From Facebook, because easier

[wellinghall]

Going to the shops this morning, we saw a peregrine falcon :-)

I have obtained a copy of "Constructing Nations, Reconstructing Myth: Essays in Honour of TA Shippey" through inter-library loan. Worth doing, if only for the account of Tom Shippey chasing the opposing captain around the pitch and tackling him to the ground. In a cricket match.

We went on a four-hour guided walk around the boundaries of the Tyntesfield estate today. Photos are included in this album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153026794473408.1073741914.658173407&type=1&l=56a62f801d

I have finished reading John Rateliff's A Brief History of The Hobbit. A useful compression of his earlier work, but at 542 + xxxix pages, not so brief; and I could have wished for a whiter paper stock and a more legible typeface.

And was it compulsory to be called Thomas if you wanted to reach high office in the first half of the sixteenth century?

Comments

[heliopausa.livejournal.com]

Not exactly compulsory, but perhaps advisable, for the career-minded gentleman.

Lovely, about the peregrine falcon. Right now my internet connection's not co-operating with the photos, but tomorrow is another day. :)

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

I hope your connection is more co-operative tomorrow.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

We have twice see a peregrine in our garden, and a colleague has (at least) twice seen one around the office - and this is in a normal suburb!

A friend who is learned in such matter says, "Yes, In the Lion's Court by Derek Wilson follows the fortunes of Henry's six Thomases, paralleling his wives. Wilson's choices are Wolsey, Howard (Norfolk), Cromwell, More, Cranmer and Wriothesly, though there could be more. They are all named after England's most famous Saint, Thomas Becket, hence the popularity of the name."

I did see Wolf Hall - and greatly enjoyed it, although I do know what you mean about the moving back and forth.

[rthstewart.livejournal.com]

Raptor sitings are SO exciting. A number of our cities have Pergrine nests. It's not uncommon to find one feasting on pigeon outside the office window and I've had them dive across the front of my car with struggling prey that left blood and feathers on the bonnet/hood. In our suburban neighborhood we've seen them not infrequently and wow when you do see them you know, THAT is no crow. They tend to stalk the suburban bird feeders looking for morning doves. It is fun to see the corvids gang up on them and chase them away.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

A colleague has twice reported seeing one from the office, and adaese and I have each seen one above our garden. And yes, I am with you on the excitement!

[the-marquis.livejournal.com]

Well of course the question is really was the then civil service exam set to award marks for the name...

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

Heh :-)

[jane-somebody.livejournal.com]

Ooh, what was the peregrine falcon buying?

In a cricket match? That's... different :-)

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

It might have been looking for a Pippin ...