Life outside Ambridge
Not so professional, but I own the copyright 😀
Life in Ambridge
Following todays news
Popular posts from this blog
Life in Ambridge
Starter kit for Ed & Emma
Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
CowGirlMay 30, 2022 at 7:37 AM
ReplyDeleteMrs P, Lanjan it is interesting the similarities in our experiences about our choices of careers. I knew from about the age of 14 that I wanted to work in childrens homes, my father was horrified ,very infa di. He made it quite clear he wouldnt pay for my training. just before taking my o levels he arranged for me to spend a week at a residential nursery. Looking back he clearly arranged for me to have all the worst jobs to do, like cleaning the urinals. Far from putting me off as was his plan I was even more determined and eventually went to work for Barnardos, with whom I did my training.
Of all my siblings I had the most successful career, he did eventually come to recognise this and appreciate the value of the work I was doing, but at a cost.
REPLYDELETE
AmbridgesMrsPMay 30, 2022 at 8:20 AM
LJ and Cowgirl - times have certainly changed on that front, the career choices of young people. I think the difficulties we went through belong to a certain degree to the times. We as war, and post war babies, were born into a time of social change and aspiration. A time when ‘trade ‘ had certain connotations and was not always looked upon as positive. And too, parental control was the norm. We were children then until we reached the age of twenty one, when we were given the key to the door.
Sing the song “ twenty one, twenty one, never been twenty one before, twenty one, twenty one, here’s the key to the door “ to a twenty one year old today and they are mystified.
When considering leaving nursing, I thought I would apply to Quaranc to enable me to train and travel. My fathers controlling forbade it, “no woman in my family is to go into uniform ! “
I had the opportunity through a friends parents to be an au pair in Sweden.
My father forbade that too and todays youngsters cannot believe that it wasn’t possible to get a passport without parental permission.
Cheshire CheeseMay 30, 2022 at 11:19 AM
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of careers, very early on in the clinical part of my medical training I realised that hospital work was not for me. After qualifying I went into General Practice training. The practice that I was allocated to for my GP registrar year was very money orientated. I had 5 minute appointments and was constantly over running and being told off for not getting various claims forms signed by patients which I always found difficult after any harrowing consultation. At the end of that year in GP I was exhausted and demoralised.
I saw a job in community Peadiatrics (a specialty which no longer exists) which I was eligible for as I had done paediatrics as part of my hospital rotations. While doing that I did my Family Planning training and loved it, the person who trained me was so enthusiastic and caring. When I had my first child I realised that I didn't want to put her in a nursery or hand her over to anyone else to look after so gave up the peadiatrics but carried on with the Family Planning clinics. It wasn't well paid but I was happy. Eventually the job was properly recognised and we became the speciality of Sexual and Reproductive Health with our own Faculty in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. I have had the privilege to work with some wonderful people over the years and I am still passionate about preventative medicine, unfortunately it is very undervalued which is a shame as it could save the NHS a lot of money.
When I was making career decisions a major factor was choosing a university course that I couldn’t do at Oxford or Cambridge to take myself out of failing to follow my siblings, not the most positive reason for a such a major choice, but one i lived happily with, and I left dentistry at the end of last year with no regrets.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was able to apply for my own mortgage in my mid 20’s I do remember not many years earlier the Bank manager coming to discuss my brother’s overdraft with my parents who had to stand as guarantor when he opened his bank account, and I think my Dad still had to give permission for my sister to appply for her mortgage with her fiancé as they bought their first flat before they were married.
I too took out a mortgage in my early 20,s when it was quite difficult for single women.
DeleteI remember the GP attached to the unit I was running describing me as a "good catch" much to my horror ! Thank goodness times have changed, though many of the freedoms we had as children are there no longer, constantly being traceable and being taken everywhere.
That brings back so many memories. This was buying my 1st home, as a single female aged about 24/25yrs. I was consindered a risk, regardless of my work and salary. I was almost on my knees begging to get the mortgage. I did get it, but there was a lot of single female discrimiation, at that time.
DeleteCowgirl. So true.
DeleteAs a youngster, we went out on our bikes for a whole day, along with a pack of sarnies, for the lunch (corned beef + pickle, or egg + cress). Our parents had no idea where we were, what we got up to, and were we safe?
All survived intact, and just had great fun and many adventures...
Life was so much simpler then.
I love the heading picture. This so describes the many decisions, all have made in their lives, be they good or bad..🙅♀️
ReplyDeleteMy eldest great-niece is 11 today and she was given a new sim card, so she is now another Wattsapp contact...
It is lovely that she has done this.
KP...You are doing us proud and I 👏👏👏 you for this. You have taken on this task, like a Duck to Water.
ReplyDeleteAs to ducks - at 5.30 am (a loo trip) I looked out to see a group of 7 ducks (all male drakes) just waddling up the road. Suddenly they all stopped, and stayed still for about 5 mins, all looking in the same direction, before waddling off again!
It was so very strange, but the ponds are not far away. 🦆🦆🦆
Well KP I take my hat off to you ⭐️🙋🏻♀️
ReplyDeleteThe unsung Ambridge hero...well here.
DeleteWell done KP on a very appropriate picture.
ReplyDeleteHoweve can I just issue a word of warning…..I see the picture you used is an ‘Alamy’ one. They can be very touchy about copyright when using their photos as I have found to my cost. So do be careful when using photos from Google images, or elsewhere, that they are not copyright protected.
I usually look for ‘Free’ images so as not to get caught out!
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll see if I can swap it for another image, my project for tonight!
DeleteLANJAN how did your son fare at last nights Liverpool game. What a shambles it was and pretty terrifying for some.
ReplyDeleteI add my thanks to KP as this blog is so important to us all!
ReplyDeleteToday the boys had the day with our dog minder, Hannah. This is to get them used to being away from us in preparation for going to Italy in August. The next step is an overnight stay. Buddy is fine with Hannah but Dudley had panic attacks in October when they had a 4 night stay with her. He is a very stressy little dog and he needs to learn that he will always return to us. We took the opportunity to go to the little zoo in Sandown. They specialise in rescuing animals from the likes of circuses and they have a tiger and some white lions. The male lion came from the West Midlands safari park which some of you may know. He was rejected by the pride there. We also saw meerkats, lemurs and monkeys as well as a parrot who was playing with a stone! The place is immaculately kept and the enclosures are spacious and imaginatively equipped. Apparently the founder of the zoo took all sorts of animals and birds in so the collection is quite diverse! It is small enough to walk around without wearing your feet out but large enough to have a lot of interest. There is so much to do on the island, lovely for young families and it was good to see children enjoying themselves today. The downside of island attractions though is that most are outside and you do need good weather to fully enjoy!😊
Would it be possible for Hannah to stay in your house ? much less stressful.
DeleteI remember Sandown zoo as a child, my abiding memory is of the monkey pinching my brothers icecream.
Hannah with her mum runs the business. They do dog walking every weekday, daycare and boarding so I think she would be too busy. Katy’s friend, Debbie, who lives in Milton Keynes has offered to come down to stay if all else fails but although she has met the dogs she has no experience. She knows about Dudley’s foibles and I’m sure Hannah would help as required but it would be a bit of a worry. We will have to wait and see. It is only for a week!
ReplyDeleteMonkeys are little horrors! I remember in South Africa seeing a lady who had just been shopping. She opened the boot of her car putting the shopping on a wall while she did so. A monkey swooped down and pinched a bunch of bananas and hi tailed it back into the overhead tree! It was so cheeky!🐒🙈🙉🙊🐒
But quite funny to watch I imagine😂
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone there had a good laugh! The lady just looked surprised and shocked!😂😉
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a trip in Botswana - when a friend left a window open, and the monkeys got in!
DeleteWhat shambles were left...the monkeys had a very good party. 🐒
..but this was not as bad, as on a S. Africa trip, when a snake was found curled up in a bath. Luckily it was not mine!
DeleteLady R, my son managed to get to and into the Ground OK .
ReplyDeleteApparently because he was staying at an Airport Hotel he came in on a different rail line than those who had to go into a tunnel under a road!!!
He did leave the Ground promptly and saw some ugly sights but fortunately didn't get involved.
My friend's son and his 79 year old father in law were tear gassed.
He texted me and said that he had never been so frightened in his life
The only way I know to get onto our new Mk 2 is to scroll up to look for a comment from you,KP.
Is there another way?
Thanks again KP.
Click on the three dots beside the address at the tip of the page. Scroll down the menu and select 'send to desktop'. The blogger logo will appear when you open Google Chrome.
DeleteThank you LJ for your reply - I thought of your son as soon as it all “kicked off” (or rather it didn’t for sometime in the case of the game itself)
DeleteWhat an awful experience for your friends son and father- in -law almost incomprehensible
that such a thing should happen to them when all they wanted was to go and support their team and derive pleasure from the whole event 😞
Firstly LJ Hi again...👋
DeleteI was listening to Jeremy Vine (R2) whilst queuing to get petrol, yesterday. He was talking to some-one who was close to where the tear gas ws used
This person survived Hillsborough, when just a 15 yr old boy. He just left, as the memories were far too strong.
Sorry, on a phone that should be 'desktop site'.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarnia. I'd bookmarked KP's profile and was opening the blog via that, but following your advice have added a shortcut to my homepage and it's far quicker.
DeleteMy age is now showing, as to what I subscribe to, and then listen to via Sounds and R4ex .
ReplyDeleteThese are all silly, comedy programmes from years gone by, but still gives me a smile, when this is so needed.
My listening:-
The Likely Lads
Bangers + Mash
King Street Juniors
Albert and Me
North by Northamptonshire....
along with a more sensible series..
Cover Her Face - an Adam Dalgleish mystery.
That's my choice to suit me, at the moment.
My phone says it’s going to update to the latest Apple thingy tonight. Fingers crossed I’m still here in the morning.
ReplyDeleteLanJan: see my entry May 30th 10.29pm about short cuts to desktop for easy access.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that I am here on my lone-some.
ReplyDeleteI won't comment, but will look in again tomorrow.
Take Care.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a duplicate only
DeleteOK, Miriam, for want of anything more useful or intelligent to say, I will share this: I have a garden full of flowers of every shape, size, colour and variety, but only one solitary bee doing the rounds every day. I suppose the others must all still be at the Chelsea Flower show.
ReplyDeleteMy raspberry canes are covered in bees! Real workers - those bees!
DeletePerhaps I have given offence in some way!
DeleteI had a e-mail today, "supposedly" from my internet security, relating to my annual payment pending, on July 1st. I immediately thought it was a scam.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when I re-read it, it related to the debit card I had registered, which expired 2 months ago and the 4 final numbers of that card matched up.
It was to alert me to this, so to up-date my new card details
I will do this, as I was adressed by my name.
🤞🤞 I am right and the e-mail was geniune.
It is so hard to know what is a scam or not these days.
Just been to put towns little theatre this aft to the pop up cinema. The first time since covid. Saw James Bond , no time to die, even though we’ve seen it twice already. I really like it and think it needs more than one viewing cos it’s complicated, but wanted to support the theatre.
ReplyDeleteOur towns….
DeleteWell done PtbY supporting your independent theatre.
DeleteI drive to a town about 8 miles away to the independent cinema although we have a multiplex in the town that I live in. This evening I shall be booking tickets for myself and a friend to see the film about the Queen.
I will have after my booking enough credits on my loyalty card to have one free ticket. I would have had that two years ago if we hadn’t lost two years of normal life due to covid.
I for one, will be watching "Trooping The Colour" tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteIt will be different yet again this year, but it will still be so wonderful, to view, admire and then applaud.
It is just a true Annual and Amazing, Spectular event 🇬🇧🇬🇧
...along with the Balcony Appearences plus the Fly Past. It will be a scene to.be remembered.
DeleteTotally agree Miriam I just adore all the pageantry and am so looking forward to seeing The Queen out on the balcony (with her mobility issues this may be her last appearance on it 🤔) bless her.
DeleteI miss The Trooping ceremony.
ReplyDeleteEvery year as a child sitting on my fathers shoulders, and sometimes shoved to the front. One year the old Queen Mary said hello to me as I was so close to her open carriage, and I once had a seat when I was pregnant with my first daughter. She was beating time to the base drum. A strange experience !
What wonderful memories and an experience, so never to be forgotten. I hope that you have some 'photos of your many "viewings".
DeleteDo tell more...
I would to hear.
I am so keen to see the Trooping that I am actually changing the habit of a lifetime and NOT going to Sainsburys for my weekly shop which I inevitably do on a Thursday. I shall go on Friday instead.
ReplyDeleteIt will be strange not watching on Saturday morning for once, but it is an event Inever Miss.
Like the Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph, it is not negotiable, I must watch what ever else is happening that day.
A creature of habit, that’s me.
Warning - I have just received a text message which I think is a scam - allegedly from the NHS saying I have been in close contact with covid and need to order a test kit.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to ignore it.
(I have test kits at home anyway, for work)
I have had one of those too Zoe, but in the form of an email. Yes, there is definitely this type of scam doing the rounds, seen warnings on TV about them.
DeleteAlso we have had several phone calls, bit of a wait before someone speaks with a foreign accent, they say ‘Is that Mrs …’ when you answer yes, they say they are from a Health company and need to speak to us about a health matter (or something like that).
We have put the phone down straight away because we are sure these are scams too.
I never say yes when they say "is that?" I always ask who's calling.
DeleteI do not answer calls from numbers I do not recognise. When I find I have slipped up I require the caller to identify themselves before I do.
ReplyDeleteOn one glorious occasion I was told that the data protection act stated that she could only reveal the purpose of the call on confirmation of my identity. I replied that it also forbade identifying oneself to anonymous callers, 'So we've reached an impasse, haven't we?'
She hung up.
What wonderful weather for The Trooping to be enjoy around the world. I am bursting with pride!
ReplyDeleteThe Cambridge children riding in a carriage altogether on their first official engagement - just charming 🤗
Sometimes the commentary overshadows proceedings there used to be a button in the right hand corner of the screen which you could press to eliminate this in order to be able choose as and when one wanted their input.
Not long now to the Balcony appearance 😁 and fly past ✈️
I was delighted to see little Prince Louis was wearing a sailor suit, just like they were making on The Great British Sewing Bee last week!
DeleteI wonder if the producers of the show had prior knowledge?
My father, born 1905 always talked about being dressed in a sailor suit as a small child.
DeleteNo photographs Miriam.
The pictures in my head are far superior !
The year when I had a seat in the stands was 1966 and I wore a white embroidery anglais maternity dress that I had made.
I came across a piece of the material recently when sorting boxes of fabrics.
I had a seat that year because my husband was on the rota of Royal Photographers at the time. He was up at the palace while I was on horse guards parade.
As a child we went every year, along with the Royal Tournament.
I always knew that we went because of my father, but I realise now that part of that was his longing for his past. As a young soldier he was in a mounted brigade, ( not the guards ) so loved horses, but later became a drill sergeant, and my mother always claimed that I could drill before I could walk. She said that with sarcasm and malice. I’ve always been proud of it, and I still have a distinctive walk.
I’ve always loved the precision and the pageant but so rarely see it now.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time watching today, and it was lovely to see the Queen on the balcony and the warmth of the crowd was palpable.
I hope to go up to one of the beacons this evening.
We have at least three near here.
Thanks Mrs P. You must, if you haven't already, write down these memories and why they are so wonderful, along with feelings they evoke. You might think that others are not interested, but I only know you as just a fellow Archers blogger, yet I found them fascinating and so interesting.
DeleteI thought the same Archerphile about the Sailor Suit. It was a good fore-thought by the production team, as there is a photo of a very young William, wearing a near identical outfit on a balcony experience.
DeleteMy profile picture has been changed, just temporarily.
ReplyDeleteThis one of my nieces home, dedecked with bunting, for the weekend. Their daughter is the youngest in my family, still only 2 1/2 years. Her parents are planning to take many photos of her alongside the family that they will be getting together with, to then create a photo book.
This is for years to come, when she is as a grandma. She can say This Was Me, at The Platimum Jubilee weekend, which will a true part of British History by then.
There is already a great photo of her getting out of the bath, wrapped in a Union Jack towel. Her future husband, will love it
DeleteI watched all from 10.00am via the "red button". This was the coverage without commentary, but most importantely, no studio talks nor interviews. I just loved watching all the many bands, battalions etc. marching down The Mall. I did switch back for commentary of the main event, to understand the procedures and to learn what music was being played, esp. The Platinum Jubilee March, composed just for today.
ReplyDeleteMy most memorable thought, has to be balcony scene for that fantastic fly past.
HRH was magnificant - but in a different way..
She is still - The Queen and Head of State - yet she showed what a great mother, grandmother, great grandmother she is, and how close she is with her beloved family.
I so respected her as she seemed not as formal and just the enjoyed the "party" vibe, as did all those in The Mall, the scenes of which just amazed me. 👑 🇬🇧
I also admired her, for showing that she was using a stick to help along with the wearing of sunglasses...and why not?
DeleteWatching the Test Match now .
ReplyDeleteOh dear I thought this morning we were doing well.
Never mind we have another Lancastrian on his way to try to save the day .
Sorry that it took one of our players to be injured before Parkinson has been given a chance though.
Have you now got the short-cut to desk top as described LJ, or are you still getting in via KP's ident on Gary's blog?
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteI just did the previous post without pressing anything except "publish".
That's a relief. One irritation solved.
ReplyDeleteOur neighbours are holding a Jubilee get-together for the 4 neighbouring cottages in their Pavillion tonight
ReplyDeleteWhoops! Accidentally published too soon.
DeleteWe have all been asked to take a suitable finger-food item & Mr A volunteered me for Coronation Chicken which I make quite often. But how to present it as finger-food?
Vol au vents said Mrs Next-Door. Fine, I said. Just buy some ready made cases and fill them, I thought.
Except you can’t buy them anymore, anywhere, apart from catering size packs from Amazon! So I have had to make wretched puff pastry from scratch (a very long process) and make them myself! But quite pleased with the results, though I don’t think Paul Holywood would think much of them, let alone give me a handshake!
I am hugely impressed at you making puff pastry from scratch, I always buy ready made & usually have a packet in the freezer. I am surprised that you can’t buy vol au vent cases anymore, maybe they are seasonal product, only available at Xmas like cheesy footballs. I hope your neighbours appreciate your hard work.
DeleteSo glad embarrassing royal son has “got covid”. Sure he has! Only wish other 2 embarrassments for the Queen hadn’t been able to fly over in their “eco” private jet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great woman the Queen has been for this country. For those who slag her off, well I wouldn’t want her job for all the tea in China. She’s a marvel. 👏👏🍾💐
Totally agree PtbY.
DeleteI thought the ceremony yesterday was wonderful and so glad HM made it to the balcony to see that amazing fly-past. I did think she was looking very strained and in discomfort at the lighting of the beacons last night though and not surprised she is resting today.
We are presently watching the service from St Paul’s, (So many ‘on the side of the head’ hats!). The Archbishop of York has just made what we thought was a splendid speech (sermon?) and it was so uplifting as to be almost enough to convert me!
Well done to everyone who has taken part in these celebrations, as a confirmed royalist I think it has all been a splendid and fitting celebration.
I just feel sorry for Charles, presumably he will be unable to celebrate even a Silver Jubilee!
Agree 100% AP 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
DeleteOn a lighter note….it’s husbands birthday today so decided to make him a birthday cake yesterday. I can only make this one certain cake, nigellas clementine cake, my lack of baking skills being legendary. Into the oven, a friend called for a cuppa which we took outside, forgot about cake till she left.
ReplyDeleteOne burnt black birthday cake. Will have another attempt today, maybe.
🤔🎂🤦♀️
Oh dear PtbY better luck in the second round.
DeleteClementine cake sounds lovely. I shall look the recipe up. I am going to watch the trooping of the colour etc on iplayer today. Couldn't yesterday as I was preparing for 3 friends arriving for a reunion cum jubilee picnic meet up in my garden. Two of them from Shoreham by Sea were having a celebrate-end-of-pandemic travel round the country in their campervan and the other one joined us from Devon. I did all the savoury cooking and they brought strawberries etc so it was really nice. In the late evening after they had gone I went with son to watch the lighting of the beacon at Forrabury out on the cliffs and then there was an incredible laser light show with the sea as backdrop. I think the Queen has been amazing. As someone who values alone time highly I cannot imagine what it must be like to to be always in the public eye, especially with all the intrusive telephoto lenses photographers have nowadays and the paid lipreaders. Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone. Here the different villages are doing different things on different days so there are a lot of things going on, and one village is having a pudding festival so I reckon they must be Ambridge listeners!
DeleteP T B Y At least easily rectified, not like the stupid mistake I made when I ordered a new front gate carefully looked up the right size in metric and then ordered the wrong size. was able to change it but at a cost of course.
ReplyDeleteNew cake made. Watched over carefully in the oven and came out perfect! Crumbled some of the burnt one up and put it on the bird table. Apparently it must be really bad cos even the hoards of ruddy annoying wood pigeons won't touch it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMust confess, that had I got any Jus-roll puff pastry Iwould most certainly have used it!
ReplyDeleteBut none in freezer, none in village shop & didn’t have time to drive into town to supermarket, so the long method it had to be! I would much rather cheat in future.
I think my neighbours would have had to put up with shortcrust tartlets, I admire your dedication
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI went to see the lighting of the beacon at Coaly Peak.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointing I’m afraid.
Part of a barbecue with some kindling and paper with a bag of logs on top, the kind of logs I’ve seen at petrol stations.
Once it was alight it burned with less intensity and volume than an average garden bonfire. Many of those present were watching the wide sweep that is visible from the area stretching down to the mouth of the Severn, across south Gloucestershire and up into Herefordshire with Wales on the horizon and counting the many fires we could see. At least seven or eight, I very much doubt that anyone in those places would have seen ‘our ‘ little effort.
I have not flounced off - far from it.
ReplyDeleteIt comes down to comments posted by some, when my name is mentioned in posts along with the associated critiscms against my thoughts + ideas.
This I understand and accept.
...it is now getting very repetative...
DeleteI will still remain a member of this lovely site. However, I will have to be very cautious, and not for the first time..😉 🤭 🥵
DeleteWhere has the nice picture of your hanging basket gone?
DeleteI find economy helps, Miriam. Commenting little about nothing in particular makes one less of a target.
ReplyDeleteExactly ,Sarnia.
DeleteWell put.
Sad fact but true, LJ.
DeleteDon’t laugh! This is my effort at the platinum trifle! For some reason it has come out horizontal on the photo but you get the idea! We will try it tonight and I just need to work out how to get it in the fridge! Unfortunately I don’t have a posh, deep glass dish to put it in or you would see all my layers! On second thoughts best not. It started on the wrong foot when my sponge floated to the top of the jelly. I was quite pleased with the mandarin couli but did not follow the instruction to discard the syrup and then cook the mandarins in sugar. I just heated half of them up in the syrup, added a bit of sugar as it was a light syrup and thickened with cornflour then added the other mandarins when cold. I also put in a few drops of orange essence. I’m glad I didn’t do the whole lot from scratch as I would still be here next weekend! I’ve watched some of the celebrations and especially enjoyed seeing Her Majesty on the balcony. God has blessed us indeed with such a remarkable lady!
ReplyDeleteMiriam please don’t take things to heart! I like your speculations!
ReplyDeleteForgot to say I did add some Amaretto to the trifle! A bit of booze does help! I couldn’t get any limoncello which would have been even better. Archerfile, I have made puff pastry and last Christmas made some gluten free for a beef wellington. It all takes time and not something I would do on a regular basis! I hope your neighbours will appreciate your efforts! 😊
I love amaretto, but not the di Saranno usual brand. There are many others found in Italy and are so different in many ways.
DeleteHave you tried whisky and amaretto? A wonderful drink for bedtime!!
DeleteNot laughing Ev, looks lovely to me, and good for you for trying it.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of the Evesham pottery, only comes out at Christmas these days, it was my mother's favourite.
I enjoyed the BBC documentary about the Queen's personal film archive, they all looked so innocent and happy.
Thank you, Mistral! We thought the trifle was nice but not worth all the effort. For me there was too much going on with all the layers and I felt that a lemon sponge topped with the mandarin couli and then custard and cream would have been just as nice. I did learn from it though and loved the couli which would also go with ice cream nicely. I used a tin of broken mandarins in light syrup for it. We liked the chocolate shards which were made from Tesco white chocolate topped with hundreds and thousands and chopped glacé cherries. It then tasted like a much more expensive concoction! I have a lot of Evesham too. My sister in law lived in Worcester and she and mum in law bought most of it for us. When it all moved to Portugal the quality of painting went down. So sad we lost so much of our special manufacturing.
DeleteYou were a braver soul than me, didn't even attempt it.
DeleteWell done for trying Ev, I took one look at the recipe and decided not to bother! I'm just going to make some brownies for the Jubilee party tomorrow in our Close. I'll take some prosecco to make up for my lack of culinary skills.
DeleteThat winning trifle sounded revolting to me.
DeleteI am amazed that it won the competition.
Mixing jam swiss roll and chocolate etc -ugh.
Sometimes less is more
Since the person who won came from the town I lived in for nearly 40 years I did wonder if I had taught her .
I did cheat and bought the amaretti biscuits, the lemon jelly ( but added zest and juice of half an orange then straining to take zest out after standing for a while). The custard was ambrosia and the cake a bought lemon sponge spread with lemon curd. I don’t think though that it would have been better made from scratch and what a palaver that would have been! I might try making the biscuits sometime as the recipe looked quite easy and they are expensive to buy. I was surprised it won too as the other recipes seemed much better and that bit more special.
DeleteMessage for Miriam
ReplyDeletePlease see my message on the other blog. It explains that I was trying to be amusing about the inevitability of what the SWs have decided despite our speculations and was not aimed at you personally but at all our speculating.
I am very sorry that you took it so personally. There was absolutely no need for you to delete comments over there, and most certainly not on this blog either!
I realise I shall have to word my comments more carefully in future so that no offence can be taken and perhaps finish the ones intended to be amusing with a smiley face, so everyone knows I am not being critical. This blogging business is fraught with the capacity for misunderstandings because of not being able to see someone’s facial expressions, so an emoji at the end might help?
ARCHERPHILE -
DeleteThank you for your apology to MIIRIAM.
I think that Miriam took my reply - which was aimed at you - as another criticism, which it was not.
I misinterpreted your comment and thought it was aimed at Miriam and felt it was unfair for the reasons that Maryellen posted on the other blog.
So I now apologise to you, for misinterpretation of that post.
Hope this keeps us all happy !
Thank you Mrs P. This just reiterates my feeling that this blogging business is fraught with possible potholes and pitfalls along the way.
DeleteI’m sure that if we were somehow able record our comments, with a film of our faces as we made them, many misunderstandings would not occur
In a blog you cannot see the wink or twinkle of an eye that indicates someone is joking, or the concerned look of someone commiserating.
As some of you know I do not like cooking but if I do anything I will spend ages making things like rum truffles ,fudge or marzipan fruits.
ReplyDeleteThis morning because it was raining so I couldn't do the garden,I decided to make Mars Bar cake.
Many years ago a friend gave me a recipe for it ,saying "This is a cake that even you can make"!"
At the time one needed 3mars bars .
Now it requires 6 !
It is very morish.
Very easy to make.- only 4 ingredients
I checked on Google and the recipe I used was "Granny's Mars bar cake.".
Also used butter instead of the margarine I used years ago
Now watching the Test Match.
Do you know, Lanjan, I'm tempted to try this myself, like you, on a rainy day !
DeleteMeantime, I'll salivate over the thought of it...
Good to see you Carolyn.
DeleteMight we say ‘ welcome back ‘ ?
Sort of, Mrs P. ! Meaning, can't really comment on the TA blog right now as I've been listening so infrequently. My general, grunt level, take is that Alice is the pits & Neil is a thoroughly good egg - not a great contribution to intelligent debate ! 😉
DeleteRe The Jubilee Celebrations.....
ReplyDeleteOne of the members of the Royal family missing from St Paul's Cathedral was the Duchess of Kent who is my favourite of the "lesser" Royals.
I know that Miriam often recommends BBC Sounds .I often take advantage of that and I listened earlier today to Desert Island Discs when the Duchess was the Casterway.
What a lovely person she is .
You may be surprised- or perhaps not- as to which Premier League football team she supports!
LanJan, June 4th 7.15am.
ReplyDeleteSafest of all to say
Nothing at all.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWell the jubilee celebrations have really taken off here! Thousands and thousands of people from as far afield as Scotland have descended on the edge of the moor for a rave. It is about 4 miles away from us but all last night it was pounding away, very loudly but with a good rhythm, keeping us awake, and all today as well, so tonight myself and daughter thought if we were going to have a night like last night we might as well join them. We drove up there but there were police blocks on all the little lanes turning cars away, and even up on hedges to spot people creeping across the fields 🤣 I can't remember the last time I saw a policeman here! There are far too many people to close it down so they seem to be just monitoring it and stopping other people from getting in. Most exciting thing that's happened here for a long time, rather puts the Morris dancers and donkey derby in the shade. You wouldn't think sound could travel so far, I pity the people who live closer, and I hope they pick up the litter afterwards. Daughter has gone up to sit in the field with Bella cat as she thinks it's all rather entertaining, but it is pillow over the head time for me. Hope everyone is having a lovely time in their own way. Bet you all have a better night than us. 😣
ReplyDeleteGood luck with getting some sleep Janice! You couldn’t even get in to “If you can’t beat ‘em join em” 🙃
DeleteAs we are only 40ish miles from London a wonder we couldn’t hear “The Jubilee Concert” from here😁 must say apart from two or three acts we enjoyed it all and even when I turned the sound off for those acts still quite a visual display to enjoy. What was Diana Ross wearing 😱!
I just adored the sketch with The Queen and Paddington bear totally unexpected and the more amusing for that 🤣 👏🏻 Weather not looking particularly good for The Jubilee lunches and Pageant tomorrow but 🤞🏼all will be revealed on the tv. Good to see Kirsty Young back.
Janice, it’s a bit like that here when the IOW festival is on! We live a few miles away but you can hear the boom, boom like a heartbeat! However, they pack up at about 11 because of regulations which obviously don’t apply at random raves!
DeleteGot to admit I haven’t seen a bit of the jubilee celebrations on the tv. Been nice enough to to be in the garden instead. Also we’ve got our sons 18 month old cockerpoo here for the next week. He will learn some rules and boundaries whilst he’s here!!! Our old lass, 13 last week, is sick of him and departs upstairs to sleep for the day by our bed (really not allowed but old age and dementia is her excuse.)
ReplyDeleteWe didn’t watch the concert last night, we went to see The Unfriend at Chichester, new play by Steve Moffat, directed by Mark Gatiss. Extremely entertaining and we got home just in time to see the news on the TV so we saw the Queen having tea with Paddington, probably the highlight of the concert in my opinion 😆
ReplyDeleteWe didn’t watch the concert either because we’re not all that keen on current pop music and didn’t even know who half the acts were apart from BrianMay ! And, of course, the day’s highlights of the Test Match at 7pm on BBC2 will always take precedence!
ReplyDeleteBut I did watch the Paddington Bear film this morning and though how charming it was and how perceptive of the Queen to make that little film she knew everyone, children included, would really
love and relate to.
We enjoyed the Queen and Paddington Bear as well! Two national treasures together! The Queen has a wonderful sense of humour and a great common touch. I recently watched the 2012 interaction with James Bond which is timeless and a great achievement for those who filmed it. Yesterday on Any Answers the usual anti monarchy views were aired and I thought it is difficult to envisage our country if the monarchy was removed. I’m sure a president would step up and not have half of the appeal of Her Majesty and those who will follow her as our head of state. I thought Prince Charles spoke for most of us when he paid tribute to her last night. We have the benefit of continuity with a monarch who has seen about 13 Prime Ministers coming and going!
DeleteI went to the cinema to watch ‘The Queen- A Portrait in Parts ‘ it was interesting and slightly mischievous but not in anyway disrespectful.
DeleteMy friend and I enjoyed it.
I saw the clip of the Queen and Paddington Bear when I came home.
Delightful !
We didn't watch the concert yesterday but did wonder why several of the acts at such a celebration were not British or Brits who no longer live in the UK.
ReplyDeleteWe’re enjoying the pageant, somewhat random in places but quintessentially British
ReplyDeleteWe are watching the parade too, not that I intended to, should be working in the garden.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the music, the costumes, the brilliant colours are all so inventive and wonderful I just had to stay in and watch. But what has been intriguing me is how that woman (of colour) sitting immediately behind Prince Charles can keep nodding off to sleep? Not only is is quite disrespectful but the loud music and constant movement and dancing would keep me awake! I noticed the BBC moved the camera off her at some points which was kind, but probably too late to avoid pictures in the press tomorrow!
At last the Royal Standard is now flying above Buckingham Palace.
ReplyDeleteThis must mean another Balcony Appearance... which as to be remembered...🤞👑🇬🇧🇬🇧
It is modern History, in the making.
DeleteSadly, I think that such a balcony appearance, will never be seen again, with the central person, being present.
DeleteI so hope I am very wrong, though.
What I loved, was seeing the youngsters being passed around, between Mums, Dads, Grand-dads.
ReplyDeleteI bet that there was a suitable "Royal" Loo, not far away with these exvited youngsters.
Sadly, I think you are right Miriam. I doubt HM will be seen on the balcony again, even if she makes it to her 100th Birthday. And also sadly, poor Charles isn’t likely to be able to celebrate even a Silver Jubilee. But I really hope I am able to watch another Coronation and I still have bunting and flags from the last one! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
ReplyDeleteI think Sir Rod is always good value for money, but not keen on his song choices. Loved Diana Ross's backing singers too.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest Bro-i-law was so proud last night. A nephew of his, a guitarist, was on stage with Sam Ryder, doing his stuff 🎸
DeleteHoorah! Go, Town! Back in the EFL 🍾🍾
ReplyDeleteGrimsby Town logo, not v legible....
ReplyDeleteInteresting.
ReplyDeleteNo! June 7th at 12.15am!
ReplyDeleteI am wondering what I missed at 12.15 last night!
DeleteNothing! I was observing first thing on June 7th that there were no posts at all for June 6th. I then found that my own had registered on GMT instead of BST so was still on the day before.
DeleteAt last we got through the trifle! I won’t make it again! I can’t see it being as lasting as coronation chicken! It has been very quiet on the blog and presume you are all busy! Yesterday I had a facial in the morning as I had some birthday money! It was very relaxing and smoothed out the wrinkles! In the afternoon I had a doctor’s appointment and then at 5 we both had a podiatrist visit! This morning I slept until 8.45 and by then Katy had taken the dogs for a walk and my cup of tea was cold! Such are the excitements in our house! 😊😉
ReplyDeleteWas it your birthday recently Ev? If so lots of good wishes for a happy and healthy year. 🎂💐🎈🎁🎉
DeleteBeen quiet from here because i think like everyone else within a 5/6 mile radius of the rave we have been sleeping off the disturbed nights. My 80 year old friend was both bemused and amused by being stopped and turned back by the police. She belongs to a drumming group (hand drums like djembes, bodhrans etc) and they are always invited to play at events in the village where they practise in the hall. They had been asked to wear brightly coloured clothing to add to the Jubilee party atmosphere and she and a drumming friend were driving to the village with drums piled in the back when they were stopped by police who were convinced they must be going to the rave.
DeleteJanice, thanks for good wishes! My birthday was in April, the 23rd. I was born on St George’s Day in Scotland! I love the thought of your 80 year old friend being suspected of going to a rave! There’s life in us old girls yet! The rave made the main BBC online news. A great nuisance for those around and hope they didn’t leave too much mess! Every year at the IOW festival loads of tents are left behind!
DeleteBeen quiet from me because we keep having power cuts and that means no Wi-Fi of course.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have lots of ‘outages’ as the Americans call them because our line comes through various forests to get here, so every time there were high winds the trees would bring the line down.
We were told a lot of work has been done to reroute the line and clear nearby trees, but here we are again, almost a whole morning with no electricity and it’s not even breezy today!
🙄
Spent yesterday socialising our sons dog. Cafe, walking, in the car, another cafe. It’s hard work drinking coffee!
ReplyDeleteToday, great excitement. My package of repointing compound arrived. Mr went out for long walk with the 2 young uns whilst I started repointing our patio. Very therapeutic. Got one side of the outer brick edging repointed.
Well done, you can come and do my patio when you have finished.
DeleteYesterday was miserable here so no gardening for me , instead I made the lining for my coffin that my neighbour is making for me from disused pallets, in fact everything is recycled apart from the screws though in truth some of them will be too. I shall be laying on some cheeky little dachshunds so quite fun. I absolutely refuse to pay vast sums on money for a coffin that will disintergrate in the field with me. I shall get my great niece and nephew to paint the lid, I want them to grow up like me with no fear of death ,its just part of the cycle of life
ReplyDeleteWell,Cowgirl I reckon if you were not a Girl Guide you should have been.
DeleteI have always thought it dreadful that bereaved relatives are asked what type of coffin they want for a loved one who has just died and they possibly don't want to say that they would have the cheapest .
If that is what you want I think you are doing the right thing.
My niece is well aware of my wishes and approves we have talked about it often enough. I believe we should all do what is right for us and not be bound by conventions.
DeleteI was a girl guide for a number of years, so the motto still sticks Be Prepared.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCowgirl - What a coincidence! am also doing a ‘re-pointing job’, very slowly.
ReplyDeleteIt is actually repairing the 7” high brink and flint wall we built, with our neighbours, between our two gardens.
The men did the brickwork and I did the flint panels in each bay. We got the flints from the field opposite, had to do some flint-knapping to get them to the right size and shape then I mortared them into the wall as decoratively as I could.
Unfortunately in the 20 intervening years the mortar is crumbling and flints have started falling out so while Mr A is repointing the brickwork, I’m replacing what flints I can. Come in for a break because it’s getting too hot out there!
Archerphile I think you mean PtobeY, I just asked her to do mine.
DeleteWhoops! Sorry Cowgirl and very sorry PtbY! Must read more carefully!!🫢
DeleteCowgirl is it actually legal to be buried in your field, and not in a cemetery? I have been so long in this place, and relatives before me, that I quite fancy the idea of being buried beneath the old ash tree here, although I expect the children will want to plant me with the rest of my family.
ReplyDeleteYes Janice , you can be buried in your garden too, but it lowers the house price. You just need to check with the local authority, they check there is no water source and that the depth is correct. You may be able to bury husband and wife but you cant turn it into a burial ground so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI have finally planted my runner beans today. They are in a large tub, with new taller canes and new compost. It is late, I know, so hopefully there will be a crop appearing, at some time. I so love going out, picking some of the crop, to be cooked and served within 20 mins.
ReplyDeleteI will tell all, in a few months time.
So yea time socialising for Jasper was at our local hostelry!! 2 dry martinis later I felt much better and he was ok.
ReplyDeleteDog sitting is such a strain on your health/liver. 🤭🍸
What a great reason, and why not. Live each day as it comes..🍸🐶
DeleteWell you did say that drinking coffee is hard work, I'm sure the martinis were much less demanding!
DeleteI’ve just had a lovely conversation with my daughter and want to share my delight.
ReplyDeleteAs a small girl she rode and was amazing with horses.
When we returned to live in London, horses and riding was out of the question.
As an adult she tried to return to riding but was not able to be consistent in her passion, due to the pressures of work. I was always pleased when she could get back to her love and helped with contacts when I was able to.
Having been in her Cornish home for a few years now and with her business jogging along, she has recently met a person who is in a position to aid and encourage her, and she has made good progress and now realises that she is not beyond the possibility of realising her dream, having felt in recent years that she is no longer physically capable of riding well.
She went yesterday to view a horse and is clearly now at the point where she can have the dream that she has cherished for over forty years.
She just has to make the decision to act, and I very much hope that she can.
Good for your daughter Mrs P. I do hope she is able to take up her passion again. It’s lovely when, in later life, you can realise a dream you have long held and, perhaps, not been able to afford or had time for.
DeleteMrs P. How is your move going?
ReplyDeleteIt must be not too far away now.
Up to you eyes in admin Miriam and trying not to panic.
DeleteYes….. about three weeks now.
And thanks for asking
My eyes of course.
DeleteHad a lovely day at RHS Bridgewater yesterday with an old university friend. Having visited at the same time last year it was nice to see how well it has developed since opening a year ago.
ReplyDeleteDull old day.
ReplyDeleteNot that we can get up to much, Mr R has been suffering another attack of Actinic Keratosis for the last month and as Mr A knows this is not pleasant his scalp has looked awful - red raw and sore with bubbling up of nastiness to be washed off and moisturised regularly. Just finished treatment.
A review of meds resulted in Dr suggesting trying to stop a particular tablet used for restless legs. Mr R only had a few left but should have tapered off and I don’t think he did now having side effects. When not well Monday and a Dr appointment given did not think of this. All obs were taken and ecg taken even though close to closing so Dr did this himself (surgery is so good as you can tell) the lady Dr who suggested the pill maybe stopped is going to ring tomorrow. So her advice will be welcome and 🤞🏼Mr R will soon be able to ride out once again for a cuppa and cake. As he is normally such a bright and cheerful chap (for all his orthopaedic problems) it is unsettling to see him this way.
All your conversations are a welcome distraction so do keep chatting away 😊
Sorry Lady R nothing very stimulating.
ReplyDeleteThe fox came again and took another hen this time from the front lawn so... they are now confined to quarters and very cross so hardly any eggs. They are in Emeralds (Cow ) old quarters so have plenty of room, but not the same.
I am going to put up electric fencing to keep it out, so I have weedkilled a narrow strip all round, the electric fencing has to go close to the ground so no vegetation must touch the wire as it will short out. I have most of the components from ages ago just waiting for some taller poles to stop it jumping over then I can install it and let them out. They have been dispatched so should be here soon, the battery is on charge, the only nuisance is I have to let the hens into my garden. they have already made a dustbath from one of the molehills, though that problem has been resolved with some vibrating noise stakes..
Goodness Cow Girl, it all sounds rather like a nuclear power station rather than a small holding.
ReplyDeleteStill your obviously well prepared for all eventualities whatever nuisance may befall you.
Lady R, sorry to hear that Mr R is still suffering.
The sun has caught the vitiligo patches on my bald pate recently, and that meant it was a little sore. Please tell Mr R that at least one of your blog friends is able to sympathise to some extent.
I doubt theres a smallholding or farm without electric fencing. When I had a land line the local dairies electric fencing interfered with my line, nothing they could do. Dairy farms use it when they turn the cattle out into the field, they move the fencing forward each day so they have fresh pasture and pasture that hasnt been soiled
DeleteWe send our thanks to you both for your posts. Cowgirl you are the real Archers well done on all that you do!
DeleteMrs P I can recall your problem now, and that the sun is not your friend either. All is sent to try us just have to keep 😀 Your move is certainly getting close now we will all look forward to hearing about your new home /area. How long have you lived in your current home. I can recall your kitchen refit (clashing with your knee op ?)
Best wishes to Mr R and to you Lady R as it is a worry seeing your other half in trouble health wise.
DeleteCowgirl, I am an animal lover but totally dislike foxes as I remember a farmer when we lived in Cornwall having a litter of 11 piglets killed by one. The mother had refused to go indoors to have them. The electric fence reminds me of a walk with our border collie over 20 years ago. He cocked his leg on an innocent looking fence and got an electric shock! He wasn’t badly hurt but did squeak at the pain in his private bits! Our two now couldn’t aim that high!
Today was meant to sunny and bright. My washed towels are still sitting in the machine, as rainy.
ReplyDeleteHow I envy a niece of mine who is now in Hawaii, but it is a business trip only. She might get some free time to enjoy it all, well I hope so.
I did a load of towels too Miriam (as a good wind blowing) but then the weather looked suspicious from the time the cycle finished so into the dryer 😱 at least it is a new combo and the dryer mode spins the laundry as needed and often finishes before the time shown as the sensor knows when the laundry is dry! Ooh er Mrs….
DeleteI don't have a dryer, but my washer always takes a much shorter time, than the programme originally shows..
DeleteTowels are now on the line so 🤞
It has been fine and sunny here today, Miriam. You don’t need to go as far as Hawaii! I did get caught in the rain yesterday though when I walked the boys down to the creek. Thankfully I know a lady who lives down there and she invited us in. Buddy had to check out every room by poking his head round the doors but they behaved very well and I was proud of them! She has a flat overlooking the creek and the view from her lounge which leads onto a balcony is very beautiful. She is 83 and very active. A really lovely lady and we had a nice chat until the sun came out again!
DeleteHoping that things improve for those of you having problems. After my good day at RHS Bridgewater yesterday, today has been not so good. My computer has died on me and Mr CC is struggling to fix it. He built it for me several years ago but can't work out what the problem is. I'm sure he'll sort it in the end but I might have to manage without it for a while. Thank goodness I've got my phone and tablet but I do find it much easier using a keyboard and mouse.
ReplyDeleteFirst experience of reflexology yesterday morning, Mr & Mrs P. V intriguing, stabbing sensation in one toe, what's that says I, that'll be your thyroid says she, that figures... Any experience amongst fellow bloggers?
ReplyDeleteI used to have reflexology. I started when my son was a toddler to relieve stress. It did work. The point just below the ball of your foot is your adrenal glands. Mine was always agony!
ReplyDeleteThen I started again maybe about 15 years ago for relief from general aches and pains. I think it can definitely point out where you have problems, like your thyroid point, but whether it can do much about them I’m not sure.
I think acupuncture works better.
All these things are so expensive though.
I’ve had a dodgy hip for over 6 months and finally succumbed to seeing a physio. She thinks it’s a strained ligament deep in the pelvis. I’ve got to improve my core ( well, it’s been crap for the last 40 years so can’t see that improving) and she gave me some acupuncture. It did provide some relief. But it wears off and at £50 a go it’s an expensive therapy.
Before covid I did go for acupuncture, for a very long term neck problem, every 5 weeks which cost £40. That seemed good value for 5 weeks relief and she gave you a wonderful back massage after the needles. It was very relaxing.
After that long ramble….Parsley, if you only experienced one stabbing pain during your reflexology I would say you must be in remarkable health.
Not just the one... 🙄
DeleteSorry to be out of touch everyone.
ReplyDeleteWe have been totally cut off from the outside world for 2 days, no telephone land line, no mobiles and no wifi!
Apparently some construction workers in Basingstoke dug through some fibre optic cables and cut all services to the west of the town, villages to the west (us) and both Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals!! Goodness knows what we could have done if we’d needed an ambulance or the fire brigade.
However service seems to be restored this morning and it is like returning to the 21C after being in the dark ages for 2 days. Just goes to show how reliant we are on technical communication these days.
I empathise with your plight Archerfile, we were without the Internet for a couple of days last week, very frustrating. Thankfully I had enough mobile data on my phone to do essential online stuff.
DeleteI had a power cut, so I thought, yesterday. I was cleaning upstairs, only to then find an hour later my cooker + microwave and wash machine were still working.
DeleteFor one reason or another, one of my electric circuits had "tripped". A quick look at the board, and putting a switch back into the on position, solved tge problem.
Well Lady R you seem to have had plenty of distractions this morning. I went into town this morning to go to the cobblers, I was early of course , they dont open till 9.30, so bought a few small items then having collected the shoes went to the farm store to collect some poultry feed. The duck and goose food is very expensive, so I buy the ingredients individually as its cheaper and mix it myself , came to pay and my card was declined, so embarrassing fortunately I had my credit card with me so was able to pay. They do know me as I have been going there for 7 years now. The bank eventually texted me to ask if it was a scam, good to know they do look out, at least my bank account hadnt been emptied which had crossed my mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your distraction cowgirl and glad to know your money is safe!
DeleteAt last, a sunny and very warm day, in spite of the very breezy, west wind.
ReplyDeleteI am proud to say - I have "stripes" on my lawns again. Why does such a little thing make me feel like this?
The empty neighbouring house (at a right angle to me) has a garden not being maintained. There are thistles, brambles, a few awful plants which I don't know what they are, now growing through the joint hedge into my garden.
I am helpless, except to keep trying to keep things under control.
I have contacted my council department who deals with empty homes. The result was - the persons responsible (whoever they are) are paying the Council tax and it is being maintained.
Does a overgrown garden along with 3ft high grass, hedges obscuring windows and rampant weeds, again 3ft high at least, class as maintenance?
Sadly due to the overgrowth, I cannot take a photo to show this.
Rant Over.
It is so frustrating.
PS This house has not been lived in since December 2020. Sadly I don't know why, as I knew the residents very well. 😪
DeleteI think you will find there is some obscure law that says you must not allow weeds to interfere with your neighbour. I think hedge must not exceed 6 ft ? . the trouble is trying to sort out these issues through solicitors tends to end up with huge costs. You might try your local council again, as clearly the garden is affecting everyone.
DeleteWe had a problem with one of our neighbours over a high hedge. Eventually we looked at the High Hedges Act and it's very complicated, the allowed height depending on so many variables. In the end just mentioning the Act made them come to a mutual agreement on the height of the hedge and they have kept to it. It would have cost quite a lot if we had asked the Council to arbitrate.
DeleteThe problem is that it is empty, with no residents for over 18 months now.
DeleteNot sure what to do next.
Maybe ask local paper to take a picture and follow up for you. They would most likely ask the council for comment 🤔
DeleteWho lived there Miriam a family or one or two older people (thinking of Covid)
It was a couple of my age, married later in life, but no children. She had had a brain hemorrhage, very many years ago, which she recovered from fine, but she did have to give up the buisness she owned and ran. It was the December when Covid became rampant again so Christmas was then cancelled.
DeleteI was aware of blue flashing lights from both an ambulance and an advance paramedic vehicle. More than that I haven't ever known.
It is a said story, with obvious consequences but it is strange why the property is still as it is, just empty and getting neglected.
They were so much fun and I knew them well.
...I just wish to know what has happened to them both, be it good or bad. I remember one sunny day, working in the garden when after a chat, a hand came through the adjoining hedge, with a G+T for me to enjoy.
DeleteThis couldn't happen today, as although my side is neat and cut back, the other side is very overgrown.
Goodness Miriam, I feel for you.
DeleteIt must be awful for you not knowing what happened to make them disappear so completely.
I think I would have tried to find out long before now.
If someone is paying the council tax, then one or other of your previous neighbours might still be alive even if not living there. Or perhaps a relative is paying on their behalf.
I agree Mrs P. Any other neighbours any idea Miriam? Maybe it was the worst Covid outcome for them and there are will complications (probate etc) or maybe no will at all.
DeleteSomeone is paying the rates though I think you said. Hopefully the mystery will be cleared up at some point….
A question for my cricket loving ArcherFan friends:
ReplyDeleteWhat do you thing of Englands new Test Match strip. Test matches are supposed to be played in white, not pale blue-grey, aren’t they? Next to New Zealand’s proper white, whites the England team just looks grubby!
It keeps reminding me of a detergent advert we used to see in the 50s and 60s. Two little boys sitting next to each other on a bench. One wearing a pure white shirt, the other a rather dirty one. The strap line? “You can tell his Mum didn’t use Persil! “
Ptby, regarding core strength, after I had a hip replacement I had physiotherapy and once the hip was ok the physiotherapist said it was important to improve core strength and gave me a series of exercises. They are similar to Pilates I have been told, each movement beginning with a breathing routine to tighten tummy muscles, which is the most important part of all the exercises the physiotherapist said. He gave me four exercises which I did daily and I had to go back to him once they became too easy. He then gave me different ones to do. It has become part of my daily routine now and I quite enjoy it and do think I am starting to improve, able to stand for longer without backache. I also walk (stroll really!!) in the park for about fifteen minutes each day. So nothing at all strenuous and I certainly don't sweat - well, not if I avoid walking at midday when the temperature is now 30 degrees!
ReplyDeleteI’ve been to 2 Pilates classes that the physio takes and quite enjoyed them. Have booked another for next Friday. I did a beginners yoga class last week which was too much for the hip.
DeleteMy problem is I’m not very good at resting it.
I’ve had a date for my eye op, 7th July, so I’ll be resting my hip after that. 🤞it doesn’t get cancelled again.
Hips... Eyes... Heigh ho! Ptby, me too!! Had both cataracts finally removed (after covid delays) late last year and now have double vision which a prism lense doesn't solve completely. I have to go for a brain scan next month and am dreading it as I have become claustrophobic. I think I need to see if my doctor can give me something to calm me down. I was in tears the other day at the dentist's just for a routine checkup. I felt as though I was suffocating.
DeleteI have been told to try the 3 3 3 thing: name 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear and move 3 parts of your body. And slow deep breaths.
The dental nurse said to twist my feet but I suspect during the scan one has to remain immobile. Help!!
That's an unforeseen & distressing dilemma, Hilary. I suppose all you've gone through with very strict & long lockdowns has to be responsible for the claustrophobia. Maybe if you did the 333 counts on everything except the body , it might work ? Or simply visualize
Deletemoving toes ?
Add a mild sedative from the Dr., & you may feel safer. Good luck !
PtbY - I'd like to see them DARE to cancel your op. yet again !☹️ Take Daphne Dog with you, snarling & growling - just as a warning against any back sliding...
Lol. Thanks Carolyn. 😊
DeleteThank you, Carolyn, for your suggestions.
DeleteMiriam……
ReplyDeleteI’ve been thinking overnight about your missing / absent neighbours.
You have a fertile imagination and so I think you should put that to use and write a story about your neighbours disappearance and what might have happened to them. Then move on to writing their future.
Ev suggests you step up to the plate and send some ideas to the Archers team and I agree with her.
I don't know what you mean, as to my post about the plight of my neighbours.
DeleteWhat I posted was pure fact, and certainly NOT fiction. It is a real situation.
I am not a LIAR, and whatever I post is true.
MIRIAM …… please…. I am not suggesting for one minute that you were lying or that your post was fiction.
DeleteI believed your story and felt for you.
I was simply saying that as you have such a fertile imagination you could help yourself in your concerns for you neighbours by making their disappearance into a story by imagining what might have happened to cause them to disappear.
Please read carefully Miriam.
And I am very sorry that I caused you to think that my post was an attack.
It certainly WAS NOT.
Lady R its interesting peoples perspective of farming. I remember several years ago someone saying that at his age Brian wouldnt be knocking in fence posts by hand , no farmer would go to the trouble of putting the post knocker on the tractor for a few posts, more trouble than its worth, as to his age, not relevant , I think he is younger than me, 6 years ago when I was over 70 I built a fence from the field to the barn so the cattle could come and go as they pleased in the fly season, it stood the test of time, whilst I acknowledge that no self respecting Farmers fence would look like it, as some posts are not exactly upright, too many stones, now that the honeysuckle and jasmine are growing well it will soon be disguised. I still knock in the odd post. though not sure I would want to do more than the odd one now.
ReplyDeleteI know what so many others mean, re the going for scans along with the closed in spaces. Part of this has to come down to pure fear, for both the process and the results, which causes real anxiety + panic, as I well can relate to.
ReplyDeleteMy trick is to imagine lying on a sun lounger, in sunshine, on a beach with palm trees overhead, looking at a beautiful blue sea with white sands, with cocktail in hand.
It helps 🍹 🏝
Go to your Happy Place, and concentrate on that. I have just told mine, but others might be so very different.
DeleteI will be in a similar place soon 😔
Thank you, Miriam, for your suggestion. I wonder... perhaps if I actually drink the cocktail beforehand instead of just imagining it that migh work even better!
DeleteA doctor friend said if it's not a full body scan it will only be about twenty minutes....ONLY?!!!! I shall certainly need a long list of things to try!
It's interesting reading others feelings and experiences.
ReplyDeleteCovid has a lot to answer for, which might be spiking again, soon.
That January lockdown in 2021 was so bad. It was cold, with long dark mornings along with early dark afternoons, and being home alone, it really affected me both then and still now!