The Meaning of Phrases (3)

"The Full Monty"

Meaning: Complete, the whole thing.

The most common explanation comes from the tailoring business of Sir Montague Burton, based in Derbyshire in 1904. ‘The Full Monty’ referred to a three piece suit, a jacket, trousers & waistcoat, his customers being familiar with the term and known to ask for "The Full Monty" when ordering!
This is the same Montague Burton who went on to become the world’s largest bespoke tailoring service, by the way

Another explanation comes from Field Marshall Montgomery's alleged habit of wearing his full set of medals, or that he insisted his troops eat a full English breakfast every day!

Any other suggestions??

St Edwards Art Group Demonstration

Many thanks to all at St. Edwards Art Group, for making my visit a very pleasant one. This is the finished oil painting of 'The Villa, Torchello'
Please contact me if you have any questions, looking forward to visiting you again.

The Meaning of Sayings (2)

"Luke Warm"

I was chatting with a friend the other day, and he used the saying, "It was luke warm", a phrase I use all the time, but have never really thought about the actual word or where it came from.
I thought I'd try & find out, here's what I came up with.

Apparently the word luke dates back to the 14th century & comes from the word lew, ( Old English hleow), which meant 'tepid' or 'warm'

So, we're actually saying "warm warm"!!

Valentine's Day 14th February 2007

Ever wondered why we celebrate Valentines Day? Here are 2 possible explanations for its origin:

The first legend & perhaps the best known began in Rome, when the emperor, Claudius 11, was involved in many bloody & unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages & engagements in Rome!

Valentine, who was a priest in Rome, in the year 269 A.D., together with his friend Marius, defied Claudius & continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When his actions were discovered he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs & to have his head cut off!.

But while in prison, it’s believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his gaoler’s daughter, who visited him. Before his death on the 14th February, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter. Which he signed:
“From your Valentine”

In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14th to honour ‘St Valentine’

The second legend claims that Valentine’s Day started in ancient Rome, on the eve of the feast of Lupercalia on February 15th
In those days, young boys & girls were kept strictly apart. However, on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, girls names were written on slips of paper & placed into jars. for the young man to draw, to partner for the duration of the festival. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, & often they would fall in love & would marry.

And lastly………

Miss Esther Howland, an American lady, is given credit for sending the first valentine’s cards.
Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800’s

So, make someone’s day, send a Valentine!!!!