Any road. We duly parked up in one of those concrete multi storey carparks that look like they have all been designed for Fiat 127 owners. Then we went to McDonalds because it's unbelievably cheap and quick. And then it was on to Argos for some shopping. Why can't supermarkets be like Argos or a builders merchants? You just give them your order and they get it for you.
We walked passed Cork Opera House and had a look who was playing there. My old music pal: Suzanne Vega is playing there this month. I last saw her at Glastonbury in 1989. Wouldn't mind seeing her again. But it would involve buying 4 tickets and a hotel for the night. There's no public transport (thought I hadn't talked about public transport for a blog or two) back to Bantry after 8 O'clock. I am tempted though. Haven't seen a band since August. Roger Waters to be precise. There's a lot to be said for living in a big town or city isn't there?
We found a delightful book shop called 'Vibes and Scribes' a few blocks (why I have gone American?) away. The staff are really helpful and I bought thirty five Euros of books and a cloth bag for a Euro. What books did you get Dave? Cider With Rosie: Laurie Lee, You Are Awful But I Like You: Travels Through Unloved Britain - Tim Moore (will blog about it soon) and 2 Charles Bukowski books and a book about pigs. The book shop man gave us a card with tokens on it. You get a token for every fiver you spend. When you have got ten tokens. They give you a fiver off your next book - brilliant!
I started reading Cider With Rosie the other day. It's absolutely beautiful. It's like drinking a pint of real northern English ale, listening to a harp or being moved by a film with the saddest ending. Sheer poetry. Oh to go back to those Edwardian days before cars and the horse was still king. What's your favourite book with a rural theme?
I guess the 'Romany ' books would still take some beating.
ReplyDeleteHi John. Are you talking about the 1930's radio presenter: 'Romany' - Reverend George Bramwell Evans? I haven't read any of his nature books but I once discovered (saw) his famous Romany caravan in a car park in Wilmslow when I lived in Cheshire. I believe there is a 'Romany' society and the caravan is now in Bradford Industrial Museum. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteJohn Seymours classic Complete Guide to Self-sufficiency will take some beating, and all his other books I find interesting and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThe James Herriot vet series I've got a full set (I think) and can read them again and again, never fails to raise a smile.
Also enjoy reading Fred Dibnah and his tales of the great industrial England of years gone by.
Just realised they're all dead now, more's the pity.
Most of them seem to be out of print, so car boots and charity shops are the main source of supply.
Just bought a series of 12 books on the self-reliant theme.
Grow your own - Ian Cooke
Herbs and spices - Linda Gray
Household cleaning - Rachelle Strauss
Spinning, Dying & weaving - Penny Walsh
Beekeeping - Joanna Ryde
Cheese making - Rita Ash
Foraging - David Squire
Hen keeping - Mike Hatcher
Home Brewing - John Parkes
Natural remedies - Melissa Corkhill
Preserving - Carol Wilson
Soap making - Sarah Ade
Brand new on offer £5 the set. Should keep me going for a while.
Weather not bad today, no rain or wind and just a bit cool. Noticed some snowdrops blooming in the garden, a good sign.
Thanks Cumbrian for your suggestions. John Seymour's Complete Guide To Self Sufficiency is the allotment and smallholders bible. The best thirty Euros I have ever spent.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed James Herriot, Thomas Hardy, The Brontes ('Wuthering Heights') George Eliot's Silas Marner, H.E Bates, Barry Hines, Priestley, Peter Tinniswood...? Fiction and non-ficition.
Not forgetting Bernard Venables. The man who gave the Daily Mirror and Britain: 'Mr Crabtree goes fishing.' It sold 4 million copies of the book in the 1940's. I read it in the 1970's and 80's. Think most young lads wanted a Mr Crabtree for a dad or uncle to take them fishing.
Then there's television Cumbrian. Geoffrey Smith was my favourite television gardener, along with The Victorian Kitchen Garden's Harry Dodson.
Your 12 books sound a bargain. They should keep you going for a while.
Went a walk yesterday. First time in ages.
Thanks!