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Monthly Archives: August 2013

Burnham Week 2013

31 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Cornwall, England, Sailing

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Burnham Race Week

The end of Burnham Week, and the end of summer…August 31st is the last race of the week, and for My Beloved Brit, probably the year.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The town is quieter this week than in past years, but still lovely. Especially this summer, one of the warmest England has seen in years.

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The shops are busy and there are not many empty storefronts. The lines for ice cream on the river front are long.

Burnham's High Street. Photo by me

Burnham’s High Street. Photo by me

But, there are fewer boats these days racing.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Many say it is the economy. Some say people can’t afford to take the time off.

The "RBs". The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. Lovely. Photo by me.

The “RBs”. The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. That’s it second from the right. Lovely. Photo by me.

Dock talk (the general banter on the sea wall about this and that) says that the young sailors are not coming along to replace the sailors retiring from the racing circuit.

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The new sailors are here, but many less than in the past.

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an "RB". Photo by me

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an “RB”. I love that it is pink and the crew wears pink shirts under their jackets. Photo by me

When I first started visiting Burnham-on-Crouch for Burnham Week with my Beloved Brit over 16 years ago, the crowds were massive. Now it seems so much calmer with less crowds on the seawall, and fewer boats competing.

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The streets are more peaceful, although bands of revellers still walk the sea wall at night going from yacht club to yacht club seeing who has the better band and the best sailing banter to relive the day.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

The "RBs" starting their race. Photo by me

The “RBs” and “Squibs” lining up to start to race. Photo by me

Will it come back to its former glory when the economy finally recovers?

And they're off! Photo by me.

And they’re off! Photo by me.

Or is the golden age of racing a thing to tell stories about at the local pub?

Chelsea and the Saachti

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Art, Art Museums & Exhibitions, London, paintings, sketching, Uncategorized

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Dawn Clements, Eric Manigaud, Margot Sanders, Saachti Gallery, Storm Tharp, Thom Thayer, Yuken Teruya

I was in London yesterday, and my hotel (which had offered an unbeatable bargain for the night) was near Victoria Station, a neighborhood I was not familiar with. Early in the morning after a big breakfast I decided to head out and explore, and found myself in Chelsea.

Entering Chelsea. Photo by me

Entering Chelsea. Photo by me

It was lovely.  Lots of beautiful townhouses, shops and busy streets.  It was rush hour after all.  Even though I was on holiday, London was back to work after the 3 day break. But more on the neighborhood in a future post.

Busy Sloane Square. Photo by me

Busy Sloane Square. Photo by me

Wandering down past Sloane Square, I came across the Saatchi Gallery, which I had often heard of but had never had a chance to visit. I believe this is a new location for it.

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It was fantastic.  I found several exhibits in the many galleries that were exciting and original. In the very first gallery was Dawn Clements, and she filled the large room with her sumi ink on paper.

I believe this artist was my favorite...Dawn Clements. Photo by me

I believe this artist was my favorite…Dawn Clements. Photo by me

I loved the realism and flow of it.  Almost like a giant sketchbook gone wild!

A detail from "Movie". Photo by me

A detail from “Movie”. Photo by me

The huge sheets of paper filled the room in a seemingly haphazard manner, like lazy memories.

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Detail, "Travels with Myra Hudson". Photo by me

Detail, “Travels with Myra Hudson”. Photo by me

Only one piece was in color.  The color seemed to make it cozier.

"Untitled (Coloured Kitchen), Photo by me

“Untitled (Colour Kitchen), Photo by me

IMG_9330The galleries were a mixture of very varied work on/with paper on the main floor.  Some I liked better than others, but the personal nature of the work and the original use of paper made it cohesive and exciting.

Eric Manigaud, pencil and graphite on paper. Photo by me

Eric Manigaud, pencil and graphite on paper. Photo by me

Along the wall of one room were a series of different paper bags…from McDonald’s to Christian Dior.  When you went up to them and peered inside…

Yuken Teruya, all paper and glue. Photo by me

Yuken Teruya, all paper and glue. Photo by me

you saw these lovely little trees

IMG_9341…the leaves had been cut from the top of the bag displayed, leaving a patterned hole for the light to come in.

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Each was a different color palette depending on the bag it came from.  Recycle indeed.  It was like delicate origami.

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At the far end of the room was another beautiful use of paper recycled into “nature” art.

Thom Thayer's "Nature Scene" Photo by me

Thom Thayer’s “Nature Scene” Photo by me

It was very large and juxtaposed next to the delicate bags even more impressive.  The artist was intrigued by birds, and his use of materials was delicate but strong.

paint, ink, pigments, graphite and sewing on felt and monk's cloth. Photo by me

paint, ink, pigments, graphite and sewing on felt and monk’s cloth. Photo by me

Another gallery featured very strong portraiture, full face or full-bodied. Margot Sander’s acrylic on paper was by far my favorite.

Margot Sanders "In fine company" Photo by me

Margot Sanders “In fine company” Photo by me

Storm Tharp’s ink gouache and colored pencil on paper was interesting, but a bit too depressing for me.

"Love Nothing More" Photo by me

“Window” and “Jodie Jill” Photo by me

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“Love Nothing More” Storm Tharp. Photo by me

His series of 21 works on paper, above, reinforced that feeling. It also felt familiar, like I had seen it before.  Not sure if that was because I had seen something similar or because of the nature of the work.

I escaped to the next floor and found a room that was interactive video.  The first screen had falling snowflakes in gray on white.  When my shadow hit the screen, the snowflakes bounced off of “me”.

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There was also a work that reacted when you stood in front of it.  I have seen this type of thing before.  But it’s still intriguing to see how you can affect a space. Rather like a play space…

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All in all, an intriguing day.  Some of the aspects of the museum are very commercial and designed to get the public directly engaged with the works. There was something about “voting” for your favorite work. Ugh. I didn’t take the time to read the details.

Mark Jenkins, USA, "Cornered", sculpture. Photo by me

Mark Jenkins, USA, “Cornered”, sculpture. Photo by me

But it was still refreshing, and especially the “Paper” show was one of the best I have seen in a while. Always love a visit to London.  There is never-ending art.

Riding the "lift" up to the "first floor". Photo by me

Riding the “lift” up to the “first floor”. Photo by me

 

 

 

If it’s Bank Holiday Monday, this must be London

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Art Museums & Exhibitions, England, History, London, The Royal Family, Travel, Uncategorized

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Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Westminster Abbey

I left My Beloved Brit happily sailing on the Crouch River in Eastern England, and took the train in to London.

Ready to start the day.  The River Crouch. Photo by me.

Ready to start the day. The River Crouch. Photo by me.

Obviously many others had the same idea.  It was the Bank Holiday Monday at the end of summer, the last day off many families will have until Christmas! Remember, in the UK there is no Thanksgiving holiday.

Many others had the same idea of going down to The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Many others had the same idea of going down to The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

It was the perfect day to head to The Mall, the main street in front of the palace.

The Victoria Fountain in front of the palace. Photo by me.

The Victoria Fountain in front of the palace. Photo by me.

Heading down The Mall, I stopped in front of Clarence House, the current residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, and former residence of the Queen Mother.  It was only open for one more week, so I took the opportunity to ask if there were any open times left. As luck would have it, I got one of the last openings on the spot.

The blue morning room at Clarence House, from the official royal website.

The blue morning room at Clarence House, from the official royal website.

No photos allowed, and it was very warm with no air-conditioning (now we know why they all head to Balmoral for August). But it was still fascinating. It’s a beautiful home.

The changing of the guard in front of Clarence House. Photo by me.

The changing of the guard in front of Clarence House. Photo by me.

It was time to cut across St. James’s Park and pick up a bottle of ice-cold water, and head towards Westminster Abbey.

Bucking ham Palace from St. James Park. Photo by me.

Buckingham Palace from St. James’s Park. Photo by me.

A waterfowl staying cool in St. James's Park. Photo by me.

A waterfowl staying cool in St. James’s Park. Photo by me.

The park in summer. Photo by me

The park in summer. Photo by me

And of course this is England, so there are fabulous flowers. Photo by me.

And of course this is England, so there are fabulous flowers. Photo by me.

I got to Westminster Abbey and headed for the ticket entrance.  The Abbey has been on my list for some time, and I have never managed to get there in time to get admitted. But this time I had luck.

Westminster Abbey in August. Photo by me.

Westminster Abbey in August. Photo by me.

Again, no photos were allowed inside, and it is a church with many, many tombs and chapels, so it is understandable.  It gave me such a sense of history as I gazed on the tombs of kings from the 12th century, Queen Elizabeth the First, Mary Queen of Scotts, Darwin…it just goes on and on.

The Abbey from the Cloister. Photo by me.

The Abbey from the Cloister. Photo by me.

And of course the whole thing looks so absolutely familiar from the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey. Mirror.co.uk/Pic:PA

The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey. Mirror.co.uk/Pic:PA

And then there was that very famous coronation 60 years ago.  In the Chapter house  there is an exhibition on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which took place at the abbey, and the original painting by Australian artist Heimans, which is spectacular, was still on exhibition.

The painting

The painting by Ralph Heimans. Photo by me.

I had read that this painting had been damaged by a vandal in June who sprayed paint on it.  It was good to see that the artist was able to bring it back to its original glory.

Detail.  The Queen is standing in the Abbey on the spot where she was crowned in 1953. Photo by me.

Detail. The Queen is standing in the Abbey on the spot where she was crowned in 1953. Photo by me.

I must say, my time in Westminster gave me pause.  The sense of history, tradition and mortality was palatable.

With that, I came back to my room, watched the sun set, and planned on heading back to Burnham-on-Crouch the next day.

Goodnight, London. Photo by me.

Goodnight, London. Photo by me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer’s End in Cornwall

23 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Cornwall, England, entertainment, Travel, United Kingdom

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Bank Holiday, beaches, Charlestown, labor day

The last few weeks of August the people of England flood to the beaches of Cornwall.  It is warm by their standards (in the 70s), and you see them with their pails and shovels and beach chairs, children in tow, going down to the rocky, seaweed strewn beaches.

IMG_9014This is in Charlestown in Cornwall on the southwest coast of England, a seafaring town with ancient ships and lovely beaches. And the British flock there with their families in August for the last gasp of summer.

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Monday is England’s “bank holiday”, comparable to our Labor Day in the states. The end of summer.  Bittersweet.

Coastal Walk Ramsgate to Broadstairs

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in England, Sailing, sketching, Travel, Uncategorized

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Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Viking Coastal Trail

Early one morning this summer in southeast England, when the sailors had gone out to race during Ramsgate week…

IMG_8659I decided to take my sketchbook and head up the Viking Coastal Trail which hugs the English Coast.  France is only 30 miles away across the sea, but the coastline here is pure English…chalk cliffs, seagulls and beautiful horizons.

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Appropriately, the walk begins in Ramsgate above a popular fish and chips shop near the beach.

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I headed up the cliff to get on the upper walkway along the coast.  I was heading to Broadstairs, sketchbook and camera in hand.

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I was well above the marina and the seawall of Ramsgate.

IMG_8767I headed north.  It was overcast but lovely…maybe 65 degrees with a soft breeze. I headed along some of the Victorian era crescents to my left…

IMG_8769 the sea and vistas back towards Ramsgate behind me…

IMG_8771and the sea and the beaches to my right.

IMG_8774As I walked out of Ramsgate proper, it became all about the sea.

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IMG_8781The path finally cut a bit away from the sea, into a wooded park, with a small food stop and dogs everywhere playing with balls and kids and each other.

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As the park ended, the path went through mounds of berry bushes…

IMG_8782and finally ended up here…on the Boradstairs side of the park.

IMG_8784The sea reappeared in all its glory.

IMG_8791And after a long sit on a strategically placed bench, I decided to head back towards Ramsgate.

IMG_8787This time when I came to the other end of the park, I decided to take the lower beach walk. I took a long time getting down these steps taking in the views.

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I headed home along the beach, watching the sea and the people and the birds.

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Back to town and the sailors…

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Lola’s

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Sailing

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coffee cafe, Lola's, Ramsgate

On the trek down the seawall in Ramsgate, on your way to the marina where the sailors  take off for the race of the day, is a sweet little coffee cafe called “Lola’s”.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

I stopped for a coffee myself yesterday morning on my way down to watch the send off.  She also has homemade bread pudding, brownies, sausage rolls and egg sandwiches as well as other treats in case you didn’t have enough time to grab breakfast at the club before a hard day on the open water.

A stop for a hot drink on your way down the sea wall. Photo by me.

A stop for a hot drink on your way down the sea wall. Photo by me.

And of course, you can always find a bit of conversation…most often related to the days sailing activities.

Hot chocolate and "dock talk" at Lolas. Photo by me

Hot chocolate and “dock talk” at Lola’s. Photo by me

And they’re off…

Another day racing at Ramsgate. Photo by me

Another day racing at Ramsgate. Photo by me

 

 

 

Ramsgate. Oh, we are sailing.

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in England, Sailing

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Ramsgate, Royal Temple Yacht Club

It has been a lovely week.  Beautiful clouds floating in the sky, but so far no rain at all. That is predicted to change today. Each morning My Beloved Brit packs up his sailing gear, and heads over to the Royal Temple Yacht Club to join his mates for a big breakfast before they set out for the day to race on the English Channel.

Looking back towards the yacht club from the marina, Ramsgate. Photo by me

Looking back towards the yacht club from the marina, Ramsgate. Photo by me

A few mornings I have walked down to the sea wall to see them off, and I must say it is great fun.

The marina is still full. Photo by me.

The marina is still full. Photo by me.

There is a lot of bustling about on the boats, and you can hear the laughter coming across the marine…often following what sounds like MBB’s voice.

Heading for the boat. Photo by me

Heading for the boat. Photo by me

There’s lots of activity getting the boat ready.

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It’s very exciting as they start pulling away from their berths and head out to the open sea for a day of racing.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

My Beloved Brit heads out on Assasin. photo by me.

My Beloved Brit heads out on Assassin. photo by me.

Almost like a parade.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

It never gets old for him…or for me. I head out with a friend to walk through the gardens of Kent.  Win, win.

An artichoke blooming in a Kent Garden. Photo by me.

An artichoke blooming in a Kent Garden with a small bee looking for pollen. Photo by me.

Ramsgate Race Week

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Sailing

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race week, Ramsgate, Royal Temple Yacht Club

We got to Ramsgate in the Southeast of England late Sunday, with time to prep for Race Week.

Boats at the ready for Ramsgate Week. Photo by me.

Boats at the ready for Ramsgate Week. Photo by me.

Ramsgate Week is the Royal Temple Yacht Club’s annual regatta and bills itself as “the friendly regatta”.

The Royal Temple Yacht Club on the front looks over the huge marina at Ramsgate. Photo by me.

The Royal Temple Yacht Club on the front looks over the huge marina at Ramsgate. Photo by me.

It is a full week of sailing, competition and partying, and this year proves to be no exception.

Waiting for the week to begin, My Beloved Brit looks out to sea. Photo by me.

Waiting for the week to begin, My Beloved Brit looks out to sea. Photo by me.

I spent my first evening walking around the port on the English Channel, taking in the gorgeous skies and mellow seas.

The sailboats ready for the next morning. Photo by me.

The sailboats ready for the next morning. Photo by me.

It promises to be a beautiful week with temps in the high 60s to low 70s, cool on the water but perfect for touring.

The way out of the protected port to where they will race. Photo by me.

The way out of the protected port to where they will race. Photo by me.

I am heading down to the marina now to see the boats take off for their races. Wish him luck!

Sunday Roast 2013

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Food, Travel

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Roast Chicken, Sunday Roast

Nothing says England like a Sunday Roast, and at the beginning of this visit we were treated to a memorable one at My Beloved Brit’s sister’s home once again.  Chicken, roast potatoes, veggies, and brown gravy.  Yum.

Sunday Roast 2013. Photo by me.

Sunday Roast 2013. Photo by me.

The holiday has only just begun and I am already eating way too much, but loving every minute of it.

Cambridge Punts

09 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in England, Travel, United Kingdom

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Cambridge, punts, River Cam

We arrived in the UK yesterday morning after a long red-eye flight to Heathrow, and made our way up to the banks of the River Cam, Cambridge, to try to adjust to England time.  It was the perfect spot to recover.

Our hotel in Cambridge, a Doubletree by Hilton, rear left on the River Cam. Photo by me

Our hotel in Cambridge, a Doubletree by Hilton, rear left on the River Cam. Photo by me

Our room was not ready when we arrived late morning, but we managed to sit in the back garden of the hotel, and watch with great amusement as people made their way down the river on the classic mode of transportation, the punt.

The punts lined up on the River Cam ready for action. Photo by me.

The punts lined up on the River Cam ready for action. Photo by me.

Right down the block there are many vendors offering “chauffeured” punt tours of the river, a perfect way to see the backside of the great university and colleges that line the shore. By chauffeured, they mean that someone does the hard work for you.

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Some “punters” were quite skilled and comfortable with the boats. Photo by me.

But you can also rent the plain wooden punts yourself, and many did on this mildly warm summer afternoon. We decided to stick to the river’s edge, and watch the action from the shore.

A perfect day to rent a punt. Photo by me.

A perfect day to rent a punt. Photo by me.

The level of expertise at guiding the boats down the river with long wooden poles pushing in the mud, varied greatly.

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But it was all done with great humor, and much camaraderie and laughter.

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The best was to watch the older boatmen try to move the punts from one part of the river, over the embankment by lifting it and repositioning it in the new tributary.

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In order to get the punt from one side of the tow path to the other you had to lift it out and carry it over. Quite a procedure. Photo by me.

It became even more humorous when a parade of cows coming by on the same path, who obviously had the run of the river shores, decided to join the chaos.  My camera was still in my bag waiting to get to the room so I missed the shot of the day, but we will talk about that site for years to come.

It’s good to be back in England.

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