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Christmas Tree hunt 2022
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Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
MiriamDecember 10, 2022 at 4:13 PM
ReplyDeleteI woke up this morning to frost and a very strange red/orange glow, as the sun came up.
It then snowed heavily for nearly 2 hours. Suddenly all the children appeared, had a massive snowball fight and did "snow angels", in the middle of the road. It was delightful to watch them having so much fun, as it is so rare to get snow here. Big Sis in N.Wales, just 20 miles away had nothing.
Later I had a knock on the door to find one of the boys from next door, with a home-made cinnamon Christmas Cookie!
It was delicious and a lovely gesture...
REPLYDELETE
Cheshire CheeseDecember 10, 2022 at 4:55 PM
A lovely gesture indeed Miriam. It's been snowing on and off all day over here in the east of the county and very cold!
DELETE
MiriamDecember 10, 2022 at 5:5
CC Thought of you, as if I get snow, then your "side" of the county, always has it much worse.
ReplyDeleteSnow has only partially melted and is now freezing solid. My cul-de-sac is like an ice rink, as covered in withheet ice.
DELETE
AmbridgesMrsPDecember 10, 2022 at 6:26 PM
Managed to get the plants that remain un planted under cover yesterday afternoon in preparation for the possibility of snow.
Very light covering in the garden but upon pulling the curtains the views of the surrounding hills showed considerable fall during the night.
Able to drive slowly and carefully up to North Hill and Lady loved her walk.
At least two to three inches deep but able to walk reasonably well as plenty of dog walkers on the usual paths.
The sky with cloud formations and a steel grey sea and the sun above trying to break through the gaps in the cloud was utterly magical.
The banks of hills surrounding seemed completely white for twenty miles or so.
DELETE
MiriamDecember 10, 2022 at 6:52 PM
It is so magical, isn't it Mrs P. with the differing light and vistas to see and just enjoy...I love it all.
No snow in my corner of Hampshire, just heavy frost.
ReplyDeleteYesterday my daughter & went to pick our tree, it got my daughter out which is good, I can count on one hand the number of times she has gone out this year. The tree is now in a bucket of water (well probably ice by now) in the garden, we’ll bring it in next weekend.
Yes, KP, just very heavy frost here too, but snow expected tomorrow I think.
DeleteWell done you, KP and daughter. We have a Christmas Tree farm close to us but we shan’t be bothering with one this year. Only Mr A and I at home over the holidays and going to daughter for Christmas Day, so doesn’t seem worth the bother of decorating.
I've been decorating our tree this morning. We've put it in the conservatory this year as one of our daughters is spending Christmas with us and she has two little ones age one and two. It's not the same but I was worried about the toddler eating the pine needles, this way I can relax and can still see it. Will be putting up the rest of the decorations up this afternoon. Going to make mince pies tomorrow and almond paste the cake.
ReplyDeleteI've just heard that the cost of my re-wiring and indoor loo has gone up again since the second estimate. I've just about managed to find the extra £3,000 for that, but I've made it clear to the boss that there isn't any more - I've reached my absolute limit: if it no longer covers the specified work, the details will have to be looked at again.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, he seems to be on my side, as he's calling the electrician to account over his charges because he thinks they're too high and is getting a second opinion. However, if they'd only got on with the work instead of letting it drift for so long, we wouldn't be in this position.
Sorry to hear that Sarnia. It is difficult to find people to do the work and then as you have found it can keep on being put off. The cost of materials goes up all the time. I am having my kitchen redone in January and my usual workmen have failed to set a date so I have gone to the kitchen firm who will be fitting it as well. At least that way there is only one comeback. My f in l some years ago had a conservatory built and it leaked as it joined to the house. The conservatory builders blamed the glaziers and vice versa so that it was never resolved! It is a minefield maybe youth builder should review his latest estimate as well and should give leeway as his delays have caused the hike in prices. Good luck with it but I know only too well that it is difficult..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ev. The builder comes recommended by Mr S's cousin Angela, who is no fool, so It's not as if he's a cowboy outfit or anything. Having had to wait 2 1/2 years to find a handyman to install my awning, it dawned on me at my last birthday that my remaining multiples of 2 years are very closely numbered. Consequently I started ringing them every week to find out what was causing the constant hold ups. It seems to be concentrating his mind rather better. However, what with scraping together the extra money, it's taking a fair amount of mental energy to manage alone and I'm worn out!
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel!!
DeleteHad a lovely visit to see cowgirl and her new dachshund, Lucia, this morning. It’s so nice how this blog site has brought people together to make new friends. It was -5 degrees going over the moors and the scenery was fantastic with such a hard frost on everything. In fact, it was “ beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!” Lol.
ReplyDeleteA brave journey PtbY in the current weather conditions. I need to pay a visit to the Ice Cream Farm to get supplies in for Christmas but have been thinking twice about it as the farm is way up in the hills.
DeleteI wish my daughter had thought twice CC especially as she borrowed my car. The daft happuth tried yesterday evening to get up a hill here that you just don't attempt when there is snow and especially not when there is ice. She and 3 or 4 other cars got stuck. A tractor and some men helped push her out, and she had to reverse about a quarter of a mile in the dark sliding on ice. She had a fright and I had a car with a marmalised front tyre, so the garage has had it today.
DeleteJust to add my son and daughter in law plus baby have just arrived back after 2 months in the warmth of the Philippines and are shivering. Mabel has never ever seen snow before! She is shrammed.
DeleteYaaay, another step forward for Tokamak fusion. Not yet fully there but another step forward. From little acorns...... I have so much respect for the scientists working on this.
ReplyDeleteYes, great news. Only sorry I shan’t be able to benefit in my lifetime!
DeleteShall we have a wager, a Cornish pasty against a food item of your choice. 😉 Once a break through is made things tend to progress more quickly. I think you might see its benefit. Let's both do our best to make it, healthily, to a 100. What say you?
DeleteWell, I’m not sure how old you are but probably a lot younger than me, so hopefully you will benefit, even if I do not. ☺️
DeleteHowever, I’ll bet a big bowl of my Winchester Mess to your Cornish Pasty! 😋
72 but 34 inside 😉. I had to look up Winchester Mess and that sounds a very nice wager. Definitely done!
DeleteJanice - I was thinking of asking to join your eager, because the way things are going I'll need to live to be 100 to see my house put to rights.
ReplyDeleteThen C turned up this morning to start work on my fence when I wasn't expecting him until January.
The bad news is that it's because he's had so many cancellations due to customers' finance problems. My work isn't cosmetic, it's essential maintenance to my boundary fence. Like the builder, with material costs overtaking agreed estimates he's running at a loss and will likely retrain as an electrician.
Just a quick look in - and a moan about Royal Mail - which I expect many are having problems with.
ReplyDeleteI posted a birthday card, 1st class to Essex for a nieces birthday, on Nov. 24th. It arrived yesterday, December 13th!
I also have a package lost "in transit" from 4 weeks ago and luckily not needed for Christmas, but trying to get a refund seems impossible!
I hope all are keeping warm and cosy, in the best way possible.
Bonnie 🐈⬛ was not impressed with the snow, which was the first time she has experienced it outside (as lived in a flat before with no outside access).
A week or so ago I did a handful of Christmas cards for Mr R . The main batch was still to be done but will not be doing them now as no way will they be received. Local cards not a problem and friends and family online will receive a Jacquie Lawson offering. The animated cards or note if prefer are so beautiful and mean that I can still pass on our love and Christmas Wishes.
ReplyDeleteHadn't heard of her before so looked her site up and the animations are lovely. I thought that the funny Christmas Boogie was just right for a cat lover.
DeleteI am still writing cards but I go by the 12 days of Christmas so only class them as late if they are going to arrive after New Year's day.
The cards I write a letter with get done last, in a good year they arrive before the 5th Jan. but I realise a lot of people, like our neighbours, take their lights and decorations down straight after the New Year. Better stop browsing here and start the cards again! Every year I write a letter to someone who was a friend in Uni (sorry Lanjan I remember you said that was one of the expressions you didn't like) days, and she writes a newsy letter, and we haven't met for 40 years. That must surely be daft!
DeleteMy granddaughter didn’t receive any of her birthday cards last week and I doubt if my grandson whose birthday is today will get any either.
ReplyDeleteI had some lovely videos + photos this morning. Whilst we are all freezing here, it seems strange seeing school Christmas and family do's with Santa etc. when all are in sunhats, sunglasses and shorts + sandals.
ReplyDeleteThe highlight were the koala bears, who seem to have moved into the back garden for the first time this year....it seems such a diffeeent world, but then it is.
PS It shows how cold it is, as my hand-gel kept in the door pocket, was frozen solid when I went to use it after shopping today.
Luckily I had some wipes in my handbag -
Lady R, I sometimes use the Jacquie Lawson ecards too. I also get the e advent calendar for myself every year, opening it from the beginning of December makes me feel quite Chrismassy.
ReplyDeleteIt's been below freezing all day here but lovely and sunny with a cloudless sky and not a breath of wind so we decided to risk going to the ice cream farm. The route goes uphill along a narrow country lane for about 5 miles but was remarkably clear. We had a walk along the farm's nature trail then treated ourselves to lunch in the cafe sitting by a log fire at a table looking out over the snow covered hills with the sun shining on them. It was such a relaxing break from all the Christmas preparations.
Sounds lovely CC. I’m visiting my sister in Brussels,,v very ld but the Grande Place looked lovely with trees & decorations & sparkling blue skies.
DeleteI know the Grande Place in Brussels well but have never seen it at Christmas, I can imagine how lovely it looks.
DeleteWishing All a Very Happy Christmas, however it is being celebrated. May you all have special times with family + loved ones, if possible.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy All. 🎄🎅
Lady R .... I just wanted to thank you so much for your suggestion of the Jacquie Lawson cards. My daughter and grandchildren live in France and I was very upset that they possibly would not receive anything by post for Christmas. It's been so good to choose one for each member of the family, which they can take with them when they go away and above all are fun - at least I've had fun - and it gives them an idea of traditional English Christmas! And can be used for those occasions when you want to cheer or console quickly! So thank you again. you're a real life-saver!
ReplyDeleteI too am a Jacqui Lawson fan and have an annual subscription which means you can send as many cards as you like through out the year. Last year and this I sent the really beautiful Advent Calendar to my two grandsons in France. I had always send them a paper/card calendar in previous years but postage is so expensive these days. The Jacqui Lawson ones are very easy to arrange online and give them lots of games and activities to do throughout the season. The artwork and music is beautiful in all her cards. I thoroughly recommend them.
ReplyDeleteCC and bufo9bufo your day out to the farm sounds idyllic CC and bufo9bufo so glad you have found JL cards info helpful. As those of us who already use them know the cards are superb! The Barn Dance one is great as is the Cat boogie of course, both
ReplyDeletelifts one’s spirit no end 😊
I reckon it’s Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag music that makes that particular one so uplifting. I have sent it to around 4 different friends.
DeleteJanice you have also discovered J. Lawson cards 😁 and AP think you are right regarding the cat boogie music.
DeleteShopping at Sainsburys yesterday was a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteAfter the big government-induced change of location in the store for many items, yesterday things had moved again. One of my regular weekly buys has changed place for the 3rd time in as many weeks! It took two assistants running running up and down the isles trying to find it for me, they had no idea it had been changed yet again. (Chicken thighs displaced by cheese packs)
I wanted some Brandy Butter as a donation to daughters Xmas dinner - looked in most likely place, not there. Had to ask 3 different assistants, none of them knew where it was. These were not temporary Xmas staff, they have all worked there for years.
So many of my favourite items, bought regularly, are now ‘no longer stocked’. e.g. Baxter’s Chutney, Duerr’s marmalade, Sharwood’s puppodums, Pearce Duff’s Blancmange Powder.
Acres of the store has been taken over by Christmas items, I’ve never seen so many tins of Quality Street! Even the fresh food isles are now swamped with Christmas items which have taken the place of standard meat, fish, bacon etc
Online shopping seems to have gone crazy. aisles cluttered up with staff picking orders into big trollies, and often leaning over you to reach goods.
Finally the self scan system, which is one of the main reasons I shop at Sainsburys, has also become a nightmare. Long queues to use the special checkout tills, every shopper needing a ‘full-trolly re-scan’ and one poor assistant trying to deal with dozens of angry shoppers. What used to be so easy and quick is constantly breaking down and causing problems.
OK, had my moan! And I know it’s Christmas! But yesterday I arrived home exhausted after what is normally an hour’s shop that took two and a half and missing several items on my list.
What fun!
😡😡😡 with you all the way AP totally galling!
DeleteThat's interesting, AP. The self-service scanning has never really taken off in my local Sainsbury's: people doing a family shop won't use it because they say there's not enough room, while I and others like me who are alone for the rest of the week welcome the chance to chat to a real person, so that the staff have become our friends.
ReplyDeleteTo begin with there was only one till open, but now we're back to three or sometimes even four.
I started using it when I first had problems with my knee and hip. I just couldn’t do a big weekly shop, queue at the checkout, load it all onto the conveyor belt, then repack it all at the end. It was too much, especially with a walking stick in tow.
DeleteNow I can pack my bags as I go, zapping each item as I put them in. Make sure the bread isn’t quashed bt tins, keep cold items together in one bag etc. No more conveyor belt or repacking of bags. It is usually so quick to check out, hardly ever a queue and I am out in minutes. It has been a lifeline for me and is increasingly popular at our branch
Couldn't agree more Archerfile about items not being available and the constant moving of goods around at Sainsburys stroes. During lockdown I started doing my weekly shop at 7.00am and have continued since restrictions were lifted as it's really quiet then. I also use the smart shop facility as the checkouts are always understaffed.
ReplyDelete☑️✔️✔️✔️
DeleteWe have continued having our big shopping delivered which is so much easier than having nightmares like Archerfile! I am though truly sorry if my picker has reached across people and blocked the aisle. There is no easy way to get provisions in!
ReplyDeleteThe problem with home delivery (which I used throughout lockdown) at the moment, is that half the things I ordered wouldn’t be available as so much is missing in the store.
DeleteAs for the pickers getting in the way, surely order picking could be done when the store is closed and/or overnight. Or direct from the store’s warehouse? I expect there are plenty people who would love to earn overtime rates for doing the job, rather than having to cope with a store full of irritated shoppers getting in *their* way.
The fence is finished. I now reside behind a respectable fence with railings, so the house frontage no longer screams 'helpless, ageing widow lives here'.
ReplyDeleteSounds really smart Sarnia 👏🏻
DeleteIf I were you I would keep popping out, or in this weather peeking out of the window to enjoy your latest investment 😀
It's amazing, Lady R, particularly as it's had the same kind of sagging, bargain-basement larch-lap effort since before we bought it in 1971.
DeleteI can't see it from the window because there's a huge, mature camellia in the way, and with the current hard frost I don't dare go out and look. However, I took photos this afternoon as soon as it was finished, and I keep getting my phone out and just gazing at them.
It's been .ore than two years in the planning, and I'm suddenly exhausted.
So pleased to hear that you have finally got your fence Sarnia.
DeleteThank you, CC
DeleteWow that was a quick response Sarnia and it does look a very smart fence indeed!
DeleteSarnia…..a major tick off the list. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, PtbY. I feel as if I have just moved a mountain!
ReplyDeleteWould you be able to post a picture of it on here at some point as you did with part of your garden awhile back 🤔
ReplyDeleteNo sooner said than done. Could only show a short section
ReplyDeleteWithout revealing too much of the house.
Deletereally smart Sarnia, worth waiting for.
ReplyDeleteNice fence, but nice camellia as well. I would think it is a picture in the Spring.
ReplyDelete4s 6d twig from Woolworths in 1971!
ReplyDeleteYour fence looks very smart Sarnia, but I am more impressed by your 50 years or so Woolworths twig. I’ve tried to grow camellias several times and always failed. Yours is obviously in the right spot.
DeleteWell done !
Try one in a pot with ericaceous compost, .
DeleteMrs P.
Thanks for the tip Sarnia.
DeleteMy mother in law brought me a camellia flower when I had my first baby.
Not familiar with them until then.
Looking at what the garden does best - azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and conifers suggests an acid soil. It will certainly have no truck with any kind of herbaceous border.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely delighted that Hamza won Strictly last night. Such a lovely man, so kind and thoughtful of other people, so humble and totally inexperienced Ed in dancing before entering the comoetition.
ReplyDeleteA truly worthy winner. Sad that the judges showed such bias to one of the other contestants, so thank goodness the final descision was by public vote allons.
A great séries that even Mr A enjoyed!
It was a close competition and I wouldn't have minded who won but was pleased for Hamza. I was also happy for Jowita, I think that she's a very good dancer. However, I was underwhelmed by all the show dances last night.
DeleteI thought it nice that it was won by someone who was into wildlife photography and conservation rather than a soap actor "star".
DeleteMessage to MIRIAM
ReplyDeleteThough not exclusively of course !
Only three days to Winter Solstice Miriam, and then more light each day and we are over the hump.
🙂
Delete🥲 you know me 🤣
DeleteRain all day today but the temperature is up! Dreaming of a villa in a warmer place! There’s no place like home though,😊
ReplyDeleteWet and windy here. Decided to ice my Christmas cake and cook a few things to stock up the freezer.
DeleteI've been looking in here occasionally and it's lovely to see so many names I remember from the old days of th BBC Archers pages, but it's been a tough year and I've not been in the mood to contribute. However, it's Christmas and I just wanted to wish you all, including all the names I don't recognise, the best Christmas possible. Ours has been cancelled. My step-grandson, who's more than old enough to know better, has contracted covid and didn't test before we had a family get-together last weekend so we are all in isolation for the next couple of weeks. The celebrations have now been moved to New Year. I'm spending my time gardening as we are coming into summer here and my aim is to be (almost) self-sufficient in vegetables.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - Winchester mess? What is it and how do you make it? Always keen to find regional dishes I haven't tried before.
Merry Christmas, everyone. XX
EnZed ……… make the most of your NY get together replacing Christmas and enjoy your garden.
DeleteChristmas greetings to you.
Nice to hear from you EnZed. Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
DeleteIt’s a “me too” EnZed 🎊 🍷 🎉
DeleteHappy Christmas/New Year EnZed. I'm in the same boat as your family having tested positive for covid this morning and feeling really grotty, so we will probably be making more of the New Year. Such a nuisance, as there are lots of nice things happening in the lead up to Christmas.
DeleteScam Alert!
ReplyDeleteReceived phone call on land,
Line just now saying it was from PayPal ( who I use regularly)
Said I had requested a payment of £129 be made.
If I had NOT requested this to press 1 on keypad
If I DID NOT RESPOND the payment would be activated.
So they’ve got you both ways, scammed if you do or if you don’t , very clever.
Needless to say I had not requested this payment and I put the phone down. I have notified PayPal so I should be covered if anything goes wrong. I am waiting to hear back from them. They give lots of advice about phishing emails and texts but not phone calls, so maybe this is a new threat.
Beware of calls from numbers which begin with the dialling code 02394. This looks to be related to the Portsmouth area, but numbers with that prefix have never been issued, and are not authorised for use. These numbers have been identified as 'dangerous', so If you receive a call from one of them, don't pick up, report it. The Portsmouth area code is 02392.
ReplyDeletePS I don't answer calls from numbers I don't recognise. If it's a scam the caller usually hangs up as soon as the answerphone kicks in.
ReplyDeleteThe extra worrying thing about this one was that the number appeared to be local, with our dialling code for Basingstoke, so obviously I thought it was a genuine call and picked up. Apparently scammers can now do that, so it looks as if your call is local
DeleteI have been in touch with PayPal and they investigated and assure me that my account was oK and had not been hacked. As requested, I was able to give them full details of the number used and time of call so they can investigate.
What a relief to know that your account has not been compromised. It's incidents like this that make me reluctant to purchase on the internet.
ReplyDeleteYes, AP, when I reported my fake number I was told that scammers use codes that look local to trick people into answering. I've even had one with a Guernsey prefix.
I'm afraid I'm just rigid about answering. My regular callers are all programmed in, and anyone not included has to leave a message. If I'm not convinced by the message I still do nothing and wait for them to write to me. If they don't, it can't have been important.
A modern nuisance is the fact that people increasingly ring from mobiles, with numbers so random I can't remember them all. Same rule applies: you'll have to leave a message because I won't answer!
Seasonal greetings to all at Winter Solstice
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mrs P. Always a day to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI am always delighted when family give me garden tokens for Christmas, and spend hours planning what to buy with them. This year, after showing me how to access news of new excavations my son has presented me with a limited edition, commemorative Time Team trowel. This is now proudly displayed in the centre of my beautiful oak mantel beam, which he installed for me on Monday.
All this as well as my new fence - utterly amazing!
Am watching Sportsview Personality of the Year on BBC. Mr A’s idea, not mine.
ReplyDeleteVoted for Ben Stokes of course, but can somebody explain what Clare Balding is wearing?
Mr A (cruel man) says she looks like a Victorian sofa covered in brocade !
Perhaps not the most flattering of outfits. Think she needs a new fashion adviser.
I'm watching my completed fireplace instead, AP, it's much better dressed.
ReplyDeleteMy preferred Sports Personality winning Team - was the British Mens Gymnastic Team, who won the European Championships, this year.
ReplyDeleteThey were so very skilful over the many different + difficult apparatus and disciplines, plus the floor
It was a true all round team effort.
Been watching news of terrible weather conditions in USA and Canada. Blizzards and temperatures of -44 which seems incredible. Impossible travelling conditions for people trying to get home for Christmas. Haven’t heard from our Canadian relatives yet, but are hoping they are safe.
ReplyDeleteMakes our problems here seem very small
Just popping in to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.🎉🍾🥂🎄🎁
ReplyDeleteOur son, girlfriend and their dog arrive at tea time today so won’t have time to be reading the blog.
I too wish all a happy Christmas and a safe few days with friends and family.
DeleteI am off on my long drive to Cornwall in the next hour or so.
I'm going to be busy over the next few days so would also like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. 🎄🍾
DeleteHave wonderful Christmases PtbY, Mrs P, and C C. Hope your celebrations are everything you could wish for.
ReplyDeleteNow for a little moan and a question.
ReplyDeleteMy Sainsburys and Lidl are opposite each other, just a few hundred yards apart.
Visited both this morning
Sainsburys : not a single egg in the shop, not even very expensive exclusive brand ones. Shelves totally empty, not even the crates they use to stack them.
Lidl : stacks of British, free range, RSPCA approved eggs in all sizes, + duck eggs and others
Why the difference? Why can Lidl get plenty of eggs but Sainsbury's can’t?
It has seemed before that your local branch of Sainsbury's is a very poor example of the company, AP.
DeleteMine at least looked fully stocked even if it wasn't, and I've had no problems getting my usual eggs.
Last week my checkout lady presented me with an official card and a tin of shortbread for being a loyal customer.
I think it must all be down to the quality of staff. As you are right on top of the depot there should be no excuse for such a level of shortages.
I hope you all have a very happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI am unable to moan about the weather to my my elder son as he is working at the moment in a place called Nass in the north of British Columbia where the temperature is -20degrees but has been worse!
He can look over the sea to the arctic.
His patients I gather are mainly First Nation people and whilst he enjoys the work and scenery he isn't too happy with the weather.
.
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ReplyDeleteTried to send. Photograph of Percy cat who is lying in my home made Nativity scene.
ReplyDeleteHe is sitting on Mary,Joseph and the Shepherds.
The animals are being sat on too and the kings have lost their crowns
The walls of Bethlehem have collapsed
I am sure it must be very comfy!
Oh dear LJ what a picture you paint! Naughty Percy bless him 🐈⬛ - I take it Poppy is being a good puss 🤗
DeleteI was in my nearest S/bury's at 8.50am yesterday morning. It was fully stocked, with bags of carrots and sprouts all for 19p.. All I wanted was a cauli which was fresh + just 69p, and some more extra thick double cream. This was due to thay I suddenly realised that the cream I had already bought, contained vainilla liqueor. This is a big "No-No" for the recovering alcoholic, like Alice, in my family and also the children.
ReplyDeleteMy trip was a success, to suit all tastes.
It is hard at this time of year, to find things not containing alcohol. I finally found some mincemeat suitable for making Christmas cookies, and I am adapting my Cranberry Sauce recipe so it is doesn't have the usual included port...
To those who like listening to the radio - I can recomend the Hercule Poirot, Peril at End House, along with the Miss Marple 4.50 from Paddington. I also came across a series called "Quiz Nite!" and a spy thriller "The Left-handed Sleeper".
ReplyDeleteThese all came from R4ex on BBC sounds and I only mention this, as to perhaps suitable listening for some.
May I wish a very merry Christmas to all of those on the Blogger of The Archers. I actually listened to an episode last week and thought 'I may come back to it!' Not yet though!
ReplyDeleteHave an enjoyable Christmas, or a peaceful one if you prefer.
lots of love
Spicycushion xx
Time to send my good wishes to all friends on the Archers Blogs for a happy, safe, enjoyable, stress-free Christmas Day.
ReplyDeleteWhether celebrating with family and friends or on your own, have a lovely day and more to come in the new year.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA warm and peaceful Christmas to everyone on the blog
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarnia, that's exactly what I'll be having upstairs in isolation in my bedroom! Blinking covid, avoided it all that time before and get it now right before Christmas. I was very rough and flat out on the bed the first few days but am much better now despite still testing positive. Doc prescribed quite heavy duty antibiotics for the accompanying chest infection.
ReplyDeleteNot unduly worried though because for the first time in decades I won't be cooking dinner either tomorrow or Boxing day. Daughter will be doing it, and tonight daughter in law is downstairs preparing a "buenas noches" Philippino feast but to eat earlier than in the Philippines where traditionally they eat it after midnight mass. My appetite is returning so no doubt I will have a plate left outside the bedroom door. I will miss midnight mass though and I will miss hugging my little grandson on his first Christmas.
Wishing all of you wherever you are a really lovely Christmas, with nice things to eat.
Oh Janice, what very bad luck. But glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. And just leave everything to others in the family and concentrate on your recovery. Sending very best wishes 🎄
DeleteI am counting myself so lucky tonight, as I can drive tomorrow to have a fantastic family Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking though, after seeing the News, about all those in the USA + Canada who are having such terrible weather, so are unable to do so.
This applies to anyone here who are "poorly" - my thoughts are with you.
May each and every-one, enjoy in whatever way..🎄🎅🤗
Wishing everyone here as wonderful a Christmas as possible
ReplyDeleteOh Janice so sorry to hear you have been struck down with the dreaded Covid plus chest infection it seems to be increasing once again. A friend of ours is in exactly your situation (plus a uti as well)
ReplyDeleteLiving on her own she rang her daughter who came and sorted out Dr etc who sent her to hospital
to be checked out - then home again with a nurse coming in each day to see her plus the hospital rand each day but as hard of hearing that was a bit of a trial for her the nurse even collected Joan’s prescription for her. Wonderful service it has to be said! Of course daughter and son-in-law then developed Covid. All have had the injections. Today Joan got dressed for the first time in a week but she still feels very washed out. Gone to daughters anyway as it hardly matters now.
🤞🏼for ourselves and anyone else who has so far escaped!
🎄Warmest Christmas wishes to everyone here on the blog be contributor or reader, with family or friends, maybe by yourself but you will all be in my thoughts 🥰 🙏🏼
Hospital rang - of course 🙃
ReplyDeleteHello, Janice, I've sort of come out in sympathy! Not Covid, although I did a RF test last night just to make sure it wasn't some rare, undiscovered mutation. It's a kind of stomach lurgy that I get from time to time - mixture of anxiety and exhaustion, probably.
ReplyDeleteEven so, living alone I still have the run of the house and not confined to one room like you, poor thing. I've had a warm and peaceful day on porridge or boiled egg, enjoying my lovely fireplace.
Chin up!
PS Have you heard the one about the vintage armoured car-load of santas on a pub-crawl who got wedged in a lane just outside Hayle? Made my weekend!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed! I didn't know it was alright to drive a tank if you were drunk?! or perhaps they were afraid children wouldn't get any presents if they arrested Santa and his helpers! 🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🤣
DeleteYes chin up to you too Sarnia.
My day hasn't been too bad all things considered. I had a nice dinner left outside the bedroom door, and was able to lean over the banisters of the hall to at least see my little grandson, dressed in a bright red and green elfin costume!
Hope your tummy gets better soon.
I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday, I am suffering somewhat having overindulged, it was good at the time and one of the most chaotic zoom calls imaginable, but I now have to get myself together and prepare for a family visitation tomorrow and lunch for 14 🙃
ReplyDeleteVisitors gone. Back to peace and quiet. Mr watching football, a jigsaw calling me soon. Bliss.
ReplyDeleteHope you all had a good day and still enjoying Christmas season! Yesterday we went to the beach for a walk with the boys. Buddy had a fine time running around with a 2 year old pup! Today we went to Quarr Abbey to see the crib which is a magnificent display with the whole of the Christmas story set out. I lit a candle for Mike and Gypsy and it was an oasis of peace which is much needed for all of us. We had a nice walk then home to Christmas cake and Wensleydale cheese! Sending good wishes to you all especially thoughts for Janice and Sarnia and everyone feeling not quite the full shilling. ❤️💕🥂💕❤️
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely day with daughter, s.I.l and 3 grandchildren. Didn’t have to do a thing except eat loads and chat to the g.c’s about their plans for future. 2 embarking on teaching degrees and one revising for GCSE.
ReplyDeleteThen, as KP says, a chaotic Zoom with the French side of the family. They had 18 in the house for lunch, all daughter-in-laws family as well as ours! They drew the short straw because their house is the largest and could accommodate all the others, but it made conversation impossible and just lots of waving and smiling, but it was lovely to see ( and try to identify) them all.
What a true family fun and laughter filled, two days has.been had..topped off with with a face-time call with the OZ family members.
ReplyDeleteA magical time has been had by all, for the first time for ages.
No raging temperature last night and today I'm actually hungry. I've just enjoyed a 'banquet' of two fish fingers and some mini potatoes, which was delicious. It begins to look as if I might have flu. I hadn't thought of that.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that Sarnia, there is an awful lot of it about. Just look after yourself!
DeleteMight be worth testing yourself again Sarnia. I know someone down here whose main initial symptom was an upset stomach, and sometimes the positive result doesn't show up for the first few days. It is good you are feeling hungry again, that must be a sign you are beginning to throw it off.
DeleteThe pain spasms felt more like a recurrence of IBS, Janice, and have disappeared with rest and calm, which has been somewhat lacking in the last few weeks.
DeleteAnyway, how are YOU doing?
Mr A and I had our own little Christmas Dinner yesterday. I’d bought a small Turkey crown, which I have never cooked before (usually a whole bird). So thought I should follow directions on the bag exactly. Pour water in roasting tray under the crown, cook at 160C for 2 1/4 hrs, cover in foil. Remove foil for last 15 mins. Did that, though temp seemed a bit low to me.
ReplyDeleteIt was awful. Skin never browned or crisped up. Flesh was wet, very tough, difficult to carve and eat, I left most of mine.
So today I smothered the other side of the crown in Butter, half covered in foil and roasted again at 200c for 3/4 hour. Much better, though flesh still tough.
Should have followed my instincts and not followed the instructions!
I think the best turkey we ever had was quite a few years ago when Katy lived in Bristol. She and I had gone to Sainsbury’s (on Christmas Eve )which was within easy walking distance. We bagged a £34 one for £8 and laughed all the way home thinking what Mike would say as we had the Christmas meal all planned and he was cooking! He was not amused!! There was no room for it in the fridge so we put it in an insulated box in the shed. Next day we were going to the pantomime so he put the turkey in a slow oven to roast while we’re were away. It was delicious! Since then we try to have something different at Christmas and so the turkey is quite a rare thing, This year I decided with only two of us to have a local free range chicken with all the trimmings which was lovely. I think that turkey was a good one which helped but maybe the slow roast seals in the moisture better and agree it isn’t always wise to follow the instructions but to go with your instincts!
ReplyDeleteFurther to that, we did have a turkey crown from M & S about 3 years ago. It was expensive and I put it in the oven before taking the dogs for a walk. On return expected that delicious smell but it wasn’t there. The turkey was tasteless and a great disappointment. There were a lot of complaints online about the M & S turkeys that year so it wasn’t down to how it had been cooked. Maybe I’m unfair but it put me off M & S festive food as we had other issues with our order too. They don’t deliver here either so that was a further drawback.
DeleteHello friends……
ReplyDeleteDown here in the outback of Cornwall we have had a lot of problems with the internet so little or no ability to post. I have not been able to listen to the radio either so am out of touch with TA.
Never mind, I can catch up at some point and it has been a gentle and civilised period of time. The atmosphere between daughter and S I L much improved, I imagine because of a major breakthrough recently when both had a long session with the GP bringing s i ls drinking and never diagnosed ADHD out into the open.
Although treatment or even seeing a specialist is likely to remain in the ether for a very long time, I feel it has improved the atmosphere at the very least.
S I l has, as usual, done all the cooking and every meal is an absolute treat, plus tea in bed in the morning for me, again courtesy of s I l.
My journey here on the Atlantic route was long but uneventful and when I have to return I hope it will be similar.
Sorry to hear that both Janice and Sarnia have spent Christmas unwell and wish you both a swift recovery.
To all others, continue enjoying the next few days in the run up to NY.
Lovely to read your positive 🎄 news Mrs P.
DeleteSon in law cooking and delivering tea in bed - oh my make the most of that! Are you returning after New Year, if so sending warmest wishes to you right now for 2023 🎊 and hope that you will be able to read them at some point.
Things are now getting back to normal here after a hectic few days. We ended up in our local Out of Hours with 2yr old grandaughter at 8.30 on Christmas morning. She had symptoms which could have been Strep A so we thought she should be checked out, thankfully it wasn't. We phoned 111 at about 5.00pm on Christmas Eve and were on hold for about 50 mins before we got through to be told that she needed to be seen and someone would get back to us within 6 hours. The call came at 2.00am to give us an appointment for 8.30 in the morning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a worry for all that time though cc 🙏🏼thank goodness all is well!
DeleteHello Janice, how are you doing?
ReplyDeleteStill testing positive, isolating, and cheesed off 😣. Washed out and weak but not coughing much now.
ReplyDeleteDaughter now knows that Christmas and Boxing day dinners don't magically appear by themselves. Handicapped brother in law and friend up the road kindly agreed to come on New Year's day instead. Am hoping to be negative by then, if not dinner will be down to daughter again. She has gone to work for a rest today 🤣.
Am feeling guilty as our neighbour/friend with the chickens went down with covid (for the second time, she was ill for 3 weeks the first time) a day after I tested positive. She has been kind and whatts apped to say she thought she got it shopping in Morrisons but it is rather a coincidence, because she helped me get a cat into the vet while I drove. The time my daughter got it was when she was in the enclosed space of a car with a workmate who then tested positive.
DeleteA beautiful large dark ginger cat had turned up here, for several days meowing piteously and trying to get in whenever anyone opened the door. Bella cat was getting territorial and growling through the window at him, and Tiger (who does not live up to her name) had fled and was hiding out under my bed. So I couldn't let him in but made up a bed in the boiler porch and fed him there. He was very friendly, a neutered tom so not the wandering toms who come to hunt in the farm buildings, and he climbed up our neighbours legs, claws out ouch!, and draped himself around her neck like a scarf. So we knew he must have a loving home somewhere.
Poor you! As I said before, at least I've got the run of the house. Since the laburnum had its roots hacked through to install the new fence and then succumbed to last week's gales I now have a good three feet more opportunity to watch the rest of the world go by. My favourite piece of entertainment is the 6ft long, lime green that emerges she nch by inch from behind the camellia with a tiny, tiny pooch on the end about 8 ins long.
DeleteAm doing this in several bits because I did it earlier and lost the lot 😣
DeleteSo I decided to take him into the vets to see if chipped. Neighbour managed to get him, protesting, into my cat basket and came along for the ride to help keep him calm while I drove. He was chipped and we left him at the vets to be collected. They are apparently not supposed to tell you the animals name or who the owners are, only a rough location, but they give the finders' name to the owners. We were quite miffed as we didn't even have the chance to say good bye to him, and he was an absolute sweetie. However, I had posted him in the Lost/Found section of our local neighbourhood site and was contacted by the owner to thank us. He was called "Spice" (bit more original than the usual Ginger) and had been missing for 4 !! months, and came from way out in the sticks 4 or so miles away on the Marlborough estate ( if any of you know anyone with 15 or 16 million spare to indulge in an unlikely to make money hobby 🤣 the estate is up for sale. The tenants are less than happy about it.) Our house is stone built and a bit like where Spice came from, so I think he was trying to find his home. One of the two children in the family is autistic and had been greatly missing the cat so their mother said it was a lovely early Christmas surprise for the children. They had apparently been told of several sightings of him over the months but by the time they got there he had gone again. What puzzles me is that no one before had taken him to see if chipped. He did trust us though, and we were determined to get him in the basket despite the protesting 🤣. Our neighbour has a theory which seems to work that in the same way you carry a chicken facing backwards when it doesn't want to go in at night you also have much better luck if you put a cat in a basket bottom first so he can't see where he is going.
Hope everyone is having a lovely Christmas time, and that you Sarnia are feeling better and that CC 's little granddaughter is alright now.
On the grounds that laughter is a good medicine I am now going back to watching some more of the Wooster and Jeeves series on my tablet. I think those two actors worked so well together.
Loved your story of Spice Janice, and will try to remember your tip next time I need to transport Puss.
DeleteDo hope your recovery continues and you are able to be out and about soon.
Travelled home today, meeting up at Motorway services with a friend who has been with her daughter and family at the other side of Cornwall.
Er, that will be a lime green leash that emerges...etc
ReplyDeleteWho needs a phone with initiative!
Further to my post of Dec 27th re Turkey crown
ReplyDeleteThought I’d have a look at Sainsburys FB page to see if there were any other complaints.
There were, loads. Several commenting that they thought the cooking instructions were wrong and needed amending. Pale, undercooked and tough meat, no appetising cooking small etc. Some people had bought theirs a day or two in advance and on Christmas morning found the crowns stinking and rancid and immediately had to throw them away, hence no Christmas lunch, poor things!
So I added my comments. Very quickly received a message asking me to give exact details of wether bought online or instore. Took photos of the bar code, receipt and my nectar card and sent in a return message.
Within one hour, I got an apology and full refund + a bit extra for our disappointment.
Always worthwhile complaining!
It seems that we were lucky, our turkey crown from Sainsburys was fine. We slow roasted it in white wine after putting lots of butter on.
DeleteGranddaughter is much better thanks Janice but Mr CC and I have now got whatever they had. That's the third time this year the those two little bio hazards have been generous with their bugs. We caught Covid from them at Easter, a nasty cold in August and now this. I think we might be spending New Years eve curled up on the sofa with a glass of bubbly and some chocolates!
ReplyDelete'Spice' sounded absolutely beautiful, Janice. Heart-wrenching to have to hand him over
ReplyDeleteThe way the curve of the mantel mirrors the curve of the brickwork is nice. I have changed picture too. A little Christmas elf under the tree.
DeleteAh, bless! Yes, the maker asked for some dimensions and I sent him a photo.
ReplyDeleteI didn't expect 'made to measure' for what it cost. I got my railings from E*** as well and delivery from the artisan workshops is usually free.
I hope all who have been under the weather are now improving..
ReplyDeleteJust heard that Pelé who was born on the same day as me ,has died.
He was arguably the greatest footballer there has ever been.
RIP
And Vivienne Westwood too. The news this morning is dominated by Pele and Westwood with biographies and praise of their lives.
DeletePersonally, even though I’m not a football fan, I find one a far more interesting and deserving of praise than the other.
There does seem to have been quite a few “celebrity” (people I whose names I actually recognise) deaths in the last few months. I was most saddened by Robbie Coltrane, too young, & John Bird who always made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI will be glad to see the back of this year, but I am not sure what lies ahead. The last few years I have felt things could only get better but I’ve been wrong, I am wary going forward.
There certainly do seem to have been many ‘celebrity’ deaths recently. Mostly various pop musicians I have I never heard of but seem to have caused much grief. One of my most missed is Tim Brooke-Taylor who died early on in the pandemic. And Robbie Coltrane too.
DeleteI keep telling myself 2023 has got to be better than 2022 but I’m not sure I believe myself!
Just been going through the New Years honours list and my three most deserved awards have gone to:
ReplyDeleteRachel Riley (Countdown mathematician) - for work combating antisemitism and promoting awareness of the holocaust
Paula Hudgell, adoptive mother of little Tony Hudgell - for services to children and campaigning for Tony’s Law, giving long jail sentences to abusers of children
Lissie Harper, wife of murdered PC Andrew Harper - for services to victims of violent crime.
Three women who fought for rights for racially abused, physically abused and murdered victims and did so above and beyond their normal day jobs.
I find these far more deserving than sports and entertainment personalities and those receiving awards for just doing their job for umpteen years.
I know this will be a controversial view, which we seem to discuss annually, but I have been very moved today that these three awards were given. Down to a new administration and King??
Could be AP! Either way I for one agree totally with your post!
DeletePopping into our neighbours this evening - just the 4 of us for a quiet get together with the wonderful Andre Rieu playing in the background (he is on Sky Arts for hours 🤗)
So I will take this opportunity with 🤞🏼to wish you all a better 2023 than recent times. We all know life will never be perfect but hopefully happy moments to hold close and strength to see us through any others as needed. Special thanks to you KP for keeping us altogether and therefore able to enjoy our virtual friendships - and for some real life ones too,
🎊 🍷 🎉 🍺 🥃 🎊
I approve of Brian May being knighted, not only for his music, but his many charity concerns and other commitments.
DeleteHe is after all, a doctorite in Astronomy or similar.
New Years Eve - and what am I watching - West Side Story -- for the umpteenth time. I love it, but to me it never seems to be outdated, unlike other musicals of that era.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is the outfits or costumes but I think it is the dancing, which is so Latin American dance based. This is seen in Strictly on a weekly basis, for so many weeks pre Christmas, ie, it is not typical of 1950's dance styles.
Happy New Year Everyone, and may 2023 be everything you dream of.
Miriam Xxx
meant music not costumes...
DeleteHappy New year to everyone! It is another page turning and hopefully will be a better one than strange old 2022! Our highlight of course was Katy’s doctorate and graduation and also a lovely week in Italy in August. In January our kitchen is being refitted and we are decamping to a holiday cottage complete with dogs for the first week! My profile should change to a picture of us at Winchester. I wish you and yours a good year ahead, as the hymn says, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”! All the best everyone!😊🥂🐾🐾🍷💕
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo Ev thank you for sharing it with us 🤗
DeleteThe line quoted from the hymn just perfect 🙏🏼 and for anytime of the year and I have noted it’s sentiment- again thank you!
Just to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May 2023 be far less turbulent than the last few years and may we all find peace and happiness!
ReplyDeleteI so echo that. 🥰
DeleteAnd good wishes from me to all friends on our bog for a bright New Year and a calmer and more regulated 2023.
ReplyDeleteWith thanks to KP for enabling us to still be here together.
I’m off to bed !
Still putting the finishing touches to the music for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOur organist will be getting the day off tomorrow. The vicar has just gone down with covid! At least she made it through the Christmas services.
DeleteI'll just about make it tomorrow - all the Joie de Vivre of a wet dishcloth! Good thing we're in the hall with the piano as I think one look at the organ would wipe me out.
DeleteWishing a happy and healthy 2023 to everyone here, and their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI echo what others have said and thank you KP for your kindness in keeping the blog going.
My positive line was quite faint today so I am hoping tomorrow I can begin the year by rejoining the others downstairs.
Oh, Janice, I do hope so.
DeleteI'd like to wish everyone all the best for a happy and healthy New Year as I sit here nursing my cold with a glass of bubbly and some chocolates.
ReplyDeleteAnd may I add my good wishes to all for 2023 and a 🏅 new year’s honour to KP from rescuing this blog and keeping it going for us all.
ReplyDeleteMy most heartfelt wish is for peace in Ukraine and the resumption of heat, light and water to the poor civilians who are spending a wretched winter at the hands of their oppressors.
🙏🏼 to that AP
DeleteThank you indeed KP, you're a star 🌟
DeleteTrivia alert!
ReplyDeleteInformal, cafe-style service in the hall yesterday with people sitting at tables. Music a complete flop!
Lovely tune to 'Away in a Manger' from carol concert in Death in Paradise (Boxing Day )
Nobody else had watched it.
Asked to speak on my choice of carol - beautiful new words sung to tune of 'Scarlet Ribbons'. Nobody had heard of the original song or Harry Belafonte.
Was asked for light, unexpected music for activity game; used TA sig tune and nobody knew it.
How to be completely out of touch!
I remember Harry Belafonte so well
DeleteEvery Christmas going round Woolworths to the lovely sound of him singing carols.
So nostalgic!
Won't be long before nobody remembers Woolworths either.
DeleteOr Owen Owen, Alders or Debenhams, much loved department stores in Basingstoke and now there are none. Beals and Debenhams both gone from Winchester too.
DeleteI really miss a good department store.
I can remember as a child listening to my mother playing "Scarlet ribbons".
DeleteSorting through a large box of old unused Christmas cards I found two boxes from Woolies, one of the Pooh bear characters and the other of Disney characters. Must have been there about 25 years from when the children were little. Memo to self, use up all old cards before buying any new next year!
I particularly liked the pick and mix your own sweet and chocolate counter, and the fact you could find virtually everything you were looking fo there.
I was reminded of BHS when washing the bedding after our Christmas visitors. Used to get a lot from there till Philip Green ruined it.
DeleteIndeed CC thank goodness he (PG) did not get his hands on M&S and my good pension 🙏🏼
DeleteOwen Owens, BHS, Woolworths, C+A, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins - so many high street stores I loved, which sadly are no more. There are no real alternatives sadly, where I live that is..
DeleteRemember the wonderful George Henry Lewis any-one?
..not forgetting Debenhams, which was the best available for a while. There's only M+S left to suit my age.
Delete..George Henry Lee's - not Lewis.
DeleteWasn’t George Henry Lees part of John Lewis. I remember TJ Hughes in Liverpool closing down, I picked up a really warm duvet in the closing down sale, still have it 35 years later.
ReplyDeleteThe only one we had in Guernsey was Woolworths. When I came to England I used to make all my own clothes in those days because the stores only stocked up to size 14. Although I weighed 9 1/2 st I was a size 16.
ReplyDeleteMy most missed stores are C&A and BHS. Both places had a wonderful variety of clothes in sizes that would fit me (M & S didn’t) at very reasonable prices. C &A still have a branch in Toulouse but the stocks are quite different these days.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a TJ Hughes in our town, I bought the things that all three girls needed for university from there. It's an empty store now having had several reincarnation since.
ReplyDeleteDidn’t there used to be a Littlewoods store too? I think I remember it kept similar stuff to BHS but BHS was much better quality.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, once I’d had enough of having to make all my own clothes due to my large size and then started work, so had some money to spend, the only store that accommodated me was Evans, or Evans Outsizes as it was known back then!
The problem was that it specialised in Nylon and Crimplene dressez in horrible shades of maroon
and brown, obviously aimed at the over 60s and not 18 year olds. It improved after a few years and I could buy nicer styles. Nowadays the stock is aimed at large size teenagers, all trendy and totally unsuitable for the over 70’s. Can’t win!
Come, now, AP, which rule stipulates that over 70s can't be trendy? Friends seem to find my biker jacket quite entertaining.
ReplyDeleteTry having a look at their website. There is not much there that I would find flattering!
DeleteI see what you mean, it's all a bit droopy and shrieks Designed for Big Women. We haven't had an Evans for years, but I never got on with their styles: they used to effect the Anne Shelton look, with the pencil skirt and loose blouse. The fabrics were printed with huge floral designs with buttons the size of door-stops, and the necklaces were strings of small boulders, as if everyone needing size 22 must be at least 5' 10".
DeleteI still mourn the loss of Bon Marche and Mark Heyes, a combination which most of the time was absolutely 'me'.
Cotton Traders is the nearest I can find, but mail order sizing is so risky!
I wish a healthy New Year to everyone ..
ReplyDeleteRe previous comments.
I used to like shopping in George Henry Lee's *(now John Lewis) in Liverpool .
* mentioned in "Blood Brothers"
There was a Lewis's in Liverpool but that was more down market.
Remember C and A's?
Wonderful shop.
My beautiful expensive £14 wedding dress (first) came from there.
As for Woolworth's there was still Woolworth's in South Africa when we last went out there but the clothes were actually M and S.
Talking of that store.I remember my mother when in her 80s complaining that they only sold clothes for old women which were not suitable.
I think she meant (as Archerphile wrote earlier )that the clothes were-and still are - mostly made from man made fibre .
However their jeans -boot leg- in my opinion are second to none and are made from natural fibre.
The best place I find for clothes made fromnatural fibres is TKMaxx although I have managed to get some pure wool trousers from Boden
The mention of Woolworth's earlier reminded me that I worked there over Cgristmas one year when I had left school.
ReplyDeleteI was on a counter they called "abber"
- haberdashery )
I remember selling Christmas cake frills.
They were 7d each and people used to get 2or 3 (why.) so it didn't ta je me long to remember that 2cost one and two pence and three cost one and nine.
I had a Saturday job in Woolies and had a few stints on the sweetie counter. People would ask for several different sweets which you had to weigh, price and add up the various amounts in your head before ringing it up on the till. It’s a good job we were taught to add up in those days. It was pre decimal too and so even more complicated! One day I was in the stock room and will never forget how dusty it was!
DeleteWhat an afternoon I have just had.
ReplyDeleteA panto. called Rock 'n Roll Robin Hood. It was brilliant with a group of 11 in total there, to celebrate my Big Sis 70th birthday. So much fun was had - and what was really so nice - it was the first time all had met up, post pandemic and it just felt normal again.
It has been a long time, since I have felt that feeling of pure camarederie again.
2023 is now onwards + upwards, as my covid anxiety has now gone.
PS - To any who watches Corrie - Alex (who helps out with Roy in the cafè), was sitting nearby.
DeleteWe went to a pantomime in Plymouth years ago and Frankie Howard was sat in the row in front of us. He looked really miserable for most of the time and was embarrassed when his presence was pointed out to the audience from someone on stage!
DeleteRe shopping. There is a M&Co in a nearby town to me. I quite like their clothes. Bit hit and miss. Some seasons there’s loads I like and then other times there’s nothing. I’ve got to admit I do like Sainsbury’s for clothes and I tend to get tops and jumpers off our local market.
ReplyDeleteI love TKMaxx as a department store. I don’t look at much of their clothes, tops and jackets mostly, but I love all the household stuff and the huge bottles of shampoo and liquid soap. Oh and dog poo bags!! I’ve bought 3 faux fur large blankets from there this winter. They are brilliant. So soft. We both sit huddled under them on the sofa with a dog in between.
I finally succumbed to the dreaded lurgy on New Year’s Eve. Not covid but the cold everyone seems to be getting. I’m fed up of blowing my nose and Mr PtbY complaining that I make too much noise when I do it!!
Oh, how unkind PtbY!
DeleteHope you are feeling better soon.
I have friends in Cornwall, Liverpool and Dundee who are all suffering with this wretched cold. They all say it’s the worst they have ever had. It seems to be pretty universal!
I've had to cancel my dental hygienist appointment tomorrow because I got a cold sore with this wretched cold. Next available appointment 20th February, although I am on the cancellation list.
ReplyDeleteNew blog open, folks
ReplyDelete