St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over the place where Alban, the first British martyr, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1,700 years ago.
The building’s amazing mixture of architectural styles bears witness to the many centuries of its life, first as a monastic Abbey and now as a Cathedral. Down all those centuries countless pilgrims have come to honour Saint Alban and offer prayers at his shrine – and they continue to do so today.
The present Cathedral was begun in 1077, using Roman bricks from the ruined city of Verulamium. The massive 11th century bell tower is the only remaining example of its type. The Cathedral has the longest nave in England where you can also see outstanding medieval wall paintings.
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
Since the 14th century the area south of High Street between Waxhouse Gate and Holywell Hill has been called Vintry. The name is said to derive from the Abbey vineyards which may have lain in the northeast corner of the Abbey precinct. Vines were certainly cultivated in St. Albans district in the Middle Ages, as a 13th century vineyard is recorded close to the modern swimming pool at Westminster Lodge. Today, vines on the north wall of the garden are a vivid reminder of Medieval times, although the Medieval Vineyard probably only occupied what today is the grassy area behind you. For most of the Middle Ages the Bintry Garden itself was used for the monks’ graveyard, only the Abbots were buried in the Abbey itself.*
*from an information board next to the garden entrance
Tags: Hertfordshire, St Albans, St Albans Cathedral, Vacation
When the mind is really absent, in that silence, in that unlimited space, your potential starts glowing, radiating, flowering. Suddenly you are full of cherry blossoms, a new presence, a new fragrance.
Rajneesh
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Stratford-upon-Avon, The Guild Chapel, Warwickshire
…From the new kitchen
Zingy salmon, cubed potatoes and green beans.
The dining room wasn’t quite empty enough (from boxed kitchen items) for us to dine in there. Maybe tomorrow…
And for those who are curious this is how my hair turned out a couple of hours after my recent visit to a local salon for a cut styling blow dry…
Tags: Chez Nous, Shropshire
Friday
Today we had a houseful of workmen; kitchen fitter, working surface fitters, electrician and plumber. At one stage there were five people working in our confined kitchen space.
Everything was coming together just after lunch at about the time I was due to go out to go for a hair appointment. Mr C was ensconced in his office on a work call and unfortunately there was still a few minutes work to do in the kitchen. I left it as late as I could but eventually, I had to leave and needed one of the vans moving off the driveway. But at least I was able to say my goodbyes and thank you as I left.
Due to my previous hair salon closing I was trying out a new salon for the first time. My stylist was lovely but I couldn’t quite get her to understand how I wanted it blow dried. So, I left with a much less bouncy hair style than usual and a couple of hours later all of the bounce had fallen out leaving me with straight flat hair. The salon experience was clinical rather than warm and welcoming. I have booked a further appointment, for a light perm in a few weeks’ time. But I am considering my options…
When I arrived back home the kitchen was complete, it has lightened up the space in the way I had intended. I love it and I am looking forward to my first home cooked meal from our happy place.
Before dining in Va Bene! in Broseley we visited mum who once again was in mixed states of mind. She hadn’t eaten any of her tea because she said it looked unappetising.
Va Bene as the name would suggest is an Italian Restaurant. The service and food were excellent a fitting finale to our two weeks of adventure dining out locally.
Tags: Broseley, Chez Nous, Flickr Toys, New Kitchen 2, Va Bene!
Thursday
Today saw subtle changes to the kitchen with the plinths above and below the cabinets being fitted. There was additional work on the under-sink plumbing which is still looking neat and tidy.
Tomorrow the working surface should arrive which will allow the hob and sink to be fitted. Then all that is needed is fine tuning to the electrics and plumbing.
After my afternoon volunteering in a local school for the ‘School Readers’ charity it was time for our daily visit to mum. I learned from one of her friends that she had not been having a good day and by the time we arrived she knew she had not been herself and was upset about her behaviour.
We returned home to relax with a small pre-dinner sherry before dining in the Orange House, Wellington.
Tags: Chez Nous, Delerium, New Kitchen 2, School Readers, Volunteering
Wednesday
I awoke to beautiful sunshine which made up for my early start to the day.
The kitchen is coming together nicely and I am falling in love with it already. I can’t wait to try out the new cookers and hob or even better enjoy one of Mr C’s signature dishes. For that we will have to wait until at least Friday when the working surface arrives allowing the hob and sink to be fitted.
We were able to visit mum early allowing us to chill out at home before dining in Miller & Carter.
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Miller & Carter, New Kitchen 2
