen many novelty teapots that I'd love to have. In fact, so I decided to share some of my favourites with you. See if you like the teapots I chose. The picture above is mine and if you want to use it, please contact me first.

The Lost Garden - Book Review

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 06:04:21 -0600

The Lost Garden is a short novel, just 212 pages in the paperback edition but it is beautiful. The author, Helen Humphreys, writes in lyrical prose but without a hint of pretentiousness. She doesn't let the beauty of the writing get in the way of the story telling. In fact, the style of the writing adds to the emotions and atmosphere of the novel. She describes the feelings of the narrator with precision whether it is trepidation, happiness or loneliness. I recommend this novel most highly as one I've enjoyed enormously.

Apple and Pecan Brownies

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:39:46 -0600

Apple and Pecan Brownies are so very quick to prepare and easy to bake that anybody can make them. If you are an inexperienced cook, just follow the recipe carefully. Even if they go a little bit wrong, as long as you don't burn them to a crisp, they'll still be tasty. This recipe uses apples and pecans which go well together, just one of the many variations on the basic recipe for brownies. Tip for British Cooks If you are English, like me, buy yourself some cup measures, they are much quicker and easier to use than scales for weighing ingredients.

Fall: Season of Mellow Fruitfulness

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:31:48 -0600

Many people feel that fall, or autumn, is the most beautiful season of the year. With the leaves on trees and shrubs changing colour from green into shades of yellow, orange and red, the countryside, parks and gardens look as if they are celebrating "the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness." The effect is especially enhanced late in the day when the sun is lower in the sky and shines through the wonderful colour of autumnal foliage. We are probably genetically programmed to love the fall. It's the season when harvest is gathered in. Our ancestors would have relied on a good harvest to get them through the winter so the colours of ripening crops must have given them great joy. This is still reflected in Harvest Festivals and Thanksgiving.

Stonehenge and Nearby Prehistoric Sites

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:12:51 -0600

The county of Wiltshire, in the south-west of England, is most famous for Stonehenge, the stone circle where Druids still celebrate the summer solstice. Then there are the huge Avebury stone circles, among which a village has been built. Other associated sites include barrows (ancient burial mounds), Silbury Hill and other smaller and lesser known remnants of prehistoric religion. I live near these monuments and see them often. The one I like best of all is Avebury because you can walk among the stones. The more famous Stonehenge is impressive but I find it more impersonal. These ancient sites are so important that they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Quiz: What Do You Know About the Old American West?

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:00:40 -0600

As a child I loved movies and TV shows about the old American West. It's only as an adult that I became interested in the truth behind the movie portrayals of people like Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Doc Holliday, Sitting Bull and all those other cowboys, lawmen, gunfighters, outlaws and Native Americans I loved or loved to hate depending on whether they were the good guys or bad guys. What do you know about the heroes and villains of the Wild West? Take this quiz and find out. Picture:Texas cowboy by Stanley L. Wood (1866-1928) In the Public Domain - from Wikipedia Commons

How to Have a Beautiful Garden and Pets

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:54:12 -0600

Some keen gardeners think it is impossible to have a beautiful garden and have pets. Dogs can run across flower and vegetable beds, crushing and breaking plants. Many dogs like to dig holes and flower beds are a great place to do this. Both dogs and cats will use the garden as a toilet. So what do you do if you love dogs and cats and your garden? This is a question I have had to face. At the time, I never seemed to find much in gardening stores to help so we had to come up with some ideas of our own and those of other gardeners nearby. Even if you don't have pets of your own, you might have problems caused by neighbours' cats. There are steps you can take to reduce damage and annoyance.

Make Lemon Meringue Pie

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:49:33 -0600

Lemon Meringue Pie is a dessert I've always loved. The tangy lemon layer combined with a pastry base and sweet meringue topping make a delicious contrast. Some people like the meringue topping to be crunchy but I prefer it to be crisp on the top and soft but not runny inside. I just pile the meringue on top of the lemon filling and pastry although some people pipe it into pretty patterns and lines so producing a very decorative effect. I don't like the meringue too brown, I prefer it to be lightly tanned! This is my own lemon meringue pie featured here and with the recipe below. Copyright © Carol Fisher

Dolphins Under Threat

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:25:32 -0600

Dolphins are generally one of the favourite animals amongst people worldwide. Because they look as if they are constantly smiling, they make us smile which put us all in a happier mood even if we are only looking at a picture of a dolphin. We love their playful antics and the way they interact with us when we encounter them. People who have been swimming with dolphins have found it an uplifting and unforgettable experience but even people who have only seen them swimming nearby have been entranced by them. Many people only see them in captivity doing tricks. Even though these take advantage of the dolphin's natural behaviour, I personally find it offensive to see them in captivity having to work for their masters. I believe they should be living free in the world's oceans and rivers, living their lives naturally. Tragically, many of those that are free face dangers from man's activities. These include pollution, long line fishing and drift and purse seine nets.

Chocolate Fruit Pudding

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:47:57 -0600

This Chocolate Fruit Pudding is an example of a traditional British steamed dessert The familiar dome of a steamed pudding is usually greeted with pleasure in most British homes. Because fewer people cook nowadays, they are sold in supermarkets and still enjoyed by most people. They can be either sweet or savoury. The most famous savoury one is Steak and Kidney Pudding which is made with a suet pastry pressed to the sides of a traditional pudding basin (see picture below), this is then filled with cubes of beef, kidneys and sliced onions with a little gravy. A suet pastry lid is then put on top. Steamed desserts include Traditional Christmas Pudding, Sussex Pond Pudding, Jam Roly Poly and Chocolate Fruit Pudding - see the recipe below. There is no doubt, both sweet and savoury puddings are not recommended for people on a diet. In this country we say they are 'rib sticking' food because you put weight on eating too many of them. Traditionally, it is more customary to make or buy them in the winter when people want hot, comforting food. *Picture above: copyright .Fabio. Used under a Creative Commons License.

Historic England

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:57:24 -0600

Many of England's cities, towns and villages display evidence of their history, In spite of fires, civil wars, enemy air raids and redevelopment and modernisation. Some of it is obvious like a well preserved castle or cathedral while other evidence requires sharp eyes or the knowledge to recognise what you are seeing. Some places like Bath, York, Chester and Windsor attract visitors from this country and abroad simply because of the wonderful historic buildings and other memorials left from the past. In other places, you have to look harder to see the signs. Perhaps there is a buttercross - an open sided construction where butter was sold in a market, perhaps you have to raise your eyes above modern store fronts to see the Georgian or Victorian frontages that still stand, or maybe there's an odd drain running down the centre of a very narrow, pedestrian only, shopping street.

The Revelation Space Universe

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:30:09 -0600

The Revelation Space Universe was created by science fiction author Alastair Reynolds. It is the setting for most of his novels and short stories and takes its name from his first novel. It is also one of my favourite SF series of books. The novels and stories are set at least 200 years in the future and many go way beyond that period. They are thrilling, interesting and have that 'must read just another page' feeling that all the best novelists can engender in their readers. The characters feel like real people that you can care about, love or hate. They aren't the cardboard cut-outs that we see too often in some science fiction. All this adds up to a recipe for great reading experiences.

Care for Antique & Collectible Glass

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:07:08 -0600

Whether glass is valuable in monetary terms or if it's precious for sentimental reasons, the way you handle it and care for it can mean the difference between an accidental breakage or other damage and preserving your glass in good condition. Really, most of this is just commonsense but it's worthwhile making sure that you get into good habits every time you handle glass that is precious to you. If you always follow the same routine every time you pick up, wash or dust your glass, then it is less likely that a second's distraction or inattention will result in an accident. It is especially distressing when a piece of glass that has been passed down to you by relatives or is antique and so has survived for many years, is damaged when you are its custodian. I hope that by following this advice, antique, collectible and expensive modern glass will be preserved to be enjoyed and admired by future generations. All pictures on this lens are copyright © 2009 Carol Fisher

Recipes for Bananas

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:18:55 -0600

I eat a banana almost every day of my life. I either have it cut up with my breakfast cereal or as part of my lunch. I also use them in my favourite recipes for bananas which I share here. As children, we were often given bananas, sometimes cut up and made into a sandwich. I was born in 1948 and, of course, my parents had gone through the war years in the UK without ever seeing a banana. I think they loved being able to give them to us and eat bananas themselves.

Ireland: A Short Visit to the Irish Republic

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:50:33 -0600

I've always wanted to visit the Republic of Ireland but it never happened until September this year (2011). Over the years I've read so much about the history of Ireland and heard so many good reports from people who had been there. I knew Ireland was a most beautiful country with friendly people but I'd somehow missed out on experiencing this for myself. Then my friend Beryl booked a coach (bus) holiday to Ireland for herself and a relative. Unfortunately, her companion couldn't go, but it was too late to cancel so I went instead. Not only had I never been to Ireland before, I'd never been on a coach holiday either. Picture above: Emblem of Ireland Copyright © WIPO Database - Creative Commons License

Cat Pendants for Cat Lovers

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:47:17 -0600

Some of the cutest and prettiest jewellery I've seen is in the shape of a cat. Unlike most dogs in jewellery, cats look elegant and cat pendants can be worn with stylish, smart clothes. They can be particularly beguiling as I hope you will agree when you see the ones further down. If you love cats, then you can wear your heart round your neck!

Best of Chocolate on Twitter

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:58:39 -0600

Do you enjoy chocolate so much that you even write about it on Twitter? Does your mouth water when you look at this chocolate cake? Now you've seen it, are you craving chocolate? If the answer to these questions is 'yes', then you are almost certainly a chocoholic. Feed your addiction by reading the best chocolate tweets on Twitter. Some of them just describe how much Tweeters want chocolate, what kind of chocolate they've just eaten or maybe the guilt they feel when they have eaten it. When you read the Tweets, you'll know you aren't alone in your enslavement to this wonderful candy.

Explore England and the English

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:50:19 -0600

Although England is a small country, it is a land of contrasts. There are major cities like London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, historic towns like York and Windsor, then there are the villages with odd names - Middle Wallop, Piddletrenthide and Queen Camel - just three examples. Even with global warming, much of England's countryside is still a green and pleasant land - a patchwork of green fields separated by hedges or drystone walls. There is more dramatic scenery as well like that found on Dartmoor or in the Peak District National Park. London is still the place that attracts most foreign visitors but more are now visiting less well-known places too. I hope that the information here will encourage more to do so as well as show the English what attractions they are missing by not seeking out new places to see here at home. As for the English - we've never forgotten we once ruled most of the known world and are having difficulty coming to terms with being a small country on the edge of Europe. We have an image of being emotionless and unfriendly while our sense of humour is often unappreciated by foreigners. Irony doesn't seem to translate well. I hope you will get a better idea of England and the English after reading this page and looking at some of the other pages associated with it.

Make Lemon Drinks

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:56:55 -0600

Lemonade is the name I give to all non-alcoholic lemon drinks whether they are still or fizzy. They are so very easy to make, it's hardly worth the effort of buying lemonade in the stores. It certainly isn't worth buying lemonade powder or crystals when you could just as easily buy real lemons with all their natural goodness. Picture: Copyright © pink.polka - Creative Commons Licence

My Life in Antiques

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:41:49 -0600

I got involved with the UK antiques trade at the end of 1977. I was offered a job on a specialist antiques newspaper compiling a weekly antiques auction calendar for publication and to help selling advertising space to auctioneers. Then I had no interest in antiques but it was a better job with a higher salary than I was getting as assistant to an editor of a magazine for an association of women's clubs. Money didn't so much talk when I was offered the new job - it screamed in my ear. Little did I know that I would spend 31 years involved with antiques dealers, fairs (shows) organisers and other members of the British antiques trade. I never guessed I would become a recognised expert on the trade in this country and people would contact me for information of all kinds on the subject. Guess what! After all these years involved with antiques and collectables, I'm still not interested in them just because they are old and/or collectable. For me, they have to have some merit of their own too.

Make a Reader Friendly Lens

Fri, 20 May 2011 14:30:15 -0600

When I visit a Squidoo lens or web page for the first time, I quickly scan down it to see if it covers material I want to read or look at. If it doesn't, or it's hard to tell, then I bounce off to look for somewhere that makes it easy to see it has what I want. Although I love to think I'm unique in many ways, I'm realistic enough to know that most people do this so I attempt to structure my lenses and web pages with this in mind. I like to have a clear idea in my head of what I will cover and the order I will present my information, pictures and other material. I try to take advantage of font: size, bold, italics, boxes and modules to make the most important points stand out. Picture above: Copyright © Steve Thompson / tagsforkids - Creative Commons License

Lemon Granita and Other Water Ices

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:52:19 -0600

Lemon Granita and other lemon flavoured water ices must be among the most refreshing and delicious ice desserts and just what we need on a hot sunny day. The other very good thing about them is that they are quick to make and don't use difficult to find and expensive ingredients. Picture above: Copyright © wonderyort - Creative Commons License

Wolf Hall - Prize Winning Novel

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:50:09 -0600

The historical novel Wolf Hall, written by Hilary Mantel, not only won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in the UK, it is also a wonderful and insightful story set in the Court of King Henry VIII. It tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, one of Henry VIII's closest and most trusted advisors while the king was trying to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. Cromwell was also instrumental in the Reformation of the church in England and the split from the Roman Catholic Church. So far, so dry and boring, you might think. Don't believe it. Before you have read much of this long novel, Thomas Cromwell will feel like a family member or a close friend.

Carlton Ware - 20th Century Ceramics

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:19:57 -0600

Carlton Ware is a growing area of interest with collectors of ceramics and has been for many years. Its strong, sometimes quirky, designs fit in well with 21st century tastes, proving there is more to collecting British 20th century ceramics than Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper. Carlton Ware is most famous for its advertising ware like the Guinness toucan and a replica loaf of bread for Hovis but it also made beautiful products like the superb Rouge Royale plate on the left as well as quirky .ones like the walking ware - you mean you've never seen a walking eggcup! Although the Carlton Ware company failed in the end, for most of its life it was one of the great success stories of the 20th century leaving a legacy of very collectable pottery and porcelain.

Beef and Eggplant Pasta Sauce

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:17:41 -0600

I made this pasta sauce because I had an eggplant (aubergine) that needed to be used otherwise it would go bad if I left it another day. I had some ground (minced) beef and some other basics. I could have done something like a Cottage Pie or stuffed eggplant but I fancied pasta that day. When I make up recipes as I go, I often spoil them by putting in everything I can lay my hands on: herbs, spices, garlic, chilli, canned tomatoes, you name it, I'll throw it in and wish it all luck. Surprisingly, this doesn't work very often and my invented recipes are often huge disasters. I know when this happens, not just because I think it tastes disgusting, but because my partner, Jim, tells me so. I probably don't take the criticism well at the time, but I do try to learn from it. This time I did because I was very restrained (for me) about what I added and Jim not only liked it but insisted I write down my recipe so I could make it again. Praise indeed!

Kew Gardens, UK - World Heritage Site

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:07:45 -0600

Kew Gardens, as the Botanic Gardens are usually called, are situated on the south west outskirts of London about 7 miles from the centre of the city. It is one of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit in the capital with almost forty Grade 1 or Grade 2 Listed Buildings, set in 300 acres (121 hectares) of beautiful grounds. It is internationally important for botanic research and the conservation of plants. It has the world's largest collection of living plants and over seven million preserved plants. The Gardens are also home to huge botanic library and collection of drawings and prints of plants. It was one of my favourite places to visit when I lived in South London and only 30 minutes away by car - not bad in London's traffic. I've always loved it because there is so much to see. There are the most amazing plants and trees. The architecture of the various buildings is stunning and anybody can spend the whole day in Kew Gardens without a moment of boredom. Above all, no matter how many visitors are there, you can always find quiet, peaceful places to sit and refresh your mind and spirit.

The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob De Zoet

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:21:33 -0600

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell, author of Cloud Atlas, is a stunning novel by any measure. It is beautifully written with such believable characters that I loved and hated them according to their actions and personalities. The story is set in Japan at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries. It tells a story of forbidden love, corruption among traders, unspeakable evil carried out in the guise of religion, and the interaction of people of different races and cultures.

Great Recipes for Lemons

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:36:32 -0600

There are many recipes that include lemons in the ingredients. Sometimes it's the main flavour, in other dishes it's used to enhance the flavours of the ingredients but in the recipes included below, the taste of lemon is predominant. Not only do lemons give a great flavour to food, they are good for health too as they are relatively high in vitamin C and they contain micronutrients. Copyright © Anna Oates - Creative Commons License

Easy Chocolate Recipes

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:08:23 -0600

These Chocolate Cake recipes are easy to prepare and even easier to eat. After all, there aren't many people who can resist chocolate. They are the kind of cakes you can make anytime - you don't need to wait for a celebration. Put a portion of the Chocolate Apple Slices in your kids' packed lunches, that way you know they will eat some fruit. Even if you don't give them the apple slices, with home baking you know that your children are getting good, wholesome food that isn't stuffed with additives!

Cooking for Christmas

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:09:55 -0600

Cooking for Christmas can be a chore or it can be fun - it all depends on your frame of mind and doing all you can in advance. I don't like last minute rushes on Christmas Day. There are so many recipes I use only at this time of year and I find it a pleasure to make them. It's the only time of the year I cook a turkey with all the trimmings: two kinds of stuffing, cranberry sauce, small sausages wrapped in bacon, giblet gravy. I make cakes, mince pies, sausage rolls, spiced peaches, boiled ham and much more. Of course, the quantity depends on the number people we have coming for the holidays. Picture above: Christmas Turkey Copyright © Simon Doggett - Creative Commons License

Summer Pudding - A Great Dessert

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:30:31 -0600

Summer Pudding is a traditional British summertime dessert, made with a variety of berries. Because it's a traditional dessert, cooks have their own favourite versions of it and might make it a little differently each time, depending on their mood and what fruit is available. There are two unchanging elements: summer fruits, usually berries, and slices of bread to make a case for the fruit. Picture above: A Summer Pudding Copyright © Dichohecho - Creative Commons License

Angel in Disguise

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:26:38 -0600

I wrote this when I first became an Angel in 2009 and used it when I became an Angel again during September 2010 as well. I listed all the lenses I blessed during that period. How strange to become an Angel. My friends and family will laugh when I tell them as I'm sure they'll agree I'm a very unlikely candidate for Angel status - definitely an Angel in disguise. As I'm a volunteer, I can't complain that the role isn't for me so I will do my best to live up to the image of Angels. I won't have favorites but will endeavor to assess lenses impartially. You'll know if I give your lens a blessing it is truly blessworthy. Want to know what I think makes a lens worth a blessing? Just read on. You'll see what I think makes a dingworthy lens too.

Dieting Over Christmas

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:55:41 -0600

Dieting over Christmas is difficult but it is a shame to abandon a successful diet just for a week or two of Christmas and New Year celebrations. It takes just 500 excess calories a day for a week to gain one pound in weight and at Christmas it is easy to overeat. Here is some advice to avoid gaining weight during the festive period even if you don't lose any that week. All it takes is will power which is not always easy to maintain when everybody around you is eating and drinking to excess. At times, you will probably feel like Scrooge because of your failure to join in the excessive amounts eaten and drunk. Look on the bright side, you'll be happy you did when it's all over.

Best of Summer Fruit on Twitter

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:44:50 -0600

Summer is my favourite season for fruit. I love nearly all of it. Raspberries are the best, in my opinion, but then there are strawberries, peaches, apricots, cherries, different varieties of melon, blueberries, blackcurrants and all the rest. The great selection of summer fruit means that nobody has any excuse for not eating at least the recommended five portions a day of fruit and vegetables. Check out the recommendations from Tweeters who spend some time discussing their favourite summer fruit.

Glazed Lemon and Almond Tart

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:40:28 -0600

Glazed Lemon and Almond Tart is what we would call this open pie here in the UK and it is delicious. The fresh, sharp taste of lemons (sweetened, of course) combined with the warmer flavour of almonds make an excellent, tasty combination. It isn't as quick to make as some of my other lemon recipes but it isn't difficult. Use a nicer pie plate than the one I used and you will find it makes a really impressive dessert for a special meal so is well worth the extra time required to make it.

Preserving Recipes for Summer Produce

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:20:31 -0600

Preserving by canning is a good way of using excess garden fruit and vegetables. It's also in the spirit of Thanksgiving in North America and Harvest Festival in Europe. We are thankful for the summer produce from our gardens and we can show it by not wasting it. The best way to do that is to preserve it to eat during the cold months of winter. If you have several good apple trees, you will probably find you have more apples than you know what to do with. There is a limit to the number of apple pies, crumbles and other apple desserts you can store in your freezer or give away to friends and relatives. Instead you can preserve them in the form of apple jelly, and with other fruit and vegetables, make chutneys, a kind of sweet pickle originating in India. In England we refer to making fruit and vegetables into pickles chutneys as preserving but I believe that in the USA it's called canning. Please let me know if I'm wrong about that. You can use up bruised and damaged fruit and vegetables in chutney, much better than just putting them on the compost heap.

Silent In The Grave

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:09:34 -0600

I found Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn by accident. I was fairly desperate for something to read that was going to capture my imagination. I didn't want another book about serial killers complete with so much forensic detail I could almost qualify for CSI without further training. When I read the opening lines, helpfully printed again on the back cover, I knew this was the book for me. I thought them witty and cynical so they made me smile. The novel didn't disappoint even though I wondered if an American novelist could really recreate Victorian London and its characters without striking a wrong note and breaking the spell. For me, Deanna Raybourn succeeded beautifully. I believed in Lady Julia Grey, the main character, and liked her immensely. I suspended disbelief as the investigation and action progressed and, when I finished the novel, I was looking on Amazon to buy more by the same novelist. Can I give higher praise than that?

Summer - A Good Time to Lose Weight

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:58:58 -0600

Summer is an ideal time to lose weight and improve your diet. In summer, most people wear fewer, lighter clothes making it harder to cover the bulges and making us more self-conscious. They are even more conspicuous if we want to wear a swimsuit or bikini. When I was fat, I'd lie in the bath and think I looked like a beached whale so nothing would have persuaded me to bare a lot of flesh to go swimming no matter how hot the weather. When it's hot, we are less inclined to eat big, stodgy meals. Our bodies seem to crave lighter, fresher food. All of this makes it a good time to change our eating habits and lose weight if we need to do so.

I Love My Kindle

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:27:56 -0600

I never put a Kindle e-book reader on my Christmas gift list so I was surprised and disappointed when I received one last Christmas. I've always loved books, not just reading them but handling them too. I like the feel and smell of new books. I also like the feeling of shared experience when I read old books that have obviously been read before. Could I really enjoy what seemed to me to be a sterile experience of reading e-books on an electronic device like Amazon's Kindle? I definitely wasn't looking forward to setting it up and trying to read books on it. Picture: My Amazon Kindle E-Book Reader - Copyright Carol Fisher

Best of Superfoods on Twitter

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:26:10 -0600

The name superfood is usually given to foods that contain a high proportion of micronutrients that are supposed to help our bodies resist or fight illness, including cancer and heart disease. Some people argue that they may also confer other benefits like increased cognitive ability. Unfortunately, most trained doctors, dieticians and nurtritionists don't agree with the concept of superfoods. They say that no one food can supply all the nutrients that we need and that we should concentrate, instead, on eating a balanced diet. It also seems that superfoods go in and out of fashion. Sometimes blueberries are the number one miracle food, then it's pomegranates or blackcurrants or wheat grass or seaweed.

Quiz: What Do You Know About Musicals?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:18:03 -0600

I've been a lifelong fan of musicals both on stage and as movies. Because I'll watch my favourites musicals over and over again and I'll listen to them on CD too, over the years I've gradually acquired a lot of information - most of it fairly useless! When it does come in useful is when I'm watching quizzes on television. There's rarely a question about musicals that I can't answer. Even when that happens, I usually kick myself when I hear the answer because I should have known it. Even if your knowledge of musicals isn't extensive, you'll probably find you can answer many of the questions in this quiz. Why not have a go and see if you can? Good luck. Picture above: The Squiddler on the Roof by Steve Thompson / tagsforkids - Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Best of Desserts on Twitter

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:23:13 -0600

Don't you just hate desserts? No, neither do I, unfortunately. They usually look beautiful especially those you see in restaurants and the frozen food section in supermarket. Come to think of it, the desserts in the bakery sections look too good for comfort as well. I know somebody who is as thin as a stick and she loves desserts. When she eats in restaurants she has just a small starter like a green salad then the yummiest dessert on the menu. I'm not totally convinced this is a balanced healthy diet but it suits her. Personally, I love most kinds of desserts from creamy, fruit ones to rich chocolate to more homely ones like apple pie and crumble.

The Fun Side of Work

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:55:45 -0600

In these difficult economic times, it's so easy to see work as a very serious business, particularly if you are looking for a job without success. Work can be funny, though, it does have it's lighter, humorous side. Many of us have a love hate attitude to our jobs or careers. We need to work to pay our bills and it can help us feel as if we have a purpose in life. Even so, we still laugh at jokes about it like "A job is nice but it interferes with my life." At least, I find that amusing, if not side-splitting even though I've worked my whole adult life until I retired last year. Humor helps us on those difficult days that we all have doing our jobs. Even those of us who are lucky enough to have careers we love have bad days when we feel like we should have stayed in bed. Here's some humor to help you through those days.

Books Make Great Gifts

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:19:21 -0600

A book can be an ideal Christmas or birthday gift for almost anybody. Of course, it has to be the right book for the person receiving it. This is an opportunity to show you care enough to take trouble to find a book they will be delighted to receive. It could be fiction or non-fiction, a serious novel or a thriller, a reference book or a biography. Whatever it is, it should be something the recipient will find interesting or entertaining.

Best of Garden Flowers on Twitter

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:55:26 -0600

Garden Flowers are so lovely the sight of them can brighten a miserable day. They are even better when they are free because you can pick them in your garden. If you plan carefully, you can have flowers for almost the whole year. Find out what other people think about garden flowers on Twitter. Some Tweeters joke about them, others share what they are planting in their gardens while some bemoan the fact that they have to buy flowers because they have no where to grow them.

Dieting: Lose Weight & Keep It Off

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:28:21 -0600

Almost anybody can lose weight - there are no fat people in a famine nor overweight athletes. The only thing that stops us losing weight is ourselves. It's not enough to go on a diet, maybe by cutting out carbs or counting calories. Even if we lose all those extra pounds on these diets, when we go back to our usual eating pattern, it's quite likely we'll put it all back on again plus a few extra pounds. Then you've got yo-yo dieting. How can we get out of this vicious circle? We don't only have to lose weight, we've got to find out why we eat too much and deal with that too. It's only by recognising our bad eating habits and our compulsive behaviour that we can become the slim people we'd love to be. We also need to remember that it's not only what we eat that is a factor, it's also the amount of exercise we take. We can eat healthy food and still gain weight if we eat more than we need to fuel our bodies.