preciousquilts

Normal temperatures appear to be topsy turvy everywhere at the moment and the UK is no exception!  Starting at a 10 degree hike on temperatures normal for this time of year we are thoroughly enjoying an ‘Indian’ summer. So, what is this term, Indian summer?  Here it is described as period of unseasonably dry, warm and calm weather which follows colder weather in late Autumn. “The term Indian summer reached England in the 19th century, during the heyday of the British Raj in India. This lead... Read Full Story

In the UK you can claim to be a real cockney if you were born within the sound of Bow Bells. “ St Mary-le-Bow is the church of the ubiquitous ‘Cockney‘. Indeed to be an authentic cockney you must be born within the sound of ‘Bow Bells.’ The term ‘cockney, was originally applied to a small or misshapen egg, which was sometimes referred to as a cock's egg. The Oxford English Dictionary claims that the first use of the word as a reference to native Londoners was in 1521, when it was used by... Read Full Story

I'm late, I'm late for A very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late I'm late and when I wave, I lose the time I save. My fuzzy ears and whiskers Took me too much time to shave. I run and then I hop, hop, hop, I wish that I could fly. There's danger if I dare to Stop and here's a reason why: I'm over-due, I'm in a rabbit stew. Can't even say good-bye, hello, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. Courtesy of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll I guess the words... Read Full Story

I am a few days premature but the frenzy is in full swing as we head towards Friday, 29 April 2011.  What is special about that particular Friday?  You might well ask!!!!  It is the day that we in the UK will celebrate a royal – NO! THE Royal wedding of the decade.  That of Prince William and Kate Middleton or Catherine as she will be known henceforward. Unfortunately, my wedding invitation got lost in the post so I will not be going to London.  As a result, our company will not be providing... Read Full Story

17 March… yes, it is Paddy’s day.  Think green!! So, here goes with all the green I can offer from the BBEST Team ! Queen Anne Lace Scarf by Bags and more by Pam Twisted Gold and Green Flower Pendant by Zudagay Moss in the snow brooch by Fantasy Creations1 Jasmine Green Tea by Get Lathered Neighbourhood Girl by Sixsisters Personalised Irish Shamrock Knit Blanket by Blazing Needles Native American Beaded Earrings by JStinson For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way.  Good... Read Full Story

The original wording of this famous phrase was ‘all that glisters is not gold’ but over time we all adopted the word ‘glitters’ instead. Shakespeare was the best known writer who made this phrase memorable in one of his plays entitled, Merchant of Venice.  This play was said to be have been written in 1596 and included the following words. MOROCCO: O hell! what have we here? A carrion Death, within whose empty eye There is a written scroll! I'll read the writing. All that glitters is not gold... Read Full Story

I thought I w ould post a few pics of the snow we have been having.  It has snowed steadily for 3 days but today is the first day when it has been dry.  They do say there will be a slight thaw over the next couple of days.  This will be good for the grocery shops who are now depleted of stock. A picture showing our drive!  It is there, honest!   Another view up our road.  The big white shape to the left is a snow covered bush.   The roads have been wonderfully quiet!  Sledges are the... Read Full Story

When I offered to write a post for our blog I was scratching my head for a subject matter when ……. Yesterday, Clarence House (Prince Charles' residence and office) made an official announcement, Prince William and Kate Middleton had become engaged….. and …… William had given his mother’s engagement ring which was very special to him, and wanted to share it with his ‘someone’ very special. He said, "It is my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on the day and the excitement and the... Read Full Story

  I know I have been absent for so long but I have been really busy!  So, today I was able to take some time out to explore some public gardens nearby.  We even managed a quick picnic snack! These are some of the views we saw.  OOops, nearly forgot to mention I have a new toy to play with!  A new camera and I am loving it!  L0ts to learn but I am very pleased so far.  What do you think?               I even managed these shots with any people in them!  Who says patience is a virtue... Read Full Story

I guess there has to be a story, or rather, THE story that is foremost in peoples’ minds that gives the participants and onlookers the most amazing feeling of joy.  The story I am talking about is the successful rescue of 33 Chilean miners.  A truly remarkable feat.  The endurance of the miners having to survive below the surface for all that time as well as all the experts above ground who developed the means of rescuing the miners.  In addition the hardships encountered by the families who... Read Full Story