Saturday, December 31, 2016
THINKING ALLOWED
Not a lot of thinking going on but just a quick post to wish you all A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. As the old year leaves us I hope you have a new year full of love, happiness and peace.
Friday, December 30, 2016
FRIDAY FAVOURITES
I have always enjoyed the music of Hoagy Carmichael and Old Buttermilk Sky is one of my favourites. I hope you will enjoy it along with me.
As usual I found it while browsing through YouTube and am so glad someone had taken the time to download it.
As usual I found it while browsing through YouTube and am so glad someone had taken the time to download it.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
DID YOU KNOW?
Last week in the story of Welsh royalty we finished where Henry III had confirmed Llywelyn the Last and his heirs the title of Prince of Wales. Today we conclude the facts about Wales and next week we will continue with the royals of England and Scotland.
Edward I succeeded to the English throne in 1272, and was content to wait for internal Welsh disunity to topple Llywelyn. His policy was sound. Welsh lords - accustomed by their ancient laws to titular independence - would not maintain the loyalty of feudal vassalage to a Welsh Prince of Wales, and Llywelyn the Last could not frame a centralised administration which would hold the principality together. There were even Welsh conspiracies to assassinate him. Llywelyn, losing his touch on statesmanship, allowed himself to be manouvered into a further military struggle against King Edward I. When Edward moved against him half of Wales supported the English overlord, and by 1277 the so-called Prince of Wales could control only Gwynedd. Edward then intensified a systematic destruction of Welsh liberties, and provoked a wide revolt in 1282.
By this time Llywelyn could not organise the Welsh even when they were fighting for their existence as a separate people. He himself was killed by an English scout during s skirmish in the south. His head was taken for display in Anglesey and later in London. Wales had lost more than a titular head. Her independence was gone forever. Apart from the feudal estates of the Marches - which constitute a part of modern, but not old, Wales - she was annexed to the English crown. It was in Pembrokeshire, a traditionally crown-dominated region, that Henry Tudor was born in 1457, and landed 28 years later to march up the steps of the English throne. However, since he had been born and brought up in wales, Henry was passionate in his constant assertion of his Welsh heritage
Please excuse any typing errors....the ring finger of my left hand is having difficulty in keeping up with the other fingers....I put it down to old age and not inaccurate typing. 😋
Edward I succeeded to the English throne in 1272, and was content to wait for internal Welsh disunity to topple Llywelyn. His policy was sound. Welsh lords - accustomed by their ancient laws to titular independence - would not maintain the loyalty of feudal vassalage to a Welsh Prince of Wales, and Llywelyn the Last could not frame a centralised administration which would hold the principality together. There were even Welsh conspiracies to assassinate him. Llywelyn, losing his touch on statesmanship, allowed himself to be manouvered into a further military struggle against King Edward I. When Edward moved against him half of Wales supported the English overlord, and by 1277 the so-called Prince of Wales could control only Gwynedd. Edward then intensified a systematic destruction of Welsh liberties, and provoked a wide revolt in 1282.
By this time Llywelyn could not organise the Welsh even when they were fighting for their existence as a separate people. He himself was killed by an English scout during s skirmish in the south. His head was taken for display in Anglesey and later in London. Wales had lost more than a titular head. Her independence was gone forever. Apart from the feudal estates of the Marches - which constitute a part of modern, but not old, Wales - she was annexed to the English crown. It was in Pembrokeshire, a traditionally crown-dominated region, that Henry Tudor was born in 1457, and landed 28 years later to march up the steps of the English throne. However, since he had been born and brought up in wales, Henry was passionate in his constant assertion of his Welsh heritage
Please excuse any typing errors....the ring finger of my left hand is having difficulty in keeping up with the other fingers....I put it down to old age and not inaccurate typing. 😋
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
TUESDAY CHAT
Now, where to start? Firstly, I got my 2016 teddy bear and he now sits with us in the living room and later he will join the other teddy bears on top of our 3 bookcases. Phil has been buying them each year for a while now and with others teddies I already had I have a collection of about a dozen or more. The family will have to decide what to do with them when I am gone; maybe to a children's hospital or similar,
Next......Christmas Day which was really wonderful this year. There were/was 11 of us altogether and of course the two little girls were the centre of attention as children usually are and we all enjoyed the excitement as they opened their gifts. Far too many really and my daughter made the comment that she felt she had perhaps bought to many this year for the two littlies. I agreed that she had but then when I was working and could afford it often bought too many gifts for my 6 grandies. Here two little girls are enjoying their many gifts watched by their mother and grandmother (my photos didn't come out very well perhaps caused by the fact I was facing a large window through which the sun shone).
Not long after we reached our granddaughter's home (that airconditioning was working well so very pleased I had my nephew repair it in time for Christmas) they managed to reach our #3 granddaughter in New Jersey. At first they couldn't manage it on K's laptop nor her iPad but then C got through on her iPhone. With them nearing bedtime in NJ, B and her partner were able to watch people opening their presents here in Perth, including those sent by them from the US. I sometimes fall out with modern technology but when it brings a family together like this at special times then it can only be good.
We had a delicious cold lunch and then a rest to watch more present opening and then a chocolate 'trifle' made by #2 granddaughter. Not sure why it was called a trifle as no jelly or custard but it's always good to try something new and it was very nice. A said she made it to a recipe but had left the Baileys out as, of course, the little girls would be enjoying it as well as the adults. Even though I enjoyed it I found it a little too rich and being old fashioned, still prefer the traditional trifle.
As we were leaving C came out with 3 containers of left over food which were gratefully accepted. We were too tired and full up to eat much on Christmas night but it was very much appreciated last night with some home made salad. We slept very late yesterday and rested most of the day. Seems we are getting a little old for all this excitement but wouldn't miss it for the world.
While skyping yesterday B surprised all of us when she told the family that she and her partner had just make the booking and would be flying to Perth in late June to stay for a couple of weeks. You can imagine how excited everyone was to hear this. K is going to take some time off work although the end of June is a very busy time for her. I think the two girls (or should I say young women as they are both well and truly in their 30s) are as excited as we in Perth all area. C suggested we have Christmas in July party while they are here which I thought an excellent idea. Many restaurants and hotels hold that celebration in July to make up for our Christmases being so very hot. Phil and I are really looking forward to meeting Kam and she seems a truly delightful person.
I had another surprise that came with the Christmas card my daughter-in-law sent us. She added a little sticky note to say their daughter is expecting a baby in just a few days. Of course I am delighted with the news but it is news I have always dreaded in a way. With my son having written us off as far as he and his family are concerned it means, while I am delighted for all of them, I am saddened that I will not be able to take part in the celebrations when the baby is born. It is awful to have such mixed emotions but I certainly hope that all goes well and that Jess has a healthy baby. Wouldn't it be ironic if that baby arrived on 2nd January....my birthday. I know Di will let me know if it is a boy or girl and also send pictures but it's not quite the same as being part of it all.
I do hope everyone had a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas as we did. All drivers seemed to be obeying the road rules which was good to see and I am sure double demerit points during the holiday season does slow them down a little. Pity they can't drive like that all year round as W.A.s road toll i dreadful this year and with still so many days of holidays left one can only hope there will be no more between now and new year.
P.S. and of course I decorated our Norfolk Island pine (the one that resides on our front verandah) again this year. This was the photo I took last year and the tree was of manageable size for me to reach the top. The photo I took this year wasn't good as the decorations were blowing wildly in the breeze so too much movement which made it look out of focus. Our house just isn't suitable to have a large tree indoors and I can see this one so well at night with the verandah light on and it looks so lovely when the breeze sets all the decorations moving and glittering. The poor tree is now about 10' tall ( about 3 yards) and is going through the top of the pergola. How long we will be able to keep it there I am not sure as I am sure it has already outgrown its pot and would be one huge job to pot on.....maybe it will have to go in the garden but I have no idea if the tree roots could be a nuisance to anyone
and one more thing, the first flower has made its appearance on my traditional white frangipani; the only flower out so far. Everyone is complaining how late they are this year owing to Perth's very mild spring. I have lots of buds on mine but they are certainly taking their time in blooming.
Next......Christmas Day which was really wonderful this year. There were/was 11 of us altogether and of course the two little girls were the centre of attention as children usually are and we all enjoyed the excitement as they opened their gifts. Far too many really and my daughter made the comment that she felt she had perhaps bought to many this year for the two littlies. I agreed that she had but then when I was working and could afford it often bought too many gifts for my 6 grandies. Here two little girls are enjoying their many gifts watched by their mother and grandmother (my photos didn't come out very well perhaps caused by the fact I was facing a large window through which the sun shone).
Not long after we reached our granddaughter's home (that airconditioning was working well so very pleased I had my nephew repair it in time for Christmas) they managed to reach our #3 granddaughter in New Jersey. At first they couldn't manage it on K's laptop nor her iPad but then C got through on her iPhone. With them nearing bedtime in NJ, B and her partner were able to watch people opening their presents here in Perth, including those sent by them from the US. I sometimes fall out with modern technology but when it brings a family together like this at special times then it can only be good.
We had a delicious cold lunch and then a rest to watch more present opening and then a chocolate 'trifle' made by #2 granddaughter. Not sure why it was called a trifle as no jelly or custard but it's always good to try something new and it was very nice. A said she made it to a recipe but had left the Baileys out as, of course, the little girls would be enjoying it as well as the adults. Even though I enjoyed it I found it a little too rich and being old fashioned, still prefer the traditional trifle.
As we were leaving C came out with 3 containers of left over food which were gratefully accepted. We were too tired and full up to eat much on Christmas night but it was very much appreciated last night with some home made salad. We slept very late yesterday and rested most of the day. Seems we are getting a little old for all this excitement but wouldn't miss it for the world.
While skyping yesterday B surprised all of us when she told the family that she and her partner had just make the booking and would be flying to Perth in late June to stay for a couple of weeks. You can imagine how excited everyone was to hear this. K is going to take some time off work although the end of June is a very busy time for her. I think the two girls (or should I say young women as they are both well and truly in their 30s) are as excited as we in Perth all area. C suggested we have Christmas in July party while they are here which I thought an excellent idea. Many restaurants and hotels hold that celebration in July to make up for our Christmases being so very hot. Phil and I are really looking forward to meeting Kam and she seems a truly delightful person.
I had another surprise that came with the Christmas card my daughter-in-law sent us. She added a little sticky note to say their daughter is expecting a baby in just a few days. Of course I am delighted with the news but it is news I have always dreaded in a way. With my son having written us off as far as he and his family are concerned it means, while I am delighted for all of them, I am saddened that I will not be able to take part in the celebrations when the baby is born. It is awful to have such mixed emotions but I certainly hope that all goes well and that Jess has a healthy baby. Wouldn't it be ironic if that baby arrived on 2nd January....my birthday. I know Di will let me know if it is a boy or girl and also send pictures but it's not quite the same as being part of it all.
I do hope everyone had a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas as we did. All drivers seemed to be obeying the road rules which was good to see and I am sure double demerit points during the holiday season does slow them down a little. Pity they can't drive like that all year round as W.A.s road toll i dreadful this year and with still so many days of holidays left one can only hope there will be no more between now and new year.
P.S. and of course I decorated our Norfolk Island pine (the one that resides on our front verandah) again this year. This was the photo I took last year and the tree was of manageable size for me to reach the top. The photo I took this year wasn't good as the decorations were blowing wildly in the breeze so too much movement which made it look out of focus. Our house just isn't suitable to have a large tree indoors and I can see this one so well at night with the verandah light on and it looks so lovely when the breeze sets all the decorations moving and glittering. The poor tree is now about 10' tall ( about 3 yards) and is going through the top of the pergola. How long we will be able to keep it there I am not sure as I am sure it has already outgrown its pot and would be one huge job to pot on.....maybe it will have to go in the garden but I have no idea if the tree roots could be a nuisance to anyone
and one more thing, the first flower has made its appearance on my traditional white frangipani; the only flower out so far. Everyone is complaining how late they are this year owing to Perth's very mild spring. I have lots of buds on mine but they are certainly taking their time in blooming.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sunday, December 25, 2016
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
No silly poetry today but a song I felt appropriate for everyone sung by the one and only Frank Sinatra. Wishing you all lots of Christmas cheer. Be happy and stay safe.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
THINKING ALLOWED
I am currently thinking what I think at this time of year, every year. My daughter and I have a dream....we have both wished to have a white Christmas. Of course in this city of ours that is most unlikely as the temperature on Christmas Day averages out at 32C (89F) but we still wish the same each year. She is more than likely to experience a white Christmas in her lifetime as her daughter Beth now lives in New Jersey and in future years K and B could possibly decide to visit there in December.
Anyway, this song says it all for both of us.
Even though Phil has been in Australia for 57 years I feel there are times he would once again like to be able to celebrate the festive season where the weather is cool with a chance of snow. I envy him a little as he had 30 of those years to remember cold Christmases whereas I have none.
Anyway, this song says it all for both of us.
Even though Phil has been in Australia for 57 years I feel there are times he would once again like to be able to celebrate the festive season where the weather is cool with a chance of snow. I envy him a little as he had 30 of those years to remember cold Christmases whereas I have none.
Friday, December 23, 2016
FRIDAY FAVOURITES
There is definitely a feeling in the air....I wonder just what it can be?
Hope you are all getting that festive Christmas feeling.
Hope you are all getting that festive Christmas feeling.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
DID YOU KNOW?
Having come more to terms with the Welsh royalty I've decide to push on with it so here goes:
When Owain Gwynedd died in 1180, strong leadership in Wales passed to the south to Rhys Ap Gruffyedd in Deheubarth. Henry 11, who was in international ecclesiastical trouble over the murder of Beckett, was glad to confirm the suzerainty of Rhys over all those territories which a generation earlier, had been under Norman sway. The king actually appointed the Welshman as his regent (Justiciar) in south Wales (including Ceredigion and Dyfed - Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire), making all lesser chieftains vassals of Rhys, who was called The Lord Rhys from this time. This high status lasted for 17 years, until the death of Henry II in 1189 but the Anglo-Welsh understanding faded in the reign of Richard I, and with the death of Rhys another period of fragmentation seemed imminent.
Rescue came from Gwynedd, where LLYWELYN AP IORWERTH 1194-1240, later known as Llywelyn the Great, was reasserting a central control of the territory after the fratricidal chaos that followed the death of his grandfather Owain Gwynedd. By 1201 he had established his own position as lord of West Gwynedd, and he had status enough for King John to propose a treaty with him. By 1204 he was controlling far more territory and, in return for homage to the English king, had taken John's illegitimate daughter Joan in marriage. He then took over Powys (which had slipped away from Gwynedd in the years of anarchy), and even Credigion. By 1210 John was finding his son-in-law far too powerful for a feudal vassal, and moved against him with military force. His total achievement, however, was that he united all Wales against himself. In 1215, the year of Magna Carta - which restored, even to the Welsh, many privileges that had been taken from them during the years of war - Llywelyn moved against the royal castles in South Wales and took every garrison-point except Pembroke and Haverfordwest. Even Glamorgan was held by an English ally, the rebelling Earl of Essex. Llywelyn became in strict truth Ruler of All Wales.
There were later adjustments, disagreements, and the incessant private battles of ambitious English barons and jealous Welsh lords. A peace was patched up, and was maintained for 15 years, under which Llywelyn was recognised a Ruler of Wales by the mystic title Prince of Aberffraw and Lord of Snowdon.
He died in 1240 and was briefly succeeded by his second son DAVID 1240-1246. David's successor was his nephew LLYWELYN AP GRUFFYDD 1246-1281, later to be known as Llywelyn the Last. The death of Llywelyn the Great had caused the partition of his hereditary territories in Gwynedd. Llywlyn the Last gradually built them up again. Then, by active military measures against King Henry III and combined military diplomatic action against the Welsh chiefs, he reasserted his authority over the rest of Wales so successfully that in 1258, with only one Welsh lord not paying homage to him, he declared himself Prince of Wales with the utmost justification. By the Treaty of Pipton, 19 July, 1265, this title was recognised by Simon de Monfort in the name of King Henry III (whom he was holding prisoner at this time of civil war). In addition, Simon agreed that his daughter Eleanor should be married to Llywelyn (she was 13 years old at the time ad Llywelyn was about 40. The marriage was celebrated by proxy ten years later in 1275, and consummated only in 1278. Eleanor died in childbirth in 1282.
Almost immediately after the pact at Pipton, de Montfort was killed at the battle of Evesham. Llywelyn fought on, and finally concluded the Treaty of Montgomery, 26 September, 1278, wehreby King Henry III, in return for homage, granted Llywelyn fresh lands, and confirmed in him and his heirs the title of Prince of Wales.
A small section next week will see us finished with the Welsh royalty and in the new year we will be back with English royalty which, to me anyway, is a wee bit easier to follow especially now are getting to the kings with whom most of us are vaguely familiar.
When Owain Gwynedd died in 1180, strong leadership in Wales passed to the south to Rhys Ap Gruffyedd in Deheubarth. Henry 11, who was in international ecclesiastical trouble over the murder of Beckett, was glad to confirm the suzerainty of Rhys over all those territories which a generation earlier, had been under Norman sway. The king actually appointed the Welshman as his regent (Justiciar) in south Wales (including Ceredigion and Dyfed - Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire), making all lesser chieftains vassals of Rhys, who was called The Lord Rhys from this time. This high status lasted for 17 years, until the death of Henry II in 1189 but the Anglo-Welsh understanding faded in the reign of Richard I, and with the death of Rhys another period of fragmentation seemed imminent.
Rescue came from Gwynedd, where LLYWELYN AP IORWERTH 1194-1240, later known as Llywelyn the Great, was reasserting a central control of the territory after the fratricidal chaos that followed the death of his grandfather Owain Gwynedd. By 1201 he had established his own position as lord of West Gwynedd, and he had status enough for King John to propose a treaty with him. By 1204 he was controlling far more territory and, in return for homage to the English king, had taken John's illegitimate daughter Joan in marriage. He then took over Powys (which had slipped away from Gwynedd in the years of anarchy), and even Credigion. By 1210 John was finding his son-in-law far too powerful for a feudal vassal, and moved against him with military force. His total achievement, however, was that he united all Wales against himself. In 1215, the year of Magna Carta - which restored, even to the Welsh, many privileges that had been taken from them during the years of war - Llywelyn moved against the royal castles in South Wales and took every garrison-point except Pembroke and Haverfordwest. Even Glamorgan was held by an English ally, the rebelling Earl of Essex. Llywelyn became in strict truth Ruler of All Wales.
There were later adjustments, disagreements, and the incessant private battles of ambitious English barons and jealous Welsh lords. A peace was patched up, and was maintained for 15 years, under which Llywelyn was recognised a Ruler of Wales by the mystic title Prince of Aberffraw and Lord of Snowdon.
He died in 1240 and was briefly succeeded by his second son DAVID 1240-1246. David's successor was his nephew LLYWELYN AP GRUFFYDD 1246-1281, later to be known as Llywelyn the Last. The death of Llywelyn the Great had caused the partition of his hereditary territories in Gwynedd. Llywlyn the Last gradually built them up again. Then, by active military measures against King Henry III and combined military diplomatic action against the Welsh chiefs, he reasserted his authority over the rest of Wales so successfully that in 1258, with only one Welsh lord not paying homage to him, he declared himself Prince of Wales with the utmost justification. By the Treaty of Pipton, 19 July, 1265, this title was recognised by Simon de Monfort in the name of King Henry III (whom he was holding prisoner at this time of civil war). In addition, Simon agreed that his daughter Eleanor should be married to Llywelyn (she was 13 years old at the time ad Llywelyn was about 40. The marriage was celebrated by proxy ten years later in 1275, and consummated only in 1278. Eleanor died in childbirth in 1282.
Almost immediately after the pact at Pipton, de Montfort was killed at the battle of Evesham. Llywelyn fought on, and finally concluded the Treaty of Montgomery, 26 September, 1278, wehreby King Henry III, in return for homage, granted Llywelyn fresh lands, and confirmed in him and his heirs the title of Prince of Wales.
A small section next week will see us finished with the Welsh royalty and in the new year we will be back with English royalty which, to me anyway, is a wee bit easier to follow especially now are getting to the kings with whom most of us are vaguely familiar.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
TUESDAY CHAT
I'm not sure I'm up to much chatting right now. We are well advanced towards Christmas with Secret Santa presents bought and wrapped and some presents for the two little girls but have been hunting for some books and puzzles suggested by their mum to no avail. I find BigW's website worse than useless and by the the time I received the list it was too late to order online. Today Phil went searching for a special toy that K-Mart were supposed to have but couldn't find it. He said there was just nobody he could see that he could ask. These huge stores have so few assistants to help shoppers these days which I feel is not catering to their customers requirements at all. Never mind, we still have a few days left to hopefully find what we are after.
Another reason I am just a wee bit gob smacked is our weather.....we knew it was going to be hot tomorrow but now it has been increased to an expected maximum of 41C (105F) but at least Christmas Day has been downgraded from 35C (95F) to 33C (91F) which is something to feel a wee bit pleased about. No wonder we now nearly all have cold Christmas dinners here in Perth. I see our eastern states cousins will also have quite high temps on 25th which can be unusual for them. I am sure they will cope quite well as they've already had some quite hot days this summer.
I trust you are all well advanced in your preparations for the festive season and all your efforts will be worthwhile. Sometimes I wonder if we let ourselves worry too much about special occasions or is it just me. I keep wondering if I have forgotten something or if I a doing what I need to do properly. I guess old age makes me ask these questions of myself. Self doubt does creep in as you become less able to do things which once you took in your stride. Please don't take that as a complaint....just thinking aloud as I often do these days.
Another reason I am just a wee bit gob smacked is our weather.....we knew it was going to be hot tomorrow but now it has been increased to an expected maximum of 41C (105F) but at least Christmas Day has been downgraded from 35C (95F) to 33C (91F) which is something to feel a wee bit pleased about. No wonder we now nearly all have cold Christmas dinners here in Perth. I see our eastern states cousins will also have quite high temps on 25th which can be unusual for them. I am sure they will cope quite well as they've already had some quite hot days this summer.
I trust you are all well advanced in your preparations for the festive season and all your efforts will be worthwhile. Sometimes I wonder if we let ourselves worry too much about special occasions or is it just me. I keep wondering if I have forgotten something or if I a doing what I need to do properly. I guess old age makes me ask these questions of myself. Self doubt does creep in as you become less able to do things which once you took in your stride. Please don't take that as a complaint....just thinking aloud as I often do these days.
Monday, December 19, 2016
MONDAY MIRTH
Ah! Now I understand what cookies are all about. Hope this begins the week with a smile for you.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
With all the rush (not me...I never rush...just feel as though I am) leading up to Christmas I've not had time to find another little poem so here's a bit more rubbish from years ago.....I think, once again, this came form Philip.
THE ELEPHANT IS A DAINTY BIRD
IT FLITS FROM BOUGH TO BOUGH;
IT LAYS ITS EGGS IN A PEANUT SHELL
AND WHISTLES LIKE A COW.
To add to the Christmas silliness....do you know what a MUGWUMP is? It's a creature that sits on the fence with its mug on one side and its wump on the other.
If I suddenly find I have no blogger friends left I'll understand why. Cheers.
THE ELEPHANT IS A DAINTY BIRD
IT FLITS FROM BOUGH TO BOUGH;
IT LAYS ITS EGGS IN A PEANUT SHELL
AND WHISTLES LIKE A COW.
To add to the Christmas silliness....do you know what a MUGWUMP is? It's a creature that sits on the fence with its mug on one side and its wump on the other.
If I suddenly find I have no blogger friends left I'll understand why. Cheers.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
THINKING ALLOWED
Jumbled thoughts in this old head....have I remembered all the gifts I had to buy? Of course there are still a couple I have to try and find. I dread going to the shops as I am having so much trouble walking more than 100 yards without my stupid back playing up. Nevertheless, with my trusty walker (the one with the seat) I will venture out next week in an endeavour to tie up loose ends. I rather liked the look of this suggestion of free gifts for Christmas. We can all give these gifts without monetary cost as they are gifts of goodwill to others; gifts we should give readily without a second thought.
I also have a few more cards to write and post. What do you do? Do you write and send cards from your list or do you wait until you receive cards and then send one in return? I am sure people have different ways of handling the Christmas card thingie. Going through my address book the other day I was saddened as there were a few names I had to cross off...people no longer with us, in particular two penfriends I've not heard of for a year or more. It's times like Christmas that we stop and think of loved ones, both family and friends, with whom we once shared the holiday season. Some still feel so close at times, almost as though they never left.
One of the Secret Santa wants was for a book store voucher. I thought to make it simpler for Phil to carry out this wish by ordering said voucher on line but no. I logged on to Dymock's website and where you order vouchers you can either send it by email to the recipient or have it delivered to their door. The other alternative is to order one for oneself. Fat lot of good that is if you actually want to place the voucher as a gift in a card. Fortunately Phil said not to worry as he had to go to Garden City with a Medicare claim so two birds with one stone taken care of.
The other voucher I wanted was for our two little great-granddaughters so they could go with their parents to Aqwa. On their website I was able to pay for the voucher with PayPal (which method of payment I prefer) and download the voucher as a PDF. Done so easily.
I don't know if I mentioned it or not but recently I bought a new printer and although it is a Canon (I always buy that brand) some of the settings were different this time. I didn't want to print out a lot of colour but couldn't find a way of changing the setting. I messed around for several minutes without any luck and just as I was about to give up when there at the bottom of the little window was the word 'greyscale'. Wonderful....clicked on that and get a perfect black and white print. Shows I am not always a dodo with computers or was this just sheer luck?
It is hotting up here and we have a forecast for next Wednesday of 39C (102F). That will be on the 21st and I am hoping it will gradually cool down before the 25th. Fingers crossed that will be so. I've often noticed if we have a cool Christmas then we will have a hot new year which usually means a hot birthday for me. Oh well, can't do a darned thing about it but just hope. Finger, needless to say, are crossed!!
P.S. Have you noticed there is no mention of Christmas on our special Australian Christmas stamps this year. As you know, I am not a religious person but it is at this time of year that we celebrate the birth of a very special man. I do hope our government has not decided to omit the word Christmas on our stamps for fear of insulting or annoying anyone. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I have emailed both MP Peter Dutton (who has complained about many schools not having carols and other Christmas celebrations) and also the Prime Minister pointing out that this has the appearance of backing down because of the opinion of some minority groups.
I also have a few more cards to write and post. What do you do? Do you write and send cards from your list or do you wait until you receive cards and then send one in return? I am sure people have different ways of handling the Christmas card thingie. Going through my address book the other day I was saddened as there were a few names I had to cross off...people no longer with us, in particular two penfriends I've not heard of for a year or more. It's times like Christmas that we stop and think of loved ones, both family and friends, with whom we once shared the holiday season. Some still feel so close at times, almost as though they never left.
One of the Secret Santa wants was for a book store voucher. I thought to make it simpler for Phil to carry out this wish by ordering said voucher on line but no. I logged on to Dymock's website and where you order vouchers you can either send it by email to the recipient or have it delivered to their door. The other alternative is to order one for oneself. Fat lot of good that is if you actually want to place the voucher as a gift in a card. Fortunately Phil said not to worry as he had to go to Garden City with a Medicare claim so two birds with one stone taken care of.
The other voucher I wanted was for our two little great-granddaughters so they could go with their parents to Aqwa. On their website I was able to pay for the voucher with PayPal (which method of payment I prefer) and download the voucher as a PDF. Done so easily.
I don't know if I mentioned it or not but recently I bought a new printer and although it is a Canon (I always buy that brand) some of the settings were different this time. I didn't want to print out a lot of colour but couldn't find a way of changing the setting. I messed around for several minutes without any luck and just as I was about to give up when there at the bottom of the little window was the word 'greyscale'. Wonderful....clicked on that and get a perfect black and white print. Shows I am not always a dodo with computers or was this just sheer luck?
It is hotting up here and we have a forecast for next Wednesday of 39C (102F). That will be on the 21st and I am hoping it will gradually cool down before the 25th. Fingers crossed that will be so. I've often noticed if we have a cool Christmas then we will have a hot new year which usually means a hot birthday for me. Oh well, can't do a darned thing about it but just hope. Finger, needless to say, are crossed!!
P.S. Have you noticed there is no mention of Christmas on our special Australian Christmas stamps this year. As you know, I am not a religious person but it is at this time of year that we celebrate the birth of a very special man. I do hope our government has not decided to omit the word Christmas on our stamps for fear of insulting or annoying anyone. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I have emailed both MP Peter Dutton (who has complained about many schools not having carols and other Christmas celebrations) and also the Prime Minister pointing out that this has the appearance of backing down because of the opinion of some minority groups.
Friday, December 16, 2016
FRIDAY FAVOURITES
I wonder how many of you remember this from way back in 1968? Another lovely song sung my The Seekers. Their harmony was just delightful.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
DID YOU KNOW?
The story of Welsh royalty didn't get a big audience last week but I've decided to persevere with them in the hope it may all become easier to understand but some of those Welsh names are a little difficult to deal with.
We had got up to where Hywel's son OWAIN had been defeated by Iago and Ieuaf.
They then all fought amongst themselves, and Ieuf's son HYWELL 979-985 (known as Hywell the Bad) emerged as Lord of Gwynedd. He was succeeded by his brother CADWALLON 985-986, but Hyywed Dda's grandson, MAREDUDD AP OWAIN 986-989 drove up from the south and reunited Gwynedd and Deheubarth.
On the death of Marededd in 999 Gwynedd reverted to Hywel the Bad's son CYNAN 999-1005, but Deheubarth lapsed into 20 years of anarchy during which no clear leader emerged.
Maredudd's son-in-law LLYWELYN AP SEISYLL 1018-1023 briefly rose from chaose and rued Gwynedd as well as Deheubarth, but it was his son GRUFFYDD AP LLYWELYN 1039-1063 who, from his base in Gwynedd (for the territories were split again) fought a notable two-handed was against England and Deheubarth. He made extensive conquests along the Hereford border, ravaged Ceredigion, and finally secured Deheubarth. For a time Gruffydd was undisputed Ruler of All Wales, and in addition held extensive territory in Mercia, for which he nonchalantly swore loyalty to Edward the Confessor in return for recognition as under-king of Wales. His status was confirmed by his marriage to Ealdgyth daughter of the Earl of Mercia. In 1063 Earl Harold of Wessex, soon to be King Harold of England, attacked Wales by land and sea, fomented treachery within Wales, and was finally gratified by news of the death of Gruffydd at the hands of his own men. The troubled land immediately disintegrated into fragments once more.
At the same time, England was reeling under the Norman Conquest. William reckoned to keep the Welsh in check, if not in order, by creating three great feudal counties along the border, and passing the responsibility on to their holders, the Earls of Chester, Shrewsbury and Hereford, who were entitled to keep any land or property which they could forage in Wales. The system worked well for some time, while the intimidated Welsh resorted to making war on each other. In 1073 a remarkable blend of patriot and pirate arose in the person of GRUFFYDD AP CYNAN (ruled 1081-1137). He sprang from Gwynedd's royal line, the dynasty of Idwal Foel, but he was born in Ireland, where his exiled father had married the daughter of the Scandinavian King Olaf of Dublin.
In 1073 Gryffydd, aged 22, invaded Anglesey with an army of Irish and Norse mercenaries. and made an unsuccessful attempt to take over Gwynedd. He repeated the effort two years later, and again failed. In 1081 he landed in the south-west and fought his way north to claim his title as Lord of Gwynedd. Then the Normans captured him and imprisoned him in Chester.
After some years he escaped, gathered enough forces in Gwynedd for a successful plundering foray against nearby Norman property, and then retired to the Orkneys, where he fitted out a fleet of ships and made piratical lunges at Norman territory as far apart as Monmouth and Anglesey. Then he settled down in the north and systematically conquered Gwynedd by force of arms. He was considered so serious menace to Norman stability that King William Rufus himself commanded two expeditions against him. Gruffydd merely withdrew his forces into the security of the mountains and waited until the king went home again. He continued these tactics against King Henry I, though he did consent to meet the English monarch and pay homage to Gwynedd, reasoning that the act gave him a recognised right to hold his territories against the incursions of the Nroman earls of the Marches.
Meanwhile in the south, a chief named RHYS AP TEWDWR 1081-1093 had been recognised by William the Conqueror as lord of Deheubarth on paymet of £40 a year, a rent which is recorded in the Domesday Book. Rhys was killed in a skirmish with the Normans and the security of Deheubarth grew rapidly uncertain. By 1125 when Gruffydd Ap Cynan was still ruling in Gwynedd, the south was virtually under total Norman rule.
On the death of King Henry I of England there was a general uprising in South Wales under GRYFFYDD AP RHYS 1135-1137 the son of Rhys Ap Tewdwr. Althugh he was eventually defeated and he died, the firht within Deheubarth was taken up by his three sons Cadell, Maredudd, and RHYS AP GRUFFYDD 1170-1197. In the north, the three sons of Gruffydd Ap Cynan - Cadwallon, OWAIN GWYNEDD 1137-1170 and Cadwaladr - were parallel nuisances within Gwynedd, and in turn their work was carried on my Owain's sons DAFYDD 1170-1194 and RHODRI AP OWAIN 1175-1195. In 1164-5 a north-south combination of Rhys Ap Gruffydd and other allies so completely countered a would-be punitive campaign by Henry II that the English king abandoned any attempt to conquer Wales in his lifetime.
It seems this is becoming a somewhat easier to follow although the Welsh names still do my head in a little. I will continue more of the Welsh history next week and, hopefully, even finish it all in a few weeks.
We had got up to where Hywel's son OWAIN had been defeated by Iago and Ieuaf.
They then all fought amongst themselves, and Ieuf's son HYWELL 979-985 (known as Hywell the Bad) emerged as Lord of Gwynedd. He was succeeded by his brother CADWALLON 985-986, but Hyywed Dda's grandson, MAREDUDD AP OWAIN 986-989 drove up from the south and reunited Gwynedd and Deheubarth.
On the death of Marededd in 999 Gwynedd reverted to Hywel the Bad's son CYNAN 999-1005, but Deheubarth lapsed into 20 years of anarchy during which no clear leader emerged.
Maredudd's son-in-law LLYWELYN AP SEISYLL 1018-1023 briefly rose from chaose and rued Gwynedd as well as Deheubarth, but it was his son GRUFFYDD AP LLYWELYN 1039-1063 who, from his base in Gwynedd (for the territories were split again) fought a notable two-handed was against England and Deheubarth. He made extensive conquests along the Hereford border, ravaged Ceredigion, and finally secured Deheubarth. For a time Gruffydd was undisputed Ruler of All Wales, and in addition held extensive territory in Mercia, for which he nonchalantly swore loyalty to Edward the Confessor in return for recognition as under-king of Wales. His status was confirmed by his marriage to Ealdgyth daughter of the Earl of Mercia. In 1063 Earl Harold of Wessex, soon to be King Harold of England, attacked Wales by land and sea, fomented treachery within Wales, and was finally gratified by news of the death of Gruffydd at the hands of his own men. The troubled land immediately disintegrated into fragments once more.
At the same time, England was reeling under the Norman Conquest. William reckoned to keep the Welsh in check, if not in order, by creating three great feudal counties along the border, and passing the responsibility on to their holders, the Earls of Chester, Shrewsbury and Hereford, who were entitled to keep any land or property which they could forage in Wales. The system worked well for some time, while the intimidated Welsh resorted to making war on each other. In 1073 a remarkable blend of patriot and pirate arose in the person of GRUFFYDD AP CYNAN (ruled 1081-1137). He sprang from Gwynedd's royal line, the dynasty of Idwal Foel, but he was born in Ireland, where his exiled father had married the daughter of the Scandinavian King Olaf of Dublin.
In 1073 Gryffydd, aged 22, invaded Anglesey with an army of Irish and Norse mercenaries. and made an unsuccessful attempt to take over Gwynedd. He repeated the effort two years later, and again failed. In 1081 he landed in the south-west and fought his way north to claim his title as Lord of Gwynedd. Then the Normans captured him and imprisoned him in Chester.
After some years he escaped, gathered enough forces in Gwynedd for a successful plundering foray against nearby Norman property, and then retired to the Orkneys, where he fitted out a fleet of ships and made piratical lunges at Norman territory as far apart as Monmouth and Anglesey. Then he settled down in the north and systematically conquered Gwynedd by force of arms. He was considered so serious menace to Norman stability that King William Rufus himself commanded two expeditions against him. Gruffydd merely withdrew his forces into the security of the mountains and waited until the king went home again. He continued these tactics against King Henry I, though he did consent to meet the English monarch and pay homage to Gwynedd, reasoning that the act gave him a recognised right to hold his territories against the incursions of the Nroman earls of the Marches.
Meanwhile in the south, a chief named RHYS AP TEWDWR 1081-1093 had been recognised by William the Conqueror as lord of Deheubarth on paymet of £40 a year, a rent which is recorded in the Domesday Book. Rhys was killed in a skirmish with the Normans and the security of Deheubarth grew rapidly uncertain. By 1125 when Gruffydd Ap Cynan was still ruling in Gwynedd, the south was virtually under total Norman rule.
On the death of King Henry I of England there was a general uprising in South Wales under GRYFFYDD AP RHYS 1135-1137 the son of Rhys Ap Tewdwr. Althugh he was eventually defeated and he died, the firht within Deheubarth was taken up by his three sons Cadell, Maredudd, and RHYS AP GRUFFYDD 1170-1197. In the north, the three sons of Gruffydd Ap Cynan - Cadwallon, OWAIN GWYNEDD 1137-1170 and Cadwaladr - were parallel nuisances within Gwynedd, and in turn their work was carried on my Owain's sons DAFYDD 1170-1194 and RHODRI AP OWAIN 1175-1195. In 1164-5 a north-south combination of Rhys Ap Gruffydd and other allies so completely countered a would-be punitive campaign by Henry II that the English king abandoned any attempt to conquer Wales in his lifetime.
It seems this is becoming a somewhat easier to follow although the Welsh names still do my head in a little. I will continue more of the Welsh history next week and, hopefully, even finish it all in a few weeks.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
TUESDAY CHAT
Well, is everyone ready for Christmas? I think I am getting there and Secret Santa certainly helps a lot. Still have to think of something for Phil who doesn't really need anything but you do have to have something to wrap and hand to them don't you? We are scheduled to spend Christmas day with the family at Christie and Mathew's home but their airconditioning is once again on the blink. I had my nephew repair it last year in time for Christmas last year and suggested I do the same this year. He called at their place yesterday and let me know he'd fixed it and it only cost $150 to do so. Not sure how long it will last but I'm sure I'll here all about it soon. It is an evaporative airconditioner but when it is working it is very efficient. I am always spoiled (or should that be spoilt?) as they position my chair in the living room right under one of the ducts in the ceiling. Am so looking forward to watching the two little girls open their parcels on Christmas day and spend time with the family of course.
Do you ever stop and think how many pieces of advice are conflicting these days? Coffee is good...coffee is bad......a glass of wine each day will do you good......even a drink each week can cause all types of horrible diseases.......diabetics should avoid sugar....diabetics can have some sugar but should avoid fatty food. And so it goes on and on and on. I still think if everyone ate what they like in moderation and in smaller quantities, avoiding too much sugar and fat we should be healthy. Then of course, there is advice re exercise. That is so variable it's ridiculous. I can barely exercise except when sitting down it really doesn't concern me anyway. I do what I can when I can.
We survived two very hot days quite well and yesterday were rewarded with RAIN!! 6mm in our gauge which for December is quite a downpour as we get very little rain during our summer months. I now see we've sent our hot weather eastwards and hopefully some rainfall will follow for them too. We had a very cool and quite wet spring in Perth and the Parks and Wildlife people have been busy trying to complete as many prescribed burns as they can. The rain will have brought with it lots of weeds which will be drying out now so as much litter as possible has to be removed or burnt. We can only hope we don't have a horrid bushfire season as we had last year with lives lost and so many homes destroyed, in fact a whole township gone just like that. I was pleased to learn the other day that the little school in that town will be re-opened as soon as possible. It was first thought the government wasn't going to bother rebuilding the school but it seems public opinion really mattered.
I have noticed the print here has suddenly become smaller and I don't know how to enlarge it. I must see if I can find a way to do it. I can see it quite well but would prefer it to be a little larger.
Having problems with Firefox. I run Facebook in two different names (it's do with a game I play) but all of a sudden I've found I am unable to delete the history so it's not allowing me to change from one name to another. I have checked on their help page and done what I was instructed to do but it's still not working. Unfortunately, these days, everything written to do with computers is done so taking it for granted that everyone needing help is a computer geek. I get by but will never fully master all its intricacies. Patience I guess is a virtue when it comes to dealing with computers and lots of other modern technology.
Do you ever stop and think how many pieces of advice are conflicting these days? Coffee is good...coffee is bad......a glass of wine each day will do you good......even a drink each week can cause all types of horrible diseases.......diabetics should avoid sugar....diabetics can have some sugar but should avoid fatty food. And so it goes on and on and on. I still think if everyone ate what they like in moderation and in smaller quantities, avoiding too much sugar and fat we should be healthy. Then of course, there is advice re exercise. That is so variable it's ridiculous. I can barely exercise except when sitting down it really doesn't concern me anyway. I do what I can when I can.
We survived two very hot days quite well and yesterday were rewarded with RAIN!! 6mm in our gauge which for December is quite a downpour as we get very little rain during our summer months. I now see we've sent our hot weather eastwards and hopefully some rainfall will follow for them too. We had a very cool and quite wet spring in Perth and the Parks and Wildlife people have been busy trying to complete as many prescribed burns as they can. The rain will have brought with it lots of weeds which will be drying out now so as much litter as possible has to be removed or burnt. We can only hope we don't have a horrid bushfire season as we had last year with lives lost and so many homes destroyed, in fact a whole township gone just like that. I was pleased to learn the other day that the little school in that town will be re-opened as soon as possible. It was first thought the government wasn't going to bother rebuilding the school but it seems public opinion really mattered.
I have noticed the print here has suddenly become smaller and I don't know how to enlarge it. I must see if I can find a way to do it. I can see it quite well but would prefer it to be a little larger.
Having problems with Firefox. I run Facebook in two different names (it's do with a game I play) but all of a sudden I've found I am unable to delete the history so it's not allowing me to change from one name to another. I have checked on their help page and done what I was instructed to do but it's still not working. Unfortunately, these days, everything written to do with computers is done so taking it for granted that everyone needing help is a computer geek. I get by but will never fully master all its intricacies. Patience I guess is a virtue when it comes to dealing with computers and lots of other modern technology.
Monday, December 12, 2016
MONDAY MIRTH
My endeavour to bring a smile to your face to begin the week with. I've always been so pleased that none of my moggies have ever done this.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
and a little late....just didn't have time to find a little poem for today so here's a silly ditty from years ago which I am sure you will all remember.
THE SPRING HAS SPRUNG, THE GRASS HAS RIZ
I WONDER WHERE THE BIRDIES IS?
THE BIRD IS ON THE WING, BUT THATS ABSURD
BECAUSE THE WING IS ON THE BIRD.
Just a bit of craziness I had to share as I recover from 2 very hot days. Hope I can do better next Sunday and that you will all have a good week.
THE SPRING HAS SPRUNG, THE GRASS HAS RIZ
I WONDER WHERE THE BIRDIES IS?
THE BIRD IS ON THE WING, BUT THATS ABSURD
BECAUSE THE WING IS ON THE BIRD.
Just a bit of craziness I had to share as I recover from 2 very hot days. Hope I can do better next Sunday and that you will all have a good week.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
THINKING ALLOWED
I am thinking we really should get out more but perhaps on a cooler day than it was yesterday. A dear Facebook friend of mine had flown over from New South Wales last week to attend her son's wedding down near Albany on our south coast. She contacted me before leaving NSW saying she would love to meet with Phil and myself while she is in WA. I suggested a restaurant in King's Park as it is quite central to the city and Anita booked us in for lunch at 1pm. Normally I don't venture out when the temperature is much above 30C (86F) but Anita and I have become quite close over the years and I so really wanted to meet her. This is the restaurant where we met. It's quite impressive having been renovated a number of years ago and so are it's prices but for special occasions one forgets about that and just enjoys the event.
It was wonderful to meet Anita and also another Facebook friend of hers. We sat and chatted for a while before ordering our meal and I must say I was somewhat disappointed with the beer battered schnapper and chips I had....no salad unless you paid dollars for it and I wasn't at all impressed at $32 a serve. A little cafe Phil and I often go to in a nearby shopping centre has $15 specials of all their fish dishes on Fridays. You get served a large piece of grilled fish with chips (the best I've ever had) and a lovely garden salad included. I never mind paying for a meal when it is worth the money but
'posher' places that charge just because they can don't impress me one little bit. I thought Phil was wonderful when he whispered to me that he'd like to shout us all our lunch and I know it was much appreciated by Anita and Cheryl.
Anyway it was great Phil was able to join in with our chatter and I thought the four of us got on exceedingly well, so well in fact I am sorry Anita lives over 2,000 miles away. I doubt we will ever meet again but I know we will keep in touch through Facebook. She has always said I am her second mum as when times have been a little tough for her I've tried hard to smooth the way and she told me today that she had even told her own mother that she was going to meet her second mum.
Phil and I came home via a long drive through Kings Park where you could see some of the devastation caused by the dreadful bushfires there a few years back. Our Australian bush does regenerate so well after bushfires but I noticed some trees that hadn't survived which was sad. Neither Phil nor I are people that enjoy driving on busy freeways and are patient enough to use the older main roads with their traffic lights every few streets. We actually had a wonderful run through until we got to the Stirling Bridge which crosses the Swan River near Fremantle and there is always as bottleneck there as the huge container trucks come in from the Fremantle wharf on to the main road.
We both sat and put our feet up, after I'd turned on the airconditioning, when we got home and then Phil was busy doing the watering, moving the sprinklers every 10 minutes. I'd left the blinds down when we went out and although the temp did reach 36C in our living room it was only 26C so cooled down quite quickly. P.S. Phil did have a reticulation system set up years ago but with now only being allowed to use sprinklers two days a week it wasn't worth maintaining it. At least I guess he get a little exercise on watering days.
It was wonderful to meet Anita and also another Facebook friend of hers. We sat and chatted for a while before ordering our meal and I must say I was somewhat disappointed with the beer battered schnapper and chips I had....no salad unless you paid dollars for it and I wasn't at all impressed at $32 a serve. A little cafe Phil and I often go to in a nearby shopping centre has $15 specials of all their fish dishes on Fridays. You get served a large piece of grilled fish with chips (the best I've ever had) and a lovely garden salad included. I never mind paying for a meal when it is worth the money but
'posher' places that charge just because they can don't impress me one little bit. I thought Phil was wonderful when he whispered to me that he'd like to shout us all our lunch and I know it was much appreciated by Anita and Cheryl.
Anyway it was great Phil was able to join in with our chatter and I thought the four of us got on exceedingly well, so well in fact I am sorry Anita lives over 2,000 miles away. I doubt we will ever meet again but I know we will keep in touch through Facebook. She has always said I am her second mum as when times have been a little tough for her I've tried hard to smooth the way and she told me today that she had even told her own mother that she was going to meet her second mum.
Phil and I came home via a long drive through Kings Park where you could see some of the devastation caused by the dreadful bushfires there a few years back. Our Australian bush does regenerate so well after bushfires but I noticed some trees that hadn't survived which was sad. Neither Phil nor I are people that enjoy driving on busy freeways and are patient enough to use the older main roads with their traffic lights every few streets. We actually had a wonderful run through until we got to the Stirling Bridge which crosses the Swan River near Fremantle and there is always as bottleneck there as the huge container trucks come in from the Fremantle wharf on to the main road.
We both sat and put our feet up, after I'd turned on the airconditioning, when we got home and then Phil was busy doing the watering, moving the sprinklers every 10 minutes. I'd left the blinds down when we went out and although the temp did reach 36C in our living room it was only 26C so cooled down quite quickly. P.S. Phil did have a reticulation system set up years ago but with now only being allowed to use sprinklers two days a week it wasn't worth maintaining it. At least I guess he get a little exercise on watering days.
Friday, December 9, 2016
FRIDAY FAVOURITES
Once again scrolling through YouTube I came across this song by Engelbert Humperdenck. This version was in 1989 and it has always been a favourite of mine. I hope you will enjoy it too and perhaps it will bring back some happy memories.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
DID YOU KNOW?
As said last week I am giving the Kings and Queens of England and Scotland a little rest and concentrating on Welsh royalty. It is something I know nothing about so maybe we will all learn a little history here.
THE RULERS OF WALES
King Henry VII, born in Pembroke, had marched 200 miles into battle beneath the standard of the Red Dragon of Wales, and he was the first English monarch to incorporate that emblem into the Royal Standard. It is fitting that, at this point, the tally of the rulers of Wales should be recounted.
The Celts, or Britons, were Christians by the year 200 A.D., and never abandoned this formal faith nor their ancient tribal ways when they were driven by the Anglo-Saxon invaders into Cornwall, Cumberland and Wales. In Wales the rulers (who in this account will mainly be referred to as 'lords' for convenience) were recognised as kings, princes or chieftains according to the size of their territory, but were mutually independent. None were vassals to any other lord. Sometimes a powerful leader would consolidate the Welsh into unity but all too swiftly, any potential national cohesion fell apart, mainly between the belligerent Welsh lords were fighting each other for self=aggrandisement with little sense of nationhood.
Gradually, however, there areas began to be recognised as the hotbeds of mature development, even if they still seethed with expression of lesser local loyalties and rivalries. They were the north, the south and the east, Gwynedd, Deheubarth and Powys. Deheubarth did not include Morgannwg (Glamorgan) in the south, but did sometimes comprise Ceredigion (modern Cardiganshire) in the west. Powys (roughly from the river Dee to the river Wye) had temporarily become absorbed into Gwynedd by the middle of the 9th century when this chronicle begins. This came about under the rule of MERFYN FRYCH 825-844 (Merfyn the Freckled), the lord of Gwynedd who married the daughter of the lord of Powys, and whose son RHODRI MAWS 844-878 (Rhodri the Great) was the first, after the old Cadwallon, to unite most of the land of Wales. He did this through military skill and political expediency. His spirited resistance against Norse invasions inspired many other lords to unite to keep the Norsemen out of Wales; and he married Angharad, the daughter of the lord of Greater Ceredigion. He was not a storybook conqueror, always successful. In 878 he had to flee to Ireland to escape the menace of the Northmen, and in 878 he was lilled in battle with the English.
Rhodri left six sons and, according to ancient (and ill-starred) Welsh custom, they divided the 'kingdom' of Wales between them. Those who emerged with power were Anarawd in Gwynedd and Cadell in Ceredigion.
ANARAWD 878-916 first made an alliance with the Danish King of York, but later accepted the protection of King Alfred of England. He visited Alfred's Court to pay homage (the first instance of Welsh agreement to pay homage to the English) and accepted English help against his aggressive brother Cadell. He was succeeded by his son IDWAL FOEL 916-942 (Idwal the Bald). who was eventually killed in rebellion against the English king Edmund I. His son IAGO 950-979 did not immediately inherit the territory, since he was run out of Dwynedd by the impetus of an invasion from the south led by Cadell's son, Rhodri's grandson, HYWEL DDA 909-979 (Hywed the Good).
Hywel. lord of Deheubarth, had in 918 tactfully submitted to Edward the Elder of England and had been confirmed in his dominion. A sincere admirer of the English, he had copied the experience of his idol, King Alfred, and visited Rome, Later he led his chieftains in submission to King Athelstan but he was no habitual submitter. He expelled from Gwynedd and old Powys Iago and Ieuaf, the sons of Idwal Foel, and consolidated all Wales except M and Gwent. After the deathof Hywel Dda in 950,Iago and Ieuaf fought their way back into Gwynedd, defeating Hywel's son OWAIN 945-986.
Personally, that is all I can take in right now. I find it rather more confusing than the English royalty and with the names being so unusual (no they are not typing errors but Welsh names) it takes a lot of concentration to work out who is who. Shall I continue with Welsh royalty? Not sure. I am interested but I am certainly not going to remember who was who and when.
THE RULERS OF WALES
King Henry VII, born in Pembroke, had marched 200 miles into battle beneath the standard of the Red Dragon of Wales, and he was the first English monarch to incorporate that emblem into the Royal Standard. It is fitting that, at this point, the tally of the rulers of Wales should be recounted.
The Celts, or Britons, were Christians by the year 200 A.D., and never abandoned this formal faith nor their ancient tribal ways when they were driven by the Anglo-Saxon invaders into Cornwall, Cumberland and Wales. In Wales the rulers (who in this account will mainly be referred to as 'lords' for convenience) were recognised as kings, princes or chieftains according to the size of their territory, but were mutually independent. None were vassals to any other lord. Sometimes a powerful leader would consolidate the Welsh into unity but all too swiftly, any potential national cohesion fell apart, mainly between the belligerent Welsh lords were fighting each other for self=aggrandisement with little sense of nationhood.
Gradually, however, there areas began to be recognised as the hotbeds of mature development, even if they still seethed with expression of lesser local loyalties and rivalries. They were the north, the south and the east, Gwynedd, Deheubarth and Powys. Deheubarth did not include Morgannwg (Glamorgan) in the south, but did sometimes comprise Ceredigion (modern Cardiganshire) in the west. Powys (roughly from the river Dee to the river Wye) had temporarily become absorbed into Gwynedd by the middle of the 9th century when this chronicle begins. This came about under the rule of MERFYN FRYCH 825-844 (Merfyn the Freckled), the lord of Gwynedd who married the daughter of the lord of Powys, and whose son RHODRI MAWS 844-878 (Rhodri the Great) was the first, after the old Cadwallon, to unite most of the land of Wales. He did this through military skill and political expediency. His spirited resistance against Norse invasions inspired many other lords to unite to keep the Norsemen out of Wales; and he married Angharad, the daughter of the lord of Greater Ceredigion. He was not a storybook conqueror, always successful. In 878 he had to flee to Ireland to escape the menace of the Northmen, and in 878 he was lilled in battle with the English.
Rhodri left six sons and, according to ancient (and ill-starred) Welsh custom, they divided the 'kingdom' of Wales between them. Those who emerged with power were Anarawd in Gwynedd and Cadell in Ceredigion.
ANARAWD 878-916 first made an alliance with the Danish King of York, but later accepted the protection of King Alfred of England. He visited Alfred's Court to pay homage (the first instance of Welsh agreement to pay homage to the English) and accepted English help against his aggressive brother Cadell. He was succeeded by his son IDWAL FOEL 916-942 (Idwal the Bald). who was eventually killed in rebellion against the English king Edmund I. His son IAGO 950-979 did not immediately inherit the territory, since he was run out of Dwynedd by the impetus of an invasion from the south led by Cadell's son, Rhodri's grandson, HYWEL DDA 909-979 (Hywed the Good).
Hywel. lord of Deheubarth, had in 918 tactfully submitted to Edward the Elder of England and had been confirmed in his dominion. A sincere admirer of the English, he had copied the experience of his idol, King Alfred, and visited Rome, Later he led his chieftains in submission to King Athelstan but he was no habitual submitter. He expelled from Gwynedd and old Powys Iago and Ieuaf, the sons of Idwal Foel, and consolidated all Wales except M and Gwent. After the deathof Hywel Dda in 950,Iago and Ieuaf fought their way back into Gwynedd, defeating Hywel's son OWAIN 945-986.
Personally, that is all I can take in right now. I find it rather more confusing than the English royalty and with the names being so unusual (no they are not typing errors but Welsh names) it takes a lot of concentration to work out who is who. Shall I continue with Welsh royalty? Not sure. I am interested but I am certainly not going to remember who was who and when.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
WEDNESDAY WISDOM
Once again saying thank you so much to my blogging friends....just for being who you are. Don't you just love sunflowers?
Monday, December 5, 2016
MONDAY MIRTH
I loved this one...reminded me of when Precious and Henry would play. Loved those two cats.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Saturday, December 3, 2016
THINKING ALLOWED
As you know yesterday was Phil's birthday and we were going out to dinner. Aimee picked us up on schedule and we had an uneventful trip until about 5 minutes from the restaurant. K rang on her mobile to tell us there had been a crash on the main road just before where we were due to turn off. All drivers behaved quite well and merged into the one lane. It appeared a ute and a very old bus had collided but I don't think anyone was seriously injured, at least I hope not.
I would plead with everyone, if you are driving, do please be extra careful as I feel as Christmas approaches people have more than usual on their minds and maybe are not quite as careful as they usually are.
We all enjoyed our dinner....I had Atlantic salmon with mash and asparagus (delicious) and Phil had steak fillet with chips and a garden salad. Those who had pork belly found it a tad overcooked but decided not to complain and still seemed to enjoy their meal. We were wondering if the restaurant had new owners as there were various changes and new waitresses. Am trying to decide if I want to go there or perhaps somewhere else for my birthday next month. It becomes very crowded and the acoustics are not good....as Phil said it's a little like being in a chook run when all the hens get disturbed!!
We now have our Secret Santa lists....one of which is very straightforward...the other a long list from which to choose. I still think it a great idea where one person buys for just one person with a monetary limit. Lots of folk decide not to bother buying for the adults in a family but, even at my age (perhaps even more so in a way) I still love to receive a parcel to unwrap at Christmas. Doing Secret Santa ensures we all receive something we want.
I would plead with everyone, if you are driving, do please be extra careful as I feel as Christmas approaches people have more than usual on their minds and maybe are not quite as careful as they usually are.
We all enjoyed our dinner....I had Atlantic salmon with mash and asparagus (delicious) and Phil had steak fillet with chips and a garden salad. Those who had pork belly found it a tad overcooked but decided not to complain and still seemed to enjoy their meal. We were wondering if the restaurant had new owners as there were various changes and new waitresses. Am trying to decide if I want to go there or perhaps somewhere else for my birthday next month. It becomes very crowded and the acoustics are not good....as Phil said it's a little like being in a chook run when all the hens get disturbed!!
We now have our Secret Santa lists....one of which is very straightforward...the other a long list from which to choose. I still think it a great idea where one person buys for just one person with a monetary limit. Lots of folk decide not to bother buying for the adults in a family but, even at my age (perhaps even more so in a way) I still love to receive a parcel to unwrap at Christmas. Doing Secret Santa ensures we all receive something we want.
Friday, December 2, 2016
A BIRTH DATE
Today my husband Phil is 87. He told me last night he was born at 11am GMT so it's not really his birthday until 7pm Perth time. I told him we'd go by GMT so we could celebrate his birthday all day.
We are having a very quiet day and #2 granddaughter will pick us up at 5.15pm to go to Steel Tree in Baldivis for dinner with our little family. Phil has his VIP voucher so his meal will be free which is a terrific birthday gift from Steel Tree. With Aimee giving us a ride it also means that Phil can have a couple of glasses of wine should he choose to do so.
Our family is of course much smaller than it once was. With son cancelling all communication with us nearly 16 years ago we don't see him, his wife or his two children (who are now adults). #3 granddaughter lives in New Jersey with her partner and #1 grandson works on Friday nights and weekends.
Nevertheless, the remaining 9 of us will make Phil feel special this evening. I told him just now that I am so glad he turned 87 today as it means we are still together and he seconded that. I am now looking forward to being 85 in a month's time so we can have another family celebration. With these 2 birthdays and Christmas, December and January become real family times that continue on with #1 granddaughter having a birthday on 31st January, her oldest daughter in February and her youngest in April. My only regret is that it all happens during hot weather but then I guess we can't have everything we want.
We are having a very quiet day and #2 granddaughter will pick us up at 5.15pm to go to Steel Tree in Baldivis for dinner with our little family. Phil has his VIP voucher so his meal will be free which is a terrific birthday gift from Steel Tree. With Aimee giving us a ride it also means that Phil can have a couple of glasses of wine should he choose to do so.
Our family is of course much smaller than it once was. With son cancelling all communication with us nearly 16 years ago we don't see him, his wife or his two children (who are now adults). #3 granddaughter lives in New Jersey with her partner and #1 grandson works on Friday nights and weekends.
Nevertheless, the remaining 9 of us will make Phil feel special this evening. I told him just now that I am so glad he turned 87 today as it means we are still together and he seconded that. I am now looking forward to being 85 in a month's time so we can have another family celebration. With these 2 birthdays and Christmas, December and January become real family times that continue on with #1 granddaughter having a birthday on 31st January, her oldest daughter in February and her youngest in April. My only regret is that it all happens during hot weather but then I guess we can't have everything we want.
FRIDAY FAVOURITES
I wonder how many people remember Patti Page? Here she is singing that beautiful song "The Tennessee Waltz". This rendition is from 1950. It amazes me how you can here every word she sings so unlike so many of the modern artists.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
DID YOU KNOW?
I feel people are a little tired of Kings and Queens of England and Scotland so decided to have a little break.....next time I will give some information (from the same book) about Welsh royalty. This is something I know absolutely nothing about so it will be educational for me as well. This. by the way, is the front cover of the book from which I am quoting all the royal stories.
I remember a story my mum told me years ago about her father and his sister. This may have happened at the end of the 19th century or early in the 20th. The story, as told by mum, was that her aunt had decided to do some genealogy of the Rockliff family and apparently she discovered that they may have been descended from King Llewlyn of Wales. When she told her brother (my grandfather) of this discovery he told her she shouldn't be too proud of that fact as, if it were true, he was a dreadful old blaggard!! Now I'm hoping to find out something about this king of the Welsh whom my grandfather obviously did not approve.
Keep watching this space on Thursdays and thanks to those of you who have been interested enough to have followed so far.
I remember a story my mum told me years ago about her father and his sister. This may have happened at the end of the 19th century or early in the 20th. The story, as told by mum, was that her aunt had decided to do some genealogy of the Rockliff family and apparently she discovered that they may have been descended from King Llewlyn of Wales. When she told her brother (my grandfather) of this discovery he told her she shouldn't be too proud of that fact as, if it were true, he was a dreadful old blaggard!! Now I'm hoping to find out something about this king of the Welsh whom my grandfather obviously did not approve.
Keep watching this space on Thursdays and thanks to those of you who have been interested enough to have followed so far.
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