Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Chateau de Guedelon

Gosh its quiet! my house guest is gone!

I came across an interesting article today about an attempt to build a medieval castle from scratch, using only contemporary tools and materials.

The project is in France and was started in 1997 and is called the Chateau de Guedelon. The great hall is almost complete and the tower is now past 50feet.

In the woods surrounding the castle craftsmen are using the trades required. There are Stone-cutters, carpenters and a blacksmith forges the nails. Ropes, baskets and roof-tiles are all made on site.

An architectural team every years building plans. These are drawn up by a master mason has sketched details from dozens of contemporary castles. No material is used or plan approved that was not documented in the 13th century.

The project has also answered some archaeological queries. Archaeologists had often wondered why they found traces of two separate kilns at construction sites. Experience at Guedelon showed that during the day builders often needed to top up the mortar brought in from the main kiln with small amounts made close at hand. Hence there are found a small second kiln inside the castle.

To read more visit the castles website there is an error message about a video (well on my pc!) just click on the site.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Cooking? Me? Surely Not!

I have a house guest at the moment.

As Jan normally cooks for me I did the honours last night. Not sure honour is the right word, hey ho.

Anyway we had Flame Seared Paprika Chicken, peppers, chorizo, tomato dressed butter beans, green beans an potatoes in rosemary and pepper. For dessert we had a white chocolate and raspberry torte.

The word cook is not the right word, I took stuff out of packets and stuck it in the oven.

As a well known supermarket would say "Every Little Helps".

Monday, June 28, 2010

And a nation mourns

Did we all enjoy the football?

I didn't watch the Slovenia game but the 3 I watched were some of the direst stuff I've watched from an England team. I find it hard to understand how some of the supposedly "greatest players in the world" can't pass or do the basics of defending.

I do hope no one will think that if Lampards disallowed goal had stood it would all have been different. It was abject.

A phrase much used was that man for man we were the better team. Maybe we were/are but we weren't a team and last night the German's were.

The golden generation? ye gods if that was the golden generation there is no hope.

Before the 2004 European Championships there was fears that our coach might walk away so we given an extension. How were we in that tournament? Rubbish.

Before the 2010 World Championships we renegotiate the coaches contract to remove the exit cluase. We were rubbish.

Yes Capello's tactics and substitutions (bringing on Heskey when we need goals!) were poor but let us not disguise the fact that the players didn't perform. However strict his regime is that doesn't excuse players not able to pass the ball!

The thing is in 2 years time we'll go to the European Championships still with massive expectations. Will we never learn.

hey ho.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

home

we set off early and were back home before 8:45!! its only 70 miles.

So I popped into Rye Meads. Though the reserve remains free they've introduced a £2 car parking charge for non RSPB members, not sure how that affects Wildlife Trust members as its a joint reserve.

Mrs Pochard


Youngster


I'm being watched.


I'm out of here


Damn he's still there!







Got an itch better scratch it.







Baby Kestrels peek out whilst dad hunts in next field.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Friday - Scotney

And so where today? Well Scotney Castle. The castle is now a romantic ruin, the "new house" built in 1837 was first opened to the public in 2007. The trust are still finding stuff in the loft!





































Blog Status

If you want to use any photos on this blog please see this link.