If I had not been the mother of a brilliant computer wizard I would no longer have access to the Internet, and this V.O.G. would have disappeared from your screens forever!

This all happened when it was necessary to change my phone number, which caused ensuing problems – it turned out that I had to login to my router and change the settings on “ATM VC1” – whatever that is!

Stephen to the rescue, talking me through it over the phone!

Anyway, I’m back and once again able to reach all you lovely people all over the world who have read my Blog.

Thanks Stephen!
You’re a Star!!

I was amazed to see how people from all around the world are starting to read this blog (click on the graph for a better view).

After Vogue Italy, there is also an article in Brigitte, one of Germany’s top fashion magazines – click here.

And even an article in Russian talking about this V.O.G.’s blogi !

Vogue Italia interviews Ari Seth Cohen about his Advanced Style blog and mentions veryoldgrandmother.com too!

Read the article in  www.vogue.it – and make sure you catch the slide show on that page of some of Ari’s gorgeous photos of other VOGs.

I’ve entered the Fast Company Magazine “Influence Project” and am already at number 349 our of more than 26,000. The winner gets to be on the magazine cover and everyone’s photos get displayed.

Every click counts, so please come and join me! CLICK HERE

I just took my son, who was on a short visit from abroad, to see Ari Seth Cohen’s photos in the Forever Shop at Selfridges.

These have now been displayed on a floor to ceiling wall, as you can see from these photos.

We left without making any purchases, though I was tempted by the classic Italian scooter!

“Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross
to see a fair lady on a white horse.
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
She shall have music wherever she goes.”
(Children’s Nursery Rhyme)

An interesting ride in the countryside with my son this week-end took me to the pretty villages and small towns in the lovely surroundings of Oxfordshire.

BANBURY was our first stop, though I must say that the legendary “Fair Lady on a White Horse” at Banbury Cross was a little disappointing!   The horse was anything but white, being in need of a good clean.

Nearby CHIPPING NORTON  was certainly worth a visit with its charming wide streets and happy atmosphere.

Sulgrave Manor

We had a delightful light lunch at SULGRAVE MANOR, former home of a distant ancestor of George Washington – pretty gardens and house!

BICESTER OUTLET VILLAGE  – We stopped  here on our way home and found it quite fun.  Lots of interesting Designer Boutiques where one could browse even if you’re not tempted to buy!

Can anyone suggest a suitable alternative sign for this one which is repeatedly shown throughout the country?  I believe there was an objection to this sign by Age Concern who described it as “outmoded”.  This was two years ago.

How about the version below for a new sign?

If it’s any consolation for those who are desperately trying to lose weight, may I assure you that  I find it just as hard to gain weight  on this diet!!

Quite honestly, there are not enough hours in the day for me to consume – or digest – all the food I’m supposed to eat!

Hi Ari, I hope you are enjoying your travels around Europe. Thanks for the latest entry in your Advanced Style Blog. Maybe you are not aware of it, but the article you quoted from my blog was the very first entry that inspired it all (the date was changed to keep it nearer the top!)

I do appreciate the kind comments people have written.

This is a diet to dream about!! Everything to eat that you could wish for!

This is the “diet” I’m now on!! Chocolate, biscuits, cake, crisps, cream, ice-cream, butter, eggs, full-fat milk – you name it – but let’s see what happens. You see, my dietician has told me that I HAVE to put on weight!!

Please don’t follow this without your doctor’s advice!