Thursday 22 May 2014

Blog Sandwich Update ...


In other words I’m on the run as many of you are ... but having not posted for a while ... an update is due ...


I'd prefer brown bread, but this
looks like blackcurrant jam ...
which is positively delicious
The future is looking rosy ... I’ve got my “new” computer and on Tuesday that will all be set up ... as I move technically forward ...


I’ve got a new iphone – that was dud ... so it was replaced immediately no quibbles and they knew who I was ... as I paid cash the day before and they had had to deal with it! 


That, the ipad and the new computer will all be synched ... thereby launches another learning curve ...


No choice ... has to be BOTH
The helpful small business put me in touch with another small business who will help with the branding, transferring from blogger to WP – I’ll do it, but they’ll get a ‘template’ up for me ...



... that small business then said you can find some artists, illustrators and cartoonists ... and I see they do photographic courses, creative writing etc: which I can think about – but need to get across to meet up with the artists ...

A friend and her daughter are also going to be helping with ideas, illustrations, photoshop etc - it will be amazing working with them ...


Re putting together ebooks – that I need to pursue ... but have a couple of ideas in that direction ...


That side of life seems to be coming together ...


... and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support, offers of help I’ve had – amazing ... and perhaps after the first comment of nearly six years ago in June 2009 ... 

'Nuff said ... but I've given you keen learners of
another language ... some extra translations
.... when Liara (with some compliments) said “... ever consider putting a book of these letters together?”  This after 135 posts, when I was posting nearly every day, is on its way finally to fruition ...


... another blogger from a few years ago has recently tentatively come back on line, and offered her help and support ...



Crumbs from my sandwich as I bluster and splutter ... I am so grateful to be amongst such amazing friends ...
 
Apparently this is a
perfect strawberry

So generally that side of my life is getting sorted and looks like I’ll be fast-tracking fairly soon ..


I haven’t had health issues per se ... but a couple of things needed to be checked out ... and that path is generally plodding along – my hip is becoming a little frustrating ... but life is ongoing and we’ll see ...


... I have no worries, just the age when things need to be checked over: all looks good so far ... and so much can easily be done today – I’m glad to say .. but I need to help?!  I am ... 

Salmon, asparagus spears with
watercress and mixed salad leaves
Food time ... asparagus time of which Jo is Queen in that direction ... but I will eat it every day for the short season, if I get a chance ... and I get a fair few chances ... as I set the rules for eating for myself!!


Another savoury which comes into its own now ... is Watercress ... grown in shallow beds of local gravel, with crystal clear spring water passing through it ...


Watercress beds in Hampshire
... some growers spray garlic over it to deter insects without the need for chemicals, so ensuring the quality of wildlife and water in the area.  Even more inspirational is the use of peregrine falcons every day to keep the pigeons away from the crops ...


How to eat ... fresh as is ... wonderful peppery taste ... I do remember my father loving watercress sandwiches, more robust than cucumber ones ... fresh home-made bread by my mother, buttered topped with watercress and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.


At this moment I'd be grateful if this open
sandwich would fly on out!  Egg and
watercress on delicious wholemeal bread
Now there are many recipes for the green watercress ... sauces, fillers, exquisite sandwiches ... eg crab ... salmon and watercress, steak over watercress ... 

... or soup: watercress and potato ... or even just a sprig or two or three in a salad ... or how about an egg salad with watercress, or for that matter potato salad with watercress ... sounds so good!



Warming sunshine required
to turn this pretty flower into
the perfect red berry


Food, Food, Glorious Food ... now is the time ... strawberries are coming, fresh raspberries follow on, small veggie straight from the earth ... rhubarb we’re eating, gooseberries and all the berries will puff up and ripen under our warm summer sun ... it will arrive ...




Hans Holbein 1542
painting of Henry VIII
 - he could do with dieting!
... on a cool day, liable for cold showers ... I sure hope so ... we’ve had a taster ... now like Oliver WE WANT MORE ... please Mr and Mrs Sky ... send your warming rays our way!



Thank goodness we no longer need to eat in the fashion of Henry VIII ... vast quantities of meat washed down with ale (as water was not safe to drink) ... well, granted if we were on that side of the nobility bedsheet!



Hampton Court Palace:
the gate is just about wide enough
for our 'Henery above?!


... the kitchens at Hampton Court were extended so they could provide meals of up to 14 courses .... yikes and yugh!!!  Still they were using their god-given legs in those days ... and not popping into a four wheeled belching monstrosity ... but is it more comfortable ... I’ll stick with the 21st century!




I sentLenny the DVD of the MooMan film ... and had this great Moochas Grassias! ecard back:


hi grandblogmooom!


 big thanks for the mooman movie. 

it was mooovalous and very moooving. 

mooochas gracis!

 mooooch love and hugs from lenny


That was the icing on the cake today ... my cake is always pretty positive and rosy ... but hearing from GrandBlogSon .. makes my heart sing too ...


That’s the breaded update ... and my Feedly is inordinately full ... but I’m moving along slowly and will catch up ...


See my previous post for my review and the story ... 

Many thanks to you all ...


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories


71 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I think you should put together an eBook. With the information you've posted here, you could put together many.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wow 6 years blogging Hilary. That's amazing. I hope I make it six years. I am not even to three yet. Congrats on getting the new computer!

Murees Dupè said...

It is great that things are coming together for you. Getting a new computer is mighty exciting. I hope you enjoy the fresh produce that will be coming your way. That egg salad sandwich does look yummy. All the best and enjoy your new adventure.

Jo said...

Thanks for the shout out Hilary. We do get watercress here occasionally but I really miss mustard and cress. Never see that here.

Been blogging a bit longer than you, Gary Pennick even longer than I.

You're transferring to Word Press?? I wish you wouldn't as Arlee was recently saying it is much harder for us to follow.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

There you ARE!!! I've been wondering about you and was going to email today to make sure you were okay.

Wow! You've been busy. Also an iPhone, iPad and new computer? Good for you.

Going to Wordpress though they don't have the "follower" thing right?

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Alex .. thanks and then I forgot some other things I've been doing .. live by the moment they say! I've got 5 ebooks planned, but as you say there is a plethora of info in the few (619) posts I've put up .. good assets are coming into their own finally ..

@ Keith .. into my sixth year - but it's been an interesting time .. and thank you re moving technologically forward .. will make a big difference ..

@ Murees - many thanks .. the new machine does make a difference and having it set up will be bliss ..

The fresh English fruits and veg are so delicious ...

@ Jo - pleasure re the shout out - sorry you can't get watercress there .. it's our special geology I expect!! Mustard and cress is lovely isn't it ..

I know there are bloggers who've been around longer than me - though I'm almost into the old guard days now!

Yup WP here I come ... and we'll see what happens re the following and commenting ... must be a way to do/have both ...

@ Teresa .. thanks for the 'look out' - slothful or very busy ... and I had a double blog post with another blogger, but I got bogged down in doing it ... way too much going on.

I was doing other things too that I forgot to mention .. still I'll tell you about those anon ...

Then the follower and WP - I'll see what we can do about that ...

I'm learning as I go ... I'm sure there are advantages to being on WP once I start publishing etc ..

Any ideas from anyone ...

Cheers and I'm open to everyone's thoughts re WP and Blogger ... Hilary

Inger said...

Hilary, talk about a wonderful catch up post! I'm so happy to hear how well you are technologically advancing and looking forward to an e-book and more wonderful posts. Hoping all health tests have the best results.

Lynn said...

I think a book would be great! Wonderful that you have so many fellow bloggers offering to help. I want one when it comes out!

All that new technology sounds fun - and I love my iPhone - takes a bit of getting used to, but I couldn't part with it now.

Hugs!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Have fun with your new technology!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

An ebook is a fabulous idea! Exciting too. I'm so impressed, Hilary. You're my model. I must get with it as far as technology goes. Bravo for stretching yourself and your ability.

mail4rosey said...

Ah yes, yes, yes, hurrah for the sun!!

Good luck with your book, that's an awesome plan and I'm glad you're going ahead with it!

Good luck w/the new technology. I hope it's easy and fun. :)

Patsy said...

I've just picked the first of my strawberries this year. Can't beat fresh food in season, can you?

Hope all goes well with the techie stuff.

Rosaria Williams said...

Everybody is willing to help; but the work can still be daunting...
Good for you for trying new skills.

Julia Hones said...

I hope you enjoy your new technological gadgets, Hilary!
I love the picture of the salmon with the veggies. Yummy!

Linda said...

Congrats on your new projects and endeavors. I'm sure you will enjoy your new gadgets and have everything up and running soon.

J E Oneil said...

New iPad, iPhone, computer, that's certainly something to envy.

I've seen a lot of bloggers transfer platforms over the years. I'm just glad I don't have any problems with WordPress like with Google+.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Sounds like you are definitely rolling along, Hilary! There's a learning curve to all this stuff, but I've found it a lot of fun to figure out the new things and run with them.

I sympathize about twinges in the hip. My problem is knees. I'm so tired of hobbling around when I could be out there walking the trails with my camera ready. My first knee replacement is scheduled for January. Sigh!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It will great to see your posting in one big volume. They are a rich source of information.

Diana Wilder said...

Oh, you ARE putting a book together! I'm so glad!

Happy dance!

I'll buy a copy! I'll interview you on my (er... not too heavily traveled) blog!

Hurrah!

Janie Junebug said...

I have runner's knee. Just thought you'd like to know because I can empathize about the hip. Of course, I don't run. I'm old and falling to pieces.

Love,
Janie, who will buy your book

Luanne G. Smith said...

That was kind of a smorgasbord of goodies in the life of Hilary. And, yes! I came away from the UK with a love for black current jelly. Very hard to find here in my part of the world. Have to go to specialty stores for some reason. Worth it sometimes. :)

Good luck with all your tech updates!

Vallypee said...

Lovely post, Hilary! What a wonderful idea - making an e-book, that is. You are getting so up to speed technically you'll find it all easy! Sorry about the hip twinges, but very glad you are otherwise in such good health! I so want to see the Mooman, but need TIME!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Karen - all things seem to be coming together, so I need to move on and am ready to do so ..

I think WP has more to offer than Blogger in the long run .. and doesn't tie me down, as B-G might .. but I'm keen to find out everyone's thoughts ...

@ Inger - I know what I should be doing .. it was making the concerted effort to get on and do something about it ...

To start there'll be 5 ebooks ... and more posts ...and the health things are fine - just good to have a tune up occasionally ... thankfully health wise I'm lucky: touch wood and long may it last ..

@ Lynn - thanks Lynn and wonderful you'll be happy to hit the buy button ... it's the support that is just so amazing ..

I got up here yesterday and I have new tricks to learn about the iphone while I'm here ..

@ Annalisa - I will .. I will really enjoy being up to date .. which means I can offer more useful thoughts I hope too ...

@ Joylene - the ebooks have been lingering for too long .. but I'm on the way now.

Me a model .. gosh I'm the slow and sure snail probably .. but it's about time I got on with things ..

@ Rosey - yes the sun is an essential element! Thanks re the thumbs up for the book etc ...and new techie stuff ...

@ Patsy - oh how amazing your first strawberries of the season - and they are so delicious straight from the plant to the mouth!

@ Rosaria - things can be a fuddle .. but with perseverance and patience (lots of that!) it'll come together ..

@ Julia - I think I will and it'll be good to force myself to get to grips with things ...

Doesn't the salmon, asparagus etc look good ... it's time for another morning coffee now!

@ Linda - I hope it won't take long as push myself to get to grips with it all ...

@ Jeanne - I've had the ipad a while, and a very early iphone and my computer was behind the times .. so I needed to upgrade and bring on the new technologies ..

I had a WP account all those years ago, but couldn't get to grips with it - so now I'll move over ...

Good to know you don't have any problems with WP ...but G+ is another story!!

@ Patricia - yes with some gentle help along the techie routes I'm sure I'll be fine once I settle down to it all.

Twinges with hips .. thankfully my knees seem to be ok .. yes I'd like to be out walking .. but do what I can .. Eastbourne is fairly flat and that helps ..

@ Munir - I'm going to do smaller bite size chunks of similar posts .. starting with the A-Z ones ... so there'll be choices, rather than one long tome - which might well daunt a few ...

@ Diana - it's been on the cards for ages, just me needing to get on with it ...

Great that you'll have me travel across the pond to your blog ... sounds good! Thanks ..

@ Janie - runner's knee, gardeners' backs, ancient hips .. all a great nuisance - but we're lucky we can get help ...

Thanks re the book too ...

@ LG - I forgot some of the life of Hilary too .. and thanks re the good luck thoughts ...

Black currant jelly is definitely my favourite ... I'd happily eat it by the spoonful!

It's funny how some things aren't available in other countries .. I wonder if you grow black currants in the States ...

@ Val .. good to see you .. and yes I'll catch up technically .. and thankfully I have pretty good health.

So pleased the MooMan film is so high up your agenda .. despite the time angle ... I bought a DVD of it .. as I just felt it's a Sussex film and I need to show it to friends ...

Thanks everyone for your support and lovely comments .. cheers Hilary

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Hi Hilary! Glad to see you here and blogging! And that everything is falling so nicely into place...you're on a roll!

About the migration from Blogspot to Wordpress--the main reason I moved to Wordpress was for commenting. On Blogspot, I became a target for spammers and was receiving hundreds of spam comments in 15 minutes time. I had to enforce word verification at one point to stop it--and no one liked the word verification, of course. I removed word verification and put on "moderation." But then I had upwards of 600 spam comments to moderate at a time--and, clearly, no one has time for that. Then I removed the ability for anonymous comments (which still didn't completely solve the spam comment problem), but WordPress users couldn't comment on my Blogger blog then, since WP users can have issues with Open ID login.

So I moved to WordPress and installed two bits of anti-spam programs which I'm happy to share when you migrate. Now--one of them is that *first time commenters* to the blog have their comments moderated...but then after that, all their comments are automatically approved (i.e. my regular commenters).

After the move--occasionally, I have trouble commenting on Blogspot blogs (I'm imagining it's the same problem that others had with mine at the time). It's complicated by the fact that Blogspot isn't letting me disconnect my profile from my old blog...or, if I do, I'm having problems commenting on any blogs.

But WordPress has more plugins and is more of a professional platform. Plus, having blog visitors go to my website (where readers also go) is increasing my SEO on my website (which was always a separate site from my blog before). Google's new Terms of Service was a little troubling, too, as it claims ownership to content written there--I didn't like that I didn't own my material or my site. Blogspot would sometimes bomb on me and I'd lose material I was working on....platform can be a bit shaky sometimes. Plus, you can customize WordPress to do anything you need it to do...at Blogspot, I was very limited with what I could do from a design and function standpoint. In addition, Blogspot's updates caused me hours of work formatting my posts--my theme wasn't working with their update.

Sorry this is such a long comment--can you tell I write books? Ha!


Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Elizabeth .. thanks so much - such a helpful comment and gives us an opportunity to see why you migrated and to see how you approached WP.

I haven't quite decided or thought through the web page aspect ... and thus SEO .. but all things as they go ...

I knew Google owned your/our content and had known that .. it always worried me ... so that is definitely one reason why I'll be happy to move across ...

The customisation available within WP sounds good .. and I too don't want to waste my time ...

This is great .. thanks so much .. have a happy Memorial weekend - cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi everyone .. what I forgot to say re Elizabeth's reply to me re WP and Blogger .. is that her comment went to Spam?!

Surprise ... surprise ...? Not me! Cheers Hilary

~Sia McKye~ said...

I need to put in an asparagus bed. Love asparagus. Watercress adds a nice yum to sandwiches. Which I could eat whole grains, I love the density and crunch, alas, allergies to wheat and gluten don't tolerate them except in the rare moments. I do prefer euro breads.

Have fun with your compilation...

Hugs

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Arlee Bird said...

You are certainly barrelling forward at a fast clip. Interesting sandwich thoughts here today. Yours are much fancier than mine tend to be. I was planning on sandwiches for supper tonight, but it will probably be simpler fare.

Lee
A Faraway View

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sia - I love asparagus! When your bed is up and running in two years time .. I'll be over to guzzle some asparagus with you ...

Watercress is delicious isn't it - but I too can't eat too much bread .. and rarely eat it.

Thanks re the ebook support .. it'll be excellent once I've done it/them ..

@ Lee - I needed to get on with things ...

I do enjoy open style sandwiches .. but bread and I don't really get on - so I need to steer clear if I can ... but having said that I had some olive and tomato bread slices for lunch in a ploughmans -

I'm reading through your WP posts ... and remembered something ..

Getting a WP account is free - which I've had since I began blogging as I was going that route originally ... so it's easy for me to comment on WP blogs ... and the account sits there ...

Cheers to you both and all - Hilary

cleemckenzie said...

Going to WP! Wow. Major change, Hilary. I'm excited for you. If you decide to do that book, let me know. I'll be sure to help out if I can.

Will Pond Pudding be a chapter? :-)

Friko said...

This whole post is good enough to eat!

River Fairchild said...

The food in Tudor England is definitely a subject to gorge on!
You are certainly busy and your technical inroads are many and varied. Go, you!
I went from Blogger to WP and back to Blogger.
You have so much material to put into ebooks. I really hope you do! :)

Margie said...

Hilary,
I love blackcurrant jam, got some here recently in a British tea store.
Good luck with the new computer.
It was good to read you again.

Be well and take care.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Hilary, I'm very excited about your upcoming ebook! Enjoy your new tech toys! I'm sure they'll make your life much easier. I can't wait to see your new template. I'd be thrilled to have your old one! Lenny always knows how to brighten your day. The two of you have such a special relationship! Take care of your hip, and all the rest of your parts!

Julie

Denise Covey said...

Definitely do that e-book. I've not done one so won't be much help there, but my editing eye doesn't miss much if you need it to peruse the prose. There'll be so many wanting to read it Hilary, it'll be a very successful book I'm sure.

Love the food mentioned here. I've been moving into more healthy food and considering adding another page to my already page-heavy blog.

Glad to hear all's well.

Denise

Susan Scott said...

Hi Hilary, good to connect and see/hear that all is going along at a lickety split pace! Lovely post thank you - can see the up-ness. Good luck on new computer and iphone ..you're sure to enjoy them.
And forge ahead with opportunities presented ie yr ebook. Sounds wonderful!
Re: spammers: I still get them, 1000's ..though they go into spam. I use Askismet to prevent them going through to my blog, and it's a deal to hit the 'empty spam' button without checking if first time commentators have been put into the spam 'folder'.
Garden of Eden Blog

M. Reka said...

Congrats on getting the new computer!
It was good to read you again.
warmly
marinela x

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Lee - well that's my thought to move across.

Very likely - Pond Pudding will have it's own chapter ... and thanks for the support .. when I'm on the way to finalisation - I'll always be mighty grateful all the support I can garner ...

@ Friko - seemed a good way to blog - seeing as much is informative ... and food always entices doesn't it ...

@ River - Tudor England and those feasts are pretty horrifying in quantity thought for those of us today ... still they did exercise a lot.

Ah - ok .. I'll see where the Blogger - WP chain takes me .. but I'd like to give it a go ... Technical issues .. I'll get there ...

Yes - I rather more ebooks than I care to think about .. but I'll start with five ... and move forward with the fact that I can add plenty of others from the material within the blog: my asset base ..

@ Margie - oh yes black currant jam is the best in my mind! Glad you managed to find some at your British tea store ...

Thanks re the techie stuff and new hardware etc .. and then that you've enjoyed being back .. I'm honoured.

@ Julie - ebooks galore are on their way once I get settled into the routine of creating them ... the five first ..

This template is plain simple .. I took off all the ancillary - when Blogger and IE and the A-Z all became a pain a few years ago ... I've been very unadventurous ... the new WP template will be interesting to see what I decide ...

@ Denise - ebooks are on their way ... thank you very much for the offer of editing: that could be very helpful ...

Your beach abode will offer you a much simpler life style I guess .. and yes it's good to move over to fresh ingredients ... and your comment re an added page on food to your blog is an interesting one ...

Thanks all is well ...

@ Susan - how lovely to see you again: I know I need to spend sometime over at your blog catching up ...

Thanks re the thumbs up for the techie stuff ... yes the ebooks have been sitting quietly gestating till I got on with things ..

Thanks re the spam notes - that note that you and Elizabeth made about first time commenters needing moderating makes sense ... and the askimet app is one I've known about ...

@ Marinela - thanks for coming by ..

Cheers to one and all .. we've had stair-rods of rain all morning .. perhaps some sun is coming out ..

I will catch up .. cheers Hilary

Suzanne Furness said...

I do so love asparagus, yummy.
Good luck with all the new tech and the book, that's a great idea.

Popped into Hampton Court very briefly this week on the school trip. Want to go back again so I can have a chance to look around properly.

H. R. Sinclair said...

First off that watercress-egg sandwiches looks so good!

Wow, lots of things coming up for you. Are you going to wordpress.com or .org?

Deniz Bevan said...

Ooh, you're going to be putting out a book? How exciting! Hope you'll do a blog tour!

I must have missed something - why the switch to WordPress?

That MooMan film sounds intriguing! I like watching films about the English countryside.

Rosalind Adam said...

As usual your blog are so packed with fascinating stuff I'll have to keep checking I've covered it all. Good luck with your new pieces of technology. I've just treated myself to a lovely MacBook. I'm very happy with it and I hope you're as happy with yours. Ebooks are definitely a good idea for all of your writing.

Hope all the health checks are clear. Hips have a habit of reminding us of our age, haven't they! As for fresh greenery from the garden, we've tried all manner of non-chemical treatments but our leaves always end up covered in protein. Yuk! As for people keeping fit and sing their legs in Henry VIII's time, the King became so obese, I'm sure you know, that he could barely mount his horse and his huge, ulcerated legs no longer held him up as he aged. A lesson to us all to live a cleaner life?!?

Rosalind Adam said...

As usual your blog are so packed with fascinating stuff I'll have to keep checking I've covered it all. Good luck with your new pieces of technology. I've just treated myself to a lovely MacBook. I'm very happy with it and I hope you're as happy with yours. Ebooks are definitely a good idea for all of your writing.

Hope all the health checks are clear. Hips have a habit of reminding us of our age, haven't they! As for fresh greenery from the garden, we've tried all manner of non-chemical treatments but our leaves always end up covered in protein. Yuk! As for people keeping fit and sing their legs in Henry VIII's time, the King became so obese, I'm sure you know, that he could barely mount his horse and his huge, ulcerated legs no longer held him up as he aged. A lesson to us all to live a cleaner life?!?

Mason Canyon said...

An eBook of your posts sounds wonderful. I recently got an iPhone too but it was so small I couldn't see it well and changed to an Android. Liking it better, but still a lot to learn. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Symphony of Love said...

Happy to read about all the exciting changes. It has been a while. I believe that all is well for you. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Suzanne - isn't it a delicious time of year .. we've had asparagus and salmon two days in a row! Thanks for your support .. Hampton Court I have not been to for years and really must make an effort to get up there ..

@ Holly - doesn't the watercress-egg sandwich look good ..

WP.org and WP.com - good question and I should know the answer .. as there's a big difference ... advantages with being with one of them I know .. must check that out ..

@ Deniz - the ebooks will slowly get put together .. and I will with pleasure do a blog tour ..

WP has a stronger back-end .. and Blogger is not independent and we don't own our blog posts in Blogger.

MooMan is lovely - just watched it again ..

@ Ros - a MacBook is something I thought about .. but the ipad was something I really wanted for a variety of reasons, the new phone so I get my apps on .. and get used to some helpful additions in life ..

Health checks are in the process - but I'm fine .. we'll see what is said about the hip ...

Protein and green leaves - well they know a good meal when they see it!

Yes I do know Henry VIII was exceedingly obese and almost unable to walk .. poor chap - but appearances were kept up ...

Definitely lead a cleaner healthier life ...

@ Mason - thank you re the ebooks .. I'll get there. I'm very pleased with my iphone .. and will happy to be able to use it more easily and with more effect .. But if the android suits you better - then that's great .. you too good luck with the learning!

@ Symphony of Love - many thanks I trickle along .. and all is well - good to see you ..

Cheers to you all .. Hilary

Anonymous said...

Thrilled you're moving to wordpress, it will be much easier for me to follow your posts. Thanks for stopping by.

Sherry Ellis said...

I'm happy to hear that you got some new tech devices! I hope you like them.

That's also great news that your blog posts may be made into a book!

N. R. Williams said...

You made me hungry! Formatting is a nightmare for me. Oh well, I can hire someone. Sounds like you have a good plan.

On the side. When I was in rehabilitation, there was a lady who wouldn't eat. I tried to encourage her but she made a face at me. I thought of something to say for the next time I saw her but she left and I didn't get the chance to say it, so I'll tell you.

God gave us the air to breathe that we might have life, water to drink that our thirst might be quenched, beautiful flowers to enjoy and food to nourish our bodies. So every time you sit to eat, know that the food before is God's gift to you.
Nancy

Kelly Steel said...

Yes, would look forward to the ebook!

Nick Wilford said...

You should definitely do an ebook. It would enhance the general knowledge of the populace! I like how your posts flow from one topic to the next, that's how my mind works, and I'm more likely to absorb information that way.

14 courses is very excessive. Do want some cress and berries now though.

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

It took me ages to get here and the way technology is, technology becomes obsolete by the time I've finished this comment.

A new computer is something I desperately need. In the meantime, I notice you have a new iphone. Of course, I haven't go a clue what any of this is. I haven't got past using an iPen.

Enjoy your synced learning curve. All an adventure. Please do a book, an ebook, or whatever works best for you.

Look after yourself and have some asparagus with Jo.

Cheers,

Gary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Rosie - I still am not sure why commenting is so difficult one platform to the other - well at least Blogger and WP ... but I'll find out ..

@ Sherry - I'm sure I will once I start using them all and using them properly .. and get technically updated. Thanks re the ebooks etc ..and books ..

@ Nancy - food is always good to blog about. I'm sure it won't be smooth, but I can beat the lumps out .. I hope!

Yes - we are lucky to appreciate all the world around us .. and I certainly do ...

@ Kelly - many thanks - lovely to know ...

@ Nick - very many thanks for your comment and yes I do try and add in interesting snippets that inform.

My mind does wander across many subjects but it's interesting how many subjects tie in together .. and like you I seem to absorb information this way ..

Henry VIII's fourteen courses is a little much isn't it .. but summer fruits, veg and salads are always just wonderful to have .. cress and berries are my favourites too ..

@ Gary - I had to take the opportunity to get up to speed with new technology and now seems to have arrived! Things are starting to come together ..

Thanks for the support with my synched learning curve .. and I hope these books will be forthcoming over the summer at some stage ...

I shall get some more asparagus probably tomorrow .. and will always think of Jo and her Canadian supplier ..

Thanks so much to you all .. it is very inspiring to have so many supporters .. much appreciated ... cheers Hilary

Karen Lange said...

Wow, lots happening! I'm happy for you that things are coming together. I'm with the others; I think an ebook with all the goodies you've shared over the years sounds like a terrific idea! Wishing you all the best and cheering you on. :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

You have material for several e-books on you blog. Your posts and photographs are beautiful. I think a print book is in your future as well. Good luck.

Mary Montague Sikes

Stephanie Faris said...

Is your computer a Mac as well? That's one thing I've noticed about Apple...if they give you a bad product, they make good on replacing it. They have great tech support...and that Apple Store is pretty darn amazing. More employees than customers most of the time!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Karen - many thanks .. a learning curve but a good one ..

@ Monti - I have material for I hate to think how many ebooks .. but I'll start with the 5 I've got planned and then go from there ..

@ Stephanie - no it's a pc - I didn't think I could completely make the change to a mac - I'd be floundering ...

The store I use in Eastbourne is a provider for phones .. so the Apple is one of them .. but at least it's walkable and it was sorted.

Thankfully that problem is solved ... and now I move on .. all the best everyone - cheers Hilary

Brian Miller said...

cool on your friend coming back online and being willing to help you out....and i love asparagus...esp roasted with sea salt and a bit of garlic...glad your hip is doing well....

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Brian .. one of those lucky co-incidences of life .. and thanks I must contact her!

Asparagus is delicious isn't it .. must get some more tomorrow .. cheers Hilary

Sara said...

I still can't believe I missed so many of your posts. This one seems very familiar, but obviously I didn't comment. I am so sorry.

Regarding technology, you are ahead of me. I still have a flip phone and get laughed at many times...well, until I go a week without charging it and still have power:~) Anyway, it sounds like you are having a good time learning new things, which is right up your alley!

I'm excited about the idea of e-book. It's nice to have so many people willing to give a hand. It is about time to see a book of your "letters" come to fruition.

I liked what Lenny sent you. Truthfully, Hilary you make friends wherever you go. It's just who you are:~)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sara .. I think it's only one - but I'm very grateful you're happy to read and comment.

Technology is baffling, but give me a week or two and I hope things will be easier!

It's wonderful having so many offers of help and it will be amazing to see the blog converting to various ebooks over time .. and books too ..

Lenny is amazing and I must email him today .. he just loves life .. and thanks for that too ..

Cheers Hilary

Michelle Wallace said...

Sounds like you are on a "technological roll" - sounds like things are coming together nicely for you!
I alwqays say that we learn something new - every day... push ourselves out of the comfort zone...
Love the Oliver references... food glorious food... marvellous food... wonderful food...
... and I recently discovered rooibos & rye bread - healthy AND delicious!

Davina said...

Hello Hilary!

Well, it sounds like you've been up to a lot these days. Lots of good positive, moving-forward efforts. It's wonderful to have the support that you have mentioned too.

I hope you're enjoying your new computer and your new iPhone.

That pic does seem to illustrate the perfect strawberry. Photoshopped? :)

Unknown said...

This is just about the most joyful post I've read in ages! Love it, love it. We still haven't found Moo Man, but will continue to look. Happy day!
Lisa

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Michelle - well I hope to be! The threads are being pushed out for me to haul myself up the techie ladder .. and as you say push myself out of my comfort zones ..

I just needed something to lighten the post .. and what is better than a bit of summer food .. I've just bought some rooibos and ginger tea .. and when I eat bread, which is rare, I do like rye bread. I used on occasions to eat a moist seed bread in SA - it came sliced .. which was useful. Both are healthy and delicious ..

@ Davina - been thinking about you recently .. so good to hear from you and I'll be over to the new post.

Those new bits will come next week - had to defer that part ..but I may check in over the weekend. The new machine is great - but I still need to use the old one! Such is life ..

The strawberry .. is a Wiki special! and no I haven't photoshopped it ..though I hope to learn that too ..

@ Lisa - well that's great news and thank you so much ..

MooMan I don't think is on general release ... it can be bought though and shipped over - via Trufflepig Films and Amazon Market place ..

Thanks so much .. see you all soon - Hilary

Unknown said...

Firstly just want to say that your sandwich photo looked so good I had to make myself one immediately - before even posting this comment! (I'm talking about the one with egg and watercress although I didn't have watercress so substituted with cucumber... YUM!!)
Great to hear about so many wonderful things happening in your life :) You are such a warm, wonderful person (even through cyberspace it translates) and you deserve it! The book is definitely a huge thing to look forward to since you already have so many buyers, including me! :) Can't wait!
Hope you are finding the Apple technology easy and straightforward - I always like the iPhones, pods and pads although I personally hate syncing them all! They start updating/ transferring data at the most inconvenient times! S'pose it's just me though :)
Have a great weekend Hilary :) See you on the other side.

Lisa said...

Oh I wish I had an IPad and a mac... Will have to wait for those until I make more money! This post was a special treat for me today. I've been off line for almost three weeks and reading this post was not only a nice reintroduction, but made me feel I'd taken a little trip, along with the one after it about Newton and all... I just watched "The Rape of Europa" based on the book and your talking of the art and bombings really hit home for me. Thanks for all you post about. I love coming here to your blog.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Lena - I love blackcurrant jam too ... oh ah you were thinking about the egg and watercress one - I'd always choose one of those ...

Things are happening if I can get my act into gear .. I am, but it's slowly forward .. and I am so grateful for your comment .. wonderful to receive .. it warms my soul ...

I'll get used to it .. the update didn't happen last week, but will this .. and I'm determined to understand it all .. and synching - well that's a treat in store!

Yup Lena .. I'll be around ..

@ Lisa - I'm glad I've finally caught up or rather will catch up ...

I haven't seen the documentary Rape of Europa or read the book - I'm sure both are better than The Monuments Men ... but it was interesting to know about the stolen art and treasures ... thankfully subsequently some were rescued ..

Delighted you enjoy the posts I put up .. and for that I give many thanks ...

Cheers to you both - have good weeks .. Hilary

Beate said...

You have a lot going on, but I'm very happy to hear it's so many positive things! :) Sounds like you're technically completely up-to-date ;) And I'm curious to hear about your move to WP. Quite a few people have been doing this lately. All that healthy food looks delicious, I can't wait for the strawberries to be ready :)
I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Tina said...

Glad you got to hear from Lenny and that he enjoyed the mooooovie!
That was a delicious post. I want that egg sandwich right now...
Tina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Beate - sorry I haven't answered this earlier ... the machine is now nearly up and running - so I can settle into things again.

The WP is because I feel it's freer and has more options than Blogger .. the professionals use it.

Healthy food - it's a good time of year for Spring and Summer fruits and veg .. and I bought some strawberries yesterday - yum!

The week is going well .. thank you.

@ Tina - isn't Lenny great .. and I'm so pleased he enjoyed MooMan .. and open sandwiches always look so good ..

Thanks to you both - have lovely Wednesdays .. cheers Hilary