Well, I am pleased to say that they are ripening very nicely - thanks to the new woodburning stove - and that I have a very abundant harvest of large, juicy, sweet tomatoes. All I have to do now is pick them and eat them!
Universalis
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
The Garden of Westhill - 49
It is quite some time now since we visited my tomatoes!
Well, I am pleased to say that they are ripening very nicely - thanks to the new woodburning stove - and that I have a very abundant harvest of large, juicy, sweet tomatoes. All I have to do now is pick them and eat them!
Well, I am pleased to say that they are ripening very nicely - thanks to the new woodburning stove - and that I have a very abundant harvest of large, juicy, sweet tomatoes. All I have to do now is pick them and eat them!
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Walk in Rothiemurchus - 7
It was starting get dark by the time I had finished my walk. It was time to get home and to bed!
I had enjoyed a wonderful day in Rothiemurchus - and one hymn came to mind as I made my thanksgiving.
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Not sure I would appreciate all those bells at bedtime!
I had enjoyed a wonderful day in Rothiemurchus - and one hymn came to mind as I made my thanksgiving.
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Not sure I would appreciate all those bells at bedtime!
Monday, 12 November 2012
Walk in Rothiemurchus - 6
By the time I had walked round Loch an Eilein it was time for the evening hymn.
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Remembrance Sunday
Here we see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.
Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.
Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.
Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.
Still stands His Cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.
These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.
O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and Whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Her Majesty visited the Poppy Factory on 7 November and even made a poppy herself - it is not the one I am wearing. However, check whether yours has the Royal Insignia on it!
Happy Sunday!
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.
Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.
Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.
Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.
Still stands His Cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.
These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.
O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and Whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Her Majesty visited the Poppy Factory on 7 November and even made a poppy herself - it is not the one I am wearing. However, check whether yours has the Royal Insignia on it!
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Walk in Rothiemurchus - 5
As I arrived at Loch an Eilein the sun was setting and my thoughts turned to the eventide of life.
Loch an Eilein is a small loch on the Rothiemurchus estate about 5 km south of Aviemore. The name Loch an Eilein comes from the gaelic 'loch of the island'.
In the late 18th century and early 19th century, the loch was used mainly for two things. On the banks of the loch there is a limestone kiln where the lime stone was collected from a rockface looking over the loch. Also loggers used the connecting river to float logs down to the wood treating factories down stream. Rob Roy and other cattle rustlers used the loch and one side of the loch is called 'Robbers Way'. There are only three remaining houses on the loch side and they are used by forestry officers now.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Perhaps these words will be sung tonight at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.
Indeed they were!
Loch an Eilein is a small loch on the Rothiemurchus estate about 5 km south of Aviemore. The name Loch an Eilein comes from the gaelic 'loch of the island'.
In the late 18th century and early 19th century, the loch was used mainly for two things. On the banks of the loch there is a limestone kiln where the lime stone was collected from a rockface looking over the loch. Also loggers used the connecting river to float logs down to the wood treating factories down stream. Rob Roy and other cattle rustlers used the loch and one side of the loch is called 'Robbers Way'. There are only three remaining houses on the loch side and they are used by forestry officers now.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Perhaps these words will be sung tonight at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.
Indeed they were!
Friday, 9 November 2012
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Although most Christians know that Pope Benedict XVI is Bishop of Rome, many seem to think that St Peter's is his cathedral church - the home of his bishop's seat. This of course is not the case - it is the Lateran Basilica which is his cathedral church. Here we see him standing at his chair in the basilica.
Today is the Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - a suitable day to pray for Christian Unity.
Here we see the Holy Father attending Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The processional hymn (which happens to be the Office Hymn for today's feast) is one of his favourites!
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.
To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness
hear thy servants as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.
Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee of gain;
what they gain from thee, for ever
with the blessèd to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.
Laud and honour to the Father,
laud and honour to the Son,
laud and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.
Of course we see the present Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams) standing next to the Holy Father.
Our prayers are now asked for his successor, The Rt Rev Justin Welby, whose appointment to the See of Canterbury has been confirmed this morning. He is to be enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.
Happy Feast!
Today is the Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - a suitable day to pray for Christian Unity.
Here we see the Holy Father attending Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The processional hymn (which happens to be the Office Hymn for today's feast) is one of his favourites!
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.
To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness
hear thy servants as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.
Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee of gain;
what they gain from thee, for ever
with the blessèd to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.
Laud and honour to the Father,
laud and honour to the Son,
laud and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.
Of course we see the present Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams) standing next to the Holy Father.
Our prayers are now asked for his successor, The Rt Rev Justin Welby, whose appointment to the See of Canterbury has been confirmed this morning. He is to be enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.
Happy Feast!
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Walk in Rothiemurchus - 4
I did my walk on All Souls' Day, and as you can see there was already snow on the tops of the mountains.
There are few destinations in the world more beautiful than the Cairngorms National Park during winter. Not only does tourism peak as the snow falls, but the range of activities to enjoy becomes all the more extensive.
Top of the list for most winter visitors are the snow sports on offer – and particularly skiing and snowboarding. The snow sports take place between December and April, depending on snowfall; with winter operating hours usually between 9am and 4pm depending on daylight. There are more than 30km of ski runs as well as a fully maintained snowboard park; with cross country skiing also popular and Disability Snowsports UK offering snow sports tuition for the disabled.
Of course whether you plan to ski down the Cairn Gorm Mountain or not, you’ll still want to scale its heights to enjoy the incredible views across Aviemore, Strathspey and further afield in Scotland. You could reach the peak via the mountain railway, which allows you to travel in comfort from the Base Station to the Ptarmigan Top Station.
There are few destinations in the world more beautiful than the Cairngorms National Park during winter. Not only does tourism peak as the snow falls, but the range of activities to enjoy becomes all the more extensive.
Top of the list for most winter visitors are the snow sports on offer – and particularly skiing and snowboarding. The snow sports take place between December and April, depending on snowfall; with winter operating hours usually between 9am and 4pm depending on daylight. There are more than 30km of ski runs as well as a fully maintained snowboard park; with cross country skiing also popular and Disability Snowsports UK offering snow sports tuition for the disabled.
Of course whether you plan to ski down the Cairn Gorm Mountain or not, you’ll still want to scale its heights to enjoy the incredible views across Aviemore, Strathspey and further afield in Scotland. You could reach the peak via the mountain railway, which allows you to travel in comfort from the Base Station to the Ptarmigan Top Station.
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