I have been thinking for some time that I ought to let you know something of what we have been doing this year but I haven’t been sure where I should start! I will begin by telling you of our recent big family celebration, my brother Andrew’s wedding to Helen on the 12th of May.
This photo and the one below I ‘obtained’ from Facebook and they were taken by Andrew and Helen’s friends. I didn’t take any photographs that day and am very grateful to those who did. Don’t they look a happy couple?
The day was a little chilly but fairly bright and it stayed dry until we were all at the reception, which was very lucky.
I had spent quite a bit of time during the preceding months helping Mum find a new outfit for the occasion. I visited many shops, on my own, in a number of towns looking for something she might be happy to wear. The shops had to have easy access and be near to a car park. The clothes had to be suitable in design and price. I eventually got together a plan of campaign and we had a shopping trip just ten days before the wedding. We were very fortunate in finding just what Mum wanted but I am disappointed in not having a photograph of her in her finery.
It was good to see Andrew’s children Natalie and Robert and Natalie’s partner Adam. My sister Francesca managed to take the day off work but her three children weren’t able to attend. Mum was very pleased to see them all.
oooOOOooo
My niece, Natalie specialised in weaving when studying for her degree in Art in London. I thought, as I hadn’t been able in an earlier post of mine to include any photos of the embroidery and textiles I saw at an exhibition, I would mention the work Natalie does and include a few links.
Natalie works for Humphries Weaving based in the town of Sudbury in Suffolk. Here is a short video produced by that company and in it you will be able to see Natalie and her colleague and listen to them talk about the work they do. Natalie is the woman with her hair up and she doesn’t have a Scottish accent!
One of the projects Natalie has been working on for the past few years is helping to conserve the Saloon in the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, that wonderful building commissioned by George IV.
Here is an article from the Guardian newspaper about the restoration work.
I also include another film made by Humphries Weaving which explains the work they have had to do and all the detailed research that has been carried out.
I am looking forward to visiting the Royal Pavilion and seeing this beautiful room!
Jill Weatherholt said:
I loved, loved, loved this post, Clare! What great photos! Helen and Andrew look so happy and Elinor and Alice are precious. My favorite though…you and Richard! What a great looking couple you are. You look beautiful in blue and Richard looks like he thinks so, too. 🙂 Thanks so much for introducing us to your talented niece, Natalie. Wow!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Jill; you are too kind xx Natalie is a very talented young woman and we are all proud of her.
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susanpoozan said:
Loved your account with all the photographs of such a lovely wedding. Everyone looked so happy. Your niece is part of a wonderful project. I must go to Brighton and have a look for myself.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Susan. I have never been inside the Pavilion even though I used to visit Brighton a lot when I was young.
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tootlepedal said:
Interesting videos, thank you.
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Clare Pooley said:
My pleasure, Tom and thank you.
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Lisa G. said:
Clare! I have been telling myself I should email you to find out if anything was wrong, and here you are. Congratulations to Andrew and Helen! You look really cute in your fascinator! 🙂 And your girls in their pretty skirts. May God give many blessings to the happy couple. Now I will watch the videos. 🙂 xo
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Lisa! Nothing has been wrong – just an amazingly busy summer. 🙂 xo
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Lavinia Ross said:
Wonderful news of family and friends,Clare. Congratulations to Andrew and Helen! May they have a long, happy life together.
I love the photo of you and Richard, and Alice and Elinor. What a beautiful shade of blue you are wearing!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Lavinia. I love that shade of blue too and now that I have grey hair I can wear it! One of the few advantages of getting old 😀
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Lavinia Ross said:
Your silver hair looks beautiful, Clare!
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Clare Pooley said:
How sweet you are! xo
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Meg Owen said:
Thank you Clare for sharing the happy occasion of your brother’s wedding and the video about your neice’s work – feel inspired to join a weaver’s and spinners group ( when I retire). I love all your posts, I feel like I’m living in England
Meg
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Clare Pooley said:
How very kind, Meg and thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope you do manage to join a weavers and spinners group – don’t wait until you retire!
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markspitzerdesigns said:
Thanks for including the weaving video as well. Amazing to see the techniques in both their historic and current forms.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Mark. I found that aspect fascinating, too. My niece learnt to weave the old-fashioned way while at art college and loved it.
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germac4 said:
Thank you for sharing your photos of your brother’s wedding, Clare. Andrew and Helen look very happy and you are looking very stylish in your lovely blue and white outfit.
When my daughter got married, I found it very difficult to find something suitable, for such an important event.
The video on weaving was very interesting, restoration is a much needed industry these days. Natalie must be very talented. Now I’ll sit down with a cup of tea to look at the Humphries Weaving video.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Gerrie. I find clothes-buying increasingly difficult, especially for really important occasions. It’s hard to find elegant clothes that are also comfortable!
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germac4 said:
So true..
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Lisa G. said:
Well, I have watched both – I can imagine how eager you are to see this place someday, Clare! What a career for Natalie – such important and interesting work. Fascinating!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Lisa! I think it is a wonderful job with such exciting opportunities.
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Peter Klopp said:
The newly weds look gorgeous. You had a very bunch of friends and relatives attending the wedding. Very nice photos, Clare!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Peter. My brother and Helen have a large circle of friends who all turned out to wish them well.
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Lynette d'Arty-Cross said:
Such an interesting post, especially about your niece’s work. Congratulations to your bother and his wife. 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Lynette!
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Laurie Graves said:
Congrats to your brother and his wife. What a thrill to see a picture of you and Richard. And your daughters? As for weaving… I am in awe.
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Clare Pooley said:
How kind, Laurie – thank you!
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dobetteralways said:
You all looked so lovely in the photos, it was nice to read the celebratory news.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much! xx
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Gallivanta said:
Such a lovely post, Clare. So good to see some of your brother’s wedding photos. You all look wonderful. The photo of Elinor and Alice is really special. I am in awe of the work which Natalie does at Humphries Weaving. Isn’t it great that such work is still in demand?
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Mandy. It is good that such specialist weaving is still required; not only by stately homes and palaces but also by companies wishing to upgrade their decor and private individuals as well, wanting something special for their homes. It is not cheap!
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Gallivanta said:
Not cheap, indeed, but a worthy investment.
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Liz said:
What a gorgeous post – so lovely to see your family photos – you all look fabulous! And how very interesting to read about your niece’s stunning work. Thank you for sharing it all. x
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Clare Pooley said:
My pleasure, Liz and thank you! xx
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margaret21 said:
What a talented family! A lovely post full of happy events – we need to share these joyful memories in troubled times. I’m so glad to put faces to you and your family of course – though now I have to replace the pictures I had in my head!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Margaret. Yes, pictures in our heads! I am often surprised at the actor chosen to play a character in a favourite book or when I see the face belonging to a voice I love on the radio.
There aren’t many photographs of me. I am not counting the ones Richard invariably takes of me as I’m eating or talking with my eyes half closed or squinting!
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derrickjknight said:
Lovely photos of the happy day; there’s so much noise from heating installation, I’ve had to pass on the videos for the moment 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
I hope you’ve survived your noisy day, Derrick! Thank you for your kind comment.
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derrickjknight said:
All finished now
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Clare Pooley said:
Yay!
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KerryCan said:
I love this post–so happy and full of love. And I love seeing good, clear photos of all of you–it’s odd that we have friends around the world and don’t often know what they look like! As for the weaving–holy cow! Natalie works at a level so far advanced beyond what I do! It’s truly amazing and that video blows my mind!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Kerry. Natalie’s work is so technical, isn’t it? When she was at college she wove using a loom, as you do, and loved it. Weaving by hand must be such an organic process and you must get a real sense of creation when you make your beautiful towels and scarves.
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quietsolopursuits said:
Congratulations to the happy couple!
I found the videos about weaving and the restoration of historic buildings fascinating. I had no idea how weaving was done these days, other than machines had replaced the old hand looms. And, I hadn’t given much thought into how some one would go about trying to match older styles while using modern equipment, including CAD programs, so the videos were also very enlightening as well.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Jerry. It’s a job that needs so many different skills. I loved the videos!
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rachelcraftymakes said:
So happy for your brother. The wedding looks lovely 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Rachel 🙂
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Andy Jones said:
Thank you to everybody for your very kind wishes. Helen and I had a fantastic day surrounded by wonderful family and friends.
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Clare Pooley said:
My goodness! Nearly five months ago now!
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New Hampshire Garden Solutions said:
I thought the whole family looked very happy and I hope you all stay that way for many years to come. And congratulations to your brother and his bride!
I’ve always loved history but I can’t imagine being any more immersed in it than your niece is. She’s a very lucky girl, and talented as well!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Allen. I think her job must be fascinating!
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New Hampshire Garden Solutions said:
I agree!
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bitaboutbritain said:
Lovely shots and tales of a lovely day, Clare. Good to see a nice clear picture of you and Richard – you both look great!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Mike.
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unionhomestead said:
It was lovely to see you…and looking so happy and stylish, too!
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Clare Pooley said:
How kind! Thank you 🙂
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Dina said:
Lovely to see you, Clare -and all the others! Congratulations to Andrew and Helen! They do look happy and cheerful. 🙂 ❤
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Dina!
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Beckarooney said:
Lovely post Clare! Congratulations to the happy couple, beautiful photos. I have a lot of respect for weaving, such a technical and intricate process. 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Becka!
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Ari said:
What a great post. Congratulations to your brother and his new wife. They looked so happy. Love thr videos, I’ve always loved the art of weaving and it was wonderful seeing the old styles meets the new technology. Beautiful.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Ari.
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Cynthia Reyes said:
I’m so glad you shared these pictures, Clare! Congrats to andrew and Helen. And you and richard and Alice and Elinor look so happy and lovely in these photos. Yes, your mother must have been happy to be surrounded by family on such a happy day. Congrats to Natalie on her weaving.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Cynthia.
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maryannniemczura said:
Congratulations first of all. The silk weaving is very impressive. I am also a sewing artist and love fabrics and textures. Bravo! This was a lovely visit today.
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Clare Pooley said:
You are very kind. Thank you so much, Mary Ann!
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maryannniemczura said:
My pleasure, Clare. I love textiles and textures. This silk weaving is so intricate.
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Jane Sturgeon said:
Dearest Clare, what lovely, happy photographs. Congratulations to Andrew and Helen. I love the pictures of you and Richard (fabulous blue) and Alice and Elinor. Thank you for sharing these happy moments. Natalie is hugely talented and flowing loving nurture into an old craft and restoration. Huge hugs for you all, with much love ❤ Xxxx ❤
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, my dear Jane! I am very proud of my talented niece and in awe of her skill. Love and hugs to you my friend xxx ❤ ❤ xxx
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Retirement Reflections said:
I agree with Jill. This is such an uplifting post. It is WONDERFUL to see you blogging again. Congratulations to Helen and Andrew.
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Clare Pooley said:
Awww! Thank you so much!
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Sheila said:
Beautiful wedding photos! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time and it’s nice to see you and your husband looking so happy together. I love the weaving video too. I didn’t know you could use computers for such things.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Sheila. Computers have certainly made Natalie’s job easier and quicker.
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Ste J said:
What a great conservation project to be involved with! Congratulations to your brother and his wife, it looks like a good time was had, despite a bit of a breeze!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Ste! There definitely was a chilly breeze!
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Val said:
Looks like it was a lovely day for everyone present! 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Val – it was! 🙂
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Annika Perry said:
Wow! Clare, this is a wonderful post! First of all I’m in awe of your niece Natalie and her work. I loved watching about Humphries and their work. Even though I live close to Sudbury and visit often I’ve never heard of the company … I’ve been to the silk museum in Braintree before but this video was so informative. The Second film is incredible, an investigative journey of discovery and I was hooked! The final room looks stunning and it must be amazing to have played such a huge part in the fabric renovations/restoration.
Congratulations to your brother and his wife, they look so happy together. Also you look lovely and summery and great to see you with your husband!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Annika. The room in the Pavilion looks so bright now, almost garish! I would love to visit it.
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Andrea Stephenson said:
What lovely photos Clare, it’s wonderful to see you and your family looking so happy. And I was very interested in the weaving – the next novel I’m writing has a strong weaving element in it and my great, great, great grandad was a carpet weaver up in Scotland!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Andrea. How wonderful to discover such a craftsman in your family from so long ago.
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quercuscommunity said:
Good to see you back. It looks like a great family day. Glad to see that the old skills are being preserved.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Simon. 🙂
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Charlotte Hoather said:
Clare you and your husband look lovely in this wedding finery, my Mum bought a dress and jacket like yours for mine and my brothers graduations but in coral, great taste both of you. I’ve just been writing a post on the train about my brothers wedding last weekend, I love celebrations.
All my best Charlotte
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Charlotte. The dress and jacket are so comfortable; I wore it to the wedding of my best friend’s younger daughter a while ago and was so pleased with it I couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to wear it! Looking forward to reading about your brother’s wedding!
Clare xx
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Resa said:
Wonderful wedding! Helen and Andrew seem happy beyond belief. I wish them the same, forever!
You look simply marvellous, Clare!
Natalie has chosen a wonderful career area. She is keeping a great craft alive in its finest form. She has a lot to be proud of, and who knows where she might take this. I am very impressed! Loved the vid!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Resa. We are very proud of Natalie and the career she has chosen.
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Resa said:
I’m proud of her, too, and I’ve never even met her!
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Clare Pooley said:
🙂
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Weddings Palmsprings said:
Beautiful wedding photos! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment!
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Elizabeth Melton Parsons said:
Congratulations to your brother and his beautiful bride. You look absolutely gorgeous, Clare. That is definitely your color and a big favorite of mine. Just beautiful. ❤
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I just love that shade of blue ❤
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Lecia said:
Wonderful post! The wedding photos are lovely. Congratulations on your family’s happiness! And I loved watching the videos of Natalie’s weaving! Incredible talent!
Warmest regards!
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Lecia
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whitefeatherfloating said:
Wow Clare! what a beautiful post. 😁
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so very much, Patsy! 🙂 🙂
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whitefeatherfloating said:
You’re welcome, Clare! I need to visit your blog more often! 😁
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Clare Pooley said:
I have hardly had time to post anything this year! I thought last year was bad enough but this year has been worse! Nothing terrible, but so, so busy!
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whitefeatherfloating said:
Well, it sounds like you’ve had a more active year than I have. Because of the fires here in California, I have been inside a lot in the past few months. It gave me a lot more time for art, though.
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Clare Pooley said:
Those fires have been terrible, I know! We have seen footage on TV regularly. I hope things are improving now?
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whitefeatherfloating said:
Yeah, things have improved a lot since we have finally been getting some rain.
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Clare Pooley said:
Good!
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whitefeatherfloating said:
😁
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whitefeatherfloating said:
You and Richard are so cute! Your brother and his new wife are, too. 😁Belated congratulations to them! Great photos.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you! I must let Richard know! 🙂 I will pass on your congratulations xx
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whitefeatherfloating said:
You’re welcome! Please do! 😁
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Clare Pooley said:
😀
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Raspberry Ketones said:
Nice blog. Enjoyed the read.
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much!
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sherijkennedyriverside said:
Hi Clare, Looks like we’ve both taken a bit of a break from our blogs. I hope you and yours are well. I’ve come by to see what you’ve been up to and to say, ‘hello’. This is a wonderful post. I love the picture of you and Richard, especially. You both look happy and fine in your wedding best. I’m planning to post more again and will check back to see if you’ve returned soon. All the best to you for the New Year! -Sheri
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Clare Pooley said:
Thanks, Sheri. I have had less and less time for blogging in recent years. I try to visit other people’s blogs as often as I can but even that has gone by the board this Christmas! I look forward to visiting your blog in the near future. With best wishes to you for a happy and healthy new year!
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(Kitty) Cat Strawberry - Meow! said:
My goodness, how did I miss this post? You all look so lovely, a very belated congratulations to the couple. 😀 Sorry for missing your post, I’m not sure how I did, but I’m glad you posted a link back to it 🙂
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Clare Pooley said:
My pleasure, Cat and thank you! 🙂
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wholelottarosie said:
Clare, you look absolutely gorgeous, Clare! I love the color turquoise. I love your stylisch dress, the jacket, the lovely hair accessories and the bag … everything looks perfect. Your husband and you – you are such a beautiful couple! Congratulations to Helen and Andrew, their smile is very, very happy looking. Helen’s wedding dress is fantastic, she looks like a queen.
Rosie from Germany
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Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, dear Rosie! It was a very happy day and I will pass on your compliments to Richard, Helen and Andrew xx
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wholelottarosie said:
😀☀️💕
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