ABC Wednesday again, and here we are with yet another of the less well-used letters! But I’ve snuck around the house and gathered a few ‘U‘s for your delectation, and I hope you like them.
First of all, let’s shed a little light on the subject.
Both the wall lights and the ceiling shades in our lounge are the type known as uplighters. They cast their glow upwards, which is nice because it doesn’t glare so much that way. I rather like them – and with the yellow walls, it’s nice and sunny in here on a dull day.
And talking of lights, here’s something unique.
Can you guess what it is? Here’s the other side -
Yep, it’s a candle-holder.  This one was made by Son. No. 1, at school, many years ago now. You’ll never see another quite like it, because it’s his own design.
Another ‘unique’ item is this jar of honey.
Why is it unique, when clearly this isn’t the only one in existence?  Well, this is Manuka honey, made by New Zealand bees from the nectar of the manuka, or tea-tree, flower. Manuka contains chemicals with strong antibacterial and antifungal qualities, and when the bees make honey from this shrub, some of those chemicals get into the honey. Some guy who did the research on it created the UMF scale, which compares the efficiency of Manuka honey with standard disinfectants. You will notice that this honey has a UMF factor of 20+, making it an unrivalled natural disinfectant. Besides, it tastes good.
Some people like to put sauce or ketchup on their food to make it taste good. I quite like HP Sauce.
As you can see, this bottle is designed to be stored upside down. Supposedly, this makes the sauce come out easier, but it has a valve in the top anyway, and all that happens when you squeeze it is that far too much comes out, and then the lid gets messy. I’m going back to the right-way-up bottle next time, even if you do have to shake those and smack them on the bottom!
Hmm. Upside down.
I guess what must have happened here is that poor Data transported home (he’d probably been to visit Carolina – she’s always trying to steal him from me) and accidentally materialised upside down in my vase of flowers. It reminds me of that episode with the Ferengi .. but not being a complete and utter geek, I couldn’t tell you which episode that was, or what happened next.
Ahem.
Books. You all know I love books.
This little collection of ‘U‘ books should give you some idea of how eclectic our collection is. At the top, Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks. I’ve read other books of his, but not this one, which actually belongs to OH. I do plan to read it someday though, which is why it’s not hidden away in his section. In the front row, ‘Up To No Good‘, a slightly dodgy ‘romance’ of the sort that doesn’t bother stopping at the bedroom door, a reference book about London’s underworld in the 19th century, and one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Unbound.  I have others, but these were the ones that came to hand, which probably tells you all you need to know about my reading habits. Oh, and that red box at the back contains my set of English Usage reference books, which come in handy when a point of grammar is being debated.
Here’s something else which has come in handy lately.
We keep this umbrella near the back door. I can’t remember where we got it from, but we’ve had it a long time. I can remember trudging through the fields carrying it while walking our first greyhound, Jim. On one occasion, it attracted the curiosity of some young bullocks, which made Jim quite unhappy, and I never took it there again.
It doesn’t feel right needing an umbrella in June, does it?
Oh look! June has a ‘U‘ in it, and also Johnny Depp. Fancy that!
Johnny Depp is, of course, one of the Beautiful People, and although it isn’t in his nature to want to be ‘special’ in any way, the plain truth is that he is so far above us in practical terms as to be completely unattainable.
So if you want to see more of him, you’ll have to look up.
It’s kind of appropriate that these posters are upstairs, don’t you think?
Wow, that was a lot of work to put together this U post. Great job and I loved the way you worked Johhn into it. (:0)
photowannabes last blog post..ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " U "
*Johnny…
photowannabes last blog post..ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " U "
Yes, and JUne is Mr D’s birthday… so it’s quite appropriate to have him on the month of June.
Oh yeah. He’s on EVERY month, isn’t he??? Lucky you.
And Umbrella? Oh yeah, been needing mine here much more than I want.
Maureens last blog post..The Hummer
I wish I needed an umbrella – we haven’t had any rain for almost three weeks and my garden is so thirsty – how very unBritish Columbia like.
Don’t Bug Me!s last blog post..The Hike of Pain – The Day I Nearly Died, Twice!
I like that unique candle holder, it’s so special!
Jamas last blog post..Going away…..
I write a lot about historic crime cases, so I’m with you on one of those books. As for umbrellas, they’re up, down, up, down, at the moment with the weather. And oh my! What have you done to poor Data today!!!??
Oh well, his positronic circuits should be able to take it.
A great post, thoroughly enjoyed it. Love all your photos and think your son’s candle holder is great. I went to see Brent Spiner (Data) at a local hotel several years ago – should quickly add that he was at a convention with a zillion other people and we were just one of the crowd but we were pretty close and thoroughly entertaining. Our son was really into going to those things when he was growing up but his Mum loved it too. I’m also just bought the fourth season of Dr. Who, the new Dr. Who.
Denises last blog post..Watery Wednesday
Hehehehe, it’s always great to see Data, although he looks a little Upset there and in a very Uncomfortable position. I’ve warned him to do something about his landing skills. You don’t want to know where he landed last time he visited. LOL
So nice of you to work him into your posts now and again. I feel very special
It’s always great to see how you work things into your ABC posts. Who would have thought HP sauce could turn Up in a U post.
You have a very creative son. Is he the same one who does the beautiful paintings?
Hugs my friend,
Carolina (Oh, and the Nectaroscordum is a bulb, related to lillies and onions as far as I know.)
Carolinas last blog post..ABC Wednesday, U is for Unwrapping
LOL, just read Denise’s comment. She actually met Data in the flesh. I bet he didn’t write a song about her! But I’m just jealous of course
Carolinas last blog post..ABC Wednesday, U is for Unwrapping
I have enough trouble finding one word every week that starts with the appropiate letter and here you are: gazillions of them! And with Johnny Depp and with HP sauce (which I didn’t get immediately). Fantastic
Maras last blog post..U is for…
Honey as a disinfectant – is it really safe to eat? Not that the innards couldn’t use a good disinfectant every now and then.
I really like the effects of the lighting – will have to keep that in mind for future decorating.
Great post!!
kmls last blog post..ABC Wednesday – U is for Under the Dam Tower
Very good as always Jay xx
moons last blog post..Your ex’s …
Ah the Unobtainable, but we can dream. I must rush out and get some of that Manuka honey, my upsidedown HP is safe in the cupboard. Great diversity of U.
Joys last blog post..ABC Wednesday – U
Wow! You are so much more thorough than I am! And I love it!
You must tell me about this HP salt & sugar sauce…what do you use it for? I have a good Brit friend that loves all things HP, but I’ve never seen this at her home. Do tell!
annbbs last blog post..Unbelievably Uppity!
Unusual! Umbrellas are utterly useful.Great “U” words!
Reader Wils last blog post..that’s My World, ABC Wednesday U for Utrecht.
Photowannabe – Thanks! I think I have a few rough letters ahead of me, but I’ll do my best not to let my fans – and Johnny’s – down!
Maureen – You and DBM should get together and share your water supplies! LOL!
Yes, Johnny was born in June, bless him. Apparently he was working that day, but they gave him that vintage red coupe as a gift. That would make up for it, no?
DBM – You’ve not had any rain? It’s STILL raining here .. wanna swap?
Jama – I love that candle-holder too!
Anthony North – I sincerely hope Data won’t blow a circuit, but he seems to be self-repairing, which is a good thing since I know nothing about positronics! LOL!
The book is fascinating! I also have other books on social history and crime, like The Jack the Ripper Letters.
Denise – I would love to meet Brent Spiner, but I would be afraid that he wouldn’t live up to my expectations. He surely can’t have that much of Data in him? I’ve never been to a convention, sadly. I think I might enjoy it. I haven’t seen Dr Who for ages – perhaps I should catch up with that, too?
Carolina – Yes, it’s the same son who did the pictures for me!
Poor Data. I won’t ask where he ended up at your house. Better I don’t know! LOL! Yes, Denise met him in the flesh. Mmm. Not many can say that! I do have his signature though – it was on a CD I bought!
And of course he didn’t write her a song! He doesn’t do that for just anyone, you know! ROFL!
Mara – It’s amazing how many letters of the alphabet Johnny can stand for, isn’t it?
Kml – Yes, you can eat the Manuka honey! In fact it is said that it can kill off helicobacter pylorii if you eat it before each meal for 2-4 months! Worth a try…
Moon – Thank you, Moon!
I so nearly included my underwear drawer just for you, but thought better of it. After all the front of one drawer is very much like another. What? You didn’t think I was going to photograph the contents, did you? Tee hee!
Joy – LOL! Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Annbb – Thanks!
HP is just a fruity/spicy brown table sauce, but this one is reduced salt and sugar. The normal HP sauce is quite high in both.
Reader Wil – Thanks! Glad you stopped by!
Full of surprises…:) Johnny Depp, unforgettable.
irenets last blog post..U for umbrella
am loving that blue everywhere
sandys last blog post..I’ll be right with you . I am making the beds.
Nice post of letter U
Good shots & Thanks for the visit.
Awangs last blog post..ABC Wednesday letter U- University.
Wow! U r superb!
magiceyes last blog post..Thursday Challenge – Old
I never tire of waiting to see how you work Johnny into your posts! Once again, well done Jay!
Lilys last blog post..bongos
surely it’s great that those posters are up there by the stairs, so every time you walk by or when you look up you see Mr Depp.
krizcpecs last blog post..A Spotted Dove
Haha . . wondered how you were going to get Johnny in there and you’ve cleverly wound young Delta in as a regular too! Clearly you and I have the same preference for decorator colours!
Bainos last blog post..
I love coming over here Jay – you always cheer me UP! I thoroughly enjoy browsing around your home like this.
Dragonstars last blog post..ABC Wednesday, Round 4 – U.
Utterly uplifting, Jay!
Enjoyed every word and nuance!
Love the handmade candle holder. My niece made a gargoyle which I use as a bookend! Love handmade anything and the TLC which goes into it!
Was wondering? Have you seen any advertisements for hubba hubba Depp’s latest film, PUBLIC ENEMIES? It’ll be in theatres here in a few weeks. Can’t wait to see it!
)
Have a wonderful weekend, Jay!
Great choices for “U”….I also do not like the upside down condiment bottles – can’t seem to get the last bit out. I love the colors in your lounge and that unique candle holder is a treasure.
Karyns last blog post..A Slice of My Life Again
Great U words. I always have fun looking for where Johnny Depp (my fav) will come in. Yep, he’s unattainable, but uplifting to look at. Love the posters.
Janie of Utahs last blog post..Beating the Moody Blues
Hi hi, I have an award for you over at my place.
Carolinas last blog post..Hard to get in, even harder to get out
You are a very clever woman Jay. How you come up with such witty and entertaining posts for each letter is an absolute marvel!
J.Js last blog post..Great quote
Ha, that was very clever with the letter U. And I just love your little ones candle holder, I think I’ll have a go at something similar with my kids.
Irenet – Johnny Depp is always unforgettable! You may enjoy my next post.
Sandy – There are only two blue rooms in the house, funnily enough, but it is a nice strong, true blue.
Awang and Magiceye – Thank you! Nice to see you both again.
Lily – Working Mr Depp in is going to get harder in the next few weeks! LOL!
Krizcpec – Ah yes, but it’s a tad dangerous negotiating the stairs at times!
Baino – Yes, it seems Data has become a regular! It’s Carolina’s fault. She’s a very naughty girl!
You know, it’s been about four years since we had the house painted in these colours and I still love them. I’d happily do the whole place the same again … with the exception of the pink bathroom. I thought I’d love it, but no, I’d change that.
Dragonstar – I’m always happy if my posts cheer someone! It makes it all worthwhile to me.
Petra – How funny! We’ve just bought a little stone gargoyle to use as a doorstep for our back door, which blows shut in the wind.
Yes, I’ve seen three trailers for Public Enemies, and heard just yesterday that there will be a premiere in Leicester Square, London. I’m just not sure my shoulders will be up to fighting the crowds this time.
Karyn – Exactly! And I thought that getting the last drop out was supposed to be a selling point for these bottles! Don’t work, do they?
Janie – Johnny is most definitely uplifting to look at! I do agree!
Carolina – You are sweet! Thank you! I shall do a post to thank you, but I have a couple lined up so it’ll be a few days. I greatly appreciate it though!
And I loved the story and intro. ROFL! (Now that song is stuck in my head again!)
JJ – Thank you, you are very kind! I enjoy doing them and I suppose they just become easier with practice.
ManukaHoney – Hi there! Thanks for your visit!
My ‘little one’ is now in his twenties and nearly six foot tall, but he was of course, much younger when he made the candle-holder. I love it! Good luck with doing something similar with your ‘little ones’!
By the way, you may already have seen it, but if not, you’ll be interested in this. There are other stories on Greytalk, too. And I gave some to my Mum to use on a leg wound that wouldn’t heal and in a week it was gone.
I love your ABC posts Jay always so clever and inventive. Speaking of JD – I did hear on the TV yesterday that he may be visiting the “Banksy” exhibition in Bristol. I said to OH that I would like to see that so if we happen to go on the same day I’ll be sure to send your love! A x
Strawberry Jam Annes last blog post..Saying goodbye
SJ Anne – Thank you!
Suddenly I have a burning desire to go to Bristol, even though I have no clue what the Banksy exhibition is. Yes do give him my love – tell him it’s from the mad woman who gave him a book and had a conversation about cockroaches and The Ingoldsby Legends with him. LOL!
I do love your ABC Wednesdays. I doubt I would have the imagination, the discipline or the patience to do them, and my house is not generally tidy enough to photograph!!!
AnneD – Thank you! I’m just very selective about which parts of my house to photograph.
You totally ROCK these alphabet posts! You are awesome!!
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..The Voice(s) In My Head
Thanks, Meleah!