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Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
11/12/11 Chelmsford England
The Wedding Day started very early, 5:00AM here with a nice brisk walk. The weather is nice and warm, overcast, no wind. Great day for Emily and Ross to be married.
After my walk, I cleaned up and went to Deborah's house. We had wired and taped beautiful cymbidium orchids for bridesmaids and several table "decks" as they say, decorations.I also made Emily's bridal bouquet of gloriosa. WE were anxious about the lilies holding up. Some were in a bouquet holder but many others were glued into the frame. I glued lily leaves on the back of the bouquet holder. Then I made an armature of silver aluminum wire to wrap around the holder and down almost to the floor for the plumosus and gloriosa support. Tying the armature at intervals with silver metallic wire. With this structure the bouquet may as well been several feet long and it would have been sturdy. The armature was positioned , then held in place by cuttings of the fern for greening and shape. The stems of plumosus were very long and beautiful. 10 nice long stems, from my hip to the floor were 18 pounds, wholesale, a pound is worth $1.60. That is wholesale!!!I glued many pieces of the fern along the frame with the cold glue. The gloriosa lilies were purchased on the stem, also from my hip to the floor in sealed packages of 15 flowers in a package. The flowers were beautiful. Some of the 15 were buds, new green blossoms, but most were the perfect flower. We were concerned at how they will hold up over night. Some stems I put in the foam bouquet holder, many, a lot were glued in the bouquet, on the armature and the fern, no water source. There were 100 blossoms in the bridal bouquet and 8 stems of the plumosus fern. It is the first all lily bouquet that I have ever made. Thank you Emily for an exceptional experience, and knowing it was especially chosen by you was amazing. So I covered it, put it in a cool place.
The flowers were all white for the church with English Lavender, eucalyptus and hearts for the pews,white cyclamen plants with trailing English ivy, white roses,white spray roses, white gerbera,Italian ruscus. Simple, organic and classy.
The flowers for the reception were stunning red roses, hypericum,pinkish calla,pink cymbidium orchids, viburnum,red berries,red spray roses.
Back yo this morning,the cymbidiums had all gone down, every wired one was soft. We took them out, put them in a bath to harden them, which they did harden off, after I cut them all off of the wire. The last flower we ever thought may be sensative was, the gloriosa were perfect, in the bouquet I cut 3 flowers out and glued three in. At the ebd of the night they all looked brilliant!!!! fresh and new in the holder and in the glue. The other flowers were truly perfect.
We decorated the urnails which was a big hit, or miss?? Emily gave Ann, Db and I creative freedom, we took it.
The " Button Holes" for the men were delivered to their prospective homes, the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids were delivered to the brides home. The Best man is in charge of making sure everyone has one. Parents flowers were delivered to their homes. The Town Cars picked up the bride, groom and wedding party, 6 maids and 2 Best men.They had pictures taken at their homes, then came to the church. Everyone was in the church, the groom and Best Men were in the front of the church, Emily came in with her father who stayed with her the entire time. The maids sat in the front pew during the ceremony. They were pronounced man and wife, then went to the main alter with the vicar, then to the side where they signed the papers. The mother of the bride and mother of the groom were the witnesses. We left the church, many photographs, throwing of biodegradable rose petal looking confetti. The town cars took them away to the reception site. We arrived to a line of servers with trays of wine, and appitizers, stood outside on a nice patio area by the golf coarse, more pictures, then into the reception, great set down service meal, speeches, and a really great band, photo booth, everything.Unique to the bride and groom
Tomorrow ( Sunday ) I will head home, good feelings about my experience, and looking forward to coming home. The best of the best.
I will add pictures when I learn how, promise.
Thank you for sharing my trip with me. The shoes were perfect Marge.
After my walk, I cleaned up and went to Deborah's house. We had wired and taped beautiful cymbidium orchids for bridesmaids and several table "decks" as they say, decorations.I also made Emily's bridal bouquet of gloriosa. WE were anxious about the lilies holding up. Some were in a bouquet holder but many others were glued into the frame. I glued lily leaves on the back of the bouquet holder. Then I made an armature of silver aluminum wire to wrap around the holder and down almost to the floor for the plumosus and gloriosa support. Tying the armature at intervals with silver metallic wire. With this structure the bouquet may as well been several feet long and it would have been sturdy. The armature was positioned , then held in place by cuttings of the fern for greening and shape. The stems of plumosus were very long and beautiful. 10 nice long stems, from my hip to the floor were 18 pounds, wholesale, a pound is worth $1.60. That is wholesale!!!I glued many pieces of the fern along the frame with the cold glue. The gloriosa lilies were purchased on the stem, also from my hip to the floor in sealed packages of 15 flowers in a package. The flowers were beautiful. Some of the 15 were buds, new green blossoms, but most were the perfect flower. We were concerned at how they will hold up over night. Some stems I put in the foam bouquet holder, many, a lot were glued in the bouquet, on the armature and the fern, no water source. There were 100 blossoms in the bridal bouquet and 8 stems of the plumosus fern. It is the first all lily bouquet that I have ever made. Thank you Emily for an exceptional experience, and knowing it was especially chosen by you was amazing. So I covered it, put it in a cool place.
The flowers were all white for the church with English Lavender, eucalyptus and hearts for the pews,white cyclamen plants with trailing English ivy, white roses,white spray roses, white gerbera,Italian ruscus. Simple, organic and classy.
The flowers for the reception were stunning red roses, hypericum,pinkish calla,pink cymbidium orchids, viburnum,red berries,red spray roses.
Back yo this morning,the cymbidiums had all gone down, every wired one was soft. We took them out, put them in a bath to harden them, which they did harden off, after I cut them all off of the wire. The last flower we ever thought may be sensative was, the gloriosa were perfect, in the bouquet I cut 3 flowers out and glued three in. At the ebd of the night they all looked brilliant!!!! fresh and new in the holder and in the glue. The other flowers were truly perfect.
We decorated the urnails which was a big hit, or miss?? Emily gave Ann, Db and I creative freedom, we took it.
The " Button Holes" for the men were delivered to their prospective homes, the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids were delivered to the brides home. The Best man is in charge of making sure everyone has one. Parents flowers were delivered to their homes. The Town Cars picked up the bride, groom and wedding party, 6 maids and 2 Best men.They had pictures taken at their homes, then came to the church. Everyone was in the church, the groom and Best Men were in the front of the church, Emily came in with her father who stayed with her the entire time. The maids sat in the front pew during the ceremony. They were pronounced man and wife, then went to the main alter with the vicar, then to the side where they signed the papers. The mother of the bride and mother of the groom were the witnesses. We left the church, many photographs, throwing of biodegradable rose petal looking confetti. The town cars took them away to the reception site. We arrived to a line of servers with trays of wine, and appitizers, stood outside on a nice patio area by the golf coarse, more pictures, then into the reception, great set down service meal, speeches, and a really great band, photo booth, everything.Unique to the bride and groom
Tomorrow ( Sunday ) I will head home, good feelings about my experience, and looking forward to coming home. The best of the best.
I will add pictures when I learn how, promise.
Thank you for sharing my trip with me. The shoes were perfect Marge.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
11/10/11 England
This morning on my walk I could see my breath, not really cold, just crisp on the edge. The clouds were so low I was walking through them. Each morning I go a wee bit further, watching the street signs and names. The street manes are low close to the road, say calf high on me, white with black lettering. The names keep entertaining me, with the names, Wills Old Road,
No end Lane, The Fen, Woodhill Close, Stepford Turn. Many of the homes have names. The area where I am living is Parsonage Farm, the cottage I am in is Goose Cottage. The names go with the property so have been the same for many years.
A cottage, small, old style, bungalow is larger and newer, one story, floor. Chalet is a two story house that looks one story on the outside. On Cape Cod they are called Soap houses. Terraced house id larger, with two homes. The Semi,is attached to another house but with a driveway between. Then the detached home, single family, from three to 8 bedrooms, then the Mansions, Manor Houses, Estates,are huge homes. Man of these have areas the owners live in and open the main areas for people to come visit, tour and some are bed and breakfasts, all depending on area, economy.Some have, as many large plantations in Southern US have sold the land in front of and around the main house to keep the main home. The land on each side of the driveway is held on to.
The flowers for the wedding arrived this morning. We cut and processed outside, a bit wet and chilly. I caught a bit of a chill, so came in to do the corsages and bouts inside. The flowers are beautiful. Emily's brides maids dresses are dark navy blue. The maids have handtied of roses, calla, ivy,viburnum ivy,hypericum. The bride is gloriosa lilies and foliages. The flowers are lovely. I will finish them tomorrow, detail it .
There are pictures, I will send them when I can.
No end Lane, The Fen, Woodhill Close, Stepford Turn. Many of the homes have names. The area where I am living is Parsonage Farm, the cottage I am in is Goose Cottage. The names go with the property so have been the same for many years.
A cottage, small, old style, bungalow is larger and newer, one story, floor. Chalet is a two story house that looks one story on the outside. On Cape Cod they are called Soap houses. Terraced house id larger, with two homes. The Semi,is attached to another house but with a driveway between. Then the detached home, single family, from three to 8 bedrooms, then the Mansions, Manor Houses, Estates,are huge homes. Man of these have areas the owners live in and open the main areas for people to come visit, tour and some are bed and breakfasts, all depending on area, economy.Some have, as many large plantations in Southern US have sold the land in front of and around the main house to keep the main home. The land on each side of the driveway is held on to.
The flowers for the wedding arrived this morning. We cut and processed outside, a bit wet and chilly. I caught a bit of a chill, so came in to do the corsages and bouts inside. The flowers are beautiful. Emily's brides maids dresses are dark navy blue. The maids have handtied of roses, calla, ivy,viburnum ivy,hypericum. The bride is gloriosa lilies and foliages. The flowers are lovely. I will finish them tomorrow, detail it .
There are pictures, I will send them when I can.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
11/8 Wednesday Chelmsford, Essex, England
Up and for a walk, I go in a different direction each day, to know the area better. There are several schools around. The young people walk to school with their uniforms on, several different schools and levels. Some on bikes, or walking alone, many in groups with fun school bags, each unique to themselves.
Ann and I headed to the train station, we were dropped of by a friend in a sweet Fiat, BJ would love that. I will take a picture for him. It was fun traveling on the train to Liverpool Street Station, transfered
to " the tube", the underground to The Covent Garden area of the city where the oldest flower and fruit markets were and still are.
We were going to drive to the flower markets in Belgium today for wedding flowers. Emily wants Gloriosa Lilies in her bouquet, long and trailing , unique. We were not sure if the companies in England will be able to provide the number of blossoms that we want. They are able to, so instead Ann called The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, a flower design school located in the heart of London, associated with the University of London. It is a wonderful, amazing place with a delightful flower shop at the opening of the building, as in the photo. Keith was in the shop, a charming man. Keith announced our arrival to Gillian Wheeler the school principal . Gillian brought us into the school where there were 4 classes in session. One was a two day wedding design class where the students were listening and watching an instructor teach them how to create a bridal bouquet in a bouquet holder. There were students creating corporate designs, lovely, very creative, another session of creating corsages. They only wire and tape, no glue. The fourth group were creating flowers for a theme, one Swan Lake, another Gone With The Wind, another Sleeping Beauty. Some classes are two day some are 4 day some are one day up to 30 weeks. It is a varied schedule.
We walked around the Old Covent Garden area, bought fruit for lunch. There were people performing, singing, dancing, mime,juggling all over the area. There are some wonderful decorations all over the gardens for Christmas.
Since they do not have Thanksgiving they are all into Christmas, it is lovely, lights and gifts everywhere.
Amazing, one of a kind gift of a day, being able to teach , share time with a good friend.
It was a great trip back home. We worked on the designs for The Bowls Club celebration.
Ann's son Wesley and his wife Emma and two boys asked us to their house for dinner, it was fun, the boys,Noah and Zabe are entertaining and darling.
Ann and I headed to the train station, we were dropped of by a friend in a sweet Fiat, BJ would love that. I will take a picture for him. It was fun traveling on the train to Liverpool Street Station, transfered
to " the tube", the underground to The Covent Garden area of the city where the oldest flower and fruit markets were and still are.
We were going to drive to the flower markets in Belgium today for wedding flowers. Emily wants Gloriosa Lilies in her bouquet, long and trailing , unique. We were not sure if the companies in England will be able to provide the number of blossoms that we want. They are able to, so instead Ann called The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, a flower design school located in the heart of London, associated with the University of London. It is a wonderful, amazing place with a delightful flower shop at the opening of the building, as in the photo. Keith was in the shop, a charming man. Keith announced our arrival to Gillian Wheeler the school principal . Gillian brought us into the school where there were 4 classes in session. One was a two day wedding design class where the students were listening and watching an instructor teach them how to create a bridal bouquet in a bouquet holder. There were students creating corporate designs, lovely, very creative, another session of creating corsages. They only wire and tape, no glue. The fourth group were creating flowers for a theme, one Swan Lake, another Gone With The Wind, another Sleeping Beauty. Some classes are two day some are 4 day some are one day up to 30 weeks. It is a varied schedule.
We walked around the Old Covent Garden area, bought fruit for lunch. There were people performing, singing, dancing, mime,juggling all over the area. There are some wonderful decorations all over the gardens for Christmas.
Since they do not have Thanksgiving they are all into Christmas, it is lovely, lights and gifts everywhere.
Amazing, one of a kind gift of a day, being able to teach , share time with a good friend.
It was a great trip back home. We worked on the designs for The Bowls Club celebration.
Ann's son Wesley and his wife Emma and two boys asked us to their house for dinner, it was fun, the boys,Noah and Zabe are entertaining and darling.
11/7 Chelmsford Essex England
11/7--Tuesday-- was a very busy day I will recap . I was up again early to take a nice walk. It is cloudy, a bit rainy, without rain, and beautiful. It is a gift to be walking in England, old England...WOW
We went into London to a plant and tree wholesale house and and to the floral wholesale house to make sure we have the flowers and supplies that we want for Emily's wedding. Ann is involved with the Lawn Bowls Club. She travels with them to participate in tournaments all over Europe.They are having a huge event, we are doing the flowers for that as well.So we picked them all out, containers and all.
On the way home we stopped at Capel Manor College in London. Ann had made an plan to stop there for a visit and for me to talk/lecturer the students of American Design, not a formal lecturer, they wanted to know about the markets in USA , what the designers in shops and event sites do. They wanted to know what they make for wages, if there are jobs, what the designers are to wear, design magazines, everything.It was a very nice time . They were doing some vignettes on wedding d design, we watched, talked and headed for home.
At home we began to moss the letters and hearts to decorate for the wedding. We transplanted trees Monday night so they can settle in before we need them. Each moment is an adventure.
We went to the church for rehearsal Tuesday evening. The Vicar is wonderful, low key, funny and really interested in the young couple and the family. This is a huge family , there 6 brides maids, so lots of fun family. It is an old old country English church with the cemetery right in the front and side yard, just like in the movies. After that we went to the country club to the reception site. We had a delightful dinner of fish and chips, so so good.
When I have another lesson on how to add pictures I will and put the description on each.
We went into London to a plant and tree wholesale house and and to the floral wholesale house to make sure we have the flowers and supplies that we want for Emily's wedding. Ann is involved with the Lawn Bowls Club. She travels with them to participate in tournaments all over Europe.They are having a huge event, we are doing the flowers for that as well.So we picked them all out, containers and all.
On the way home we stopped at Capel Manor College in London. Ann had made an plan to stop there for a visit and for me to talk/lecturer the students of American Design, not a formal lecturer, they wanted to know about the markets in USA , what the designers in shops and event sites do. They wanted to know what they make for wages, if there are jobs, what the designers are to wear, design magazines, everything.It was a very nice time . They were doing some vignettes on wedding d design, we watched, talked and headed for home.
At home we began to moss the letters and hearts to decorate for the wedding. We transplanted trees Monday night so they can settle in before we need them. Each moment is an adventure.
We went to the church for rehearsal Tuesday evening. The Vicar is wonderful, low key, funny and really interested in the young couple and the family. This is a huge family , there 6 brides maids, so lots of fun family. It is an old old country English church with the cemetery right in the front and side yard, just like in the movies. After that we went to the country club to the reception site. We had a delightful dinner of fish and chips, so so good.
When I have another lesson on how to add pictures I will and put the description on each.
Monday, November 7, 2011
11/7
This morning I was up early taking a nice walk, watching where I was going, stayed on my path and succeeded in not being lost. Yippee
We went to Writtle college this morning , floristry classes were in session. It was great being there again after 3 years, not much has changed in the classrooms, but everything has changed, know what I mean.It is a beautiful facility . Then I was able to share some time and talk to the technicians, lecturers, and staff of the school, see the school store and processing areas.Really wonderful day.
Ann took me to The Beehive Florist here in Chelmsford before we came home. Beautiful shop, great staff, friendly and talented.
We came home, started dinner and went out to transplant some trees for the church for the wedding on Saturday. It is chilly, but rather beautiful. Having my habds in the dirt that smelled so good was fun. Ann and I laughed and hav fun.
Tomorrow we are back to London to wholesale houses to choose flowers for the wedding. Wednesday I will be doing a program at the University of Grennich. I will be at The Academy of Flowers at Covent Gardens.
We went to Writtle college this morning , floristry classes were in session. It was great being there again after 3 years, not much has changed in the classrooms, but everything has changed, know what I mean.It is a beautiful facility . Then I was able to share some time and talk to the technicians, lecturers, and staff of the school, see the school store and processing areas.Really wonderful day.
Ann took me to The Beehive Florist here in Chelmsford before we came home. Beautiful shop, great staff, friendly and talented.
We came home, started dinner and went out to transplant some trees for the church for the wedding on Saturday. It is chilly, but rather beautiful. Having my habds in the dirt that smelled so good was fun. Ann and I laughed and hav fun.
Tomorrow we are back to London to wholesale houses to choose flowers for the wedding. Wednesday I will be doing a program at the University of Grennich. I will be at The Academy of Flowers at Covent Gardens.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
11/6 Chelmsford , Essex, England
November 6, 2011, today is my son BJ's birthday. Happy Birthday BJ. I think this may be the first birthday we have not been together. OH well I was there for the first one.
After a lovely night sleep I was up for a walk. I went for a half an hour, staying to the left all of the way out into the country road back to another area. When I turned around to come home, staying to the right I was lost. The English countryside, flowers, trees activity tool a hold of me, captured me right into it all. I walked and walked, finally asking a lovely lady where Broomfield, The Parsonage Farm is?? Her husband bowls with Ann, she turned me around, I was headed towards London. She walked with me and headed me the direction of home. It was a beautiful walk.
The minute I arrived home we left for London, Columbia Road Flower market. An outdoor market where they sell flowers on the street to everyone, yelling out specials. One seller was saying he must pay the rent tomorrow to buy from him. Another was saying the other sellers are selling junk, his are the best. Flowers, plants, trees, anything fresh.
Behind the street market were darling shops of every type food, gift, garden, coffee, custom made clothing.
We stopped at this little coffee market and bakrey for English tea and quiche,and headed home.
After a lovely night sleep I was up for a walk. I went for a half an hour, staying to the left all of the way out into the country road back to another area. When I turned around to come home, staying to the right I was lost. The English countryside, flowers, trees activity tool a hold of me, captured me right into it all. I walked and walked, finally asking a lovely lady where Broomfield, The Parsonage Farm is?? Her husband bowls with Ann, she turned me around, I was headed towards London. She walked with me and headed me the direction of home. It was a beautiful walk.
The minute I arrived home we left for London, Columbia Road Flower market. An outdoor market where they sell flowers on the street to everyone, yelling out specials. One seller was saying he must pay the rent tomorrow to buy from him. Another was saying the other sellers are selling junk, his are the best. Flowers, plants, trees, anything fresh.
Behind the street market were darling shops of every type food, gift, garden, coffee, custom made clothing.
We stopped at this little coffee market and bakrey for English tea and quiche,and headed home.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
11/5/11 Chelmsford England
Chelmsford England is an hour and 15 minute drive from London. The flight was easy and uneventful, I slept most of the way. Had an isle seat, which I like best. The flight landed as scheduled at noon , it took an hour for customs. Ann and Deb were waiting for me. It was so good to see them.
We drove to Ann's house. I will take pictures. The house she lives in was an old stall/tack house.It was once a stable , barn and carriage house for King Henry the 8Th. Ann lives in the stable, Deb , one daughter and husband re did the barn, and are living in it. The carriage house and area is rented to Michael's partner and family. It is more than amazing. I will learn how to post pictures.
I went for a long walk this late afternoon. They said it is usually rainy and cold this time of the year, but not today. It is cloudy, and warm, many trees still have their beautiful leaves.
It is all so rich in history.
We went to another of Ann's daughters house. Emily, the bride to be and lots of family were there to work on the favors for the wedding.
A custom I learned about is there are a certain number of people, close people invited to the church ceremony, 125. The reception, a set down dinner there will be around 175. After dinner friends and others( friends and anyone that wants to share in the celebration) are invited to come to the dance and party. Great way to include everyone.
Not sure what will happen tomorrow. Next week one day they think we may have to drive to Belgium for flowers. We will go visit several shops around and in London, plus wholesale houses in London. I will teach at a couple colleges in the area. Maybe we can have some teacher come to our classroom to teach some classes!!! That will be very nice, exchange information.
We drove to Ann's house. I will take pictures. The house she lives in was an old stall/tack house.It was once a stable , barn and carriage house for King Henry the 8Th. Ann lives in the stable, Deb , one daughter and husband re did the barn, and are living in it. The carriage house and area is rented to Michael's partner and family. It is more than amazing. I will learn how to post pictures.
I went for a long walk this late afternoon. They said it is usually rainy and cold this time of the year, but not today. It is cloudy, and warm, many trees still have their beautiful leaves.
It is all so rich in history.
We went to another of Ann's daughters house. Emily, the bride to be and lots of family were there to work on the favors for the wedding.
A custom I learned about is there are a certain number of people, close people invited to the church ceremony, 125. The reception, a set down dinner there will be around 175. After dinner friends and others( friends and anyone that wants to share in the celebration) are invited to come to the dance and party. Great way to include everyone.
Not sure what will happen tomorrow. Next week one day they think we may have to drive to Belgium for flowers. We will go visit several shops around and in London, plus wholesale houses in London. I will teach at a couple colleges in the area. Maybe we can have some teacher come to our classroom to teach some classes!!! That will be very nice, exchange information.
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