Painting of the Month - They have come to see me bat, not you umpire! W.G.Grace

William Gilbert Grace, also known as W. G. Grace, a man of many talents.
Born in 1848, he was an English first class cricketer, an outstanding all rounder, he excelled at all the essential skills of batting, bowling and fielding, but it is for his batting that he is most renowned.
What a real man, most would say.
He also qualified as a medical practitioner and he was also a champion 44-yard hurdler, a footballer, he loved playing golf, lawn bowls and curling.
What a real man, most would say.
He was an extremely competitive player and, although he was one of the most famous men in England, he was also one of the most controversial on account of his gamesmanship and moneymaking.
What a real man, most would say.
He also loved poetry, collecting and pressing autumn leaves and adored baking frangipane tarts.
What a real man, most would say.
However, don't be fooled, he LOVED being the centre of attention, a bit of a prima donna, a diva...
On once being given out LBW, Grace is rumoured to have said: "Play on. They came to see me bat, not you umpire." 
 What a real man, most would say.

Sculpture of the Month - Hold Tight

This is Clive and Buster, they both adore windy days.
Clive is a specialist in wind turbines, he talks about them, he designs them, he builds them, he photographs them... he just loves them.
He also delights in taking his best friend Buster out for daily walks, he plays badminton twice a week and enjoys eating english raspberries only when in season.
If you happen to walking along the coastal path, just beyond the Gribbin head lighthouse, and it's a very blowy day, you just may come across Clive yelling to Buster, "I'd better Hold Tight"

Tally Ho!

Our good friends in Fowey, have said that one cannot possibly live in the South West, without seeing a Point to Point! 

Yes, yes, yes, I can hear you now... WHAT is that ?

Well, it is a country day  at the races, lots of beautiful majestic creatures, and plenty of people, elegantly dressed, drinking, betting and enjoying a superb day out. 

Thundering hooves

So off we went, it was a chilly day in December, the sun was shining and the air was crisp and clear, perfect conditions for standing in the great outdoors. 

We were determined to immerse ourselves in the whole event,  starting with our clothing. We had to think of a "Barbour" advertisement!  Upon arrival, as far the eye could see, there were various hues of brown and green, everyone looked so smart, dapper and British... we had done well. 

There is a strictly followed rhythm to the day.
First things first, into the large enclosure that was warm, buzzing and full of chatter. A few tall glasses of G & T and pints of ale, all round.

Next, back outside, to inspect the horses for the upcoming race. To be quite honest, they ALL looked fast to us, instead Dino, who stood well back (because of his fear of large animals) made some featherbrained comments about their coats, tails and colours. 
Then, back indoors, where we discussed odds and placed bets.

Everyone's a winner

Finally, dash out to find a good vantage point... and then they were off!

The muffled enthusiasm of the race caller over the tannoy, the vibrations underfoot of the thundering hooves and the restrained cheers of the composed British crowd... Ahh, just delightful!

I believe we did not back one winner, in fact, in the last 2 races, our horse did not complete the race. 
However we did not care, it was all about the DAY!  

Painting of the Month - Where Are You ?

Gretchen loves to ski, all day, everyday! She lives in Alaska, with her husband Burt and their huskies Fluffy, Cuddly and Handsome.

After many years working on crab trawlers, she finally has landed herself, her dream job. A fully qualified ski instructor. She is ever so competent, professional and very kind. Her only problem is that she is a little too fast, and thus she often loses her clients.

So next you happen to be in Alaska's Alyeska Resort, listen out for "Where Are You?"

  

 

Champagne Cider?

Nestled high on the mountains, or actually, in the undulating hills of the Fowey Estuary, our dear friend Barry has just produced an outstanding beverage. Barry has been making cider for his family and friends for the last 15 years, but has now decided to share his passion with the rest of us, his Sparkling Vintage Cider.

Dino and I HAD to see his picturesque cidery and this genius in action. So off we went to Golant. The morning was misty and ever so cold, just right for cider making.  

Barry began by explaining... "It is made with a high proportion of dessert apples, to give it that delicious ‘méthode traditionelle’ taste

The apples are just pressed, then fermented twice: first in the barrel for a year; then a second year’s fermentation in the bottle. The cider is then disgorged in the champagne style and aged further before release.  It is the secondary fermentation that gives his cider its wonderful bubbly effervescence, a method invented in the West Country for fine cider making around 1600, well before it was used in France for Champagne."
We could not believe the simplicity of it all, scrumptious apples, picked, pressed and bottled, that is it!  

Barry is now an award winning cider maker... to think, ones passion can change ones life. Must be that special Cornish country air!

Scuplture of the Month - High Note !

Hans has always loved following the Tour de France. He is a fanatical fan of anything that Stephen King has written, and he enjoys a good chilled glass of Robinson's Lemon Barley Water... 

Lately, he has really enjoyed his work, he is a often seen prancing and dancing through the village, humming Vivaldi's Four Seasons and eagerly awaiting his next concerto.

Hans loves having his photo taken and if you follow him around, he will often be found, on a Thursday evening, with his tuxedo, a cassette player, and his sheet music practicing that very, very, very last "High Note!" 

Painting of the Month - Golf Is A Good Walk Spoiled

Robert wakes up each day at the exact same time. He puts on his slippers, he makes himself and his wife a cup of Darjeeling tea and

and feeds his dog, Skippy. He then proceeds to shower, and prepares his car for a day of golfing! 

He loves his golf, he loves the smell of the freshly cut greens, the peacefulness of the course and the whole tradition that is associated with golf.

 Robert has been playing for years, he plays competition days on Wednesdays and hopes that one day he will be able to lift the trophy in the club house. 

He hardly ever gets mad, however sometimes, just sometimes, he thinks "Golf is a good walk Spoiled"