Showing posts with label Far Above Rubies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Far Above Rubies. Show all posts
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Wounded Laptop
The screen on my laptop broke. To minimise my time at my computer, which I find uncomfortable, I continued writing my novels but did not post any messages. Thank goodness, the laptop has been repaired and I've come out of hibernation.
Friday, 24 May 2013
Regency place of interest
Another place I want to visit is The Imperial War Museum - housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital or Bedlam, collections illustrate all areas of military affairs with uniforms, documents, medals and photographs. Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Regency Snippets - Servants, Rules
"1817 - Rules to be Strictly Observed
The Servants are all to dine at one o'clock, before the Parlour Dinner, both Upper and Under Servants, and to breakfast and sup at nine - and no hot suppers.
The Butler, or Groom of Chambers, to see that the Servants' Hall and Powder Rooms are cleaned and locked up every night before 11 o'clock.
All the Servants to sleep in the house when the family is at Blenheim; unless with special leave for any particular cause.
The Under Butler to be assisted by all the Footmen in turns, as there will be be no Plate Maid.
The plate to be washed by the Stillroom Maids and in the Stillroom, from whence the Under Butler must fetch it.
The plate to be kept and cleaned in the Pantry, and the present dark Plate Room to be shut up.
All the Glass etc., to be kept in the waiting room and closets adjoining; and to be cleared out of the dining room after dinner.
The Butler to keep the key and take charge of the Ale Cellars; also to superintend all the menservants and to keep the Accounts, passing them all with Mr Fellows.
No meals to be allowed anywhere, excepting the Servants' Hall and Stewards' Room. Breakfast excepted.
No Garden Men or Milkmen to have their meals here.
No Posthorses or hacks to be taken into the Stables; being so near Woodstock.
This ended on a firm note. Should any objections be made to these reforms those persons may retire."
The Profligate Duke by Mary Soames.
I found this very useful when I wrote Sunday's Child an e-booki published by MuseItUpPublishing.
The Servants are all to dine at one o'clock, before the Parlour Dinner, both Upper and Under Servants, and to breakfast and sup at nine - and no hot suppers.
The Butler, or Groom of Chambers, to see that the Servants' Hall and Powder Rooms are cleaned and locked up every night before 11 o'clock.
All the Servants to sleep in the house when the family is at Blenheim; unless with special leave for any particular cause.
The Under Butler to be assisted by all the Footmen in turns, as there will be be no Plate Maid.
The plate to be washed by the Stillroom Maids and in the Stillroom, from whence the Under Butler must fetch it.
The plate to be kept and cleaned in the Pantry, and the present dark Plate Room to be shut up.
All the Glass etc., to be kept in the waiting room and closets adjoining; and to be cleared out of the dining room after dinner.
The Butler to keep the key and take charge of the Ale Cellars; also to superintend all the menservants and to keep the Accounts, passing them all with Mr Fellows.
No meals to be allowed anywhere, excepting the Servants' Hall and Stewards' Room. Breakfast excepted.
No Garden Men or Milkmen to have their meals here.
No Posthorses or hacks to be taken into the Stables; being so near Woodstock.
This ended on a firm note. Should any objections be made to these reforms those persons may retire."
The Profligate Duke by Mary Soames.
I found this very useful when I wrote Sunday's Child an e-booki published by MuseItUpPublishing.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Regency Snippets - Gloves for Driving
Unike riding reins which are the same colour as the bridle (i.e., brown or black) carriage driving reins are always brown, even when the harness is black. Sometimes the reins will be black part way down, from the bit about halfway down, but then the last part will always be brown. I believe this is so the blacking used on some harness doesn't rub of on the driver's clothing. anyway, one of the principles of handling horses is that your hands should be unobtrusive. So drivers, correctly, should be wearing brown not black gloves.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Log Fires and Yule Logs
Log fires and Yule Logs
I’ve been trying to decide which of the recipes for a yule log which include eggs, can be converted to an egg free recipe. I haven’t decided, but thoughts of a ‘yule log’ brought images of a real one burning in the hearth.
The other evening, at my son and daughter-in-law’s house there was a wood fire in the grate. The flames, the warmth and the crackling wood brought pictures of the past to my mind.
The Druids blessed a ‘log’ the trunk or part of the trunk of a tree, and kept it burning throughout the winter solstice, which lasted 12 days, and kept part of it to light the following year’s Yule log.
In the northern lands of the Viking’s icy winter, warmth was essential. It was also necessary to placate Thor and greet the sun’s return after winter. The Yule log was the focus of their celebration the julfest. They carved runes on tree trunk which represented – for example – bad luck – that they wanted their gods and goddesses to take away. They also believed everyone who helped to bring in the Yule log would be protected from witches.
Druid or Viking, I can imagine families enjoying the fire with its light flickering over their faces, and children, cosy indoors, enjoying winter fare and listening to tales.
The Vikings, who doused the log with alcohol to make it burn, brought the custom to Britain, where with the passage of time, it was adopted by medieval Christians, to whom it represented the need to keep Jesus warm.
It was important to keep the log burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas, after which the ashes were gathered, and kept indoors to prevent lightening or fire breaking out.
Today, there are very few hearths large enough to fit a Yule log but there is nothing to prevent us choosing the largest log which will fit the fireplace and burning it in memory of the past.
I’ve been trying to decide which of the recipes for a yule log which include eggs, can be converted to an egg free recipe. I haven’t decided, but thoughts of a ‘yule log’ brought images of a real one burning in the hearth.
The other evening, at my son and daughter-in-law’s house there was a wood fire in the grate. The flames, the warmth and the crackling wood brought pictures of the past to my mind.
The Druids blessed a ‘log’ the trunk or part of the trunk of a tree, and kept it burning throughout the winter solstice, which lasted 12 days, and kept part of it to light the following year’s Yule log.
In the northern lands of the Viking’s icy winter, warmth was essential. It was also necessary to placate Thor and greet the sun’s return after winter. The Yule log was the focus of their celebration the julfest. They carved runes on tree trunk which represented – for example – bad luck – that they wanted their gods and goddesses to take away. They also believed everyone who helped to bring in the Yule log would be protected from witches.
Druid or Viking, I can imagine families enjoying the fire with its light flickering over their faces, and children, cosy indoors, enjoying winter fare and listening to tales.
The Vikings, who doused the log with alcohol to make it burn, brought the custom to Britain, where with the passage of time, it was adopted by medieval Christians, to whom it represented the need to keep Jesus warm.
It was important to keep the log burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas, after which the ashes were gathered, and kept indoors to prevent lightening or fire breaking out.
Today, there are very few hearths large enough to fit a Yule log but there is nothing to prevent us choosing the largest log which will fit the fireplace and burning it in memory of the past.
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