Is it dry?

 

Is it dry?

At this time of year, washing generally cannot be hung out to dry. If it is, it freezes on the line, drips all day, or achieves a measure of dryness only to be rained on – something we call ‘an extra rinse.’ Thus, we resort to an airer and/or the tumble dryer.

Laundry in the tumble dryer is warm and can give the impression of dryness. When it cools it sometimes becomes apparent that it is still damp.

The dryness, or otherwise, of laundry has become, if not a bone of contention, at least a subject for discussion. Barry has resorted to using a ‘wood dampness’ monitor. The washing thereafter passed ‘satisfactory’ is presented to me for sorting and folding. All too often it is still, to my senses, damp. It is then returned to the tumble dryer or draped around the fireguard in front of the stove.

Occasionally, I decide to ignore my adjudication, reasoning that ‘it must surely be dry by now’ only to regret that decision when the mustiness of a garment proves that I was right all along and it has to be washed again. 

I really should not be feeling guilty because I don’t agree with the dampness monitor!

Karlovy Vary

 

Karlovy Vary

This attractive scene appeared on my screen recently. It depicts the city of Karlovy Vary in Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It is named after Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor who founded it in the 14^th century.

Also known as Carlsbad, it is a well-known spa – the name translates as ‘Charles’ Baths.’ It is one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe,’ as listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

In addition to its fifteen springs, the most extraordinary being a geyser expelling hot water to a height of twelve metres. Karlovy Vary has beautifully preserved architecture from the eighteenth century onwards. A local glassworks is an additional attraction.

It became a fashionable destination for wealthy European aristocrats in the nineteenth century, but its rise in popularity stalled when war was declared in 1914. After 1989, when the Communist régime had been overthrown, it once more became an appealing place for tourists.

Lord Nelson

 

Lord Nelson

                                            850 'Lord Nelson'

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Designed by Richard Maunsell in 1926 for Southern Railway (1923-1947), the Lord Nelson class of steam locomotives operated until 1962. Sixteen engines were built, all named after famous British admirals and explorers. The first engine was named Lord Nelson, and gave its name to the whole class. They were intended for high-speed passenger work.

All the locomotives were scrapped except for Lord Nelson, which can still be seen operating on heritage railways and special tours on mainlines throughout Britain.

            850 'Lord Nelson' crossing the Dandrymire Viaduct, Garsdale

                                Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Under the weather

 

Under the weather . . .

. . . is where I have been for a short, unexciting while.

Lord Nelson, painted by Lemuel Francis Abbott, 1799

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

This expression first appeared in print at the beginning of the nineteenth century and had its origin in maritime slang. Not all sailors are immune from seasickness, one most famous sufferer being Admiral Lord Nelson, who wrote, “I am ill every time it blows hard and nothing but my enthusiastic love for my profession keeps me one hour at sea."

The complete original phrase was ‘under the weather bow,’ the weather bow being the side of the ship receiving the full effects of foul weather. Seasick sailors would be sent below to ride out the storm.

It has been suggested that eighty percent of people who make their living on boats are afflicted with seasickness, though I cannot imagine such a percentage of a ship’s crew would be relieved of their duties. It seems much more likely that they would be ‘encouraged’ to continue despite their ails.

 

 

The Scream

 

The Scream

Edvard Munch (1863-1944) created this startling artwork in 1893. Munch had been walking at sunset when the clouds turned ‘blood red.’ He sensed that the natural world was deeply disturbed and showed the figure in the picture shielding its ears from the screaming noise made by tortured Nature.

There is no explanation for the unusual phenomenon of the sky’s bright and unusual appearance. Some suggested that it was the memory of the effects of a volcanic eruption that Munch had seen some years earlier. Others suggest that he had a panic attack; Munch was subject throughout his life to ill health, and a fear of developing mental illness.

This little jigsaw had fifty pieces and was one of several small jigsaws I bought as stocking fillers.

 

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

 

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

I haven’t grown amaryllis before but was inspired to try by Marlene at ‘Poppy Patchwork’ and Kirsten from ‘A Letter from Home,’ both of whom are recording the progress of their amaryllis plants. Before Christmas, I looked at various bulbs.

I considered a waxed amaryllis. This is a fuss-free form of bulb that requires nothing more than light. It is enclosed in a covering of wax and should produce flowers within six weeks. After flowering, the wax can be peeled off and the bulb composted or planted in soil in the hope of flowering the following year.

I had read that amaryllis can be difficult to encourage into flower in subsequent years and wondered if a previously wax-coated bulb might prove to be even more difficult. I decided against it and ordered a conventional ‘Royal Red’ bulb, already planted in a pot. 

It arrived on Christmas Eve and has grown tall and strong. It has two robust stems and the flower bud on the taller one looks ready to break open very soon.

Then I decided to try a different colour amaryllis and sent off for a red and white striped ‘Dancing Queen’ bulb. To my surprise, two bulbs arrived a couple of days ago.

 They have now been planted. One will remain in the conservatory, where it will get oodles of light, and the other will join ‘Royal Red’ next to the patio door in the sitting room, where the light, though good, is less abundant. It will be interesting to see if they respond differently. It can be six to eight weeks before they flower.

Snow in 2010

January 2010

We had a lot of snow in the winter of 2010 - a lot for this part of the world, anyway. At that time, we had four dogs – two Dalmatians, Frodo the Faller and Buddy Liver Spots, and two working Labradors, Jenna and baby Gus. 

Buddy Liver Spots and Jenna

They loved the snow. The air was crisp, the smells enhanced, the sensation under their paws different – soft and cold – but they didn’t stay out long enough to get chilled. It was cold, but there was no wind to pinch their ears and noses.

 Gus in a drift

Where the snow had drifted, it was easy for the Labradors almost to disappear, especially Gus, as he was only a few months old and still smaller than tiny Jenna, the little dog with the enormous paws.

 Gus checks . . .

Jenna retrieving, plumy tail waving as ever.

'Follow my leader'

The ball almost luminesces

Frodo often sniffed and licked Buddy's face. He was very fond of him.

Frodo, my Velcro dog, always kept close to me, but also adored Buddy, who was almost blind by then, having recovered from meningitis. Buddy enjoyed his walks but was kept on a long lead as he had a habit of wandering off at speed in the wrong direction, and then worrying because he had no idea where he was. The more he worried, the faster he trotted.

January 2026

This is the snow we've had so far this year. There may be more later on. 

We have had some very heavy frosts and a little fog. Heavy rain is forecast but will probably pass us by.