I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. (Gilda Radner)
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This is typical view of what became known as “Miners’ Rows.”
One part of the village where I live consists of former miners’ houses. Nowadays they’re all privately-owned, and most have extensions, conservatories and additional rooms built in the attic space.
My great-grandfather George was a miner. He died long before I was born, but I remember the area in which he lived. The pit houses of his day are long gone of course; many would consist of just a room and a kitchen, and with big families common then would certainly be overcrowded.
Later my grandfather, who worked in the pit, first as a train driver and then as a power station attendant, lived in one of those houses.
People were lucky if they had an inside toilet. Often outside toilets had to be shared with other families, and sometimes they were situated at a distance from the house. Not good if a visit during the night was needed!!!
Electricity didn’t come to general housing till much later. It wasn’t till 1936, when my father bought his own house, that I lived in a place where the flick of a switch lit up a room.
One part of the village where I live consists of former miners’ houses. Nowadays they’re all privately-owned, and most have extensions, conservatories and additional rooms built in the attic space.
My great-grandfather George was a miner. He died long before I was born, but I remember the area in which he lived. The pit houses of his day are long gone of course; many would consist of just a room and a kitchen, and with big families common then would certainly be overcrowded.
Later my grandfather, who worked in the pit, first as a train driver and then as a power station attendant, lived in one of those houses.
People were lucky if they had an inside toilet. Often outside toilets had to be shared with other families, and sometimes they were situated at a distance from the house. Not good if a visit during the night was needed!!!
Electricity didn’t come to general housing till much later. It wasn’t till 1936, when my father bought his own house, that I lived in a place where the flick of a switch lit up a room.
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JOHN'S GALLERY
The String of Pearls
by William McGregor Paxton (1869-1941)
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by Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
Have you seen but a bright lily grow
Before rude hands have touched it?
Have you marked but the fall of snow
Before the soil hath smutched it?
Have you felt the wool of beaver,
Or swan's down ever?
Or have smelt o' the bud o' the brier,
Or the nard in the fire?
Or have tasted the bag of the bee?
O so white, O so soft, O so sweet is she!
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This slide show - Glasgow, Scotland's Biggest City - was uploaded by glasgow1234
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A QUOTE FOR 80 PLUS
The String of Pearls
by William McGregor Paxton (1869-1941)
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POETRY FOR PLEASURE
Have you seen but a bright lily grow?by Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
Have you seen but a bright lily grow
Before rude hands have touched it?
Have you marked but the fall of snow
Before the soil hath smutched it?
Have you felt the wool of beaver,
Or swan's down ever?
Or have smelt o' the bud o' the brier,
Or the nard in the fire?
Or have tasted the bag of the bee?
O so white, O so soft, O so sweet is she!
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This slide show - Glasgow, Scotland's Biggest City - was uploaded by glasgow1234
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A QUOTE FOR 80 PLUS
As we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping out minds active and open. (Clint Eastwood)
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Now online
PIANO PLAYTIME
http://pianoplaytime.blogspot.com
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
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Now online
PIANO PLAYTIME
http://pianoplaytime.blogspot.com
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2 comments:
The row of minor's cottage remind me of a similar row in the village were my husband, Matthew (he passed away in 2008) and I use to live. I didn't know at the time they were old minor cottages until he told me. I'm American but in my heart Scotland is my 'home'. We lived in East Fife, Denbeath and that row of cottages is on Crowley Street, just off Wellesley Road.
I use to tell Matthew that Scotland is Heaven on Earth and it's sights are a feast for the eyes & soul.
I very much enjoy your blog. Thank You.
Hello John,
I'dike to use the image of the miners' row. Can you tell me who owns the copyright? Email scotsnews@iinet.net.au.
cheers
Carmel
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