Tuesday 21 June 2016

Blog Sandwich Update 9 (Unexpected one!) ...




The move … is not all smooth – but what’s to be expected?!  Looks like I need a whole load of extras I hadn’t catered for … British Telecom phone line – obviously the old one got cancelled and withdrawn … there’s no tv aerial … so I need a satellite box …

 
My view isn't quite like this ... but
I am able to see the chalk cliffs, with
the ebb and flow of the English Channel
 … mole-brown pile carpet in a south-west facing flat – not the best colour choice – still it’s new … and this of course brings load of excess pile and fluff out?!   Also not easy to move ‘things’ around on piled carpet, and darkens the rooms … the joys of not being in control of one’s own destiny …


Oh and it bucketed yesterday … which then brought a leak to light on the balcony above … straight into the sitting room over the window etc – still that’s not my worry … but just adds to the interesting journey I’m on.


Draco Constellation
see Wiki for more info


So with BT (phone) delays – I won’t have connectivity for the computer until the middle of July … about time I learnt to use the iPad properly – I guess?!  




Now to more pleasant things … Draco: the constellation that never sets … love this image …







Strawberry Moon over Stonehenge

Strawberries – the season has started … Asparagus is almost over now … and summer is upon us – we were meant to have the most glorious of strawberry moons – but down here yesterday … we could hardly see in front of our noses … thick rain or thrashing sea mist …


Strawberry Mousse cheese cake


I used to make a raspberry cheesecake - similar to this ... and oh it was always so delicious!  Strawberries for now - fresh English ones ... 






European Referendum – happens on Thursday 23rd this is a very serious decision for the British public (and those eligible to vote) …



I N    o r     O U T




By the time I move on Friday – life could be very different … we await our vote … and then by the time I’m back blogging in the middle of July, we shall have seen the fall-out … fall-out there will be … which way I’ve no idea.




Jo Cox - RIP
You will have, I hope [terribly sadly], heard about the murder of one of our Members of Parliament – Jo Cox – she was an exceptional person … Parliament was recalled to pay tribute to her … unusual to say the least, and has never been done before for a 'normal person' ...



I've put a link in – it makes interesting reading re our Parliament, and especially about Jo herself – she would have been 42 tomorrow …



The Daily Telegraph article on the amazing tributes that have been, and will be continued to be paid to this extraordinary soul - who crossed boundaries and supported so many.  I will write about it later in the year ... 


Let us have peace during this
changing life in Europe and the UK


On that sombre note – please note I will not be around very much … as I settle in and get sorted out …



Again there is no need to comment … especially as I may not be able to easily reply to you all ...





Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters inspirational Stories

60 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Terrible what happened to Jo Cox.
Sorry the move has brought so many issues. Especially that leak!

Jo said...

It will be interesting to see the result of the vote and the fall out.

Sorry to hear about your problems. Join the club.

Dreadful about Jo Cox. This kind of thing doesn't happen in England, although obviously it does.

H. R. Sinclair said...

The tragedy of Jo Cox is incredible sad and horrifying.

It sounds like you handling the move problems pretty well. It's probably the best way to handle those things. :)

Diana Wilder said...

May the rest of your move go smoothly and lead to contentment and beauty. May the vote go the very best way. ...and may Jo Cox rest in peace. it seems always to be the best and the brightest that die first.

Hart Johnson said...

Your new location looks glorious, even if the flat has a few things you don't like. And I have been wondering why the astrologers put long tails on their bears... Bears have short stubby tails... But I hadn't realized I probably had the skills to find Draco, so cool...

jabblog said...

Good luck and I hope there won't be any more 'interesting' discoveries. I dread Friday morning - I fear the Brexiteers will be celebrating.
Terribly sad about Jo Cox - I feel for her husband and little children.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks everyone - it's good to see your 'nod' to the terrible murder of Jo Cox. I sure hope the vote goes the right way - still Friday - my mind will no doubt be elsewhere most of the time ...

Wonderful to have your comments - but forgive the lack of detailed reply ... cheers from a sunny Eastbourne - Hilary

Paula said...


So sad about Jo Cox. The world is so scary now. We need to pray more. I love the picture of the cheesecake. Looks so yummy. I hope your move goes smoothly. Can't wait to hear more about your new living quarters!!

Joanne said...

I shall comment. I am sending good thoughts across the pond for your continued move/acclimation and good luck on the VOTE. We are watching it from this side. Such a shame about Ms.Cox - she sounded like quite a good person, and well needed these days. Now to end on a pleasant note - love the pic of the strawberry moon, and strawberries in general can bring a smile to the taste buds. Take good care!

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Our strongest leaders are always the ones targeted for violence. Nobody ever bothers trying to assassinate the useless ones. Very sorry about Jo Cox.

Good luck with your move! It's always more complicated than it first appears ...

Guilie Castillo said...

I hadn't heard about Jo's murder — what a terrible, terrible thing. I'm glad the country seems to be pulling together in her tributes, though... Perhaps she can still be a uniting force even in absentia. And I had no clue you were moving, Hilary! I've been offline too long, and I have a lot to catch up on. Will take the opportunity of your own time offline to do that :)

Hope it all goes smoothly, and looking forward to hearing all about it when you're back in July!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

Anabel Marsh said...

Sorry to hear your move has hit a few snags! But you seem to be rising above them. What more can I say about Jo Cox that hasn't already been said? Utterly devastating.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks again to all commenters and the new ones! ... so glad you're all watching re the Referendum ... I haven't really advertised the move - just wanted to get it sorted first and then hopefully it all slots into place - I'm sure it will do ... no doubt bumps on the way - but almost there now!!

I must say 2.5 weeks without connectivity won't do me any harm ... but I miss the connections ...

Jo Cox's death is devastating and appalling - it is worth reading the tributes etc ...

Thanks and it's a great community we have here ... Hilary

Nilanjana Bose said...

The death of Jo Cox is a heart wrenching tragedy. Can't stop thinking about both her and the actor Anton Yelchin, so terribly untimely, both had so much left to live and do!

Sorry to hear about the issues re the move, sound very familiar! Wish you problem-free and easy sorting.

Liza said...

The Jo Cox story is so heartbreaking. Similar to Gabby Gifford here, who lived but will never be the same. Wishing you a smooth move and good thoughts.

Annalisa Crawford said...

The news about Jo Cox was terrible. I was hearing the updates throughout the afternoon, and it was so sad to hear she'd died. Politics is taking a very dark turn at the moment. I hope it doesn't stay there.

I hope your move isn't too challenging - you seem to have figured out the main problems already, so that's good :-)

Inger said...

Of course we have to comment. Yes, we know about Jo Cox over here. It reminded me of the Swedish Forgien Minister, I think that's what she was, who also got knifed to death in the middle of the day in the middle of the city. As you know we've had triple tragedies in Orlando, Florida and it is beginning to be difficult to take in all of this. I'm glad the birds are twittering away outside my window, reminding me that not all is horrible in this world. And of course there are strawberries too. Not quite as good-looking as yours.

All the best with the move and looking forward to hearing from you in July.

Elephant's Child said...

Good luck with the rest of the move. I hope it goes smoothly. And that you get your connectivity back sooner than expected.
The murder of Jo Cox was dreadful. But also brought some lovely people out of the woodwork. And perhaps, just perhaps, it will remind more of us to tell the people who matter that they do - and why.

Terra said...

It sounds like your view is gorgeous. Not the mole brown carpet or the leak, darn it. I think moving always gives a few surprises, though my husband and I have been in our house 30 years, so I can barely remember the move. Heart breaking about your M.P. and I care about your EU referendum (not saying which side I am cheering for though).

Out on the prairie said...

Perhaps an area rug on the dark carpet.I have lots of raspberries for cheesecake, but it is too hot to bake.

Janie Junebug said...

Yes, I read about Jo Cox. Horrible. All the tears I've shed over Orlando. It seems never ending. You seem quite cheerful in spite of the brown carpet and the leak.

Love,
Janie

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks so much for visiting ... today would have been Jo's 42nd birthday - it seems it is being acknowledged in vigils around the world.

One day to the Referendum ...

Two days to move ... better get on ... ?!

I remember the others who've suffered in similar ways - so desperate for families and constituents ... my thoughts to all and thank you for commenting - Hilary

Nicola said...

I was so sad to hear about the beloved Jo. What an amazing woman she was.
The smell of strawberries has filled our house for the past two months! My husband loves them. I don't do fruit (shuttles of the head), unless chocolate is classed as a fruit :)
Lovely post, Hilary. Thank you so much for sharing and wishing you a happy moving day!!
All the best.

Christine Rains said...

So sad about Jo Cox. I hope you get settled in and find some strawberries! Have a lovely week.

Sherry Ellis said...

The strawberry mousse cheesecake looks delicious! Good luck settling in to your new place!

Suzanne Furness said...

Wishing you well with the move, Hilary. Never an easy thing.

DMS said...

Very sad news about Jo Cox. :(

Wishing you the very best with your move. You seem to have the right attitude for a journey that is full of unexpected twists already. Enjoy the time without being tied to the internet- though you will be missed online!
~Jess

Jean Davis said...

Moving always brings challenges. Enjoy some time away from the internet while things get sorted out both in your home and the country in general. Your new view sounds amazing.

Crystal Collier said...

Oy! Moving... I don't want to do that again for a very, very long time. (Feeling your pain here.)

So sad about Jo. We've had our fair share of tragedy in my corner of the world, so man do I feel you.

Here, have some cheese to help with the move.

Truedessa said...

Why can't moves go smoothly? Wishing you the best and I could go for some cheesecake.

beste barki said...

Good luck with all the changes.

D.G. Hudson said...

Moving is never easy, no matter how much I plan. There will be surprises, and delays. It's because so many people must be coordinated for one purpose and that's always difficult. Best wishes for you settling in to the new place. If you can see some of that view, won't it be fun to watch when it's stormy?

Stay well, Hilary, and stay calm. . .

Marja said...

So said to hear about Jo Cox. Interesting to see that you are moving. Always stressful but exciting at the same time as you will see new horizons I wish you all the best moving houses and hope that your new place will be a blessing.
We are following closely what happens regarding the referendum. It could have a great impact on all.

mail4rosey said...

I'm so sorry about Jo Cox. :(

I hope your move smooths out. Maybe some of that cheesecake would be in order. A mini version of course (so as to not overindulge, which I'm sure would be very easy to do). :)

Jeffrey Scott said...

Wishing you the best as you settle in. I would have loved to see the Strawberry moon too, but it looked pretty normal to me.
I'm anxious to find out what the vote will be too, and what the ramifications of said vote will have. See you later in July. :)

A Cuban In London said...

The murder of Jo Cox shocked me to the core. It was sad, so sad.

Greetings from London.

Anonymous said...

I was so saddened to hear about Jo Cox. Just horrible.

And now your vote is in, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

Best of luck settling in. Hope the move goes a bit more smoothly. I've moved way too many times and it never seems to get any easy but hubby and I decided this it it. His job no longer requires those moves so we should be in our forever home. Phew!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Woke to the news of Britain's exit this morning...you're right, changes afoot!

You always have such a positive, cheerful attitude toward things--your move is a good example. Very inspiring to me...thank you!

Susan Kane said...

Ambush and brutal murder! Jo Cox was clearly a woman with high values.

Moving: We are doing that as well. End of July we will be moving to a 55 and older community. Lots of angst here.

To leave has been chosen. Big impact.

Denise Covey said...

Jo Cox's death was beyond sad...perhaps so is Britain leaving the EU. I hope they get their 'exit' strategy worked out quickly! I hope you get that move sorted, Hilary. Always very inconvenient, but I hope it's a good move for you. :-)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

The strawberry moon over Stonehenge is amazing...wow. And I was so saddened about the senseless murder of Jo Cox :(

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

The world is a cruel place sometimes. Very sad to hear of Mrs. Cox's death. Sorry I'm late, Hilary. Computer problems.

cleemckenzie said...

I was saddened to hear about Jo Cox. Such a waste of a young life and so tragic for her family and the UK. These are truly troubling times for both our countries.

Moving terrifies me. I just have to look at our garage and I know I'm defeated. Sorry about the brown carpet. Let's hope it wears out and has to be replaced with a brighter one soon.

Mark said...

Looks like a beautiful area you've found:) Tough times in Britain though...hopefully they get better.

Ann Carbine Best said...

Will be thinking about you, and sending positive vibes into the universe to sustain you through these trials. So sad about Jo Cox. Life is indeed difficult.

We get so dependent on phones, computers. etc. So...Enjoy strawberries!

Jen is making step by step progress following surgery. Two weeks today. So that is cheering me a bit. I did manage to write a new post after 3 weeks, The Poison Prison. An intriguing title, don't you think. It'll be there whenever you get back to your blogging life. Take care, dear friend.

Bossy Betty said...

Lots to catch up on. Thinking of you and all your fellow citizens!

Shannon Lawrence said...

We've been watching the Brexit vote in trepidation here. I hope you don't have anymore issues with your move. I know you can't easily reply, so no worries, but wanted to say hi.

Deniz Bevan said...

Lots of sadness in the world at the moment.
Hope you can sort out all the moving issues soon! Just wondering, did you blog this on the iPad? I've tried doing that a few times and found it took twice as long as blogging on a desktop computer or laptop.
Mmmm, raspberry cheesecake.......

Karen Lange said...

So sorry to hear about Jo - what sad news. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I didn't realize you were moving, somehow I missed this bit of info. But then, I can't physically help with the move, so I will cheer you on from here, and wish you well. The view sounds lovely and I'm sure you'll be settled in no time. Wishing you happy times in the new place!

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

I am so behind with commenting, so I'm kind of glad to discover other people who can't! Hope your move works out - BT can be a real pain! But - new beginnings... Jo Cox - so sad; when they said it would have been her birthday, I kept thinking that her husband had probably already bought her a present, and probably things from the kids; can't begin to think what they are going through. And she seemed SUCH a special person. As for the UK, well we are in a turmoil, aren't we? But, contrary to a lot of the wailing I've been hearing, the sky hasn't fallen yet and we are still the same tolerant, liberal, democracy we were before. It's up to all of us to help ensure it stays that way - whichever way we voted.

Lynn said...

Hi Hilary - I am behind in commenting, too. I have another friend who lives in the England and she is devastated over the outcome of the vote. I really didn't think that would pass - very concerning. Wise words from Mike above me there.

Jo Cox - beyond sad! The world has gone mad, it seems. My sister and her husband had just taken off in a plane leaving from the Istanbul airport before the bombing this week. My niece (who lives in Turkey) assured us they were safely in the air. A heart-stopping moment.

But in the meantime - I am calmed by the lovely vision of the strawberry cake, and your lovely new view. I hope all is going well and that you are able to move to your new place without too much rain.

Cheers to you, my friend!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Moving! I'm dreading my own moving after 30+ years and 5 children in the same house. It does take much time. And then you find little problems that need to be addressed. All the luck and best wishes!

Juliet said...

Hilary, I wish you well with getting things sorted. Moving always involves upheaval, but I hope there are good parts to it also.

grams ramblings said...

Hope your moving is going well. We moved last year, downsizing from a five bedroomed house to a much smaller three bed. We did a lot of "getting rid of" stuff, but still had too much and even now , a year later, we are in the process of decluttering. Also during these last twelve months I have lost both my mother and father and a very good friend as well as being blessed with two new grandchildren - life's a bit like that...
And as for the brexit vote, we have a long way to go to gain ground again , but I'm sure we'll get there. Wishing you well xxx

gramswisewords.blogspot.com

Keith's Ramblings said...

Well, I'm commenting whether you read it or not! By now you should be almost settled, as is the referendum - the dust from which will not settle for a long time to come! Next time I'm climbing up to Beachy Head I'll give you a wave!

Visit Keith's Ramblings

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Hilary,

Didn't know you were moving. UGH... I know that feeling all too well! Moving twice in a year and still have another coming up. So CRAZY...

Horrible about the murder of Jo Cox.... so many unsettling things happening around the world. I was down in Orlando when that maniac open fire and killed fifty people at that nightclub. Horrific for sure!

Gorgeous pic of the Strawberry moon as well as that cheesecake. Love it!

Hope you settle in comfortably without too much more drama.. See you soon!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I'm sure you are tired of moving, but if you moved to where I think you did, I'm betting you will enjoy living there. Just the views are worth the brown carpet. LOL

I had a lovely trip to England. Grandad got an Ipad too! I'm so proud of him. We've been facetiming a little bit. :)

Hope you are getting settled.

Hugs,
Sharon

Lisa said...

So the vote has happened, and might happen again! Scotland and Northern Ireland might leave the UK for real this time, and you should be in and about settled by now! Fingers are crossed for you!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks to you all … I’ll reply on a few points … but the most important are all the unnecessary deaths – so desperate … life should not end this way … in the Western world, nor by terrorist attacks … may we just live in peace and think about others …

@ Nicola – we are fully in the throes of summer fruits – though summer is eluding us at the moment …

@ Christine – life goes on …

@ Sherry – got a welcome present of a cheesecake on arrival ... slice of!

@ Suzanne – thanks …

@ Jess – yes life continues and thankfully I can turn the tables to positivity or looking forward ..

@ Jean – there wasn’t much time to relax … so much going on …

@ Crystal – thanks … I suspect another move is on the cards in the not too distant future … I need cheese!

@ Beste – thanks …

@ DG – the view is helping!

@ Marja – certainly new horizons …

@ Rosey – I could have slumped with cheesecake slices lined up!

@ Jeffrey – the Referendum process has been interesting …

@ ACIL – Jo Cox’s murder is terrible … and almost seems lost in the mists of time … so much has happened and so many unnecessary deaths …

@ Elsie – thanks and lucky you … staying put. I’ll note my thoughts briefly re the Referendum …

@ Elizabeth … yes exiting we are … and neither of us could have guessed what’s happened in the last three weeks or so …

@ Susan – as you say ambush and the brutal murder of Jo … desperately sad, so many others since …

Good luck with your move …

@ Denise – thanks re the Referendum … so much is happening in our political world – it is certainly interesting. I too hope it will be a good move – some aspects definitely not – but I’m keeping my head up …

@ Keith – I wish I’d seen the Strawberry Moon – but Nature does give us wonderful sights …

@ Joylene – isn’t the world cruel …

@ Lee – yes Jo was a very sad loss to the country … and troubling times seem to be about at the moment …

@ Mark – wonderful views … you are right there …

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ann – thanks so much ... and I must catch up with you and Jen – hope all is well … the “Poison Prison” sounds a terrifying title for anything …

@ Betty- gosh, good to see you once again … and thank you for your thoughts re us Brits …

@ Shannon – the Brexit vote result has sent us off into interesting times … thanks so much for your thoughts …

@ Deniz – you are right there – dreadful times for so many. I blogged this just before I moved and got cut off … the ipad I couldn’t use – as there was no telephone line … I prefer to use what I know re blog posts …

@ Karen – not settled in that quickly … still unpacking and re-arranging etc – but am getting there … lovely view I agree.

@ Mike – BT interestingly was the easy bit – just a long time a-coming. Yes I’m sure birthday preparations would have been well underway … I hope now the family can grieve quietly and very slowly adjust – her husband was amazing and really sealed their value as a family in those terrible circumstances ...

Turmoil, after turmoil, after turmoil … I feel quite positive in a funny way … as you say the sky hasn’t fallen in and it is up to us all to ensure we keep to our standard British ideals and help ourselves …

@ Lynn – no worries re commenting – yes Mike’s words are wise aren’t they …

@ Victoria – moving … never easy – thankfully I didn’t have 30 years of the same house, or 5 children! Thanks for your thoughts …

@ Juliet – the good parts of moving will come … new view is good!

@ Marian – thanks for coming by … I lost my mother 4 years ago … my thoughts though for you losing both parents this year – thankfully you have those wonderful grandchildren, or greats too …

Brexit – so much is happening … it will be interesting …

@ Michael – I didn’t know I was moving or intending too – but such things are thrust upon us out of the blue … you’ve had your fair share of them too … good luck. My drama continues on!

@ Sharon – yes the positioning is wonderful … more in next post update … Brilliant your Grandad now has an ipad – that’s wonderful – he is an amazing man … how lovely you’ve been face-timing … must make his day and give him lots of happy thoughts …

@ Lisa – interestingly I don’t think Scotland and NI can leave the UK … can’t exactly remember why … but if I remember I’ll note it in my next update …

Thanks so much to you all for coming by – update shortly … cheers Hilary