The old ways. . . . . . . .

This used to be my life.  A good period in my long life.

Things were so very different then from now. I really miss those days.

I spent a lot of time with great friends, vivacious, younger than me friends, 

who shared my love of the 'old ways' in many ways. . . . . .the best of which was

 becoming a lover of antiques and vintage decor. 

Our shopping forays were fabulous 'treasure hunts' to places I never knew existed. 

Our finds were often extraordinary. 

Little treasures from years ago. 

Holding history in your hand is a wonderful feeling. 

 

The loss of my antiquing friends who have moved away, and my last ten years

 of travel which took me afar, have changed me and my life. I no longer take time

 to treasure hunt, to meet up with people who love the old, and I miss that. 

 

This time of surviving a pandemic has kept me at home. Looking around at 

things I care about, things which bring back special memories, are helping 

 me through this time.

Meanwhile, to those who are wanting to erase history with acts so 

unbearable to watch, I say please stop. Think more deeply about what

you are doing before tugging that rope or spraying that paint can.

Whether a larger than life statue, or a tiny glimmering crystal dangling from what

may be your grandmother's chandelier, history is our past and it is so

important to hold on to it.

Are you well, managing your life, and finding happiness in small things? I truly hope so.

💛

Daisy, Daisy. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . give me your answer do, 

I'm all crazy just for the love of you,

it won't be a stylish marriage, 

I can't afford a carriage,

but you'll look sweet, upon the seat, 

of a bicycle made for two.

I have a few clumps of sweet fresh daisies in the garden. I always recall this old Edwardian era English song when I see them. I recall happy times when my grandmother Olive sang this song to me.

Oh the simplicity of life years ago compared to today. Songs such as this one bring back lovely memories of days gone by. Of course there have always been problems worldwide, no need to go into details here. Eventually, over weeks and months, news surfaced in the many newspapers, from crackling radios, and on small black and white television screens. Nowadays, due to modern technology, we learn of them every single day. We are instantly informed as horrific happenings occur, all the details shown in full color and close up. 

Do you agree that this is making life much more stressful?

Do you have feelings of hopelessness?

What do you do to get through these sad days without falling apart?

via UK Country Living 

May the week ahead be a good one, for you and the world.

Plymouth and Pirates. . . . . . . . . .

Still a little more on the recent trip to England.

After crossing Dartmoor on our day out with my friend Jackie, we 

continued on to the city of Plymouth for a flying visit and lunch.

Below is a little of the history of this important English city.

The first settlement in Plymouth, Devon, goes back to the Bronze Age. It continued as both a fishing and continental tin trading port through the late Iron Age into the Early Medieval period. With its large natural harbor and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Plymouth found wealth and strategic importance during the establishment of British naval dominance in the colonization of the New World. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers departed from Plymouth to establish the second English colony in America.  After the Restoration a Dockyard was established in the nearby town of Devonport. Throughout the Industrial Revolution Plymouth grew as a major mercantile shipping industry, including imports and passengers from the USA, whilst Devonport grew as a naval base and ship construction town, building battleships for the Royal Navy. During World War II in a series of air-raids known as the Plymouth Blitz., much of the city and dockyard were destroyed. Following the war the city centre was completely rebuilt to a new plan.

via Wikipedia

Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe.

The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth with breathtaking views across 

Plymouth Sound, one of the most perfect natural harbors in the world.

Sir Francis Drake, intrepid explorer and local hero, immortalized in a statue on the Hoe.

Go HERE for more information on this amazing British sailor.

Jasmin was interested in the Barbican area where the 

Mayflower set sail for America in 1620 carrying the Pilgrim Fathers

to the 'new world'.

More memorable than the local history perhaps, were these 'pirates'.

They were celebrating a birthday in the downstairs bar of the lovely pub 

where we enjoyed delicious fish and chips upstairs. Granddaughter Jasmin. 

had a laugh - I love this pic of them all together, and I know

 it will bring back Plymouth memories for her later in life