Monday 2 March 2015

Hip update: like peeling onions … and some snippets: Limpets have teeth … Samuel Pepys’ buried parmesan … Horses in World War One …



Peeling onions is the best description to get to my hip, then one needs to reverse the process … well I do (you don’t have to worry!): exercise those muscles and repair that invasion.

The onion peeled

The hip looks smart … and that extra inch is well supported into the femur … but is causing me to slow down and concentrate on healing … I’m using one stick again at times … so I balance the pelvis properly (the sticks were adjusted) … if anyone wants to know I have: an “uncemented ceramic total hip ... with an extra inch added



… I can now drive and shower, both of which are bliss ... but I can’t get to my tootsies – that extra inch takes them out of stretching bounds … and I can’t thus, by myself, put socks on.




Looking from Beachy Head end towards the
pier at low tide


A friend came through and we went off to shop for some shoes that didn’t need socks – incredibly we found a pair … sort of furry lined (shoes and not boots) – which will do for now – til I can reach my toes.






Pevensey Bay - Eastbourne is bottom
left (unmarked) ... but you can see the
coastline today and how far inland the sea
reached in William the Conquerors day (1066)


We had walked into town and as it was such a lovely sunny day we carried on to the pier … sitting in the tea rooms, enjoying the views of Pevensey Bay … reminding me of last year’s A-Z Aspects of British Coasts.




Limpets on the groynes at Eastbourne



I posted about gripping limpets in my G for Grippers, I forInside a Rock Pool and finally in my Z for tidal zones … but little did we know that ten months’ later … the New Scientist would report that the molluscs’ tiny teeth are made from the strongest biological materials known to man … absolutely fascinating …??  Ask me more and I’ll add it in the comments …






The Great Fire by an anonymous
artist (c 1670): Ludgate in flames with
St Paul's in the distance


Going on to J for jewellery – the Cheapside Hoard: proper post coming up next – I came across Samuel Pepys’ buried parmesan … in my book on the jewellery … it says that Samuel Pepys stepped gingerly over the still smouldering ashes of Cheapside a few days after the Fire of London in 1666, Goldsmith’s Row had gone – leaving a treasure waiting to be rediscovered in 1912: the Cheapside Hoard.





Samuel Pepys said "it made
him weep to see it"


Pepys had evacuated his home as best he and his servants were able to … Pepys finally taking a barge out along the river … the fire took a couple of days to burn westwards – the house survived the fire … but his diary never recorded what happened to his beloved Parmesan.




Pasta in a cheese wheel -c/o  Love from Italy


For some reason he buried his wine and Parmesan cheese in a hole in the garden … why?    Well Parmesan was very valuable back then … and Pepys burying his round of cheese was the equivalent of burying a gold bar today … see more here: A Man and His Cheese …



Finally to The Horse Exhibition at Woking I had hoped to go and visit – I decided after my check-up that was a trip too far … so resisted … but here is what we missed:


c/o The Lightbox exhibition site

Eight million horses, mules and donkeys died in the First World War and this exhibition will honour these brave creatures who suffered the same appalling conditions as their soldier companions. 




The exhibition will explore how the horse was depicted in war, both heroically and as beast-of-burden, by some of the leading British artists of the day, including William Roberts, Sir Alfred Munnings and Lucy Kemp-Welch.


War Horse puppets c/o The Lightbox exhibition site
The horse will be portrayed through historical fine art and contemporary elements such as ‘Joey’, the life-size horse puppet from the National Theatre’s acclaimed stage production of War Horse, on temporary loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and drawings by Illustrator and Theatre Designer Rae Smith. 


A social history display will look at the care and training of the horse and local effects of the requisition of horses during the war. 


The film “Summer in February” (based on the novel by Jonathan Smith) – wasn’t the best – but it depicts the early Munnings, before he was President of the Royal Academy, as an uncouth bohemian, along with other aspiring artists from the Lamorna and Newlyn Schools of Art.  It was filmed in Cornwall in the winter of 2012.



What I hope my skin will look
- repaired and recovered in due
course .. if I take care!
So having had the hip-onion peeled which is now melding itself together, with my exercising encouragement, I can revert back to my norm … of giving you some ‘tantalising bits of information’ such as limpets having teeth, or perhaps an early clay oven with a parmesan and wine fondue courtesy of Samuel Pepys: the heat from the Great Fire of 1666 would have baked London’s clay solid …



Parmesans in store
… and on to Horses … I’d have loved to have visited the exhibition – but feel better for not having pushed the boat out – but am sure I saw another exhibition of Horses through the ages at the British Museum … so will need to find that information anon.



All’s well here – another sunny day has dawned … and I’m off to the Social History group … posts to follow before the A-Z: Cheapside Hoard, Eastbourne Ancestors, and more on the Art and Conflict artists …


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

75 comments:

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Glad every thing is coming along. I must have missed the post last April about burying the cheese. Interesting tidbit about the hard teeth.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Those are some strong teeth on those molluscs.
Eight million is a lot of horses.
Glad you found some furry shoes for your sockless feet.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
J.L. Murphey said...

Welcome back.

Chrys Fey said...

I haven't been able to touch my toes since I was a kid...but I also have a metal rod and fusion in my back, so maybe that's why. ;)

loverofwords said...

Every day, Hilary, you sound better and better. My son's family which include two grandsons, went to see the War Horse play when it was in Denver. It was fabulous! Wish I had gone along, but it was our Christmas present to them. After a while, you saw the puppets as actual horses, they said.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Hurray for finding a solution to not being able to put socks on. (That must be very frustrating. I briefly had that problem after my C-sections, when it hurt to bend that much.)

And I am cracking up at the image of Pepys getting ready to flee the fire and yelling, "Save the cheese!"

JJ said...

I absolutely love "The Horse at War: 1914 - 1918." As for the hip, don't rush it. Give yourself some time to heal (hard as it is).

cleemckenzie said...

What you're doing is perfect. You're healing and you're adjusting to make your life as good as possible. I'm so glad you're back to giving us our dose of information. I've missed that.

Now I'm off to bury some cheese.

Friko said...

Unable to put on your socks? Shoes without socks. Brrrr. It’s far too cold for that. You have all my sympathy.

But as always, you have managed to put an interesting post together, in spite of the cold feet.

Soon you’ll be rolling along happily again, with or without a disc of cheese.

Happy exploring!

dolorah said...

Glad you are on the mend enough to be out walking in the sunshine. A shame you had to miss the exhibit. I'm not a fan of sandels and such shoes that have no socks, so not being able to reach my toes would be a sad thing. I'd likely just go barefoot. Guess that's not an option out walking though.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

So glad things are healing well for you, Hillary!

Murees Dupè said...

It's so great that your hip is healing so well. Keep up your hard work. Don't worry, you will be reaching your toes in no time. Poor horses. I think it is a great idea to honor them with an exhibition. Have a great week.

Suzanne Furness said...

The exhibition would have been fascinating but I think you are wise not to do too much too soon. It sounds like you are healing and making progress. So glad. Take it steady and I'm sure you'll be able to put your socks on before too long.

Mason Canyon said...

Glad to hear the healing process is going well. The furry lined shoes sounds interesting. It's sad that so many horses, mules and donkeys died. Take care.

janice h said...

I was fascinated by that limpet report, too, and didn't know that the next strongest material in the natural world is spider thread silk! What worried me, though, was that the material their teeth are made of is stronger than Kevlar - how long before the poor wee limpets are wiped out for their teeth!

Glad your toes are warm! Since I hit my mid 50's, I often feel faint if I wear socks - the elastic does something weird - so I'm having to get used to hot flushes and frozen feet!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It is good that you can drive and shower too. Putting on socks is very important. Hopefully pretty soon you will be able to do that too. You are very brave and I am sure once you are all better, you deserve a treat.

A Lady's Life said...

They are doing such good work on hip replacements these days but I sure wish they found a better easier way to do it lol

I loved the movie War Horse.
These are such wonderful animals.
I love them.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Hooray for friends!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Burying the wine and cheese...wow! Well, that's not the first thing I'd think about protecting, but since the Parmesan sounds as if it must have been expensive, I can see why!

Hope you continue to heal nicely, Hilary--we're so glad to see you here.

Sue McPeak said...

Yay, you are healing and slowly making headway down to your socks. I would have to have those sockless booties, too, to keep my feet warm. I wear socks everyday except in the heat of summer and then sometimes, thin cotton ones.

Such newsy posts with promise of more good history of your homeland. Will be back for more...and more and more. AtoZ coming soon. I posted a promo about it today.
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Paula said...

I remember after my surgeries how happy I was to get into the shower again. Wish I lived closer, I would help you put your socks on!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Karen – thanks so much for the welcome back – I don’t think I’ll be skiing!! Glad to know it’s a success for so many others.

@ Susan – all’s well … the buried cheese story was a recent discovery … I haven’t blogged about it before – but it’s time line is similar to the Cheapside Hoard … mid 1600s. Aren’t the limpet teeth fascinating ..

@ Alex – you’re right .. strong mollusc teeth. And lots of horses took part in WW1 and it’s where power took over from horses on the farm … so few left in England: for a while. Thanks re the furry feet … - they help!

@ JL – thank you …

@ Chrys – oooh gosh .. I am so glad I don’t have a metal rod and fusion in my back – and can quite understand you don’t get down there – how do you cope? Hubby and family I guess …

@ Nat – I’ve never seen War Horse .. but I went to a talk on someone who advised on the original version of the story. Lucky family and what a wonderful present for them … the life-size puppets have made a real impact and continue to do so … they seem to mesmerise so many of us ..

@ Dianne – I certainly hope I can put socks on fairly soon … I expect so … the thought of burying cheese at the best of times seems incongruous .. but your idea of Pepys himself getting in a ‘paddy’ about it .. is a fun thought …

@ JJ – it’s a pity I couldn’t get up to the Horse Exhibition – but sometimes we have to be sensible .. and I’m endeavouring to do just that! It needs to have the best chance of healing – poor hip!!

@ Lee – I hope I’m doing right .. it seems to be working – thank you. Appreciate that you’ve been missing my postings – it inspires me to continue on … I don’t think I could bury cheese – I’d eat it before it got to earth level!

@ Friko – I know – being sockless now is not easy – but c’est la vie for a short while. Thanks re the concoction of info in this posting – thankfully my feet in the flat have been very cosy!

I don’t think I’ll be entering the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling contests … should be fun to watch though. See Wiki – if anyone wants to check out this world famous contest!

@ Donna – yes when we get the sunshine … by the end of the week – it sounds like it might be balmy. I do enjoy having bare feet – but with appropriate shoes and not with a hip that needs some care as it continues to heal. And no – I won’t be going barefoot outside … gungy!

@ Karen – thanks … things are healthily perking up …

@ Murees – thanks so much and yes I am working hard at letting the hip recover itself … I’d have liked to have seen the Horse Exhibition … but they are being recognised …

part 2 following ...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Suzanne – sadly I agree … I need to pace myself and I am improving each day – that’s the main thing. Socks – oh yes … soon please!!

@ Mason – thanks .. the furry lined shoes were an unexpected find. The animals used in WW1 unfortunately were a necessity – otherwise it would have been us.

@ Janice – good to see you … and I knew about the spider thread silk … but as you say – how many unscrupulous people will go collecting limpets now … foragers are destroying so much. We live in a ‘strange’ world …

Gosh I’m glad I don’t feel faint if I wear socks … how very difficult – and hot flushes and frozen feet don’t sound like a good mix … roll on summer for your feet – at least?!

@ Munir – yes I’m glad I can get out now and can shower at last. Not sure about the treat – as the A-Z rocks around … but I’ll be glad to be able to dress properly again!

@ A Lady’s Life – the hip replacement I’ve had seems to be amazing … I’m healing really well. The film the War Horse was a little sanitised – but still gave us the impression … and though I can’t ride as you say they are wonderful animals.

@ Holly – yes – hooray for friends ..

@ Elizabeth – I know the value of goods and what we save and then amazingly what we find centuries later … I love parmesan! And it’s still incredibly valuable … thanks so much for the welcome back …

@ Sue – yup healing slowly – just the socks to go now. Dealing with one’s feet when you can’t reach has been an interesting difficulty! I can’t wait to get my socks off usually ... when summer starts approaching.

A-Z coming closer every day … I’ll be over to see the promo …

@ Paula – I’d love it if you were round the corner to help with my socks! I’ve been lucky not to have been worried with surgeries … but appreciate how others struggle now.

Thanks everyone – so pleased to see you – and appreciate you enjoy seeing my motley posts, with their eclectic snippets … cheers for now - Hilary

Jo said...

I was staggered by those horse and mule numbers too. I didn't even realise Parmesan was available in Pepys Day.

I still have a "sock putter onner" which I used during my hip recovery. I have one leg slightly longer than the other nowadays though.

debi o'neille said...

Glad you are healing well. the furry shoes sound great for days like today. We are going to have a blizzard, and I'm out of hot chocolate--don't know how I'll get through the cold day. :-(

Betsy Brock said...

I love Parmesan... one of my favorite cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano is a good one, too. Oh my! Yum!

Glad to hear you're still recovering nicely and got some good shoes with warm insides for this phase!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

My husband hides his cheese in the back far corner of the fridge. I'll forgo telling about burying it in the backyard. LOL. Peeling an onion, ooh, sounds painful. Glad you're out and about, Hilary. Sending healing thoughts.

Out on the prairie said...

Tough not being able to tickle your toes. I had never heard the cheese story, but do go to a good Italian grocery to get mine.

beste barki said...

Molluscs' teeth? Do tell more Hilary.
Good tohear you're doing so well.

Gattina said...

Glad to hear that your hip heals well and you make progresses ! Nice picture on the pier from Beachy Head, will it be completely ready in July ?

TexWisGirl said...

i cannot imagine the horrors the warhorses endured. as for your onion, the added inch is a pain for you! hope you can soon get to sock wearing again!

Lisa said...

Oh so good to read you again. I missed a few posts, I'm sure, but you sound like you are well and away on the mend. Love the story about the man and his cheese. Who knew? Love that Limpets have teeth, and wonder what science will make of that discovery, strongest biological material and all! Fascinating!

Christine Rains said...

Happy to see you back and hear everything is going well. I hope you'll be able to put on your own socks very soon. Have a great week! :)

Denise Covey said...

Hilary, so glad your hip is healing well and you are leading the semblance of a 'normal' life again. That sunny weather sounds enjoyable! Glad to see you so chipper! I saw a doco about limpets recently. Who would have known that about them.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jo - the numbers of animals is extraordinary isn't it - and they had to get across the Channel by boat too. I was interested to read about Parmesan being used for over 2,000 years.

Thanks for the "sock putter-onner" - no-one had mentioned that ... and probably I need to look it out and pass the information to the powers that be. I believe I'm balanced out now ... everyone says I look better ... and I can nearly get to my feet - so probably by the weekend .. it will be manageable.

@ Debi - yes it's been chilly and my feet may be ok - but now it's my ankles with out protective socks! Still I'm almost done and I'll be able to get to the lower levels! At least we don't have a blizzard .. and if I ran out of hot chocolate ... I too would be stressed out!

@ Betsy - me too ... and Reggiano is one of the best, if not the best. And it is yum!! Thanks so much getting on really well ...

@ Joylene - how funny your hubby hides his cheese and yes I can see that telling him about burying it in the garden, may lead to some interesting hidey-holes. The peeled-onion-hip is healing away nicely .. thankfully.

@ OOTP - I look forward to tickling my toes again! - good idea. The hip might be distressed for a while though. I'm glad you've got a good local Italy grocery store nearby.

@ Beste - limpets: they've got tongues with bristling teeth, made from a mineral protein composite, which they use to scrape food off the rocks.

The University of Portsmouth used a diamond saw to break down the material, and bombarded the bits with atoms from an ion beam to reduce them even further.

The material is called geothite .. and was found to be stronger than spider silk, but also stronger than most man-made materials, including Kevlar, the fibres of which are used to make bullet-proof vests. An example of its strength: compared to a single strand of spaghetti holding up 3,000 bags of sugar.

Incredible teeth!

@ Gattina - the pier should be finished by the summer (I believe) - they are working on it.

@ Theresa - I believe the horses and animals were fed first, then the troops and then the officers ... at least on the British side.

Yes my onion ... I can nearly reach now .. so a few more days will do the trick I think and then I can at least get socks on again!

@ Lisa - I didn't do much posting - just reported back on the story of the hip! The story of Samuel Pepys' cheese is a fun one ... the limpets I've described above ... and what will they do with goethite now it's been discovered - we shall see ...

@ Christine - thanks so much and I hope your son's eyes will completely recover ...

@ Denise - I'm lucky with the hip and at long last I can lead a semblance of normality - blissful! The advent of Spring makes such a difference .. those longer daylight hours are so welcome when they arrive - 29th March this year.

I'd love to see the doco about limpets ... I expect it's out there and I'll find out about it sometime.

Cheers to you all .. another lovely day - but a cold wind ...though our temperatures are due to go up and become Springlike ... thanks for your thoughts - Hilary

Empty Nest Insider said...

Who would've ever thought to compare a buried treasure of cheese to a bar of gold?! I remember my mom worked with a special tool to help her get on socks when she was recovering from back surgery. You might want to ask your physical therapist about it. In the meantime, I hope your furry shoes help, I'm glad you're taking good care of yourself, Hilary!

Julie

Deborah Barker said...

Ooh, sounds like the beginning opt a short story - and Limpets have teeth... How good to see your blog doing its best to ignite the imagination again. So glad things are progressing well and I hope you can reach your toes soon. Fortunately, when summer cometh socks can be abandoned. (Maybe not just yet though - keep wearing the furry lined boots I can recommend Uggs for warmth) :-)

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear your hip is doing so much better, and very thrilled for you that you found some fuzzy shoes to keep your toes warm, Hilary! Onions have been around a bit here lately - peeling, slicing, dicing and putting into all sorts of dinners and such. Your activities sound intriguing and wonderful. I'm so happy you are able to get around again :)

Julie Flanders said...

So glad you are slowly but surely getting back to 100%, Hilary. And how great that you could find some furry shoes to get you through! I kind of want some for myself after reading your description.
And of course I'm glad you are back to sharing your fun and fascinating snippets of info. Take care!

Karen Lange said...

So glad to hear you are mending well! That sock thing will come together before you know it. :) Thanks for all the wonderful bits of info today! I always learn something when I stop by.

Rosalind Adam said...

Your posts are always packed with such a lot of fascinating facts. It must be very inconvenient not being able to put socks on, especially in this winter weather that we've had. What a bind. That point about Pepys' cheese is a favourite historical fact of mine :-) Keep healing and don't be tempted to run (metaphorically speaking of course!) before you can walk.

Stephen Tremp said...

Hello Hilary and welcome back! And glad you could find something comfy for the feet. I have had trouble with mine and have to take really good care of them.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Julie - sadly not my idea comparing the wheel of Parmesan to a bar of gold - but they do today keep the Parmesans in a bank?!?!?!

Actually having been back into town today - I found that device ... just didn't have a chance in the fast track rush (of really only 3 days) to get organised for the op - but now I know: too late!

Furry shoes help and I'm not so cold - bliss!

@ Debbie - it could well be the beginnings of a short story ... perhaps a science fiction one - though they are for real: "and limpets have teeth ... "

Glad I'm igniting imaginations - good to know you miss my blogging, as I do too! I'm sure my toes will be within reach soon - and yes summer without socks will be bliss. I'm sure Uggs are wonderful ... they look warm ...

@ MJ - I bet you've loads of peeled onions going on cooking for the family again - must be lovely having them with you - despite the sweaty onions!!

Fuzzy shoes are doing well - and lots of ideas to keep me mentally active and interested thank goodness ... and am I grateful to be getting out and about.

@ Julie - the shoes are good and at least I can get out and about with them ... slippers aren't much good!

I feel really good and everyone seems to think I look really healthy now - so heaven knows what I looked like before!! Delighted you enjoy my eclectic postings ...

@ Karen - yes mending is coming along just fine .. and the sock thing will happen - things keep happening, rather quickly usually: I'm healing well.

Delighted you enjoy being here and learning something ...

@ Ros - I aim to have fun with my blog entertaining me as well as you wonderful readers. Did you know about Pepys' Parmesan .. I hadn't come across it ... but I quite fancy that Italian dish - the photo of which I posted!

Incredible history of Parmesan too .. that fascinated me ...

It hasn't been that cold down here - or maybe I haven't ventured out in the cold, cold - as I haven't needed to .. or up until Saturday had my embolism socks on ... a degree of protection there: the weather is always colder elsewhere ...

Healing wise I've been holding back ... to ease the poor hip in ... it seems to be coping!

@ Steve - good to see you ... and I'm so pleased with my comfy feet ... I'm sorry to hear about yours and the fact you need to be careful with them ... I'm just very lucky that I'm relatively - probably don't even need to use relatively - healthy!!

Thanks so much everyone - I really appreciate your thoughts re the hip and the blog content ... cheers - Hilary

LD Masterson said...

I've seen a cool device that your can slide you socks onto and then use it to reach down and slide your feet into them. Occupational therapists have them. Might be something to look into while you'll healing.

Lynn said...

So glad you are getting out and about a little better, Hilary!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ LD - yes I saw that device yesterday .. but I shall be able to put socks on shortly (if not very shortly) - the trouble was I hadn't got time to look before I went in to hospital - as I was fast tracked. Then in fact when I had the embolism socks on I didn't need socks per se ... still it's been an interesting learning experience - thanks for the note though

@ Lynn - yes I seem to be fine - thank you ..

Cheers - and another lovely sunny day here ... Hilary

Patsy said...

Not being able to put socks on must be really frustrating. Glad you've found a temporary solution.

The sun is shining here too - I think it may actually be spring!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Thank you as always for the updates, Hilary!! Continuing to send healing thoughts your way :)

Rhodesia said...

Good to hear that you are doing well if slowly. Tie is the essence of healing.
I would love to have seen that horse exhibition as a horse lover.
Take care and take things one day at a time Diane

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Patsy - yes not being able to put socks on was a bit of a nuisance .. the embolism socks allowed me not to worry on that score - but now! I'm getting there ..

Your comment .. I think it might actually be Spring - is fine - but .. that wind was still really cold: I was surprised by it.

@ Keith - thank you .. good to see you - healing is coming along nicely ..

@ Diane - yes I am taking one day at a time .. and allowing sufficient time is the important thing as you note. I wish I could have got to that horse exhibition .. but it was only six weeks after the op - and was one train journey too far.

Cheers to you all .. it's meant to be warming up and I sure hope it does - still we don't have snow like the States .. Hilary

Brian Miller said...

i really need to invest in cheese...and time machines....ha...i coul dmake a fortune on cheese....cause if it was that expensive my boys would truly eat me out of house and home....

probably best you did not push it to the exhibit, but does sound like an interesting one...

Jannie Funster said...

Get hip to her hip
it’s a ceramic cool trip
she can’t reach her toes
but she’s back on the road

WOW! strongest biological material known to man, that is very cool! Nothing limp about the limpets’ teeth.

I ate parmesan cheese yesterday, on the spags bolonaise I whipped up and will enjoy more of today. I think I would bury my wine in the backyard, that’s my gold! :)

Glad you’re getting sunny days.

Enjoy your horsing around.

xoxoxoxooxxo

Maria said...

Lovely to find your blog, just the inspiration I need. Immobile myself, so can identify with your frustrations, but so pleased to see you are getting there now, HOPE is such a motivator.
good luck with your recovery.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Brian - Pepys' parmesan story is such a fun thought isn't it - and yes I wonder if there are any Parmesan bars down here by the coast - interesting how the value of things change over time - I'd join you in the time machine!

Rolling a Parmesan through the streets of London would be fun though ..

@ Jannie - love the verse - a fun ending to my hip saga ...

The limpet info .. is amazing - who looks at these things and then does the research - thankfully someone does.

I love Parmesan cheese ... especially on spag bol - such a good dish. Sometimes I need a cellar for my vino - not at the moment though .. but it is gold isn't it.

Thanks for the fun comment ..

@ Maria - good to meet you - I'm sorry about your incapacities and sincerely hope the sciatica improves and eases off. Hope is a motivator isn't it .. you take care too .. and lovely to see you here ..

Cheers to you all - thanks for the tie in ... Hilary

Robyn Campbell said...

Hil, so glad you're healing and that you found those furry shoes. I bet they were waiting on you to buy them. What a nice friend you have.

So molluscs' teeth are that strong? Where did you hear that? I need to talk about that in homeschool.

Wow, I had no idea that parmesan cheese was ever that valuable.

I am so glad they are honoring the precious horses, donkeys and mules who fought so hard, Hil. What a beautiful tribute. You know how I love horses. So glad you are getting better. Be safe. And take care of you. xoxo

Marja said...

Send you lot of healing thoughts for your hip. Good that you found some shoes you can wear without socks.
I love parmesan cheese It is still expensive here but not that much that you would have to burry it lol
Love the beautiful horse painting

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Robyn - many thanks all well on this front. Yes it was helpful having Linda come with me to shop etc.

I sent you the links for your homeschooling ... re limpets and the cheese one ..

Yes the animals have had recognition of their work and involvement in the War - and stories are told of them. I know you love your four legged critters .. enjoy your beloveds.

@ Marja - thank you and yes it's been helpful having shoes that don't need socks. Parmesan cheese is good isn't it ... but for now I won't bury mine in the garden .. Glad you enjoyed the horse painting - it is stunning isn't it ..

Cheers to you both - Hilary

Sara said...

I am glad the hip is healing. I've heard it can be a long process, but it sounds like you're making good headway with it.

Thanks for information about the horse exhibit. I am sorry you couldn't go, but health has to come first:~)

With this post, I had look up to be sure you weren't already to the A-Z challenge and I had lost track of time:~)

I look forward to reading about the "molluscs’ tiny teeth" that are so strong!

Cheers to you!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Hilary,

So happy to hear your hip is doing better and you are able to get around a bit... You know how much I enjoy your romps around England.

Glad you have the lovely sunny weather to enjoy it. I wish I could say the same about Chicago. Although warmer, it is still winter here. Hopefully we'll warm up in the very near future...

Looks like you'll be posting for the A-Z this year. I will look forward to reading your posts. I am going to visit this year. After four years of A-Z challenges I need to concentrate on my work, moving, and getting my life on track for the spring and summer months...

All is good and I hope to be sharing some good news soon!

Keep getting better!

mail4rosey said...

Doesn't sound like your hip is slowing you down one bit! And hurrah for friends who help with socks. :)

Sunny here this week coming up too, and they say it's going to be in the 40's, woot!

Glad to see your out and about. :) :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sara - it seems to be going according to plan - and I don't want to rush the final healing times. I felt the Horse exhibition was a little too far - sad I missed it.

A - Z is next month ... but it's rushing towards us ...

Link for limpets: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/feb/18/limpet-teeth-strongest-natural-material

@ Michael - thankfully the hip is improving and I'm sure I'll be round and about again soon.

I gather the States has had terrible weather .. ours is ok now, but we're due for some wet and cold later in the week.

I'm doing the A-Z .. though need to start writing! And yes you've got lots going on ... good luck with the move etc.

Thanks - we've both got lots to look forward to ...

@ Rosey - fortunately quite a lot happens around here .. so I can participate; Also thank goodness for good friends who help out when needed - so wonderful to have them

Cheers to you all .. and thanks for the visits. Hilary

Margie said...

So good to know you are healing well, Hilary.
I always so enjoy your posts!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Wonderful to hear there's been some improvement in your health and furry shoes sound kinda nice.

I didn't realise cheese was so valuable back then.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Margie .. many thanks .. and I'm eventually getting myself into gear for blogging again!

@ Lynda - yes thankfully things are getting better and those shoes were a great help.

The Parmesan story is fascinating - and Parmesan was as valuable 2,000 years ago ..

Cheers to you both - Hilary

Theresa Milstein said...

I'm so sorry about your hip.

Pepys: Burying wine and parmesan--that person has his priorities straight!

Can't wait to see your A to Z posts.

Juliet said...

Fancy burying a cheese! Wishing you well with healing your hip.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...
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Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Juliet - it is such a fun snippet ... I had to share - good to see you .. cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...
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Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Oooh Theresa .. sorry 'forgot' you?! My hip was a planned event and much needed .. so now I look forward to walking properly.

Pepys had much right in his life didn't he .. and thanks re my A-Z posts ... I'd better get to them soon!

Cheers Hilary

Mark Koopmans said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Hilary :)

I know you may not be officially doing any jigs, but I do hope you are feeling better and better :)

Take care - and thanks for always being such a nice, wonderful person :)

The world could use a whole lot more of you :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark - thanks .. that's so kind of you - St Patrick's day passed me by somewhat! I will be jigging at some stage ... and appreciate your comment - cheers Hilary

Sharon Himsl said...

Hi Hilary! Seeing the images, I'm reminded of Hale-Bopp's Comet in 1995-97. I walked one entire winter, enjoying its beauty. We also had a lunar eclipse that winter. Glorious.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sharon - yes the solar images are amazing - I saw a comet as a kid ... but I agree these incredible celestial happenings are just wonderful .. cheers Hilary