Friday 31 August 2012

Beautiful Stained Glass


A bit of research has shown that the stained glass windows in Westburn Church, Greenock were designed by the famous stained glass artist Douglas Strachan.
I've written about them before, but now I know the stories behind them.

 
This window, depicting Deborah and Barak is in memory to those belonging to the church who fell in the Great War.
 
 
One of the other windows shows a nativity scene.

 
This window depicts Miriam leading the Israelite women across the Red Sea.

 
Next weekend Greenock (amongst other places) hosts Doors Open Day, when a variety of local places of interest, some of which wouldn't normally be open to the public, let folks look around.  It is a fascinating scheme and more information can be obtained here.  Other parts of Scotland may be taking part on different weekends.  Its a great opportunity to get out and explore the history of an area.

Love, Liz

Wednesday 29 August 2012

God Speed Greenock!

I think by now regular readers will know how much I love my home town of Greenock.  I visited the town hall recently and just loved the depictions of Greenock's coat of arms with the motto "God Speed Greenock".


This is a beautiful version in stained glass.


This is a floor mosaic.

 
The ship obviously refers to Greenock's great maritime past.

 
The fish are a reminder that Greenock was a fishing port in the pre-industrial days - incredible herring catches were made locally.  The town's motto used to be - "Let herring swim that trade maintain".  Can't stand herring myself!


The cups represent one of the oldest landowning families in the area - the Shaws.


 
Hope you enjoyed this little historical snippet!

Love, Liz

Monday 27 August 2012

Morning Tea and Biscuits


Time for a mid-morning cuppa?


Think I'll use this lovely vintage Roslyn china.


What shall I have to eat - yum - an Aero biscuit.  Have you tried them yet?  They are absolutely delicious.


I only keep chocolate biscuits in the house for Hubby and Son's packed lunches ... of course!  But I had a craving for some chocolate the other day and these were in the tin ... the rest, as they say, is history ...  as were the biscuits within a very short period of time!

 
Still, it says on the wrapper that they are only 99 calories, so that's not too bad (if you can limit yourself to one)!  They have orange and mint ones too, but I haven't tried them yet - looks like a bit of research is in order - purely to keep you informed, of course ;-)

Love, Liz

Greetings from Greenock

This is not a sponsored post.

Thursday 23 August 2012

Vintage Queen Anne and Birds


Usually when friends come to visit they bring a cake ... or a bottle of wine ... or flowers, don't they?  But when a friends who knows you really well comes to visit she brings ......


beautiful vintage Queen Anne plates!


I'm so lucky - a very good friend brought me this lovely plate and saucer.


They are gorgeous and I think I am going to make a cakestand with them.


Isn't this fabric cute?

It's called "Birdy"  - gorgeous!  Not sure what to make with it yet, though.


I'm sure I'll think of something.

Love, Liz
Greetings from Greenock

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Time Flies!


Greenock schools start back today!  Hardly seems any time since they broke up for the holidays!


I kept my son's first school bag and some of his little workbooks.




I've seen trendy versions of these bags(as handbags) in some shops in all sorts of colours - very expensive.  Wonder if I should start using it?


Another sign of the advancing year - on a visit to the garden centre yesterday, they were putting out their Christmas cards!!!!!  Can you believe it????

Love, Liz

Greetings from Greenock

Sunday 12 August 2012

Vintage Floral Brooch

Here's my latest charity shop find.


Its a lovely little vintage china floral brooch.


Love the way it is so detailed and has been painted beautifully.


Love, Liz

ps - voice back to (almost) normal now!  Thanks for your kind words.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

I Can't Speak Right Now!

What ho, chaps!


This could be me (except it's a man and I don't have a moustache!) - I've totally lost my voice!  So if you find it .....  ha ha!!
 
Checked out my copy of Illustrated Family Doctor from the 1920s for some advice about coughs -


Not very reassuring!


How about some medicine -

I don't think so!

Actually feel fine apart from not being able to speak.  One look through this book made me feel much better.  Look at these poor kids!


Caption reads - "A whirlpool bath, taken by immersion or locally, helps in the restoration of wasted muscles."  Look at the wee soul on the right, he looks terrified!


Not too sure what this guy is thinking - would make a great caption competition, though!

 Love, Liz

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Cute Cards

How cute is this picture?


It's actually a tiny little pack of playing cards.


I remember always getting a small pack of cards in my stocking at Christmas and I would play Snap with my dollies ... I always won!!!!!


Ah, happy days!


Love, Liz