Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,
Whether summer clothe the general earth
With greeness, or the redbreast sit and sing
Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch
Of mossy apple-tree, while the nigh thatch
Smokes in the sun-thaw; whether the eave-drops fall
Heard only in the trances of the blast,
Or if the secret ministry of frost
Shall hang them up in silent icicles,
Quietly shining to the quiet Moon.



Saturday, July 28, 2007

Seven Random Facts


African Sunrise - White River, Mpumalanga


This is just a fill in post while I wait for inspiration to strike. Patty from Morning Ramble tagged me ages ago to post seven random facts about myself so here they are. Incidentally White River is where my son and daughter-in-law lived for 3 years. The photo is there simply because I love it, it's about the best I've ever taken.



1. I've visited Dracula's castle in Transylvania. It's called Bran Castle and it's a lovely place perched on top of a hill just like a castle in a fairytale. In spite of its reputation it has no unpleasant atmosphere at all - quite the reverse in fact.




2. I love Reeses chocolate peanut butter cups and saltwater taffy.




3. My favourite wild animal is the wolf. In spite of all the bad press they undeservedly get I have always felt a strong attraction to them. I sponsor one called Madadh at a sanctuary in Herefordshire, I've visited her and her companions and been up close to them.They aren't tame but one or two of them are sufficiently socialized with humans to be strokable. It was a wonderful experience to do that. I've also been wolf watching in Romania though we got much closer to bears than wolves there.



4. I can't stand salad cream or mayonnaise so this is an image of saltwater taffy instead:)




5. I'm really scared of lightning, I came close to being struck a few years ago and have never quite got over it. Thunder doesn't bother me at all though. The image is not mine - I wish it was.




6. I am a really bad sailor! Lord Nelson of the Battle of Trafalgar fame was too, so at least I'm in good company.




7. I was in Kruger National Park when a really large herd of elephants with lots of babies crossed right in front of our car. I raised my lovely new digital camera to take photographs and got the message 'Battery Empty' - and I didn't know enough then to carry spares! So those pictures are all in my mind but not anywhere else unfortunately. The buffalo is pretty good though isn't he?

I've been having problems with my computer this week, it keeps having periods of erasing everything I write so if there are no posts or I'm not commenting or answering e-mails that will be the reason why.

26 comments:

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Loved finding out more about you! I've always wondered what Saltwater taffy is!!

Lynda (Granny K) said...

What interesting places you have visited. That taffy looks like the sort which would remove your fillings! I love the banana flavoured stuff.

Julie said...

Rowan,

Welcome back!

I, too, love salt water taffy, but the last time I had any out came my front crown. It was 11:45 am on a Friday and dentists closes at noon on Fridays here. I had to quickly phone and beg one to fit me in. I wasn't going to go the whole weekend without a front tooth!

Julie

rel said...

Rowan,
I knew when I met you a year ago that I'd met an extrodinary woman of deep and diverse talents. With each post you add greater depth and dimension to this person know as Rowan. I think that should we ever grace the same space I will feel as if I've known you forever. ;-) the fact that we share many of the same interests is an added bonus.
Because I believe that differences are just as important as commonality to lively discussion and good friendship; I must admit here that I do love mayonaise. ;-)
Your photos are magnificent. I too have had the battery dead incident, but unlike you, I was in Auch,France and near an electronic/photography shop
which had the correct replacement.
As you know, I love castles and old churchs, and magnificent sunrises/sunsets.
rel

Marilyn in NM said...

Rowan, what great travels you have experienced. I've never been to such distant places but I appreciate you sharing them with us which makes me feel like I've been a world traveler. Thank you!
I do have to say I don't like mayonnaise but I do like Miracle Whip! And I love saltwater taffy.
Thanks for sharing these random things about yourself!

Tea said...

Enjoyed reading your meme Rowan. That`s the one I have to do too...after I do another one that I`ve been tagged for LOL And I`ve only just found some time to come and visit! Loved your post about the Tudor Stillroom. Herbs have always interested me. Sure would have liked to have been there :) You go to so many interesting places! I`m envious.

tea
xo

Amy said...

Gosh you sure have visited some great places around the world :-)

Miss Robyn said...

gee, you have visited some amazing places!
I love salt water taffy but we can't buy it here.. the only time I get it is when I visit the US... but after reading Julies comment, I will stay away from it - because I have new 5 crowns in my mouth.. gee I sound very regal :)

maybe in a past life you were a pirate! and maybe the wolf is your totem??

oh and one more thing - the best chocolate is Cherry Ripe - can you get that in the UK? If not, I want to send you some for a taste sensation xo

meggie said...

I enjoyed your post as usual. Very interesting travel you have done.

Sheila said...

We must call you Bwana Rowan..! You have certainly travelled, and the sights are wonderful.
Reese's chocolate peanut butter cups are a favourite of mine as well. But I love lightning, though perhaps if I had had your experience I wouldn't be as keen..!
xo

Ragged Roses said...

Wish I'd known you loved Reese's peanut butter cups as we had boxes of them a little while back - my dad always brings them back from America. Rowan, you've won my goodies giveway - please leave a comment on my blog with your email details (I will erase comment if you wish me to).
Kim x

Anonymous said...

Wow! What an interesting list :) It's pretty nifty being able to find out about a person in such detail, over the 'net!

Janet said...

That first photo is beautiful and I see why you love it.

I like anything with peanut butter, and I also love saltwater taffy! Wolves do have a bad rep in some places but they are amazing animals. You and I seem to have a lot in common except I've not traveled to as many interesting places as you.

PAT said...

Great post Rowan! Love your facts!
It's always interesting here.
I'm a big fan of Salt Water Taffy, too!

Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Rowan,
Just browsing and found your blog. What a lovely surprise to see a photo of White River! I was there eight years ago. I love South Africa and have travelled in and around three times. I'm going back again next year for the Jo'burg Quilt festival. I love your random facts. I'm also a hopeless sailor. I was once sick on the Mersey Ferry in Liverpool!
I'll add you to my favourites and return to visit you again soon.
Cheers for now,
Jenny

Linda G. said...

I had a lovely and absorbing visit as usual! You truly transport me to other worlds...
Great shot of the buffalo. I'll bet he was impressive face to face like that!
They've reinstated wolves here in Yellowstone Park, but they stray to ranch land and prey upon calves so there is much controversy.

kate said...

Rowan, sorry to hear about your computer woes. Hopefully that will soon be resolved!

I loved the sunset picture that you took. It is gorgeous. And the buffalo is adorable.

I'm with you on the Reese's peanut butter cups!

World Wide Alternative said...

Wonderful places you've been! Lucky duck...

Gill said...

Saltwater taffy, YAY!!!
Mayonaise, Booo!
I am with you on those.
xo
Blue

Peaceful/Paisible said...

your photos are great Rowan...and Dracula's castle!!!would love to visit it...I'm like you, always sea-sick, love wolves too...
and you as well...see you dear...
I was tagged about my garden with Alexiabeille's blog
that's quite fun and we get to know each other that way...
see you dear

Mary said...

Trying desperately to catch up with everyone - travelling is great but it's so good to be home for a while!
Loving your interesting pictures, as always. Hope you are back to drier weather over there!

Ragged Roses said...

Hi Rowan - I know you're having trouble with your computer , but I've nominated you for an award!
Kim x
You need to check my blog

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Thanks for commenting. Glad to hear that your computer problems are sorted out and that you are 'back with us'!

Patty said...

Love the pictures and love the facts about you. I am with you on the candy ! I have been slow at visiting blogs with Mei-Ling being sick

Anonymous said...

I've left an award for you on my blog, Rowan ... please stop by for the details. ♥

promoteyourblogforfree said...

nice blog