Saturday 21 September 2013

A New Week

Photo Copyright: Maggie May

It is now the beginning of a new week since I put my pet rabbits into care. I obviously miss them like mad, but life goes on and they are settling into their new surroundings, according to their new foster mum who has phoned me a few times, knowing how upset I was to part with them.
I have kept busy which I find is always the best way to get over anything sad or upsetting.

One of the mad things I did yesterday, was to queue up for nearly two hours to see the 80 Gromits en masse in what used to be a very large department store in a better part of Bristol, at the moment lying temporarily vacant.
Bristol has gone slightly mad over these brightly painted model dogs previously scattered all over the city and surrounding areas, now collected up and put in the exhibition before being auctioned off in aid of the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity.
I was very impressed by the excellent behaviour of the many pre school aged babies and toddlers who queued patiently when I was in what must have been a thousand or so people in a long snake round the local roads.  Slowly we crept to the entrance as people trickled out of the exhibition in ones and twos.

 Apparently, visitors have come to see the Gromits  not only from the EU countries but from the far east, Australia and New Zealand and many other parts of our own country. Wallace and Gromit seem to be very popular everywhere. Of course, we are very proud of the fact that they were created in Bristol by Nick Park and his team.
I thought it well worth the wait.
I'm glad that I went to the exhibition yesterday, though, because Radio Bristol are now saying the queue started very early today and there is awaiting time of 6 hours. The exhibition only lasts for a few more days and school aged children only have this weekend to see them.
I am a bit puzzled as to how people are managing with no toilets at the end of the wait. Trust me to think of something like that.

Harry is now on the drug trial and so far he seems fine. While taking this drug, he has to avoid eating anything containing oranges, grapefruit and star fruit. It is surprising just how many manufactured foods contain orange extract of some sort, so we have to be very careful to read ingredients and to check out home made cakes.
Do you all use orange juice regularly in homemade cakes?

15 comments:

Mimi said...

Sounds and looks like a great exhibition, Maggie. Congrats to Bristol- don't you feel great pride in your city for something like this. Maybe whoever buys them could start a permanent exhibition?
I admire your energy! I would be exhausted after a 2 hour queue!
I've never used orange juice in a cake! I used to make a gluten-free orange cake where you simmer the oranges in their skins for 2 hours, then liquidise them, add almonds, sugar and beaten eggs. It was yummy, but haven't made it in ages.
Now I'm hungry!

Rose said...

Glad you got out and took in this exhibition, Maggie; all these cleverly painted Gromits are so cute! I would be right there with you, though, wondering where the nearest restroom was:)

I'm happy that Harry is doing well on this new trial. I didn't even know orange juice was in many baked products!

Secret Agent Woman said...

I just scrolled back to catch up. I'm so sorry about the bunnies. That must have been a hard decision.

It's cool to see all the Gromits together.

Working Mum said...

No, I don't use orange juice in cakes. I did use orange zest in some biscotti I made last night.

I think those Gromits are fantastic. We had a similar thing in Manchester when it was the Commonwealth Games, but ours were cows. We still see some around the City and beyond (there's one at Norton Abbey) where people or companies bought them, so maybe you'll still see your Gromits around Bristol after they've been bought. Hope so, they look so cheering!

Jackie said...

Those Gromits are fascinating....and I would have stood in line to see them, too! I'm so glad that you got to see them, and that your bunnies are doing well, and that you are feeling better each day.
Regarding orange juice...I've never put it in any cake. Actually, I've never heard of that, but I won't say it isn't/couldn't be good 'cause I haven't tried it.
So glad that your sweet Harry is doing nicely on his trial drug. Prayers continue to ascend to our Lord for him and for you. Know that I think of both of you daily.
Hugs and love to you,
Jackie

RNSANE said...

I can't really imagine standing six hours in line for anything!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the exhibition, though. It sounds like it appealed to crowds and crowds.

What good news that Harry is tolerating his drug trial well. I know I can't eat grapefruit anymore because of my antihypertensive medication....and I love those Florida Indian River grapefruits.

Celia said...

I'd come see your Gromits if I could. Good point about the bathrooms especially with children and people like me ;-).

Hope Harry's drug trial continues to go well. I use orange juice in salad dressings and muffins. More reason to make your own foodstuffs except being unwell makes it into too big a task. Keeping you both in my prayers.

Irene said...

Oh, I would definitely have to have a toilet handy at the end of the line. I could not last that long without one.

I am glad for you that you got to see all the Gromits. Are you going to bid for one of your own?

The oddest ingredients are in any kind of food and you are smart to read the labels. I hope Harry will continue to do well. The poor dear has gone through an awful lot.

xox

Wisewebwoman said...

I am so sad for you and the rabbits, how heartbreaking.

I don't use orange juice in a cake. sour cream yes.

Gromits don't have any appeal for me, I'm afraid.

XO
WWW

Expat mum said...

Glad to hear the bunnies are adapting. I'm also very impressed that you stood in line for two hours. Not sure I'd be up for that.

Hilary said...

Homemade cake? Baking is a foreign concept to me. If I bake it, I'll eat it. ;)

Those Gromits look like fun and I'm glad you enjoyed the exhibit.

Suburbia said...

I don't think I ever do!

I'm so glad you saw the Grommits! That's a long time to queue though, I'm sad we didn't get to see them as Tall Girl was very keen to see all 80! Such a shame the exhibition wasn't on for longer.

I must catch up with your other news though, I am so sad to hear about your rabbits, you loved them so and it's dreadful to have to give them up. I'm so sorry Maggie.

Take care my friend

S x

Anonymous said...

Oh Maggie, I've missed blogging and catching up and had no idea you'd put the rabbits into care. But if it was the best then I'm sure they'll be absolutely fine.

The exhibition looks like a lot of fun!

As for the citrus fruits, I'm not allowed to eat grapefruit. Apparently, it can affect my epilepsy and has an adverse effect on that side of my brain that epilesy has damaged! You'd never think it would you. My medication leaflet states foods not eat, including any alcohol related, but also includes grapefruit.

Do you remember a few years ago when I was going through a bad phase of having seizures and couldn't drive for a couple of years? Well guess what I used to eat for breakfast almost every morning...

Grapefruit!

Take care, CJ x

Akelamalu said...

You wrote your sad post on the day we went on holiday so I have only just seen it, I'm sorry you felt so low Maggie. However,now it seems seeing all those lovely Gromits seems to have cheered you up along with the news your rabbits are doing fine. Glad to hear that Harry is feeling OK, I do hope it continues whilst he is on the drug trial and hopefully it will make a big difference to his health. I know what it's like trying to avoid eating certain things because of medication, it's a pain. x

Sally Wessely said...

I imagine you really do miss your rabbits. I'm so glad the new keeper of your dear pets is so sensitive and kind. Also, it seems you have had a good plan to keep busy as you go through this time.

I love the Gromits!

I'm also glad to hear that the drug trial is going so well. As far as orange extract goes in cakes, well, the truth is, I never make cakes! That sure sounds yummy though.