Oh.....Wordsworth....

Surpised by joy, I think not. What a day I am having! It's unbearable, awful and soul destroying. CookieBee needs a holiday, a break, or simply, just some time to sit down and rest would be nice. I don't long for anything fancy just a moments peace. To be calm, cool and collected. Hmmm, Here we go again, my moment has been interumpted by something impatient as the wind.

Cookie Bee is going green

I say going because being is not an easy task. If I am going to become green, I need to plan and all that. It is like giving up smoking. I have some bad habits and gradually they have got to go because not only is it bad for my health but what about the kids. What are we doing?

On Friday night I was reading up about Climate Change and this is where this 'I will be green' came from. I felt sick in my stomach and horrified.

I have been reducing my waste already from the inspiration from my rubbish friend (joke) from my inspiring friend 21st Century Mummy. Yesterday I shopped at the farmers market down the road and will continue to do so every Saturday. And soon I will be starting up a book swap (BBC RaW) at my sons primary school for the parents and learners.
I have done a few other things like switched my cleaning products for more eco ones and stopped buying things I don't need. I read a lot more than watch TV/DVD's. And I take my kids to places like 'The living Rainforest, The Look discovery Centre and Bewilderwood. And my son and I have been growing flowers and veg.

But there is soooooo much more to do! I heard somewhere that you are one of two types of people. You either want to conquer the world or save it. I want to save it.

C.S.Lewis Tour - Easter 2008

During the Easter period, My husband asked if I wanted to drive out to Headington to visit the Kilns, where C.S Lewis lived, and on to some other C.S.Lewis places. Well, being a C.S Lewis fan, how could I refuse!!! So we did and I am delighted to share my pictures and tell you all about it.

This tree is either in or very very close by to C.S Lewis home. I read somewhere that he may have written the Chronicles of Narnia from his garden. So he must have gazed up at this tree on several occasions, maybe to give him inspiration when he had writers block...It looks like the one outside my window...

Here is the side view of his house, The Kilns. It was great just to be there and see where he lived. It felt strange going there and getting so close. I believe if you ask permission and book an appointment you can actually go inside. I think I would pass out though...It would be too cool and cool again to do that...Actually I will book an appointment and go next time. Anyway, the place is real and wonderful and it was great.

We did visit his grave. I thought I would be a bit freaked out by this, but when we got there, it was like visiting a passed over friend or family member. It was strange. Obviously I have never met the guy (I am only 21...yeah right) but because I have read so many of his books and he is a bit of a major influence in my life, I felt very warm and emotional when I was there. And another thing. It was grey and cloudy but the sun opened up for a brief moment and shone on to his grave. It was miraculous but also 'well it would shine on his grave, he is one cool dude'. AND another big thing. I noticed, which I must mention, his brother Warren, is also buried with him. This is beautiful. They both lost their mother at an early age. Both fought in the War, both had a rather tough time I'd say and had an amazing relationship. They were incredibly close, even though they did not always see eye to eye, and here they are, two Irish born lads now rest together eternally. That is something very special and wow, brotherhood...I wish to write no more on the matter, for I feel quite overwhelmed by it all. I have 2 brothers myself. Perhaps despite the differences my brothers and I have, we should try and be more like them. Although, I don't want to be buried with them thank you very much. no no no. I don't mind same church yard but not grave... Anyway, back to the tour.

As we drove out of Headington and in to Oxford city centre, my husband asked me where next. Hmmm, lets just get as close to it as poss and find somewhere to park... Well, on route, Magdalen College (The college C.S Lewis was based) came in to view. I was so excited I jumped up and down in my car...Wah hey - I think not, although the people behind me must have been very scared. I tried hard to get a photo but there were cars behind us so this is all I could get in my moment of sheer excitement. We then found a perfect parking space down Keeble Rd and I could not believe it when I walked around the corner!!!!!!!!!!IT WAS THE BIRD AND BABY!!!

This pub is such a delight... It has so much character and as soon as you walk in, you can imagine it all. Ok, for those who do not know, JRR Tolkien, C.S Lewis, his brother, Dyson to name but a few met here frequently, as a group called the Inklings, to discuss their books (Lord of the Rings, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe...Oh to have been a fly on the wall, that would have been the best time), have debates and drink beer. Sounds fab. I am going to start my own Inklings. a 21st century writers group... anyway, on the wall, above the fireplace you will find pictures and letters etc. It is a wonderful place. And that is where the tour ended. Well for now. I will go back and do more next time, like go in to the Kilns and Magdalen College and eat some yummy food in the Inklings. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Was such a fantastic day.

I love C.S.Lewis...

He must of been sooooo proud to see his name up!

Pretty Colours

I have developed a bit of a fascination with these light beams. This one was taken from Christ Church in Oxford. It's funny because I used to look at them and think 'Cool' now I look at them and think 'blog'. Actually I have a fan who likes my pictures. Every time I see him, he goes on about them so "Steward, here's another for you!"

Thank God, Its Good Friday - Happy Easter Everyone

What's that in the corner!!!

Do not fear. It is nothing spooky, although it does look like it.

My family and I poped in to this restaurant one lunch time. It is the Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich ( I think it is connected to the angel hotel in Bury St Edmunds).

The food was fabulous, presented contemporary and beautifully and tasted delish. I could really relax and enjoy a glass of wine and chat with my husband. My children were happy to sit and play with their toys and everyone around us was not bothered with their presense (you know how some places are). The staff were great towards them and when they served up the kids meals, made a real effort with their presentation too. See below - kids meal!!!

The place was immaculate and there is some fab art work to look at on the walls. The woman in the corner is great. She looks different in real life, but here on the photo she really comes out to you. Very cool.