Tuesday.

Our daughter Ruth, and her daughter, Freja, in our new sitting  room, the other evening.

We've  just been out to a service at The Row Chapel, which is about two hundred yards from here, if that. It was built around 1470 or 80, to serve the almshouses in the area, which it still does, although the almshouses were replaced in the 1870s. It was a very pleasant service, with some carols that aren't often heard these days. As we entered David, a retired clergyman, said  "Oh goody. Mike's here. That means there'll be four of us singing the base part in 'Good King Wenceslas - the first hymn."  Which there was. Sounded good, too, we were told afterwards. Stayed on afterwards for coffee, which was very welcome. 

Saturday.

I do believe in "movies" . 

Boxing Day.

Photo  taken by Ruth in nearby street with useful little General Stores where we sometimes shop.
Meself in  lower right corner of  picture.

 

Close up of Freja and Ruth in  new sitting room.

Christmas Day.

 Picture taken by Ruth this evening, and showing me setting light to hot brandy before pouring it over the Christmas pud.

Wednesday.

Dear Crowbard, I think a study of these three pictures will answer your questions. The top one shows the  true suspension chain which, I think would defeat the dark designs of any cutpurse. Inside the case  is a tiny 'strike- a -light', a flintlock (or rather a snaphaunce lock) tinder lighter. The larger button on the front of the box acts as a trigger, and  the device  still strikes a spark. It is a lovely piece of lightly decorated metalware. It is Japanese. The dating of these items is a bit guesswork, but I would think this one dates from the eighteenth century.

Saturday.

Thought it was about time to have a 'mystery object',   so here is one. The coin below it is a pound. Most of what can be seen of the object is silk, although on the lower half  are iron sort of 'strengtheners.'   The coin is there to give an idea of size. It is a pound.  What you can see is a sort of protective bag, with the outer container of the item inside the bag then the actual item inside the iron container. I think that is clear and might help an educated guess - hope so anyway.

Alright. Try Where ?, When? then What ?,   This sometimes helps.

Monday

Took above photo a few days ago. It is of Ruth and Ann, Neither is quite asleep. But  on the other hand, neither is completely awake either.

Had a friend here today - Anthony Keer.  Sorry - being called for supper. Will try again later.

Mentioned Anthony Keer - he is a good friend of ours, and a very good furniture dealer/restorer. He came to buy some brass candlesticks, and it became a very complex deal, involving a good deal of antique brass, drilling walls, hanging pictures, lunch (cooked by Freja), and wax polishing. No cash changed hands, but very satisfying. I'm trying to persuade (doesn't look well spelled??) my camera to take a picture for a mystery object. Back in a minute. 
             

Sunday.

Above shows clock Jack still with one or two jobs to be done on him.

Above shows granddaughter Freja, who is staying with us until after Christmas. She is More than pulling her weight in the house hold, has been sending off her completed exam papers to Sweden, and is (all at the same time) excellent company - She is the ideal house guest. Better knock off now - I'm starting to make mistakes - so will foil my computers evlil  intentions by posting what it's written  before it can make more mistakes.