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Thursday 5 June 2014

EDDIE meets JINKSY

It is not every day two bloggers meet but yesterday I was privileged to meet Jinksy, who lives about 90 miles from me.  

Jinksy is one of the first people I met in BlogLand and I have known her for about 6 years and we have become good friends.  

The occasion for us meeting arose when Jinksy, known as Pen to her friends, kindly crocheted a beautiful cuddle blanket for me to keep me warm in the winter.  She had offered to post it to me but I thought it would be a golden opportunity to meet up, so we arranged it last week.

I quickly discovered Pen was not the slightest bit crotchety in any way, lol, although she is a real 'whiz' at crocheting - and here is the living proof - a Napple Blanket, as Pen calls her special creations.  Isn't it gorgeous?



"Why does she call it a Napple Blanket?", did I hear you ask?.  Well, her surname is Smith and she is known as Granny Smith to her grandchildren. Granny Smith is a variety of Apple but unfortunately one of her grandchildren could not pronounce the word 'Apple' but said 'Napple' instead. So the word stuck - hence the name Napple Blanket and hence her blog name, Napple Notes.  For the full story to go HERE

Here is another shot of us playing 'footsie' under my nice brand new Napple Blanket. Why Jinksy, I didn't know you cared!



And you can see how pleased and proud I am to be wearing my blanket and you can see how happy I was to meet Pen and spend some time with her yesterday, discussing blogging, poetry, life and music . . . . . and she fed me a very appetising lunch, and even treated me to strawberries and cream. Thank you.



And what about Pen?  Well she was a little camera shy, partly because I had caught her a little early before she had time to apply all her Estee Lauder, as you ladies do. 

You ladies are all the same - none of you like your photographs taken, do you? 

But I managed to get one shot of her in a moment of weakness. The next one was with her winking at me so I thought that was not entirely appropriate to publish for a family show.



Unfortunately we could not get a shot of us together to celebrate this momentous occasion - our attempts at holding the camera at arms length were pitiful to say the least and there was no-one else to take the shot.

Pen runs two blogs.   Her first Napple Notes is her general blog and she runs a second for poetry, her first love, and that is known as Alias Jinksy.

Please visit her - she is a very talented writer, particularly for poetry.

Pen is a dab hand at using Photoshop and a few years ago she created this little 'bloggy' motive for me, which some will recognise.  I have it still on my side bar:




En route to see Pen my SatNav was most unkind to me and I almost responded to it and reprimanded it in a Basil Fawlty way.  I keyed in Pen's address and, not fully concentrating, I was alarmed to see the distance was 123 miles instead of the 80+ miles I was expecting.  

So I had to drive like the clappers to get there on time, almost like I did during my ambulance days, with blue flashing lights. The silly SatNav had chosen the Motorway route instead of the quickest route, which I later found was only 91 miles.  I still managed to make it to Pen's house by 12 noon as agreed, on the dot, after breaking the sound barrier on the way. 

When it was time for me to leave I entered HOME on my SatNav and this time it told me the truth, so I forgave it. I drove a leisurely return journey via the scenic route - very beautiful scenery unlike boring old motorways.

Thank you Pen for a very enjoyable day and I will always treasure my Napple Blanket and our meeting.  Perhaps we can meet up again another day.

77 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Aw, this is great! LOVE the photos! You and Pen are hilarious! Beautiful blanket, Jinksy! And you were so kind to make it for Eddie. I truly wish I had that talent.

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    2. Well done for being first - I will try to think of a suitable prize - yes I know what it will be!
      Yes Pen is very clever abd so talented at poetry and she is a whiz at making constructive criticisms of one's work - really helpful.
      Where is Pat?

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    3. You give prizes for being first? How did I not know this! I'll have to start taking this more seriously! haha.

      Pat is emailing me! But shhh! I didn't tell him your post was now up! Bad, I know..I'm so bad! lol....

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    4. I have told him in verse! You little tease not telling him my post is up and running!! No prizes for you!! lol

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    5. What? You didn't tell me there was fine print to this contract......clauses as to whether or not the prize will be given or just dangled before me for a moment. haha.

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    6. Ok you win . . . . you were the first so you get my usual prize!! Thank God Pat didn't win!! ROFL

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  2. Love Jinksy....She is a sweet blogging friend.
    And, I'm so glad that you told the story about "Napple" because I never knew that's how she got her name. If the Grands name us, it is precious forever. Love that story.
    She crochets beautifully! And how sweet of her to share her talents and gifts with you.
    Great to see that you got a photo of her.
    Enjoyed seeing the one of you, too, Eddie.
    Continued blessings to you, my friend from across the pond.
    Hugs,
    Jackie

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    Replies
    1. Oh Jackie I am so touched you dropped it. One of my VERY favourite people. What a very pleasant surprise you came and interrupted your rest time. Hugs to you ~ Eddie

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    2. My pleasure, my friend.
      I think my rest time is over.
      About time, don't you think!!?
      :)

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    3. It's up to you Jackie but if you are back then I wou;ld be honoured to have a dance with you in my ballroom two posts back, to celebrate your return :)

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    4. Isn't it great to come across another Bloggy Pal in a friend's backyard - or comment box, even?! Hi, Jackie - nice to see you. *smiles* ♥

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    5. Great you two know each other!

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  3. Love it Eddie!! How great it is to actually meet up with someone that you have met in blogland! The best part of all is of course to see a crochet post here on your blog. Not something that I thought that I would be seeing when I stopped in to read this post. We will have you joining the craft blog/crochet set before you know it! Glad that you got home alright, those Sat Nav's have a mind of their own at times that is for sure.

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  4. Oh how lovely that you met Jinksy! She is a very, very kind lady! Not surprised that she made you so welcome and what a lovely blanket.
    Lucky you!
    Maggie x

    Nuts in May

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes she is very kind and great company. Next time I go perhaps you can come too - it's only 90 miles and I can treat us all to lunch. How about that? She sends you and Harry her love xx

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    2. Maggie, I even forgave him for insisting on the photo! LOL. No makeup, and no hair do - just a wash and shake - is a nightmare situation to be in, as any lady would agree?! It must be what you call friendship....

      1) that he didn't die of fright when I opened the door

      2) that I was daft enough to allow him to post the incriminating evidence, anyway!

      But it was a lovely day, nevertheless as well as an historic occasion. - a meeting of minds, as much as a meeting of Blogpals :-)

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    3. Jinsky you are so lovely:)

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    4. Yes she is Gloria! . . . . . and so are you :)

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  5. I'll have to thumb a lift next time, Eddie - then maybe Jinksy would crochet me a new beret ?!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can have a lift next time - Maggie might come with me, and you can tell us all about Ada and Cad and what makes them tick. But as for a beret I don't think Jinksy does those. And you don't deserve a Napple Blanket like I did.

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    2. . . . . . and if you want me to buy lunch for you you'd better sing for your supper, like you do to Ada.

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  6. Great to meet blog friends in person indeed
    Hopped a plane to NY to meet one a while ago at my feed
    Maybe you need longer arms
    Then two in one can come due with all your charms
    Have to talk to Inspector Gadget I guess
    But then you might make a mess
    Bet that will keep you warm indeed
    When you can't play footsie at her feed lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to agree! What's wrong with your arms
      that you couldn't take a selfie without causing alarms?
      The photo of Spencer on my sidebar with me
      was taken like that, simple as can be!
      lol....

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    2. Yes it is so great to meet
      A blogger from a different street.

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    3. I couldn't see us in my viewer
      Your camera may be newer
      I tried to aim just with a guess
      I missed her face and got her dress
      Then I got a mugshot of just me
      And nowhere was she there to see
      So eventually we decided
      WOur photos had to be divided.
      lol

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    4. No, mine is like yours and I just guess.
      My aim must be better than yours, at best.
      hahaha.

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    5. Guess I must learn to aim much better
      And next time I would with her get her
      And make sure I did not shoot my arm
      Which might cause piccie lots of harm
      hahah

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  7. How wonderful that you were able to meet up with a blogging friend! I have yet to do that, but maybe one day! LOVE the blanket.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle, yes it is a good feeling to meet a fellow blogger. My sister is one as well so next time the three of us might meet up. Yes it is a lovely blanket. At the momet it is draped over a settee in my bedroom. Looks really great.

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  8. She IS a lovely lady especially she goes to see you and second make this lovely crochet blanket and I know is a lot of work (I make crochet sometimes) but pfft tou you how you say to any Lady about Estee Lauder man! you have to let her how she want to be. OMYd she is adorable and have beautiful eyes:)
    Love your blanket Jinsky!

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    Replies
    1. She knows I am just pulling her leg, Gloria - she was a bit shy of having her photo taken. Yes it is a beautiful blanket - at the moment I am draping it over a settee in my bedroom. Great to see you Gloria. You really are a very kind girl aren't you!

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  9. Glad to know you are cozy in that smashing blanket! [and looking rather handsome]


    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^= <3

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    Replies
    1. Only rather handsome! Well thank you Cloudia - come and have another dance with me at the Ballroom :)

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  10. Great that you and Jinsky got together and it was so sweet of her to make you that beautiful Napple Blanket, Eddie. I've met up with several other bloggers and we always have a lot of fun when we get together. Of course, we always have a lot of fun in Cajun country, with or without other bloggers! LOL You're lucky that you didn't get a speeding ticket, while breaking the sound barrier! And the comments on this post are hilarious! Who's Pat? LOL

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marguerite - guess I suppose the ulinmate meet would be with a Cajun Blogger!!!!
      So email your address! ROFL
      Pat is a great guy I have recently met who seems to be able to talk only in rhyme and makes us all do it in return, and a few of us join in the fun.

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  11. I wonder if blog friends ever meet and discover they are completely different from what they expected? The two blogland friends I've met have been exactly as I thought they would be but I often wonder if it is sometimes different. Thanks for the refreshing story of good humour and friendship.

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    Replies
    1. Well my sister, Maggie May, has met a few and says in the main they are exactly what she expects them to be and has never been disappointed. Funny if we did have a meet up and that is exactly what I tried to do two posts back with my bloggers reunion ball. Not too late to have a peek.

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  12. Such a great little story. She was so sweet making you that Napple blanket. I haven't met too many bloggwers who I communicate with, but I think it is fabulous!

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    Replies
    1. Yes - it is fabulous to meet a blogger. I've heard of meetings from time to time but such events are quite rare.

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  13. Your Napple blanket is lovely and you're right about her poetry!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Eva - yes lovely!
      Great you are doing so well with the diet - keep it going! I need to get a bit fitter again and shed some poiunds.

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  14. I am so happy to find that two wonderful people have had a chance to meet! Jinksy is one of the nicest bloggers around (and, apparently, a magnificent maker of blankets, as well.) I have been neglecting my visits to her place. I'll pop over there right now. God bless, Eddie.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jim! Just love the work you are doing for The Boston Herald and hopes it really heralds a great career for you doing something you love . . . . . . writing . . . . . and writing funny stuff!

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  15. Absolutely brilliant to read this. It's so lovely to see us bloggers meeting up when we've been following each other around for years! And I love the Blanket!

    CJ x

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    Replies
    1. Yes it was a very special day and I shall always treadure the Napple Blanket ~ Eddie x

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  16. Hi Eddie - thanks for visiting my blog. How great that you and Jinksy got together. I have been surprised and delighted how friendly Blogland is. Though not many people get blankets! Keep in touch.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jenny - yes BlogLand is a very friendly place and great to be involved. I will keep in touch.

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  17. Hey...thanks for the visit today at my place!
    You really get around. It's almost like you stepped in for Betsy while she is away, working at the auction. I like it!

    You are sure are appreciated. The hand crocheted blanket speaks volumes.
    Enjoy your day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christine - gosh you were almost as fast replying as I was driving yesterday! Very pleased to make your acquaintance Christine and to Jenny above as well.

      Jinksy and I go back over 6 years so it was lovely to see here and I am homoured to have her cuddle blanket. Pop over anytime and I promise I will gate crash you as well.

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  18. Shame on you for showing up early!
    Poor Jinksy...caught without her face on!
    How lovely of her to make you your very own afghan...
    As a crocheter myself, I know the work that went into that blanket....
    Martha of Looking Up and I keep talking about meeting up...
    How wonderful that would be...I wonder if she'll like me?
    Glad you got to meet one of your bloggy pals...you are very lucky!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't actually arrive early! I was on time, if just a little late!!
      Yes it was lovely to meet up and that Pen made the blanket for me . . . . . . I bet her face is burning with all these compliments, but she deserves them.
      Ah! yes you are a crocheter too and I am so glad you are not a bit crotchety, although you played hard to get at first!! ROFL
      So what are YOU going to make for me then? LOL
      I know Martha, we follow each other now - just done it, Does she live far from you?
      Yes it would be wonderful to meet up with her and yes you silly girl she is bound to like you. Tell her I think you are lovely!.
      My sister is Maggie May of Nuts and May and she has met about three BlogLand people.

      Yes thanks Linda and great to see you and have a great evening!
      I wonder what you are cooking tonight!
      Eddie :o)

      (better be careful to get that right otherwise I might get my face slapped LOL)

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    2. Martha lives in New York...near Lake Ontario, but she knows the area where my cottage is...it is in Niagara, but quite near to the US....we would meet for coffee....I hope it actually happens!
      No crocheting for you Eddie...I reserve that strictly for family....:o)
      Enjoy your evening....

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    3. You knew I was just joking about the crocheting!! lol :)

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    4. Yes....I know.....that is why we love you so much!

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    5. Ah! I am most touched, Linda! . . . . but if you really loved me you would crochet a little something for me, wouldn't you? lol

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    6. But you came back didn't you!!! ROFL

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    7. Of course!
      Is that you with the blanket on your head?
      Go to bed!

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    8. I think you might require the services of SpecSavers . . . and yes I did stay up a little late . . . so much fun!

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  19. Lovely blankie - how nice of her to make it for you and that you got a chance to visit. She looks very sweet - from what I can see of her!

    I thought a napple blanket was, perhaps, a special blanket for napping. Napping under a napple - while drinking a Snapple. Ha! (Don't now if you have Snapple in the UK or not.)

    I have met, in person, a few blog friends and online friends from various chatrooms. Betsy included! I have never been disappointed. It's always so nice to finally put a real face to an online face.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Suzie - great to hear from you.
      Well a blanket for napping would be just right for me because I have a tendency to nap occasionally. But we don't know about Snapples here! What are they?

      Yes I heard you met Betsy . . . and glad you found the others not disappointing. My sister has met 2 or 3 and she got on very well with them. Agree it is always nice to put a real face to an online face as you say. :)

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    2. Oops - should have written "don't know if you have Snapple..." not "now" :-)
      It's a brand of different teas and juices. Here's the link: http://www.snapple.com/

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    3. Yep! I git the typo sorted - doing a lot of those myself these days!

      Hey those Snapple drinks look real cool. I could just down a few of those right now!
      Thinking of the juices but teas as well, boy!
      Hey I am beginning to write like an American or a Canadian now! lol . . . . incorporating the lingo!

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    4. They're really tasty and refreshing. I could go for one right now! Hmmmm... not sure about the American/Canadian thing... ;-) I speak more like a Brit I think... well a cross between Brit and Canadian.

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  20. It was really nice of Jinksy to make that comfort blanket for you. I'm so glad you have found a friend at last, because I was beginning to worry about you knowing how lonely you must have been feeling. Thanks Jinksy, you have made my day!

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    Replies
    1. ROFL!! You are the biscuit aren't you, mate? So funny! It is a comfort you are around - no wonder Betsy is in love with you! Why don't you visit Jinksy and tell her thanks yourself! She might make you a Napple Blanket!!
      How has your day been? Any bombs or unsolicited mail or flash mobbing going on there?

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    2. Didn't you know? It's "Have a go at Eddie week" this week, according to Goggle.

      Nobody loves me enough to make me a Napple Blanket; I have to wrap myself up in old newspapers because I get really cold sleeping on park benches. . . . .

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    3. I've got news for you, Keith, it's have a go at Eddie EVERY week!! . . . . and I love it!!
      You'll have to chat up the ladies and they will nake you a Napple Blanket, maybe two!! Think positive man! . . . no park benches for you!

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    4. Eddie! I told you that was our little secret! Now the whole world knows!

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    5. Good heavens - I've heard some sob stories in my time, but sleeping on a park bench? Perhaps I should make you some ear muffs or something, before the winter sets in - or maybe something like this:- CLICK HERE

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    6. Bother. That link didn't work, Keith... try putting in this info for your self, to see if that does the trick?!
      http://pens-poems.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/penguin-odyssey.html

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  21. How wonderful is that! I'm so glad that two of the sweetest bloggers got a chance to meet up. What a kick. :)

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    Replies
    1. Why thank you Hilary! I hope your husband did not see you type that - he might be a bit cross! lol
      No, very nice of you to say so . . . .but please call in to see Jinksy as well. :)

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  22. Replies
    1. YAY! It works, Eddie. I recommend all chilly mortals to read it! LOL

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