Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
ReplyDeleteLady ROctober 8, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Oh dear Archerphile are you sure you didn’t break a mirror awhile back. You are always so unlucky health wise re holidays, visitors etc so very sorry this has happened to you again. Keep rested and drink plenty of water. Mr A?.
REPLYDELETE
EvOctober 8, 2022 at 4:09 PM
Best wishes, Archerfile. What rotten luck but hope negative by Wednesday so you can see relatives.
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Archerphile
ArcherphileOctober 8, 2022 at 9:20 PM
ReplyDeleteMr A had his ONS Covid result today and he is negative so that’s good. Feeling a bit better tonight. Still have sore throat but feeing much more perky!
Oh KP, I am certainly hoping that test thingy at the top of the page will show negative soon! 😄
ReplyDeleteAnyone see gardeners world this week? Monty’s new pup, Ned, is adorable.
ReplyDeleteToday I have planted 2 elephant garlic bulbs in my raised bed. My first crop sown!! Lol.
Had a good go at scarifying and cutting the grass. Think it needs more of a miracle than a scarify though.
We watched GW Sunday evening and agree with you ptby but also said to Mr R that I knew exactly what you would say Archerphile 🤣! Adam also has his dog and cat in the shows when he covers for Monty. I think most pets like to be out in the garden with their owners our friends dogs never leave their sides, but each to their own…
DeleteArcherfile, you don’t know what you are missing! The companionship you get from dogs is second to none. I never feel lonely with ours around. They have made such a difference to me. I don’t watch GW but I am sure Monty and Co spend the majority of the program in giving gardening advice and the dog is there but incidental. Many dog owners must find their inclusion a pleasant part of the program.
DeleteArcherphile I am a dog lover but like you I do not like other peoples dogs jumping up on me etc. Dogs should be taught to respect other people, Lucia is still pup and very excitable, but I am starting with her training , with people and other animals, she has just been in the chicken shed with me , no signs of chasing in fact she was a little wary of them, but any signs of chasing she will be straight back to the house and on her own which she doesnt like
Delete.
PTY , I hope the poultry manure works well with your garlic !
I do see your point, AF. Dogs are like children, lovely when kept under control! I am always aware that not everyone likes dogs and I do check that anyone who comes into the house doesn’t mind them as ours can be over effusive! When out we keep them on lead in eateries where they are allowed and under the table. Ours have frequent baths much to their dismay so not smelly! ,
DeleteAlthough I don't like dogs either, both for the smell and their unpleasant personal habits, I can understand the appeal and am am happy to admire some dear little thing on the end of a lead that belongs to somebody else.
ReplyDeleteRe GW, I was terrified at the prospect of having to take on the stewardship of our large garden. Mr S had always made it quite clear that gardening is a very specialist matter, the preserve of people like him from a gardening dynasty with specialist knowledge passed down the generations.
As well as teaching me a great deal of things I badly needed to know, Monty's informal approach, mistakes and all, complete with dogs and their antics, has served to take the mystique out of gardening and enabled me to live comfortably with my ignorance.
Archerphile….I have to disagree re cats. We had cats for many years and loved them but lived with fields behind so never had a problem with their poo. But on moving and needing a litter tray….never again. The smell and the horrendous job of cleaning it put me off cats for life. At least with a dog they get you out and about and keep you active.
ReplyDeleteCowgirl…..chicken flavoured garlic anyone? Lol.
I don't have dogs or cats as two of my daughters are allergic to them but I don't dislike either. I am very fond of a friend's well behaved dog, less so of another friend's badly behaved one. I can't agree with you Archerfile about picking up after cats, several visit my Garden and my first job when I go out there is to clear up after them or I end up with it on my shoes, not pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI've learned some very useful hints from Adam Frost and I enjoy his cat, but his delivery is SO monotonous. Back in the summer I actually switched off halfway through two episodes of GW because it was so mind-numblngly boring I couldn't take any more. That really was a first for me!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very uplifting story Mrs P. How encouraging that your cousin still looks to a future when she can plant roses.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my test yesterday had two red lines. I spend most of the weekend thinking it was a particularly nasty cold, but thought I ought to check anyway. I've spend another day in bed but I think I'm improving so perhaps I'll be up and about tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that Smallest Person in a Shoe's test was negative so whatever bug they're currently struggling with, it's not Covid.
OMiaS has been banished to sleep in the spare room for his own safety. The upside of this is I don't have to keep kicking him to stop the snores.
OWIAS hope you feel better soon, even cold symptoms can pull you down.
ReplyDeleteThis is your second time as well, isn't it.Poor you!
ReplyDeleteI see that Southampton Hospital has had to reintroduce strict Covid precautions because they are being overwhelmed by Covid cases again. Everyone has to wear masks everywhere and patients are only allowed one visitor for one hour per day. So OWIAS and myself are part of the growing cohort of Covid victims.
ReplyDeleteIf it’s any consolation OWIAS, my most unpleasant symptoms only lasted three days and I feel fine again now so I hope you recover quickly too. I think the very recent booster I had must have helped.
The first time didn't count - I just had a positive test and spent ten days tidying the spare room in splendid isolation.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're feeling better now Archerphile. At least for most of us Covid is nowhere near as alarming a prospect as it was at the start of the pandemic. ('Though has the rest of the world caught up on vacinations? That little injustice seems to have quietly slipped out of the news ...)
Let us hope that the two other ( known to us ) members of the Hampshire cohort are not similarly laid low, but as OwiaS says it hopefully would not be as serious as it was a couple of years ago.
DeleteWe will all be wishing you both much better very soon.
Absolutely Mrs P. So far so good for this Hampshire hog and spouse but must never get complacent very much 🤞🏼and renewed precautions. Mr R has had 5 jabs and I recently had my 4th, (2wks ago) KP & Sarnia do keep extra safe.
DeleteWishing Archerphile and now owias better very soon 💐
Lanjan 🌈 just to say……
ReplyDeleteI test every week still as I do some home help work with elderly clients & I wouldn’t want to infect them, I was negative yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI have just seen the teeniest mouse run across the room, body smaller than my thumb, not sure where it’s vanished to and I’m not sure I want to go hunting for it.
Just to say OWiaS re littlest shoe dweller it is possible to test negative , even if showing symptoms, for 3 or so days before showing positive when the virus has built up to higher levels. We think that is how my son and family developed covid after arriving in the Philippines. My daughter kept to her bedroom the moment she tested positive but had been mixing with them prior to that.
ReplyDeleteHope you get better soon.
DeleteThanks Lady R.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a really enjoyable day tomorrow.
Sorry to hear about you getting Covid ,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon and are fit for Wednesday.
Two years ago I was quite neurotic about getting it.
I was forever washing my hands and even took the front and back pages from the newspaper and discarded them
I worried for days after showing someone round the garden -6feet apart.
I imagine that because many of us have had 5 jabs if one does get Covid it is not so serious..
Covid jab last week
Flu jab next week ,hopefully
I read last week that the Coronation was to be on 3rd June -the same sp day as the FA Cup Final.
ReplyDeleteNow apparently it is to be held in May.
I wonder why the Powers that be changed their minds?
Little Archie's 4th birthday is on the same day. Wonder if he will be there, or whether it would be too long for a young child to sit through.
DeleteCharles was 4 when the Queen was crowned. There was a picture of him there on BBC news online looking very fed up! Louis wasn’t taken to the funeral for obvious reasons and the demeanour of George and Charlotte during a very long ceremony was really impressive.
DeleteWe went to see a recording of the first two programmes in the next series of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue yesterday evening, it was well worth the £6.50 each that it cost. The Archers theme tune featured in one song to the tune of another. The last time we went was one of the last ones featuring Humphrey Lyttelton, Barry Took, Graeme Garden, Tim Brook-Taylor and Jeremy Hardy. Sadly only one of those is still alive.
ReplyDeleteLucky you, I still enjoy “Clue” even though I miss the old line up. I’ve only seen the recording once, back in 1998 and I nearly fell asleep, it was my first evening out after my first daughter was born & I was still getting tired. I have seen their touring stage show a couple of times which was good fun
DeleteMy kitchen is finally coming together, it has taken rather longer than anticipated but the work surfaces are going in as I type & the final plumbing % electrics should be done tomorrow, I will be so pleased to get back to normal.
ReplyDeleteOooo KP. Will you be having a grand opening like Jennifer?
DeleteI’m envious KP - I’m still trying to find a suitable contractor to do my kitchen.
DeleteI did my first TaiChi class in my new district yesterday.
Last year in Stroud we did a number of classes on the grass in the walled garden of the museum.
Yesterday afternoon I was again on grass in the walled garden attached to the Tythe barn in Dunster.
As we gently turned in some of the moves there were different views in each direction. A dovecote, the church tower, the castle and the hills surrounding us.
I’m not regretting my move here !
So pleased to hear that you are settling in well in your new surroundings MrsP.
DeleteGlad that your kitchen is now coming together KP, hope that you have many happy years in it.
KP and Mrs P. All sounds great what with a new kitchen and Tai Chi, in what sounds wonderful surroundings. I have only tried Tai Chi once, when a friend and self joined in with a class, in a park in Bejing. The language barrier was not a problem, we just copied, or rather tried to, every-one else.
DeleteWe were made so welcome.
Mrs P, I'm so glad to hear that! I know there were certain misgivings about the move, but could it be that at last you are in the right place where you can flourish and be true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteKP…..being nosey, what colour kitchen units have you gone for? I love looking around kitchen displays in ikea.
ReplyDeleteMrs P….good to hear you are settling in well. I bet you are capped that you moved.
PtbY I am glad you have asked that, as I would love to hear also, not that I am nosey either!
DeleteMy last kitchen came from B+Q who were brilliant, with the choice of units in which style,
design ideas, even down to the cupboard handles, taps and the wall + floor tiles. My kitchen designer gave me ideas that I hadn't even thought about. It is a quality kitchen built to last, and the fitting was done very efficiently, and the electrician and tiler all turned up, when they were meant to. Mind you that was 5 years ago, so things might be different post pandemic.
I am sorry to hear about those who have succumbed to Covid. It certainly seems on the rise again, as whilst out today, I overheard a conversation with 3 ladies, two who were still recovering and also about others who they knew were still +ve. I took a wide berth around them! I have upped my care again, ie with hand washing, use of hand gels, keeping my distance but I haven't gone back to masks just yet. Despite my recent booster, I am just being a bit more cautious again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely drive I had in the country today, and the colours of the autumn leaves this year, are very vibrant and so colourful. I imagine it is due to the hot summer, but not sure.
It was quite glorious. 🍁🍁
I had a bumper crop of apples. Don’t know what they are as the tree was there when we moved but I think Cox’s. They are eaters but also cook very well so will have to beget peeling and slicing!
ReplyDeleteThat should be begin not beget! Mrs P so pleased you are liking your new town! I did Tai Chi briefly on one of my Italian holidays and loved it. When we lived in Hong Kong it used to be a favourite of the elderly Chinese and we would see them - poetry in motion! I would also like to hear about KP’s kitchen. I am going to have mine done and we are going to a firm here on the island over half term who make and install the furniture etc. We have already been to Magnet but it would be nice to support a local firm if they have the sort of thing I want!
ReplyDeleteHope you had an enjoyable birthday ,Lady R.
ReplyDeleteThank you LJ it was a busy but enjoyable day. A lovely meal at lunchtime the round robin drive to it and return journey was stunning, as Miriam has said the colours are really beginning to show now. Many phone calls, texts, WhatsApp’s and visits to the door with flowers. So very grateful to everyone.for cards and gifts. Yours is now just around the corner now they seem to come around so quickly….🥹
DeleteWe used a local one man business for our kitchen and were very pleased with the personal service and the job he did. We have since had him back to do the shower room, bathroom and downstairs cloakroom at various times and recommended him to friends who were equally happy with his work.
ReplyDeleteVisit of Canadian, never before met, relatives went very well. Two of them are Mr A’s half nephews (Brothers, both in their 50s ) and the third was the Mexican husband of one of the nephews!
ReplyDeleteAn unexpected relationship but all men were delightful and very friendly and thoroughly enjoyed lunch in a typical English pub, followed by a visit to the Gliding Club and then back to our cottage for a Devon cream tea, made by me. Thank goodness for the negative Covid test or we should have missed such an entertaining day (and a lovely present of Canadian Maple syrup goodies !)
Been doing a lot of sorting in the garden this week. Nigel didn't turn up yesterday, but I'd bought a garden fork selling off at Sainsbury's last week, so having a go at doing the clearing myself.
ReplyDeleteI've seen two butterflies so far, one brimstone and a red admiral, but one of each in October isn't much use, is it?
How lovely to see these butterflies though.
DeleteI am desparate to mow my lawns, but due to the very cool nights, the resulting "dew" does not disappear, so even by late afternoon, everything is still too wet.
How did your bread making go Miriam ?
ReplyDeleteI know that I have moaned about this before, but I am aghast as to how the price of food is increasing, and so very quickly. It is not by 5p or even 10p a time, the average being 25p, but one item I usually buy was up by 50p. I am now going to do without this, until I can find a cheaper equivalent!
ReplyDeleteI am going back to the basic cooking I was taught, which is pad out meals with very fresh and cheap, home grown veg. now from a farm shop, along with beans and lentils. However I will not give up using my oven, (which is A+ rated) and with which I get meals, exactly as I want them to be.
I was so angry last week, when my eldest niece's partner put a bragging post on our family WattsApp group, saying that as he worked from home, his employers have agreed to his request, that they will pay for the heating and a contribution to the electricity usage, during daily work hours but he craftly works to suit himsf.
He is very lucky, I know, but more senior family members will often be at home, and will have no heating during the day.
I had to have a rant - and that's it over!!!
I ordered Mr A a family size (72) Weetabix pack this week and it was £8.40 I remember being shocked when they reached £5! As only the two of us still able to buy our usual items without worry ditto heating etc which is a comfort as Mr A has to just sit pretty much all the time, but feel so much for the many who are not so fortunate. Your relation has managed to pull a flanker then!
DeleteI absolutley agree with your horror at the food price increases Miriam.
DeleteI shopped in Sainsbury this morning as usual. It was a pretty standard shop for us, only our normal weekly groceries and a small joint of pork, no alcohol or anything unusual apart from a can of fly spray! A very similar trolly load to last week but the price had increased by £17!!
I just couldn’t belive it and double checked my receipt.
I am going to have to change to Lidl or Aldi even thouh they are more difficult to get to and I won’t be able to use the self-scanning method which I find so useful and makes checkout so much easier.
Long day today. Picked up an old school friend in Manchester then drove to Kendal to visit another school friend who we haven't seen since pre Covid. A long way to go for lunch and horrendous traffic on the way back but definitely worth it. Thankfully it's been lovely weather today,
ReplyDeleteI had a clerical afternoon today. Why is it that things that are “supposed” to take 2 mins and save “masses” of time on a computer actually take all afternoon?
ReplyDeleteKnow exactly what you mean PtbY
DeleteI spent afternoon trying to sort out Mr A’s ancient Windows computer which keeps breaking down or refusing to do things, and his printer which is also a pain. He is not at all tech-savvy, refuses to get new up-to-date equipment, so I keep having to go on rescue missions. Trouble is, I am so used to the way Apple works now I forget how to do things on old Microsoft gear and I dread the call from upstairs ‘ can you come and sort this out’ !!
Interested to read about weetabix costs Lady R
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to North Yorkshire a fortnight ago and stayed in the hotel with my son who was there doing his signal box duties,I saw that he was eating weetabix at breakfast.
He reminded me that he always had that for breakfast as a boy.
Decided to get some and am enjoying having an easy breakfast.
Same son lives in a village between Kendal and Windermere .,Cheshire Cheese ,so envious of your recent visit.
It is beautiful but too remote for me.
The friend we visited lived in Windermere for decades and we used to visit her a couple of times a year. She moved to Kendal about 18 months ago due to health and mobility problems. It felt strange not driving to Windermere yesterday. I agree that it's a bit remote up there. We were musing on the fact that it's 61 years since the three of us met up in senior school.
DeleteARCHERPHILE -
ReplyDeleteHave you still got your Tom Lehrer records ?
I have a tape. Always great to discover a fello fan.
DeleteI am a great Tom Lehrer fan, we’ve got his complete oeuvre on CD, plus book of music & lyrics. I grew up with the LPs & was delighted to discover MrNuts was a fellow enthusiast, he serenaded me with ‘When I am old & grey” on our first date!
DeleteLove your ‘ romantic ‘ story KP.
DeleteAnd O W has a tape.
My record, only one, I bought in 1959 !
It’s very precious but never played now for many decades.
So at least three of us could join in with ARCHERPHILE.
Yes Mrs P, we have. Not that we have a record player to play them on these days but they are much treasured. If we want a Tom Lehrer session we go to YouTube where are are dozens of videos of him sitting at the piano singing his songs. And several that we don’t have on our old LPs
DeleteShould add that one of my favourite is the Resurrection Tango. Also the one about polluting the sea which is still so topical these days.
DeleteDo you mean Masochism Tango? There was a stage show ‘Tomfoolery” which was a celebration of his songs, back in the early 1980s originally starring Robin Ray & others, that was the first time I heard “i got it from Agnes”
DeleteI don’t have a record player either and like AP I go to YouTube to enjoy TL.
Delete'Plagarise! That's why the good Lord made your eyes ...'
DeleteI did an OU course some time ago in which Nikolai Ivanovich Lobachevsky made an appearance - I was chuffed : )
Yes, KP, sorry for the error!. It is the Masochism Tango - Genuflect, genuflect , genuflect !!
DeleteCheshire Cheese it is good that you are still in touch with members of your school.
ReplyDeleteIn 1991 we had a. class reunion at a hotel in the town where our school was.
Three of us managed to contact 33 out of the 36 "girls" in our class and most of them came.
We also asked our final form teacher.
I think there must have been about 30 of us there who had travelled from various places in the Country
I went onto a radio programme that Judith Charmers did on radio 2 and mentioned one of our classmates whom we couldn't contact.
Someone got in touch with me and told me where she was living.
Sadly since then quite a few of them have died including a very close friend but for many years after 1991 we did have a reunion when usually there would be about 10 of us attending .
Refering quickly back to a subject from a short while ago.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I made a wholemeal loaf which is actuall edible, and made lovely sandwiches for today's lunch.
This is just to say - THANK-YOU to all who gave me tips and encouragement.
There was a slght error, which I knew when kneading, I hadn't added enough water, but it still worked well.
Congratulations and well done Miriam…….. on to the next loaf next week ?
DeleteGlad to hear Miriam, it is always better to err on the side of too much water, it will right itself as you knead it. There is nothing like the taste of your own bread so enjoy it,
DeleteIt’s been very quiet on here this weekend, unless there’s a load of posts floating in the ether not showing.
ReplyDeleteWe went to see “Local Hero” at Chichester last night, I loved the original film & the show was good fun.
My kitchen is basically fully functioning although there are a couple of final bits that need sorting.& we’re having to sort out some queries on the invoice. I am very pleased with it. For those interested it is a modern style, smooth fronts, big drawers each side of a range cooker, but with a light oak wood finish & grey stone work surfaces so it’s not too clinical looking. Yesterday we assembled a free standing island unit from Ikea which fits in nicely & I it is so nice to be able to cook again.
No problems here. Just have been having a busy time cooking brother in law's favourite food for his birthday tea, and together with daughter taking him down to the beach to watch the waves and have an ice cream. Medication since childhood has contributed to osteoporosis so even though a bit younger than me his walking is doddery and he can't now get over the rocks to the sand but he can sit and enjoy the scenery. I meant to do all the baking yesterday afternoon but my friend up the road has just got back from visiting a daughter in Finland and she called in to tell me all about it - for over 3 hours! The photos do seem to show a lovely country, uncrowded and with all the birch trees wearing their autumn colours. The family lived there for several years and two of her children were born there. She is 80 now, very fit, but aware that living here in quite a remote place might not be possible if she ever can't drive She wouldn't be able to get to shops or places like the dentist and her painting and spinning and drumming groups. So she has some big decisions to make. Whether to move to Finland, a country that she loves, or closer to one of her two children in this country, or even to return to Canada where one daughter and her sister and brother still live. After living in Cornwall for 22 years it will be a wrench for her but she is being very sensible in planning ahead.
ReplyDeleteI hope she is as successful as Mrs P has been in making a move.
I sometimes wonder what I have done in my life when I compare myself with the above friend, who started life Canadian, then lived in Ireland, Finland, India, the Canares and Britain, mainly self teaching their children and becoming multi cultural in the process, and having many adventures. At least my son is having adventures and experiencing another culture in the Philippines. Him and his uncle have their birthdays one day apart, and my son has been celebrating his staying in a chalet at an idyllic beach with palm trees and swimming in warm waters. I am surprised at how much they can still do even with a 7 month old baby. They carry him in a type of front pack. Mabel's family are making a great fuss of him although sadly her mum died back in the summer, and only ever saw him on Zoom video. They are intending to be back here in time for Christmas which will be wonderful as it will be llittle Max's first Christmas.
DeleteA young woman here posted on the town FB page suggesting a woman’s walking group.
ReplyDeleteWe had our first outing today. It went very well and the weather was kind. It didn’t start raining until we were all back home.
The group started of at a fair pace. I wasn’t able to keep up. The woman I had given a lift to to the start stayed with me for a little, but I eventually sent her off to join the main group but kept up following but at my own pace. The group pace gradually slowed, but my pace was steady and so I eventually caught up just as we reached the beacon.
We were about twenty, with a number of dogs, some on leads throughout some free. Lady did a great deal of barking at the start warning all the dogs not to come near, but was then off lead and free when we walked some way behind. After a group photograph we set off again and by this time she happily mingled with four JRs without any problems for the rest of the walk.
I am particularly pleased that I was able to complete the three miles without any problems apart from at the beginning.
I think I’ve made a good start here in my new home. Choral Society, Tai Chi and walking group. Thinking of taking up weights as well.
I wish I’d been adventurous. Most of my friends went off to university and ended up all over the country and other countries. I stayed at home and got a job and within 3 years was married. A year later was a mother. We moved all of 4 miles to the next village and then 24 years later moved back the 4 miles to my original town.
ReplyDeleteI was always afraid somehow. Wouldn’t have dared go to university, move a long distance and was never ambitious. I think that was due to never going far as a child to cities whereas nowadays people zoom off all over the place, including myself on holidays ( pre-covid).
My son went off to live in USA, for 5 years in the end, got his driving permit there and thought nothing of driving from New Jersey to New Orleans with friends. He now lives in Manchester. I’m glad my lack of ambition, and his fathers really, didn’t hold him back and keep him as a local yokel.
I’m very happy where I am but it’s a case of the grass in always greener isn’t it.
Ptby I must be your twin! Since my birth to my first marriage in 1969 to my second relationship and then marriage in 1999 I have moved but 12 miles overall 🤣
DeleteLeft school at 15yrs yet somehow ended up in a management role (albeit in a small) M&S
My first time (properly) abroad trips came in my 50’s to Malta, then Madeira plus two minor ones to Guernsey and Ireland. As noted before in this respect I follow my elder (only by 6yrs) sister although she has certainly moved more than 12 miles - but the middle sis 3yrs older than me has travelled the world and moved to different locations either here in this country or abroad over 30 times!!
I am perfectly happy in the UK though especially now that my lovely 🍁🔥🍁 season is here🤗
If anyone lives in the area and is by any chance going to visit the D Day Story exhibition in Portsmouth my sister in law from the Isle of Wight, who is a sort of modern artist among other things, is holding 3 days of Sew, Style and Upcycle creative sessions from October 26th. People can buy something from a charity shop or take along something old of their own and turn it into a beautiful creation. She has also created one of her strange sort of artworks that is in the exhibition, using a Singer sewing machine that she has digitally programmed so that when you turn the handle people's memories of sewing in the past appear and can be read. Anyone can send in memories online to be added to the sewing machine to be read. She has asked me to but my sewing skills are about zilch, although I can remember my mum having some leftover parachute silk that she used to make things like petticoats. If anyone wanted to add a memory they can be left online via surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LPW56TH
ReplyDeleteI must say ,Lady R, my garden in Autumn is looking much more colourful .than it did in the horribly hot dry summer we had .
ReplyDeleteDidn't Anne of Green Gables say that she was glad that she lived in a world where there were Octobers?
I find November the most depressing month and also the noisiest because we have fireworks which start on 31st October and then there is Guy Fawkes night(s) which lasts for at least a week followed by. Diwali .
How folk afford the money for fireworks which are set off until after midnight for several weeks ,beats me.
Years ago where I lived we only had fireworks on 5th November and had a massive bonfire in the Rectory garden where the villagers assembled.
Potatoes were put in the dying embers of the fire and we had treacle toffee and parkin made with black treacle
Lovely .
Think I must get some treacle and make some.
Haven't made parkin for years, thanks for the reminder Lanjan.
DeleteSo pleased to hear that you are enjoying your colourful Autumn garden LJ 🍁🤗
DeleteI know I am odd but even a misty November day across the fields has an atmospheric charm for me 🙄 and I agree without a doubt that a firework evening of November 5th only had much more excitement to it than the current protracted explosions which are frightening enough for adults but for all animals it is an extended nightmare!
Just posting to see if these blogs are still working.Remarkably few entries on either side!
ReplyDeleteNo news to impart I am afraid, apart from my goal disgust and disbelief at what’s going on in our Parliament at the moment …..but that’s political so I can’t comment further!
As far as I remember ARCHERPHILE it was Gary who decided on behalf of the rest of us that we should not discuss certain subjects.
DeleteI have no memory of being consulted on that matter, perhaps others have.
Gary seems to have been absent for a very long time now.
Should we perhaps review his ‘ rules’ ?
Discuss ?
Not at all sure about that, Mrs P. It's not unknown for one poster to misunderstand or misinterpret and take umbrage at something which hasn't actually been said. Then others wade in to grab hold of the wrong end of the stick and somebody finishes up being shot down in flames.
DeleteDon't go there, Mrs P, it can all too easily turn into a witch hunt.
When we were in Italy one of the other guests was a formidable Scottish lady who was all for independence. I fall into the opposite camp as I feel we are better together. However, it was obvious from the start neither of us was willing to budge so we agreed to disagree and spent the rest of the holiday in good companionship. I have learnt that when beliefs are held strongly there is no point in arguing as no one changes! The same should go for this blog and topics such as politics or religion make for interesting debate and it is good to get new viewpoints. I fear however that as Sarnia says it is easy to misunderstand and can be hurtful in the end. I think we should aim for calm in all circumstances and I have always felt that excluding such debate can turn things a bit bland. A bit of fence sitting is required and retreating tactics when things look to get heated!
DeleteAll I can say politically is come back Boris, all is forgiven! Well, maybe that is a step too far!!😉
DeleteIt does have to be said, it's quite an achievement to be so bad you make Boris look good! And in such a short time too!
DeleteSoon we'll be left with a choice between Mr Blobby and Mickey Mouse for PM.
What a lovely day weather wise it has been.
ReplyDeleteI sat outside -after returning from having my flu jab - for a while.
Short sleeves.
No cardigan.
My son has just 'phoned and I told him I planned to do the garden tomorrow if the weather was as good as it has been today but he said a much better idea since I had just had the flu jab was to get a Nevil Shute and sit outside and relax.
Better do as he says !
Ooo LanJan, which Neville Shute was that? One of my favourite authors.
DeleteI am reading a book by Michael Rosen (the former children's laureate) about Émil Zola and the Dreyfus Affair. It is fascinating, all about his famous article J’Accuse, his defence of Jews in rampant anti-Semitic France at turn of the C19. A serious subject which I have been studying, but full of fascinating insights into everyday life in both Britain and France in 1898.
I've had my autumn covid booster today so have decided your son's advice Lanjan is sensible and I shall rest and read a book tomorrow; probably something in the fantasy line, although I have just finished The Boneships trilogy, a violent seafaring fantasy but with a very well thought out world and a character driven plot. I can't remember the last time a book made me feel tearful but the last book of the trilogy did.
DeleteI do truly believe that we should rest after vaccinations in order to allow our bodies to be able to focus completely on learning how to combat them and develop immunity.
Archerfile I have just looked up Zola and Dreyfuss and was appalled at the way the establishment sought to cover up the fact he had been wrongfully found guilty; and impressed by Zola's courage. I also found Michael Rosen's variation of J'accuse quite telling of more recent times.
I was brought up with an almost constant background diatribe from my father about the Dreyfus Affair. He was alive when it was happened and though only a child was very aware of the gross anti-sematism in France and especially the French Army at the time.
DeleteI can recommend an excellent book by Robert Harris called ‘An Officer and a Spy’ which, although written as fiction is a fascinating account if the times and fantastically well researched. I learnt a lot from it about life in France, North Africa and even Devil’s Island at the time. Michael Rosen’s book completes the story.
Beautiful day here too. Been in the garden all day…..smashing out concrete footings from a flagstone path leading to the front door. I was sick of everyone pulling over them and cracking them. So more gravel is now down and another parking space created.
ReplyDeletePolitics……have stopped watching the news as it’s ludicrous. We must be the laughing stock around the world.
Nigel not only turned up today to do the garden, he rang last night to confirm that he was coming!
ReplyDeleteThe narrow bed below my recently transformed 'pine trees' is now laid out as a mini rock-garden, planted with cyclamen, grasses and agastache. The little white picket fence that runs behind it now extends right down to the path by the courtyard, with a border of 'angels' fishing rods'.
This means that the centre of the garden with the summer house now has some decent borders and lawn linking it to the courtyard.
The design's been in my head for the last two years. It's very - sobering, I suppose - to see it in existence.
I wish I could do my own heavy work, PtbY.
I have only just discovered how lovely Angels fishing rods are. I have set some seeds from the one I have and have bought seeds for other colours so heres hoping for a wonderful display to come. Some seeds are already coming up, despite the fact that it said they could take up to 6 months.
DeleteRe Nevil Shute ,Archerphile ,I have read all of them apart from "On the beach "but there is one I just can't reread and that is "Requiem for a Wren ." *
ReplyDeleteI used to read Hammond Innes and Alastair MacLean and the one I can't reread of the latter's is "South by Java Head" -*
* both beautifully written though
On the whole I prefer books written before mid 20thCentury.
My favourites are No Highway and Trustee from the Toolroom. On the Beach was the first one I read and was given to me as my first truly ‘adult’ book to read after years of Enid Blyton and School stories. It gave me a real taste for books set in another country and about adult behaviour. I was hooked on Neville Shute from then on!
DeleteGoing for my covid booster this aft. Might join the ranks and have a day of rest tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYou'll need it. I found that I was very tired and fatigued, for a week after, and I was not the only one to have this affect.
DeleteI have nothing else to add at the moment, as I have no views on politics nor religion, and my reading matter is very different!!
ReplyDeleteI have just booked tickets for the play, The Mirror Crack'd for this Saturday's afternoon matinee. I know the story well, but the cast is good:- Susie Blake, Sophie Ward and Joe McFadden - all I know from TV etc.
Just to add, I don't have any problem as to who discusses what, and in whatever subject. It sometimes help to have a "rant" with someone not known persinally. I know as I have done it..
DeleteAlso sometimes the views of others, can give food for thought, so a situation can be seen differently.
I must just add, that the wholemeal loaf of bread I made last Friday, is still just as tasty today. I am going to make another tomorrow, but I will tweak the recipe slightly, with the ratio of wholemeal to white flour and add a bit more water. I now know that I can make bread, as long as I am patient...a trait I tend to lack.
ReplyDeleteBonnie is wonderful, a real character and a good companion. She has trained me well...😺
No side effects so far. Also had my flu jab at the same time. Celebrated with 2 martinis and fish and chips! 🤭
ReplyDeleteWhere is everyone else on this blog. I feel I must put everyone off as every time I post it goes stagnant and quiet.
Not at all. Last time I expressed my admiration for all your vigorous garden work.
ReplyDeleteI know that people here truly believe that they have no problem with the views of others, but with respect, there is a touch of 'selective memory loss' here. Once, not so long ago, I had a rant about something that makes me really angry and, like the story of chicken licken, the sky fell on my poor little head.
ReplyDeleteI will never post about anything serious again - bland is safe.
I don’t think it wise to attack the person expressing the opinion but just put your own take on the matter. It is good to post on serious matters but it can get so out of hand!
DeleteIt may not be wise, Ev, but it has happened, and the people who joined in appear to have conveniently forgotten.
DeleteAs said by Esscee - once bitten
I remember that. I was accused of spitting my dummy out. It's not nice, is it.
ReplyDeleteI’ve had such a lovely day today.
ReplyDeleteLondon friends holidaying in Somerset came to see my new home, took me to Dunster Castle, back home to collect Lady, then on to their holiday cottage and a meal in the local community pub.
It was so nice to feel loved and cherished.
I hope you enjoyed your trip to Dunster. It’s such a pretty village with the iconic market building in the middle.
DeleteMrs P, how lovely that London friends are not just keeping in touch but also visiting in person. I don't think we've ever had so many post from you describing enjoyment and it's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMiriam so glad you are enjoying your home made bread. You can also freeze it very successfully if you want to save on oven time.
ReplyDeleteOWiaS Oct 19th 9.22pm:
ReplyDeleteSend in the clowns? Don't bother, they're here.
Stephen Sondheim, wasn't it?
Very apt, Sarnia.
Delete‘Great’ Britain ? We are becoming a laughing stock! 🫣
Sarnia, I love that song - I alternate between Glynis Johns, tart and slightly bitter, and Frank Sinatra who makes it the most melancholic song I've ever heard.
DeleteIt's far too good a song to be used in the pantomime currently playing in Downing Street.
Sorry pardon!
Delete😱 yikes what is there left to say apart from who next for the poisoned chalice.
ReplyDeleteAs one LBC presenter says from time to time “ Is this the real world or am I hallucinating” and right now I have to agree with him!
I've was away at the weekend visiting one of our daughters. We spent yesterday with a couple who have been friends for many years, the husband has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is going to have major surgery next week. We had a lovely day in spite of the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI've been catching up with TA and the blogs this morning. As far as the news is concerned, you couldn't make it up, one can only hope that we soon get some grown ups in the room.
I was pleased to hear about your lovely day MrsP and hope that there are many more to come for you.
I was hoping to get some jobs done in the garden but it's miserable weather out there so am going to spend the afternoon catching up with sorting out photos.
The sun has just come out here with bright blue skies, after a morning of miserable gloom and rain.
ReplyDeleteWonder if the news had anything to do with it? 🌤
Perhaps something on which we can all agree?
ReplyDeleteHow long before some opportunist makes a film entitled '45 days', I wonder.
Cowgirl. Just to let you know, my "tweaked" bread recipe has produced the most perfect wholemeal loaf. Thank-you for your interest and encouragement, it has meant a lot.
ReplyDeleteThe horrible, rainy, gloomy day here today has matched my mood.
That's me finished.
My Hibernation starts on October 30th. so just a week to get the warm bedding and stores sorted, to then huddle down and disappear.
DeleteI do not plan to say anything much about today's happenings except that I am unable to understand why a woman with two teenage daughters would have wanted such a time consuming position .
ReplyDeleteI always felt sorry for Margaret Thatcher's children ,especially her daughter when she was Prime Minister..
My two penn’th - agree with Esscee EGO writ large !
DeleteAnd with nothing substantial behind it IMO.
I agree too. This particular person reminded me of “The Vicar of Bray”.
DeleteWilling to change opinion, political party, (twice), anti- Brexit stance and several other things to get where she wanted to be. Unwilling to accept advice or criticism and determined to plough her own furrow to top, come what may. She didn’t even seem to be particularly upset or repentant and even smiled during her resignation speech.
But who comes next??
I read that a French newspaper described her as the 'iron weather - vane'. So appropriate!
DeletePlease God, no more clowns!
ReplyDeleteNews Quiz, Mock the Week, Have I got News for You and Friday Night Live all on this evening, no shortage of material but much re-writing required. Mock the Week recorded before Truss stepped down so already out of date! Still MrNuts & I will watch them all, along with Ghosts, we are complete couch potatoes on a Friday, we have both had busy weeks.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish ‘Week Ending’ was still on Radio4 on Friday evenings. They would have had a wonderful time incorporating the latest developments. It was a brilliant programme and frequently had me laughing out loud.
DeleteI used to love Week Ending. I don’t know way it was dropped, it had a tremendous list of creatives involved.
DeleteI watched Bettany Hughes on her way to Rome.
ReplyDeleteWe watched the second of the two update programmes on the building of RHS Bridgewater. Having seen the two programmes on the original build it was really interesting to see how it had come on during it's first year or so. We visit quite often and I was interested to see some of what goes on behind the scenes and the people who work so hard to make the garden such a success. It's a big site with so much more left to develop, I'm really looking forward to watching the progress.
ReplyDeleteThere is a really nice drama (R4/Sounds) called 40 Weeks, wriiten by Katherine Jakeways, (I think).
ReplyDeleteIt follows a trio of people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, amusing but sensitive and uplifting. Just what I need atm.
Thank you, CC, I failed to notice the RHS Bridgewater programme on Tuesday so thanks to your post I have just caught up with it
ReplyDeleteLanjan 😀 🎂 💐
ReplyDeleteHappy Autumn 🍁🍂🍁 birthday Lanjan. Hope you have a very nice day. 🎂🍒🍦🥂
ReplyDeleteHm. The confrontation with a real king might have been interesting.
ReplyDeleteSorry to have missed your birthday LanJan, I wasn’t here online yesterday.
ReplyDeleteBut I hope you had a really lovely day with treats and surprises and everything you could enjoy on a special day. 💐
This afternoon’s news……Hooray!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks ladies.
DeleteI was invited rounded to a friend's for Sunday lunch which was very enjoyable and then came home and spent much of the late afternoon and evening chatting on the phone to friends and family.
I echo thar, Archerfile!
ReplyDeleteI was a very proud Mum on Thursday when Katy graduated in the wonderful surroundings of Winchester Cathedral. Graduation ceremonies can be a bit boring but this one was fulfilling and well thought out. It started with the choir who gave three renditions, the last one being “Lean on me”. We all need to have someone to lean on at times! The undergraduates were asked to turn round towards their families and give a resounding clap for their support. Their graduation followed and the nine doctors were last but afterwards they went up to join the faculty which was quite moving. The closing speech included an account of the history of the huge stained glass window above the exit door. As you know no doubt, when the Royalists were defeated and Oliver Cromwell’s commonwealth came about, they destroyed much of the images and stained glass etc in churches and cathedrals. The window was smashed but the townsfolk of Winchester gathered and buried the shards. When the king was restored after Cromwell the window was painstakingly put together again but of course not in the right order! The message from this is that in the hard times of our life our world is shattered but we can then restore our peace by picking up the pieces and crafting them into something new. I can definitely apply that thought after losing my soulmate and rebuilding my life as a single person into something very different. I will always remember the window as it was though!
That is a very thoughtful and moving post Ev.
DeleteThank you for telling us about your day, and congratulations to Katy.
You must be very proud and Mike will be looking on in pride too.
I am so glad your daughter’s graduation was at Winchester Cathedral, which I know so well.
DeleteAnd it was such a moving experience for you. I am hoping that in a couple of years time we shall also be attending a graduation ceremony there for our grandson. I hope you have loads of lovely photos.
It is a beautiful and historic building with so many important and interesting features. The tomb of Jane Austen of course, and the statue of the diver who saved the Cathedral from collapse when the foundations were flooded and he managed to shored things up under water.
What a wonderful day for you (both) EV and many congratulations to your daughter 👏🏻 🎓
ReplyDeleteThat was interesting about the restored but changed stained glass window Ev, and the positive message for life you found in it. Such a shame the glass was smashed. It happened during the time of Henry the 8th too after the break with Rome and the destruction of the monastic churches. In more recent times there has been the destruction of heritage sites in Iraq and Syria by ISIS. Such a waste! Well done Katy who from her line of study must be interested in preserving the past.
ReplyDeleteOne of HenryVIII’s worst acts of destruction, in my view, was the devastation his men caused to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. It must have been truly beautiful before the sacking and is still full of history. One of the most interesting of such places I have ever visited, thanks to a marvellous NT guide who explained everything to us.
DeleteIndeed, we might have had wonderful buildings today if it wasn’t for this wanton destruction. It was often made worse by people taking the stones to build other structures! Many a farmhouse or cottage is made from best dressed stone! Not a bad thing though, original recycling! The tomb of Henry V111’s older brother, Arthur in Worcester cathedral was vandalised by the puritans and faces on the carvings removed. Strangely extreme Muslims also have an aversion to “graven images”.
DeleteListened this evening to A Social History of The Archers on BBC sounds.
ReplyDeleteHappy to recommend.
Did anyone watch The Repair Shop last night?
ReplyDeleteA lovely programme when some of the team met Prince Charles (as he then was) at Dumfries Castle where he sponsors young apprentices learning traditional crafts.
The team went on to repair a clock and vase for the Prince who later visited The Repair Shop to collect them. It super to see Steve’s young son Fred helping repair the clock as Steve’s apprentice.
But what kept bugging me was the way Jay Blades kept putting his hands on the Prince! He obviously had no idea of Royal protocol and that you shouldn’t touch royalty - remember the fuss there was when Michelle Obama put her arm around the Queen?
However Prince Charles didn’t seem to mind, was incredibly friendly and very appreciative of the work done. I wonder if things would have been the same had Charles been King when the programme was made?
Yes I watched it on the iPlayer. There were some interesting little insights I thought, like the fact Prince Charles collects Wemys ware, and that his great great ? grandmother had a lot of chiming clocks so on the hour no one could hear themselves speak. I was very impressed with his apprenticeships for traditional crafts, and hope he still has time for things like that now he is King. For the Repair shop team members visiting Dumfries castle it must have been like going into a sweet shop, Will was obviously delighted to see the Chippendale furniture.
DeleteI agree it was a bit strange the way Jay Blades kept patting the Prince. I wondered if he was nervous or trying to be very protective of his guest. Charles took it in good part though and by the end seemed to be responding in kind.
I don't have a television but come the winter evenings there are a few things I watch via the computer, - the Repair shop, Bake off, Strictly and any nature programmes with David Attenborough.
Apparently it wasn't a great grandmother but the Queen mother his grandmother who had all the clocks.
DeleteDon't know what everyone else is doing today but I am about to make apple and plum chutney using fallers from the orchard. Every time the wind blows more apples blow down. Over the last 3 weeks I have pureed some for the freezer, and open frozen thick slices, useful for smoothies (easy to do because no peeling), so now it is going to be chutney and maybe after that some jam.
ReplyDeleteMade my Christmas cake and some parkin today. Both now wrapped up in tins maturing.
DeleteApple & ginger jam is very tasty
ReplyDeleteCutting back shrubs and moving honeysuckle, clearing space to have the awning put up over the little deck outside my dining room. It's taken 2 1/2 years to find someone to do it. The promised quote has not materialised. If he actually turns up next week I'll be amazed.
ReplyDeleteThe man who prunes back the wisteria on the front of the house each year has been this morning. I am trying to find a qualified horticulturist to prune the apple tree in my garden. When asked if he was qualified, the answer was yes, but I’m afraid I’m booked for work eighteen months ahead. Apparently he has been looking after this wisteria, ,roof and gutters of this house for thirty years, and was also involved in the
ReplyDeletereconfiguration of my flat.
Obviously a useful man to have in my contacts book, but booked so far ahead.
I too had someone round who came up with some good suggestions but has never been in touch again. Clearly either too busy to take on the work or simply not wanting the job.
No doubt, Mrs P, but it is a problem. Fortunately I should have a handle on this chap because he's also the church cleaner. I'm not on duty this Sunday but, but next week I shall be leaving messages in the office!
ReplyDeleteI had my covid booster on Tuesday with no obvious after effects. However, I have felt very tired since then and wondered whether any of you had too. We have had to cope with Dudley’s operation to have anal glands removed and he is doing well but maybe the associated stress has played a part in this lethargy! A tip for others whose dog or cat has an op that instead of the dreaded cone baby grows are a good way of preventing nibbling at the wound if it is on the body. Of course only suitable for smaller dogs! He takes size 6 - 9 months!
ReplyDeleteYes I felt tired and achey for several days after the autumn booster, but nothing like as bad as both my son and myself felt after the Moderna, and recently our poor oil delivery man said he had had a bad time after it with palpitations etc. This time I had the pfizer plus omicron one, and in fact did a lot of emailing beforehand to make sure the centre I usually go to was giving that one. I would not have had the Moderna again. I know a vaccinator in London and he said he had a lot of people asking if it was the Moderna being given and then refusing because of a previous bad experience. They will then advise you where you can go to get a different one. People seem to vary in their response.
DeleteYes, Katy and I had the Pfizer/omicron one. I asked about tiredness to see whether it might be due to the vaccine and thank you for your reply, Janice. I was pleased we had this one as I have always had Pfizer and I think this one gives good protection. A bit of tiredness is very much preferable to the possible effects of having the virus!
DeleteFascinating. There am I a) still trying to find an accessible clinic and b) also trying to avoid the Pfizer!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had myocarditis quite badly after it and as I already have a heart murmur, have been advised against it. So far, the Moderna is the only one that hasn't affected me at all.
We both got headaches for a day with all our Pfizer ones, no problems at all with the Moderna recently.
ReplyDeleteI have not had any side effects from flue or covid this time as far as I’m aware.
ReplyDeleteHowever I did have a few days of tiredness a week or so ago and perhaps that was a side effect similar to others, but I did not make the connection.
All the best to you PtbY for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes smoothly and you will be able to get back to driving etc very shortly.
,Mind you ,you have been able to do most things better with your one "good" eye than many of us can do with two.
There will be no holding you after Monday -but take it easy .Don't rush things.
Thanks. On my way. Wonder if anyone else gets as excited at the prospect of going into hospital? Lol.
DeleteSquint surgery today.
Hopefully you are all gowned up now.
DeleteYou have been really patient through disappointment and more disappointment .
Whilst the rest of us are comparing notes about flu and Covid you have had to put up with so much more.
True northerner .
I've had two AZ, one Pfizer and now one Moderna. I have reacted to them all, but that's just me.
ReplyDeleteBy far the worst reaction was after the Pfizer one, when I had a temp. an awful headache + aches, which confined me to bed, be it for just a day.
It's interesting how what suits one person, is not the same for another.
No matter what, the benefits are so worth it..
Two dreadful catastrophes this weekend. The Halloween disaster in Korea and the bridge collapse in India. Hundreds dead in both cases.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that celebrate Halloween in Korea, dreadful American import I suppose. I would ban it if I had my way, especially over here where supermarkets a full of Halloween trash and accidents happen every year with cheap costumes catching fire etc.
I know I sound like a grump but it has just expanded so much in recent years, as another money-making opportunity for shops.
Another grump here ARCHERPHILE - I agree with your every word.
DeleteThinking of PtbY in theatre today, and agree with LJs words.
We complain of trivial irritations while PtbY has been so patient,
and sincerely hope this operation removes the squint.
I'm not a fan of the over commercialisation of Halloween either Archerfile.
DeleteKeeping 🤞for PtbY.
Cheshire Cheese ,do you use both treacle and syrup in your parkin?
ReplyDeleteI have decided to make some for southern friends who have never heard of it.
Have never made it but have two different recipes.
I am thinking I will make the one without syrup as I have neither that nor treacle in the cupboard ,am doing an online order this afternoon and I don't want to end up with an almost full tin of syrup
I hate cooking and baking but did make some chocolate cookies the other day which were actually very nice though I says it myself as shouldn't
(One of the delights as a child was to go round to a friend's house on a Sunday evening to play Monopoly and Cluedo and be given treacle butties. ( margarine of course not butter)
You can get golden syrup in a squeeze bottle which is much easier to use and smaller quantity.
DeleteI just use treacle in my parkin recipe Lanjan
DeleteThanks Cheshire Cheese .
DeleteI will do the same.
According to various recipes Lancashire Parkin contain both syrup and
treacle but Yorkshire Parkin only contains treacle.
I was surprised by this but have decided that the Yorkshire recipe sounds better.
Laid in hospital bed practising focusing on the clock on the wall opposite. Single vision. 🎉🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteEyeball looking forward. Very chuffed.
Just got to wait for husband to come for me then I’m off home.
Glad to hear that it all went well, I guess there will be no holding you back now
DeleteVery pleased for you PtbY and surprised that you are able to have immediate results, imagining that you would be bandaged up again for weeks.
DeleteDo rest over the next few days though.
Wishing you all the best.
Thanks everyone. Home and tucked up in bed. 😊👁👁
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you have a great result. Make sure you stay tucked up in bed and take things easy for a few days.
DeleteGo easy on the DIY for a bit!
ReplyDeleteGlad it's over for you. 💐
ReplyDeletePtby new month and new 👁 so very pleased for you 🤗
ReplyDeleteEcho previous posts and wishing you well, Ptby!
DeleteMy garden is certainly confused about the seasons.
ReplyDeleteThis morning a beautiful yellow dahlia (which was covered in blooms last year) produced its first flower of 2022 - on the first of November!
Another, deep pink dahlia has been all foliage and closed buds for months and suddenly opened some beautiful flowers last week.
Same in my garden. A choysia started flowering this week and I've had hellebores in flower for a few weeks.
DeleteVery true. My apricot shades begonias and osteospermum purple sun are still going full tilt.
ReplyDeleteMy honeysuckle is flowering beautifully. Normally there would be the odd rose still in flower, but not the honeysuckle which seems to be having a second flowering.
ReplyDeleteI wish! Mine hasn't really flowered properly in the three years I've had it. Yesterday I got Nigel to move it.
ReplyDeleteAnother garden anomaly - like Janice’s, the honeysuckle on our long trellis has not stopped flowering for months……but even more strangely, the Clematis montana which weaves through it, and normally only flowers once, in the Spring, has started flowering again in November!
ReplyDeleteAnd…..2 standard large flowered clematis, Nellie Moser and The President, which rarely produce more than 1 or 2 flowers each, started blooming in October and are literally covered in blooms!
It’s lovely to see but makes me wonder what this will do to the seasons next year and if plants will ever get back to their normal routines?
Ouch! That must have been very painful. Hope both you and Dudley recover soon. You are so right about how lucky we are to have the NHS. I have heard many sad things from my philippina daughter in law of people who cannot afford treatment. At one point a boy from the school she used to teach at was in a desperate state and contacting her here for help because they could not afford treatment for his mother who had Cancer and Mabel's mother's medicines and oxygen were paid for by my son until she eventually died from longterm effects of TB. Thankfully British money goes a lot further out there. They don't seem to have the childhood vaccinations we take for granted in this country. When my children were babies I had great debates about the pros and cons of vaccinations but not Mabel who is totally committed to taking her baby to everything on offer, and thinks we are very lucky. She herself had TB in the past. She has scarring left on one of her lungs and I do wonder if that will cause problems when she is older, but at least she will have good health care. There is a wide gulf, as in many third world countries, between a very wealthy minority and a very poor majority who cannot afford medical insurance. Food takes priority.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mabel about childhood vaccinations. When young I remember having diphtheria ones. You rarely hear about that nowadays. The MMR link to autism was ultimately removed from the equation but at the time I thought that autism isn’t usually obvious until about that age when the vaccine is given so could be wrongly attributed to it. If not for the COVID jab we would not now be returning to a normal life. Well, that’s my thoughts!😊
ReplyDeleteSadly there have been reports of diphtheria cases at the refugee camp at Dover in the past few days. (And scabies) Whatever you think of the rights and wrongs of all these refugees being housed in inadequate emergency accommodation, the last thing we need is such diseases being brought into our country. I sincerely hope there is enough medical attention being given to these people and any that are being moved into other housing are vaccinated.
ReplyDeleteNew thread opened, everyone is getting their injections
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Archerfile. Diphtheria is highly contagious and as it is rare here presumably someone came in with it and conditions in the camp have spread it. Presume cases are being treated. This refugee problem is a huge one, difficult to solve.
ReplyDelete