As you might be able to tell, I’ve been playing around with the vintage yacht picture from The Graphics Fairy that I used for Sailing into Harbour.
The sea is in my blood from generations of sailors on my father’s side, including Admiral Edward Vernon, as in the Battle of Portobello (or Porto Bello), Panama, in 1739. The Admiral’s nickname, ‘Old Grog’, was coined because of the coat of ‘grogram’ that he wore, and ‘grog’ then came to mean the watered-down rum he instigated; this was not to stop his sailors getting drunk but to keep the water as fresh as it could be. He also introduced lemon or lime juice to stave off scurvy. Vernon’s crew were known to be much healthier than others though the link between vitamin C and good health was not proved until later. The practice was later adopted throughout the Royal Navy.
Take care and keep laughing!
Terrific story Sarah about the ‘grog’ – I interviewed Charles Tobias of Pusser’s Rum when he was in the UK donating money to the Royal Navy charity. We covered the history of rum in the 30 minutes or so and in fact he brought up the subject of your illustrious ancestor when we were talking about the rum ration… love the design….
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Much thanks for the compliment, Sally. I am very fortunate to have such interesting ancestors. And I learn something new all the time. I suspected but had never chased it up that Mount Vernon was named after him and I discovered today that it was the case because Washington’s brother served under the admiral. By the way, I have two new batteries in my mob scooter so life is better again!
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Delighted to hear that – just working on your interview at the moment and finding it very interesting. Will have something to you by the morning. XX
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Let me know if there is any extra info you need.
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I will thanks but all looking good at the moment and most will be revealed in your answers….. thanks for the heads up – have reposted as editing with the new upgrated takes out the embedded video – the day has been a bit like that ……X
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The upgrades are always a nightmare!
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Great post Sarah! Yes, you indeed have very interesting ancestors. And I’m looking forward to your interview in Sally’s post…
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🙂 I’m looking forward to the interview too – I haven’t been interviewed since 1983 when a local paper did a short piece on my working at the Leas Pavilion theatre in Folkestone!
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Like the image and the story of Grog! Delightfully colourful family you have Sarah!
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They are rather! Glad you like the image, Jane.
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Superb blog…:)
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I’m beginning to think that Mr FND is paying you! As ever, thank you so much, Janet.
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The addition of lime and lemon was originally for health, as you say, but now no tropical cocktail, especially rum drinks, are complete without it. Fun piece LMA
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Quite! Glad you enjoyed it, LMA.
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