Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
Friday 55 Flash Fiction #183 2011....
It has been a wonderful year,
So many good things happened.
So much to be grateful for,
then in October Dad died.
My world fell apart.
However, reflecting on what’s past and what could be in the
future
I’m very optimistic and happy, just how Dad would have
wanted me to be.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
What I owe my mother....
Recieved in an email but oh so true LOL
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
2. My mother taught me RELIGION .
'You better pray that this will come out of the carpet.'
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
4. My mother taught me LOGIC .
' Because I said so, that's why.'
5.My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the shops with me.'
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry
about.'
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA
'You'll sit there until all that SOUP is gone.'
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER ..
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home!'
18.
My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going
to get stuck that way.'
19. My mother taught me ESP .
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'
20. My mother taught me HUMOUR .
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN
ADULT .
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow
up.'
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
25. And my favourite:
My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you '
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
2. My mother taught me RELIGION .
'You better pray that this will come out of the carpet.'
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
4. My mother taught me LOGIC .
' Because I said so, that's why.'
5.My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the shops with me.'
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry
about.'
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA
'You'll sit there until all that SOUP is gone.'
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER ..
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home!'
18.
My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going
to get stuck that way.'
19. My mother taught me ESP .
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'
20. My mother taught me HUMOUR .
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN
ADULT .
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow
up.'
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
25. And my favourite:
My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you '
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Friday, 23 December 2011
Friday 55 Flash Fiction #182 A Christmas Visitor..
Quietly easing
himself down the chimney,
careful to not
dislodge too much soot,
he landed gently on
the hearth of the fireplace.
“Oh bugger, I forgot the sack” he whispered up the
chimney.
The sack was thrown
down
and the robber filled
it with the family’s presents from under the tree
before exiting the
door!
Sorry were you expecting Santa?? LOL
Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
The Reformed Parrott....
Recently I received a parrot as a gift.
The parrot had a mean attitude and an even worse vocabulary.
Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
I tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words,
playing soft music and anything else I could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot. He yelled back.
Finally I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot. He yelled back.
I shook him and he got even angrier and ruder.
So, and in desperation, I grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet.
Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that I'd hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the freezer door.
Fearing that I'd hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the freezer door.
The parrot calmly stepped out onto my outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions.
I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behaviour."
I was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As I was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behaviour, the bird continued,
I was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As I was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behaviour, the bird continued,
"May I ask what the turkey did?"
PS I didn't write this, I received it in an email and wanted to share it with you.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
A Christmas Story.....
When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.
Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.
Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Succinctly Yours - A Microfiction Meme #34
Grandma at Grandma's Goulash provides a picture and a word prompt for this Microfiction Meme and the rules are use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.
Want more challenge? Use the word of the week in your story. This part is optional.
This week's word is NIMBLE here's the picture and my offering using the picture and word of the week in 140 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Watching Santa ease himself down the chimney
Snowman tipped his hat at him.
Give the man his due,
He’s incredibly nimble
for such a fat bloke.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Friday 55 Flash Fiction #181 ChristmasTrifle......
He crept downstairs heading for the kitchen.
“She’s behind you?”
called the parrot.
“Oh no she’s isn’t”
he said, lifting the trifle out of the fridge.
“Oh yes she is” said parrot.
“We shouldn’t have let you watch that panto” he told the
parrot.
“Leave that trifle alone, you’re on a diet” said his wife.
Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Our Poor Old English language.....
Only in Britain - extracts from complaint letters to local housing councils.
1. It's the dog's mess that I find hard to swallow.
2. I want some repairs done to my cooker as it has backfired and burnt my knob off.
3. I wish to complain that my father twisted his ankle very badly when he put his foot in the hole in his back passage.
4. Their 18 year old son is continually banging his balls against my fence.
5. I wish to report that tiles are missing from the outside toilet roof. I think it was bad wind the other day that blew them off.
6. My lavatory seat is cracked. Where do I stand?
7. I am writing on behalf of my sink which is coming away from the wall.
8. Will you please send someone to mend the garden path. My wife tripped and fell on it yesterday and now she is pregnant.
9. I request permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.
10. 50% of the walls are damp, 50% have crumbling plaster and 50% are just plain filthy.
11. I am still having problems with smoke in my new drawers.
12. The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.
13. Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny color and not fit to drink.
14. Our lavatory seat is broken in half and now is in three pieces.
15. I want to complain about the farmer across the road. Every morning at 6 a.m. his cock wakes me up and it's now getting too much for me.
16. The man next door has a large erection in the back garden which is unsightly and dangerous.
17. Our kitchen floor is damp. We have two children and would like a third so please send someone round to do something about it.
18. I am a single woman living in a downstairs flat and would you please do something about the noise made by the man on top of me every night.
19. Please send a man with the right tool to finish the job and satisfy my wife.
20. I have had the clerk of works down on the floor six times but I still have no satisfaction.
21. This is to let you know that our lavatory seat is broke and we can't get BBC 2.
22. My bush is really overgrown round the front and my back passage has fungus growing in it.
23. He's got this huge tool that vibrates the whole house and I just can't take it anymore.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Succinctly Yours - A Microfiction Meme #33
Grandma at Grandma's Goulash provides a picture and a word prompt for this Microfiction Meme and the rules are use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.
Want more challenge? Use the word of the week in your story. This part is optional.
This week's word is DILIGENT here's the picture and my offering using the picture and word of the week in 140 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Heads down, eyes focused, the trio were diligent in their
search.
Surely an impossible task - to find a lost earring in a snow
covered field.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Bye......
No words of wisdom, no stories, no travelogues today.
I'm busy packing - we're off to Lanzarote and a week in the sun tomorrow.
See you when we get back.
Be good.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Succinctly Yours - A Microfiction Meme #32
Grandma at Grandma's Goulash provides a picture and a word prompt for this Microfiction Meme and the rules are use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.
Want more challenge? Use the word of the week in your story. This part is optional.
This week's word is COMPLACENT here's the picture and my offering using the picture and word of the week in 140 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
The complacent attitude of the people in the book signing
queue would disappear
when they discovered the author had gone home two hours
ago.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Friday 55 Flash Fiction #180 Benefactor...
Born November 1957 and destined to make a lot of people rich, a benefactor.
People were more than willing to invest their hard earned savings,
Especially as they were guaranteed their original investment back whenever they wanted it.
Affectionately known as Ernie......
the Electric Random Number Indicator Equipment which chooses the winning Premium Bond Numbers.
Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Hops & Vines Part 3
Day three of our weekend dawned bright, sunny and warm! After a hearty breakfast we headed to Kent's oldest commercial Vineyard - Biddenden - which was established in 1969 as part of the initiative to re-introduce the wine industry to the area. Biddenden Vineyard is reached via the quaintly named Gribble Bridge Lane.
The vineyards now extend to 21 acres, the grapes grown on a wine trellis system are harvested during late September and early October. Pressing, fermentation and bottling all takes place on site and the vineyards produce White, Red and Sparkling Wines from the 10 varieties of grapes planted here.
Prior to establishing the vineyards, Little Whatmans Farm comprised of 45 acres of apple orchards and Biddenden's involvement in growing apples has not been lost. Biddenden Cider Works produces high quality traditional Strong Kentish Ciders and farm pressed pure apple juices from locally grown apples.
It was a perfect day to tour the vineyard, set in the beautiful Kent countryside, seeing and hearing about the various grapes grown there and the resulting wines made from the grapes. I've put together a little slide show of the vineyard, I think you'll agree it really is beautiful.
We were taken into the works where we saw the machinery involved in the wine and cider making process. Biddenden produce English Wine, the difference between English and British Wine is English Wines are made form fresh grapes grown in England, whilst British Wine is simply produced from foreign grape juice.
Then we got to taste both the wines and the ciders and purchased some of course. We're looking forward to sharing them, especially some warmed 'Monk's Delight Spiced Cider' - guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart. If you ever find yourself in Kent do go and visit Biddenden Winery, you won't be disappointed.
Leaving the vineyard behind we proceeded to our next stop, Tenterden, known as 'The Jewel in the Weald' for some lunch, which we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in the garden of a local pub.
Tenterden has a Fine High Street with historic houses, shops, restaurants and pubs. William Caxton, who in 1477 printed the first English book, was said to have been born here. Keeping guard over the town is the pinnacled tower of St. Mildreds Church from where once the signal beacon warned of the approach of the Spanish Armada, and where later Lord Nelson's daughter, Horatia was the wife of the vicar. Unfortunately we didn't have very much time in Tenterden before it was time to make the lovely journey through the Kent Downs to Elham Valley Vineyard.
Elham Valley Vineyard was cultivated and planted by the original owners in 1985-86 but over recent years the health of the vines has declined, with the 2010 harvest being extremely disappointing the support stakes have inevitable rotted and need replacement. The Trust wanted to change the varieties of grapes grown to be able to produce improved quality wines and an increased range. With support of the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty and The Brook Trust they are now embarking on a replanting project.
There is a small garden centre at Elham Valley which we were able to visit and though we didn't get to taste any wines we did enjoy a lovely cream tea instead. Much of the work done at the centre and many of the goods sold there are provided by disabled people. After a lovely day enjoying the Kent countryside it was time to head back to our hotel for a short rest before dinner and discussing the day's events.
I hope you'll join me for the last day of our trip in Hops & Vines Part 4.
The vineyards now extend to 21 acres, the grapes grown on a wine trellis system are harvested during late September and early October. Pressing, fermentation and bottling all takes place on site and the vineyards produce White, Red and Sparkling Wines from the 10 varieties of grapes planted here.
Prior to establishing the vineyards, Little Whatmans Farm comprised of 45 acres of apple orchards and Biddenden's involvement in growing apples has not been lost. Biddenden Cider Works produces high quality traditional Strong Kentish Ciders and farm pressed pure apple juices from locally grown apples.
It was a perfect day to tour the vineyard, set in the beautiful Kent countryside, seeing and hearing about the various grapes grown there and the resulting wines made from the grapes. I've put together a little slide show of the vineyard, I think you'll agree it really is beautiful.
We were taken into the works where we saw the machinery involved in the wine and cider making process. Biddenden produce English Wine, the difference between English and British Wine is English Wines are made form fresh grapes grown in England, whilst British Wine is simply produced from foreign grape juice.
Then we got to taste both the wines and the ciders and purchased some of course. We're looking forward to sharing them, especially some warmed 'Monk's Delight Spiced Cider' - guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart. If you ever find yourself in Kent do go and visit Biddenden Winery, you won't be disappointed.
Leaving the vineyard behind we proceeded to our next stop, Tenterden, known as 'The Jewel in the Weald' for some lunch, which we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in the garden of a local pub.
Tenterden has a Fine High Street with historic houses, shops, restaurants and pubs. William Caxton, who in 1477 printed the first English book, was said to have been born here. Keeping guard over the town is the pinnacled tower of St. Mildreds Church from where once the signal beacon warned of the approach of the Spanish Armada, and where later Lord Nelson's daughter, Horatia was the wife of the vicar. Unfortunately we didn't have very much time in Tenterden before it was time to make the lovely journey through the Kent Downs to Elham Valley Vineyard.
Elham Valley Vineyard was cultivated and planted by the original owners in 1985-86 but over recent years the health of the vines has declined, with the 2010 harvest being extremely disappointing the support stakes have inevitable rotted and need replacement. The Trust wanted to change the varieties of grapes grown to be able to produce improved quality wines and an increased range. With support of the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty and The Brook Trust they are now embarking on a replanting project.
There is a small garden centre at Elham Valley which we were able to visit and though we didn't get to taste any wines we did enjoy a lovely cream tea instead. Much of the work done at the centre and many of the goods sold there are provided by disabled people. After a lovely day enjoying the Kent countryside it was time to head back to our hotel for a short rest before dinner and discussing the day's events.
I hope you'll join me for the last day of our trip in Hops & Vines Part 4.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Succinctly Yours - A Microfiction Meme #31
Grandma at Grandma's Goulash provides a picture and a word prompt for this Microfiction Meme and the rules are use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.
Want more challenge? Use the word of the week in your story. This part is optional.
This week's word is BEHOLDEN here's the picture and my offering using the picture and word of the week in 140 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Thou art looking very homely Martha.
Thankyou Jacob I’m beholden
to you,
but flattery won’t get you anywhere with me,
I’m a good Quaker girl.
Friday, 18 November 2011
No.....
Friday Flash 55 today cos it's my birthday and I'm going out with My Wonderful Man to do a bit of shopping,then a long leisurely lunch and a few glasses of wine at our favourite restaurant.
Help yourself to a slice of cake
and a glass of bubbly
and I'll see you tomorrow.
Help yourself to a slice of cake
and a glass of bubbly
and I'll see you tomorrow.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Hops & Vines Part 2...
Day two of our long weekend away found us heading for historic Canterbury, it's skyline dominated by the stunning cathedral, the oldest in England.
Canterbury Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, established his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Here is a quick summary of the Cathedral's history, you can read more here. The best know event in the Cathedral's history was the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, you can read about him here.
We took photographs as we walked round the quaint streets of Canterbury and were able to take photographs in the Cathedral, so I've put together a slide show with the best, showing just how beautiful the town and the Cathedral are.
The next stop on our intinerary was Faversham and the Shepherd Neame Brewery. The story of Shepherd Neame began in1698 when Captain Richard Marsh of the Cinque Ports Militia, a mayor of Faversham, founded a brewery over an artesian well in the town's Court Street, then known as North Street. At that time, Faversham was a bustling port, and already enjoyed a brewing tradition dating back to the 12th century when King Stephen founded a Benedictine abbey just yards from the present brewery site. It didn't take the Cluniac monks long to discover that Faversham's pure spring water could be combined with locally-grown malting barley to produce a particularly fine ale. You can read further about the history of Shepherd Neame, Faversham here.
We enjoyed a tour of the brewery, learning about the brewing process from start to finish, before retiring to the private bar to enjoy a sample of some of the brewery's famous ales. Here's a slide show of the workings of the brewery.
Another fabulous day was had by all and unfortunately it was time to head back to the hotel. There again we still had tomorrow's itinerary to look forward to, so I hope you will join me for Hops & Vines Part 3.
Canterbury Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, established his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Here is a quick summary of the Cathedral's history, you can read more here. The best know event in the Cathedral's history was the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, you can read about him here.
Through the Centuries
597 St. Agustine arrived in Kent and soon established the first Cathedral
1070 - 1077 Cathedral rebuilt by Archbishop Lanfranc
1098 - 1130 New Quire built over a Crypt (present Western Crypt)
1170 Thomas Becket murdered in the Cathedral
1175 - 1184 Quire rebuilt. Eastern Crypt, Trinity and Corona Chapels added (all as seen today)
1220 Becket's body placed in new Shrine in Trinity Chapel
1377 - 1405 Lanfranc Nave demolished and rebuilt as seen today; Cloister vaulting inserted
c1450 Pulpitum Screen constructed
1498 Bell Harry Tower extended and the Cathedral largely complete as seen today
1538 Becket's Shrine destroyed by Henry VIII
1540 Monastery dissolved by royal command
1541 New Foundation of Dean and Chapter established
1660 - 1704 Repair and refurbishing after Puritan damage
1834 North West tower rebuilt
1954 Library rebuilt, repairing War damage
1986 Altar of the Sword's Point (Martyrdom) restored
1988 Compass Rose placed in the Nave
2000 International Study Centre opened in the Precincts
We took photographs as we walked round the quaint streets of Canterbury and were able to take photographs in the Cathedral, so I've put together a slide show with the best, showing just how beautiful the town and the Cathedral are.
The next stop on our intinerary was Faversham and the Shepherd Neame Brewery. The story of Shepherd Neame began in1698 when Captain Richard Marsh of the Cinque Ports Militia, a mayor of Faversham, founded a brewery over an artesian well in the town's Court Street, then known as North Street. At that time, Faversham was a bustling port, and already enjoyed a brewing tradition dating back to the 12th century when King Stephen founded a Benedictine abbey just yards from the present brewery site. It didn't take the Cluniac monks long to discover that Faversham's pure spring water could be combined with locally-grown malting barley to produce a particularly fine ale. You can read further about the history of Shepherd Neame, Faversham here.
We enjoyed a tour of the brewery, learning about the brewing process from start to finish, before retiring to the private bar to enjoy a sample of some of the brewery's famous ales. Here's a slide show of the workings of the brewery.
Another fabulous day was had by all and unfortunately it was time to head back to the hotel. There again we still had tomorrow's itinerary to look forward to, so I hope you will join me for Hops & Vines Part 3.
Monday, 14 November 2011
Succinctly Yours - A Microfiction Meme #30
Grandma at Grandma's Goulash provides a picture and a word prompt for this Microfiction Meme and the rules are use the photo as inspiration for a story of 140 characters OR 140 words.
Want more challenge? Use the word of the week in your story. This part is optional.
This week's word is SERENE here's the picture and my offering using the picture and word of the week in 140 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Little boats, bobbing on calm waters,
suggest a serene existence
for the peoples living on the river.
Closer inspection suggests the opposite.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Friday 55 Flash Fiction #179 Remembrance..
It was a long time ago,
his memory wasn’t what it once was.
He couldn't remember the name of the comrade
who had fallen at
his side on the battlefield
in WWII.
He would always honour his memory though,
by buying a poppy
and wearing it with pride
On 11th November, Remembrance Day.
Will you?
Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55.
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