Gobsmacked

I don't know if anyone reading this blog is following the South Carolina governor's personal drama, but I just would like to know when the Bible became an instrument to rationalize adultery. This is an excerpt from an article I just read:

"About an hour after Jenny Sanford talked of her pain and feelings of betrayal, her husband brushed aside any suggestion he might immediately resign, citing the Bible and the story of King David — who continued to lead after sleeping with another man's wife, Bathsheba, having the husband slain, then marrying the widow.

"What I find interesting is the story of David, and the way in which he fell mightily — fell in very, very significant ways, but then picked up the pieces and built from there," Sanford told members of his cabinet in a session called so he could apologize to them in person and tell them the business of government must continue.

First of all, he didn't seem to worried about "the business of government" in Argentina. Secondly, he failed to show up for work which I believe is cause for termination from one's job. Thirdly, how about this apology - "I am an idiot." This man runs a state...

Three Icons

I had this poster.

I had these cards and think I still might have them in a box in storage.

I remember this man. He was a Marine.

Belas Knap

In mid-June, four of us travelled over to Winchcombe, the next little town over Cleeve Hill from Cheltenham, to hike to Belas Knap. (Owen was at a sleepover.) We wanted to go here mainly because of the cool, mysterious name, but also because it seemed interesting. From Wikipedia: "Belas Knap is a neolithic long barrow or burial place. Belas is possibly derived from the Latin word bellus, 'beautiful', which could describe the hill or its view. Knap is derived from the Old English for the top, crest, or summit of a hill. In 1863-1865, excavations revealed the skeletal remains of five children, aged between 6 months and 8 years, the skull of a young adult male, horse and pig bones and fragments of pottery and serrated flint blade. The passages leading to the chambers were roughly blocked with stones and clay. The lintels and much of the dry walling were rebuilt on the original lines in 1863-65, when the barrow was first explored. After the 1928-1931 work, the walling was secured, three of the chambers were covered and the contour of the mound was restored. Excavations in 1963 found the remains of 38 human skeletons, together with animal bones, flint implements and pottery from the end of the Neolithic period (New Stone Age), circa 2000 BC. These burials, however, occurred over a long period of time and it may be that none date to the time when the mound was built." So there you have it. The hike was uphill the entire way, but not steep and the trail meandered through beautiful countryside, sheep meadows and some forested areas. It was also a gorgeous day & on the hot side which sort of helped. We had a much-deserved picnic at the top and attempted to fly a kite but the wind died just as we began so we decided to head into Winchcombe for the obligatory pint/lemonade and crisps.

Walking through the long rapeseed field

Resting on the hike up

A local

Signs of Men
We really are on the right course.

Here is proof that we really did come here and I am not just telling lies.

An interesting tree trunk on the way down
It looks like a one-eyed troll with jagged teeth to me.

Happy Father's Day at the Three Counties Show

A belated Happy Father's Day to all of you Dad's and Dad's to be!

We spent most of Craig's Father's day at the Three Counties Show in Malvern which is in the county of Worchestershire (pronounced just like the sauce back home). It is a big farm show and was pretty much exactly like the Howard County Fair, except with many more vendors selling farming necessities and general British kit (wellies, vests, hats, etc.).


There were rides and food and animal-related events. We opted for the fresh strawberries and cream as soon as we entered. We watched dog training, a timed horseshoe making contest, petted ferrets, looked at the beekeeping area, and saw the bunny and poultry tents. We also saw a few of the Young Farmers Club's activities such as cheerleading (lame), tug of war (exciting) and the U10 and U8 pig showing (hysterical) and walked through their display tent which showed the results of their various competitions such as cake decorating and a somewhat life size diorama competition that adhered to the theme of "British Holidays" - very impressive stuff actually.

The Tug-of-War

They all wear matching shirts with padding under one arm to prevent ripping their shirt and special boots that looked a lot like ski boots. The teams have a water boy and a coach who walks the line and yells or claps to keep them in unison. I think it was the best two out of three was the winner, but the winning team always won two in a row, so we never saw if there were three rounds. The teams also switch sides after each round. There were all male and all female competitions.

This pig was ginormous, especially when compared to her handler.

I also bought my very own plaid Old Age Pensioner (OAP) trolley aka "granny trolley". These are pulled or pushed by grannies on shopping day and I have decided to start a new trend to show they are not for grannies anymore! I needed one because I tend to overshop in the grocery department when I am on foot and my shoulder is starting to hurt from carrying the load home.

The Malverns are a stretch of hills that give gorgeous views. The Three Counties Show is situated pretty much smack in the middle of three adjoining counties (Gloucestershire - our county, Herefordshire and the aforementioned Worchestershire) hence the name. It was a nice day even though it was overcast and we felt a few light sprinkles.


Finn is on the far right side of this ride.


Owen has his target in sight.

LOVE

Obsession or Infatuation?

Charlton Kings

Charlton Kings is actually part of Cheltenham but was it's own village prior to being incorporated into the big city. Today, after my Pilates class, I walked into Charlton Kings to go to the library and the small grocery store. It is an absolutely charming village. One enters the village and the first thing seen is the Church of St. Mary. It is a fairly large church with an awesome old cemetary. Behind the church is a town square. The square has a small fountain with mosaic decorations of marine life. There is the obligatory pub and coffee shop. A local primary school is right in the center of town and it's just so sweet. We will walk through the village when you come.