Monday 21 February 2022

Stormy Weather


  Our favourite Black Country town was a hive of activity when we popped over on Thursday morning. With Storm Dudley on his way out and Storm Eunice imminent, the public had been advised to stay in on Friday so the world and his wife were making the most of their freedom.





I wore the Ankh earrings I bought from a charity shop in Tewkesbury the previous day along with the vintage cheesecloth maxi dress I'd bought from a charity shop before Xmas and a Dilli Grey reversible block printed jacket I'd found online for a third of the original retail price.


So what did we find? A very posh 1980s Louis Feraud gents wool overcoat which originally retailed at Harrods, an Agnes B teeshirt dress, an Indian block-printed cotton tunic by Anokhi for East's Artisan label, a vintage St Michael velvet blazer, a 1990s Indian cotton maxi skirt, a 1980s official Disney Winnie the Pooh teeshirt (I haven't gone mad, its festival stock, I loathe Disney), a 1960s Pakistani velvet shoulder bag (a mini version of my tote bag), a 1980s Wallis snakeskin print jacket, a 1960s Shamba English-made raincoat.


I spent the remainder of the day laundering my finds and catching up with Blogland. The previous evening we'd started watching The Frankenstein Chronicles, a marvellous Gothic horror set in early 19th Century London with a brilliant British cast led by Sean Bean.


On Friday morning Lord Jon nipped to the supermarket for booze and bread before Storm Eunice arrived. I spent the morning getting mundane stuff done, signing off my end of year accounts, cleaning, watering houseplants and replacing the handle of one of the Indian tote bags we always take charity shopping with us. In normal times I usually bring a few back from India and, after a two-year absence, the existing ones are starting to wear a bit thin. 


Eunice arrived at lunchtime and we held our breath, hardly daring to look at our hundred-foot tall London Plane trees battered by 80mph winds. With our getaway within touching distance, Jon took himself off upstairs to provisionally pack his bag.


We're off to South East Spain where the average daytime temperature is around 19°C dropping to around 7°C at night so it's short-sleeved shirts and shorts by day and jumpers, jeans and a jacket by night. He'll travel in the jacket, jeans, boots, hat, scarf and teeshirt and the rest (including socks and pants!) fit into the 40x20x25 John Rocha leather holdall which he bought for £5 in a charity shop about three years ago, knowing it would come in useful one day.


With Jon being so organised I thought I'd better follow suit, pulling out four Indian block printed cotton dresses from the wardrobe, my new reversible quilted cotton jacket, crochet beret, silk Kantha scarf, cowboy boots, some canvas plimsols, sunglasses and vintage leather bag. Does it all fit in my 40x20x25 bag? Yes!!


I'll travel in the jacket, the red maxi dresses (with a silk cami & thermal leggings underneath) along with the scarf, hat and cowboy boots.


We won't need many toiletries - soap (plus dish), bamboo cotton buds, eye-makeup remover wipes, a travel-sized sunscreen (which will also act as a moisturiser), bamboo toothbrushes and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste. As we're away for less than a week Jon won't bother shaving and I won't need to wash my hair. 


Also taking but not pictured - a small bottle of hand sanitiser, comb, a hair tie, tweezers and a nail file. We'll be wearing our facemasks and taking spares. I'm splashing out on eyelash extensions so it'll just be lipstick, blusher and eyeliner in my make-up bag. Jewellery will be kept to a minimum, put on once we've got through security - it's bad enough with my fake hip setting off all the alarms without all my metal!  


When Jon came back upstairs with mugs of tea on Saturday morning he handed over the camera. We'd had a visitor and he'd managed to take a few photos. Look at that face! We often spot this adorable ginger boy snuffling around the border at night, interested in the catmint that grows there. He looks off his tits in that first photo, doesn't he? We've called him Lewis after Damien Lewis, the other good looking ginger male. I expect he's another refugee from the colony. 



Saturday was local walk day and I posted photos of our wander around Heath Lane cemetery in the sleet over the weekend. Once we'd dried off we spent the day lazily, watching repeats of a Place in the Sun and wasting time on the internet. Later on, we drank rum and cola and watched the rest of the Frankenstein Chronicles.


Sunday brought torrential rain and icy temperatures. I was excited that the vintage Nigel Rayment hat I'd snaffled in Tewkesbury matched my 1960s green velvet maxi perfectly and the brim was wide enough to act as an umbrella although I did have to clamp my hand to the crown when we walked down to Wilko's as the wind was rather ferocious.


As usual, we popped to the clearance charity shop, handing over a pair of boots Lord Jon no longer required after finding an alternative the previous week.


We came home with a Gap ruffled cotton blouse, a pair of Bertie leather knee-high boots, 1980s St Michael midi skirt, an All Saints shirt, a raffia belt, 1980s Peter Martin cropped wool jacket and a shirt which had been hand-embroidered by the previous owner.


We'd not seen him for a couple of days but Cat turned up on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for his dinner. We've decided to call him Oliver, or Ollie for short, as he always wants more.


 
When we got back from town Jon noticed that some thieving scumbag had stolen the registration plates from our works' van, which had been parked outside the gates in the avenue. After informing the police and the insurance company, Lord Jon ordered a new set and tried not to get over-anxious about our number plate being used in a bank job and us being banged up.


Later we watched The Great Pottery Throwdown and the stylish (and fascinating) BBC three-part documentary series Bent Coppers whilst Storm Franklin raged outside. The winds kept us awake for most of the night and continued well into Monday. 


Our London Plane trees are still standing but the one on the right looks like it's leaning - eeek!

See you soon!

68 comments:

  1. Oh my word, those trees are huge and that leaning one would terrify me. At least you'll have plenty of wood for your woodstove if it has to come down. It carves well too if you fancy trying a new hobby.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're monsters, aren't they? Our hearts are in our mouths whenever there's a storm. We lost a weeping willow about ten years ago and the mess it made was horrible.
      I was watching a piece on the TV earlier about Welsh Love Spoons, maybe if that tree comes down I could give making one a try, I'd have enough for all of Wales!

      Delete
  2. The recap of your storms I'm reading sound dreadful. Spain will be a welcome sight. We're bracing for a two day snow storm anticipated to start about 5, slow, then start up again tomorrow. I'm happy for no commute. I'm going to color my roots later, but need to wait for my hair to get a bit dirtier- clean hair doesn't take the color so we'll. We're off to far less wonderful places come Sunday, but a get away still.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fingers crossed that your snowstorm isn't too severe, Sam. Three storms in less than a week, its unheard of - and exhausting!
      I'm due to do my roots this week, I always let mine get really dirty, too - it does take the dye much better.
      Any get away is exciting! Safe travels! xxx

      Delete
  3. Haven't those storms been horrible? We're still being plagued somewhat by Franklin as we speak. I'm glad to hear no damages were sustained. What a nuisance about the stolen licence plates though!
    I always love to see what you're packing for your holidays, hoping that your ability to travel light will one day rub off on me :)
    Fabulous outfits, as always, the green velvet maxi in particular. I'm glad the wind did not take off with that gorgeous vintage hat! And speaking of gorgeous, I loved seeing the photos of Cat - now named Ollie - and Lewis! Soon you'll have a colony of your own. xxx P.S. that raffia belt does look suspiciously like one of mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As soon as I spotted that belt I said to Jon that I was sure you had it's twin!
      The storms have been awful, haven't they? For us Storm Franklin was the worst of the lot, all I could hear last night was things crashing about and was dreading what would greet me when I opened the curtains this morning!
      Travelling by car it must be very tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink! It's been quite exciting to only be able to pack a 40x25x20 bag.
      I wonder how many more cats I can lure with my cat mint. I keep singing "My catmint brings all the boys to my yard" to the tune of Kelis' Milkshake! xxx

      Delete
  4. I am so impressed at your minimal packing! I can't travel light, I always have to pack for any eventuality!! Sorry to read that your number plates had been stolen, scumbags indeed.
    I started reading Keith Brymer Jones' book last night. He comes across as such a lovely bloke, just like he is on the Throwdown. Great show last night, I found it so emotional, I was quite overwhelmed.Have a fab time in Spain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carole! Were you a Girl Guide, prepared for every eventuality?!
      I'm going to have to treat myself to Keith's book, he's such a lovely chap and like you, I was blubbering at last night's show, too. Christine's creation was incredible. xxx

      Delete
  5. I have to say there is something in the atmosphere with these storms and Mollie feels it too - she was running round the garden all day with her mouth wide open like she was laughing - we know she's a bit loopy but considering what a scaredy cat she is I don't know why she loved being out in that storm so much! I hope your trees are ok, if they are healthy they should be well rooted and survive but there are few leaning precariously like yours around here too! I love the look on the face of Lewis (aka Worried of Walsall) he does indeed look totally off his face. I love seeing your packing, I have had my holiday stuff out today, I doubt I could pack as light as you though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frank used to be like that! Jona nd I were saying on Saturday that if he was still with us he'd be running around the hosue, skidding on the rugs with pupils so enlarged that his eyes would go black. We used to call it the wind madness!
      We lost a beautiful weeping willow to storm a few years ago when we were in India, there had been so much rain that the ground was utterly waterlogged and it just toppled over. My grandparents had planted it when they moved here!
      Lewis's face has me in stitches every time I see that photo.
      I'd love to take more clothes but I was too mean to pay for any hold baggage, it's fun challenging ourselves to take so little! xxx

      Delete
  6. Aren't these storms horrendous! Bet you're glad to be getting away but also glad you haven't got to take to the skies in those high winds. Did you see the footage of some of those landings? One reached Heathrow and eventually returned to Bordeaux because it couldn't land. What a waste of fuel! Love the new earrings and the green velvet maxi. Can't believe you had your number plates stolen. At least you'll have the alibi of being in Spain if they're used on a bank job! I have had to show Gareth the photos of your new visitor. We laughed out loud at his little cross eyed face in that first photo! Have a safe trip and I'll be in touch. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haven't those storms been horrible? The forecast for the week ahead doesn't look great either. Two sets of friends flew to different places on Friday, they all said it was an experience! I did see that Bordeaux flight, thank goodness the pilot had enough fuel to turn back.
      I hope there isn't an international warrant for our arrest while we've away, we'll have to leg it to the Costa del Crime and hang out with the crims in Marbella!
      See you soon! xxx

      Delete
  7. Always a joy when the pre-packing sort out covers the bed!

    Lewis is rather lovely, and good to see Oliver still coming for regular meals.

    Have you managed to frighten yourself with The Weeping Angels?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watched a clip on You Tube, ye gods, it wasn't nice! As if that Frankenstein Chronicles wasn't scary enough!
      I'm thinking of planting a row of catmint from the top of our garden to the kitchen door, see how many of those lads from the colony I can lure! xxx

      Delete
  8. Your walk through Heath Lane Cemetery I found quite emotional -beautiful really - and Cat and Oliver know they can always get a nice meal at Stonecroft don't they-(and you must be Wilkos's most stylish customer Vix ) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There was something eerily beautiful about Heath Lane, those ancient graves alongside the more recent ones made me feel like nobody had been forgotten.
      My catmint brings all the boys to my yard, I shall plant more and become a crazy cat lady! xxx

      Delete
  9. Nice to see you out and about the storms and rain were not as bad as thought they were going to be still got my fence panels in glad I haven’t got your tree’s hope you both enjoy yourselfs on your break love your green velvet maxi hippie dress have fun xx🌹

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Arthur! THank you so much. We were so relieved that the storms weren't as bad as they'd threatened. A big tree went over round the corner but ours are still standing, albeit a bit wonky! Take care. xxx

      Delete
  10. Oh boy I hope that tree doesn't come crashing down, it looks like quite a beast! So glad you are safe and all is well. Love all your new kitty friends. Have a fantastic trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THanks, Martha! That tree looks even more wonky today! We've got more high winds forecast for later so I'm staying as far away from it as I can. xxx

      Delete
  11. How brilliant you decided to the name the tomcat Oliver because he always wants more. Good old Ollie. :)
    The Frankenstein Chronicles sound fascinating. I enjoyed the original novel and this Gothic series seems like something I would enjoy watching.
    I love that olive green maxi and the hat you paired with it.
    Good to know you survived the storm. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ollie seems to like his name, he looks at us when we say it to him!
      The Frankenstein Chronicles was really good, with both Mary Shelley & William Blake making appearances.xxx

      Delete
    2. P.S. I cannot believe some stole your licence plates. I haven't heard of that happening before.

      P.S.S. You'll travel so light- and for a week stay you packed perfectly. No sense of overdoing it. I'm envious of your packing skills. I can't pack to save my live these days, I cannot believe that only a decade and a half ago I used to be a flight attendant happily living out of suitcase. Enjoy Spain and the warm temperatures.

      Delete
    3. Aren't there some rotten people about?
      I bet after years of having to pack light it feels like a real treat to pack lots of things! I could probably take another dress out of my bag but it's nice to have a few options! xxx

      Delete
  12. Spain! How exciting! I WISH I could be as ruthless in my packing as you! I always take too many things because I worry about eventualities!
    I love Ginger's facial expression in that first one- it has real Cheshire cat vibes! And yes, he looks stoned!
    You did well on the Chazzer fronts- rather like that Agnes B dress!
    Ollie is a good name for Cat!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon used to be worried about eventualities, too - I blame it on him being in the Cubs as a child! He's learnt that wherever we've travelled to in the world there's always a shop - even in remote villages in India!
      You're right about Lewis looking like the Cheshire Cat, he really does look like he's smiling. Ollie likes his name, he keeps looking up when we say it, we've been trying loads since he first arrived and Ollie is the first to get a reaction.
      That Agnes B dress is very nautical, isn't it? xxxx

      Delete
  13. LOVE,love the first outfit Vix.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm drawn towards black for the first time in years! xxx

      Delete
  14. You look very co-ordinated in your maxi dress and reversible jacket, and the earrings were a great find.
    How exciting to be packing your travel bags and heading to some sunshine. I hate packing, can never decide what to take and always take too much - I'll be even worse this year after a two year break!
    Out trees are still standing thank goodness as if they weren't our house would be crushed - our last house had miles of hedges which involved a lot of work. When we were house hunting I said no more hedges, now, if we move again, it will be no hedges or big trees!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Emma! For someone with so many clothes I'm really discipined when it comes to packing, mind you, with only cabin baggage allowed unless I travel in three dresses I don't have much choice.
      I'm glad your trees are still standing. One of our London Planes is leaning at an even more ominous angle this morning and we've got another day of high winds forcast here! One of our neighbours is always going on about our trees and how they block the light in their house but we tell him that the trees were there years before he bought the house and he shouldn't live in an avenue if he's not keen on trees (we're friends, he's not offended!) xxx

      Delete
  15. I have a lovely reversible jacket like yours that I got at the Antique Textile Fair last time we were there. It’s to small for me now so I’ll bring it with me next time we see you.
    Our nieces and families are all in Switzerland skiing week. It looks so picturesque on their photos but I think I’d rather be in warmer climes like you are heading off to. I’m quite excited for you and looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very kind of you! I was excited to see something modern being reversible, more needs to be made!
      Skiing and cold climates have never appealed but I bet the scenery is gorgeous. Liz & Al are currently in Tenerife, loving the sunshine and that they can sit outside without coats! XXX

      Delete
  16. Just read on the news that there has been an earthquake in Walsall! Hope you, Jon and the tree are still standing! Marian x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Marian! Yes, we felt the earth move last night but us (and the tree) are all still standing! Thanks so much for your concern. xxx

      Delete
  17. the leaning over tree is frightening!
    but i´m glad the others still standing straight and your house has no storm damage!
    looove the black look - its gorgeous how you styled dress, jacket and beret together.....
    word gets around that a hungry cat is welcome at stonecroft :-D
    well done packing small! on our last flight - to venice 2014! - we travelled with only one small suitcase, for 8 days, for both of us - the lady at the check-in could´d believe it - esp. as we were well dressed as always......
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had an earthquake last night and the tree managed to survive that! Fingers crossed we don't get any more evil storms.
      I'm loving wearing black at the moment, I couldn't resist that reversible jacket, two for the price of one.
      I'd rather travel with a couple of outfits that feel good rather than take loads of options. I can't be doing with loads of luggage. xxx

      Delete
    2. what? an earthquake?!!! yikes!
      would have never guessed that this can happen to the british islands....
      stay safe! xx

      Delete
  18. I do like it when people travel light and pack co-ordinated outfits so well, and you are both masters of this after all your holidays. We nearly always travel with just backpacks and just what we will need. In fact we both often take and wear all our oldest socks and underwear so that we can throw them away after use and thus they don't come home with us, leaving enough space for a couple of little purchases.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue! I hate having to lug bags of stuff about and even in the most remote places we've visited there's always been a tiny hole in the wall shop to buy random things like plasters or throat sweets!
      Jon often gives his clothes to the room boys when we're travelling in India! xxx

      Delete
  19. How can I follow that reply to Marian other than say Bon Voyage and Happy Trails!xxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. So terrible storms and now an earthquake!, it looks really terrifying!, hope you're ok!
    Glad to read that you're going to the sunny south of Spain, I think your baggage looks really appropriate and totally love that you managed to put everything into cabin luggage sized bags. My only concern when travelling by plane is putting all the damned liquids in the plastic bag!.
    Looking lovely in your quilted jacket and cute hat, and those earrings are just Fab!, and so cool that your new hat matches that beautiful velvet dress!, Gorgeous!
    Sorry that I live a thousand kms away from the southeast!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're fine, thanks Monica. It has been a challenging few days!
      One day we'll get to your part of Spain, Jon's keen to drink Rioja where it was actually made and I'd absolutely love to see you both again!
      We always get caught out with those plastic bags, there's always something that we've forgotten to put in there. Hopefully we've got it right this time. xxx

      Delete
  21. I'm glad your trees survived. I think Monday's wind was worse than Sunday! Lewis does look off his tits and I think Ollie is a very appropriate name for Cat.

    Love the green maxi dress and hat together; so very stylish. Brilliant finds as usual especially the hand embroidered shirt. What a pain having your number plates stolen. People never cease to amaze with the things they'll nick from under your nose. I noticed last week that my 1.00 bargain ceramic Buddha bought from the street jumble last summer was gone! Luckily, my larger and heavier stone Buddha which is close to the front door was safe and sound. It needs 2 people to lift it which is just as well as it was a present from daughter!

    I admire your minimalist packing and hope you have a fabulous break in the warmth.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We thought Franklin was much worse than Eunice, half of Shropshire's underwater or at risk with all the rain the last of those horrible storms brought.
      Apparently they attach stolen number plates to their own vehicles to fill up at petrol stations and do a runner. I expect they'll go into Birmingham and we'll be billed for driving in the clean air zone, too. Cheeky sods!
      Fancy your little Buddha getting nicked. Like you, I've got a huge one that requires two people to lift it as well. I hope they don't come back with a sack truck! xxx

      Delete
  22. Ohh gosh, I’m am a bit worried about your tree. I hope it is ok, in Japan we support the poor leaning trees with bamboo supports pretty sturdy ones so they have a chance of survival. As often they may only have a a weak spot but the roots might be healthy and worth saving the tree. Connor is always out staking trees.
    That vintage shop is a gem, actually it is a warehouse as well and I really need help. I have packed pretty small this time but sadly my relatives have spoiled us so I have courried them home.
    Is baseball clothing popular?? As I have loads of that!! Glorious finds again. Keep it up love and hugs thanks for my e card I remember them from my childhood. Allie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's okay, it's still standing and at least it's not pointing in the direction of ours or our neighbour's house and it survived last night's earthquake.
      I'm glad the vintage shop is as good as you hoped. The kids love baseball stuff especially if it's ridiculously oversized for some reason. Snap it up! xxx

      Delete
  23. Wishing you and Jon a lovely sunny and warm break.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hoping the storms blow through without much damage. What an awful thing dealing with so many.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Three storms and an eartquake in less than a week, I'll be glad to escape the UK for a few days! x

      Delete
  25. Off his tits, I love that expression, and yes, he does have that look, he got really deep into the Kitty Crack didn't he? It's so Kind that you are looking out for some of those Kitties who haven't yet adopted a Family. The leaning Tree looks like it's burdened by an Ivy's weight, hope it survives... hate when an Old Tree succumbs, takes so long for them to become so Magnificent. Hoping the trip to Spain is memorable in all the best of ways.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone on Facebook mentioned that the ivy isn't helping that poor tree, not that either of us would dare get near enough that tree to remove it.
      I can't resist feeding all these cats, there's another three regular vistors but they keep avoiding the camera so I can't share their cuteness.
      Thanks, Dawn. I'm counting the days! xxx

      Delete
  26. We've been having very stormy weather here too - I fear for our Garry Oaks, as they have a very shallow root pan. We lost one about 7 years ago in a storm, and they had to take down the one that was grown beside it as well - I miss my 200+ year old trees, although we still have two in the front, and two giant maples on the side.

    I love your efficient packing, Vix! L and I are getting away for a weekend, and I'll be taking a half-empty pack in anticipation of shopping!

    Damien Lewis = yum! I love that cat - he looks like Garfield, smug bastard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll keep everything crossed that your Garry Oaks (and you!) survive the storms. It's so sad when trees that have survived for centuries are felled by evil Winter storms.
      I'm excited that you and L are planning a getaway, too. Our trip will be cultural and beer-fueled - no shopping for us this time (famous last words!)
      Lewis has such a ridiculous face, smug bastard sums him up perfectly! xxx

      Delete
  27. Evening Vix, you may not see this but so glad you are ok with storms and earthquakes! You look fab as ever and I bet all the cats know they have generous humans in the form of you two. Ours are doing fine. I love your packing shots. The velvet maxi is beautiful. Cheers Shazxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Shaz! I'm still here - I'm just so excited about escaping this weather that I've packed early! Thank you so much for your concern! xxxx

      Delete
  28. Hopefully nothing bad happens if the leaning tree falls! I love that first maxi dress outfit and your velvet maxi dress is a stunner! you got some great finds too - although I have to say I'm most impressed at your minimalistic packing! I always end up packing too much for times away - I like to have options! And at those temps I'd be bringing all the layers - that's winter weather for us!

    Hope you are having a great week! :) Another wet and stormy one here! Summer storms though so the humidity is killer!

    Away From The Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mica! thank you so much! Those temperatures are mild for us - no big coats needed but I have packed thermals so we can sit outside bars late into the night! xxx

      Delete
  29. Hi Vic and Jon,

    I had a lot to read to be up to date with your posts. So, trees are ok, cemetaries beautiful and a little bit morbid, I like that! The cats are gone crazy with the mint and the outfits are individually and chosen beautiful as ever. What is left? Happy holiday week. Enjoy!
    Hugs from Cologne, Susa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely to hear from you, Susa! We can't wait to escape this wintry weather. Sending lots of love to you in Cologne! xxx

      Delete
  30. Well, our time in Malaga ends tomorrow. I'm browner and warmer than when we arrived. Lots of walking and catching up on rest and it's back to the hospital grind next week.

    I've had my licence plates stolen. Right pain in the bum to sort out. Turned out the car that I drove to work was actually under my husband's ownership and I couldn't order new plates until I got a form signed by him. He was in Afghanistan at the time. So it wasn't a high priority for him. I used the car that he drove to work (it was actually mine) and left his more fuel efficient car in the garage until he got home.\

    Enjoy the sun, food, and rest

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so pleased to hear that you've made in to Spain after a two year wait. It sounds like the weather was good to you (fingers crossed for the same!)
      What a pain about your number plates, the aftermath is often worse than the actual threft, isn't it?
      Wishing you a safe journey home and hoping it won't be too long before you're travelling again. xxx

      Delete
  31. Good to hear that your trees survived and they are alive. I really like both of your outfits- so vintage, so gothic, so unique . Such a lovely cats on your pictures here <3

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh Vix, it must have been a bum clenching moment with those trees in the storms! & how horrible to have your reg plate nicked :0 I see you are both traveling lightly in style. You look so lovely in your DG reversible jacket and dangly earrings. I can't wait to see your post trip sunshine post :) xXx

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm glad to hear you're all okay and that the trees are still standing. On a rather trivial note, I was amused by the expression "the world and his wife." I've never heard anybody say that before, but I'm an American and maybe this is something that the British say. In America, we say "Everybody and his brother" or "every Tom, Dick, and Harry." But I like "the world and his wife" so much better, and I may have to start saying that now.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've read your newest post, so glad to see you survived the storm, although the earthquake must have been a bit scary. Lewis is certainly a handsome guy, and I'm glad to see that cat (Now Oliver) is still coming by for dinner. Soon the word will spread amongst the colony and you'll have your own cat army!

    I watched the Frankenstein Chronicles and really enjoyed it. I'm a fan of gothic horror and Sean Bean.

    So sorry to hear that your registration plate was by some thieving scumbags. A pain in the ass you didn't need to sort out before your trip.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm glad to see you got through the storm okay - it really was a bad one, wasn't it?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix