Hello again
Couldn’t manage to get this out before the end of the month, but I’m always late when it comes to this review!
How was the month for you? For me, what was memorable was the heat of those two days mid-July. I do think the British public has woken up to the fact that climate change is real and here, right now. Especially so after wildfires on grass moved on to housing, which I think is a first for this country. The question is, have our politicians woken up, particularly the current government? And the answer is no as they are far more interested in their own internal politics at the moment – see below!
Btw, sometimes one sees the two terms global warming and climate change used almost interchangeably. I use the term climate change as global warming is just one aspect of climate change – see here for a reference.
On Sunday I had an interesting conversation on Twitter (which btw is my favourite social media platform and where I am not always Frugalfashionshopper but often my real left-wing self) about things we might be able to do to prevent the disaster that’s waiting for our grandchildren. It started with someone praising the benefits of using the train and a bike to go on vacation and the pleasure of taking three days to arrive. Of course, there were the naysayers saying they wouldn’t want to take 3 days to get to their vacation and 3 days to get back on a one week holiday.
I fully support the use of trains and would like to use them far more but, gosh, the expense of British trains these days. However, I am seriously considering using the train and ferry to get to France next year, that would be Toulouse so that means crossing Paris by metro, woo-hoo, do we still have sufficient energy and oomph to do that? I hope so. But it will sadly be more expensive than a flight – this really has to change. We also want to get to Oslo for reasons of family history as I have a family connection there and was thinking the only way to get to Oslo would be flying, but my son-in-law who has been looking at the website The Man in Seat 61 said, well, yes we could get to Oslo by train. Now that would be quite an adventure so I’ll be researching that!
Someone has just said (on Twitter) that rail journeys are more memorable – must reply to that tweet – but that made me say to myself, oh yes, so true as THE most interesting train journey we ever took was in 1999. We flew in to Miami from St Lucia (we were on our travels) and stayed with an old nursing friend who had lived in the States for years. After being with her for several days, we got the train to Philadelphia to stay with friends from Brighton, and that’s right, we didn’t fly! Moreover, we got off the train at Charleston, what a beautiful place that is, and stayed for two nights, and then we did the same when we boarded the train again and got off at Washington for another two nights.
That was the most interesting experience I’ve ever had on vacation as tell me do you talk to people you don’t know on a plane? On a train you do speak to strangers. We spoke to so many people who were quite fascinated with my accent for starters! I loved the mix of people and the atmosphere. At that time, there was a conductor in each coach who wore a dashingly smart uniform with a great cap, and they really did say, All Aboard, and New York is really announced as New York, New York. We went through hours and hours of orange groves and then hours and hours of trees, and it gave you such an immediate sense of the size of the country. One time in Philly we took the train for an outing to New York and of course, the train went through Baltimore and that’s why we took to The Wire (still think it’s the best television series ever) it was because from the train we’d seen those streets.
The whole experience of seeing the States by train was amazing. What I loved most was stopping at small towns (the train was slow but hey that’s what made it such a great experience) and I was absolutely gobsmacked when the train ran through the middle of several small towns. When the train stopped you didn’t see station buildings instead this huge train towered above an ordinary street so you looked down and saw small shops and people going about their business in a small town. Truly the whole journey was the greatest experience of my vacationing life.
Have you had any memorable train journeys? Do let me know if you have.
Having deviated somewhat from the month of July (!) what other events come to mind? Ah yes, our ghastly Prime Minister got the boot from his fellow MPs. But, he hasn’t gone yet. For those of you outside the UK, as we don’t have a Presidential system and, as it is ostensibly the party one votes for at General Elections, consequently it is the Conservatives MPs and the party members (numbering just under 200,000) who are voting for a new party leader, and that leader will then fall into place as the Prime Minister. So the people of Great Britain have no say in this process whatsoever.
You know that phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’, several very mediocre types came forward to take Johnson’s place and these were whittled down by the MPs who have first dibs in this process to two contenders: Richi Sunak, who is capable up to a point; and Liz Truss, who is not capable AT ALL. And who is favourite amongst the Conservative Party members? It is Liz Truss. Voting slips have gone out to them this week and we will know who has won (but it is inevitable the favourite will win) at the party conference in September.
At some point I will be writing a post in My Other Blog as I have plenty to say about Johnson’s legacy. But – would you believe it – there’s a view out there that Johnson has hopes that the aforementioned Truss will make such a hash of being PM that he will be recalled to save his party. Furthermore, there is a ripe old scandal waiting to happen when we know who is on the traditional retiring PM’s honours list. Allegedly he is aiming to pack the House of Lords with a huge number of types who will get that honour only if they vote the party line. Despite being an antediluvian system, with hereditary peers and honorary peers in our upper house instead of elected members, the House of Lords does act as a brake against some of the more outrageous Bills that come from the Commons. So this is another move on Johnson’s part to put an end to the checks and balances that all democracies need. The answer is to abolish the House of Lords. If only.
To keep my sanity, I delve into bloggerland and immerse myself in fashion and frivolity. But that takes me back to the delightful conversation I had on Twitter. I’d responded to the train tweet with the remark that we really ought to reduce our air travel – why do we think it is our god given right to fly everywhere – but one tweeter reminded me that air travel produces precisely 2% of carbon emissions (true) and that having worked out her carbon footprint it was food and fashion that made up the bulk of her carbon footprint.
Fashion, is of course, a very dirty business, and I think we are all aware of this. I hardly ever buy new outer clothing, partly due to my finances, but also I am aware of how awful the fashion business is. But apparently one should aim to wear clothing items 100 times and if that is so I am absolutely a failure as a charity shop dress I bought this year is still yet to be worn. However, one of the chazza dresses I bought earlier this year has been a great success and I wear it 2-3 times a week because I love it and it’s so easy to wear. Here it is!
This was taken in the grounds of Lewes Castle which follows a motte and bailey design. It’s ancient as the first motte was completed around 1066!
One of the walls of the motte is still standing on the left of the photo and the bailey is the rounded tower on the right.
To the opposite side of the castle at the top of a very steep walk up many steps you have outstanding views of Lewes and the surrounding downs.
The weather has turned warm and for the whole month I’ve been wearing my dresses – yay! You’ll see more of these in the month of August.
I have decided to research plants for dry weather – here’s a link to a garden in Kent that hasn’t been watered for 22 years. Those are the plants I need in my dry south-facing area.
We had a close encounter with someone with Covid, cancelled a couple of things including going up to London, but didn’t get it – amazing – was that rotten cold we had Covid? Difficult to tell as we tested negative throughout but we must have good immunity to not get it. Now we’ve had another exposure with someone who has tested positive. This is going to go on for a very long time.
Hoping to get up to Dulwich Art Gallery this week to meet an old friend and see the latest exhibition.
Finally, we looked after Oscar last Saturday afternoon in Lewes, and oh boy, were we exhausted! Being a grandma is lovely but it’s so good to hand these active little ones back!
Very briefly, as I’ve written rather a lot about July (!) here’s what I’ve been reading and watching.
Books
I am not buying books from Amazon or actual bookshops, instead I’m looking in charity shops and going to my local library. I feel it’s good to do this but it’s a bit hit and miss as I don’t always like what I buy and in the library the books I really want to read are usually on a long waiting list. Anyway I’ve read 3 books this month and am on to my 4th. The first was a disappointment, it was Hanif Kureshi’s Something To Tell You. I have mixed feelings about it as it’s very well written, densely plotted and yet the characters jar. I enjoyed it at first and then I didn’t. Tbh, don’t bother, instead get out The Buddha of Suburbia which is Kureshi’s best book. The next book made up for my disappointment as it was a brilliant read. It’s Amor Towles, The Lincoln Highway, wow, what a book. If I said it was a road trip it’s doing a disservice to the characters, of whom I really cared about, and to the author. I expect many of you have read a Gentleman in Moscow, this is better. In fact, I see it as my best fiction book of the year, so far.
I’ve just finished Diane Cook’s The New Wilderness. Despite being shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize it was a bit hmm, OK, fine. It’s set in a dystopian future where a few chosen people are allowed to live in the wilderness instead of the City. But they have to keep moving on and they can’t settle, they have to be hunter gatherers say the Rangers who are the guardians of the Wilderness. I read it, but not sure I liked it. Now reading Helen Dunmore’s Burning Bright, but don’t think this is, by any means, her best novel. So if this carries on I might have to resort to buying a book as I’m 7th and 8th on two lists of library books I really want to read!
TV
We are watching Better Call Saul on Netflix which continues to be excellent. Only two more episodes before the entire series finishes – I shall feel bereft as it’s so well acted and the story arc is superb. Well done those writers. Finished watching Trom (BBCiPlayer) which was a who-dun-it set in the Faroe Islands. As we have been to the Faroes on a cruise, we loved it, it is a typical Nordic-noir. Also finished watching The Outlaws (BBCiPlayer) which was a hoot. American readers of this blog, do try and find it somewhere as this is the comedy series that has the one and only Christoper Walken in it. Still watching Borgen (Netflix) which is the political one set in Denmark, this is excellent and Ten Percent (Amazon) which is the British version of Call My Agent, to which I say, why? Why remake this at all? I mean it’s OK, it’s perfectly decent telly, but it is not a patch on the French version which was wonderful. We’ve just started watching Slow Horses(Apple tv) which is an adaptation of the Mick Herron’s series of books on MI5. It’s really excellent and we are thoroughly enjoying it. We are saving the fourth season of Stranger Things (Netflix) for the Autumn.
Meanwhile, the month of July has been the month of sport. Neither of us participate in any sports whatsoever, but first there was Wimbledon and while I can’t say I love the sport I do watch it for the sheer joy of that summery feeling you get when you hear those balls being hit over the net. Two weeks of tennis, then nearly at the same time we had three weeks of the Tour de France, which we adore ever since it passed our street in Brighton must be over 20 years ago. We love it and know most of the participants names and the teams too. It’s also such a joy to see France in all its glory. Then we do like Formula 1 motor racing and can I shock you, as on Sunday instead of watching a certain football match we watched the highlights of the Hungarian Grand Prix instead.
And what about that football match? We’ve watched the goal highlights, and the delight and sheer joy of those watching it in the Wembley arena is just wonderful to see. Well done that English women’s football team for winning the Women’s Euro Final. They played so well, in fact I think women’s football is far better than the men’s – it’s a better atmosphere too. Let’s hope from now on girls can play football in every school and that women’s football becomes a normal part of British sporting life.
Well, that’s all for now – you’ll see more of my dresses as the month of August progresses. In the meantime stay well and safe.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I always read both your blogs with great interest, and enjoy both the fashion and the politics – well, I enjoy and appreciate you talking freely about the current political situation, what a disgusting mess the Tories have made!
Apropos buying books, I never buy actual books via Amazon, though at the moment I am having to resort to Kindle sometimes as I am having various vision problems, and it is a distinct advantage to be able to tweak the font size, style, background colour etc etc.
I do often buy from WOB (formerly World of Books) http://www.wob.com ,
who have a wonderful range of secondhand books of all sorts, free delivery, and a very quick delivery time too. And they do buy-back!
Hi Sue and thank you so much for the feedback (much appreciated) and reminding me about World of Books. I have just set up an account and am delighted with the books that are under £5. Also that they will buy back. Have bought two books!
Sorry to hear about the vision and I agree that Kindle is excellent for adjusting the type size and colour. I’ve given up my Kindle because of my insomnia – it was one of the things I had to let go to get myself back to sleeping better. I read real books now. Anyway, thanks again – really pleased with WOBs.
In June this year, my husband (83) and I (78) went to Stockholm for a reunion with old friends. My husband cannot fly because of health issues, so we went by train. We were due to leave on 20 th June, the first day of the railway strike, but Eurostar cancelled only two departures and ours was unaffected.
It was an amazing adventure, changing at Brussels and Cologne to get to Hamburg. Overnight in an excellent hotel in Hamburg, which was less than half the price of the Premier Inn in London where we had stayed on the 19th. Next day we went Hamburg to Stockholm via Copenhagen. Yes, it does take a lot longer by train, but there is much less hassle and we chose to regard the journey as part of our holiday.
We met some lovely people on the journey and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We retraced our steps to return, which went equally well. I had never done anything like this before, but thanks to the excellent Seat61 website, I was able to book it relatively easily. We packed light, and it’s amazing what you can carry in a small cabin bag! European railways are much cheaper than ours, too. The most expensive part of the journey would have been getting from South Wales to London by rail as we had originally booked. However, because of the strike we had to cancel those tickets and get to London by Coach, which was amazingly cheap and surprisingly comfortable. We enjoyed it so much that we are now planning a trip to the south of France in October, by rail.
You have really inspired me to think that Toulouse will be a doddle! What a trip you took – sounds amazing and really interesting too.
Can I ask you a question though? It’s about insurance. I was on the Seat61website quite a short time but I think I saw that these train tickets aren’t refundable. What did you do about cancellation and medical insurance. It can be horrendously expensive at our age. But really you are inspirational although is that ageist of me to think that????!!! Why shouldn’t we do such things! Anyway, I’m determined to do France by train now! Oslo is slightly trickier and a bit like your journey.
I also can pack light when forced to. I packed only one cabin bag for a river cruise (which involved train travel too) and managed to pack clothes and shoes for the evening as well as daytime clothes.
Thanks so much for your comment 😊
At the time we were still covered by an annual insurance taken out last year. We had taken it out with Holiday Extras to cover a Fred Olsen cruise which we went on in February this year. Amazingly, it was cheaper at the time to take out an annual insurance rather than one covering only the cruise. This will expire in a week’s time, so we have bought another annual insurance to cover our October trip and a cruise which we have booked for January next.
This time we have taken out insurance with Staysure, filling in their online form, and I can recommend them. The form was easy to navigate (and my husband has some complex health issues). Plus, the cost was £1200, which was £300 less than we paid last year. It’s a lot of money, but I believe you can do it in easy payments if you wish. Also I needed to be absolutely sure that the insurance covered a helicopter evacuation at sea should that be required, as you have to have this when going on a sea cruise. Before accepting the quotation and paying, I emailed them asking for confirmation that this was covered, and they responded within a couple of days. They have a very good Trustpilot rating too.
I love to read your fashion blog. I have been buying on eBay for years – started by buying ‘designer’ stuff for our first cruise, and was delighted to find I could buy brand new Joseph Ribkoff, Gina Bacconi, Jacques Vert, etc, for under £50. I’m also happy to buy pre-owned clothing, as I grew up just after WW2, when hand-me-downs was what you wore, as there was little else available!
We intend to keep on keeping on while we can – too late once we’re dead – and we like to have something to look forward to. After Carcassonne, our next rail trip will probably be to Venice, and then, who knows? I definitely urge you to explore the Seat61 website, as there is a wealth of interesting information on there. Comprehensive, to say the least!
Oh my word, tbh, the expense of holiday insurance as we age is very off-putting. As we moved into our 70s we still had the annual bank holiday insurance, which we had to supplement as we aged, but it was very reasonable, and then we had two Saga cruises. I realise now why Saga cruises are so expensive, it’s because insurance is included, which I now see is so cost-effective. But if that’s for both of you and for a year, deep breath, that’s Ok. And thanks for the recommendation to use Staysure which I’ll certainly investigate for next year.
You really are great role models and you’ve inspired me to think of several ideas for train travel next year. That trip to Oslo for starters, I could go on to Stockholm or instead go up the coast by train and catch a ferry back to Bergen – hey what a great idea!
Thanks also for the kind words about the blog – so good to hear of your searches on eBay and for pre-loved clothes.
We love travelling by rail and do so whenever we can. The summer before Covid, we had a holiday travelling to Vienna, Prague and Berlin, all by rail, starting and finishing at St Pancras. It was wonderful! There was a tour guide, and all tickets, hotels and tours were provided. When we were younger, we would have done all this ourselves, but at our age, it’s lovely to have someone else take the strain and we met some lovely people on the tour. BTW, there is currently an offer on the Trainline website for a big discount on Railcards. A 3 year senior Railcard is £47 instead of £70.
The trip you took sounds so good – would love to visit Berlin and Vienna and Prague! I think I agree with you that an inclusive tour is the best way to do it.
Oh interesting and what a shame as we’ve already got our Railcards which we’ve used twice now. I’ll go up to London by train once I’ve had my vaccine in September.
Thanks Deboraah
I remember my first long-distance train journey as a very special experience. I was fourteen and we travelled from the ferry in Calais to Austria on what was called the Snow Sports Special. There was a “dancing car” on the train and I experienced one of those moments of pure joy dancing as a beautiful snowy landscape rushed past.
I can’t imagine anything better and at that age! I have been through the Alps a couple of times – it is so scenic – but I haven’t done it in the winter. Another scenic winter route would be to travel up the coast of Norway by train. You’ve really inspired me now!
Hi Penny
I don’t think you will be disappointed when travelling by train in Europe and its surprisingly easy!
We have travelled by train on many holidays, the last one being from St Pancreas all the way to Malaga in Spain. We had to change in Paris and took the overnight train to Madrid, travelling through the Pyrenees mountains, then on to Malaga. The trains were so comfortable and the overnight one was such an adventure… You really have to think of the journey as part of the experience! We have also travelled by train from London to Venice again via Paris, arriving almost at the Grand Canal in Venice… absolutely wonderful. When we were in our mid twenties and recently married (a long time ago) we also spent about 8 months travelling around India, mainly by train and bus….but that’s another story! I love both your blogs Penny and your thoughtful comments on our dire political situation in this country as well as climate change. However I’m also interested in fashion and books so really appreciate those other topics too.
Wow, Tina, you’ve done a lot of travelling, but yes, I mustn’t forget I’ve also used the train in Europe a lot. For example I went back and forth by train to Switzerland from England when I had a job as a nurse there for two years. And once in Switzerland I was always taking the train somewhere – and the trains!!! This was the 70s and the trains were so clean, modern, and always on time. I remember one trip I took where the train was 2 minutes late in leaving a certain station – the carriage was up in arms and horrified that this had happened!
I feel really inspired by all the comments and will do more travelling in Europe by train!
Thanks also for your kind words and feedback – much appreciated.
We are planning on an Italian train holiday beginning in Genoa, if I get the all clear from my doctor. I’m not a fan of flying. In the olden days, when I was young, it was special, not any longer and the time spent waiting at airports is soul destroying. I’d love to go to Sweden by train and boat like a heroine or baddie in a Henning Mankel novel. The price of train travel v low cost flights is horrendous.
About the search for a new PM. As a Scot I find Truss’s comments about the first minister abhorrent. She was more democratically elected than Truss as they have a form of PR in Scotland. In the same speech she mentioned the family of the, so called, United Kingdom. She must have a strange idea of what a family is.
Good luck with your drought garden.
Oh do hope you do get the all-clear as a trip to Genoa by train sounds divine. Airports are ruined now. Gosh I remember wanting to be an air hostess and at one point as it was considered such a glamorous job.
Truss is talking the talk and giving her target audience all manner of promises and stupid comments. She really is an airhead and it’s astonishing how we came to have a Prime Minister who dressed and behaved as a clown (but wasn’t really) and now we’re getting a Thatcher look-alike. But Margaret Thatcher was the real deal – I loathed her but she wasn’t a flimsy rather odd character like Truss is. I do despair at how we are seen abroad!
If the UK breaks apart I shall claim Scottish nationality and a passport from my mother’s line – I hope they’ll allow me a Scottish passport. Btw, I had my DNA done and I’m 75% Highlands and Islands and 20% Lowlands with 5% Northern Irish. So no English DNA whatsoever!
Thanks Flora – fingers crossed you can go to Genoa.
I so enjoyed hearing about your train experience in the States. I haven’t taken any train journeys, but I hope I can at some point. I share your concern about climate change. Consequently, we purchased an electric vehicle for the first time this year (love it!), and have begun the process to have solar panels installed. The actual installation should start in mid-August.
We watch John Oliver here and he shared about the dismal choices for prime minister. Why is it, that in both our countries, the conservatives are just stupid? I don’t understand it. I know that most of them know climate change is real. I don’t get why they want to inflict such a thing on their grandchildren.
Love your dress! I am finding that I can no longer bear to buy new clothing. I’ve been heading that way for awhile, and now I just have little urge for anything brand new. We have a lot of lovely second hand shops in town and two great websites for second hand clothing. And there is one company that specializes in clothing from repurposed saris. I have yet to buy from them, but probably will give it a try at some point.
Great post, Penny!
Hi Michelle We’d love to have an electric car but are waiting for the prices to go down a bit. Charging the cars is also problem as there aren’t enough of the chargers out in the streets as yet. However, our car’s engine is very efficient and we pay zero car tax as a result. And don’t use it that much either!
I really like John Oliver – great that you like him too! And yes there’s always such a lot of posturing over these international agreements and then what happens? It appears not enough to prevent the horrendous temperatures that are being reached around the world. In the meantime I think we have to concentrate on family and friends and actually having some fun!
Thank you so much Michelle!
You live so near to Newhaven Penny, why not take the crossing to Dieppe? It’s four hours on the ferry but you can take a train to Rouen from there, and then on to Paris. We spent the weekend in Dieppe at the end of July and had a wonderful time. The Saturday market must be one of the best in France.
We used to go to France a lot and it was always via the Newhaven/Dieppe ferry so I know it well and love the market, but just lately, as in for three years running, but all before Covid, we have been flying to Toulouse. This has to stop and really I love using the train so picking up a train in Dieppe sounds a treat what with the added bonus of the fabulous market. Thanks 🙂
Oh, how I love riding on trains! As you may remember, we travel by train quite a bit, and it is the people you meet and talk to that make the journey so wonderful! I am hoping to make it to Europe in the next few years (please leave, Covid) and travel about on the train system. It really is the way to see so much. And, the slow going is part of the charm!
I do hope you have better luck with your leader than we had the last go round. I’m desperately worried about the next election as the current President doesn’t look like he’s doing much. By that, I mean he inherited such a mess, it would have been difficult for anyone to be successful. I worry that this country has not yet reached the bottom.
As for shows, we did finish the current season of Stranger Things, and it is definitely stranger! We just finished a new show called The Bear on Hulu. It was interesting and has been renewed for a second season. We watched the second Downton Abbey movie and were disappointed in it. It just seemed a bit of a cash grab. I, of course, watched the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race once Nigel dropped off to sleep. He’ll tolerate it in small doses, but he fails to see the art in it.
I loved The Lincoln Highway! I didn’t want it to end. I thought it was definitely better than A Gentleman from Moscow (which I did enjoy). I zipped through The Magnolia Palace, The Hotel Nantucket, and Meant to Be. I’m currently reading Holy Hot Mess by Mary Katherine Backstrom. I’m not far into it, but I love MK. She’s a Christian with no qualms about calling out fake Christianity. She does battle with so many on her Facebook page…never backing down from what she says and believes!
I love reading your blog, Penny, because you write!! And, good luck with your garden!!!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
That’s so interesting as my understanding is that trains aren’t used much in the States so you must be one of the few Americans who use trains. We found the people on the train so friendly and welcoming, and all sorts; young, old, students and of course, people who didn’t like flying.
Of course, both our leaders had very tricky international problems to deal with mostly Covid, and then the financial repercussions from that, and then the war in the Ukraine. We all know that your President is obstructed at every turn by the Republicans but at least he has a hand on the tiller. Meanwhile our Prime Minister is uninterested and just not engaging with any of the many problems we are all facing. Hopefully the Dems will come up with a forceful young candidate for the Presidential election – fingers crossed that happens.
So glad you also liked Gentleman in Moscow – what a book, it is so very good.
Garden is dry and very parched. I hope to work on it over the Autumn but hot-weather plants are needed for that area. I must search for these as I think we will have much more of this very hot weather which we and the plants aren’t used to!
Thanks for the kind words at the end of your comment. And you have a good rest of the week!
I do enjoy train travel and have ha some interesting trips over the years. A few come to mind Florida to New York back in 1983 , on the day Australia won the Americas Cup , Sailing race, Paris to Barcelona and a wonderful three weeks exploring Japan using the Shinkansens ( bullet trains) , highly recommended. We are planning a trip to Europe next year and hope to combine train travel and driving (my husband loves to drive).
As for Covid we attended a dinner a couple of weeks ago where out of a table of 20 – 16 then tested positive ( we were two of the lucky ones).
Hopefully your Summer weather will now continue as normal. xx
Ah another lover of trains! Those journeys sound really interesting and exciting. So we’ve both done the east coast of America! I love trains and aim to do far more in Europe while we can!!!
Yes, we haven’t got Covid from our exposure last Saturday – good. You had a lucky escape!
Weather heating up again next week – it’s very dry! Thanks Jill
what an interesting post Penny. I am happy that you made it through the, I hope, the worst of the heat wave. Still hot here but kind of normal if a few degrees higher, Often humid. Summer in New York. Climate change is real and so angry that nothing has been done to try to stem it. at least here in the US. There is a bill which might pass which would at least do something. It is watered down from what it was originally but it has a chance of passing our deeply divided congress. probably too little too late but at least something. but like so many other pieces of legislation which might actually improve the lives of citizens it will probably die. I am so pessimistic about this country right now. your account of your journey in the US was so interesting. I have done little travel by rail here other than taking the train into Manhattan. the railroad station is in walking distance from my home, at least for me, if a bit of an uphill challenge coming home. My daughter and husband did go to Boston this Winter for a wedding. I drove up with my son. It was not inexpensive but I think it was a generally positive experience for them. I did take a train from the port in Germany to Berlin to spend the day there on a Baltic cruise over two years ago, just before the pandemic, It was about a 2 and a half hour trip. This last week I have been isolating because of my exposure to covid but finally last night was able to join friends for dinner at a restaurant on the beach. We were able to sit outside and catch whatever breezes were available. we have decided as a group of 6 this will be out weekly go to place for the rest of the Summer. Also looking into whatever outdoor concerts are around to make the most of the end of the season. Now I am going to pop over to your other blog, which is always thought provoking. Stay cool! Darby
It’s heating up again next week and it is so dry – my south-facing patch is parched and the water butt is half full. I shall cheat and fill it up with the hose pipe before those are banned at the end of next week. I loved that train trip along the east coast and have never forgotten it – so memorable. Consequently after the Twitter conversation and reminiscing here I have resolved to do more train trips in Europe at least by next year.
I am in solidarity with your anger as nothing whatsoever seems to have happening in the UK with regard to climate change. Leaders sign international agreements but housing stock continues to be built badly insulated and large apartment blocks continue to be built with massive windows. At the very least all new builds should have solar panels, but the government is fixed on its internal politics.
We didn’t get Covid and that’s twice now after close exposure – phew.
My Other Blog will be written at some point but we are still busy entertaining people coming round for their first visit to our new abode.
Thanks as ever Darby – you stay cool too!
Dear Penny
Thanks for this lengthy and very interesting blog. Unfortunately I can’t reply properly as my internet connection is up the Khyber. BT say it is outside our property and will be fixed on/by 6 August.
Cheers, Mary x
Oh yes, that’s so frustrating when it happens – hope it gets resolved asap! And thanks Mary
Thanks for recommending Slow Horses, best spy watch I’ve seen in ages. Excellent casting, really liked the mix of familiar and new faces. I’ve never read any Mick Herron before, but will definitely look for his books from now on.
I got a free 12 month Apple TV subscription with my iPad last year and have kept it on. I’ve enjoyed quite a few series recently.
Severance was odd to say the least, but compellingly watchable.
Black Bird is based on the true story of a serial killer, the actor playing him is outstanding. It’s the sixth and final episode this week.
I’m also watching For All Mankind, which is an alternate story line of the space race. I’ve always been interested in this, one of my favourite memories is of staying awake all night with my late older brother to watch man take his first steps on the moon. I remember being really tired at school that day but also incredibly excited.
And the third and final season of See starts later this month. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it.
Yes, that’s how we got an Apple subscription and even when you pay it’s cheaper than Netflix and Amazon.
Thanks for those recommendations, will watch all of those, especially fancy For All Mankind. We’ve rationed our watch of Slow Horses, last episode tonight! The books are excellent and very well written.
I’ve never taken a train in the US but have in France and Europe. I do enjoy train travel! Lovely pictures of that castle: my favorite when in France is to take the boys to one or two medieval towns.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Going by train in the States is quite an experience and the people on the train were great – I remember some of the conversations to this day!
Yes, Lewes Castle is ancient and not much of it standing although you can go into that rounded tower. There are other castles that are far more preserved. In Europe haven’t as yet got to Carcassonne and hope to next year, and will go by train.
Thanks Mireille 🙂
Glad you’re getting to wear your summer dresses – as am I!
Pleased that those horrendously high temperatures are not returning this summer but I have enjoyed the warm weather and the summer flowering in my garden. (Usually I’m in Ireland for 6 – 8 weeks of the summer). Oh no; my daughter just tells me it’s going to be extremely hot again next week. Yikes!
I would love to go on a very long train journey maybe across the USA and Canada or some other part of the world. Maybe one day I will do it. I like train travel and I believe the rest of Europe’s train services are excellent and much cheaper than ours. It’s cheaper to drive to drive to most places on the UK than it is to take the train and the train services need to change that if they want people to travel by train more often!
We loved Trom and I’m a big fan of ‘The Outlaws; I can recommend a Polish gangster drama called ‘The Sins of Our Fathers’.
Stay cool!
xxx
I think it’s warming up quite a bit next week – eek! It is so dry and my south-facing patch is suffering. I hope by next year I will have improved the soil enough and also got sufficient dry-weather plants in so it doesn’t need the daily watering I have to do now. As I don’t have an outside tap, it’ll be tricky when the water butt is empty. Housing stock should built now so that we recycle our grey water – wish we could somehow.
Travel by train in Europe is such a great experience but going by train in the States is altogether at another level – and so memorable. The expense of using trains in the UK is another example of how little is done to mitigate climate change!
I’m loving my dresses and wasn’t Trom good! I loved the scenery as much as the plot!
xxx
Such an interesting post, I don’t know where to start! I have done hardly any train travel outside of the UK, which is sad. I’d love to get the sleeper train to Fort William and climb Ben Nevis, followed by the West Highland trail. I think flying is persecuted to an unfair degree: sometimes it’s unavoidable and there are so many other areas where we could improve – fashion is one, as you say. 100 wears per garment is an eye opener. I have a few things which I’ve worn constantly over the years.
Liz Truss is like some bazaar owner, constantly offering bargains and pulling new and ever ludicrous proposals from a hat. The sad thing is that the majority of Tory party members is over 72 and only cares about taxes: income tax and inheritance tax. They have no interest in education or the environment, or even UK economic stability.
Yes, I agree about flying especially so when I was reminded it was only 2% of carbon emissions. It’s cars and industries that do it. And so many other things including fashion. The expense of UK rail travel is a perfect example of how elders and betters are so uninterested in tackling climate change.
You’d love train travel in Europe – it’s the experience of doing it which makes it and you have to treat the time it takes as part of your holiday. But train travel in the States is something else.
Liz Truss is opening her mouth and just saying anything to attract votes from the Tory members and then retracting hastily when she realises err, no, that won’t work! She’s a hopeless case! But all we’ve got is Richi as an alternative! He is at least intelligent but I think not strong enough to lead his party let alone the country. Hey ho! Interesting times!
Memorable rail trips —- I was once on a touring holiday in Italy with male friend. He picked an argument ( I wasn’t waiting on his lordship nearly enough, apparently) He threw my bags out of the vehicle and drove off, fortunately leaving me outside a posh hotel with plenty of taxis. I got a taxi to the railway station in Rome, and travelled up to Venice. Beautifully clean train, can’t remember what it cost but cheap enough. Cleaners travel on the train and came through sweeping and wiping.
Found a cheap hotel at the station in Venice and had a lovely, peaceful few days before I flew home. Never saw him again.
Oh wow, Holly, that’s quite a story. The things we did when we were young – but phew I can remember some that I couldn’t even recount!! Rome and Venice are beautiful aren’t they.
Thanks Holly
Helllooo Penny! I was stunned to read your information on train travel because I spent some considerable time on researching it myself just last month. Looking at traveling from Southern California north to Seattle, Washington. Lucky us, it’s a popular line/route called the Coast Starlinet and is supposed to be quite lovely. It’s a day and a half of travel. This line offers quite a range of comfort from coach seats to private sleeper cars. The prices can be quite steep. I have found tons of info on a YouTube channel where a traveling couple reviews U.S. train travel. Very informative!
It’s been a positive political week here for President Biden who has inherited all the muck and mire of the previous White House occupant. Great job growth, key congressional bills, an international enemy taken out, etc. Bravo!! Looking forward to the January 6 Special Committee Investigation that resumes on television in September as the media keeps us aware of new information and testimonies coming forth.
We are enjoying our nearby grandkids (4@ 6-12 yrs)who are off for the summer. They have newly discovered Harry Potter and it is so much fun to watch their enthusiasm. Grandma here (I am an avid HP fan) has brought out the old sewing machine and is working on Hogwart’s robes. Gryffindor scarfs and emblems are arriving next week. These are to be Halloween costumes in October. Parents are wisely insisting that a book must be read before a movie watched. The six year old granddaughter is, of course, not in the reading requirement but has caught the enthusiasm from her three older brothers who are buried in the books. One at a time. It’s been a wonderful summertime activity.
Hoping your train trip toToulouse materializes. I have wonderful 2016 memories of treating myself after retirement to an art class in a nearby area…a sleepy village that provided much scenic inspiration. I landed in Paris, and with cars and trains, made my way to class and then to visit my sister who was living in Brussels at the time. It was a glorious trip!
Well, I’ve rambled on and on. Hope things cool down by the time you get this “message”. I don’t think it qualifies as a “comment”. Do you?? LOL. Thanks for your understanding. You are the best penpal I’ve had in a while…Charlene
The thing about taking the train then (don’t know if it’s still the case) the fares were cheaper to book outside the States. The northern California to Seattle trip must be lovely. I shall look for that YouTube channel.
I am pleased to hear that things are going well for Biden as we’ve been getting quite a lot of negative briefings on him. And good for you and the grandchildren to be so entranced by Harry Potter! What a great activity. I’m looking forward to Oscar being a little older when things like that happen. At the moment he’s still in the exhausting, never stopping phase!!!
Yes, we hope to do some travelling in Europe next year. What a trip that must have been – the one to the art class in France. I’m sure you’ll do something like that again 😊
You take care and thanks as ever
What a great post Penny! Train travel, ah, what a blast from the past. My father and his father were both engineers on the RR, so trains are in my blood, so to speak. I remember some memorable trips from my childhood and crossing the US alone twice in my teen years. And trains in Europe were a joy in the 60’s and 70’s and Thailand in the 90’s. Not much train travel for me since then, but maybe now is the time to look at the possibilities again. Thanks for bringing up the topic!
Re the TV shows–there is one of us in my house who enjoys Better Call Saul and always waits breathlessly for the next episode, but now, only one episode is left. I was a bit worried Saul was going to strangle poor Marion (Carol Burnett) with that phone cord. Turns out she was not as clueless as she seemed, but he has certainly gone off the rails. I used to feel empathy for him and was amused by some of his impish behavior, but now it’s time for him to pay the piper.
Right now I am well into A Gentleman from Moscow–a good read– and will begin The Lincoln Highway as soon as I finish. Am reading both of these as e-books, which I began using at the beginning of Covid. Though I prefer a paper copy, I’ve gotten accustomed to reading on my pad, and it does seem a bit kinder to the environment.