Nothing quite like good fish and chips

Good on Glasgow and Scotland! We were told that the "North" has the best fish and chips in the UK and it certainly was our experience "A Glasgow -based chippie has just been named the best in Scotland and among the top 10 in the UK. Catch, on Gibson Street, in the city's west end has been named among the UK's best fish and chip restaurants in top industry experts Fry Magazine's annual awards. The news comes as no less than nine Scottish takeaways were also named among the top 50 in the UK as part of the awards. Mystery judges visited each establishment unannounced to sample the food and assess key aspects of the business from the cleanliness of the premises to staff knowledge and professionalism, as well as their social media presence. A Glasgow -based chippie has just been named the best in Scotland and among the top 10 in the UK. Catch, on Gibson Street, in the city's west end has been named among the UK's best fish and chip restaurants in top industry experts Fry Magazine's annual awards. The news comes as no less than nine Scottish takeaways were also named among the top 50 in the UK as part of the awards. Mystery judges visited each establishment unannounced to sample the food and assess key aspects of the business from the cleanliness of the premises to staff knowledge and professionalism, as well as their social media presence."

Alexander Calder....again

I just love his stuff.

Many Orbs in Space 1974 29 1/2 x 43 1/4 in. (74.93 x 109.86 cm) gouache and ink on paper Provenance Perls Galleries, New York Private Collection, Florida, 1974 215,000

Bob Dylan's art

I think it's pretty cool...good on him. This is the only one that I managed to upload. Google if you want to see more.

I just love the "Little Library" concept

From Linda's blog....

T"his rebate is going to help a lot of people in this province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This is another opportunity to put money back in the pockets of the hardworking people who make this province a great place to live.” The announcement today from our beloved Premier is an insult to everyone who drives in British Columbia. He announced every driver will get a one time rebate of $110.00 to compensate for the high price of gasoline. We pay the highest gas prices in North America. $0.73 cents of each litre of gas is tax and our government is increasing the gas tax on April 1st. So they figure if they give us each $110 that will help. To make it even more absurd, people with electric cars get this big $110 rebate! I have never paid more than $100 for gas because I never let my car go below half a tank. I'm sure it would be $200 for a fill! I drive an SUV gas guzzler and I can afford gas. What about the working people who drive to work every day? This said it will help them put money back in their pockets? WHAT!!!! I doubt $110 would fill a compact car. Why don't they reduce the gas tax so the people with a long commute would benefit most? Who was genius thought this rebate would help offset our huge gas prices and make us forget we are getting yet another tax increase in a week? RIDICULOUS"

Ridiculous for sure!

The rebate will probably pay our gas for two months and we can afford to pay for gas. Give the money to the people who need it. From Linda's blog: “This rebate is going to help a lot of people in this province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This is another opportunity to put money back in the pockets of the hardworking people who make this province a great place to live.” The announcement today from our beloved Premier is an insult to everyone who drives in British Columbia. He announced every driver will get a one time rebate of $110.00 to compensate for the high price of gasoline. We pay the highest gas prices in North America. $0.73 cents of each litre of gas is tax and our government is increasing the gas tax on April 1st. So they figure if they give us each $110 that will help. To make it even more absurd, people with electric cars get this big $110 rebate! I have never paid more than $100 for gas because I never let my car go below half a tank. I'm sure it would be $200 for a fill! I drive an SUV gas guzzler and I can afford gas. What about the working people who drive to work every day? This said it will help them put money back in their pockets? WHAT!!!! I doubt $110 would fill a compact car. Why don't they reduce the gas tax so the people with a long commute would benefit most? Who was genius thought this rebate would help offset our huge gas prices and make us forget we are getting yet another tax increase in a week? RIDICULOUS

Libraries

Post from the British Book Club:

I love everything Granville Island

From Mark Art Prosser Happy Monday. New Art! 'Granville Island Public Market' Under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge this peninsula that used to be an industrial manufacturing area is so unique. I love seeing old posts about how it used to look like and hows it been transformed into what it is today while keeping so much of its original form. False Creek in the late 19th century was twice today's size, and its tidal flats included a permanent sandbar over which spanned the original, rickety, wooden Granville Street bridge. This sandbar is what would eventually become Granville Island. When i first moved to Van and things were tough it was a new oasis unlike anything i ever saw. I bought my art supplies at Opus and would walk past Emily car dreaming my dream then off to the public market to treat myself to fresh seafood once a month. It has alot of special meaning as it was my sanctuary. Acrylic and Fluorescents, on canvas. Prints on my site prosserart.com Hope u like enjoy the feeling of this one as its a big part of my heart, could be my new favorite. Cheers.

Oxford University

This came up on "Interesting Facts": Oxford University is older than the Inca empire. While you might associate the development of modern universities with intellectual movements like the Renaissance or the Enlightenment, the first universities predate those major periods in history — not by years but by centuries. One of the oldest universities in the world is Oxford University, where teaching began back in 1096. That’s much older than Harvard (established in 1636) or Yale (1701), and it’s even older than some well-known Indigenous civilizations in the Americas, including the Incas, who lived in the Andean region of South America from around the 13th century CE to the mid-16th century. (Other groups and empires have occupied the Andes since at least 10,000 BCE.) We loved Oxford.I got to see more of it as Jim was teaching an Advanced Placement course. Many wonderful memories of staying with David and Barbara.

Amazing...

I've always been quite fascinated by Andy Warhol...such an innovator in so many ways. The paintings of the Campbell's soup cans will always tickle my fancy.

"One of Andy Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe portraits could become the most expensive 20th-century artwork ever to go under the hammer, with auctioneer Christie's expecting bids "in the region of" $200 million. The 40-square-inch "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn," one of dozens of images the artist made of Monroe in the 1960s, will go on sale in New York this May, the auction house announced Monday. Warhol's colorful reproductions of the Hollywood star's portrait -- originally a publicity still from her 1953 movie "Niagara" -- are among his most recognizable works, alongside his signature paintings of Campbell's soup cans."

Raeside gets it right again

Adrian Raeside cartoon: Ukraine's call for more weapons Adrian Raeside Mar 17, 2022 1:01 AM Mar 17, 2022 3:22 AM

Past pleasures

I received this email yesterday: "Friday, April 22, 2022 Performance Works, Granville Island 8pm (VIP 7pm) - 11pm VIP Entry 7pm $155 + tax/fees Enjoy an extra hour of exclusive whiskies and intimate conversations with brand ambassadors from around the world. General Admission Entry 8pm $115 + tax/fees Enjoy whiskies from around the world and learn about this ancient spirit while browsing the silent auction and enjoying live music." There was a time when we were into single malt whiskey mainly because of friends and probably would have been attracted to this. Sadly, all those friends have died but we do toast them with a glass of wine (they liked wine too:) And it brings up all sorts of wonderful memories of our times in Scotland.

All relationships are possible for sure...

I'm not sure I would want to give a foot massage to a lion but...

This is not a hunting photo.....Briton Alex Larenty lives on a game reserve in South Africa and spends his days giving lions foot massages. One day, he discovered that every time a lion was applied a cream to cure an infection on its paws, the lion would slacken and appear to smile. Since then, he has massaged all the lions in the park on a daily basis. Thanks to the pampering, he created a bond such that just by seeing him arrive, the lions lie down, begin to stretch their legs and smile. With love and respect, all relationships are possible! ❤❤

Ah....oysters on the half-shell

They were probably one of my favourite foods especially in the south of France in a seaside restauarant on the Mediterranean. Then I got sick from eating them. It took me quite a while to eat one again but got over it. I think it was the south of France when I tried one again...the sunshine, rose wine, and sitting in a restaurant which officially qualified as "les pied dans l"eau" (feet in the water). "Seaside" could mean you were quite a long way from the "sea". They really do need to be opened at the table by a server and for me they are best without anything other than the nectar they come with naturally. Best without a squirt of lemon. Eating anything raw isn't recommended for folks my age so probably have had my last. And if I'm tempted I only have to bring up memories of getting so sick. But...never say never but will probably stick with fish and chips.

Monet's kitchen

Can you have too many photos of fish and chips?

WE did go to C-Lovers quite a bit especially when they were very close but always got the halibut. We were amazed at what some people put away in their "all you can eat" offer. Well, mainly young hungry men who probably didn't have to cook for a week after all they consumed. We did ask for a taste once of the "all you can eat" fish and it wasn't bad. I believe it was hake. Not a patch on the halibut.

I liked this article from TREK magazine

https://trekmagazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2021/fall-2021/community-life-technology/meeting-location-spaceship

Ah...nothing quite like really good fish and chips

We have had some pretty wonderful fish and chip dinners in the U.K. but nothing quite beat The Galley in Victoria which served halibut as well as cod. I did miss the mushy peas, though. I know they aren't to everyone's taste.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I was trying to find something on Ireland on an old blog post for St. Patrick's Day and these paintings I did of sunflowers came up.It seems pretty appropriate for the current times so I decided to post them rather than clover leafs :) And nice to remember the wonderful times we had in Ireland...a very special place.

For all you cat lovers out there

This FB page came up on my feed and I'm enjoying it so thought there might be others who would like it too. ArtandCat

I love this

Thanks Susan B. for posting it on FB

Commonwealth Day

Well, I guess I rather like being part of the Commonwealth probably because I feel very connected to the UK. But I can understand many people feel very differently and with good reason. "It's complicated"....truer words were never said and apply to so many situations in the world these days. Well, always.

From Linda's blog

Yes, why are we still doing this? This will work as a reminder.

Who Knew?

I found it interesting that I only very recently read about the possible positive affects of iodine in the event of a nuclear incident since I was one of the terrified teenagers in the 60's who felt pretty sure I would never live to be 21 and be able to go into a bar and order a drink. "How do iodine pills work? Iodine tablets can be taken to reduce the risk of developing thyroid cancer in the event of a nuclear accident, according to the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. Radioactive iodine released during such an event can be absorbed by the thyroid gland when inhaling contaminated air, but iodine tablets help stop this absorption and as a result reduce the risk of developing thyroid cancer. In 2011, Japanese authorities recommended that people around the site of the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant take iodine. However, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission notes that it is a "very specialised protection". "Evacuation is the most effective protective measure in the event of a radiological emergency,'' it says. "Because it protects the whole body (including the thyroid gland and other organs) from all radionuclides and all exposure pathways".

Really happy with the relaxation of COVID stuff

Since we're going to Victoria for a week leaving this Sunday, it's going to be great not to have to wear a mask on the ferry and in retail stores, etc. although we still might do so since we haven't really had a cold other than Jim thinking he was coming down with something but it didn't really develop. So, while it's been a nuisance there are positives.

My cousin always gets interesting photos

March 7th, 2021 — Engineering Cairn on Main Mall, UBC. Photo by John Denniston

Work by David Shrigley

I thought some of his artwork was pretty cool.

I really like this design

I stand with the people of Ukraine

I didn't realise Abraham Lincoln was so witty

https://www.inspiringquotes.com/abraham-lincolns-wittiest-one-liners/YTfR1IT5EQAH_Itf?utm_source=top-content&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1460495459

Ah...candy floss

I used to absolutely love this as a kid. Not so sure now but I would give it a try if it was available. This birthday boy looks like he is going to enjoy it.

I honour all the journalists covering these dreadful events

I think I probably have mentioned this at some point but my "dream" as a teenager was to become an international journalist working in war zones. Well, it seemed very exciting and you got to travel. Looking at the news and having so much admiration for the journalists covering these dreadful events.

Rose Mallet in Palm Springs

Wish we were there...

Wishing all the best for Ukraine

From FB: Ukraine, you are in my heart and my prayers. I am sharing a photo of Sunflowers since they are your national flower and are so loved by your country and are so representative of your strength and beauty and no matter what conditions they turn to the sun and follow the light. Please join me in prayers for this beautiful country and their brave people and leaders. #prayforukraine #prayforpeace\

Blast from the past

One of my earlest blog posts. I found it interesting that I mention Russia and the unlikelihood of ever visiting there. Even more unlikely now. MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2005 What I've been reading lately... "A Map of Glass" by Jane Urquhart Deserves much better reviews than it's been getting although I confess I am a fan. Perhaps a bit overwritten initially but I was very engaged with the characters especially Sylvia. I felt her "condition" which was probably autism was very well presented. And the image of the hotel being covered in sand due to the silt building up because all the trees were taken down and the landscape altered to such an extent was excellent. As usual, all sorts of complex images - how Sylvia "remembered" the stories of the Alzheimer patient, etc. (Good lord, I wrote this in my little book journal in October when I finished the book and now I haven't a clue what that refers to!) "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro Reading the book does make one realize what an excellent movie it was. I liked the beginning discussion of what made Great Britain "great" and Stevens deciding it was because its beauty was "restrained" whereas the beauty of places like Africa and America were too " demonstrative". Certainly Stevens inability to be "demonstrative" and his valuing of restraint are key. The topic of "bantering" is developed quite brilliantly I think. Stevens makes quite an effort to learn to do this and his mechanical way of going about it (realizing that smiling and indicating you made a joke are as important as the content) makes the reader think that perhaps part of his problem is a mild autism. At the end he makes this realization: "After all, when one thinks about it, it is not such a foolish thing to indulge in - particularly if it is the case that in bantering lies the key to human warmth." An interesting contrast to all the discussion of dignity, greatness, contribution to world affairs especially when his employer turns out to have backed facism and his realization that he had not served such an honorable man after all. "Arthur and George" by Julian Barnes This is a novel we listened to on the BBC Radio 4 "Book at Bedtime" (with high speed you can pick this up whatever time you want...they keep the episodes quite a while). Based on the true story about Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edaljis false accusation--case that played a pivotal role in the creation of the Court of Appeal in Britain. Jim's a bigger fan of Barnes than I am but I enjoyed this one a lot. "Seven Sisters" by Margaret Drabble. Not great literature by any means but relatively entertaining. "The Lighthouse" by P.D. James What a treat to have another one of hers to read! Perhaps not quite as good as some of her wonderful middle period ones such as "Devices and Desires" and "A Taste for Death" but a delight all the same. "A Wall of Light" by Edeet Ravel.

The beginning sentences of this novel are quite amazing: "I am Sonya Vronsky, professor of Mathematics at Tel Aviv Universtiy, and this is the story of a day late in August. On this remarkable day I kissed a student, pursued a lover, found my father, and left my brother." A really neat interweaving of letters from 1957 of Sonya's mother to her lover in Russia, narrative from the present from Sonya, and diary entries from the 80's of Noah, a nephew of Sonya's. Makes one quite interested in this fascinating part of the world...given the situation I imagine this is the only way I'll be experiencing it.

Good on Margaret Atwood!

There are times when we could have used these

* It may seem strange to talk about warm slippers in these times with what is going on in the world but I have always tried to keep things positive on my blog and there is certainly enough bad news everywhere you turn these days.I live in hope there will be some good news soon. I'm remembering how cold the floor was in our apartment on the port in Carqueiranne. No one was below us so no heat below. "Heated potato slippers are what you didn’t know you needed in 2022. Just plug these bad boys into any USB port to keep your feet warm while you relax."

Ra Vee posted this...looks a bit like Oscar

Ukrainian Soldier with her kitty. Stay safe, soldier 🇺🇦 The thoughts and prayers of the world are with you.