Tuesday 30 April 2013

Z is for Zdena ...



Zdena that follower of Bacchus, the wine god, would not have been left out of any frivolities or ABCings ...
Zdena in all her glory!


... she, like her new mistress, loves life too much ... sent over by Lenny as a companion to Hardwick, Muddy Hippo and Rocky, and who now lives with this blog’s owner after her mother died ...

The beautiful black and white zebra arrived needing a name ... what quoth this blog owner shall that zany zebra be called ... a search was conducted ...

... ah ah ... the name to suit the owner, completely satisfying the last letter of the alphabet Aspects of British Cookery challenge, flew up out of the magic that is the www .... "Zdena"...

 
Hardwick, Muddy Hippo and Zdena
... how appropriate that she is a follower of the wine god Bacchus ... Zdena on being named, very quickly caught up with the 21st century ...


... dying her hair bright red, painting her toes (and hooves in the process) and then completely shocking her mistress with two heart tattoos on her cheeks ... to round her image off – she wears a red bow ...


Here's to you all ... 
She is one pretty smart Zebra ... on top of that her mistress rather likes her name Zdena ...


.... the short and sweet end to a wonderful A – Z ... please join us for a delicious glass of wine, cider, mead or .... drink of your choice ... 


... Zdena and I will join you with a toast to Arlee Bird, who started this razzamatazz, and his wonderful co-hosts for keeping us on track, and to you all who so generously comment ... cheers and thank you!


That is Z for Zdena from Aspects of British Cookery ...


To all newcomers ... this is Lenny - he blogs and frequents bloggers when he feels inspired, at the moment he seems to be stuck with lots of school work -as he says yuck!!!!  This is my blog post about the Valentine prezzies he sent over --- very lucky me!!  You can see from the post what a brilliant character he is ...


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

62 comments:

J.L. Murphey said...

Sad to see A to Z end. You hit every letter with great gusto. WTG on completing the challenge.

Adura Ojo said...

Well done on completing the challenge, Hilary. Now we can all put our feet up, with a glass of wine in hand. Zdena sounds like an interesting character. I would have loved to meet her;)

jabblog said...

Zdena is very cute, quite beautiful in fact. Well done on completing the challenge:-)

Lynn said...

Does Lenny comment on your blog? I wondered the last time. Lovely gift - Zdena! Cheers to the A to Z Challenge - you did it again!

Francene Stanley said...

The name Zdena is very catchy. I love the way it rolls off the tongue.
A - Z Challenge
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/
Website blog:
http://475035832790540880.weebly.com/blog.html

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss hilary!

wow! cool you did a whole post to honor zdena. she looks real happy. for sure shes gonna be the most famous zebra ever. hooray for zdena zebra!!

...hugs from lenny

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Hilary on completing the challenge, your blog is a popular attraction to Blogspere.
Your visits are much appreciated,
Yvonne.
A to Z Ambassador.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ JL .. many thanks - I rather enjoy doing the A-Z .. gets me out of my Museum box! No I just enjoy the writing and posting - thanks so much for being such an avid commenter and supporter - I'll be over to catch up shortly!

@ Adura - I think the putting our feet up is a little rash .. I might never get up again .. but the glass of vino sounds a good idea - I'm cutting it out for now. Zdena is in residence any time you're in Eastbourne!!

@ Janice - many thanks .. I must be over to check on your hounds and their antics!

@ Lynn - well there's a few communications around for you - mostly at your blog .. re Lenny - he's rocked up! Zdena was a great thought wasn't she ...

@ Francene - I was so happy when I found her ... and she is appropriately named .. zany, zestful, Zdena ...

@ Lenny - yay - you made it: Good morning to you .. an early one by the look of it .. but school is on course still, isn't it.

Zdena's been a huge success .. and she does enjoying staying with the 'crew'! I think you might be right about her being so famous .. plenty of fellow commenters to follow on ..

Big hugs to you Lenny - enjoy the day .. and thanks so much for calling in so early in your day ..


@ Yvonne .. thanks for popping by ..


Thanks everyone - it's great to see Lenny here too - he makes our hearts sing ... Happy ZZZZing day .. Hilary

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Congrats on completion of the challenge!! Your A-Z was definitely the most unique and interesting :)

Sue McPeak said...

Hi Hilary and Zdena...it's a bit early here in Texas for vino, but just wanted to congratulate you on completing the Challenge with Zest and Zing! Thanks for your MinionWork and visits. I enjoyed your posts and comments.

My Letter'Z'...Quilters Zodiac
Sue CollectInTexasGal
AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

Tina said...

WEll...might wait until the kids leave for school before I imbibe...but we definitely need to celebrate the end of this crazy month! Thanks for being an amazing minion and for always having my back! Great choice and post for the end.
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

Rosalind Adam said...

Love Zdena :-) Cheers! I shall have a Peach Schnapps. I've discovered that it's one drink I can digest :-)

Jo said...

Lucky you and lucky Zdena. I will join you in a toast to the end of the challenge. Not sure which wine I shall choose, haven't had my brekkie yet!!!
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

Bish Denham said...

Lenny is such a sweetheart! And Zdena, a regular party animal!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Way to end the A-Z, great job!

I'm glad to see Hardwicke and Hippo again and NOW they have a new cutie friend.

I've enjoyed your posts!

Unknown said...

That is a wonderful name for such a cute zebra. Congrats on completing the challenge!

Unknown said...

That is a wonderful name for such a cute zebra. Congrats on completing the challenge!

Old Kitty said...

You saved the best to the last!! Yay!!!! Well done you for completing such an informative and delectable A-Z!!! Take care
x

Laura S. said...

Zdena is so so pretty!! Zebras are the best. :) Congrats on finishing the Challenge!

Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You have quite the collection of critters now! Congratulations on finishing the Challenge.

Manzanita said...

Hilary
Completion and a mouth-watering job well done. I bet Lenny was happy to hear Zdena is the new name.

It was all fun and we'll meet on down the road with all smiles and rested.
Take care

cleemckenzie said...

I lift my goblet filled with mead to Zdena of the Red Hair and Hooves. And to her mistress, the fair Hilary of Positive Letters and Inspirational Stories.

Congratulations on crossing the finishing line with panache.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Congratulations on making it all the way to the finish line, and crossing it on the back of a snazzy zebra named Zdena. I'll hoist a glass to you and all the others who completed the A-Z challenge this year. A job well done!

loverofwords said...

Too much interfered with following your blog consistently during the challenge, but. . .now I can at my leisure. I spent a wonderful three months in Winchester while doing student teaching. Brits always have a special place in my heart. Your writing is positive and interesting.

Sherry Ellis said...

Congratulations on completing the challenge. I enjoyed your posts!

DayDreamer said...

I can't believe I've only come across your blog right at the end of the challenge - I love your theme. No matter I'll be going back and reading all those posts anyway. A glass of mead would be my choice, please.

nutschell said...

congrats on finishing the A-Z! Zdena sounds like an interesting character:) love all those pictures!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Julie Flanders said...

Oh, how cute! And what a great name. I've learned so many interesting things again here, Hilary. Congrats on another great challenge. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Aw, Zedna is cute! I still have so many stuffed animals.

Christine Rains said...

What a lovely zebra! Congrats on finishing the Challenge. :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

What an interesting post and what a great name Zdena. Raising a glass to you...

Mary Montague Sikes

Inger said...

I will toast Arlee, the hosts, and the minions in mead, please. Can one still get mead somewhere? I assume it is like beer somewhat? Please advise,Hilary, you wise woman. And congrats on completing the A to Z.

Mark Means said...

Congrats on finishing the A to Z Challenge and I'll lift a glass of wine to toast your achievement :)

I had fun reading your posts and learned a few things along the way :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Zdena sure looks like Lambchop! We didn't get to meet Zdena here in Canada. She looks very adorable.

Udita Banerjee said...

Congratulations on having made it!

http://effervescencia.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Enjoyed meeting you and reading your posts. Congrats on finishing the challenge.

Laura Eno said...

Zdena certainly spices things up with her red hair and tattoos. :) Lovely way to end the challenge...with a salute to Bacchus!

klahanie said...

Hey Hilary,

What a terrific way to end the alphabet challenge! And Lenny is one special young fellow.

I toast all of you who participated in the A to Z.

Now then, please, please, please, can we resume normal blogging. Thank you and cheers, my friend.

Gary :)

orneryswife said...

Such a tremendous job you have done with your theme this year! Wow!

Thanks for all your comments and visits throughout the challenge. Happy Z day, and looking forward to next year!
tm

Denise Covey said...

Hi Hilary

I raise a glass to you for the great posts you prepared for the challenge. Well done. I'm named for the Greek version of the God of wine, Dionysus.
Hic, hic...

Denise

Tammy Theriault said...

love zdena! zebra with red?? too cute!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Keith - really appreciate your comment - thank you so much.

@ Sue - yes the time differences make life a little tricky don't they - but join us in the vino when you can. Lovely to meet you along this year's Challenge ..

@ Tina - hallo Team Leader - you've been mighty fine coming along to keep me on track. Your team I think has been pretty awesome, but you've been a good leader. Zdena did well - and a glass of wine occasionally does no-one any harm!

@ Ros - what an excellent idea: Peach Schnapps sounds very good -but in a few hours!!

@ Jo - difficult choice - which wine!

@ Bish - isn't Lenny wonderful and I love Zdena - she fits in perfectly ...

@ Teresa - I've loved your Ruralhood. Delighted you enjoy seeing the gang together .. they seem to enjoy themselves and are happy to share the limelight occasionally.

@ Clarissa - dear Zdena - Lenny chose well for me! I failed with your puzzles - all of them I think!!

@ Old Kitty - thank you .. Zdena was a good bet wasn't she .. and I enjoyed the A-Z postings ..

@ Karen - it was lovely to see you when you were able to pop in ...

Cheers and thanks .. part 2 of the comments to follow .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Laura - isn't Zdena fun .. and I love Zebras in the wild ..

@ Alex - yes Lenny is adding to my critter collection!

@ Manzanita - appreciate the mouth-watering aspect. Lenny always loves his communications .. it's always a pleasure to have him here - he's so thoughtful. Yes - a rest = much required.

@ Lee - thanks Lee so much .. I join you and lift my goblet of mead to all participants, especially you with your Pond Pudding fun and games ... Lovely comment thanks so much .. I hope your mother continues to improve after her fall.

@ Susan - Zdena is great isn't she .. thanks for joining us along the way - always lovely to see you ..

@ Lover of Words ... me too I’m afraid – I’ll be back to look through all your travel posters the zoo one and your facts are a good insight into the changes that have gone on.

Winchester is a wonderfully ancient town – with lots of history, I haven’t spent any time there .. but certainly is a place I need to visit. Good that you have such happy memories.

@ Sherry – great to see you and thanks.

@ Daydreamer – good to meet you .. I’ve tried to subscribe but can’t seem to get it to work .. so I’ll try not to forget you! Delighted you like the look of my postings and it’ll be good to see you again .. a glass of mead you may have!

@ Nutshcell – thanks so much .. it’s been a fun challenge.

@ Julie – isn’t Zdena just lovely .. bright and cheery. I’ve loved your Alaska tour ...

@ Diane – Lenny’s choice .. he’s usually pretty good. The stuffed animals make life amusing don’t they .. add some characters along the way ..

@ Christine .. many thanks .. good luck with all your books this year ..

@ Monty – so lovely to see you back again – I’ll be over .. and join you for a glass!

@ Inger – of course you may have a glass of mead. We can still get mead .. you’ll need to come with me to Cornwall – an area I think you want to visit?! And we’ll have aglass down there ... they make the honey variety of mead ... there ar e other types: grain mash can be added, or it can be flavoured with spices, fruit, or hops (which is abitterer drink) .. so plenty of choices to be found .. in England, Germany, Ukraine and Russia ..

@ Mark – many thanks .. lovely to see you join us and am delighted you had some fun with my postings ..

@ Joylene – now you mention Lambchop .. Zdena does a little doesn’t she .. sorry she escape the American shores pretty quickly this year!

@ Udita – good to meet you - thank you.

@ Jen – a mutual pleasure .. I’ll be over in a bit. You too – it’s always great to see old and new friends ...

@ Laura – Zdena was a very good addition .. and her 21st lifestyle adds some fun. Definitely salute Bacchus ... I’d hate to incur his wrath!

@ Gary – I’m not sure I know what normal is?! But we both finished the A-Z one way or the other .. I’ve loved your look on life as you run around backwards!

@ Ornery’s Wife – how are you .. how’s your house and renovations .. I’ll be over – many thanks re the theme here ..

@ Denise – is that where Denise comes from – well in that case you’re well named and I know where to visit when I get down under! Your tales from your American visit are wonderful .. loved seeing them .. and the language differences .. I think we all hic hic when we have a little too much – no change in language there!

@ Tammy – thanks for coming by .. Zdena cheers us all up ..

Thanks so much everyone – so lovely to see you .. catch you all soon .. Hilary

TALON said...

Whew, Hilary! What an amazing month! And isn't it wonderful to welcome May? One of our prettiest months here...

Sara said...

Zdena is a perfect way to end this. I giggled as I read how you got and how she has managed to stay with the times. I sure those heart tattoos shocked you, but you have a strong constitution and you take excellent care of your friends and so, I know you forgave your little zebra. She is a cutie.

Oh, Hilary...congratulations again. You have done such a wonderful job with this challenge and amaze me with your gifts of research, history and writing. No one tells a better historical story than you. May your fingers get some rest:~)

Bob Scotney said...

Congratulations on a great A-Z again Hilary. Zdena seems to roll of the tongue - a name to remember.

Vallypee said...

Congratulations on finishing, Hilary! I love Zedena too. A great end to a great series of posts. I've learnt so much from this!

M Pax said...

She is very adorable. I think I'd try temporary tattoos on my cheeks. It'd be kind of neat to be able to change them. :) But only on my cheeky days. lol OK, I'll stop now.

Nick Wilford said...

Very funky zebra! What a cute little menagerie. Lenny seems like such a nice kid. Congrats on finishing the Challenge, your posts made for a fascinating read every day. Cheers!

Nas said...

Adorable zebra and Lenny seems one nice guy!

All the best!

Nas

Julia Hones said...

Zdena and her friends are adorable. Congratulations on completing the A-Z challenge. I had fun reading all your interesting posts, Hilary!

Patricia said...

This is a very Zebra day. I went to a store today and the manager gave me a sock zebra stuffed animal to give as a prize for Library Girls great readers at her school - a zebra reading buddy!
I wonder if the student who wins the prize will call this one Zdena

A toast to you for such a great A-Z
It was great fun Thank you

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Ah, the last of the A-Z Challenge! I'm sure some of these letters were difficult.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. It's always a delight to see you. :)

Stephen Tremp said...

Thanks Hilary for stopping by and saying hello! Glad you found me. Its been a crazy month but I think I'm good to go moving forward.

Rosanna C. Rogacion said...

This is such a lively post. I love the ideas for this blogpost. Thank you Hilary for visiting my site. The A-Z Challenge was a blast! Looking forward to the next one!

Miss Bates said...

I've nominated you miss Hilary for the Liebster and Very inspiring blogger awards.
You can check them out at my site.
No pressure in accepting just wanted to let you know that you are a lovely inspiring blogger who should keep on writing!
I've enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to see more!
Best regards
Miss Bates

Golden Eagle said...

Zdena is a great name!

Congratulations on finishing the A to Z Challenge.

Chuck said...

Bravo Hilary! Great Challenge theme and fun ending. Zdena is pretty cool looking and I raise a glass to you and her.

Juliet said...

Congratulations for getting to the end, Hilary, and having such fun with 'Z'. I've been out of town, on dialup so unable to follow blogs; also very busy, and it's a treat to be catching up again. I will take a look back through your other posts now.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Talon - a busy month to put it mildly and thankfully it looks we have some Spring here - May is shining a little.

@ Sara - Zdena has a lovely storyline doesn't she .. and with her little outburst of independence .. I just have to enjoy the little hearts!

Thanks so much re the comment - you're always so thoughtful and appreciative of other writers, storytellers ... rest? what is that??

@ Bob - good to see you and glad you're recovered

@ Val - I'm so pleased you enjoyed my take on the A-Z .. it was fun.

@ Mary - I certainly wouldn't have permanent tattoos ... but can see a ride up to the astronomy centre with a few strategic tattoos (temporarily placed) might be fun!

@ Nick - thanks so much .. Lenny has a wonderful look at life - and is always so delightfully kind and thoughtful ..

@ Nas - appreciate you coming by and Lenny is a delightful lad

@ Julia - thanks so much .. am delighted you enjoyed my A-Z story telling on British Cookery ..

@ Patricia - brilliant the manager was able to give you a prize for your daughter's project at her school - they'll enjoy reading with Zebra ... Appreciate you coming by .. and that toast I'll share with you ..

@ Susan - thankfully this year X,Y and Z fell into place!

@ Stpehen - you've had a torrid time - so pleased to see you back .. in one piece.

@ Rosanna - I had fun choosing my theme and my posts .. and it's good to connect ..

@ Miss Bates - many thanks for the award .. and for the positive take on my writing and blogging .. I enjoy what I do ..

@ GE - Zdena was a good find for me! Good to see you ..

@ Chuck - many thanks .. I enjoyed myself, particularly as Lenny made my choice of Zdena and her wine at the end easy!!

@ Juliet - I expect the little one would love Zdena .. and hope your trip away was fun .. always love having your comments ..

Cheers to you all - it looks like Spring has Sprung here in the south of England .. and we have some sunny warmth at last (cool winds though, and frosty nights!) .. that weather is better though!! Enjoy the weekend .. Hilary

Lisa said...

I love Zdena, and your post about Lenny and his generosity. I will toast to you, Lenny and Zdena tonight when my husband comes home after finishing his final for the semester! So many great reasons to celebrate!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lisa - you must have slipped in via the back door ... sorry should have replied sooner ... that's great you had a reason to celebrate the end of the A-Z and your hubby's final for the semester ... I hope you enjoyed the celebration - 3 years ago ... cheers and I am here for a good reason too - 3 years on - Hilary