Tea duelling? I thought you’d never ask!

Tags

Cogs cakes and swordsticks, Hartlepool Maritime Experience, HMS Trincomalee, Steampunk, tea duelling

Ready, get set…go!

On Sunday I was finally introduced to the world of tea duelling.  My expectations were high, because, as I stepped on board the HMS Trincomalee, one of the first sights to catch my eye was a table full of pistols.  I was a little apprehensive as I hadn’t brought a swashbuckling hero to defend me.

The atmosphere below decks was ripe for a little duelling, but first I wanted to meet up with Lynne and Richard Hardy.  I knew they were exhibiting and giving lectures in the captains quarters.  Normally they like to play their table top game “Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks” in a tea shop.  Well, that’s just the kind of people Steampunks are- never too far from cake, or at the very least a biscuit or three.

The captain was obviously a person of taste

Up on deck, the cannon looked primed for action

The harbour, not surprisingly, was empty of craft

Even the quay seemed bereft of people

Below deck, a curious accumulation of items for the “battle ready”?

Or had I got the wrong idea? Still, that pistol looks tricky.

There seemed to be a little problem of a rifle misfiring, so I was greatly relieved when it was set aside, and tea duelling commenced.  The rules were carefully observed.  How glad I was to discover that tea duelling was simply a variation on the biscuit dunking that my very own swashbuckling hero was at home, busy practising!  In fact, he’s an old hand at it.

All in all, “Tiffin on the Trinc” was another example of the wacky, but harmless, exploits that I’m beginning to associate with Steampunk.  I hope nobody minds me poking a little gentle fun.  I’m withholding names to protect the innocent.

Lynne wrote a very nice piece on the event in her blog Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks.  The snowy picture alone of the Trincomalee, at home in Hartlepool Maritime Experience, is worth a look.  Her explanation is one hundred percent clearer than mine.

Let’s make a splash!

Tags

flowers, Icelandic poppies, Photography, splash

Start the day with a zing!

I’m looking at greyness out of the window again, but I’m determined to see colour.  It’s Icelandic poppy time of year.  How fabulous are these?

I LOVE this one!

Or how about this? Wicked, isn’t it?

Nestled there so prettily

These guys are good too.

Let’s just talk a little flamboyance!

But these really capture my heart

So there you are.  Monday doesn’t have to be grey.

Have a good week!

Six word Saturday

Tags

corsets, curves, Emilly Ladybird, HMS Trincomalee, Nottingham, postaday, Steampunk

From one Steampunk Event to another!

Isn’t life strange sometimes?  Last Sunday I was in Nottingham, in the wonderful company of my daughter, Lisa, and her role-playing friends.  I was attending a book launch for “Steampunk Apothecary”, an enchanting collection of jewellery and fantastical tales.  Emilly Ladybird (otherwise known as Jema Hewitt, and the chief bridesmaid at my daughter’s wedding, if you remember that far back) describes how to make these beautifully curvy pieces.

Blood red ruby earrings- Jema demonstrates how to make them

Or how about these curvaceous mermaids?

The beautifully curved balcony in the Malt Cross Cafe

We were upstairs in the uniquely beautiful Malt Cross Cafe, a grade 2 listed building.  Emilly Ladybird was our gracious hostess, and naturally, there was cake!

Lisa, Emilly Ladybird, Mr. Woppit and Claire

Mr. Woppit and cake

Lisa was keeping cool most elegantly

And posing, when requested, with her husband, Leo

Imagine my surprise to learn, during the conversation, that this coming Sunday my hometown is to host its first ever Steampunk event!  Lynne and Richard Hardy, designers of the game “Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks” will be appearing on board HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool marina.  “Come and say hello” they said.

Sure enough, on my return home I found “Tiffin on the Trinc- a Steampunk convivial”, advertised locally.

Tiffin on board the Trinc poster

What’s a girl to do?  It’s Father’s day so I’ll be cooking lunch first.  For more details of Jema’s fabulous work, and last Sunday’s fun, take a look at An extraordinary, but delicious, affair.  Tomorrow?  It won’t be the same without my gorgeous girl.

Got your six words ready for Saturday?  With thanks to Cate at Show My Face.  And I really can’t resist a “two for one” approach this week.  I’m submitting this to the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge : Curves 

After all, what’s a corset without curves?

Thursday- Lingering look at Windows- week 22

Tags

Cambridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Nottingham, Thursday Lingering look at Windows, Whitby, York

Where might I linger this week?  I’ll be getting myself talked about!  I believe I promised you some English windows.  Now, how to present them?

The glass-panelled arched ceiling of Malt Cross Cafe in Nottingham

You know I spent the weekend in Nottingham?  The above was the venue for the book launch of “Steampunk Apothecary”.  If you want to see some of the antics, have a look at An extraordinary, but delicious, affair.

The Malt Cross Cafe is an historic grade 2 listed building and we were fortunate to have the use of the upper gallery.  Below, there’s a bar which sells delicious savouries.

Nottingham isn’t short on interesting venues, and windows.

Don’t you love the light through this window in Nottingham’s exquisite Newstead Abbey?

The previous weekend I was in Newcastle-on-Tyne and found myself very taken with these windows.  I think the building is currently being used just for office space, but at least it’s still there in all its glory.

What do you think?

The prettiest windows I’ve seen in a while

You can tell I like them!

 

England’s towns and cities have some of the loveliest windows you’ll ever see.

Peterborough Cathedral

The Cambridge colleges are the equal of any in the world

The beautiful “Backs” in Cambridge

Reflecting windows in the heart of the shopping centre on Grainger St., Newcastle

English charm and very industrious, too. Whitby, of course.

The atmosphere in Whitby’s St. Mary’s is so serene, despite the Dracula connection

But for Tudor style you can’t beat York

While these filigree beauties at Whitby Abbey are simply timeless

Did you stroll through my galleries?  We really must stop meeting like this.  It’s getting to be a habit.

So, what do you think?  Can England take on Poland and Portugal in the windows challenge?  Thanks Dawn for providing me with a little more fun this rain-soaked English day.

Don’t forget to check out the other Lingering Windows entries, and maybe participate?

An extraordinary, but delicious, affair

Tags

Apothecary, book launch, Emilly Ladybird, Nottingham, Steampunk, Steampunk Apothecary

A figurehead- courtesy of Martin Soulstealer

Some of you may remember my daughter from her vivid and beautiful wedding in February.  The photo above shows her in a slightly different light. (I really love the luminous moon effect)

This weekend I was invited to a book launch in Nottingham for “Steampunk Apothecary”, by Jema Hewitt.  The above is an illustration from the book.

Jema, allias Emilly Ladybird, is a hugely talented costume and jewellery designer who loves Steampunk.  Step by step she guides you through the mechanics of making some of her creations.  Delightful little stories are accompanied by jewel-coloured illustrations.  You don’t even have to be interested in Steampunk to admire this beautiful book. (though it helps!)

The fairy wing tiara

An enthusiastic role player in the Steampunk world, Jema has used many of her friends to give an authentic feel to the book.  I was looking forward to meeting a few of them at the book launch.

Lisa advised me that I should wear clothing appropriate to a Steampunk afternoon tea. (but admitted that a pretty blouse and skirt would be fine)  Phew!  She added that she would be wearing her blonde wig, as that is how she appears in the book.  The result was quite amazing.  She was particularly proud of the fascinator.  There is actual tea inside the cup, but it won’t spill!  Lisa made the entire outfit, of course.  I was scarcely off the train and we were in Hopkinson’s Vintage store, purchasing a tiny antique teaspoon to sit on the saucer.

My domestic goddess in her kitchen- don’t you love the outfit?

She’d spent the previous evening writing cards to accompany the cakes which would be an essential element of the event.  Remember the wedding cake?  Well, Jema had made five fabulous new cakes.  The flavours :-  Rose and raspberry Dolly cake; Blood red beetroot and chocolate cake; Vanilla rainbow Fairy cake; The Kraken’s courgette and lime cake, and The Libraries Brandy and Ginger cake (my favourite!)

At this point you’re going to want to see the evidence, aren’t you, but it did start to disappear very rapidly.

Let them eat cake. They demand it!  With Lisa’s pretty cards.

They were just as colourful inside, but I was too busy eating

After a while I went off to make friends and take some photos.  The official photographer of the book, (and of Lisa’s wedding), Martin Soulstealer, was busy setting up some shots.  Rather alarmingly, Lisa was balanced on a chair, poised over the balcony, above Jema’s husband Nick, recreating the scene from the book.  I had to try for a quick shot, nowhere near Martin’s level of artistry.

Here are just a few of the “supporting cast”.

Jema eating cake, accompanied by Mr. Woppit

Cake and fascinators were everywhere!

Distinguished gentlemen and pretty ladies abound

Rebecca looked fabulous!

More hats!

Smiling faces!

Even children!

And newlyweds!

There will be more tales to tell.  Did you see Mr. Woppit cavorting on the table?  He is adorable!  Just one more illustration from the book?  You could be tempted.

Something for the gents- delicious tiepins!

So, that’s a Steampunk book launch.  Do look out for Jema’s extraordinary book.  It’s a work of art.  In September there’s a new book coming, dedicated to cakes and sweets.  I’ve had a sneak preview, but I musn’t give any secrets away!  Here is the link if you want to purchase, or just have a look around Jema’s work.   http://steampunkjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/new-books-pre-order-offer.html

See you soon.

Thursday- Lingering look at Windows- week 21

Tags

Faro, Obidos, Porto, Portugal, Thursday Lingering look at Windows

I’m determined to be on time with this challenge.  Truthfully I don’t have much choice because tomorrow I’m off to Nottingham, to attend a Steampunk book launch with my daughter.  You can imagine what fun that’s going to be!

Last week I shared a few Polish windows with you, so it’s only fair that this week I do the same for Portugal, don’t you think?

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You can pause the gallery to read the captions if you hover over it.  Clever, huh?

But my very best Portuguese window has to be this one.  Anyone who has walked through this gate and looked up will recognise it- fabulous Porta da Vila, in Obidos.

So what do you think, Poland or Portugal?  I really can’t choose because I love them both.  Many thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions for hosting this challenge.  Don’t forget to check out the other entries, and maybe add one of your own.

I guess it’ll have to be English windows next week?  We’ll see.

CBBH Photo challenge- same subject, different time

Tags

Algarve, Cabanas, CBBH Photo Challenge, Ponte Romana, Portugal, Tavira

Marianne at East of Malaga knew I was going to be predictable in her CBBH challenge this month.  Well, when you know a lovely spot, why not share it?  So here we have Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve, at different times of day.

Ponte Romana in Tavira

And in the evening, it just gets better

And better!  I love those reflections under the bridge.

And when the tide’s in, it’s different again.

I can’t compete with the drama of Marianne’s disappearing mountain.  It’s a stunner!  But by this stage of things I’m getting mellow, with a glass of port and the swifts for company.

I like the view in the other direction, too, looking away from the Ponte Romana to the Old Military bridge. (which is so old it has holes in!)

It’s peaceful and calm as the sun sets

And sometimes the opalescent colours are simply stunning

Then the lights come on, and it’s different again

Maybe Cabanas is more your kind of place?  You won’t often see it this empty.

No telltale clop of sandals on the boardwalk

Ssh, flip flops are quieter!  Who IS that smiley lady?

Later in the day, there’s a little more vibrance.

I guess this is what’s called a rosy hue?

I’m not certain that this is quite what Marianne had in mind, but I’ve got 4 weeks before the challenge finishes, so I can always try again.

But first, let me introduce Ventisqueras.  Sometimes a blog comes along that really excites me, and this lady does exactly that.  We struggle with language because my Italian is just a few words, but sometimes that doesn’t matter.

I um and err when I have to choose blogs, but I know there are a lot of pet lovers out there.  I found Bailey Boat Cat quite recently and it did make me smile.  Such an elegant feline.  Enjoy checking them out and have a great month!

Lingering look at Windows- week 20

Tags

bell tower, Krakow, photo challenge, Thursday Lingering look at Windows, windows

Who doesn’t love windows?  Looking out on a bright Summer’s day.  Looking in, when the lights are on, all cosy on an Autumn evening.  I’m always drawn by the lamplight.  Or by sunshine, of course.

But if you’re going to linger over them, the windows have to be a bit special, don’t they?  I think I can offer a few from my recent trip to Poland.

Through the windows of the bell tower of the Ratusz or Town Hall in Krakow

Wonderfully shabby peeling windows on Ulica Grodzka

Another bell tower window

One plain, one fancy window on Ulica Kanonicza

The lovely Mariacki Church, from the bell tower

Love this trompe l’oeil window side by side with a real one at the bookshop

I climbed the narrow circular steps of the Ratusz with my cousin, Adam, and neice, Ula.  The views through the art nouveau windows were definitely special, even on a murky day.  Ula confessed to me that they’d never climbed the tower before, even though they live in Kraków.  I should show you how it looks from the outside.

You really can’t tell how beautiful the windows are from down below

I’ve enjoyed my first attempt at a lingering look at windows.  Thanks, Dawn, for a really nice idea, and sorry it’s taken me so long to join in.  I’m already thinking which windows I can use for next week’s challenge.   Off  I go to look through a few more.

Six word Saturday

Tags

Awards, cycling, friends, Gateshead Millenium Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, The Eye

In the blink of an eye!

I haven’t been very mobile this week- a combination of injured foot and the dreariest of weather.  So there was real joy in my stride as I set off, on a glorious sunny morning, to meet an old friend in Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Normally we bundle into the nearest coffee shop and just talk, but it was much too lovely to be indoors.  I suggested we walk down to The Quay and the vibrant riverside.  We arrived just as the siren was sounding at The Eye, otherwise known as the Gateshead Millenium Bridge.  At midday the bridge tilts open, or blinks.  What a wonderful sight!

Crossing the Tyne Bridge, The Eye and The Sage Theatre are clearly visible

There are a variety of bridges crossing the Tyne.

An artificial beach in the Summer time

And all kinds of street theatre

But the star of the show is The Eye

As the siren sounds people hurry to get off the bridge

And then the tilting begins

At first you can hardly tell

But then the space below increases

And increases

Until it’s fully open- an impressive sight.

Click on a photo to see the bridge in action.

We sat outside The Pitcher and Piano with a perfect view, but some of the time we barely noticed it.  The important thing was our friendship and just being there together.

You all know that I love a good walk, but I’ve never mastered the art of bicycling.  Someone who has is The Cycling Scot.  Colin is a gifted travel writer with a great fondness for cake.  He’s written some great stuff over the years but his blog is fairly new.  I’m sure he’d appreciate a few visitors, so please do say hello.  He recently received the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, which he has kindly passed on.

As usual, I’ve far exceeded my six words.  Perhaps I really should abandon this challenge.  Next Saturday I won’t be here as I’ll  be visiting my lovely daughter in Nottingham.  Thanks Cate, for all your tolerance, and for being my hostess at Show My Face.

 

Fulfilling a promise

Tags

Awards, bouquet, flowers, promise, wonderful team member

Team Member Award

What can you say about Viveka?  The best thing to come out of Sweden since Abba?  Well, you wouldn’t be far wrong.

Who else could induce me to pass on an award within days of receiving it? (with a gracious curtsey)  The lady is simply irresistible, so if I want to remain a member of her team (and I do!), I simply have to fulfill a promise.  Thank you, Viveka, for awarding me the Wonderful Team Member Award.  May I present you, in turn, a small bouquet of Spring flowers from my garden.

A bronze leaved rhododendron. The first time it has flowered for me.

This camelia is delicious

The pots and planters are busy

This beauty isn’t quite flowering yet

But this one’s very happy

While this started deep pink, and is slowly tuning paler each day

I hope that you will always be one of my guilty pleasures.

I don’t feel the need to pass this on to individuals.  There are a number of people who always comment on my posts, as I delight in reading and commenting on theirs.  If you are reading this you are almost certainly one of that much cherished group.  Please accept my grateful thanks and feel free to pass this on if you so wish.  Viveka has kindly provided the rules and regulations in her post.

I hope that your week has been full of promise too.