Eight things...sort of

I've been tagged by Jill to list eight random things about myself. This apparently simple task has me stumped. Having done the 'weird things about me' list before Christmas, I was thinking there wasn't much to tell and when I asked a couple of family members to suggest something, one said I should mention I have small feet while the other said there was nothing at all random about me anyway, so that's not a great start.

Instead I'll give you a few random features of my house beginning  - above - with one of the pillars which flank the front door. The house was built in 1824 and is in typical late-Georgian Edinburgh style. There ought to be a butler or at least a maid to answer one of the two remaining bells (which no longer work):

but we are comprehensively servant-less. The butler's tray, where dishes would have been placed on the way into the diningroom, remains -

There are several fireplaces with surrounds of different materials (is this limestone? - correct me if I'm wrong) including one truly vast one which we still use.

Typically, there is lots of intricate cornicing and plasterwork:

high ceilings,

working shutters:-

During its history the house has been lived in by a major in the Bengal Lancers, six spinster sisters, and a convent of nuns. Their chapel was what is now a bedroom, and a priest used to come to hear their confession in the cupboard under the stairs. Although it's many years since the nuns left, we have been approached on occasion by people seeking spiritual guidance!

You might guess that we consider ourselves very fortunate to call this place home.

Comments

[Jill]

I ought to have guessed that you'd find a way to turn the meme into some amazing artistic expression. You have a lovely home and a good eye for photographing its unique qualities.

[Robin]

How fun! What a wonderful house (home), and what a fun way to respond to the 8-things meme!

[Donna]

Once again, lovely photos. Such wonderful detail, which is sadly missing in the modern homes of today.

Thanks for sharing.

[Francesca]

A convent of nuns! What a great place you live in. By the way, I thought a cupboard was a kitchen cabinet, but from the context it sounds more like Harry Potter's living arrangements at his uncle's home. Is that right?

[Peg]

How lovely - a little tour of your home. It always make me realize how 'young' our homes are here in BC. Such an elegant front door. We are currently deciding on paint colours for our exterior, not something you would need to think about, other than perhaps trim!
I wonder what the nuns think of a family with young teens living in their convent. Hopefully, they are amused!

[Simon]

Very fortunate indeed! Looks lovely, and, more importantly, lots of space for bookshelves.

[Lisa W]

What a lovely old home you have. You must feel very fortunate indeed. I don't know what I find more intriguing - the fact that it was once a convent or or the home of 6 spinster sisters. The yarns that could be spun about either scenario! I somehow imagine the heart of your home now holds your trusty green Aga and Orkney chair. Thank you for sharing it!

[Melissa!]

Did you find it difficult to chose the interior paints? Curious to see the wall colors of other rooms in the house. Lovely home - truly lovely!

[Nan]

Oh, I love the photos! I so enjoy seeing people's homes. Do you mean you use just one of the many fireplaces?

[tara]

Your photographs, as always, are supurb, and your home exquisite. Thank you so much for sharing your home, and what a wonderful and creative way to 'answer' the '8 things about me' question.

[Peter the flautist]

Do you consider the concept of "memes" as usefully different from "idea" or "thought pattern"? Is a random set of things contained in the concept of memetics?

If so, why?

Philosophical Cat