New wine...

Again, another old joke, but it's succeeded in making me smile today..

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
***********************

I kid you not...A New Wine for Seniors

California vintners in the Napa Valley area, which primarily produce Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines, have developed a new hybrid grape that acts as an anti-diuretic.

It is expected to reduce the number of trips older people have to make to the bathroom during the night.

The new wine will be marketed as

PINO MORE

I heard it though the grapevine!

I just couldn't help it - sorry!

An old joke

I make no apologies for this joke - it made me smile today, when not much else has done so.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

************************************

A bunch of Indians capture a cowboy and bring him back to their camp to meet the chief.

The chief says, "You going to die, cowboy. But we sorry for you, so give you one wish a day for three days. On sundown of third day, you die. What is first wish?"

The cowboy says, "I want to see my horse."

The Indians get his horse. The cowboy grabs the horse's ear and whispers something, and then slaps the horse on the back. The horse takes off. Two hours later, the horse comes back with a naked blonde. She jumps off the horse and goes into the tepee with the cowboy.

The Indians look at each other figuring, "Typical white thinks only with short bow."

The second day, the chief asks, "What your wish today?"

The cowboy says, "I want to see my horse again."

The Indians bring him his horse. The cowboy leans over to the horse and whispers something in the horse's ear, then slaps it on the ass. Two hours later, the horse comes back with a naked redhead. She gets off and goes into the tepee with the cowboy.

Again, the Indians shake their heads figuring, "Typical white man, going to die tomorrow and can only think of one thing."

On the last day, and the chief says, "This your last wish, white man. What you want?"

The cowboy says, "I want to see my horse again."

The Indians bring him his horse. The cowboy grabs the horse by both ears, twists them hard and yells, "Read my lips! POSSE, damn it! P-O-S-S-E!"

'Veggie' spider shuns meat diet

No - this isn't a joke post.  I got wind of it on the BBC e-mail that I get sent every morning...

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

********************
A spider that dines almost exclusively on plants has been described by scientists.

It is the first-known predominantly vegetarian spider; all of the other known 40,000 spider species are thought to be mainly carnivorous. Bagheera kiplingi, which is found in Central America and Mexico, bucks the meat-eating trend by feasting on acacia plants.The research is published in the journal Current Biology.  The herbivorous spider was filmed on high-definition camera.

The jumping arachnid, which is 5-6mm long, has developed a taste for the tips of the acacia plants - known as Beltian bodies - which are packed full of protein.

This is the only spider we know that deliberately only goes after plants


Professor Robert Curry

But to reach this leafy fare, the spider has to evade the attention of ants, which live in the hollow spines of the tree.

The ants and acacia trees have co-evolved to form a mutually beneficial relationship: the aggressive ants protect the trees from predators, swarming to attack any invaders; and in return for acting as bodyguards, the ants get to gorge on the acacias' Beltian bodies themselves.

But the crafty Bagheera kiplingi has found a way to exploit this symbiotic relationship.  One of the study's authors, Professor Robert Curry, from Villanova University, Pennsylvania, told BBC News: "The spiders basically dodge the ants.

"The spiders live on the plants - but way out on the tips of the old leaves, where the ants don't spend a lot of time, because there isn't any food on those leaves."

But when they get hungry, the spiders head to the newer leaves, and get ready to run the ant gauntlet.

Professor Curry said: "And they wait for an opening - they watch the ants move around, and they watch to see that there are not any ants in the local area that they are going after.

"And then they zip in and grab one of these Beltian bodies and then clip it off, hold it in their mouths and run away.

"And then they retreat to one of the undefended parts of the plant to eat it."

 Like other species of jumping spider, Bagheera kiplingi has keen eyesight, is especially fast and agile and is thought to have good cognitive skills, which allows it to "hunt" down this plant food.

The spider's herbivorous diet was first discovered in Costa Rica in 2001 by Eric Olsen from Brandeis University, and was then independently observed again in 2007 by Christopher Meehan, at that time an undergraduate student at Villanova University.

The team then collaborated to describe the spider for the first time in this Current Biology paper.

Professor Curry said he was extremely surprised when he found out about its unusual behaviour.

He said: "This is the only spider we know that deliberately only goes after plants."

Competition in the tropics is pretty fierce so there are always advantages to do what someone else isn't already doing

Professor Curry

While some spiders will occasionally supplement their diet with a little nectar or pollen, Bagheera kiplingi's diet is almost completely vegetarian - although occasionally topped up with a little ant larvae at times.

Professor Curry said there were numerous reasons why this spider might have turned away from meaty meals.

He said: "Competition in the tropics is pretty fierce so there are always advantages to doing what someone else isn't already doing.

"They are jumping spiders, so they don't build a web to catch food, so they have to catch their prey through pursuit. And the Beltian bodies are not moving - they are stuck - so it is a very predictable food supply."

Acacias also produce leaves throughout the year - even through the dry season - which would make them attractive.

And Professor Curry added: "Because the plants are protected by ants, they have none of their own chemical defences that other plants do."

Still in shock

“What you cannot escape, you must fight; what you cannot fight, you must endure"

I guess this sums up my feelings at this precise moment in time. Ok – just after 7am on a dark and cold Sunday morning. I’ve spoken to my friend, and she’s got to go for a MRI scan on Tuesday, to see what is causing the deafness in her left ear. She’s understandably terrified. So am I, because from the little bit of information that I have been able to gleam from the internet, it’s bloody scary.

The doctor thinks it might be something called Acoustic neuroma which is apparently a slow growing tumour on the nerve of hearing, and is quite rare. Thanks. That doesn’t really make me feel any better, but until she gets the results, neither of us will know what this hearing loss has been caused by.

Aside from the scary stuff, my beloved was involved in the second Ride to the Wall yesterday.This has become almost an annual pilgrimage by bikers from all over the UK, to the national memorial arboretum in Airewas.

According to the BBC website, there were over 5,000 bikes there, including a serving major general in uniform, who had ridden his Harley from Aldershot. This idea is not only to raise funds for the arboretum, but to show respect to the fallen in every war since the end of the Second World War, to the current conflict in Afghanistan.

Speaking of which, or rather typing of the war, there was one of the best quotes I have ever read in the paper yesterday.

I am not shaking your hand, Mr Blair. You’ve got blood on it

This was the quite understandable (and in my opinion quite acceptable) reaction of a bereaved father who was at the service of rememberance that was held in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.

Apparently, Mr Blair’s bodyguards ushered him away, and he looked visibly shocked. Good. Nothing like having it rammed home to you by someone who has lost their son in an illegal war. I guess this was just the “icing on the cake” as they say, as he’d already been criticised during the sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

If I’m honest, I’d love to see Mr Blair in the Hague. Preferably in the dock, being charged with war crimes, because the second invasion of Iraq was illegal. Shrub (George W. Bush) just wanted to go one better than daddy, and remove Saddam Hussein from power.

Don’t get me wrong – Saddam was no saint by any stretch of the imagination, but if there was to be regime change, it should have been done with the sanction of the UN – not by a blood thirsty little war monger and his pet.

Ah well - time to call this quits - I've got bits and pieces to sort out today.

Back when I can - probably tomorrow.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Shell Shock....

Not the news I wanted to hear.  A good friend of mine has been told that she is now partially deaf in the left ear,with no obvious cause, but a benign tumor is suspected (if a tumour can be classified as begnign!)  Because of this, she now has to go for x-rays, and if they doesn't show anything, a scan. 

Talk about having a bombshell dropped.  I was told that the reason this had been held back, was because I've had a visit to the cardiologist today (I've got a leaking heart valve) and I will admit to having been somewhat preoccupied.  But that doesn't change the fact that I wish I had known - this really knocks my leak into perspective.

OK - the leak is a damned nuisance, and yes, it does interfere with my life (as much as I allow it!) but a brain tumour is another kettle of fish.  At least I can get the leak sorted with minimum invasion, but a tumour.....

Time to call this quits - I'm shaking.

Back when I can pull myself together.

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Scared

I'm due to see the cardiologist at University Hospital Coventry (it used to be known as Walsgrave) this afternoon, and I don't mind admitting I'm scared out my tiny brain cell. It's stupid in a way, as I trust the guy implicitly, but that doesn’t stop the fear.

Why? Because my father died of a heart attack, and my aunt has a similar condition to me, so I guess that heart trouble is inherited from father’s side of the family. I was told whilst I was at university that I had a leaking heart valve, but not much more, and was allowed to scamper off and cause mayhem as I chose.

That’s fine when you’re 20, but I’m approaching my mid thirties, and things have changed, as in the leak has gotten worse. In hindsight, I should have kicked up more than I did, but I was more concerned with not losing my knee joint (I was told I had one more accident before I needed a replacement – scary when you’ve just turned 21!)

As it happens, it looks like I may well be used as a guinea pig for a new treatment, which means that I don’t get the “zip” effect and a shorter stay in hospital – i.e. overnight if I get my way! Hopefully, this will “cure” the problem. I use that term somewhat advisedly, as the only things that are certain in this life are death and taxes, and I am determined to make the most of whatever chance I get.

Time to call this quits – I’ve got to make tracks to the hospital.

Back later.


Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Weird teas...

Ok – a strange title, I admit, but it sums up what I have been drinking recently. Whilst I was on holiday in Madeira, I got rather fond (if you can become fond of a tea variety) of Lipton’s Vanilla Caramel tea.

It’s one of those peculiar things that you initially think “yuck” but once tried, you become hooked. I will admit to bringing three boxes back home with me in the suitcase. Yes, I know it’s a strange thing to bring back from holiday, but you can’t get it here.

Plus, I’ve been given a small packet of a fruit infusion from The Golden Monkey Tea Company. No – I’m not making the name up – it’s on Smith Street in Warwick. It’s called Bora Bora, and I have no idea what it tastes like –I’ll have to bring my tea infusion ball into work on Monday, so I can try it.

Ah well – time to call this quits – It’s time for me to escape.

Back later…

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Breaking News

I've just recieved a breaking news text from the BBC (good service - means I get kept up to date with major news sories whilst I'm away from my PC or TV)

American President Barak Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

Err - forgive me for being dumb - but what for?  The offical blurb states that it's for (and I quote)

"His extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples"

Ok - I can agee with that seniment, but surely, it would have made more sense to wait and see how things pan out, and then give him the award.  But, maybe that's just me being cynical - I've seen the hype that a new politican can create (just look back at 1997 when a certain T. Blair took office here in the UK) and the resulting aftermath when the population realised that they may well have made a bad mistake...  Only we've taken 12 years to realise ours!  At least the Americans get a chance every 4 years to correct their mistakes...

Ah well, guess  I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging.

Back later...

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

How Fights Start

This got sent to me by one of my very close friends, so I make no apologies for this...

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most




******************************************


How Fights Start


My wife sat down on the settee next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, 'What's on TV?'

I said, 'Dust.'

And then the fight started...

******************************************

My wife and I were watching "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" while we were in bed. I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have s*x?"

"No," she answered.

I then said, "Is that your final answer?"

She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying, "Yes."

So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."

And then the fight started....

******************************************

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the van, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.

I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible."

My loving wife of 5 years replied, "Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"

And that's how the fight started...

******************************************

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't believe it.... He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, "I AM NOT HAPPY!!!"

So, I looked down at him and said, "Well, then which one are you?"

And then the fight started.....

*****************************************

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.'

I bought her a bathroom scale.

And then the fight started...

******************************************

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her some place expensive... so, I took her to a petrol station.

And then the fight started...

******************************************

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's License to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

And then the fight started...

******************************************

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'

'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'

'My God!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'

And then the fight started...

******************************************

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason took my order first. "I'll have the steak, medium rare, please."

He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?""

Nah, she can order for herself."

And then the fight started...

******************************************

A woman was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She was not happy with what she saw and said to her husband, "I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'

The husband replied, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'

And then the fight started.....

Back on the spare

Well, the car has been sorted, and the revolting spare is on. I know I shouldn’t complain – it could have been a dratted space saver instead of the full size wheel, but I still don’t like it.

It looks like I managed to run over a sharp piece of metal without realising it, which cut into the tread, which then allowed the tyre to deflate. I was told that if I’d stopped and called out the RAC patrol, I could have saved the tyre. But it was so close to the wear bars, I would have needed to replace the tyre soon anyway.

At least I’m now mobile, and can do the things that I wanted to – including get the car fuelled as I’m on less than 25 litres in the tank (it’s a 50 litre tank on the Peugeot 207).

The trip to Solihull was reasonably successful - I managed to get a new pair of trousers and replace my spare moisturiser. The moisturiser is one of those rare things that I don’t mind paying a little more for. Ok – it’s £15.00 but given the fact that it suits me, I’m more than happy to pay that for it.

Why? Because it’s from a company called Lush – who specialise in fresh cosmetics and skin care using essential oils and natural products wherever possible (see http://www.lush.co.uk/)

Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m supposed to be sorting out some photographs to print from my recent holiday, not blogging!

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Pop goes the tyre

Normally, I would find this funny. But not today. Simply, because it’s my tyre that has gone “pop”. The off-side rear seemed resound to a dull “thump” as I was travelling, and when I was able to pull over and inspect it, the damned thing was flat. Thankfully, I carry a compressor in the car, and was able to pump it up enough to be able to nurse the car back home, to get the car into the garage.

Because I was supposed to be going into Solihull with Mum, we used her car, the idea being that I get mine sorted out when we got back, and because it wasn’t me driving, I was able to get a new tyre on order. Mum was a little concerned, as she thought I didn’t know the tyre size, but it’s one of those stupid things that I seem capable of remembering, so I was able to call a local tyre dealer and get a new tyre sorted out.

Unfortunately, it’s not a size that they carry, so it will need to be ordered from Michelin and I can then get it sorted on Thursday. Ok, it’s going to cost me £130.00 to replace this tyre, but I cannot allow the car to run around on the spare wheel. Ok, it’s a full size spare, but I’m afraid that aesthetically, it sucks. It’s black painted steel, where as the normal wheels on the car are alloy.

As I type this, I’m waiting to get the RAC out to get the spare fitted. Ok – I know that I can do it, but the trouble is, I don’t know how much damage has been done with me driving on the wheel…

Time to go – the RAC patrol has just arrived.

Back when the car is sorted.


Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Madeiran Embroidery

Something that the island of Madeira is famous for (aside from its wine and flowers) is the fabulous hand done embroidery. The first time Mum and I went to Madeira, we were told to watch out for the holographic seal that is attached to a piece of embroidery. Why? Because this is the symbol that it has been checked by IBTAM (Instituto de Bordados Tapeçarias e Artesanato de Madeira) to ensure that it isn’t machine made. There is a simpler way – just look at the price!

I will admit to falling for a table cloth, and having serious thoughts about buying it… Or I did until I saw the price. It was €3,000. Mind you, having seen the work that goes into such pieces, I can understand why. Apparently, just a relatively simple piece of embroidery (such as a napkin) can take about 5 days of work, and if you add in the intricate cut work, then that time can almost double.

There is also a magnificent museum that shows some of the fabulous embroidery that is done on the island. It’s called Núclei Museológico do IVBAM (or the IBTAM museum). As you enter the building, and head up the main staircase, the first thing that you see is a huge (and I mean huge) tapestry.

All I can recall about this is that it has about seven million stitches, and took about five years to produce.

Once inside the displays are something special, and I will admit to gazing in wonder at some of the pieces, as it is almost impossible to imagine having the skill to produce the pieces that were on display.

One of my favourite pieces, was a tablecloth that was produced for the Queen’s state visit to Portugal (think it was 1985 or there about). The workmanship was something truly special, even by the standards of the pieces that were on display.

But my all time favourite piece is this one:

This was produced in 1999 (I think), and you can compare the paper pattern with the finished product – something I took great delight in doing.

The other display that caught my eye, was the display that showed the process from paper design to the final product. Unfortunately, the camera hated the display cases, so I only managed to get two useable shots from this entire display.

Well, this finally finishes the trip to Madeira. But I will admit to one thing – I think I have found my ideal holiday destination. Why? Because I can kick back, ignore the world and totally chill out.

After coming back, I am totally relaxed, and am ready to deal with the stupidity that seems to infest my day to day life here in the U.K. But, if I get the chance to go back – I’ll gladly do so, simply because I have fallen for this island paradise.

Time to call this quits – there are things I need to sort out before I head to the playpen tomorrow.

Back when I get the chance...


Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Of a Ship and a Fort

There has been one place that Mum and I have been meaning to visit every time we go to Madeira, but never do. The São Tiago Fort.

Why? Because this fort is next to the hotel that Mum and I stay in! Well, we finally decided to go and have a look…

We’d been into Funchal, and decided to take a gentle walk back. I’d stopped to go into one of the shops on the way back to the hotel – the idea being that as I walk faster than Mum, I would catch up with her. As I was walking back to join her, I heard this very loud horn blast, and Mum yelling “move it” and gesturing towards the sea front.

I did as I was told for once, and am so glad I did. Simply because the largest cruise liner currently afloat – Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas was making its majestic way into port.

Mum and I watched it docking, whilst we had a drink at the restaurant that was next to the cable car, and discussed our plans for the rest of the day. As it was still fairly early, we decided to head back to the hotel room, drop off the little bit of shopping that we had picked up (fresh fruit from the market) and head to the fort.

The fort holds a Modern Art museum (not something I am particularly keen on) but the views were something rather special – especially as there was a fantastic view of the port (or the harbour as I keep calling it!)

As well as the views across the harbour, you could get some lovely photographs of the old town, as well as the view up towards Monte.

Ah well – time to call this quits – I’m supposed to be getting ready to go out.

Back later.


Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Monte Tropical Palace Garden

As I said in previous posts – this garden merits a post all on its own, simply because it is such a spectacular place.

This garden is one of those places that takes you all over the world in horticultural terms, and also houses two beautiful museums. The first museum is devoted to African Art. Ok – I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but the sculpture was really something special.

The second museum is the one that really catches the eye, simply because of the exhibits. They’re various geodes and other items that have been collected over the years, and are displayed in such a way that you just can’t help but be in awe of the wonders that nature produces.

The majority of the displays are amethyst geodes from Brazil, but that didn’t lessen the impact that they had. Some of them ranged from a fairly pale purple, though to the rich almost imperial purple that you associate with top quality amethyst.

 

However, the real reason for going to the garden was just that – the garden. This has all kings of exotic flora from my favourite cycads, to typical plants from the Madeiran archipelago, including the Bay tree (Laurus Azorica), Canary Island Juniper (Juniperus Cedrus), to the almost common Agapanthus plants.

Each area seemed to have a distinct theme, and one of my favourite areas (aside from the cycad area) was the Japanese inspired garden. Why? Because the walkways and bridges that link this area are painted a bright red, which stands out magnificently against the lush greenery.

 

 

Aside from that, the scenery is just spectacular, and the little café has some of the most special memories for me. Why? Because of a cheeky little chaffinch. There was a lady sitting behind Mum and myself, with a cake of some description, and the chaffinch kept perching on the back of the spare chair, eyeing up the crumbs, if not the cake itself.

It seemed to get braver the more time it spent looking at the crumbs, and finally ended up hopping onto the table itself!

When it saw me with the camera, it seemed to turn around to me, and say ”oh, yeah? And what’s your problem, mate?” I just couldn’t resist the chance, and snapped the cheeky little thing.

But the patience was rewarded – it got the crumbs, and even hopped onto the edge of the plate to make sure it didn’t miss anything.

When the chaffinch flew away (I’m amazed it could fly, the amount that it had eaten – greedy little thing.) I decided to see what I could see from the little viewpoint. I wasn’t disappointed, as I got the most fabulous views of the western side of Funchal.

Ah well – time to call this quits – I need to get some sleep, as I have an early start tomorrow.

Back when I get the chance…

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Monte

This is somewhere that is a real haven of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of Funchal. It's also cooler, and whilst in Funchal, it can be brilliant sunshine, you can end up looking like a drowned rat in Monte!

I will admit, trying to take photos whilst the cable car is running is something of an art, but it's one that I seem to have been able to master (if I do say so myself!)

One of my favourite places in Monte, is the little restaurant / bar that is attached to the cable car building. Why? Because of the fabulous views over the port of Funchal, as well as Funchal itself.

Aside from the views, Monte is known for a number of things - Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (I'll do a separate post on this!), the Toboggan and the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Monte - also known as Mother Church of Our Lady of Monte.

The toboggan is one of those things that you have to experience (yes - I have done so) and I remember pelting down the road on a wickerwork toboggan and going sideways at several points along the route!

But the best thing (or most scary thing - depending on your outlook) is that the route is actually along public highways. I will admit to one thing - I would be loathe to park my car on the route, as at one point, I really thought we were going to end up embedded in the side of a brand new VW Polo!

Not far from the toboggans, is the church. But, there is a catch (isn't there always?) You have to climb 74  steps to get to the church.

However, this is well worth the climb, as the interior is something very special. OK - it's not as ornate as the Cathedral, but this is just as special in its own way...





The ceiling of this Church is something that really stunned me. The last time I was there, I freely admit to missing it - not this time!



But there is more to Monte than just the gardens, toboggans and the church.  Just a short walk from the toboggans, is the village square, complete with its own little cafe and shop.  Again, it's just so pleasant to sit there, and just watch the world go by...

But not only is there the cafe & shop, there is a lovely shrine to the Virgin Mary.  It never fails to amaze me, and the flower displays are always immaculate.

Ah well guess I should call this quits - I've been staring at a computer screen for too long today.

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Funchal & it's delights - Jardim Orquidea and the Botanical Gardens

The one thing that I really love is the flowers and gardens in Madeira. The best example for me is Jardim Orquida (see http://www.madeiraorchid.com/), which houses some of the most magnificent orchids that I have ever seen (or had the pleasure of photographing) I just wish I could have captured the scent of some of the orchids - it was truly knock out - especially the Cattalaya orchids.

The entrance to Jardim Orquida is nothing much to look at, on first glance. However, it's when you get inside that the magic really happens.

There were so many orchids (and I took so many photos) that it's hard to say what really caught my imagination the most. But the one thing that really stuck out for me, was the variety of orchids that were on display - including Vanda orchids that ranged in colour from a very pale blue/mauve to a rich blue (as in my photo below)

Some of the flowers were just weird (and I admit - I don't know very many of the names!)

Bu the one that did catch my eye, was a Dendrobium:

The one thing that did upset me, was the fact that some of the plants weren't labeled. When I asked why, I was told that it was for security reasons, as the plants tended to be the rarer varieties. This was because in the past, when they had been labeled, orchid collectors had stolen the plants.

The only thing I wanted to do was take photographs - and curse that I don't have the right cultivation conditions for these beautiful plants. But that doesn't stop me trying - OK - more to the point, doesn't stop Mum trying - she went and bought one of the plants that was on sale. A Dendrobium (don't think it was the one I liked though). She brought it back in her flight bag and it is now growing happily in the kitchen.

After we went to Jardim Orquidea, Mum and I walked to the Botanical Gardens. (See http://www.madeirabotanicalgarden.com/)  Ok - it's supposed to be 200 metres from where we were, but the trouble was there were no obvious signs and I guess that Mum and I walked more like 500 metres.  But as far as I was concerned, it was well worth it.  Why? Because we came in at the bottom end of the garden, near the Cycads.

Ok - I admit it - I have a real love of these facinating prehistoric plants, and everywhere that they grew, I tried to get photographs.  Don't ask me what species they were, because I honestly don't know.  But that wasn't the only attraction of the Botanical Garden for me. 

Whilst Mum was resting with a cold drink (she wasn't feeling too good) I made my escape and found all sorts of interesting things to photograph - including plants that I didn't even know flowered.  Why?  Because here in the UK, we treat them as foliage plants - things like the Swiss Cheese plant (Monstera Edulis)

The central spathe of this plant is edible, and is sold in the market as a fruit.  It's an aquired taste, I have to admit, but it was one that I did manage to aquire...

There was such a wide variety of plants that there is no way that I can show everything that I saw.  The one thing that I do remember (for a variety of reasons) was the carpet bedding display.

There are channels of water between parts of the displays, and the reason I remember this, is because they were covered with algae, and I had to warn Mum that they were not grass... 

However, someone also thought that they were grass.  I was photographing the Cactus display that over looks the carpet bedding when I heard a splash.  Yes, you guessed it, someone had tried to walk on the "grass" and fell into the water.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh.

Aside from that, there were lots of things that I found facinating (apart from the cycads) - including a Ginger Lilly that was taller than me!

But the plants weren't the only thing that caught my imagnination.  The spectacular scenery was something that I just couldn't resist trying to get photographs of:

Aside from the plants (and spectacular scenery) the peacocks that strutted around the gardens seemed to show no fear of visitors.  I managed to get a couple of shots whilst I was taking a quick break (ok - I was seated reviewing some photos on my camera!)

However, the real fun came when I joined Mum at the coffee shop.  There were about three peacocks "mugging" people for crumbs (and larger bits if they could get them) and two of them were "scared" (I use the term very loosly) by one of the rangers who was near by.  The third peacock hid, and when the ranger's back was turned, made the most of the lack of competition!

But the others didn't stay away for long, and by the time Mum and I left, there were five peacocks - the other two had brought their mates with them!

Ah well - guess I should call this quits - I need to get some sleep as I'm back in the playpen tomorrow.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most