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Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
CowGirlJuly 8, 2022 at 7:53 AM
ReplyDeleteJanice, not sure we will get to see how the rats are taking the eggs as my little treats are going down at quite a pace !
Saw one outside my french windows last night , fortunately they were closed .
REPLYDELETE
EvJuly 8, 2022 at 8:14 AM
I can’t remember whether you have a cat, Cowgirl. Sounds like a good ratter is required! Dudley sniffed rats a few months ago and we found a dead one under one of our planters. We suspected they might be under Katy’s chalet office. We got the rat catcher in but he didn’t trap any although there was evidence of inroads to our garden. Since then Dudley has not been on red alert so presumably it or they were just passing through! Katy had spilled some of her ingredients for making bath bombs so we think that may have killed the one we found.
Ptby, after your awful day glad to see you are enjoying your programs on TV. Take care and hope next time it works out for you. I like your dog picture and seem to remember like us you have two. Which one is this? Mine is of Buddy proudly
Ev….dog pic is of Mabel, our 13 yr old labradoodle. She has really failed this last year since we moved. Become very clingy to Mr PtbY and has dementia.
DeleteDaphne, our Alsatian x mastiff is nearly 2 now. She’s in the cone of shame at the mo as she’s gashed her leg when out on a walk.
I thought it was your older one but didn’t like to say in case the puppy just looked older! Mabel is lovely! Hope Daphne makes a rapid recovery!
DeleteHave just re read mine of 8.14 yesterday which should read at the end, Buddy proudly wearing his rosette!
DeleteCowGirlJuly 8, 2022 at 9:17 AM
ReplyDeletePolitics is a very personal issue and debate can lead to some very heated discussion. Stasia has said that she has joined a group that allows this. Personally I would prefer this blog not to indulge in politics and to remain the friendly forum that it is.
You are ahead of us, mine aren't in flower yet. I usually try to plant some because they smell so nice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cowgirl, I think we had to make mention about the PM , indeed I was the first to do so, but now we can move on.
ReplyDeletePTBY like everyone else I hope that the hospital gets you sorted ASAP,
I’m back to the Grange this pm, Yeoman of the Guard, so another picnic on another sunny day☀️
Chilled melon soup with crab, crevettes with garlic mayo, cucumber & mint salted, couscous with pepper& courgettes, finishing with Eton Mess😋 All sitting in the fridge until we leave.
I hope everyone is OK with the heat.
I missed the load more comments. I think you have a brave cat Cowgirl. Ours are rabbiters and mousers, and once our neighbour saw Tiger, the wretch, jump up and catch a swallow flying low, but have only ever seen them with young rats. I think generally you need a dog for rats. Some years ago we had a lovely gentle fluffy black cat ( found as a stray kittencat with cat flu in my old off the road Morris car) and one of the funniest sights I saw was when he approached a rat under the bird feeder. The rat sat up chittering at him and then ran and started patting at him and our Suki fled with rat running after trying to catch his tail. He was such a beautiful cat that when we first had him I booked him in to be spayed because I thought he was female. They phoned me up from the vet to say he was male! I still miss him as he used to follow me around everywhere, I think because he was so ill when first found and I looked after him.
ReplyDeleteFinished lunch so now back out to pick more fruit in the sunshine for freezing. I feel like you Archerfile when it comes to the blackcurrants although I think you have a much bigger fruit garden than us. My father in law used to take out whole branches and then use a fork to run down them scraping off the berries. I suppose it acted as pruning at the same time. It only works if the berries ripen at the same time though, and if I wait until they are all ripe then the birds get there first.
DeleteYes I do that too Janice. The only problem is that you still get some tiny stalks that get between your teeth from the jam!
DeleteMy worst job with the fruit is the topping and tailing of gooseberries. Mr A and I sat with bowls around us last night while watching TV, snipping away with my embroidery scissors so at least the first picking is done. More to do later!
I remember Mike going off on an sailing jaunt leaving me holding the fort! The blackcurrants were ripe and I started off picking the individual bunches until I was fed up and like Janice’s father in law took out the fruiting branches to strip them off indoors. Mike was aghast but I think the pruning did them good as the next year we had fruit aplenty! My courgettes are starting to be harvested, small at the moment but knowing future abundance am picking when just big enough!
DeleteHospital rung….next op date is 4th aug. Can’t guarantee a bed though so might be a fruitless day again. 🤞
ReplyDeleteThere must be people in there who can’t be discharged as there is no one to look after them cruelly called bed blockers. It is time the powers that be brought back convalescent homes for them so that beds are available for post op. Maybe I’m being a bit simplistic!
DeleteI agree Ev that there is a dire shortage of places for people to go for rehabilitation when they no longer need to be on an acute ward. I now run the risk of getting on my hobby horse of community health being the Cinderella of the NHS so will say no more.
DeleteAnd also we greatly miss the old local Cottage Hospitals where one was often dispatched after an operation at the main (town) hospital.
DeleteThere was one at Iver, when I was a child, where my Mum spent time after a major operation at St Mary’s in London. Not only did it release a bed there but made it much easier for us to visit.
And I was sent to Abingdon Cottage Hospital for a week after giving birth to my daughter at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford. (Seems amazing, today, that one was kept in for a week after childbirth. But it did give time to learn how to breastfeed and care for a baby with plenty of help, unlike being pushed out within 24hrs today)
Alton Community Hospital has just gone back to 2 Wards (which it had anyway some years back) I think it’s another 24 bed so a big help to Basingstoke but then again people may be there some time waiting for at home packages or a place in a Care Home and the Dr’s of my Practice which is in the grounds support it which is more work for them - bless them.
DeleteI can't understand why they got rid of Convalescent Homes ,Ev.
ReplyDeleteI was sent to one after I had a miscarriage..
I suppose a lot of them have become Old Peoples' Homes.
Valentia
ReplyDeleteNamed Miriam after a small Island off the Irish coast.
She was due to calve so as per my normal practise I got up in the middle of the night to check, all OK. Around 6 I went to check she was slim but no sign of calf though I checked everywhere. At a reasonable hour I phoned the vet, who explained what the problem was an excess of fluid, rare in cattle though more often seen in sheep and goats. He came out and delivered the calf , so small that I could carry in one hand, obviously dead. Generally cows die from this condition as when the waters break there is a tremendous rush of water bringing the calf with it and the shock kills the cow, Valentia must have drained slowly . She was very distressed at losing her calf.
The following morning she was decidedly unwell, I was thinking about calling the vet when he arrived with student in tow to show her my set up, so he treated her and they went off with some cheese. The following day she was considerably worse, I left her in the stable whilst I took the others to milk. Before I had finished I went to check her , to my horror she was wobbling on her way to join us, I managed to get her back and shut the door . I brought the cows over and put her last years heifer in with her for comfort. The vet came again, said she was seriously unwell, which I knew he gave her a hefty dose of penicillin and told me to ring him in the morning . As he was with a client I left a message to say she was much better. He rang back and said what do you mean she is better, she should be dead. ! I put her recovery down to her will to live and the fact that I put her daughter in with her to comfort her. She took a long time to recover, her daughter staying with her during the day but with the rest of the herd at night
Another welcome instalment from your farming life cowgirl - both funny and emotional 👍
DeleteI was on tenterhooks reading this - was she going to survive ?😟
ReplyDeleteYour instincts were spot on what a marvellous outcome, congratulations !
This shows that however expert & conscientious the vet, the one who knows
their animal so well can make the saving move in extreme circumstances.
Oh what a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteI think you should be called "The Cow Whiperer,Cowgirl"
Did she go on to have more calves or did this experience put an end to all that for her? I really enjoyed the story too!😊
ReplyDeleteYes Seamus, normal birth, but thats another story.
ReplyDeleteMuch more interesting than The Archers
DeleteYes it is! It occurred the other day that apart from Ben’s exploits we don’t hear that much about Brookfield but way back it was one of the central farms and who can forget Dan and Doris? Well I think that was her name! I was only little at the time! No calving or lambing from there for a long time. Oops, maybe this should be on the other blog,!
DeleteKaty has had a couple of days up in London and is on her way back. Due home at about 11 as she is on the ferry now. The boys will be overjoyed with much barking so not much point in me settling down to sleep! We have all missed her! She says London was hot with too many people! I guess we get used to space around us on the island and for those of you in more rural places.
I really enjoy your cow tails too, Cowgirl. What was Seamus's story?
ReplyDeleteAll in good time Mistral have to string them out, bit like the Archers really !!!
ReplyDeleteIf you would like to see a Photo of Emerald Isle, if you tap in to your server The Cwm Gorphen Herd, my old web site should come up. Address etc no longer relevant
ReplyDeleteI've just done that and got a surprise. Even after decades over here I still expect cows to be light brown. Did you like in wait with camera at the ready or did you just happen to be in the right place as the calf was born? Lovely picture.
ReplyDeleteWas JB a minion or is that you?
No minion Sarnia , me.
DeleteAs I knew Emerald was just about due and she wasnt the most energetic I kept a close eye so was lucky to catch the moment.
LIE in wait!
ReplyDeleteCowgirl, Thank you so much for your anecdotes, I am really enjoying them. I looked at your website, lovely animals and an interesting history.
ReplyDeleteI hope no-one is finding the heat too much & that everyone is staying cool & hydrated.
Heat KP 😱 roll on Autumn hopefully a nice gentle 16 to 17c;🍁🍁🍁 (which prompts me to ask where are you Autumnleaves and our other over seas friends 🤔)
DeleteKP nuts, all the photos of dehorned cattle on the Kerry website are of my cattle
DeleteIt was lovely actually being able to see Emerald. Thank you cowgirl.
ReplyDeleteStill here, Lady R!
ReplyDeleteSweltering in daily temperatures of 32C, daily walk no later than 8am, very grateful for the airconditioning we had installed last year!
Blackberries now ripe and first batch of blackberry and apple jam made!
Big surprise last night
ReplyDeleteFrench family happily installed on daughter’s narrow boat on Saturday (no BA delays fortunately)
Meandering down the Kennet & Avon, enjoying every minute of a new experience, when the engine packed up and left them stranded in the middle (almost) of nowhere. So daughter recused them , secured boat until it can be repaired and brought family to me, 4 days earlier than expected.
Lovely to see them of course but I hadn’t shopped for 4 extra mouths yet, so it’s off to the supermarket this morning to stock up. Fortunately the boys were very happy camping in a tent in the garden and the spare room was all ready.
You could maybe try persuadeing the boys that picking blackcurrants and destemming them was almost as much fun as being on a canal boat! Bet they would love scrumping in the raspberry patch. Have a lovely time with your family.
DeleteHow lovely to be able to spend extra time with your family Archerfile
DeleteWhat a wonderful surprise for you. It was a shame about the boat trip though.
DeleteThank you all. Sadly the boys seem to to spend all their time on their tablets playing games (something they are not allowed to do much at home). But Sarah , my d.I.l. Is spending ages amongst the fruit bushes, picking and cleaning berries.
DeleteToday they have gone to the Hawk Conservancy near Andover to see vultures, owls etc and watch Hawks flying.
It seems I am very lucky with the weather, as it is not too hot. It is sunny and around 24 to 25C with a lovely gentle fresh breeze. No "Sweaty Betty" for me.
ReplyDeleteI am having a couple of upsetting days. On Friday night I went to sleep with my cat curled up beside me, purring loudly. This was the last time I saw her. I have been out searching, calling but there is no sign. She has vanished without a trace. It is a mystery - which will probaly never be solved.
She is/was 17yrs, but healthy and active, for her age and ate very well. She had no obvious ailments.
I have searched long and hard, and am covered in nettle stings.
It is so out of character esp. as she is/was a true scaredy cat.
Can you put up posters in the area with a description, & photo, if possible, + also notes through doors ? Sometimes cats get shut in people's sheds.
DeleteIf she was microchipped, she could be identified by a vet.
Do hope you get good news.
Sorry to hear of your distress Miriam, she may still come home, dont give up hope yet. One of mine went missing for over a week and came back stinking goodness knows where he had been.
DeleteOh, Miriam, I do hope you find her.
DeleteAs she was last seen on your bed, is it just possible that she might be stuck somewhere in the house?
ReplyDeleteOh Miriam, I do hope you are able to find her.
DeleteAre you on a local neighbourhood FB Group or the NextDoor App, if so do put out distress / lost Cat posts, people are always very helpful and you might find that there is a local ‘ find your pet ‘ site. Also Cat rescues will help you to find her. The best advice is to put your cats litter tray out in the garden. Apparently a cat can smell its tray from up to a mile away.
You should also report her absence to any local vets or go to them with pictures of her and a lost notice.
Good luck Miriam.
Like everyone else Miriam I hope Pusscat is found soon, it is horrible when a pet is missing.
ReplyDeleteKeeping 🤞for you Miriam
ReplyDeleteI am really sorry to hear about Puss cat Miriam
ReplyDeleteI hope you get better news very very soon
We had a cat go missing for 5 days once and then suddenly turn up again. Don’t lose hope yet Miriam. Good advice to alert the vets though.
ReplyDeleteReally feeling for you Miriam puss is ( not entertaining was ) your treasured companion and devastated to hear she has currently gone awol keep the faith 🥰
ReplyDeleteMiriam, sometimes in hot weather cats will find a cool place to sleep. Even though you say it’s not extremely hot the nighttime temperature is still high and she may have found it too hot. My cat is 16yrs and I have to search the the garden and field at the back to make sure she is ok. Your furry girl may, like mine, be snuggled under a bush keeping cool.
ReplyDeleteA cool dingly dell is always welcome in hot weather.
Do follow the advice given by others on the blog.
Thinking of you and your puss Miriam. Have you looked everywhere indoors? I only say that because years ago our Tabitha vanished after a terrific thunder and lightning storm. The last time I had seen her was indoors but we hunted everywhere. 2 days later I opened a drawer under a bed and she shot out none the worse for wear, but hungry. It must have been open at the time of the storm and then got shut afterwards without anyone realising she was there.
ReplyDeleteAs I was pushing my wheelbarrow up the hill to water my trees on the footpath I was recalling my time when I lived high on the moors. We had had no rain for 6 weeks and my private water supply had dried up as had the ponies and ducks. When I bought the house I had not been told, though perhaps I should have guessed when I found a stirrup pump.I was fortunate i n that there was a stream that was still flowing in the valley bottom where my collecting tank was, so every night I had to pump the water into the tank to be then pumped up into the holding tank. A colleague at work gave me a second pump, but I can assure you it is hard work, and of course I then had to carry water from the house to the animals. I was more fortunate than many as some farmers I knew had to purchase tanker loads .I carried water home from work for drinking.
ReplyDeleteThis is all so interesting and is a sharp reminder of how much the rest of us take for granted.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - I am so distressed to hear about your beloved Puss Cat. I can offer hope in the fact that our Claudius went missing for several weeks, assumed gone for ever and suddenly turned up, dashed upstairs and spent 2 days under our sons bed before being tempted out with KitZyme tablets which he loved. Also our French family’s cat who was missing for three weeks at Christmas. They launched a campaign on Facebook and she was eventually spotted and returned.
ReplyDeleteDo hope you have good news soon
I had a cat who disappeared into the wooded area of the grounds of a flat I lived in at the time, my then husband searched there everyday and on one of his forays he was just standing still when Sparky appeared out of a badger set - very thin but thrilled to be back.
DeleteThe flats (previously a big house) was called “ Brockhurst Lodge”!
When we lived in HongKong a water shortage meant that water was switched off for several hours each day. It then had to be boiled for drinking. Having a baby in the house, Katy, we had to be very careful but thankfully came through it in one piece! I really admire your enterprise and hard work, Cowgirl!
ReplyDeleteMiriam, thinking about puss cat, she is old and doesn’t seem to stray far from the house so like others I wonder whether she is close to home. Janice’s tale of her cat caught in the drawer is an example of how cats can tuck themselves away. My father in law had one who got under the floorboards having found a hole behind the boiler! He was a bit feral and had been recently rescued so I’m sure Pusscat hasn’t done anything so drastic! My sister in law had a cat who liked to curl up in the airing cupboard. I take it Pusscat could access outside as you have searched out there so perhaps she found a niche out there. Hoping for good news soon!☺️🥰
Miriam: isn't there an empty house next door to you? Could Pusscat have got in there?
ReplyDeleteI don’t wish to upset Miriam unnecessarily and I do hope that pusscat does come home, but cats will go out and find a quiet place to die.
DeleteThis has happened to me twice in the past. And on both occasions I was fortunate to find the cat and have it kindly euthanised. Kind because the cat is likely to die quietly, alone, but in pain.
Miriam, your cat is very old, and I remember that a few months ago you thought she /he was close to its end of life. It did recover I remember, but it might have been a warning, to you and the animal itself.
I am suggesting, without I hope alarming you, that your lovely puss may have known and might well be in that overgrown garden next door.
I hope I am wrong, and puss will come home soon, but if not I hope you are
able to prepare yourself for the worst.
And I hope you will be able to take my words as a kindness to you, which is how they are meant.
Our Solomon did that,Mrs P. For the last few nights of his life he wouldn't come in the house, choosing to sleep under the huge camelia in the front garden. We understood and left him there
DeleteCow Girls tale about water and Evs response as well as Sarnia focusing on what we take for granted tempts me to out myself regarding one of my eccentricities.
ReplyDeleteMy family and those who know me and my home personally, know all about my milk bottles, and my family in particular deride me for them.
My father spent a number of years in Africa and frequently reminded us that water was a special commodity. That and my own observations of wastage of water along with the attitudes of those around me has led me to be a water saver.
I have for years had a bath at night. I feel guilty about this fact, so to mitigate my use of water for my bath by saving all the water that I can the rest of the time.
I have always preferred to have a hot water tank and that tank is invariably in the top part of a home. At the kitchen sink this usually means that quite a lot of water needs to be run off before the water is hot enough for washing up, so all the cold water that runs before the hot emerges is run into an empty plastic milk bottle. In my cottage that was five litres of cold water before the hot, not wasted but collected in bottles. This collected water was then used for rinsing, as well as the animals water. Also I come from a generation that had lead pipes in our homes when young and it was common practice to run off the cold water that might have been sitting in those lead pipes for many hours. We don’t have lead pipes anymore, but a water inspector once told me that despite no lead in the water pipes now, it was still a good idea to run off a certain amount of water to eradicate certain chemicals that would have settled in the standing water. So first thing in the morning three litres is run off into my bottles.
On some days, if there are too many filled bottles not used for rinsing I will use it to water plants indoors or out, or pour the water into the washing machine which will hold a good number of litres, and this means that when the next time the washing machine is used it will need less water to start the wash. I have a smaller number of bottles in the bathroom to save the water run off before the hot comes through and that is used in my bath at night.
Occasionally I am applauded for my efforts, but most of the time it’s a case of derision aimed at me for what I hope is my small attempts at decreasing the huge use of an expensive commodity.
I am under no illusions that my, and our, grandchildren will be likely to see water wars in their lifetimes. It is already happening in certain areas of the world, and I am acutely aware that I belong to a generation in this part of the globe who have had the best of most of what this planet can give, increasingly throughout our lives.
We do the same Mrs P but collect the water in a watering can and use it on plants.
DeleteThank you, Mrs P. You have reminded me that since the resulting chaos of Mr S's demise plus the long isolation of lockdown, my water saving strategies have fallen by the wayside. I will mend my ways immediately.
ReplyDeleteI am mocked for my frugal ways with butter, by younger ones who never had to make 4oz last a week.
I am sorry Mrs P but I will not be frugal as regards water.
ReplyDeleteI usually only have one shower a day (as opposed to having one bath a week when I was a girl admittedly) ,I do not have a dishwasher but I do water my garden with a hosepipe.
I don't ever have a bath(because I haven't got one )
I do not feel guilty either.
Why would I spend a lot of money on flowers and bushes to see die in very hot weather?
I cannot lift a heavy watering can now and wouldn't have the energy to water the whole garden that way if I could.
The lawn is pale beige and I never water it.
I water at night and early in the morning most nights and will continue to do so unless there is a hosepipe ban
We have a bath but I never use it as it is so difficult getting out! Katy does though as she has special moisturising bath bombs which help her psoriasis. Normally this is only two or three times a week. We have daily short showers in the morning but with this hot weather we have both had a quick rinse this evening! Our hot water is heated as we need it with a condensing boiler and no hot water tank. There is a run off before the hot comes through, maybe not as much as with a tank, and at this time of year I do use that to water the tomatoes etc.
ReplyDeleteWe do take water for granted but since moving to the island my monthly payment has doubled. It is expensive here as some of it comes from the mainland so economic matters focus the mind on not wasting it! Mrs P I really do applaud your efforts but if you are allowed by local regulations suggest you have a water butt which you can fill with excess water and have a tap on it as they do to take water when you need it. I imagine bottles everywhere causes clutter and can attract derision from those who are less careful! A water butt is a bit more tidy and discreet! 😊
ReplyDeleteMrs P .when cats feel ill they lie down and go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteThey don't want food and possibly do not want drink.
They don't need or want someone to be with them.
Yes ,a cat may be so ill that it might die but I believe the cat goes to sleep and just does not wake up.
Once asleep he or she feels no pain.
Re water- I do have a water butt of sorts but it is a large metal container which is quite low so. Not easy to fill watering cans.
ReplyDeleteMr LJ fixed guttering onto his tool shed -water butt next to that- and the water comes via the gutter
I can dip the smaller watering cans into it without a problem but not the larger ones.
There is no tap on the butt but in any case I wouldn't be able to lift a large can up from the round.
I haven't been on a aeroplane for 10years so am helping the planet by not travelling by air.
Reading about possible "water wars" makes me think I should get the old well in the field working again. There is a huge holding tank just below ground level near the well, and I was told that it took a man turning the wheel for a whole day to fill it up and then that water lasted for well over a year, someone once told me 7 years but I find that hard to believe. It was in the days when there were no washing machines or dishwashers, and people just had the one bath a week. The wheel was seized up before I came here, and mains water had been put in, but during the time after the water "poisoning" event here in 1988 I had the water tested and was told there were no chemicals but some bacteria in it and that as long as we boiled it for 2 minutes before drinking it would be alright to use it. Since then I had a new pipe ( to replace the old rusting iron one) laid in the field as far as the veg garden, but it still needs to be carried on down from there to the tap by the house where I could at least water the garden with it. I think I would need to hire a pump to fill the tank though, the wheel seems immovable.
ReplyDeleteI’m beginning to despair about the number of products with palm oil in them. I try to avoid it because of burning down forests to plant palms and recently heard the big companies doing this do not benefit the local poor communities as they had promised beforehand. I have found today it is in pastry products such as pork pies and quiches. It is a cheap substitute for butter and reflects in the poorer taste of some things nowadays.
ReplyDeleteMy other bugbear is the amount of things made in China. Even looking for a new hosepipe the other day on Amazon, the poor English in the descriptions showed that these were made in China. Our own manufacturing industries have declined so much! You just wonder why some things are not made here! Higher wages of course but again big business cutting corners at the base to flourish at the top! Getting off my high horse now!
Agree absolutely. After what was going on in Hong Kong (I was particularly annoyed that the memorial to the Tiananmen Square killings was taken down ) I decided no more buying of things from China and then discovered exactly how difficult that is. Becoming too dependent on another country for things is never a good idea.
DeleteMrs P my son says don't worry too much about our grandchildren facing water wars because he thinks by then we will be using nuclear power ( hopefully nuclear fusion rather than nuclear fission) to desalinate sea water. I wonder if the sea level would go down then or whether it would balance itself out.
ReplyDeleteYes Janice, I am aware of desalination options, and am kept abreast of much that is in the future or might already be in the pipeline. As well as my own interest in science my son-in-law is a global environmentalist at a very high level. His worries are also about water but more to do with the oceans than my meagre activities to do with personal use domestically.
DeleteIncidentally I don’t need any apologists, I observe and create my own rules to live by, but it is not for me to judge and I don’t !
When my father was an engineer in the Navy in World War1, one of his responsibilities was the equipment for desalination of seawater for use on board warships.
DeleteFor years afterwards he would regularly write to the government suggesting the building desalination plants on the south coast to provide water for the expanding population of the southeast.
The United Arab Emirates, like Dubai, get all their water from huge desalination plants and have have made the desert bloom
It would seem an even more sensible solution for the provision of water these days.
We visited Malta twice some years ago, where desalinated water was in use, and it was dreadful. The salt content was still high enough to produce blisters around my mouth, even just drinking from cups or glasses washed in it, and washing my hair made my face go red and swell up. It cost us a fortune in bottled water. Never again!
ReplyDeleteFortunately they seem to have overcome that problem now, nothing wrong with it in Dubai or they wouldn’t get all those visitors! 😄
DeleteAs well as deforestation for the palm trees it also done to grow soya, for tofu etc so beloved by Vegans . I rest my case.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Cowgirl. Vegans think they are saving the planet but need to look more closely at the source of their diet. In Hong Kong, sea water was used to flush the toilets with separate water supply for drinking etc. I think like us on the island much of it was imported from the mainland. We were always exhorted to use it carefully and we did have showers unlike in married quarters in UK which only had baths at the time - the 1970’s.
ReplyDeleteI don’t always listen to the Food Programme on R4 Sunday late morning, and I wasn’t listening carefully at all last week or the week before, but I did catch the gist of one topic, that being the high level of processing required for much vegetarian and vegan foods.
DeleteLike CowGirl I too will rest my case.
There is a growing body of evidence that ultra processed food is detrimental to health as well as being designed to make us want to eat more of it. Being cheaper than healthier options means that many people don't have the choice of eating a better diet. I think that the problems we are storing up with this sort of food will be looked back on in the same way as smoking is now.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you C C 100%
DeleteChange of topic - Mrs P have I missed details of how your move went and news of how you, Lady & puss are settling into your new home and surroundings. I do recall a conversation with the BT (?) man regarding nearby rivers… so glad you got to make your move, and in the Summertime so you will be settled in nicely come Winter 🤗
ReplyDeleteLady R -
DeleteYes the move went fairly smoothly with only a couple of hiccups.
The cat escaped from his harness on the third day, but turned up at the back door many hours later, so then became free to roam at will.
I collected Lady a few days later and she has settled extremely well into her new home and very happy to follow the many rabbit trails on her walks up on Exmoor.
My new home is a direct contrast to my dark Cotswold cottage, full of light and air with large windows typical of an Edwardian House.
So glad Mrs P and it sounds a really really lovely place, as it is part of an Edwardian house now I am totally fascinated - how many apartments are there and did it have any servants quarters in its day? I hope I’m not being too nosey but I am so interested and wonder if period features been retained etc
DeleteYesterday my niece and I had a good laugh as her 6 1/2 year old son had put a note on his door,
ReplyDelete"Sam and Kevin (he calls them mum and dad ) staye out of me bedroom till I let you come in."
When I thought about it afterwards, he is learning about respect a topic of which my niece is very hot on. though he hadn't included his sister
🤣 well that’s told them!
DeleteI see there has not been a post from Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI fear for the loss of her cat.
MIRIAM - we will all understand how worried you will be or grief stricken if he has died.
Please let us know how you are.
Yes, please let us know Miriam.
DeleteI agree Mrs P - I keep checking! Wether you post or not Miriam if you are at least reading the blog I am sending virtual love and support at this obviously very distressing time for you 💐
DeletePuss cat update.
ReplyDeleteAfter days of looking and searching I have just found her remains in undergrowth. She was in exactly the area where I thought she would be. It wasn't very nice as it loiks like she had something impaled on her belly.
At least I now know for certain.
The house seems empty without her and the one thing that has surprised me is that, I hadn't realised how much I talked to her.
Thank you ALL for your so many kind tboughts and wishes. It has meant so much.
Now to find a replacement, which won't be long in coming.
I have already spotted one which appeals.... in a cat rescue centre...
Thanks again.🤗🤗🤗
So sorry to hear the sad news Miriam.
DeleteMiriam, we have all been there and know how difficult it is, just focus all the good times you had together.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new puss.
Pleased to hear that you're settling in to your new home Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your cat Miriam. At least you have certainty and not be forever wondering.
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding another.
Yes, echo those thoughts. I hope you find another just as loving. It has been very upsetting. This might be a good time to get away between cats as I remember you saying it was very difficult to go on holiday because of leaving her. Sending love and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMight just do that. Thanks.
DeleteThat's very brave of you, Miriam. Our Solomon was one of a kind, absolutely irreplaceable. We could never bring ourselves to get another.
ReplyDeleteI have already submitted an enquiry about a replacement. As much as I loved my Pusscat, I cannot imagine not having a cat around.
DeleteIt will be a while before I hear anything, if at all.
On a completely different topic. A few years ago my Little Sis and Hubby bought a rusty and clapped out VW campervan. This my bro in law lovingly restored and Sis designed the interior. It is beautiful. It was in a garage in Norwich for some repairs until last night, when it was stolen. The police don't hold out much hope of getting it back. My eldest niece (Big Sis daughter) also had a camper van, and was a great enthusiast. I have sent her photos, which she is distributing to all her VW friends and various groups.
ReplyDeleteTo make matters worse Little Sis's son went to his garage tonight, only to find one of his motorbikes has also been stolen.
Heartbreaking Miriam 😔
DeleteThey must be very chastened to have a number of vehicles being stolen.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the Norwich Police get some leads and that the insurance companies pay up too.
So pleased to hear that your coping with puss moving on MIRIAM.
I would never want to replace a dog immediately but like you always want a cat around the house. I hope you get the kitten or perhaps a little older that you have your eye on. And well done for finding puss, however many days it took !
SARNIA - Solomon ! What a smashing name for a cat.
The one I am interested is, is a 5yr old female. I don't want a kitten or a very young cat. I have submitted an enquiry, but it will be a while before I hear anything even if I am a match, which I might not be.
DeleteThird time lucky I hope Miriam - I posted immediately your news came in and again about 15 mins ago - nothing 😡
DeleteFeel for you in the loss of your lovely puss but glad to read you are going to give another deserving cat a loving home 🥰 🐈⬛
Mrs P: Solomon had very large feet as a kitten so that we weren't quite sure what to expect as a full-grown result. He was named by my daughter, on the grounds that it would be most suitable if he turned out out to be wise, and funny if he wasn't. He was very vocal and tried his hardest to copy human speech. He managed what could be interpreted as 'hello', 'thank you' when let in through the door, and a very full-throated and angry Noooooo! when he didn't wish to comply.
ReplyDeleteHis attempts to play the piano and pick up wind instruments were hilarious, but he gave up sitting on David's lap to join him in reading the newspaper as he obviously couldn't see what the attraction was.
So sorry to hear about your pusscat Miriam, and glad that you had that last night with her purring on your bed.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely thing to remember.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, you've set me remembering.
ReplyDeleteWARNING: two more Solomon stories then I'll desist.
Soon after we got him at 8 weeks old I bought him a grey furry bean bag mouse with a red underside. To our astonishment, the first thing he did with it was to pick it up by the scruff of its neck and place it carefully on the (freshly-cleaned) litter tray. An animal playing 'make-believe'?
We also bought him a carpeted pyramid with an opening to get inside and a small rubber ball suspended from the apex on a piece of elastic. At first, just like a human infant, when the ball went round the back he lost interest because it had gone. Then one day he got on the top and saw where it was.
The next time he was watching football on TV with David, when the ball went off-screen Solomon went and looked round the back of the set, expecting it to be there.
I've never had a cat before or since. Are they all like this?
One of my cats loved balls on the TV screen. She would sit and swipe the tv screen trying to play with the balls. Snooker was her favourite and yes she too looked behind the tv. Another was mesmorised every time there was a lion etc.on screen and woul sit and hiss.
DeleteSadly we dont give animals enough credit for having both intelligence and emotions,, just as a human baby he was trying to work thing out for himself, so in answer to your question Sarnia, yes.
ReplyDeleteOn one occasion I was coming out of the stable (my cows were housed in what was a stable block ) with my cow Emerald when Scarlett who was bulling came barging in forcing me against the wall and screaming with pain and almost passing out. Scarlett was oblivious, but Vanilla was so distressed., for 3 days I had to encourage her to come in and then she only did so backwards.
Cows generally show grieve for 3 or 4 days, though of course we dont know what else is going on in their minds.
It is an interesting fact that cows respond better when they have a personal name, even if it be just a number, they also give more milk and are calmer if music is playing when you milk, I always sang to mine. If you part with a cow she will remember you for years and come to you if you call.
Error coming out with Vanilla.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - what sad news about puss-cat and how distressing for you to find her like that.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will be able to transfer your love and affection to a new companion who will give you love and comfort in return.
Do let us know all about him/her when they arrive and make sure to post a picture of your new puss.
We're off to visit our daughter who lives near Bath today. Will be travelling back on Monday when it's going to be so hot!
ReplyDeleteIt's Tatton Flower Show next week, I feel sorry for those trying to get the show gardens ready in all that heat. We've booked to visit on Wednesday when thunderstorms are predicted!
Sarnia - could you describe Solomon please. Size, coat colour etc.
ReplyDeletewhen you described his sounds / voice, I wondered if you had a Main Coon.
Will tell more cat stories if you reply.
Very large grey tabby, as predicted by the foot size, with sandy markings around his nose and mouth. These extended down his underside, where the sandy stripes met in perfect symmetry to form a 'v' shape in what looked like a seam.
ReplyDeleteHe was a very handsome fellow, but certainly not a main coon. My son has one of those exactly like the one in the Purina cat food ad, even with the same name. She takes the eccentricity of cats to an entirety different level!
Love your stories Cow Whisperer.
ReplyDeleteI am really sorry to hear about Puss cat Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI have been there twice .
Poppy and Percy tell me that you are doing the right thing in getting another cat ,not to replace Puss Cat because no cat will be able to do that but to have as a little companion to look after and love.
I talk to my cats all the time.
Good Luck with the weather when you go to Tatton Flower Show,Cheshire Cheese.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is not too hot.
It is my favourite of all the Shows I have been to.
I love the little back to back gardens (or whatever they are called) and the displays from various towns and cities.
Thinking about shows I once went the the Cheshire county show, mainly because it had a large cheese section. I duly parked and as the weather had been poor put on my farming gear, trousers jacket and boots and went in. I was looked at by many with some disdain, but when I got in, the main paths were so muddy matting had been put down . There were all these women struggling in their high heels. I had the last laugh though as before the day was out the heavens opened and people were dashing for cover, I was able to wander to my hearts content, dry and not bothered by the crowd.
ReplyDeleteJanice, was that the water-poisoning in a place beginning with C, when a lorry driver emptied his noxious cargo down the wrong manhole? If so, I remember it being on the news.
ReplyDeleteYes that's right Sarnia. It affected the whole of the area. I have to tread carefully as I could get very political here. Let's just say I lost my rose tinted glasses and learnt that politicians and government departments could lie through their teeth long before the present shenanigans, and in much more serious ways. The water industry was about to be privatised. The Government didn't want anything to rock the boat, and neither did South West Water. At first they tried to deny anything had happened, then that it wasn't serious. The Department of Health sent out letters to GPs telling them basically to ignore patients symptoms. We had one great ex army doctor who had the courage to say what he thought of this. I attended many meetings and could go on and on about the various attempts made to shut people up.
DeleteSome people left instructions that when they died they were to have a brain analysis done, and they were found to have extremely high deposits of aluminium in the brain.
If a proper longterm study had been done afterwards it could have provided useful information as to the effects of aluminium ( and lead etc that was stripped off the pipes by the acid) on the brain. In the early years I did take part in some research done independently and had to travel up to Birmingham for tests. Fortunately I was still breastfeeding my son and hoped that might have had a protective effect, but like others with young children here I thought that my daughter's behaviour altered afterwards.
It was not the poor driver's fault. Basically there had been cuts in staffing connected with the drive for privatisation, and the site was no longer manned, and the driver had been given a key and told to put the aluminium in the tank the key unlocked, which is exactly what he did. It opened the first hatch he came to, but what he hadn't been told was that the key fitted all the hatches.
I no longer have any trust in Government. They sold us down the river for their own ends.
I think maybe I should have used the word personality instead of behaviour.
DeleteI watched part of the program on Channel 4 with the five contenders last might. It was very telling that when the audience were asked to put up their hand if they trusted politicians, not one hand was raised! The hush hush around Camelford is another example of money coming before safety.
DeleteOh yes they will do anything to cover their backs if they can get away with it.
DeleteIn 1991 there was a big investigation into child care practise in one local Authority called "The Pin Down report."
To cover their tracks The Chair of Social Services and the Director wrote to all my staff asking them to sign that they didnt follow any of the practises described.My heads of units came to me and said we dont do this but because we are understaffed we do......
So they decided a report was the way forward, fine but you must be able to prove everything stated.I duly wrote the report, placed it on the Directors desk as well as the Chair and waited for all hell to let loose. I hadnt even told my boss.
We were called to a meeting 2 days with the Director and Chair and told we were being give 2 extra staff per unit, but it would never happen again. Nothing was ever said to me , though a while later we had a new assistant Director and I was travelling somewhere with him and he said to me "I was frightened of you when I first came but you arent so bad" I was the only officer who new anything about residental care so was always challenging on behalf of the children, some of the most ridiculous directives that came out. They must have been rejoicing when I moved on.
Good for you Cowgirl.
DeleteI am looking forward to the 1st Night of the Proms, with music I love - Verdis Requiem. My neighbours are out, so I can have a good sing-along 😆
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourites too. I sang in the chorus with the Birmingam Symphony
DeleteOrchestra, before they had their own choir. ( not good enough for their choir ) so i still have my score to sing along with.
I too shall be listening.
DeleteToday we had lunch out at a small tearoom not far from us. Young family at the table across from us. Dad on his lap top the whole time. Mother playing something with the 2 children. The kids never stopped talking loudly the entire time we were there. The occasional ssshhh from the mother but that’s all. I said to husband “that kids gonna struggle when it goes to school and has to be quiet.” Why do parents nowadays think that everyone else wants to hear their kids, basically shouting, all the time. Why can’t kids be taught to speak quietly when out in a place with other people instead of shouting “ mummy, mummy, mummy” constantly.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a dog friendly place and our daphne came straight in, under the table and not a peek out of her the whole time.
Much quieter and better behaved than said children.
Rant over.
It’s amazing that on a family meal out Dad had to be engrossed in his laptop! Sounds like Mum doesn’t have much support from him! I agree that kids have to learn there are times when they need to be a bit quieter especially when in situations like this. It is awful when you want to go for a peaceful meal to be disturbed by noisy behaviour!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely PtbY
DeleteAs a young mother I advocated for children to be included in restaurant meals in a time when children were not to be seen let alone heard.
I now rue the day when I did so.
When we were able to take our children out to eat mine were taught to continue the manners that were imposed upon them at home, as well as keeping voices modified to a normal level.
This meant of course including staying at table for as long any in the party we’re still eating. We as a family always ate together at a table laid with cutlery and condiments. If a visit to the lavatory was required, permission to leave the table was required and a reminder to walk quietly to and from the facilities.
The only other family I have ever had to do with is my daughters and the same rules appear to be as mine were.
When out with my grandchildren such as a museum and having tea, I observed that my Gchildren continued the practice that they had learned at home.
I often wonder what such children as you observed PtbY do at mealtimes when at home.
No rant PtobeY
DeleteChildren today are not disciplined or taught to respect. It is all about being friends
I am a disciplarian, without discipline there is no self discipline.
My sister used to drive me mad with her daughter, no was never said ,everything was a long explanation as to why until one day I said if She is in danger you need her to obey instantly, she got the message.
Her daughter too Mrs P has the same set of values as we share and those values I always used in my work with children in care.
It started years ago. About 30 years back I was in a comprehensive school and heard a girl hailing the headmaster by saying loudly “ Oi, Sir!” We never would have dared to be so casual. The head was a distant, awesome figure!
DeleteMy siblings and I were always told we were too badly behaved to be taken out to eat anywere nice. Though looking back, I suspect it was actually more an issue of cost. (And, after all, we were all absolute angels 😉)
DeleteWe were angels too! Every Christmas we had a big parcel from our relatives in Glasgow. One year Mum had popped out to the corner shop no doubt, having chats en route! The parcel arrived and Malcolm and I could not wait so opened it and our presents! It was about a week before Christmas Day,! We got smacked bottoms from Mum and of course far less surprises on Christmas Day! That was just one of our escapades. I’m not sure how she coped with us! 😊😇
DeleteAs you can see, I have changed my profile picture. This is my new cat.
ReplyDeleteI went to see her in the rescue centre today, fell in love immediatly and brought her straight home. She is about 5yrs old, jet black with vivid green eyes. She is a bit overwhelmed at the moment,and is in a hidey hole under a wardrobe in my study.She comes out, covered in dust and cobwebs, when I speak to her and is very affectionate loving cuddles. I am shutting her into the spare bedroom overnight, away from the wardrobe!!
So so pleased for you Miriam 🐈⬛ she looks adorable. (Even more pleased to hear you have cobwebs too 🤣)
DeleteAll good wishes to you and ? I'm sure she will soon settle .
ReplyDeleteWhat are you going to call her, Miriam?
ReplyDeleteI am very pleased for you -and her -Miriam.
ReplyDeleteOh well done Miriam and good for you for choosing a black cat.
DeleteI am always puzzled by the statistics that say that black cats are the least likely to be adopted.
I’ve lost count of the number of black cats throughout my life, but I’ve never forgotten the first, Peter.
I hope you have many happy years together Miriam and do let us know when you’ve chosen the name.
She's called Bonnie - as she is such a bonny girl. She was in the shelter for over 2 months, with very little interest. She has a heart murmer which might, or then, might not detriorate. That did not put me off at all and she will have the best care available. Last night she came out of her hidey hole, straight downstairs and jumped on my lap, whrre she curled up purring away. She's home!
DeleteThat’s lovely Miriam. She’s certainly landed on her feet.
DeleteI wish you many happy years together Miriam
DeleteWell you could say Bonnie has landed on her paws P tbY !
DeleteIn one way at least she is better off than Poppy and Percy.
It is ,I think,a lot hotter down here and the cats hate it-like me.
I understand there was rain in North Yorkshire earlier today .
I wish they could send some of it down here.
I think Bonnie is a very lucky little puss to have found such a lovely home and a loving companion to look after her. I wish you many years of happiness together. 🥰
DeleteThat is a very nice name Miriam
DeleteI wish you many happy years together, heart murmur or not.
I have a congenital heart murmur and I’ve lasted this long. Forget it !
Bonnie 🐈⬛ just right Miriam. I love black cats and now Bonnie has a wonderful and new happy home and you someone to chat to once more. Bless you both 🥰
ReplyDeleteLan jan, we did have some rain this morning but so little it has done no more than wet the leaves , so sorry none to pass down, though probably a little cooler up here, plus my house is always cool downstairs.
ReplyDeleteI’m in hot weather routine which means pacing myself and having lots of reading time! It is difficult as there is lots I could be doing which has to be left but maybe we all need slowing down time now and again!
ReplyDeleteMy outdoors tomatoes are beginning to ripen so looking forward to them! Dogs are having very early walks and I am keeping hydrated! Wishing those in the red alert area well and hope you get some respite soon!
I 9nly planted one cucumber plant this year and have already picked 4 of them, just wish to toms would ripen up too, but I expect the next couple of days will do the trick!
Delete🍅 🥒
I planted two courgette plants and have already picked quite a few. Maybe next year I’ll just have one! You run out of ideas as to what to do with them! Miriam, wishing you and Bonnie well and sorry to hear about the VW which I hope is repairable. It was obviously in careless or incompetent hands. Trouble is that now it has been invaded. Our car was broken into in Bristol years ago but they couldn’t get it started so it stayed put. Even so I felt uncomfortable sitting in the seat which had had an alien bum on it! That’s me, totally over sensitive! My mum used to announce to all and sundry “ She’s highly strung”! Didn’t help the confidence much!!
DeleteI stayed in today, as the house was much cooler than even being in the shade outside. My kitchen never gets any sun, so on a hot day, it is bliss. The quickest way I cool off, is to stand on my kitchen floor with bare feet...it works well. I always keep bottles of water in the fridge, so they are icy cold.
ReplyDeleteI wish those of you in the red area, well.
The zoo is closed for the next 2 days, so the keepers can protect the animals in the best way possible.
Little Sis's stolen VW campervan has been found. The police stopped it on Friday night but the occupants ran off. It is now being examined by forensics. I don't know what happened, but it was crashed and the car it collided with was a complete write off. They are expecting it to be badly damaged, as they still haven't seen it.
ReplyDeleteI’m taking it easy in the heat. I’ve actually read a book over the last 2 days, something I haven’t done in a good 12 months or so.
ReplyDeleteWatched murder in Provence tonight with my favourite in it….Roger Allam.
A light detective series with lovely scenery.
Now to bed with the ladies of letters!
I've recorded Murder in Provence. I like to record series like this, to then binge watch over a couple of days . I always like Roger Allam and loved him in Converstions of a Long Marriage . I also spotted Ladies of Letters and have downloaded it, to be listened to in the next few days, when it is cooler and I decide to do some housework again.
DeleteI've got a temp. of 37C forecast for this afternoon, but I hope it doesn't get that hot.
We decided to drive home from my daughter's near Bath yesterday evening instead of today to avoid the heat. Off to get my vegetable patch watered now before it gets too hot.
ReplyDeleteI did as recommended yesterday, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. The only problem with that was, I spent all night running to the loo!! 🤣
ReplyDeleteHello, you lovely people. Went onto Gary's blog and thought you had all disappeared into the night. Took me a while but I've managed to find you. I will have to check in more often. Don't want to lose track of you all again.Wild weather here, blowing a gale (literally) and rain and snow on the way. I hope you are all coping with the heat. Remember, only mad dogs and Englishmen (women are more sensible) go out in the noonday sun.
ReplyDeleteNZ, my daughter's in the Auckland area and she was down at a friend's bach by the sea for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteEnZed - so glad you have found us! It seems so strange, us experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded in the UK whilst you are having gales and snow!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately British houses are not built for very hot weather and apart from closing all the curtains & putting fans on, there is not much more we can do.
Our son’s house in France has electrically controlled blinds on the outsides of the windows which really keep the heat out, and tiled floors which are much cooler than carpet! We might have to do the same here if these heatwaves persist.
I'm glad you found us EnZed, welcome to the new lifeboat!
ReplyDeleteI've put a post on both blogs on the old site explaining why we've moved and where to find us. I know there are links further up the blog, but not everyone reads all the previous posts. Hopefully now everyone will now be able to come straight here and not have to wonder why we've all apparently jumped ship.
Welcome back into the fold ENZED - and thank you Old Woman for thinking of doing that, AND finding a way of doing so.
ReplyDeleteI’ve thought about how we might sign post for lost souls but didn’t come up with a solution.
My new home has interior double glazing which seems to be keeping the heat out.
It would appear that many of the windows are sealed closed with paint, which will be a task to remedy at some point. I imagine it was done for safety reasons given that it is a ground floor flat. The cat, Puss, has found himself a spot under the trees and seems to be spending most of his time there, day and night. Lady is going out from time to time for a spot of sunbathing, then retreats inside again. Lady is getting her walk in the evening and it’s lovely up on the moor with sea breeze a plenty. Still not yet used to seeing a different part of Wales to when in Gloucestershire.
Butterrow Anna
ReplyDeleteI should have started at the begining. Having decided to take early retirement I needed something to do. I was arrogant enough to believe, having bought a hose with a pony attached, with no more experience other than a ride on a beach donkey and managed I knew I could cope with a cow or two.
Wanting to make chees and have a rare breed the Kerry was the right choice.
I was lucky enough to find Anna. She was milked in the parlour and ran with freesians, so when I went to see her, she looked small ! It was agreed I would fetch her at the end of her lactation when she would have less milk.She was of course in calf.
The day came to fetch her home,, she looked HUGE and I had to milk her, bearing in mind she had been parlour miked and I had never milked before, she didnt like my feeble one handed effort, so itwas squeeze and jump squeeze and jump. A couple of days later my neighbouring farmer came and milked her out for me after which it was a bit easoer, though I was glad when it was time to dry her off to await the arrival of her second calf.
The day arrived. at midnight I found her wandering in the garden , managed to persuade her back to where I wanted her to calf, early in the morning Murphy was born and I would be milking again in 6 weeks.
I seperated the calf and put him in the pony sable next door not realising he could jump 4 feet. So I had to build a wooden partition in the barn where he could be in contact with his mother but couldn't take the milk.
She was determined I wasn't having the milk, she was as before an excellent kicker. I bought an antikick bar and put it on, she was like a bucking bronco having broken loose, so it had to come off. My neighbour suggested a rope round her middle and in front of her udder, this worked a treat and was far superior to the bar as I could slacken it as she settled and my technique improved, finally removing it altogether.
After a couple of hiccups Murphy returned to his mother full time, both accepted the rules.
My journey had begun
I recently read an article about keeping cool. This I did yesterday and again today and it works for me. All the windows and doors are kept shut and curtains closed on any sunny window. I can't believe how well it worked, as down
ReplyDeletestairs was so cool. Now to go and open some windows.
I went out to get my washing in, which was not only dry but aired as well, and the difference in temperature was surreal.
I have just heard the hottest place in Wales today was Hawarden (the monitering station is the airport where Aerospace is) at 37.1C. I am only 4 miles away, as the crow flies, yet my lounge showed a comfortable 25C.
DeleteFor the last 3 days the tractors have been working overtime harvesting grass making hay and silage, I'm sure they will be so glad that modern tractors have all mod cons including air conditioning.
ReplyDeleteHaving another lazy day reading. Had to come in from sitting on the swing seat as Mabel, older dog, would not settle in the shade. Mr PtbY is ensconced in the darkness of the living room with ruddy cricket. So……I’ve had to decamp to sit in my empty bath in my ensuite with the blind down reading. The sun has left this side of the house.
ReplyDeleteI remember doing this as a child, must have been 1976!, but it was more effective in an old cast iron bath.
This was sent to me today, by a family member. It made me chuckle so much, I thought I'd share it.
ReplyDeleteBe thankful it's not snowing.....
Imagine shovelling snow in this heat!
😊
DeleteGood Lord Burnham Beeches !
DeleteHave you just found us after such a long absence.
Welcome back.
Thank you MrsP. Never disappeared. I read the blog and like several others inwardly digest! 😊
DeleteMuch hotter today, a friend's daughter saw an abandoned pair of flip flops in the road having stuck in the melted tarmac. Hope that everyone manages to get some sleep tonight.
ReplyDeleteI think you may have a future writing about your exploits as a Cow girl,Cowgirl !
ReplyDeleteI know it has been really hot in most areas today.
I believe Doncaster drew the short straw which surprised me but it was 40 degrees where I live too and was extremely uncomfortable.
😱 oh no LJ (35c was more than enough for me - I hid indoors and kept reasonably cool)
DeleteSat out about 9pm for a while.
44* on my deck this afternoon, but that's only because the thermometer is on a clock fixed to the brick wall.
ReplyDeleteDouble 😱 😱 Sarnia. No joy sleeping yet 01.33am!
DeleteWe’ve had the fans running. I was reading about electricity consumption and hoping not as bad as thought! About £1 a day and try to switch off if not in room! Dogs did not eat well yesterday but we left breakfast and dinner kibble out and were consumed during the night! Late afternoon there was a clap of thunder and a few drops of rain and you could see the clouds gathering but it was still oppressive. Haven’t been out yet but it feels cooler.
DeleteMy sister in law still in hospital. She has gone into a sleep for several days. My nephew saw the doctor yesterday who said it was delirium which can be brought on by grief, being in unfamiliar places, pain and so on. I fear she has given up and will fade away but not saying that to nephew. They had been married for well over 50 years and often at that age, over 80, losing a partner results in the end game for the remaining one. Hope I am wrong and hope for the best. There is no treatment for this and she has to come out of it herself. My nephew says himself he would find it very hard to lose both parents in such a short time.
I am sorry to hear about your sister in law ,Ev but I don't know where the statistics for your comment about surviving partners over 80 years of age " results in the end game for the remaining one " comes from .
DeleteI agree that statistically it may happen and I know of two such occasions in my life when it has but I don't know if there were underlying reasons for the second person dying.
.I was over 80 years of age when my husband died.and not one of my friends or acquaintances in a similar position has "faded away".
In true Libran style I agree with both comments. LJ I though of you straight away and your personality as it comes across here, and I often think of you, Mrs P and others who contribute to this blog and get the impression “we” are still only in our 60’s mentally (and physically as far as is possible to be) and such a fortunate attitude contributes to carrying on but not of course without heartbreak after the ending of such close unions.
DeleteEv I feel for your sister in law and of course your nephew 🥰
Thank you for your thoughts. I don’t mean to say it is inevitable that after a life together the one left will not outlive the first for long. In my sister in law’s case she was very dependent on my brother so is lost without him. She was not in robust health either having several problems. Lanjan, it does depend on the personality and for most of us it is a case of carrying on and making a life for yourself while recognising your loss. I put it badly and I’m sure in most cases this will be the outcome.
DeleteSorry, Lady R and all others who are suffering, but I come alive in brightness and heat. Have got loads of gardening done (by my standards anyway) and sleeping like a log. Don't cope with dark and cold as my brain seizes up and my systems start to shut down - just want to eat buns and go to sleep until spring.
ReplyDeleteOoh eat buns and sleep! Seriously I totally understand how you feel in the winter days Sarnia because it is how I often feel in the Summer so we each “suffer” similar feelings just at different seasons and your reaction is the more recognised. I am just so pleased that you are enjoying what is “your time” and that you and your beautiful garden are both benefiting 🤗 🌸 🌹 🌻
DeleteI do hope you can enjoy the winter as much as I do the summer.
Delete🤗 🍁🍁🍁
DeletePuss cat is in disgrace this morning. She is shut in a spare bedroom at night and gives me the run around before I can get her in. I woke up in the early hours this morning, to hear yowling, scrabbling and head banging, at the door. When I got up, I could hardly open this door as she had scrabbled and rucked up the carpet up. I eventually managed to squeeze in, put the carpet back down and fully open it.
ReplyDeleteI daren't shut her in again in case of further shenanigans.
Still she has settled down so well that it shouldn't be a problem to let her have the run of the house 🤞
See you have reverted to calling Bonnie ‘PussCat’ Miriam! Dont be too cross with her, she’ll need time to learn the rules, like all youngsters! 🐈⬛
DeleteYou have given me my first laugh today Miriam- yowling and scrabbling I’m familiar with, but I’ve not heard before of head banging from cats.
DeleteLove it !
I’ve had the problem you describe with cats before.
I think your right to let her have the run of the house now, she clearly considers it’s home.
Is she using her tray ?
I agree with Ev regarding a long time partner giving up after the death of their lifelong companion. I too have heard of this many times throughout my life. And one couple I knew, many decades ago, so devoted to each other, though fit and healthy, she took the decision to end her own life within six months of his sudden death.
But of course LJ is correct too, many, particularly women I think, do go on and make a new life alone.
My mother always prayed that she would get time alone and she had almost twenty years and was most content.
Maybe being shut in rekindled a bad memory for puss, or a fear that she is being punished by being confined (after her relief at finding a loving home) at last Miriam. I’m sure she will be fine now probably hoping to curl up with you 🐈⬛ 🤗
DeleteI have actually felt quite ill over the past two days. Probably due to being on blood pressure tablets and diuretics - very headachy, dizzy, feeling sick, hardly able to move….so very grateful for the coolth and slight breeze this morning.
ReplyDeleteThe family had to drive up from north Devon, via here, to Heathrow yesterday, to catch their flight home. Worst possible day they could have chosen really. A very long hot drive, short break for drinks here, then on to 40.2C at Heathrow. They were fortunate that their flight was only 45 mins late leaving, but of course they are going home to equal heat and those dreadful forest fires in their region.
Sending sympathy AP the weather has been a trial for many that’s for sure. So pleased there was no sun this morning - until right now that is but should be cooler outside at least by the last few days standards.
DeleteThe fires in France dreadful 🤞🏼 will not directly affect son and family - what a day they had weather wise for travelling home 😱
If I may I would like to continue the theme of staying alive, and add to Lady Rs comment re ageing today.
ReplyDeleteFor most of my adult life I’ve carried the thought that I would live to be about 86.
Then sometime in my fifties I think, I moved that date to 94.
And crucially I don’t know why.
A few years ago on ‘ All in the Mind ‘ a favourite programme, did a feature on this subject of knowing how long you will live, and found that many people who did carry this notion did in fact live to the age that they had imagined they would.
Along with this find, it was discovered that an individual’s attitude towards ageing did have an effect on how long they would go on.
So yes Lady R, I think you are correct, those like Lan Jan and myself, ( despite my depressive cycles) do have a younger mindset than we might have done if borne in an earlier age.
And to add, I’m not at all sure that it is about having an upbeat attitude about life altogether. It is, I think, something else about personality, but haven't been able to
work out what.
And I shall be very interested to read LJs further thoughts on this subject.
I think I’ll move my end date on too, Mrs P! I’ve had the year 2032 in my mind whenI will be 84 but another 10 years would be very handy! There’s so much more I want to do! It is a state of mind and I don’t feel old except when I have to have a rest after tackling a bit of housework!!
DeleteI don't really think about my end date but would like to outlive the cats because they wouldn't want to have to move (Cats Protection will look after them though) I have to say that most of the time I don't feel my age-whatever one should feel like at 80+..
DeleteOne reason I think is that my closest friends are all younger than I am .
My mother was the same
However I am adept now in using my age when I need something.....
I am sorry but at my age .....
I am not very computer literate now at my age so please allow me a little time...
I have fun in trying out dementia tests !
1 ) Count back in 7s from 100 (my favourite)
2) Say the months of the year in reverse order
3) How many animals can you list in 30secs
Be warned
One. Of the questions is "What is the date?"
I rarely know unless I look at the blog.
“At my age” oh how I recognise that one certainly for Mr R although mentally in his 60’s for sure. Bodily as you know not the case but along with his super Dr’s Practice and his Orthopaedic surgeon well supported. Needed (on the Pharmacist advice) to call 111 at the weekend the call was answered fairly quickly Saturday early evening and was decided a Dr call needed and booked but within 24hrs would be ok. A lady Dr rang the next morning and was just superb both her demeanour and advice and listening skills superb. Situation sorted with advice for future if needed. So very grateful and told her so, her reply “our main concern at the moment is that due to media output many people may be put off ringing and that is not what we want”
DeleteThe home I have moved to now, was what I wanted when I left London in 2014.
DeleteHaving spent the last six years not having that home, I suppose I will now have to add an extra six years to be able to enjoy what I now have.
So I suppose that will take me into the realms of expecting a telegram from King Charles.
That is of course if he outlasts me !
Although there are so many reaching their 100 th birthday, I suspect this tradition might well be dropped on Her Majesties demise.
Miriam ,why on earth do you shut your new cat in the spare bedroom?
ReplyDeletePerhaps because that was the best place to have the cats tray ?
DeleteI don’t know about cats but our dogs do like to be near us at night. When we first had Gypsy she slept by my bed on a dog bed as she had been used to that with previous owner. In time when she had settled down I tried to put her in the sun room as our previous dog years ago, a border collie, had been very happy in his bed downstairs. Well, she got into such a state that I had to move her back to my room! When the boys came along, they just leapt on the bed so they are allowed but I never thought I would do so!
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