Suzy's Blog

Chimney sweeps and Sing Something Simple....

It's only 1230 pm and I'm feeling like an afternoon nap is called for.  My morning started at an unreasonably early hour, 730 am and there I was awaiting the arrival of the man formerly known as the Chimney Sweep, (he's now a Chimney Technician, apparently.)
Anyway apart from the job title and the acquisition of an assistant, (I shudder to think what's expected of him, he is rather small after all!) nothing much has changed, a flurry of activity,brushes everywhere, several cups of tea. Then the grand finale!....an invitation/command to 'go outside and look at the brush sticking out of the chimney', (why?!)....It's pouring with rain and here I am standing in the garden not knowing what he's expecting, from me, a round of applause? Clapping? Cheering? Jumping up and down with excitement?.....After a few minutes I decide on a rather unenthusiastic 'um erm, it's there!' and head back indoors...A few minutes later, it's all done and he's heading off in his van, (fully liveried with website details and the words 'follow me on twitter', emblazoned in bright letters!) Ancient meets modern, I guess!
All this made me feel quite nostalgic, I remember my Grandad, a miner all his life and quite an expert on chimneys, always cleaned his own, (Awww, Bless!) Another nostalgic moment was when I read something about Sunday Radio and how dire it was back in the 'good old days', before tv.  How right they are. I remember vividly, (but not fondly) my Mum uttering the words guaranteed to sink me into gloom, 'It's time for Sing Something Simple'....Please, No, I'm depressed enough, already, It's Sunday evening, nothing but school in the morning to look forward to, anything but S. S. S!......Even Jimmy Clitheroe!! Those were the days, eh!!
Talking of old things, I have spent most of this week at my concession in the local antique centre, I now have all the stock arranged perfectly, (a bit like home from home!).. Slightly worried about  'child in sweet shop' syndrome though, so, sell, sell, sell not buy, buy, buy, has to be my new mantra!!...
Anyway enough of all things old and dusty, I'm looking forward  to a spot of shopping for some nice shiny new things, like shoes.....Now have I mentioned shoes recently? ... If not I'll mention them again, shoes!!...My Mum even says my first word was.....Yes, you guessed it Shoes!...

Thought I might start with a Blast from The Past as I was discussing all things antique !! errr I heard that !

And a new one !! and before you start , no lady driver jokes  !!

I'm working on a Christmas picture , all tinsels and bells ....but until then ...

Cheers .......have a lovely day .
Well that's about it for this week....Soon be Christmas, then Easter, then summer....Yippee!...
Bye for now....x

Suzy's blog

As I'm still still trying to get to grips with my new phone, (note to self, avoid phones cleverer tham me in future) I have decided to keep this blog short and sweet...Not a bad idea as this is my third attemp at writing this, the first two were accidentally deleted just as I got to the last paragraph....(a few unprintable words were flying about I can tell you!)
Anyway, what I'd like to say is how relaxing June has been so far, (apart from aforementioned phone) compared to a hectic May.  Plenty of time to catch up on a few things  that I've been putting off, new window display at C&C, a bit of buying and a revamp of my website, maybe even a you tube channel,  (blimey, sound and vision..eeek!)  So lots of things to get stuck into.
Hope you like the two recent photos,  no cartoon this time, a bit too much for my basic grasp of this phone..
Well I seem to have made it to the last paragraph again...Try to press the right key this time...Here goes!!!
Sue x
...

Suzy's Blog

Hello again,What a frustrating time ....No broadband !, so apologies for not being around for a week or so . Anyway with the trials and tribulations of that now sorted I  can get on with things , and one thing in particular my Blog !    Recently  has been all about Page 3, starting on a very sad note with the death of Beverley Goodway, the Sun's Page 3 photographer. Beverley was, without doubt as important to the image of Page 3 as the model. A lovely and immensely popular person, he was highly regarded, very kind and a true gentleman...All the models loved him. At about the same time yet another debate has been raging as to whether the concept of our 'national institution' is relevant in today's society. Two ladies, (it always seems to be the female of our species who hold such high opinions on the subject) battle it out on breakfast television with the same old arguments back and forth whilst the presenter tries desperately to appear interested. It is even gaining momentum overseas. I myself have even been invited by a Canadian publication to 'share my thoughts'. This I find to be reminiscent of the spats we had with Claire Short back in the 80's. Oh happy days!... Talking of happy days, I haven't enjoyed many of those this last week, more like frustrating days, what with dropping car keys down a grate, (the only grate in the entire car park incidentally) and having to be rescued, and then on dog walk I was, quite literally, dragged through a hedge backwards, (best not dwell on that one!).. I have decided that my dogs, bless 'em, are to blame for my need for physio. I attended my first session recently and whilst completing the medical questionnaire, couldn't help smiling at one of the questions....'Are you pregnant (ladies only)'......Now I know we've made fantastic medical advances, but..... I was of the opinion that 'fantastic advances' had also been made in the world of communication, (warning, rant alert!) but clearly was wrong. Having moved house recently, I am having to wait till mid December for a broadband connection...grrrrrr!! I find myself spending far too much time in places like Costafortune trying to catch up. If I see many more floating leaves looking at me from my coffee cup, think I'll go mad!!...Oh, and just for the record I think the recent tv ads for Costa are absolutely bizarre. Someone somewhere must have had one too many flat whites when they dreamt those up....Tea anyone!!... Well it's a lovely sunny day here, so I guess it's time to get out there...Come on dogs let's get going.....No hedges, though, please!!
Now , I have no idea of his name , but he was so handsome and very aloof ! But I simply couldn't help saying hello , I couldn't imagine for one minute this one dragging me through a hedge .....take note my two !

Looking forward to my next trip to The Felley to say hi again.....That is if he decides to say hello back !
Now my passion for antiques and all things vintage is only exceeded by my love of animals ( even if like this one they do run the other way ) and have spent much of this week getting my new shop ready ....very exciting .Note to self though ....sell more than you buy !
Here I am putting a few finishing touches to it .....

And continuing with the vintage theme erhum ....This is a Blast From The Past , taken in New York .....I wonder if I still have those ear rings, necklace  and gloves  .....I know just the shop for them ! Although I don't think I will be modelling them like this .....oh spoilsport I hear you say !

Bye For Now , Sue X

Suzy's Blog

Hi everyone,
It's me again ...
I have to start with an update on the weather, yes I know it's boring but it's what we brits do, (unless of course you happen to live in a fabulously sunny climate!) All I will say on the subject is today is a 'two brolly day'....Enough said, I think!
Well it's been a funny old week, I've stood an antique fair where, sadly, as expected, I bought more than I sold, but then a girl can never have too many vintage handbags.  Can she!?... I've enjoyed a 'relaxing spa day' ( not as healthy as it should have been, due to an  over generous lunch) And last but not least, rather ambitiously, tackled a spot of long overdue painting and decorating at home, (note to self, next time hire a professional)...
Talking of shopping, which I wasn't really, but my mind sort of wandered in that direction, I'm a teeny bit concerned about the amount of time I seem to be spending in Tesco.  I really need to organise my grocery needs a little more effectively!....Anyway food shopping can be quite entertaining, as I discovered whilst perusing the wine aisles recently.  I spotted a rather gorgeous looking man with sexy long dark hair in the midst of a heated exchange of words with a formidable looking 'lady of a certain age', who was determined to have the last word...'Young man', she exclaimed loudly, 'Might I suggest you get a haircut!'.....'Madam', he retorted 'Might I suggest you get a balaclava'!....Priceless!!
Sadly, although I have been 'loitering with intent' along the wine aisle hoping to catch a glimpse, I have yet to see him again....
I have to finish on the subject of horse racing, something I know nothing about, but I am absolutely smitten by Frankel and, of course, his half brother Bullet Train.....I want to kidnap these two!...But I'm informed he will have a fantastic retirement ...
Well....did the clocks going backwards catch you out .....if you have dogs like mine , they pay no attention to the clocks going back.....6am they dive bombed me .....oh well , you have to love them .

Now , its nearly Poppy Time something I am always very proud to wear ....Here I am in Cyprus on an official visit to meet the Dragoon Guards. So , if you have not as yet bought your poppy , then go out and get one !!
Well Cyprus takes me back and with that in mind here is a Blast From The Past

Has anyone seen the New Bond film yet ....I'm very keen to see it. I was more of a Piers Brosnan fan, but I must say Daniel Craig is a great Bond.
This was Page 3s Bond day pic , I think supporting Die Another Day

And right up to date with this one ...

Have a lovely week .....Bye for now

Sue XX

Suzy's Attic

Hello again from a very rainy and cold Nottingham.....Autumn is clearly here , in fact after venturing out today I think winter is upon us.Muddy walks with the dogs, although splashing puddles is still great fun, me not them ! Made all the worse by the column I write for SpainLinked. Which reminds me of sunshine and Sangria . But, I really enjoy the writing ....Liz Jones watch out !!

Talking of sunshine 

This is a blast from the Past but taken on a modelling trip for German Lui magazine in Kenya .Scorching weather , not sure about the fashion ! 

Now believe it or not I have a favourite poem .....This is it

When I am an old woman i shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go , and doesn't suit me
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals , and say we have no money for butter
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other peoples gardens
And learn to spit

.....Now there are 3 more verses, I shall save those for another time.....but here I am practicing in purple 

One more maybe ?  

Suzy's Attic

Spent some time at the beautiful Felley Priory , once  favoured by Lord Byron , or at least the owners daughter was !

Not sure if Byron courted Augusta around the gardens here , but they are pretty sensational 

I dont think Tarrantino has anything to worry about just yet , so how about a shot taken last night just prior to meeting some friends out for dinner....

I am getting some stock together for an antique fair next month which should be fun......as long as I sell more than I buy !!

So with all things historic in mind .................heres a Blast From The Past !

Was very proud to be the official pin up of the Royal Engineers and The Dragoon Guards and visited them in  Germany and Cyprus ....amazing memories and here I am on one of my visits .

Suzy's Attic

What a busy week ! have spent a lot of time at the auctions and talking to antique collectors . Still managed to have lots of fun with my dogs and a lovely meal out at my local Italian .

And keeping up with The Blast From The Past theme ...

And heres a variation on a Harrold Robbins book cover