tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62214198844478757572024-02-22T05:49:18.129-08:00Raph's RamblingsFrom the Journal of Raph G. Neckmann, Giraffe World. 'Stick your neck out for your dreams!' 'Quite an ordinary giraffe really ...' Follow the quirky Neckmann family's adventures in words, pictures and song all the way from Camelopardalis constellation.Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-32219383383531343982013-05-22T19:41:00.001-07:002014-09-01T19:00:42.493-07:00My neckst blog post - or is it my previous one?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievKG-zl5uTtTzT8w4K3XCuem6gW3Tm8v90B_2uA490-84pH9OKmfiAhQGBH3FJl84TZdLH_HdKHhc3o1wTkmbmBPP12_EC3q-RH30HKk71OC4GSWtidqG3Z3f8IzMWSZqBtghi8pje_vg/s1600/Raph+and+wild+giraffes+evening+-+Ingrid+Sylvestre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievKG-zl5uTtTzT8w4K3XCuem6gW3Tm8v90B_2uA490-84pH9OKmfiAhQGBH3FJl84TZdLH_HdKHhc3o1wTkmbmBPP12_EC3q-RH30HKk71OC4GSWtidqG3Z3f8IzMWSZqBtghi8pje_vg/s320/Raph+and+wild+giraffes+evening+-+Ingrid+Sylvestre.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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This evening there was the most nexquisite sunset. I was out for an after-dinner stroll across the Neckmoors, thinking how wonderful it is that no matter how many times I walk here, there is always something new to see, a fresh sense of wonder! A group of wild giraffes watched as I went by before disappearing into the misty valley and overhead the giraffe-patterned sky turned from orange to pink. The scene changed so rapidly - and yet it seemed still and forever-the-same.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-jBUc8hTLt-b57Fg5V9Wk5K1ISbsWoMkYe0MSGCY_6FxhjFBY_OwUg8OH5goiNpM09kbgBJi1Ai0XvbJM-CQJyeEpS4Bu9rzf78q6Lg0-KAhT-atOIyno3pShfFQZhS9d3BWEhmqgf9x/s1600/Raph+and+Littl+Nicky+kitchen+-+Ingrid+Sylvestre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-jBUc8hTLt-b57Fg5V9Wk5K1ISbsWoMkYe0MSGCY_6FxhjFBY_OwUg8OH5goiNpM09kbgBJi1Ai0XvbJM-CQJyeEpS4Bu9rzf78q6Lg0-KAhT-atOIyno3pShfFQZhS9d3BWEhmqgf9x/s400/Raph+and+Littl+Nicky+kitchen+-+Ingrid+Sylvestre.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago I returned from a similar walk with Littl' Nicky. We had been talking about my blog, and he had pointed out to me that it was back to front in time ... "That makes people read the ends of stories before the beginnings, Daddy!'" As we returned home to the kitchen for mugs of tea, he told me I should make another blog with the posts in 'right way round' order.<br />
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"Oh dear!" I sighed. That sounded like a lot of work, and I couldn't quite get my neck round how to do it.<br />
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"I'll help you, dear," said Maureen.<br />
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Hours and hours and hours later, after countless mugs of tea ...<br />
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... we lifted our aching necks and cheered! It was done - my blog in chronological order! We decided to call it Raph G. Neckmann's Ramblings to differentiate it from this blog. (Necky Becky said we should just use the same title written backwards. I suddenly had the worrying thought that the whole blog might have come out backwards).<br />
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Here it is - with the first post at the top and its very own icon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://raphgneckmanns-ramblings.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Raph G Neckmann's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & writer" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdwo1eJ14s1OsQ6s2nHnPAdwjnmDSkd4oTRa6Wc4aM8smcdKs_dnhEK9l8uMNAkAe3god0OML4LWEObtKIV0TayFskh5MHQo4Z33iT5EQsazCAz2geaPZfZYzce6uYGd29mY6RCVLOSmX/s320/Raph-G-Neckmanns-Ramblings-icon+Ingrid+Sylvestre.jpg" height="305" title="Raph G Neckmann's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & writer" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please click on this image to view my 'right-way-round' blog!</td></tr>
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Now I will have to work out how and where to put this new post on it - and subsequent ones...Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-21336164950276307322012-12-24T10:15:00.001-08:002013-04-11T15:01:22.796-07:00Giraffe Greetings of the Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZfpJPj0wO1_K8HqwyC_UysueRiq7vlxokhPr_6gJgYwC3OsnQh8TWEq3I9eRbvJN0GQDbWYJbCTmLMWYi9BJPR-wrs06hAGRMCfUV8v20zJUUc3u_bL1jpz7P-MEXo5qbTVFRDJ8pTdG/s1600/Giraffe-Greetings-from-Raph-G-Neckmann-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZfpJPj0wO1_K8HqwyC_UysueRiq7vlxokhPr_6gJgYwC3OsnQh8TWEq3I9eRbvJN0GQDbWYJbCTmLMWYi9BJPR-wrs06hAGRMCfUV8v20zJUUc3u_bL1jpz7P-MEXo5qbTVFRDJ8pTdG/s400/Giraffe-Greetings-from-Raph-G-Neckmann-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even accounting for the time-difference between our Camelopardalis Constellation and your planet Earth, dear Bloggy Friends, it has been a long time since I have communicated with you via the Interneck!<br />
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It has been a busy year for our family and friends - I shall endeavour to tell you some of our adventures neckst year. We even managed one visit to planet Earth a few weeks ago, when there was a 'nextra day' enabling us to travel in an intergalactic instant and enjoy one of your cities unseen by any human eyes! Oh the fun we had skating on your frozen river, nexploring your historic sites and buying souvenirs. (I hope our coinage was correct for the nexchange rate - it is a long time now since I left accounting!)<br />
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Here at Necky Knoll House we are in the midst of our winter festivities - delicious aromas drift across from the kitchen where Girth is preparing a feast, and The Stiffnex band are rehearsing raucously in the cellar. We all send you our heartfelt greetings and wish you much giraffitude and joy in the year ahead!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ingrid Sylvestre Artist Designer Writer Composer Speaker Storyteller Durham North East England UK </span></div>
Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-44978935730500387372012-02-09T06:35:00.000-08:002013-04-17T06:08:30.473-07:00A Nexceptional Year for Sprouts!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTU0Sd0zLVezJmbIzvaWXr07_8Qx8Lbz1ap-QMQuZicnOIGCh_bkG0Ftp6l9a7LW00E_ABjRhqr2SQ3oa7ExqAR2iQANLRAaCtsNyjtd6jxjox9UYNR0TCO2wY9iSa_cNRBLR0FJmYage/s1600/Allotments-Neckelchester-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707145174607695250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTU0Sd0zLVezJmbIzvaWXr07_8Qx8Lbz1ap-QMQuZicnOIGCh_bkG0Ftp6l9a7LW00E_ABjRhqr2SQ3oa7ExqAR2iQANLRAaCtsNyjtd6jxjox9UYNR0TCO2wY9iSa_cNRBLR0FJmYage/s400/Allotments-Neckelchester-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 286px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Allotments, Neckelchester Village</span></div>
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Greetings to all my dear human friends! It has been many Camelopardalian moons since I last visited your planet via the Interneck. We have had such adventures! I shall begin with our most important news; this has been a nexceptional year for sprouts ...<br />
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As you will know, we giraffes love our sprouts and they have a very special place in our culture and energy. (Necky Becky has just reminded me that she will NOT eat sprouts!)<br />
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Our Brassica camelopardalis are very similar to your earthly Brussels sprouts, coming from the same family. Here are some of our most popular varieties:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL10B27WE0ifya4Sib3y5JHz6NoE498Yf_PMum0WWo_0BVrbsCVp6xCkrhs3AAV8h9fXSHmzF5zHxLl9ET_ePSFntTciPwkRW_0U_BMPFoDWDKEDXkzKOrxMBxY_RwmHcYtugBEujhJdS/s1600/Sprouts-Nexceptional-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707145103428918306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL10B27WE0ifya4Sib3y5JHz6NoE498Yf_PMum0WWo_0BVrbsCVp6xCkrhs3AAV8h9fXSHmzF5zHxLl9ET_ePSFntTciPwkRW_0U_BMPFoDWDKEDXkzKOrxMBxY_RwmHcYtugBEujhJdS/s400/Sprouts-Nexceptional-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
'Nexceptional' yields very neat tightly-budded sprouts with a lovely nutty flavour and is one of the easiest to grow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwigPocXm3LgH4En6fq_GL9JchaRhwEdSjPQSW-2Rw8qKeqO7JXgZsPzlW4iTOdFvpy6BN8Tbc4hL3yLdEI8pIXHXzkdaCAQK9dXJ_TVmrFDLcZXQpJiBLjngYFIecO4ppDzYHhvDYxJV5/s1600/Sprouts-Celestial-Giraffe-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707145034469293586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwigPocXm3LgH4En6fq_GL9JchaRhwEdSjPQSW-2Rw8qKeqO7JXgZsPzlW4iTOdFvpy6BN8Tbc4hL3yLdEI8pIXHXzkdaCAQK9dXJ_TVmrFDLcZXQpJiBLjngYFIecO4ppDzYHhvDYxJV5/s400/Sprouts-Celestial-Giraffe-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a>'Celestial Giraffe' sprouts are a little untidy in their individual shapes, yet their taste is truly heavenly! Those of us with a delicate and experienced palate can detect subtle honey-like flavours that vary from region to region.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg708o8UhwWQ2bJthuvBKEYuTizh06Ne3aigjorRIT6zn-xSZUqwW2mfCtn2r9ERLwCYRLz77FJUNBMEAS8jLKCxlRi8wZzPqJgcrTAIRmuNhR8Y25jNDMTLelBhnSa37akezCe82c2KtO9/s1600/Sprouts-Fountain-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707144972359090018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg708o8UhwWQ2bJthuvBKEYuTizh06Ne3aigjorRIT6zn-xSZUqwW2mfCtn2r9ERLwCYRLz77FJUNBMEAS8jLKCxlRi8wZzPqJgcrTAIRmuNhR8Y25jNDMTLelBhnSa37akezCe82c2KtO9/s400/Sprouts-Fountain-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a>Last and most important is our great 'Fountain of Flatulence', grown especially for our AFF Gas energy supply. A robust plant that will flourish in any soil, it has a wholesome flavour especially popular in soups.<br />
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Camelopardalian sprouts grow very tall, and have to be harvested with special long-handled tools.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0MuM_gAm-MELbJGayypjlQEtDhQwEOsxA9G9xT7Co9ENSApmgmV1FD4bLfT2AJN1MFeP_0WkHs71NBYL4H5b5dsGUy4XPRYBzia3Iy0iPAEnhHO2-qv36u1tO9XCDoKsUzI_qDr5nnI7/s1600/Sproutpatch-Necky-Knoll-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707144915052405730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0MuM_gAm-MELbJGayypjlQEtDhQwEOsxA9G9xT7Co9ENSApmgmV1FD4bLfT2AJN1MFeP_0WkHs71NBYL4H5b5dsGUy4XPRYBzia3Iy0iPAEnhHO2-qv36u1tO9XCDoKsUzI_qDr5nnI7/s400/Sproutpatch-Necky-Knoll-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Here we are enjoying a family sprout-gathering in our vegetable patch at Necky Knoll House. The February evening sun sends low shafts of light between the trees and overhead the sky is dusky pink and mauve.<br />
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As it grows dark an enticing aroma wafts across the garden. Uncle Girth is busy at a huge tureen of freshly prepared sprout soup! It's time for supper ...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">(c) Ingrid Sylvestre - Artist, Illustrator, Writer, Durham North East England UK</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTSMXr6yyFeA8YdQL3vBnnHQuqA7Px2I8xlp3Wqu-ckJQJKa4QYk52ZzwRVWjC-rG0fqgyi3-_oEHgD5U2tOfEYa0IrxG4Yl0kjyF-KxJ0wyM1L1W_p7rCEXaSsesrWe_BQ19xmz5L-js/s1600/Girth-Sprout-Soup-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707144835759603426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTSMXr6yyFeA8YdQL3vBnnHQuqA7Px2I8xlp3Wqu-ckJQJKa4QYk52ZzwRVWjC-rG0fqgyi3-_oEHgD5U2tOfEYa0IrxG4Yl0kjyF-KxJ0wyM1L1W_p7rCEXaSsesrWe_BQ19xmz5L-js/s400/Girth-Sprout-Soup-Ingrid-Sylvestre.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 371px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-75375642858515149532011-05-19T16:00:00.000-07:002013-04-17T06:10:22.456-07:00Reminiscing & new beginnings as we stick our necks out for our dreams!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/klW0P4dU6iY?rel=0" width="425"></iframe><br />
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This time of year is a rather nostalgic time for me. We have been celebrating the anniversary of when we moved to our lovely new home, Necky Knoll House, and set up our Giraffe World Tours family business. And with every anniversary, there is a time of looking back as well as looking forward.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmCCuCyfDZQphGu2xzHJyRb_OzDuyaNQHD4wWjOlBI15IOlUNfJjSQ4P2TIIDBOf9QEhvPJTpcYxpoZsCADwPT_b8Ow9nqGrzHt3Ccz3NYqmCViZs77KOMF6BFgECAhX82wPLaAXwEix/s1600/Silhouetted+Giraffes+Neckmoors.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568714565391170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmCCuCyfDZQphGu2xzHJyRb_OzDuyaNQHD4wWjOlBI15IOlUNfJjSQ4P2TIIDBOf9QEhvPJTpcYxpoZsCADwPT_b8Ow9nqGrzHt3Ccz3NYqmCViZs77KOMF6BFgECAhX82wPLaAXwEix/s400/Silhouetted+Giraffes+Neckmoors.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 246px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I remember standing outside our old home, Neckmoor Cottage, and bidding the rugged scenery farewell. A group of wild giraffes stood silhouetted in the twilight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLKn5ufMVuUXyzeK7vFFUvFesfAOo-1EAgQiekr8ttmxzWPKx5zdm3P1nA4Wj3-LrZj4rvc61rexQqz2WRikE140vk6I_ximJQ2Nedl6P0NIx4Un2Xyu7BiH6Aej11KTP2SoIreC-LZ6X/s1600/Neckmann-family-packing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608572738479953554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLKn5ufMVuUXyzeK7vFFUvFesfAOo-1EAgQiekr8ttmxzWPKx5zdm3P1nA4Wj3-LrZj4rvc61rexQqz2WRikE140vk6I_ximJQ2Nedl6P0NIx4Un2Xyu7BiH6Aej11KTP2SoIreC-LZ6X/s400/Neckmann-family-packing.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 346px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
As we packed all our belongings ready to move, Maureen and I looked at each other, and I knew we were thinking the same thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7ONyYSYD94uRxzJGFLDqwdwdU-IktVzQkuiB784_pmRIbawMFPkVVrf4sOoj-STvMTGDvHJeFVOWLZh9Gk6rZATaLuDJGG8zKMqT3grJsMDqZYsPFBeIKpyrQlam6Ap7M1fcItWwPf_7/s1600/Forest-Road.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568545405823746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7ONyYSYD94uRxzJGFLDqwdwdU-IktVzQkuiB784_pmRIbawMFPkVVrf4sOoj-STvMTGDvHJeFVOWLZh9Gk6rZATaLuDJGG8zKMqT3grJsMDqZYsPFBeIKpyrQlam6Ap7M1fcItWwPf_7/s400/Forest-Road.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 283px;" /></a><br />
It was on the journey to our new home that Maureen first sang our Beginning song, looking out of the windows of the bus. Now we sing it every year in the Spring.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCScgI8PFtdua1iyHQVQAmAyEBNqsV_cXCIq2GoV1_9OAEhpmHSutI0ZAysP-WCXkF9G1NccT2iRJSkoVTX9UM7fw28DPfYvf6tW4DcsTeIsnh385_1-0sQPZ8kN42Y85oAvdTSS-Nbnn/s1600/Web-005-Teapot-LNicky.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnrCkLSFypdf3dfpzVOBsXcz9em1V4APKHNP3lRDlEUndID4jPF1NiJtXjjL-Vq7UUZKyyUaNpswP7xGwQN2Ga0ccT2CZf6hzg0RN7pe_tTTYHJZES4lh1dI6JHRvs3CiDPLbGFP_fnA9/s1600/Knitting-Neckwarmers+jpg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608567364414614786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnrCkLSFypdf3dfpzVOBsXcz9em1V4APKHNP3lRDlEUndID4jPF1NiJtXjjL-Vq7UUZKyyUaNpswP7xGwQN2Ga0ccT2CZf6hzg0RN7pe_tTTYHJZES4lh1dI6JHRvs3CiDPLbGFP_fnA9/s400/Knitting-Neckwarmers+jpg.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 365px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
So here we are, in the warm friendly squabbly family glow of everydayness. As we sing, we remember ... and we also look forward, sticking our necks out for our dreams!<br />
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'It's the beginning<br />
Of something new,<br />
Something to wait for<br />
Dreams coming true.<br />
Life for living<br />
Places to see,<br />
Being the things that<br />
We want to be.<br />
<br />
Though we go<br />
By road unknown,<br />
We move on<br />
Together.<br />
Though we seek<br />
Freedom of mind,<br />
Strength we find<br />
In harmony.'<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">(c) Ingrid Sylvestre - Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Author, Songwriter - Durham, North East England UK </span></span>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-13662038311286923392011-04-06T17:23:00.000-07:002013-04-17T06:11:34.455-07:00An Anniversary Celebration: Farewell to Accounting - Enter Giraffe Entrepreneur!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNjIGr-C6JgF-H9-XHBgm0dV3Wsr1gd5ZSvYXcORFsIW-iCeH2TLf-FUECFquK7LmSvLHua3q57p2QziLfgUlpsqTdkpMwAfFMWu_t6nfqt3PwhiL1nPMSTPqsZTvXmtMtuHBC0aCCez5/s1600/Web-Happy-walking.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOs0r2u7y8ygPuAGCo6BIGeZ7nsfaCya7bdLu6FGS55bBliDCZGnnapbtQG46r7-vkQR3RTd1YKW_kupnrGoTZu0PmTbwiwpyNL9tXnljO1A4NII1-4ADb-7NvVAocP5HBjwuJCi8v_Sp/s1600/Farewell-to-Accounting.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592631665479659394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOs0r2u7y8ygPuAGCo6BIGeZ7nsfaCya7bdLu6FGS55bBliDCZGnnapbtQG46r7-vkQR3RTd1YKW_kupnrGoTZu0PmTbwiwpyNL9tXnljO1A4NII1-4ADb-7NvVAocP5HBjwuJCi8v_Sp/s400/Farewell-to-Accounting.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 383px;" /></a><br />
We are all amazed that another whole year has passed and our anniversary celebrations are with us again for that wonderful day in April 2008, when I said farewell to accounting! Who would have predicted the nextent to which our lives were to change?<br />
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The photo above was taken as I received my lovely leaving gifts at Storey & Tawle, the Raffsburgh accountancy firm I had worked with for so long. (<a href="http://raphs-ramblings.blogspot.com/2008/04/farewell-to-accounting-enter-giraffe.html">This link </a>will take you to the original post). Oh the joys I have had looking through the lovely telescope - most especially gazing all those light years away to Planet Earth, and knowing that all my dear human bloggy-friends are there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqMdDdmUiulOt9b_Af9_WBPZFsA9h1visUl1qZfB_gyOUvUauKcl9M_9VSlut1PmXGbBz1xXJDnB93Z4DthFzg44G4m-Qwav6WqPYjy8Tv_Ia2BzWKbAVc2oa_WfyBx4phLYS22OUhsLe/s1600/Raph-escape+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592631492725372114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqMdDdmUiulOt9b_Af9_WBPZFsA9h1visUl1qZfB_gyOUvUauKcl9M_9VSlut1PmXGbBz1xXJDnB93Z4DthFzg44G4m-Qwav6WqPYjy8Tv_Ia2BzWKbAVc2oa_WfyBx4phLYS22OUhsLe/s400/Raph-escape+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 245px;" /></a><br />
My first ever blog post was <a href="http://raphs-ramblings.blogspot.com/2008/03/escape-of-giraffe-accountant.html">The Escape of a Giraffe Accountant</a>, when I handed in my notice, and since then we haven't looked back! Our new family business Giraffe World Tours was born, we bought our bus, we moved house, we've had nexciting adventures, made lots of mistakes, had lots of fun, grown closer as a family. And we're always moving on to the neckst step of the way! Even when we don't know what it is ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNjIGr-C6JgF-H9-XHBgm0dV3Wsr1gd5ZSvYXcORFsIW-iCeH2TLf-FUECFquK7LmSvLHua3q57p2QziLfgUlpsqTdkpMwAfFMWu_t6nfqt3PwhiL1nPMSTPqsZTvXmtMtuHBC0aCCez5/s1600/Web-Happy-walking.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592633350985905922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNjIGr-C6JgF-H9-XHBgm0dV3Wsr1gd5ZSvYXcORFsIW-iCeH2TLf-FUECFquK7LmSvLHua3q57p2QziLfgUlpsqTdkpMwAfFMWu_t6nfqt3PwhiL1nPMSTPqsZTvXmtMtuHBC0aCCez5/s400/Web-Happy-walking.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 238px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
If I have one nexhortation for you, dear human bloggy-friends, it is this: Stick your necks out for your dreams!<br />
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And now it's time to party!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">(c) Ingrid Sylvestre - Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Party Caricaturist Durham North East England UK </span></span>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-83733944744173517562011-02-13T17:06:00.000-08:002013-04-17T06:13:57.953-07:00A Forest Walk in Spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU0DgRoevvv2p4fovP7khI1yqhwkdE4mQ9ZB62BM8-89iAApORpPQ7gtnP42JvewdWj4fMyJo3TWdskfctQn5l2hgT0UaIFdHHPmSmWxcmT4c92XhVlNMgk4XJ1_BuLE2Pf0fF3ctjIlp/s1600/01+Knolls-in-Spring-colour-.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573346144115989106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU0DgRoevvv2p4fovP7khI1yqhwkdE4mQ9ZB62BM8-89iAApORpPQ7gtnP42JvewdWj4fMyJo3TWdskfctQn5l2hgT0UaIFdHHPmSmWxcmT4c92XhVlNMgk4XJ1_BuLE2Pf0fF3ctjIlp/s400/01+Knolls-in-Spring-colour-.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 174px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Early this morning we looked nexcitedly out of the windows of Necky Knoll House to see if the sun was shining. Yes! It was perfect weather for our planned day out in the Forest, with a beautiful dawn light playing on the sides of the Knolls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheimk4rl_8NfcSYaixMn36egHi3FPilFRb7TVmoBoOgGozn9brXAjlB_hxZYamVzIpHqm2g8cplAc0lSAdOuv94uB8-Q7LDys-_yli0kbJZXm98XG1BbtmxYaBPJMKvlmn9yiZ7bPLkOnl/s1600/02+Spring-mist-Forest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573346096549081570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheimk4rl_8NfcSYaixMn36egHi3FPilFRb7TVmoBoOgGozn9brXAjlB_hxZYamVzIpHqm2g8cplAc0lSAdOuv94uB8-Q7LDys-_yli0kbJZXm98XG1BbtmxYaBPJMKvlmn9yiZ7bPLkOnl/s400/02+Spring-mist-Forest.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The morning mist still clung to the valleys, and as we drew near to the Forest it seemed to beckon mysteriously.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZsTZuUEiLjJyHJoGaCWCL1FT8sS27F8EHBehhRsM0gTtzVKcLJz8JfHjwYxiOxdu4xnHAp3UZVZ5QDPdj-w93TZStHGKeShx3g1mrAmxeu7NzFOCcmBpUXvJZ_Y-sa_prYukZ39A1D9k/s1600/03+L-Nicky-Forest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573346039589654802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZsTZuUEiLjJyHJoGaCWCL1FT8sS27F8EHBehhRsM0gTtzVKcLJz8JfHjwYxiOxdu4xnHAp3UZVZ5QDPdj-w93TZStHGKeShx3g1mrAmxeu7NzFOCcmBpUXvJZ_Y-sa_prYukZ39A1D9k/s400/03+L-Nicky-Forest.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 262px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Littl' Nicky toddled on ahead. "Ooh, Daddy!" he nexclaimed, "Flowers!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xEPNUsilLlvQKiJz_4UQUaZ7kbzqj5POc-id7Qesyx3sM_wq6K94AaQxj4j-C2AhL62g45MwkQQCcudqIrTl5LXluWzJx05p4Ngb7MdKumdAzQIRTQO7m2LC7GejQ-OMwLwB5d3q_NbG/s1600/04+Flying-girigglies-Forest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345980412910034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xEPNUsilLlvQKiJz_4UQUaZ7kbzqj5POc-id7Qesyx3sM_wq6K94AaQxj4j-C2AhL62g45MwkQQCcudqIrTl5LXluWzJx05p4Ngb7MdKumdAzQIRTQO7m2LC7GejQ-OMwLwB5d3q_NbG/s400/04+Flying-girigglies-Forest.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 306px;" /></a><br />
Further into the Forest, we caught a glimpse of some flying girigglies, who performed a Spring dance while Nexi and Necky Becky watched, spellbound.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_ftKgWl8cxplW21qhGeCSQjfYw2VPGHrlBJ-ltqKt4Kgq_IrJC-OcWP3XNGvKBoTkmwNHv-D2HcnJ9jFv0FDf0K4EdAJ2RmJZAByRDAFIsFaotICqBhVLls1rQ9quwQKUqul1jNgd65/s1600/05+spring-wigglie-on-foliage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345907965476322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_ftKgWl8cxplW21qhGeCSQjfYw2VPGHrlBJ-ltqKt4Kgq_IrJC-OcWP3XNGvKBoTkmwNHv-D2HcnJ9jFv0FDf0K4EdAJ2RmJZAByRDAFIsFaotICqBhVLls1rQ9quwQKUqul1jNgd65/s400/05+spring-wigglie-on-foliage.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 129px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
There were woodland creatures everywhere! A long wrigglie paused for me to take his photo as he scuttled nexuberantly among the leaves and mosses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAO2BsL9TOn59nul47G4iWVh4W2EDIH8trpCEwtke8IbV9I7EpXRe7UJXG2yEm9olYLWTG12IPhk01xvlP4ro0q7BFpPWjpD0QYIxjj4VZZUxr1ssHNMYsYqwPzznfSJuc-0mebdY1YlE/s1600/06+Giraffe-moss.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345859432673650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAO2BsL9TOn59nul47G4iWVh4W2EDIH8trpCEwtke8IbV9I7EpXRe7UJXG2yEm9olYLWTG12IPhk01xvlP4ro0q7BFpPWjpD0QYIxjj4VZZUxr1ssHNMYsYqwPzznfSJuc-0mebdY1YlE/s400/06+Giraffe-moss.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
We saw beautiful little mounds of giraffe moss on some old stone walling, back lit by the sun to look like miniature citadels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_-dB5OFhtEhwMrq-i1O7dnllvx__pC5UNkdcazog4X6yspqJpDmVith5ywZzkORT6SzsBlckN6Epht7C8D5pORIj4VuE7KalUhqa27urCnqxBv2ubcq6Qstb_aqxwMzZLy6LHG1AZkyo/s1600/07+giraffe-buds-twig.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345805036150450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_-dB5OFhtEhwMrq-i1O7dnllvx__pC5UNkdcazog4X6yspqJpDmVith5ywZzkORT6SzsBlckN6Epht7C8D5pORIj4VuE7KalUhqa27urCnqxBv2ubcq6Qstb_aqxwMzZLy6LHG1AZkyo/s400/07+giraffe-buds-twig.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 144px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Everywhere we noticed signs of the coming Spring - each twig studded with buds bursting into life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4MRy3tiyvFGILPit5VNEyuKd5HmT0wIDymM2PS6qkLI10bS8rSHRkoToQUch9Mx_pOhk6M6B2IOJP-PdMuredtSc61WxaNwE6Y8bkWKWvLS6JCt9YVJ75v2Vzf_C09oao2kc7zFop2bP/s1600/08+Giranthus.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345729090077042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4MRy3tiyvFGILPit5VNEyuKd5HmT0wIDymM2PS6qkLI10bS8rSHRkoToQUch9Mx_pOhk6M6B2IOJP-PdMuredtSc61WxaNwE6Y8bkWKWvLS6JCt9YVJ75v2Vzf_C09oao2kc7zFop2bP/s400/08+Giranthus.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 392px;" /></a><br />
In the shadows of the trees grew the lovely little Giranthus flowers, shining like miniature lanterns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlo5yaxvYZT1Trg9RgliPlsgXaPBSlbHPNurjfyCJ28fA_GVkc8Gmw8RQ69hrHbCg00SYzWnk_zzGwPk13MOKq72_LWdMtQLnjy9g9QnzLUDfzACSJup_hTkg5obHok75az81ZVfl-M8l/s1600/09+Viola-girafata.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345646688263458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlo5yaxvYZT1Trg9RgliPlsgXaPBSlbHPNurjfyCJ28fA_GVkc8Gmw8RQ69hrHbCg00SYzWnk_zzGwPk13MOKq72_LWdMtQLnjy9g9QnzLUDfzACSJup_hTkg5obHok75az81ZVfl-M8l/s400/09+Viola-girafata.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 382px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
And the sweet Viola giraffata greeted us shyly with bowed heads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6fQu9BKarecMJrjeJcp9p5Z5eTMhzRYL18VqKF0bsacHjHdlcWlrUkS6zsVW24BcTuTPwMWdwzfCqXIEeK-zbkaF5b291Llj87o9B9iWIXbJkYQ2jZCkVGPz1kJXZZ4JAQrw52WC0987/s1600/10+Raph-Maureen-Forest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573345544202074930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6fQu9BKarecMJrjeJcp9p5Z5eTMhzRYL18VqKF0bsacHjHdlcWlrUkS6zsVW24BcTuTPwMWdwzfCqXIEeK-zbkaF5b291Llj87o9B9iWIXbJkYQ2jZCkVGPz1kJXZZ4JAQrw52WC0987/s400/10+Raph-Maureen-Forest.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 333px;" /></a><br />
As our children ran ahead of us along the path, Maureen and I recalled happy memories of days spent in this beautiful place, and looked forward to many more.<br />
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<div style="color: #351c75;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">c) Ingrid Sylvestre - Artist, Illustrator, Landscape Painter, Writer, Sylvan Muse, Interpretive Panels, Durham North East England UK </span></div>
Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-28241279750691665622011-01-01T15:28:00.001-08:002011-01-01T15:44:38.221-08:00Double the Neck in 2011!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAARJAOiKVhXDpfc7Aq8szYR9PtsbUx4llefaxlfDdrWz1RHKmMXwKfV2_-RplBIJyMyCkKXkB8w2_lToPKp7ZIhyUY-qH_-o0puvSVH4chRGJK44dDzpXB36LDRhWVuRxOreFA2iOXBf6/s1600/Giraffe-New-Year-sky-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAARJAOiKVhXDpfc7Aq8szYR9PtsbUx4llefaxlfDdrWz1RHKmMXwKfV2_-RplBIJyMyCkKXkB8w2_lToPKp7ZIhyUY-qH_-o0puvSVH4chRGJK44dDzpXB36LDRhWVuRxOreFA2iOXBf6/s400/Giraffe-New-Year-sky-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557364346624290258" border="0" /></a><br />Greetings from Camelopardalis Constellation and Happy New Year to all our dear friends on planet Earth!<br /><br />With two giraffe-necks in it, 2011 promises to be a nexuberant year. Stick your necks out for your dreams, and love your planet!<br /><br />We are back at Necky Knoll House after a wonderful holiday at the tree house, and have been celebrating by singing our family song, 'With Our Necks Entwined'. No doubt you will be able to identify all our voices - do join in with us, and if you can find a secret portal to our world, you are most welcome at our party!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/liLZ0PDXwPA?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/liLZ0PDXwPA?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-28898668783368707912010-12-24T09:11:00.000-08:002010-12-24T09:20:48.962-08:00Happy Holidays to all our Friends!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pTJBXT2Mt_nvPqXUmNEkzfDkeB0ZTikoBmi2APIFj7-HzTg0861CTCOcS-t_X6IrzjcFT0UlPFiTILi4HlXDXZ92nxZEVb0EcZn-1FoqhmPqzl9bCa36WMlLW5ZZG-ZHg50uyaTh4Ic9/s1600/Neckmann-Giraffes-in-Tree.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pTJBXT2Mt_nvPqXUmNEkzfDkeB0ZTikoBmi2APIFj7-HzTg0861CTCOcS-t_X6IrzjcFT0UlPFiTILi4HlXDXZ92nxZEVb0EcZn-1FoqhmPqzl9bCa36WMlLW5ZZG-ZHg50uyaTh4Ic9/s400/Neckmann-Giraffes-in-Tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554297911209554130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255); font-weight: bold;">Happy Holidays to all our dear human bloggy-friends from the Neckmann family in Giraffe World, Camelopardalis Constellation! </span><br /></div><br />The family were so eager to see the lovely little tree-house where I took refuge when lost in the snow, that we decided to spend our Midwinter Holiday here!<br /><br />We took neckloads of festive food, with enough to share with any of the tree-giraffes who may be around. It's quite full in the little house with all our duvets on the floor, but it's gloriously snug and fun.<br /><br />Have a lovely holiday, and stick your necks out for your dreams!Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-89572655995456939412010-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:002010-12-16T17:08:23.851-08:00Which way neckst?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQHKJVME4F4pkAUmBR0UmR4c3T6OsODj8o8SIuAW4HVm_osJjONzWx-iG9O3VTMrb8OJ2xhDxNGGav91L-DQfcg0tJszjebF2kfslGNwXYBDdMkifCUkBg299IXm0kpyBEoMrdHybGbPU/s1600/Raph-climbing-downTree.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQHKJVME4F4pkAUmBR0UmR4c3T6OsODj8o8SIuAW4HVm_osJjONzWx-iG9O3VTMrb8OJ2xhDxNGGav91L-DQfcg0tJszjebF2kfslGNwXYBDdMkifCUkBg299IXm0kpyBEoMrdHybGbPU/s400/Raph-climbing-downTree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551428302219783426" border="0" /></a><br />For days and days I stayed in the warm little tree-house refuge, watching for a lessening of the snow, and reading. Oh the cosiness and comfort of roasted nut casseroles and winter fruit loaf, but how I missed my family! I hoped they were reading this blog, so they wouldn't be too worried about me.<br /><br />One magenta-hued afternoon the snow seemed to have stopped, and I stood outside on a branch and surveyed the landscape below. It was time to set off to find my way home ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFtYNdOXlSidBYK1DiM5NxVlSLeKePcae75UrLam59KOa3Ll3DcKmvBKPC8H1Hd-plPy2PU0cEyfLK5y_yQOKtZk09JB4feEtUuAJpF7tPfkfDjgZcbFh4ymujo6LwFqpYDRD3O4NP6L7/s1600/Raph-near-ice.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFtYNdOXlSidBYK1DiM5NxVlSLeKePcae75UrLam59KOa3Ll3DcKmvBKPC8H1Hd-plPy2PU0cEyfLK5y_yQOKtZk09JB4feEtUuAJpF7tPfkfDjgZcbFh4ymujo6LwFqpYDRD3O4NP6L7/s400/Raph-near-ice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551428230486639730" border="0" /></a><br />I walked long across snow-covered hills and valleys, craning my neck to see what lay ahead. All was well until I reached a frozen river that opened out to a large lake. All ice-covered and daunting to a giraffe with a tendency to clumsiness! But where else could I go?<br /><br />Tentatively I stepped forward on to the ice. As I slithered and swayed, I caught sight of what looked like a strange sea monster in the distance. Crash! Distracted, I landed flat on the ice, and quickly crawled my way back to the shore.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHJjHno_ZFDm9UFfk-fZCF89ktrz_cBlSPM2MF4xsSpuHQsMRMxQcC33Rc3PHtM8bwKkEJbb-2HsJcu4WhRVnPU_1mLbps_8wRiDzQPuogELNIAvRIuIEyf2Kbw9I7MD44gCO184bog8G/s1600/Raph-sees-periscopes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHJjHno_ZFDm9UFfk-fZCF89ktrz_cBlSPM2MF4xsSpuHQsMRMxQcC33Rc3PHtM8bwKkEJbb-2HsJcu4WhRVnPU_1mLbps_8wRiDzQPuogELNIAvRIuIEyf2Kbw9I7MD44gCO184bog8G/s400/Raph-sees-periscopes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551428171982008722" border="0" /></a><br />A terrific sound of cracking ice followed, and I was startled to see the ice moving up rather than down! As I gazed in consternation, imagine my surprise when heard a merry voice raised in song: 'Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!' From beneath the ice rose the familiar and oh-so-welcome shape of Necktune's Chariot, with Captain Gurgle grinning at the helm! Behind him the dear faces of my family beamed and I heard Necky Becky shrieking 'Dad, Dad!' Maureen stood in the doorway and held out her hand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqxIaGzVEx2X8YcL9_-XpIrb5lRkIfbyFWMOWS-hkbCB3KxjLZMfS7-z_y1CfYeouYJzLWzZKpqZOFsuLbW80LPxmEPumKriR1tmzbOsObnUytQaLUr_wcrUCd6J6fYjijLNQquCK8kB9/s1600/Necktunes-Chariot-ice.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqxIaGzVEx2X8YcL9_-XpIrb5lRkIfbyFWMOWS-hkbCB3KxjLZMfS7-z_y1CfYeouYJzLWzZKpqZOFsuLbW80LPxmEPumKriR1tmzbOsObnUytQaLUr_wcrUCd6J6fYjijLNQquCK8kB9/s400/Necktunes-Chariot-ice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551428112267569986" border="0" /></a><br />What celebration on the way home! The non-stop party we've had since arriving back at Necky Knoll House!<br /><br />Thank you dear tree giraffes for your cosy refuge. And thank you to Blogger, for it was from seeing my posts and photos that Captain Gurgle was able to work out my whereabouts!Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-41987358612822560212010-12-02T18:29:00.001-08:002010-12-02T18:42:11.963-08:00Lost - and safe - in a Tree!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ZeIiq9GHYoD0J3a0NPIgunkHjk9Ex8Wk2y5oZu82tRw5mKgE8QNad2CV4rQCOiifE4C0mqBI8csXAHnt3K93rxf1UKkDMuDwMsigXDKTTJ2QAqx4Vu4M4u1QNHE1I1gd-ZUyuUexnXM/s1600/Raph-in-Tree.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ZeIiq9GHYoD0J3a0NPIgunkHjk9Ex8Wk2y5oZu82tRw5mKgE8QNad2CV4rQCOiifE4C0mqBI8csXAHnt3K93rxf1UKkDMuDwMsigXDKTTJ2QAqx4Vu4M4u1QNHE1I1gd-ZUyuUexnXM/s400/Raph-in-Tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546277623478246642" border="0" /></a><br />What a night I had! Yesterday I was lost in the snow, wandering round and round in the mountains with no idea where I was going. It was such a comfort, having my Intergalactic mobile phone, and being able to communicate with my human bloggy and twitter friends! But I had no means of contacting my fellow giraffes to find my whereabouts.<br /><br />I suddenly had the idea of climbing a tree. As a magnificent sunset shone all around me, I surveyed the landscape.<br /><br />Nothing recognisable. Tired and weary, I was turning to climb down, when I saw a small green doorway. Beyond the open doors was a lovely little room, with food, a warm cosy bed, and even some books. Oh bliss, oh safety! I had found one of the resting-houses created by our rambling tree-giraffes!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xvTt4GK7BV-L64fKGJaRMwBaAnNYUz-1iooASqwikxYQX4a0FqvRWr7REKp7xIKdBIaK5s8ix8AzTVwutgFL84ODxLandmzCkUbRiDuZFsvdn1TES9y0tvgCr6s1R7ImwNTnwB3jTs0d/s1600/Raph-in-Tree-House.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xvTt4GK7BV-L64fKGJaRMwBaAnNYUz-1iooASqwikxYQX4a0FqvRWr7REKp7xIKdBIaK5s8ix8AzTVwutgFL84ODxLandmzCkUbRiDuZFsvdn1TES9y0tvgCr6s1R7ImwNTnwB3jTs0d/s400/Raph-in-Tree-House.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546277564586309042" border="0" /></a><br />'Thank you', I sighed. I climbed gratefully into bed, and drifted off to sleep.Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-72267419335133905882010-12-01T08:29:00.000-08:002010-12-01T09:40:57.989-08:00The Snow is getting deeper!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JwIQYaxW-glQU7w6RBnYRcBLe2vKrj7iP2DhcEhST3mh3YcID_XTX_hm7bkwVh2zzAL9oNz4LFTJc-Iktjir-qPQhTXyrYoGyTdELgDRigo5ROrchth3RX-pI-8C13z7FnANKyt7SzKe/s1600/The-snow%2527s-getting-deeper.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JwIQYaxW-glQU7w6RBnYRcBLe2vKrj7iP2DhcEhST3mh3YcID_XTX_hm7bkwVh2zzAL9oNz4LFTJc-Iktjir-qPQhTXyrYoGyTdELgDRigo5ROrchth3RX-pI-8C13z7FnANKyt7SzKe/s400/The-snow%2527s-getting-deeper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545752073527964338" border="0" /></a><br />We've been drinking so much hot chocolate that we've already gone through the supply I brought the other day! I'm walking to the village again to get some more.<br /><br />It's such a beautiful sunny winter's day ...<br /><br />The snow seems to be getting deeper. I can't quite see where I'm heading - hope I'm going the right way!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> </span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvoHPGFXAcrH1PSEOGQQj3LFkpfr8vEg1Ug1NBuSRu3egBH7-UdlRaAM_Qz90rFqaMZXaiEhihdqLHnGfhLWehEF_ZrqhXZMQKZtrTKAJPRtoRq_vWtr3UG2G8xGjg2EkWRBN6Ocpl2Do/s1600/Thanks-Solitary-Walker.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvoHPGFXAcrH1PSEOGQQj3LFkpfr8vEg1Ug1NBuSRu3egBH7-UdlRaAM_Qz90rFqaMZXaiEhihdqLHnGfhLWehEF_ZrqhXZMQKZtrTKAJPRtoRq_vWtr3UG2G8xGjg2EkWRBN6Ocpl2Do/s400/Thanks-Solitary-Walker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545768798373901938" border="0" /></a><br />A big <span style="font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU</span> to <a href="http://solitary-walker.blogspot.com/">Solitary Walker</a>, for his comment warning me I was heading for a ravine!<br /><br />Now I've got to work out where I am and how to get to Neckelchester village and back home to Necky Knoll House!Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-89295405150273247512010-11-28T14:47:00.000-08:002010-11-28T14:57:41.290-08:00A Lovely Snowy Evening Walk!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Y7pK83eBHXIyRoix0KviEYSINJMBwGAd_xLx7jmqx3RXhbagVPaT3sPwrOiGkWpE8Wf2O43w9cFOWb1Bq1rPkVK_ieUiRM9ACnOPIhHC5HtJ0uBKydCo0iFlRDw89XNwh0yryhmca5vx/s1600/Raph-Walk-to-Village.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Y7pK83eBHXIyRoix0KviEYSINJMBwGAd_xLx7jmqx3RXhbagVPaT3sPwrOiGkWpE8Wf2O43w9cFOWb1Bq1rPkVK_ieUiRM9ACnOPIhHC5HtJ0uBKydCo0iFlRDw89XNwh0yryhmca5vx/s400/Raph-Walk-to-Village.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544736504381719794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">After our nexuberant Sledging Party last night we had run out of hot chocolate, so I volunteered to walk in to Neckelchester village to buy some more. It was early evening, and I decided to go through the woods instead of by the road, and what an enchanting walk it was!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Everywhere was so still and peaceful. There is a tranquillity about woodland in the snow that cannot be found anywhere else.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Coming back, the stars shine in the magenta sky. I have hot chocolate in my bag, and I am happy.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y0K9ls-fXiL-yb4wM22th_G_Y2tT8m0LGniXkAWyRwNn-OXNtHLNct8RgT5XMZZO1UekJ9_H6SkD95EisJAR8ZC1jzt7Vac9NNTPrjuIpyHUP8FVwngbgnqqM1E14FafLoLQ2v2rnTdX/s1600/Raph-walk-back.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y0K9ls-fXiL-yb4wM22th_G_Y2tT8m0LGniXkAWyRwNn-OXNtHLNct8RgT5XMZZO1UekJ9_H6SkD95EisJAR8ZC1jzt7Vac9NNTPrjuIpyHUP8FVwngbgnqqM1E14FafLoLQ2v2rnTdX/s400/Raph-walk-back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544736309933965890" border="0" /></a>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-80119298045436500782010-11-21T08:06:00.000-08:002013-04-17T14:34:49.690-07:00More from our underwater nexpedition!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnyQMZNGsXXp17OGIbUSRIaNMs7-7qMCDUhrzuEHq016C6kaG9BlZQJBgTQoe7Xh9yaM5I0PXZFLMB0u9BE844EkiqPwqrlCNaxxTGsZQh-A6fYRXndCdCWkApeyiUqp1S-bQdD_RcNr0/s1600/Necky-Becky-finds-shipwreck.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542041840645277970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnyQMZNGsXXp17OGIbUSRIaNMs7-7qMCDUhrzuEHq016C6kaG9BlZQJBgTQoe7Xh9yaM5I0PXZFLMB0u9BE844EkiqPwqrlCNaxxTGsZQh-A6fYRXndCdCWkApeyiUqp1S-bQdD_RcNr0/s400/Necky-Becky-finds-shipwreck.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 243px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">(c) Durham Artist Ingrid Sylvestre, North East England UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Hello again, dear Bloggy-friends! We've all been nexceptionally busy catching up on everything back here at Necky Knoll House. Our main sprout-harvesting season has begun, and we're also in the middle of our November Dream Digging time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">However, I've managed to go through some of our photos and films from our underwater nexpedition, and thought I'd start by posting our recording of Captain Gurgle singing his famous Tea Shanty! Necky Becky had a great time with some of the prompting and chorus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">If you'd like to join in with the song, the <a href="http://raphs-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/05/necktunes-chariot.html">lyrics feature in an earlier post</a>, which also introduces Captain Gurgle.</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">There are also more of our songs on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/NexFactor">Nex Factor YouTube Channel.</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cobject%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value=%22always%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cobject%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value=%22always%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/HBIr1lmfh_c?fs=1&hl=en_GB%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E"><br /></a>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-28733921539420486532010-10-15T06:36:00.000-07:002014-09-01T19:01:50.499-07:00Back from under the Ocean!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV4InM94XyCkFctMhXaq8ZM1tOhBX7DZotN4MjXjXPnCTc3Gi5QiaCnji5Vu57d1M2lGnBQamisuGAuS_EVETlUg0rql5TP-kPEmUsPsbj6CwkPF0a-MWCAT_HxzcsJD0QfgAEeS3K1Ln/s1600/Web-Raph-seashore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV4InM94XyCkFctMhXaq8ZM1tOhBX7DZotN4MjXjXPnCTc3Gi5QiaCnji5Vu57d1M2lGnBQamisuGAuS_EVETlUg0rql5TP-kPEmUsPsbj6CwkPF0a-MWCAT_HxzcsJD0QfgAEeS3K1Ln/s400/Web-Raph-seashore.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528267755023041330" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 198px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Hello again, dear human bloggy friends!</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope all is well with you on planet Earth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">What a very long time since blogging ... and what adventures we giraffes have had! We've been on a fantastic nexcursion with Captain Gurgle in our new submarine, Necktunes' Chariot. I wanted to keep you all posted during our underwater journeys, but couldn't get the Interneck. Then I dropped my neckbook computer into the sea, and have had to wait till our return to buy a new one in Raffsburgh. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT58BFKFswND6IFhyKSjQ-qut4vSp8k-eI6iLmIEbPX9PYSblT5pcaAQvJzOBtX3nvQkYeS3Byof4w2t3bnxSrwJxFvhXiTLGzYU9F8gMgSpzIB303dMoONW2FHy4rB-qG_5VbSLF4hpME/s1600/Web-giraffe-submarine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT58BFKFswND6IFhyKSjQ-qut4vSp8k-eI6iLmIEbPX9PYSblT5pcaAQvJzOBtX3nvQkYeS3Byof4w2t3bnxSrwJxFvhXiTLGzYU9F8gMgSpzIB303dMoONW2FHy4rB-qG_5VbSLF4hpME/s400/Web-giraffe-submarine.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528267691040580418" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 287px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />There is so much to tell you ... Captain Gurgle sailed Necktune's Chariot down and down into the depths of our Camelopardalian seas. We sailed past ancient giraffe citadels which have been submerged for centuries. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04ymxXZas8ckWqHJAMFW2_1Kj8z_JOhBIjsr1kl-h-s2MEFDL7nvmnwQuceO1fwdxPdSm0OMXDokqdwDIt8AsdDDiujTAmCp5YIrLPAkMlutqGWmYS8eGuxSBq4CCYYRAYQBz-P2k-mCH/s1600/Web-giraffe-seaweed.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04ymxXZas8ckWqHJAMFW2_1Kj8z_JOhBIjsr1kl-h-s2MEFDL7nvmnwQuceO1fwdxPdSm0OMXDokqdwDIt8AsdDDiujTAmCp5YIrLPAkMlutqGWmYS8eGuxSBq4CCYYRAYQBz-P2k-mCH/s400/Web-giraffe-seaweed.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528267633730423154" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 289px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />As the submarine went deeper and deeper, we caught glimpses through the portholes of floating seaweed, and shy giraffe sea-creatures.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZae_-E74GQWKafZZkf_iY2kqYyquSHDbtst7qVvbbsRXGg3VNc7nXbc2tfzJYBhAxWEKCD4EL9XZFM1tjtwQN2P3AJKPFuhdUr4lsoS5V7Zug4pAPDmPSmnHi8sTZS0VbWyPs6qYzaC8/s1600/Web-giraffe-seacreatures.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Giraffe sea creatures - Raph's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & author" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZae_-E74GQWKafZZkf_iY2kqYyquSHDbtst7qVvbbsRXGg3VNc7nXbc2tfzJYBhAxWEKCD4EL9XZFM1tjtwQN2P3AJKPFuhdUr4lsoS5V7Zug4pAPDmPSmnHi8sTZS0VbWyPs6qYzaC8/s400/Web-giraffe-seacreatures.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528267558223371842" style="display: block; height: 289px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" title="Giraffe sea creatures - Raph's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & author" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;">And what wondrous life there was on the seabed! All these nexquisite little persons chatting together among the rocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">We managed to film this friendly Fringey, who waved at us and sang it's little sea song! I hope you enjoy it, and look forward to visiting you all over the next few days.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx964xarM4k_owmmzBXV0GK3LhrUOoG6HvEWNpr-w6CbUh40aGpK4M0nEn0Ztbt0ftEMfBxL9Jwp6KFD-CjKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-86878458958604266892010-01-12T18:00:00.001-08:002010-01-12T18:19:35.035-08:00The Interneck is running slow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93jfnJ0Wu-QdcGVXxlUklnM3gmBHW5gj0boYY2cKJKxoLBKvoAR-K-JRigE6pnhs-qg-xczNXZo8I8GSt22oJQ5FrU18zgrxaKN-5MF4VArtXnZ2H2Gzp_AISduuGyMpqj_n2h9Uhv1o_/s1600-h/01-First-Class-Post.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038804861188786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93jfnJ0Wu-QdcGVXxlUklnM3gmBHW5gj0boYY2cKJKxoLBKvoAR-K-JRigE6pnhs-qg-xczNXZo8I8GSt22oJQ5FrU18zgrxaKN-5MF4VArtXnZ2H2Gzp_AISduuGyMpqj_n2h9Uhv1o_/s400/01-First-Class-Post.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I don't know about you friends on planet Earth, but our Interneck has been running really slow ... I have considered sending my comments to you by snail mail, as it may be quicker!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY2XkWBYmA-_UrlIPS4JMVpB6fPkSbpI8-W_tEqHv9aTFnNYiTqf2X7zt-m40un4kO1kyzApds0wRm_F0Eqlc9ShRtZVcv7wR4SQp2J6ZGZaLIkbSjS2p0ySGRMdqOSBYFYAxW2W-H9xF/s1600-h/02-Web-Raph-phone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038747125508274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY2XkWBYmA-_UrlIPS4JMVpB6fPkSbpI8-W_tEqHv9aTFnNYiTqf2X7zt-m40un4kO1kyzApds0wRm_F0Eqlc9ShRtZVcv7wR4SQp2J6ZGZaLIkbSjS2p0ySGRMdqOSBYFYAxW2W-H9xF/s400/02-Web-Raph-phone.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with our phone connecktion ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVk5bDrclMQtCdS5fcQ15hMPn9U8Ofp948ZsAPfHaqQSCoAUNxfU1wBUUaMs1N3ONJUYBstjpe90Wy-JYkK1yiZo8lzTgk-V-cpGN4iGaeL9e9h_5vxJCNNGoyrPSQg1FzJ5a6_ZotBkf/s1600-h/03-Web-Raph-telescope-snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038694233232658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVk5bDrclMQtCdS5fcQ15hMPn9U8Ofp948ZsAPfHaqQSCoAUNxfU1wBUUaMs1N3ONJUYBstjpe90Wy-JYkK1yiZo8lzTgk-V-cpGN4iGaeL9e9h_5vxJCNNGoyrPSQg1FzJ5a6_ZotBkf/s400/03-Web-Raph-telescope-snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So I looked through my telescope to see if I could spot anything amiss in the space between our worlds. All looked peaceful and harmonious.</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Maureen suggested I speak to our computer nexpert, Nekky Tekky. Rather surprisingly he told me to bring the bus, the family, warm clothes and skis!</p><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUQAYVDCXM71wdC5UJyk-THF8dmyt5i1MglPc4NzpVq9YtBJIomAXDKBklmBTh42w6kYID9360jX7AqGDDrOLd5a7gdCiaVZo-VR2lxYHmV1RR3VNKW32yALlrEVMgt4H6w7EDoQzVDHF/s1600-h/04-Raph-and-Neckky-Teckky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038643568108674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUQAYVDCXM71wdC5UJyk-THF8dmyt5i1MglPc4NzpVq9YtBJIomAXDKBklmBTh42w6kYID9360jX7AqGDDrOLd5a7gdCiaVZo-VR2lxYHmV1RR3VNKW32yALlrEVMgt4H6w7EDoQzVDHF/s400/04-Raph-and-Neckky-Teckky.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I followed his instructions, and we all set off on a journey to our polar regions. As on planet Earth, many of our server farms are situated there to keep the servers cool. Nekky Tekky suspected this may be where the problem lay.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKxkUHPAL-MRELtOTRSZ0KHHJcpzK1WYePAHwtpT1XPcJAeTjewG_6uDZjRFuQ9-HVkprole0pVm-DcCAbA9wG035L8bmFovgTdwAWj5DBdGw2Q8WTiK4p-BRpx7WYgtjXv0lcuvditA2/s1600-h/05-Web-Bus-snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038588820857426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKxkUHPAL-MRELtOTRSZ0KHHJcpzK1WYePAHwtpT1XPcJAeTjewG_6uDZjRFuQ9-HVkprole0pVm-DcCAbA9wG035L8bmFovgTdwAWj5DBdGw2Q8WTiK4p-BRpx7WYgtjXv0lcuvditA2/s400/05-Web-Bus-snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The family wandered around enjoying the ethereal scenery, while Nekky Tekky muttered around in the server farm.</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div> </div><div>We were summoned by his triumphant squeal, "Pengrins!"<br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGDcwHIra2cuRrR9tl15J1foM9kEuPoVEyGCJj-9zhFDyvCVilDCnRu9hHhoLkof_0VJS_6y9TzOO2zp7LZMU51-Q6MZMuTb2iycAnoKgrSxcFrm2_vcOsdKd_3JqBMei87zDl9KQnlty/s1600-h/06-Web-Pengrin-colony.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426038532357778498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGDcwHIra2cuRrR9tl15J1foM9kEuPoVEyGCJj-9zhFDyvCVilDCnRu9hHhoLkof_0VJS_6y9TzOO2zp7LZMU51-Q6MZMuTb2iycAnoKgrSxcFrm2_vcOsdKd_3JqBMei87zDl9KQnlty/s400/06-Web-Pengrin-colony.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Our problem, dear bloggy friends, has been caused by colonies of pengrins warming their bottoms on the heat rising from our underground servers and blocking the intergalactic cyber-waves!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We didn't have the heart to move them, so I'll just have to put up with slower blogging ... I guess it'll give me time to eat more chocolate biscuits while the comments load up! <div></span></div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-47892116080533306642009-12-24T09:21:00.001-08:002009-12-24T09:26:20.685-08:00Giraffe Greetings of the Season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlCFlsjU49SQZnH4YZ-FBrrSiiVMsiNpG5g6uhZfH_6CLaE30PKPu1JuP3h3EwSq5I1GyOqNlXohxuTgSXpm_SX1GsxmCSwqzrCTvR2n8grkRFmIZMXvGt_53jsBKvVvl7GBl4WP2gPdf/s1600-h/Giraffe-Greetings-Season.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418854615371880690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlCFlsjU49SQZnH4YZ-FBrrSiiVMsiNpG5g6uhZfH_6CLaE30PKPu1JuP3h3EwSq5I1GyOqNlXohxuTgSXpm_SX1GsxmCSwqzrCTvR2n8grkRFmIZMXvGt_53jsBKvVvl7GBl4WP2gPdf/s400/Giraffe-Greetings-Season.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Giraffe Greetings of the Season!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To all my dear bloggy friends, may you have a nextra special holiday! Thank you so much for your treasured friendship throughout the year and your wonderful blogs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Much love from Raph, Maureen and all of us at Necky Knoll House!</span></div><div> </div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-67137061457778102712009-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:002009-12-02T15:32:55.024-08:00Where's the best place for our fabulous photo?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95IQ93BBKVgQfCxHWnHe2cfnM1-DC4OdnMNxWKi4Em8OYCMjhGXhKwdiTdcnWvSL0X97solS9eCIcC5lm60kciYLsu_8U7xp5e5SZrX3Y8d0Z7xHX_Fyz15x0yDK0QDBfIG-lza8OXoLx/s1600-h/web-01-intergalactic-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769310611654738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95IQ93BBKVgQfCxHWnHe2cfnM1-DC4OdnMNxWKi4Em8OYCMjhGXhKwdiTdcnWvSL0X97solS9eCIcC5lm60kciYLsu_8U7xp5e5SZrX3Y8d0Z7xHX_Fyz15x0yDK0QDBfIG-lza8OXoLx/s400/web-01-intergalactic-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Some time ago, at the Secret Portal behind the Intergalactic Cacti, a beautiful <a href="http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-all-weekend.html">shell photograph </a>arrived for me from Country Girl!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">*</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The whole family fell in love with its subtle colours and entrancing spiral shape receding softly into the background. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330099;">*</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">After having it framed, we have nexperimented with hanging it in various rooms. As usual, the family all want to hang it in different places ... I'm calling on you, dear bloggy friends, to help us in the nexciting task of deciding!</span><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWB3TJ9idjCudA0-JiIk6JthfUQNeGh0WareajF6s2xqSE5L2w7YTtYr8V-PVdjrX-slWRJB9dSiyn3sv6R6Qx_pWQQPhtG71BZXyBJbGCqOdvImo7Vy6iHnlkbehkgKtQ13tH0ughIp/s1600-h/Web-02-fireplace-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769235008697138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWB3TJ9idjCudA0-JiIk6JthfUQNeGh0WareajF6s2xqSE5L2w7YTtYr8V-PVdjrX-slWRJB9dSiyn3sv6R6Qx_pWQQPhtG71BZXyBJbGCqOdvImo7Vy6iHnlkbehkgKtQ13tH0ughIp/s400/Web-02-fireplace-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">I rather like it by the fireplace, near <a href="http://melrosemusings.blogspot.com/">Derrick's</a> Melrose photos, so I can gaze at it in comfort from my rocking chair ...</span> </p><p><span style="color:#330099;">*<br /></span></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkWrZh9c2VJ0irJSHzABzCBCkIrXms8qNGsjOhobgrbs0LRGqePC8uPJ4boEO6G0nxwKH6aw6k-shDXLnlfAZrCmtPl2EPHyPJ2SxTk6r-ThKG9C2xlX5d1ynvQg7X6tAih5fbqLUlrBR/s1600-h/Web-03-hall-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769178860097154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkWrZh9c2VJ0irJSHzABzCBCkIrXms8qNGsjOhobgrbs0LRGqePC8uPJ4boEO6G0nxwKH6aw6k-shDXLnlfAZrCmtPl2EPHyPJ2SxTk6r-ThKG9C2xlX5d1ynvQg7X6tAih5fbqLUlrBR/s400/Web-03-hall-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Uncle Girth thinks it should be in the hall by the front door, so it's the first thing people see on entering Necky Knoll House.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgLOsf-_d6TYAVfxr_bGkEYwFJtyfIjTJEkLtrkkEqmen4GGMwbtiGNBCUJEjRDRvX_w_AtSFqnspDShlLjwAnRL45BK5N4UEzN05XUPAkv8VQyQLYXxLsDBZ064JC9GcWMDKx6D7NF74/s1600-h/web-04-Kitchen-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769129421409794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgLOsf-_d6TYAVfxr_bGkEYwFJtyfIjTJEkLtrkkEqmen4GGMwbtiGNBCUJEjRDRvX_w_AtSFqnspDShlLjwAnRL45BK5N4UEzN05XUPAkv8VQyQLYXxLsDBZ064JC9GcWMDKx6D7NF74/s400/web-04-Kitchen-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Our toddler son, Littl' Nicky says that as his neck is not yet as long as ours, he cannot see it when it's too high - so how about just above the work surface in the kitchen? </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></div></span><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExgMR63YoDht8a1Sb7US7eZujHyn50yV0XWGCjHdg5vzfjXZ5hLVHlBtkmc-EoZai8zjT2rT3r7shpsFdF67Uh31emuIk0m3jFFVAJnDcLUAQDhrevWsPFT4PlfirQyC_yJG-5ER3M2ie/s1600-h/web-05-bathroom-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769074985863458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExgMR63YoDht8a1Sb7US7eZujHyn50yV0XWGCjHdg5vzfjXZ5hLVHlBtkmc-EoZai8zjT2rT3r7shpsFdF67Uh31emuIk0m3jFFVAJnDcLUAQDhrevWsPFT4PlfirQyC_yJG-5ER3M2ie/s400/web-05-bathroom-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Both Nexi and Nektareeni think that a shell is a good subject to have in the bathroom. But Maureen pointed out that it may get spoiled by all the steam and condensation. </span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><span style="color:#330099;">*<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div><br /></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcKy4i8n2VjohsqpEJeEP9fJ5lXxQl8X15KABXeIVQWHbVBI-yfHv9vIwGXsDeiAQTALNczc9dVh52_v3GHk8q1bq6NoAVdwAzMI6Xk9HUsYOgL5cLfuIWUuQj1sxGz0zC12bIZnbWh2M/s1600-h/Web-06-Landing-shell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410769019444736226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcKy4i8n2VjohsqpEJeEP9fJ5lXxQl8X15KABXeIVQWHbVBI-yfHv9vIwGXsDeiAQTALNczc9dVh52_v3GHk8q1bq6NoAVdwAzMI6Xk9HUsYOgL5cLfuIWUuQj1sxGz0zC12bIZnbWh2M/s400/Web-06-Landing-shell.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">She suggested hanging it just outside the bathroom on the landing. We tried it there just as Necky Becky was climbing the ladder up to her attic bedroom. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEXK6Xv3dweiwPl8-4DBOlzYESnSCtUYFhLUHPsnefSWfR4QiSG-G78yZmlBHxOuvyGWgTX8l9ktC8IhFr3AUSP_DDHRQIFGKVb2CXoExFEcCeEgK9EL34gdZqr_55KXwGDpNQeezDIzZ/s1600-h/Web-07-NBecky-Attic-shel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410768936487531346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEXK6Xv3dweiwPl8-4DBOlzYESnSCtUYFhLUHPsnefSWfR4QiSG-G78yZmlBHxOuvyGWgTX8l9ktC8IhFr3AUSP_DDHRQIFGKVb2CXoExFEcCeEgK9EL34gdZqr_55KXwGDpNQeezDIzZ/s400/Web-07-NBecky-Attic-shel.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">"Ooh!" she yelled, "I want it! In my secret attic room!"</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330099;">*</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sounds familiar! But it wouldn't benefit the rest of us, as she doesn't allow anyone in her room ...</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">*<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Over to you! Where would you hang the lovely shell photo if you lived in our house?</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">*<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">And of course, a big giraffy Thank You to Country Girl for our wonderful present! Do visit her blog, <a href="http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/">Chronicles of a Country Girl</a>, and see all her beautiful photographs.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-20310848332165766252009-11-15T17:26:00.001-08:002009-11-15T17:34:58.717-08:00A Tree of Gold<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqni9QwNI-9vlptuv89EgAX08NmExtg7G8kLpNj7gz5VOnpjIe8PIuCNrHt8aieFAfVS-LZxu-RGUU9nlkFhfihWy8klmYl-TTAfRqvXD01XAha2NBKDKYngrTepKi6k-T36V0otZak9eo/s1600-h/Web-Giraffe-Tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404506828266706898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqni9QwNI-9vlptuv89EgAX08NmExtg7G8kLpNj7gz5VOnpjIe8PIuCNrHt8aieFAfVS-LZxu-RGUU9nlkFhfihWy8klmYl-TTAfRqvXD01XAha2NBKDKYngrTepKi6k-T36V0otZak9eo/s400/Web-Giraffe-Tree.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">A few days ago I dreamed about a tree of gold.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Dee of <a href="http://adesertobserver.blogspot.com/">'A Desert Observer'</a> had asked if anyone knew the identity of a lovely tree in her neighbour's garden, and I must have been thinking about the yellow leaves as I went to sleep that night. When I awoke I had the above image very vividly in my mind.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Feeling that there could be some neckouragement in this for my bloggy-friends, I thought I would share it. Maybe it will have different meanings for each of you.</span></div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-69003365273455386032009-11-09T14:39:00.001-08:002014-09-01T19:03:09.175-07:00November Dream-digging<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-lx_r5l54uvtyBArYxXKhtMtAisYE2VzppYlga7BhbcgqV5aCzii5oWhiuNVAKiFZPbZO_TMliaMS84inZ__ugdqpMci7BzMqJtLZqxW2vk-SyPFcLp3S6fCyKbWj2fGD1y-RAFwYDxa/s1600-h/Web-01-Raph-LN-dig.jpg"><img alt="Giraffes Raph G Neckmann & Littl' Nicky digging the garden - Raph's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & author" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-lx_r5l54uvtyBArYxXKhtMtAisYE2VzppYlga7BhbcgqV5aCzii5oWhiuNVAKiFZPbZO_TMliaMS84inZ__ugdqpMci7BzMqJtLZqxW2vk-SyPFcLp3S6fCyKbWj2fGD1y-RAFwYDxa/s400/Web-01-Raph-LN-dig.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402237576668512482" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" title="Giraffes Raph G Neckmann & Littl' Nicky digging the garden - Raph's Ramblings by Ingrid Sylvestre UK artist & author" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;">November is very special in Giraffe World. It is dream-digging time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As you know, dear bloggy-friends, our gleeful motto is 'Stick your neck out for your dreams!' During the year, our dreams often become a little clouded. We use this time of new beginning to review and re-energize our aspirations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">First of all, we take special leaves from the garden, and write onto them our cherished dreams for the year to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then as a whole family, we busily dig over our vegetable plots ready for winter. Even youngest child Littl' Nicky loves to help, and is very nexcited about our dream-digging!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwg7DNQOQWGxTql2RS2BRtD2KhOsCLgcqUCyyIYh4vV8so1mK6o3-pMI-drqk7VkQTGg6Uy7NmDi_OcdL1f0gfINwwhML_YUBmNudHZi1_EuSNh6lPyoGeEEvkS_60-k8hvj8By5NwtOy8/s1600-h/Web-02-Raph-LN-Forest.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwg7DNQOQWGxTql2RS2BRtD2KhOsCLgcqUCyyIYh4vV8so1mK6o3-pMI-drqk7VkQTGg6Uy7NmDi_OcdL1f0gfINwwhML_YUBmNudHZi1_EuSNh6lPyoGeEEvkS_60-k8hvj8By5NwtOy8/s400/Web-02-Raph-LN-Forest.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402237510321174322" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 289px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">As the moon rises, we all go out to the Forest to collect fallen leaves from among the pale dappled tree-trunks. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrM0t113cuseYdHqVJN2XETWo_fYjTBzc6miST7n_k94GnLGgT9WEGDcInr9IamRVMlM6tF87GwSXh1xWk1PEiHHA_F92IO2lj4OxijTSXVbE6bx4udrhvrlVZC2eOJkUmzVfYooB_EbS/s1600-h/Web-03-Leaves-Necky-Knoll.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrM0t113cuseYdHqVJN2XETWo_fYjTBzc6miST7n_k94GnLGgT9WEGDcInr9IamRVMlM6tF87GwSXh1xWk1PEiHHA_F92IO2lj4OxijTSXVbE6bx4udrhvrlVZC2eOJkUmzVfYooB_EbS/s400/Web-03-Leaves-Necky-Knoll.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402237450944906562" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 282px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;">The drive at Necky Knoll House is soon piled high with beautiful leaves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">They are dug deep into our vegetable and flower gardens. For us, this is both a solemn and gleeful occasion, during which we review the past year, and look ahead to the year to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">At the first signs of dawn, we take our special 'dream-leaves' and dig them deep into the tilled earth. Along with all the other leaves, they will be transformed over winter, and take part in the magical rebirth of spring. Through all the seasons, whenever we look at our lovely garden, we will be reminded to stick our necks out for our dreams!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">What helps you to follow your dreams, dear human bloggy-friends?</span></div>
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Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-11001498910319433102009-10-30T18:28:00.000-07:002009-10-30T18:44:22.506-07:00Happy Birthday Weaver of Grass, and Happy Hallowe'en Everyone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jx8TrrQs4vLRwHBpJd1rnhDOpmVVEqUbPxtDk_XVcOaH40_cGIwNBGLtRgNAQ6lVvO7pgTTJQnOBkyI2fLC40Jh7Aa9ysHslhz2XcoNE-gjtCaxKKXHH4ZQbH7TtYPGK6HAyEEZC92th/s1600-h/Weaver-of-Grass-birthday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398570384053425586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 347px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jx8TrrQs4vLRwHBpJd1rnhDOpmVVEqUbPxtDk_XVcOaH40_cGIwNBGLtRgNAQ6lVvO7pgTTJQnOBkyI2fLC40Jh7Aa9ysHslhz2XcoNE-gjtCaxKKXHH4ZQbH7TtYPGK6HAyEEZC92th/s400/Weaver-of-Grass-birthday.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Happy Birthday to our dear bloggy-friend the <a href="http://weaverofgrass.blogspot.com/">Weaver of Grass</a>!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(Did you know, Weaver, that you were the first human to comment on my blog!)</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here Maureen and I and Littl' Nicky are strolling down one of our favourite lanes past the tall barn at the edge of the Wood. There's a lovely Autumn feel in the air, and the breeze is swishing through the trees. The Wood beckons and we lift our necks in glee knowing we have a lovely walk ahead of us.</span></p><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgeq10eOzlEioAokoCdMdSEzmaOehBh6fiEcCZXo0U_fheQoEAgVDSG19v1Ms6VF0dBg1Qo1wUCh24u6PClPPLSS9UoSqbbj_e1xVZNc4kP2WIWHZ_I8tzgYNyC-7wJPYkP6fjab566mQ/s1600-h/Happy-Hallowe"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398570281034357570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgeq10eOzlEioAokoCdMdSEzmaOehBh6fiEcCZXo0U_fheQoEAgVDSG19v1Ms6VF0dBg1Qo1wUCh24u6PClPPLSS9UoSqbbj_e1xVZNc4kP2WIWHZ_I8tzgYNyC-7wJPYkP6fjab566mQ/s400/Happy-Hallowe'en.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">And Happy Hallowe'en to everyone!</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's a special 'spooky' picture, taken in our Forest. (Necky Becky wanted to be on this one!) Our trees like to dance before the moon, and we'll soon be having our Hallowe'en party! (We haven't a clue what Hallowe'en is about, but all you dear bloggy friends seem to enjoy it, so we thought we'd stick our necks out and celebrate it too!).</p><br /><br /><br /></span>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-58167363666806765902009-10-14T13:23:00.000-07:002013-04-17T14:35:38.911-07:00Our Nextra Day Nexcursion from September 31st<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5V8_8mpRWe_ropBVve_7dL3aK9p5BXO2kmeXKhyphenhyphen0T0GUaxhg4aK_yZcO6FkN7MSiVU0aC94sLGyLKwFZQeLJnOmhZW7NWJm8pWPQG-t0U5VU7SOyVgzxm6ckP9nFHkHwfK5oVRN2VFBQ/s1600-h/Web-001-Bus-thru-Secret-Cacti.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554621184519234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5V8_8mpRWe_ropBVve_7dL3aK9p5BXO2kmeXKhyphenhyphen0T0GUaxhg4aK_yZcO6FkN7MSiVU0aC94sLGyLKwFZQeLJnOmhZW7NWJm8pWPQG-t0U5VU7SOyVgzxm6ckP9nFHkHwfK5oVRN2VFBQ/s400/Web-001-Bus-thru-Secret-Cacti.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 342px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hooray, dear bloggy friends - I have time to blog again! We've been having a nextremely busy autumn, and I've missed you all. I've been longing to tell you about our special nexcursion! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Here in Giraffe World we have what are known as Nextra Days. These are special days which some other planets do not have, and one of them is September 31st. We giraffes do so love to visit Planet Earth, and the best time to do so en masse is when we cannot be seen by humans! So it was with great nexcitement that we all piled into the Tours Bus at dawn for our journey through the Secret Portal behind the Intergalactic Cacti. ...</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0bo6p7absFB9oYKB2y4xmUEfRQdxdN0nDHVG3Ehy-VNODrOBcalpRrs7dR1WVL6NGWqiBE5tNuxHku54lgvzs9Vg93xmOkWePaUiVP_MfUbN6GyJyhkjJHST2uNIz4p9MTeIUEPLdZLH/s1600-h/Web-002-Durham-thru-portal.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554565236734194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0bo6p7absFB9oYKB2y4xmUEfRQdxdN0nDHVG3Ehy-VNODrOBcalpRrs7dR1WVL6NGWqiBE5tNuxHku54lgvzs9Vg93xmOkWePaUiVP_MfUbN6GyJyhkjJHST2uNIz4p9MTeIUEPLdZLH/s400/Web-002-Durham-thru-portal.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 342px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> We'd decided to visit a city in the UK called Durham. What a charming historical location! We had the Market Place all to ourselves, and our presence energized a giraphic transformation of some of the features.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYAq8WPczXy_UJvgEzYQ-x3QuYpEEDujQ6I5tZQGDCtHJhMjnHl1YK8QS1xN8EjUti23vzvISLCMNcwXYPX5CeW2XITQl4qxqTHf_c48WKK52-N2MCJilTkm3N2crMzAndDD1zr3l0wtM/s1600-h/Web-003-Rowing-Necks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554508520163314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYAq8WPczXy_UJvgEzYQ-x3QuYpEEDujQ6I5tZQGDCtHJhMjnHl1YK8QS1xN8EjUti23vzvISLCMNcwXYPX5CeW2XITQl4qxqTHf_c48WKK52-N2MCJilTkm3N2crMzAndDD1zr3l0wtM/s400/Web-003-Rowing-Necks.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 342px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Later, we wandered down to the River below the spectacular Cathedral. Some of our party enjoyed rowing giraffe-style while the rest of us watched from the banks. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5jD6wWq2vemDwYUEtmI_STDFB22D3qQfCL0XZWMuS69qu_4SteSE8xAHmeuBGmHzjzVXEEmNmE0D6Bn9bsxjBoFA2c6XuTVGMbwxECwzdV9BDejAinqDJrV_LO8cCCMbYbRIHq5VYNCl/s1600-h/Web-004-intergalactic-travel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554322175826482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5jD6wWq2vemDwYUEtmI_STDFB22D3qQfCL0XZWMuS69qu_4SteSE8xAHmeuBGmHzjzVXEEmNmE0D6Bn9bsxjBoFA2c6XuTVGMbwxECwzdV9BDejAinqDJrV_LO8cCCMbYbRIHq5VYNCl/s400/Web-004-intergalactic-travel.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 282px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">At the end of a lovely day we squeezed back through the secret portal, singing and laughing all the way home. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GHHpJQ0CyKTE-N6ZqLAHSta4JNtl_87H47Dy9IspJ8YE_m0WQiK8p2D_woh-if9Tl7Bi12uTmGjIxLVv8Act1D7Hib6QC5NXoXcOy80NWoQJgLZ1oVnIfvP_AeEDtksLxe6lCEXqsk-l/s1600-h/Web-005-NeckyB-at-portal.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554267142579026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GHHpJQ0CyKTE-N6ZqLAHSta4JNtl_87H47Dy9IspJ8YE_m0WQiK8p2D_woh-if9Tl7Bi12uTmGjIxLVv8Act1D7Hib6QC5NXoXcOy80NWoQJgLZ1oVnIfvP_AeEDtksLxe6lCEXqsk-l/s400/Web-005-NeckyB-at-portal.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 342px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Ah - but not all of us! With typical rebellious neck, our middle child, Necky Becky decided she'd like to spend another day in Durham, without thinking that the 1st of October was not a Nextra Day, and the place would be full of humans! She sneaked off the bus as it slowed down by the Cacti and made her way back through the portal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">As soon as we got home Maureen and I noticed her absence. I spent a long night travelling back to Planet Earth, and searched everywhere for Necky Becky, taking care not to be seen by humans. At last I spotted her - she had got into the Town Hall, and was standing defiantly in the window behind some famous Durham County cricketers who were being photographed. (She does like to be in the limelight!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPZTHMI2U0rYEPAAji6-cm61260F651_tlZ8_-_hnmG97xxEWmLyLAku_3rP0QWYNAUyHsRxm47Ln2f10UyR8EnL9mRmw7n9tP2QHj7uWOKQzpPfDvFfPs1RlBysuIx7nROSOHm-xBLHO/s1600-h/Web-006-NeckyB-and-cricketers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392554209031983266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPZTHMI2U0rYEPAAji6-cm61260F651_tlZ8_-_hnmG97xxEWmLyLAku_3rP0QWYNAUyHsRxm47Ln2f10UyR8EnL9mRmw7n9tP2QHj7uWOKQzpPfDvFfPs1RlBysuIx7nROSOHm-xBLHO/s400/Web-006-NeckyB-and-cricketers.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 342px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;">I managed to take this photo of her, and persuaded her to come back to the bus immediately by promising her she could learn to play cricket. Ah, the trials of giraffe parent-hood ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(c) Durham Artist Ingrid Sylvestre - Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Author, Songwriter, Speaker and Giraffe Lady. </span></span></div>
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Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-30306659949314536712009-09-19T07:12:00.001-07:002009-09-19T07:38:25.339-07:00An intergalactic surprise from Bindu!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-oJA9wxrN0QJhxSJSz4N16yVZJSIcCc_ee1xU3mqMYUWtlPX3b0rv3VH6Ktba5naHa7yKB7GfYoqEvNVqKV0LirAfbl-KuapFVWPDp8lKkYgh-IH0B12kwiyqlW8kmoL98S0vGeEMVa6/s1600-h/01-Intergalactic-envelope.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383181687715293618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-oJA9wxrN0QJhxSJSz4N16yVZJSIcCc_ee1xU3mqMYUWtlPX3b0rv3VH6Ktba5naHa7yKB7GfYoqEvNVqKV0LirAfbl-KuapFVWPDp8lKkYgh-IH0B12kwiyqlW8kmoL98S0vGeEMVa6/s400/01-Intergalactic-envelope.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It was with great nexcitement that I went looking for our Tours bus the other day ... I had heard from the keeper of the Secret Intergalactic Cacti that there was a package from Bindu awaiting me at the Portal!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlRFhLj8CwpHIgknXW95qOoR3boVnJlUNTl7sM252D0_UPur8mQ05v-xgv3m5zVoCDRNfQ2tD_e0tDAv3bka9ykPA6Bti3Am3MFIEqU5wv3sTySbKzroNXTLKfhwCgOHR8JDc7yVzGw2Q/s1600-h/02-Bus-in-veg-patch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383181635142047490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlRFhLj8CwpHIgknXW95qOoR3boVnJlUNTl7sM252D0_UPur8mQ05v-xgv3m5zVoCDRNfQ2tD_e0tDAv3bka9ykPA6Bti3Am3MFIEqU5wv3sTySbKzroNXTLKfhwCgOHR8JDc7yVzGw2Q/s400/02-Bus-in-veg-patch.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">After locating the bus in our vegetable patch, (I'd forgotten I was supposed to load it up with sprouts for the Gleeful & Greedy Restaurant), I set off along the mountain road. The Secret Intergalactic Cacti are hidden deep in the gardens of the Cave of Beginning in the mountains. The journey is via a beautiful scenic route, steeped in our history - and the Cave itself - breathtaking! I will give you a guided tour one day.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqqsYZGS27eUMKXzpAdOmKooDhoaaoPuD3s1kQfvcn6skUep9QOlAEio7JeolkG4kU5AjBPHgPPJtMtZkucIO8SONYwtho_9-I_pyO0-5AzfKs2G19wqSjOV0lJgdk9NVvSE9AMInsa6O/s1600-h/03-Secret-Portal-envelope.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383181584404921826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqqsYZGS27eUMKXzpAdOmKooDhoaaoPuD3s1kQfvcn6skUep9QOlAEio7JeolkG4kU5AjBPHgPPJtMtZkucIO8SONYwtho_9-I_pyO0-5AzfKs2G19wqSjOV0lJgdk9NVvSE9AMInsa6O/s400/03-Secret-Portal-envelope.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">As I approached, I could see an envelope hidden among the huge cacti, right next to the entrance to the Secret Portal ...<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt1p9YmoPeUKY6TRdTiDtCsQ-HvoQKIQAXXsGVxP79S_qdPD12MCLyoN0hC_7DGkpr4d5aCL1qRdODFT9HYb7cAT9aKcGEiyGEgLyIswt8_cbdLMI9XEK_Cu6F5XeO195FIqMhp1A62cQ/s1600-h/04-Secret-Portal-close.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383181535655762562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt1p9YmoPeUKY6TRdTiDtCsQ-HvoQKIQAXXsGVxP79S_qdPD12MCLyoN0hC_7DGkpr4d5aCL1qRdODFT9HYb7cAT9aKcGEiyGEgLyIswt8_cbdLMI9XEK_Cu6F5XeO195FIqMhp1A62cQ/s400/04-Secret-Portal-close.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">The ancient giraffe carving on the boulder above looked to be guarding the envelope, and I bowed my neck in thanks as I carefully picked up my gift. I almost ran back to the bus, and eagerly opened the envelope. </span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><div></span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-KPhPIXhYo45z9XrXueiKqvqAurlIXQHVLo65hbtkkLx8Y-ihwYqBct4X8j_7ADo0cdR2i4kQSnSeuY9fojbpcJgfu8YaKw3_Oja_U-7PVaZtY7-gohTlXXSDwlzGWc68noD3WOVdgdV/s1600-h/05-Bindu-Bookmarks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383181339309903170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-KPhPIXhYo45z9XrXueiKqvqAurlIXQHVLo65hbtkkLx8Y-ihwYqBct4X8j_7ADo0cdR2i4kQSnSeuY9fojbpcJgfu8YaKw3_Oja_U-7PVaZtY7-gohTlXXSDwlzGWc68noD3WOVdgdV/s400/05-Bindu-Bookmarks.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Oh how lovely! Three beautiful bookmarks created by Bindu herself in these gorgeous glowing colours! I particularly love the one with the sunflower-like patterns, I could gaze at it for hours. Thank you so much Bindu - I shall treasure them! They will go in my Journal, my current new read and my favourite book The Wind in the Willows, which I read on a continuous loop, so I will enjoy looking at them every day.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Dear bloggy friends, do visit Bindu's lovely blog, <a href="http://transientlives.blogspot.com/">Transient Lives</a>. It is one of my favourites, with beautiful photographs of Bindu's travels and a fascinating range of topics.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div></div></div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-76307783554223214082009-09-14T06:22:00.001-07:002009-09-22T04:47:14.287-07:00The Giraffaway Winners!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXZAhrA0kgC3vmKRS3jKtrtEfniCRFlCMYclaehuPLzsG22yf2Nx0etA6scz8fWfbqxCbHt8k55AlmvUhFaxDNO72U9DgiZoWo-cY9Z-yUDc6tJPQRX_j3mR03F52F0WWB15r-VqxYVUe/s1600-h/Web-01-R-LN-Kitchendoor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313417272624818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXZAhrA0kgC3vmKRS3jKtrtEfniCRFlCMYclaehuPLzsG22yf2Nx0etA6scz8fWfbqxCbHt8k55AlmvUhFaxDNO72U9DgiZoWo-cY9Z-yUDc6tJPQRX_j3mR03F52F0WWB15r-VqxYVUe/s400/Web-01-R-LN-Kitchendoor.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Littl' Nicky was full of anticipation as we made our way to the kitchen at noon yesterday for the Giraffaway draw!</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Our eldest daughter Nexi had neatly written all the entrants' names on pieces of paper and dropped them into our favourite teapot. Littl' Nicky was bouncing around with nexcitement as Maureen placed the teapot on a little stool so he could reach into it to draw the first winning name.</span><br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXrNattbN5wlk3YmSIM_qXFhu4rvVoOrkZr-DVVXgtXH8Tuer3eH4qHTCxr3nBm79DVbogCCcM8l3msan6g_mRFQoJVZ1tZGY9tl9gOskN9B6m14l2S1CRsCX6Zwjkn4HmYBXyQhfI9LD/s1600-h/Web-02-LN-Teapotdraw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313363014885330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXrNattbN5wlk3YmSIM_qXFhu4rvVoOrkZr-DVVXgtXH8Tuer3eH4qHTCxr3nBm79DVbogCCcM8l3msan6g_mRFQoJVZ1tZGY9tl9gOskN9B6m14l2S1CRsCX6Zwjkn4HmYBXyQhfI9LD/s400/Web-02-LN-Teapotdraw.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Closing his eyes he picked a piece of paper out of the teapot. "Oooooh - Nummy One!" he squealed.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Here!" called Nexi, "I'll read it out - Number One - <a href="http://bt-thecraftygardener.blogspot.com/">BT The Crafty Gardener</a>!"</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">There was a round of applause, and Maureen and I did a little dance.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></p></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJ6U7Ntt2l1pVGcgvG_GiozEvDUR7330mwQ3kzIbiasbZnDVoSDJrTOgU-1uIoIQ7wP6oisDZHFZnM77WNXURxzpezvsXO4dI4Oqb5jZyhIMx0XSD9fe4fqnQddwkFHXFd5s61Or1u_pZ/s1600-h/Web-03-Raph-M-announce.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313323057907746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJ6U7Ntt2l1pVGcgvG_GiozEvDUR7330mwQ3kzIbiasbZnDVoSDJrTOgU-1uIoIQ7wP6oisDZHFZnM77WNXURxzpezvsXO4dI4Oqb5jZyhIMx0XSD9fe4fqnQddwkFHXFd5s61Or1u_pZ/s400/Web-03-Raph-M-announce.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Maureen gave the teapot a vigorous shake, and Littl' Nicky reached into the pot. "Nummy Two!"</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">There was a loud shriek from Nexi as something wet and soggy landed in her hand. It was a teabag!</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3LUaIRstR9at2TGAtChwaRkOFCBWUmrK71ilOhToGucO6CYHPgDpstzWhepVjESFkg64AJjxe_lyfmZlCWcD2x8Rx-4Zwgzt9v0qeoRjvV2I-4AW4T1A7q5y9JlGUR7lm8u9dHdLDTJb/s1600-h/Web-04-Nexi-Shock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313271491048258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 326px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3LUaIRstR9at2TGAtChwaRkOFCBWUmrK71ilOhToGucO6CYHPgDpstzWhepVjESFkg64AJjxe_lyfmZlCWcD2x8Rx-4Zwgzt9v0qeoRjvV2I-4AW4T1A7q5y9JlGUR7lm8u9dHdLDTJb/s400/Web-04-Nexi-Shock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Oh, Necky Becky, you were supposed to empty and dry the teapot!" chided Maureen.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Necky Becky glared and looked sulky. </span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzJn8tjtGC7TVAAJbdkOZrpxQmlXl2jWVbV3nGOhtBoGlzKKrjSExH6fzg1V2Y3iMCRrh_A8l3SYwOXVoOZR78gY2uyebT35lwUGFr-6lN-xdiTXa4MMV7k3IkRnwZXosuMKdc-ouqJ-6/s1600-h/Web-05-NB-Sulks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313221701294850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzJn8tjtGC7TVAAJbdkOZrpxQmlXl2jWVbV3nGOhtBoGlzKKrjSExH6fzg1V2Y3iMCRrh_A8l3SYwOXVoOZR78gY2uyebT35lwUGFr-6lN-xdiTXa4MMV7k3IkRnwZXosuMKdc-ouqJ-6/s400/Web-05-NB-Sulks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Littl' Nicky put his hand into the pot again, and this time pulled out another slip of paper. "This is Nummy Two and I can read it, Mummy," he called delightedly, "It says '<a href="http://greetingsfromgauteng.blogspot.com/">Janet</a>'!"</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">We all cheered again. </span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH4ads8r2n8tcNFOFAwsGq0VU8g1-7E88b81hTk8HGs6HLp_5HBPon5j9y1t0H7egKdqyAI_7jF81wgSXcW8L_Bnf4yhRG9XGIc1SYfR__YZLQkYxEd3B-r5NcbuWAU4H8sDcuHevlFIr/s1600-h/Web-06-LNicky-curious.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313171295509746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH4ads8r2n8tcNFOFAwsGq0VU8g1-7E88b81hTk8HGs6HLp_5HBPon5j9y1t0H7egKdqyAI_7jF81wgSXcW8L_Bnf4yhRG9XGIc1SYfR__YZLQkYxEd3B-r5NcbuWAU4H8sDcuHevlFIr/s400/Web-06-LNicky-curious.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"This next one is the last one!" called Maureen.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Nummy Three" said Littl' Nicky, pulling another slip out of the teapot.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Nexi peeled open the soggy paper.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Dad, there are two slips here - stuck together with the wet!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">"A nextra prize, a nextra prize!" chanted Littl' Nicky joyfully.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Maureen looked at the pieces of paper. "This is thanks to Necky Becky not emptying the tea - we have four lucky winners instead of three!"</p></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnst24yC9EX9ZtXvOHP1Unp3Ie1BUrsMcnk8n7aK8E7G03JHKj4p3P9o1Ep99l_tmtW5MmdQVaLLU0OZqIIQ6oKIPuuECi88Oijek9qo7SXMxIxnI3K3GIuYIYoIv2bPDyV0SJG9UyEaUD/s1600-h/Web-07-Smile-NeckyB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313123875562946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnst24yC9EX9ZtXvOHP1Unp3Ie1BUrsMcnk8n7aK8E7G03JHKj4p3P9o1Ep99l_tmtW5MmdQVaLLU0OZqIIQ6oKIPuuECi88Oijek9qo7SXMxIxnI3K3GIuYIYoIv2bPDyV0SJG9UyEaUD/s400/Web-07-Smile-NeckyB.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Necky Becky's sulky face lit up with a big smile.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Number Three, <a href="http://barbaramartin.blogspot.com/">Barbara Martin</a>!" she yelled, "And Number Four, <a href="http://raggedoldblogger.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330099;">*</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">So here we are - congratulations to the four lucky winners of our first Giraffaway! I will be contacting you to organize the intergalactic dispatch of the giraffe cards you have chosen. </span></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eBvTfxF-1tgE0q6DTpdkE6LAFkYms36BtGqi0LBskllIXP_ypi6igt-in7nUiqsMKbZR_EmXAbyynVZiqif0OmKfhtNaykp2HfVMym54NuHP3wQoivaMSqrELVMlFh5e8RNhA8Z7v87B/s1600-h/Web-08-Win-cards.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381313063114498626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eBvTfxF-1tgE0q6DTpdkE6LAFkYms36BtGqi0LBskllIXP_ypi6igt-in7nUiqsMKbZR_EmXAbyynVZiqif0OmKfhtNaykp2HfVMym54NuHP3wQoivaMSqrELVMlFh5e8RNhA8Z7v87B/s400/Web-08-Win-cards.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you to all dear bloggy friends who entered, it's been great fun and I'm sure this will be the first of many Giraffaways at Necky Knoll House!</span><br /></p>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-29603976489866160712009-09-08T15:49:00.001-07:002009-09-22T04:47:49.079-07:00Giveaways for me - Giveaways for you!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOq71-r8G3o0gVCzUQbk93262pVa2zfuy_D3PcWQAesuZRn-7Kc3VG3NJp3WOpbpgD29FmGLnM05Q1s-pqh-J9qSNlFxx70eMKqK4iUgW9AH_u_5Dfs9tvlEzmzUj2f-CsUHTk-7EruPd/s1600-h/Web-001-Secret-Intergalactic-Po.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232978074297122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOq71-r8G3o0gVCzUQbk93262pVa2zfuy_D3PcWQAesuZRn-7Kc3VG3NJp3WOpbpgD29FmGLnM05Q1s-pqh-J9qSNlFxx70eMKqK4iUgW9AH_u_5Dfs9tvlEzmzUj2f-CsUHTk-7EruPd/s400/Web-001-Secret-Intergalactic-Po.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm really nexcited! I've won two giveaways: beautiful bookmarks by <a href="http://transientlives.blogspot.com/">Bindu </a>and a lovely shell photograph by <a href="http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/">Country Girl</a>, and eagerly await their appearance at the Secret Portal behind the Cacti! I will feature them on my blog when they arrive. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">And another cause for nexcitement at Necky Knoll House is that Maureen and I have launched an Interneck shop for our giraffe cards, which we have called Giraffe Greetings!</p></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiebiWECKLdevz2a6g-f5NjddgHXzd9CB0hNxZ8XUapsaI_pGitgNfPA3H3IO0WyjQr65RVwyuzSw-6DIjrwXgk1yCiJ-OvBAT3DpZ0IA2jDulrifhPKQfX9dg4N9z5uUMrLMaIxzZDWz7/s1600-h/Web-002-Business-ideas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232904668702402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiebiWECKLdevz2a6g-f5NjddgHXzd9CB0hNxZ8XUapsaI_pGitgNfPA3H3IO0WyjQr65RVwyuzSw-6DIjrwXgk1yCiJ-OvBAT3DpZ0IA2jDulrifhPKQfX9dg4N9z5uUMrLMaIxzZDWz7/s400/Web-002-Business-ideas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Our IT nexpert, Nekky Tekky, has set up a special intergalactic portal, which means we are not limited to serving giraffes in our Camelopardalis constellation, but can nextend our services to planet Earth.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLoNPd_CiaU-x9Q7X1wEl6hTdtL5_8YA1ajO9cxBNQPydW7l5ENCq8I4nEV3PZik3KVizZ7plOQBFSwVnsCnMmHyAyNruhvt2TezOlT4LA5xxEQiThcdNGphYkxWIzuejp5FqTgftb9Ig/s1600-h/Web-003-Nekky-Tekky-Portals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232838483376290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLoNPd_CiaU-x9Q7X1wEl6hTdtL5_8YA1ajO9cxBNQPydW7l5ENCq8I4nEV3PZik3KVizZ7plOQBFSwVnsCnMmHyAyNruhvt2TezOlT4LA5xxEQiThcdNGphYkxWIzuejp5FqTgftb9Ig/s400/Web-003-Nekky-Tekky-Portals.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Inspired by the giveaways of my fellow bloggers, we thought it would be fun to celebrate in bloggyland with a special greeting card giraffaway - a gift of four giraffe cards each to three bloggy friends!<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk2UWRtdFH8DkGx3kUh8EwWGkK9z95Q1t2p6jgOsk0NzgMd_AuBDErnMAIAOgoe8_b3vD-4TRjyGrITHYxWkfuBWmoXMvMc02QQXB5uc5mYvCfrNYPqnkl2yxl7WTvq1OyQ4OVyl3j8hl/s1600-h/Web-004-Cosmic-Cards.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232779636785522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk2UWRtdFH8DkGx3kUh8EwWGkK9z95Q1t2p6jgOsk0NzgMd_AuBDErnMAIAOgoe8_b3vD-4TRjyGrITHYxWkfuBWmoXMvMc02QQXB5uc5mYvCfrNYPqnkl2yxl7WTvq1OyQ4OVyl3j8hl/s400/Web-004-Cosmic-Cards.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you'd like the chance to win four of our giraffy cards, here's how: decide which four cards from our <a href="http://www.giraffegreetings.co.uk/">Giraffe Greetings </a>shop you like best, and leave me a comment with their titles. On Sunday at noon GWT, (Giraffe World Time), I will put your names on folded bits of paper into my favourite teapot, and let Littl' Nicky pick out three.<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ_n_QFpHHFgTD7CzI7LS17LA_ek6BNb-dLIMcBRdTZMTbO9iMHCpBmlUrvcVtsEkghBgYQHa3FnXa3sSXL9rsA2QmhAHsArkcB8fMQ3e-xhMS1IXJmNPzwimxPT5SmWYQQyaeCySyoeN/s1600-h/Web-005-Teapot-LNicky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232726056457506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ_n_QFpHHFgTD7CzI7LS17LA_ek6BNb-dLIMcBRdTZMTbO9iMHCpBmlUrvcVtsEkghBgYQHa3FnXa3sSXL9rsA2QmhAHsArkcB8fMQ3e-xhMS1IXJmNPzwimxPT5SmWYQQyaeCySyoeN/s400/Web-005-Teapot-LNicky.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">The three winners will be published on the blog, so you can then let me know where to send your cards!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.giraffegreetings.co.uk/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379232667574977490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHlA-R08O6YOD7riudtJqT6C29GFC9wFaWc9cFS9lXChKNroSrwMvR0cMUpPYrFjW3faqrDU7ExrLi0BDUhqrnqNpJk6Z76eaJuTUk1wpzo29hI4Fo7K4kRzyNzewfhlpaIQgHyC0Il_2/s400/Web-006-Giraffe-Greetings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Whoopee - I think this is a reason for another party!</span><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6221419884447875757.post-91733215498200651422009-09-03T15:32:00.001-07:002009-09-03T15:53:08.367-07:00A party to remember - and still rockin'!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1oFoJTKxPu1s6fuopybbH7W0sh-oPoqva8UELcZwzO74GNzXOH14yxyYe9y96LyURZpIP938G0zykdUaB3HKi4AHCqwYKsi1K9silSVxHiKtaeClXoIvj-_klWakPA9BfrbCa5DvBIca/s1600-h/Web-01-Air-Guitar-Giraffes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377373041284525042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1oFoJTKxPu1s6fuopybbH7W0sh-oPoqva8UELcZwzO74GNzXOH14yxyYe9y96LyURZpIP938G0zykdUaB3HKi4AHCqwYKsi1K9silSVxHiKtaeClXoIvj-_klWakPA9BfrbCa5DvBIca/s400/Web-01-Air-Guitar-Giraffes.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you, all my dear human bloggy friends, for your lovely birthday wishes! We've had a party long even by giraffe standards ... The culmination was a necktacular performance by the Stiffnex band at dawn on Tuesday. Have you ever seen about a hundred giraffes doing air guitar? We danced, we sang, we celebrated until the morning mists lifted.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Now I'm resting, but still rocking!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377372991628383650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiXw6FLbPx5OQi0lSILzAJGUBHaXhhO4eTm-dxfXf3CWBweYzj7S86ZoWM31czoTj7BgKUdXKrTGqBGSK-p4-xQiFILOabeUQccDJbEiMX6QcIai7-1CT8JL2joryn-DeDEyB3SKHDXC5/s400/Web-02-Raphs-Rocker.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Allow me to show you my wonderful birthday present from Maureen and the kids - a beautiful new rocking chair! It's just the right height for my neck, and makes a lovely creaking noise.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGP2cJ9-J0qwnWt7LLoZFzlfYrdTX3PjrfpaNC_KOgMpTxlq04vR333FrsuVOrAnasQGGRlEGv7Xqbk7fQwmGgZGennR6uSvqDavugFiyrQwf3ZzVD_b-gRF5eXnD3uJhchPVrMiOmSb/s1600-h/Web-03-Rocker-cushion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377372932804549954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 376px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGP2cJ9-J0qwnWt7LLoZFzlfYrdTX3PjrfpaNC_KOgMpTxlq04vR333FrsuVOrAnasQGGRlEGv7Xqbk7fQwmGgZGennR6uSvqDavugFiyrQwf3ZzVD_b-gRF5eXnD3uJhchPVrMiOmSb/s400/Web-03-Rocker-cushion.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Our eldest daughter Nexi made the cushion, with giraffes and ice-creams stamped all over it with rainbow coloured fabric dyes.<br /><br /></span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0rTdMUsQyk13oz6nJU9ut9NLAozG5oU1jfVCMI7bgsfGw_HKsc_RjHU8SrvBt2UIPU7qp1xet8t7q8CKDN1qIR0X1TkSL1loO8cubN2K_sOzfQV0JhuAAZkOrUYsYj_7IsJpB8FhJt3l/s1600-h/Web-04-Rocker-stamp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377372879077908578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 369px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0rTdMUsQyk13oz6nJU9ut9NLAozG5oU1jfVCMI7bgsfGw_HKsc_RjHU8SrvBt2UIPU7qp1xet8t7q8CKDN1qIR0X1TkSL1loO8cubN2K_sOzfQV0JhuAAZkOrUYsYj_7IsJpB8FhJt3l/s400/Web-04-Rocker-stamp.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">She also stamped a special design on the headrest, featuring me with our youngest child Littl' Nicky. I am depicted sitting on my old rocking chair, (the one I left outside in the rain too often!!). </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHTSTUK01dv9c0uEXYZDUcoMqLnMlmjVi_ttOGmuHuzALVje2lDTEJZGsZ2sHEW1gmW65kxBEGte2-ke31dGgshfNWLroUktIkXY7n7yb_Ti7y_4On9YqkIi5E9tgJyjtovJaD66zBYY-/s1600-h/Web-05-Rocker-Portal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377372821204185298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHTSTUK01dv9c0uEXYZDUcoMqLnMlmjVi_ttOGmuHuzALVje2lDTEJZGsZ2sHEW1gmW65kxBEGte2-ke31dGgshfNWLroUktIkXY7n7yb_Ti7y_4On9YqkIi5E9tgJyjtovJaD66zBYY-/s400/Web-05-Rocker-Portal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ah, dear bloggy friends, wouldn't it be marvellous if my new rocker was a magic chair which could fly up to a secret portal between our Giraffe World and your planet Earth, and ferry you through the clouds to Necky Knoll House to help us eat the rest of the cakes!<br /></span><br /><div></div></div></div>Raph G. Neckmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02468502742144495020noreply@blogger.com52