What a plank

I have looked at this piece of wood in Horsham Museum on many an occasion and wondered what its backstory was. The only thing I knew for sure was that the carved initials and date were for an inmate of the old  Sussex  County gaol which used to be in Horsham (it was later demolished). Jean Baptiste,  from Italy, was committed on 13th September 1764. She had apparently stolen a parcel of snake-root, rhubarb, cochineal and gentian root from the owners who were Elizabeth Roberts and May King. I'm relieved to report that she was discharged on 25th March 1765 having been declared legally innocent. The plank itself is part of one of the gaol's oak floorboards.

Hope you all have a cracking weekend.

Arilx

 

Cool Dude

 

We have good news. Let me first introduce Mr GBT by his proper name...he's called David and he's been my lovely other half for almost 35 years. Firstly the tumour has been completely removed and it hasn't  spread either in its original site and the CT scan has shown that there isn't any elsewhere. He now will have a follow-up procedure and some specially targeted doses of chemo. They are going to hit it hard this year so that the little b*gger hopefully doesn't put in another appearance and then six monthly lots for the two years after that. It was an aggressive form which doesn't show itself until much later, but the universe was on our side and two chance things came together and it was discovered purely by chance when they were investigating another issue. I've always held my Pagan beliefs dear, but this has cemented them and they've been tested like never before.

Speaking of magic and how I seem to stumble across quirky things on a very regular basis, this rather natty little mobility scooter tootled past me and then drew up round the corner on Monday. The minute I clocked the 'Cool Dude' on the back I couldn't resist having a quick word with the vintage driver. He made me laugh and when he explained why he's got it and how it's given him back his independence following a life changing accident last year he most definitely lives up to his moniker. He very kindly let me take a photo of it. 

Arilx