Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
Starter kit for Ed & Emma
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Life in Ambridge
Following todays news
Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
AmbridgesMrsPJanuary 19, 2023 at 6:21 PM
ReplyDeleteIt was quite mild here today, though when i opened my back gate to come into my garden I felt a strong wind that was not evident at the front.
I am using the garden and side gate since yesterday to get Lady out, as my neighbour upstairs has told me that her dog Louie has kennel cough.
Saw the first snowdrops today, just a small bundle peeping through very damp ground which has clearly been flooded in the last few days.
PtbY, why do you feed squirrels ?
Surely they will take advantage and eat your bulbs.
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Proud to be Yorkshire.January 20, 2023 at 12:16 AM
We have 3 squirrels that run along our back fence. We don’t get any birds other than ruddy cooing wood pigeons. So have given up trying to attract birds and provide entertainment via feeding the squirrels instead. They won’t eat my bulbs cos they have 300 million ruddy beech nuts off the t
Sarnia January 19, 2023 at 6:44 PM
ReplyDeleteLucky you! We don't get snowdrops round here - wrong kind of soil I suppose.
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MiriamJanuary 19, 2023 at 6:48 PM
I enjoyed the R4 drama on Wednesday - Eat and Run.
On the surface it was a fun listen, but it highlighted something which is happening more + more these days, as often read about on local news sites.
Re Lady R’s comment:; in reply to mine of yesterday at 4.43, concerning Winter Watch
ReplyDeleteYes , we thought the Lockdown Watch programmes were beautiful,, especially the peaceful moments of just music and beautiful scenery,
I think what made those programmes were so special was that it was just Chris Packham and his step-daughter Megan presenting them from their own doorstep, as it were.
Michaela Strachan was unable to travel from her home in South Africa. Since she has been back they have gone back into ‘Really Wild’ mode, the children’s programme they presented together many years ago. The pictures are still beautiful, if repetitive but it is the constant juvenile behaviour and giggling and joke making which seems so out of place in a wildlife programme.
I much prefer Iolo Williams prestation style - knowledgable, enthusiastic but above all calm!
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Cheshire CheeseJanuary 19, 2023 at 10:09 PM
I agree about Iolo Williams, we watch other
DELETE
Cheshire CheeseJanuary 19, 2023 at 10:11 PM
Sorry pressed post by accident. To continue- other programmes of his.
Lady RJanuary 20, 2023 at 12:43 AM
ReplyDeleteMr R has deep respect for Iolo and watches any programme he heads or appears in. Recently we watched the programme by him showing clips from when he started and he looked as if he were his own son he was so young 🤗
Have to admit that when Iolo first started his programmes many years ago I had quite a thing for him! Not only his rugged good looks (he had more hair then!) but his gorgeous Welsh accent. 😊
ReplyDeleteAgree and he has weathered well too 😄
DeleteNice atmospheric picture KPNuts. If it is your garden it looks like you have a herb border with Rosemary and Sage(?) growing in it. We have a bird feeder like yours but don't get any pheasants visiting.
ReplyDeleteLavender, rosemary, thyme & mint none of which the bunny rabbits seem too keen on.
DeleteThe pheasant is a frequent visitor along with a moorhen despite our lack of pond, he paddles in the bird bath wit apparent pleasure.
I have finished reading Richard Coles' book "Murder Before Evensong" Acherfile. I enjoyed it more than I did Richard Osman's first Thursday Murder Club book and I think he is a better writer. Obviously he has a thorough knowledge of his subject matter, the main protagonist being a rector in a Church of England parish. It brought to mind Grantchester, the TV series that is as I haven't read the books. I was engaged enough to want to read the next book in the series.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks CC. I shall definitely get a copy and see how it goes. I can imagine is a good writer as I have read many articles he has written in the press and elsewhere.
DeleteAnd I do need to widen my range of writers, I tend to stick to the same few, read everything they have written, then get fed up with the same old format! I have even gone off Anne Cleeves recently.
Have you read the Starbridge novels by Susan Howatch? They are set in thinly disguised Salisbury. I read all six some time ago and can honestly say they are the most enjoyed books ever. The ins and outs of the various clerics and their impact on others are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteOh lovely, another recommendation, thank you Ev. I shall add her to my list!
DeleteWe are preparing for a full kitchen refurbishment and starting on Monday they are ripping out the old kitchen so we and dogs are retiring to a holiday cottage in Ryde for the week. The following week they are installing the new kitchen and I will be on hand for that! The boys are quite good with workmen, once they have given an effusive welcome! Our dog walker will still take them out on the first week on Tuesday and Thursday. After the efforts in emptying the kitchen etc, Inwill enjoy a week’s respite all being well.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes smoothly Ev, we had our kitchen replaced last year, all took slightly longer than anticipated but I am am really pleased with the final result
DeleteJust got back from a show at Chichester, “looking for me friend” it is a celebration of Victoria Wood, two male performers reminiscent of Kit & the Widow, and a really joyous evening The show has just started it’s tour & I would recommend it whole-heartedly.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes “ er names Kimberley ave yer seen er” just wonderful 😂 KP
DeleteAnother Chichester trip, good for you👏🏻
All quiet here today, not been up to much today myself. I am now watching a Fascinating Aida concert on YouTube. I have seen them multiple times but not for quite a while, I don’t think they tour as much now, anno domini and all that ☹️
ReplyDeleteAnother bright but chilly day, last night the stars were wonderful, we get very little light pollution here, not so good right now, but Jupiter & Mars re clearly visible
An evening of midsomer murders for me. Bliss.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else watching “a spy among friends”? I’m on episode 3 but struggling with it.
We have been watching our recording of last weeks new ‘Vera’. A very complicated plot but superbly acted. With Hugh Quarshie taking a leading part. So good to have a new series and not one of the endless repeats.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much longer Brenda Blethyn will go on doing Vera.
DeleteThe air outside is crackling with fireworks. Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit!
ReplyDeleteShe's wondering exactly the same thing CC - she's 76!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have had a lazy afternoon, catching up with a couple of TV recordings, one of which was last weeks Vera.
ReplyDeleteLike Archerphile, I found it a really good watch with lots of twists + turns and an unexpected but unlikely conclusion.
I didn't like the original Vera programmes. These were based on the books, all of which I have read, but didn't like the adaptations, due to the change of plots and characters.
As for Call The Midwife, the stories just grow in a positive way to keep a high level of interest covering so many different aspects.
How to eat well when prices are going up. My story.
ReplyDeleteI went to my usual S/bury's supermarket on Friday, for a normal shop. On my list was something to do a weekend roast meal. By chance I spotted an Outdoor reared pork joint on its sell-by date. Instead of £8.68 I paid £5.15 a bargain.
It was cooked last night, along with masses of apple sauce, stuffing, cider gravy, so today I have another portion for my evening meal, plus 4 Roast Pork individual servings, now in the freezer.
This is what I do now, look at how many meals I can get from what I buy, and the cost for each meal.
My 6 roast pork meals, average out at about £1.85 each.
Good plan Miriam. But this is what I have always done, thoughout my married life, a habit learned from my mother.
DeleteA roast on Sunday will prove at least three or four extra meals through the week. Curry, cottage pie, stir fry, risotto, rissoles, cold with salad etc etc.
At Christmas Sainsburys we’re offering legs of lamb (our absolute, but usually unaffordable, favourite meat) for half price! We bought 3 and I still have 2 in the freezer waiting for Easter and an Anniversary dinner. If you can cook from scratch and enjoy doing so, it’s amazing how far a Sunday roast can be stretched
Sadly, few young housewives seem to have the time or inclination (or knowledge?) of how to do this these days.
I agree with you Archerphile, you do need the time inclination & knowledge to manage eating economically. Not everyone has the skill set and I doubt there is room in the school curriculum.
DeleteYou also need a big enough freezer.
DeleteThat’s true Sarnia. We have always had a large freezer from the days when we were farming. Once or twice a year we would have one of our own pigs butchered for home consumption. Nowadays we have an upright one with 5 drawers, at leat two of which are full of home grown fruit, mainly raspberries and gooseberries!
DeleteMy new one has three drawers but once purchases are divided into individual portions they soon fill up.
DeleteWhy just the housewives, Archerphile?
DeleteIf OMiaS hadn't taken on the job as chief cook when we married we would have starved years ago. (It's perfectly fair, he cooks the boring things like meals and I cook the important things like flapjack and Christmas cake 😀)
I have done the same with their small gammon joints, which then stretch to several meals.
ReplyDeleteYes. A small gammon joint does so many meals, gammon casserole, gammon in a pasta sauce, gammon + leek plate pie.
DeleteI bought a reduced price chicken the other week. Had roast dinner then 3 other main meals from it…a crust less chicken and courgette quiche and chicken, onion and cheese in puff pastry which did us 2 nights. The price of the chicken was £2!!! Can’t complain at that. Oh and the bones are in a bag in the freezer for stock making when I have enough.
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me to utilise the chicken stock in freezer, for soup.
DeleteI am so pleased to see how the afternoon light is changing.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly in the last week, the sun is disappearing so much later and in a very different place, which
means that no lights have to be put on until at least, after 5.00pm.
I'm delighted that you've noticed the sun setting further south. I watch it every year, apparently working its way from south to north and back again, but so many people just don't look - or rather, look but don't see.
ReplyDeleteTheir loss Sarnia !
DeleteIt is easy for us to watch the movement of the sun. Unless there is an incoming sea mist we can see the cliff top church with its tower about a mile down the hill. The sun in summer is to the left of the tower, when it begins to move to the right of it we know that winter is coming. Now it is just beginning to reverse its journey so we know Spring is on the way.
ReplyDeleteI watch its progress from left to right and back again across the horizon on the opposite side of the river valley and to me it's a kind of miracle.
DeleteDown in the courtyard and surrounded by gardens there is a big, big sky and you can track the path of the sun so clearly.
Why oh why won’t many people give a bereaved person time to themselves if that’s want they want or need to take in their loss in their own way, because of course they feel they can’t cope without us when mostly it’s the other way around. Be there when the need comes from that person be it day or night and maybe more so after the funeral and real life has to slowly be resumed. Many of you (unfortunately) more qualified than me to comment but also something many - as with Brian will have to face, depending of course as age doesn’t always dictate how such things actually pan out. Also this applies to all close and special relationships.
ReplyDeleteOops sorry wrong blog!
ReplyDeleteBut very heartfelt and helpful thoughts Lady R
DeleteIt’s so true that people don’t know what to say after a bereavement but just listening or a touch is comforting. Shortly after .Mike died I found it difficult to sleep and went to the pharmacy for Nytol or similar. I couldn’t control the tears and the pharmacist just put her hand on my arm and was very kind. There is a time of confusion and not knowing what to do which isn’t helped by overbearing sympathy from others but simple words or a touch are enough.
DeleteI'm off to hospital tomorrow for my hip replacement operation. Wil be back in touch when I feel able.
ReplyDeleteAll the very very best CC. My 76 year old cousin had it done a week ago but it wasn't planned. She was carrying food to the table for the evening meal and somehow tripped over the open oven door!! The ambulance was there within an hour which compared to some horror stories here was very good. She had never been in hospital before, except to have her babies. They have moved her to a cottage hospital now for physio and suchlike, and is enjoying having her food cooked for her.
DeleteGood luck & best wishes! 🤞🤞💐🩼
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well CC!
DeleteBest wishes for a speedy recovery CC. 💐
ReplyDeleteWith you in spirit, CC.
ReplyDeletebest wishes for a speedy recovery CC
ReplyDeleteVery best wishes cc 🙋🏻♀️ and will be very interested to hear all about it when (as you say) you are ready to do so.
ReplyDeleteCC - all the very best for your new hip and look forward to your return in recovery.
ReplyDeleteCC Wishing you well and a super speedy recovery. You will be back at Lyme Park before you know it!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone listened to the series (R4ex) - Find The Lady?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it and reminded me of Paul Temple.
Also enjoyed Monica Dickens - My Turn to make the Tea, and now listening to the series of Jamaica Inn, along with a new Agatha Christie series, Sparkling Cyanide.
DeleteIsn’t Jamaica Inn amazing? I have never read the book, the only one of Daphne Du Maurier’s I’ve not read. I didn’t realise it was so violent and the acting was quite chilling.
DeleteCan’t wait for tomorrows episode!
As for Monica Dickens, I remember reading all her books at school and deciding I wanted to be a nurse because of them. I longed to join Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service but my Dad wouldn’t let me. Now I realise it’s just as well he stopped me - I’d have been a terrible nurse and I have a phobia about anyone being sick!! 🤮
Watching Jamaica Inn performed by actors at dusk at Jamaica Inn was amazing, and quite spine tingling in parts.
DeleteI am pleased today, as bought some fabulous eggs, and not the chocolate variety which now adorns supermarket shelves!
ReplyDeleteI went to my favourite farm shop, across the border, to stock up on the home grown pots, carrots and onions. I spotted some XL free range organic eggs, which came from a nearby farm. At £1.65/6, I bought a dozen, which won't last me long as I love a poached egg or scrambled, as a lunch on toast made with my home-made bread.
This is where I get my bread flour, my favourite being a multi-grain/ granary one, which comes from a local mill. I get fanstatic quality and also helps support local businesses. Although the flour seem costly on buying, it isn't long term as I use cheap supermarket white bread flour in the mix, so turns out cost effective and I get a wonderful tasty loaf.
Oh Miriam I beg you to stop 🤣🤣🤣 I am sitting here salivating. How do you ( & others) poach Ian egg? I have erratic success but do love poached eggs. “The Hotel Inspector “ always ask for them at breakfast as it s a favourite test of hers, and even then not all can do them and on the odd 4 in a bed that I have seen some will not even offer them!
DeleteAn egg of course not Ian!!!
DeleteI have my mother's old poacher which makes it easy. It cooks up to 4 at a time. Just make sure to put the lid on tight. We also had a single egg poacher when I was a child and often cooked my father one as he liked them. When cooking them directly in the saucepan of water before adding the egg you are supposed to gently stir circles in the simmering water and add a splash of vinegar. Both help keep the shape nicely rounded. I think the texture of the white is more tender when done this latter "proper" way. I like them too.
DeleteOh how apt these last few posts are for me.
DeleteI’ve recently retrieved some more of my kitchen essentials and for the first time in at least a year I am COOKING ( properly )
I am having a little break between prepping a casserole and the cooking of it. I am feeling quite pleased with myself. I had three bovril jars, two chutney jars and a jam. I always save my empty jars for when I do a casserole as I then swill out the remains for seasoning.
Amongst the retrieval was my four pan poacher and I also have a single poacher which I frequently use as I also enjoy a poached egg.
I don’t actually like a poached egg done in the traditional way although my SIL uses that method to perfection.
My dislike is because of the wetness of the egg done in the water.
Poached egg on toast with asparagus is one of my favourite snacks.
DeleteMiriam….just finished “find the lady”. Really enjoyed it. Very like Paul Temple. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteLady RJanuary 27, 2023 at 10:09 AM
ReplyDeleteCC “Hip hip hooray” 🤗 🙋🏻♀️
Is everyone doing the Great Harden Birdwatch this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI had a huge bag of no-mess, wheat-free bird food delivered today which has come at just the right time.
My problem doing the watch is that we have feeders in both sides of the garden, on opposite sides of the house. So I have to spend time dashing between windows to ensure I see all the birds. We seem to have 5 varieties of tit, several blackbirds, robins and magpies but no greenfinches at all this year, or great spotted woodpeckers or nuthatches which all used to be frequent visitors. I wonder where 5hey have gone?
Mr CC did it for me today as I won't be able to this year. We did have a couple of nuthatches in addition to the usual suspects.
DeleteI came home from hospital today having sat around for several hours waiting for the physio to assess me on stairs. Eventually got back at about 6.00pm and will be having an early night.
Oh yes, I remember having to do the stairs! Standing at the top of a long flight and thinking ‘there’s no way I can go down those with crutches’ and then finding it wasn’t as bad as I thought. However the very steep, narrow ones at home were a different prospect!
DeleteHave a good rest when you get home and don’t be tempted to do too much too soon.
Hoping you will make good progress with your recovery CC.
CC - when you read this tomorrow…….. I hope you got a good nights sleep.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs P, I did manage a few hours, the first for several days.
DeleteGood luck with the physio and walking practice, CC. It's a strange mixture of knowing the ropes because you've been here before and 'Oh no, not all this again!' I'm afraid I found it much more difficult to apply myself the second time round.
DeleteThe third time I was positively rebellious and the fourth time we were in failed chemo territory and Mr S's final months so it had to take a back seat.
One good thing has come out of it, my legs are the same length again. I wil have a ceremonial removal of my heel raisers from my shoes when fully mobile again. I had a robot assisted replacement this time which I think made it easier to control the outcome.
DeleteThrilled you are home again with now two equal legs 😁 Just do what you've been told to do, and you'll be fine. Take Care and looking forwards to future updates.
DeleteThats really interesting CC. After my hip operation, the leg with the new hip was notably longer than the other one and it made walking very uneven . After I had the knee replacement in the opposite leg they they were even en up again. I don’t know if it was done on purpose because my surgeon knew of the unevenness or if it was just luck. Anyway, both legs seem to be the same length again but my balance is dreadful and I wander around like a drunk - very embarrassing, so I still use a stick for balance.
DeleteNo birdwatch for me sadly. My cat Bonnie, just loves birds so the feeders are empty. 😔 She just wants to catch them and then play with them live, in the house!
ReplyDeleteMind you, so many houses nearby have plenty of feeders out so the birds have plenty of Take-Aways to choose from.
I needed to pop to the supermarket this afternoon and I know I witter on about prices of items, but on going in I met a tower of Heinz Tomato Soup! Big special offer - £1 a single can instead of £1.70...
Has the world gone mad, or is it just me who just doesn't understand how these prices are arrived at and who will then pay them.
My daughter and I are fed up with items not being available or ‘discontinued’ from the supermarkets. So much so that she now buys tins of anchovies online from Amazon and I order packs of blancmange powder and my favourite Baxter’s chutney direct from the manufacturers. It means having to buy in bulk which takes up room, but at least we have the ingredients we need to hand
Delete3 pigeons and a blackbird!
ReplyDeleteThat’s my counting done.
That's 3 pigeons more than me!
ReplyDeleteIn descending order of size:
ReplyDelete1 pheasant; 2 Magpies; 3 wood pigeons, 3 Blackbirds, 4 hedge sparrows; 5 robins; 4 Marsh tits; 5 Great Tits; 10 Blue Tits; 1 lonely Goldfinch
A much lower count than previous years and sadly no wren that usually nests in the hedge right next to the kitchen window. 😢
A Goldfinch?
ReplyDeleteYes, very straggly looking, hanging upside down on some thistle heads that hardly had any seed left!.
DeleteOh dear. The flock usually arrives here in May/June and leaves in August. Somebody got left behind - a late fledgeling?
DeleteI also saw 2 goldfinches, along with lapwings, redwings plus many various tits etc. devouring the crab apple fruit on my neighbours tree. Perhaps I should have done the Birdwatch as to their garden. Too late now.
DeleteAs Archerphile is missing her wren, I am still missing my friendly robin who always sat on the washing line outside the kitchen window and was often seen in the garden. , As I posted once before, it was a pressie (dead) on my bedroom carpet one morning..🐈⬛ is still not forgiven!
How are every-one's dogs/cats, or then even both, doing?
ReplyDeleteI ask this as there seem to have been no recent posts, as to their antics, lives and general well-being.
My 🐈⬛ is very much a character, and is such a comfort, although is just another living being who shares my home, with me.
Buddy & Dudley are very concerned as we decamped to a holiday cottage last week, returned home today but all is not well as the kitchen has disappeared and the utility room is full of taken out dishwasher and freezer not to mention gas hob! We are not too happy either and looking forward to the end of the week when hopefully kitchen will be assembled once more! I packed everything up in such a hurry and can’t always locate the things I need! Just off to do washing up - roll on having dishwasher back!
ReplyDeleteTale of Lady :
ReplyDeleteWe have a park walk here which follows the line of a stream. The park is in sections intercepted by roads and each section is very different the whole leading out from the town and beyond it’s boundaries.
One section is very open and seems to be a floodplain. Lady likes this area as she can clearly smell squirrels and I need to keep a very close eye on her because this part is open to the road. Usually if she wanders towards the boundary bank I call her back, and, usually, she comes.
Not today.
She didn’t appear to be following a scent, but suddenly she was up the bank, over the road, and up a retaining wall into the woodland.
I ran across the road and up the bank calling her and aware that a car was approaching. Fortunately the driver realised the situation and slowed almost to a halt. I called my thanks and indicated that she was up on the wooded hill and waived the driver on. I could see her running back and forth after the scent while I was calling her with fear in my heart and eventually she jumped down onto the road and straight back across the grass to the stream.
Fortunately at that point the road was empty of traffic.
She will in future be on a extending lead when visiting that part of the walk.
That was very stressful. Thank goodness it ended well.
ReplyDeleteNaughty Lady. Thank goodness you were both ok.
ReplyDeleteI now have arthritis in my right hip and this means I am no longer able to go on long dog walks up the forest tracks. I really miss them and have not seen Daphne having a great time on these.
I can manage a circuit of our park so it’s 13 yr old Mabel and me walking like a couple of oldies whilst Daphne and MrPtbY stride on.
I saw something really nostalgic yesterday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteTalking Pictures TV has a programme on Sunday afternoons looking back at film clips and things such as the Ministry of Information films, like Tufty crossing the road safely, that used to be shown on TV. Viewers send in their memories and photos, home movies etc too.
Yesterday they were remembering The Home Service’s schools broadcasts and had a recording of ‘Music and Movement’ one of my favourites when I was a very little girl. They also had film of 1950’s children at a Primary school dancing around to the broadcast - picking up imaginary balloons from ‘down low and up high’. The boys were prancing around in their knee length shorts but no vests, some sporting braces! The girls were in their voluminous knickers and white vests.
It brought back so many memories!
My very tiny, rather strange convent school had none of these things. Anyway, the nuns seemed convinced that the sight of a little girl's knickers made the Virgin Mary weep.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sunny, yet cool day, today. The beautiful bright red sunset I witnessed last night, came true..."red sky at night, shepherds delight".
ReplyDeleteI have actually managed to dry bedding on the outside washing line today - such a simple thing to delight me!
I was upstairs looking out whilst cleaning the bedroom, to see a small patch of colour in the front garden. A group of about 6 crocii had suddenly appeared and were in flower. Again another simple thing to bring a smile..which makes such a difference.
Lovely Miriam 🤗
DeletePlenty of pet news today that you enquired about yesterday 🐈⬛🐕🦺🐈🦮
Yes. Just loving hearing about the pets, who are after all, extensions of our households and give meaning, in their own ways.
DeleteThank you, people, for the diversions. I'm filing about two years' worth of music copies, where I've been too tired after playing to put them away. So far I've just done the standard and supplementary hymns. Next will be preludes and voluntaries and THEN I get through to finding homes for the music albums that won't fit in the new bookcase. It's BORING, but at least I feel up to tackling it at last!
ReplyDeleteI listened to a lovely programme today, whilst doing the Bedroom Blitz. I only mention this, as others might also appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI found it on R4ex, Sat. 7.30am(?) -
an omnibus of 5, 15mins episodes called The Language of Kindness - about a nurse.
For the first time in a long time Buddy, Dudley & I walked down to the creek. We have to go down a stony lane which has been covered in puddles because of all the rain. The grass at the creek has been muddy too so we had to follow another route involving coming back on the main road and partly on a dryish storey lane. YToday we sat on the seat down there and watched the cabin cruisers, yachts etc bobbing about under blue skies. Such a change! When we were away in the holiday cottage there were daffodils almost fully out at the roadside. So early! The kitchen is taking form and there has been banging, crashing and drilling all day but they have really achieved a lot. The boys and I adjourned to the lounge and they spent a lot of the afternoon lounging in the sun which streamed through the conservatory windows. No room for me in there as half the kitchen paraphernalia is lodged there just now! Taking it easy before having to put all of it back! There is a lot of storage space in new kitchen so hopefully Imcan cut the clutter in there and tuck it all,away! It has been daunting but nice to design my kitchen with a lot of help from the professionals! I have started to put together the program for the next year for TG. After covid lockdowns we have started a new TG meeting at a different place. The week before the meetings each month we go out for lunch, generally about 10 or 12 of us whphich gives us a chance to get to know each other. The whole TG has been spearheaded by a group of senior TG ladies on the island. I find TG more ingpformal than
ReplyDeleteWI but maybe that is more to do with the laid back islanders!
Mrs P, glad all ended well after Lady’s adventure. So many dogs with their superior sense of smell are apt to run off when on to a scent! Ours love a good sniff around !🐾🐾🐶🐶 I keep them firmly on a lead as I’m just not equipped for running nowadays! Another aspect of dog walks, we have a lady farmer in our TG and she said always to carry a stick on walks to ward off potential attacks from other dogs. This especially applies with little dogs. One was recently killed by a big dog on the island. I have a stick anyway to steady me on walks. We have found most dogs are fine but you never know!
Sorry about typos! I think I am tired so goodnight all! Sweet dreams!
DeleteEv…..what is TG?
DeleteTG - is Townswomens Guild.
DeleteI believe that originally the TG was the urban equivalent to the Woman’s Institute.
TG kept my mother involved both socially mentally and physically for over thirty years. I believe she was her local TG treasurer for much of that time.
Townswomens' Guild.
ReplyDelete(Apologies if this has been covered before)
ReplyDeleteStatins /opinions and experiences. I started one in December and currently I am having a lot of joint and muscle discomfort. I have a phone call booked for tomorrow to discuss. I have had the required Liver Function check and all ok, will now be due the first cholesterol test. The thing is I have always had high Cholesterol - lowest ever 6.9 but usually 7.9 or 8.3 (over 30yrs ago too) however the HDL count has been good, I have never smoked, drink very minimally and eat plenty of fruit and veg etc and weight good. Also recently read that over 75yrs not really required??? Was Jennifer on them I wonder 🫢
I leave my question with you bloggers.
I'm in a similar situation Lady R, high cholesterol but total to HDL ratio normal so most of the cholesterol is the good type. I did my QRISK assessment which takes into consideration a lot of other factors and that was borderline, based on that I decided not to take statins. I am not totally against statins per se and would take them if my risk changed. The current criteria are based on the cost benefit to the NHS, putting everyone on statins over a certain age whether they need them or not is the cheaper option. This results in a lot of people being on them who won't benefit. I think that people should have a proper individual assessment.
DeleteThank you for your reply CC. I must check what my last per cent age of HDL to LDL actually was at my Autumn NHS check. How are you feeling now after your 3 days at home post your hip replacement keeping Mr CC busy 🤔🤗
DeleteAny further information and personal experience to Lady R s questions about STATINS most welcome.
DeleteI was first offered Statins about ten years ago when I would have been around 70. I didn’t question why, but was not prepared to accept the suggestion that I should have them.
Ten years on, now 80, after my blood tests as a new patient having moved I was given an explanation that my blood pressure was ‘ over the limit ‘ and a couple of other questions and a decision was made to repeat the blood tests. I have now been sent quite a long letter explaining that I should be taking Statins. There was also an almost daily text telling me that I should have some implement to take my BP throughout each day or to borrow such equipment from the surgery. I refuse to join the ‘ worried well’ club and so have not complied to this suggestion.
I did smoke irregularly until my late thirties but not since.
My alcohol intake is a very very occasional Sherry or Whiskey.
I am a little overweight but not massively so.
Until around sixty My BP was always below normal.
I admit to not eating well from a nutritional point of view but I don’t eat rubbish either.
I note CCs reply and am pleased for that information. I don’t know what my cholesterol levels are nor do I know what QRISK is but will take up these points when I see the health professional that I’ve been directed towards.
I am well over the limit of my three score years and ten, and do not want to be sitting in Gods waiting room.
Incidentally since my diagnosis of an under active thyroid in my very early twenties ( but actually triggered at age 18 ) I have been told over and over ad nauseam, that I was in danger of weakening my heart if my dosage was too high as my levels have always seesawd, yet here i am at eighty, and still able to do a five mile hike.
My father was an army fitness instructor and did an hours full work out every day until his 70th birthday.
We learned after his death from a height attack at 75 that a year earlier he had been advised treatment for his heart. ( this was around 1980. Did we have statins then ? ) He kept that information to himself and did not comply with the advice. He remained a very fit man who looked and acted like a man ten years younger.
Thank you also Mrs P very interesting, statins in the 1980’s umm maybe or something similar?
DeleteMy Autumn NHS test revealed very high BP although white coat syndrome etc 🤣 however remained high on loaned BP machine so very quickly accepted BP med and purchased a BP monitor which I use now and then just to keep an eye out but no problem in this area now.
Maybe Miriam will be able to answer your Statins question Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteStatins - to take or not to take?
ReplyDeleteI am no longer in a position to answer this, as I am now too out of date, as to the current guidelines.
In my own experience, I had v. high BP about 10 years ago, and it took many months to get the right mixture of meds to keep it well under control, which it still is.
As a fellow "white coat" sufferer, my surgery are happy to let me moniter my own BP and accept my readings.
I was put onto a statin about 3 years ago now, as I was at 6.7. Even though my HDL/LDL ratio was good, I was told that it is the overall figure which is looked at.
I accepted this, and take one daily, as a "precaution/preventative" - which is why I take it.
I have to be on a specific one due to a possible interaction, with one of my BP meds.
Luckily I have never had any side-effects, but that might be due to the one I take....
Mrs P. Tell the GP all that you have noticed since starting them..
It is me Miriam not Mrs P…
DeleteSorry.🤗
DeleteLast time my BP was taken it was 6.3, which was said to be fine. A dear friend of mine was told her cholesterol level must come down. All were delighted when it registered 5. Then she had a stroke and ever since it has been too low....
ReplyDeleteOur one local surgery still open, (two days a week) had come up with a novel method of monitoring BP: patient sticks an arm in a hole in the wall and the machine issues a ticket. That way they don't have to bother anybody at all.
Yes both our surgeries have this Sarnia but I was still high with white coat Surgery syndrome 😂
DeleteI get "white coat syndrome" as soon as I park the car at the surgery!!
DeleteI measure my BP last thing at night and first thing in the morning, when I am totally relaxed, as I even can get anxious seeing my own BP moniter...🙀
I meant cholesterol, of course.
ReplyDeletePart II of Statins - to take or not?
ReplyDeleteI take mine, as previously said as a preventative against future potential problems.
As such, I class this is the same way as having a vaccination, be it the annual 'flu and now covid ones, plus others such as tetanus, pneumonia, shingles, along with the holiday ones of cholera, typhoid, Hep A and so on.
If a tablet a day helps to prevent a possible problem, then I am OK with it.
That's my view only.
DeleteI’m a bit worried about possible side effect of muscle aches as I have enough aches and pains already!! I also think my cholesterol level of 5.2 doesn’t merit medical intervention. My BP is acceptable and no family history of heart problems or strokes. I have now cut out butter in favour of Benecol and will have another test in February so we shall see!
DeleteThe fewer tablets you have to take ,the better.
ReplyDeleteOften tablets react against other tablets .
...not if prescribed properly. As an ex pharmacist that was part of my job to spot and prevent any interactions, which was done successfully on many an occaision. I often spoke to GP's when an alternative med. was decided upon.
DeleteLady R 1:17PM.
ReplyDeleteThank you for asking. My hip surgery recovery is progressing as expected. It's pretty painful and I feel exhausted with no appetite but remember this from my last op. Mr CC is doing a sterling job of looking after me, especially putting up with my frustration at my lack of independence.
Very early days of course cc & a ⭐️ for Mr cc. It may well be my turn at some point but as I am Mr R carer would take more organising.
DeleteMr CC sounds great! My cousin's husband is lovely but at the age of 76 and after over 50 years of marriage he has just, following my cousin's instructions, learnt how to use the washing machine!! He is keeping them fed though, using ready meals and adding frozen veg, and they do have their daughter living close. Hope you make good progress and that the pain subsides soon CC.
DeleteStatins - I think I have written this before, so apologies for repeating myself.
ReplyDeleteI was first prescribed Statins when I reached 65 as most people of that age were being given them. I think thé surgery got extra funds for signing up as many patients as possible.
Unfortunately they didn’t suit me at all. I had severe colic, wind and extreme runs (cant spell the proper word !). I put up with this for a few months then couldn’t stand it any more. The constant runs were making me extremely sore and uncomfortable and were very embarrassing in polite company!
I stopped taking them because my cholesterol levels weren’t too bad at all and I didn’t see the point of taking a drug I didn’t really need that was causing such unpleasant side effects.
Then 2 years ago my annual blood test showed my cholesterol was a little raised. The (new) GP was going to give me statins buts I told him of the previous experience.
He suggested I take the cholesterol lowering drinks made by Benecol. I have been doing this every day and my cholesterol levels are now acceptable.
The Benecol drinks have become rather expensive but I have found that both Sainsburys and Lidl make their own version which are very much cheaper and are just as effective.
I suspect other supermarkets make their own as well.
I offer this as a possible drug-free alternative. If they do the job as well as the statins I much prefer to use these. And they certainly don’t cause joint and muscle pain or digestive upsets.
I’ve been taking a daily Benecol drink and using Proactive spread for a long time too and am continuing to do so. As said earlier it appears Cholesterol can increase with age and that is why some medics question the prescribing of statins over the age of 75yrs. In the end all down to choice I guess especially if one falls prey to bad / painful side effects as you did AP and I feel that I have so I will see what tomorrow’s discussion brings. For all Mr R problems cholesterol has never been one - of course I don’t begrudge him that, well not too much anyway 🫢😂 bless him.
DeletePerfectly timed this evenings INSIDE HEALTH R4 9 o’clock an in depth look at heart attacks in women.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all responses and experiences. These have given me a much improved view of the subject along with this evenings programme. ( see above comment )
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you to Miriam.
DeleteYour reasoning has altered my point of view.
Please, what is white coat syndrome ?
I’ve never heard this description before.
Anxiety brought about by overexposure to medics in white coats?
ReplyDeleteAnd often applied to those of us whose Blood Pressure rises with anxiety when it’s about to be measured by doctor or nurse. My surgery used to lend patients a BP meter to take reading for a few days before an appointment in thé comfort of their own home. Sadly, they lost, or had stolen so many meters you are now told to buy your own, which I did, from Amazon.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for sharing your experiences and thoughts about statins glad now that I asked the question it has been an interesting exchange of views 🤗
ReplyDeleteUPDATE RE STATIN - FEEL FREE TO PASS BY 😯
ReplyDeleteDr rang this morning to discuss and for the moment I am going to try another Statin which (hopefully) my body will tolerate better as she said it is not intended for pain to be a part of the process for anyone especially not a carer. I am about to book a Cholesterol test to ascertain progress so far from my 8.8 I’m told!
If after a few weeks no improvement I’m to go to the practice for a face to face and physical examination so once again cannot complain regarding either of our surgery’s. I do have a very perky 87yr old friend ( in mind if not in body so much now) who years ago had cholesterol of 12 but pill caused a liver problem so after the break she was told to take never went back on even though family history in such matters, but talking at least 20 yrs ago now so….
Trouble is I feel between a rock and a hard place now. If next pill is pain free then like the BP tablet I will be grateful and ok to continue.
Quite a saga I know so my thanks to any of you that have stayed the course 🤗
Thanks for the update. As with all new meds. it is often perservering and trying others until suddenly one suits, ie it does the job with no adverse effects.
DeleteKeep going, in a positive way. At least it is recorded that problems have occurred, which is important. 😀🤗
Thank you Miriam 🙂
DeleteOh, I'm just interested.
ReplyDeleteJust been looking at photos sent by my daughter of my middle grandchild and her friend at Heathrow today off on their travels in the Far East in their gap year.
ReplyDeleteThey have both worked very hard to earn money to pay for their trip.
I’m so proud of her !
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
DeleteI hope that your granddaughter has a wonderful time Mrs P. My three girls all had gap years and got a lot out of it, I got a lot more grey hairs!
DeleteYou must be Mrs P. It’s a big adventure for them and I’m sure they will gets lots out of such a trip.
ReplyDeleteWell, done them, I wish them well and to keep themselves safe.
I also had some good news tonight re grandchildren. My oldest grandson and granddaughter have both just been given places to do PGCE courses starting in September. Max to become a Geography teacher at Winchester and Rosie an English teacher at Warwick.
As my daughter pointed out, how refreshing that they are both going to devote themselves to teaching on the day so many teachers came out on strike! It doesn’t seem to have put them off, I am delighted to say. 🤗
Thank goodness people such as your grandchildren still have a keenness to join the teaching profession AP 🤗
DeleteThat's good news Archerfile, teaching is such an important job. I don't think that teachers are valued these days and that saddens me.
DeleteCongratulations to Archerphile on hearing that two children have started out on a Teaching career!
ReplyDeleteMrsP = My son went on to travel the world saying that he would be back in a years time! It was three years and three months he arrived at Heathrow! Hope it is not as long for the traveller to return!
ReplyDeleteSpicey - she didn’t get her place at Glasgow, though she did intend to defer for a year if she had got it. She has now been accepted at both Sheffield and Newcastle plus a different course at Glasgow.
DeleteShe really is very keen to do a particular Bio Science.
I think she will be back.
If she doesn’t she will be following in her fathers footsteps.
LadyR - I was prescribed Statins in 2002 but I can't remember the name of the product. For many years I was troubled by pains in my ankles and knees then someone said that there were problems with the prescription and adverse results. I went to the doctor and told him so he was happy to prescribe some other statins. No problems since!
ReplyDeleteI now have to wait for a few weeks to see how the change of statin pans out Spicy but 🤞🏼! Very interesting to hear of your own experience thank you for sharing
DeleteJust get some ankle weights and when you are sitting down raise your feet keeping heels on the floor .
ReplyDeleteMuch better than statins for strengthening knees
The fewer pills one has to take the better
LJ it sounds like Spicy’s ankles and knees have been fine since her successful change of Statin 🤔
DeleteLJ I understand your view about the fewer pills taken the better. None of us, I am sure, would prefer not to be on meds. but often this has to be done to improve and control medical conditions, resulting in normal, active life-styles and hopefully improved longetivity.
DeleteThat is my thought only.
...albeit a well-informed one.
DeleteI received my combined gas/electric bill today - which I opened with great trepidation.
ReplyDeleteAll was OK. I was paying too much monthly (which I thought I was), so payments are now reduced by £10 a month.
It is still high, but at least I know, my use of energy is on track, esp. as I have just continued in the same way as normal, and have not compromised on heating, oven use etc. in a massive way.
Admittedly the wash machine is not used as often, and I replaced all light bulbs with low cost ones, but haven't cut back too dramatically!
This though is different as to my shopping, as I just refuse to pay some of the ridiculous inflated prices seen. I can control this in such a way, that I can still cook and eat a healthily balanced diet, with the correct nutritional values..
I am loving putting my creative cooks hat on!
The one thing that I would never change, is the food I buy for 🐈⬛. I would not change her diet...in any way. How soft we are with our animals.
Delete...but 🐈⬛ has a heart problem, be it a valve or an old "hole in heart" one - not that anything shows as so active + mischievious. I would not change anything, in any way for pusscat.
DeletePoor little pussy!
DeleteQuite right Miriam 🐈⬛ ♥️
DeleteI was shocked today to find that a jar of Bisto Best gravy granules, a product I have bought regularly for years, is now £5!!
DeleteI put them back on the shelf and bought Sainsburys bog standard granules for £2.
Obviously if statins have helped Spicy then they are right for her but my point was that what is good for one person may not be right for others and it is worth going through the "not pill "route first .
ReplyDeleteHowever each to his or her own.
This was something I was told by a Consultant .
DeleteIt is not something I decided to do for myself before getting specialist advice.
When I was sixty-five (a heck of a long time ago!) I was put on to blood pressure tablets and statins. I agreed to take them even thoughthey would probably last my whole life, and I was seriously overweight then too. I never dreamt that my life would become a mixture of daily and weekly tablets now! (Six in the morning and four at night, with a further six on Mondays and two more on Sundays and Wednesdays!)
ReplyDeletePerhaps one day I'll get rid of these of these tablets and seeing consultants every six months!
Yesterday I made 4 jars of jam, so I made some room in the freezer. The raspberries had been in there while I managed to work up a lot of energy to do cooking! I plan to give one to my brother on March when we have an auntie's funeral and he'll be up from Devizes. This also means that I am the 'matriarch' of my family and I do not like it!!!!
I have two lots of marking, Skakespeare and Fiction, and another lot of English for First langage users, usually from Singpore, Pakistan etc. So I have to get my garden in ship-shape before April!
So I'll get my potatoes chitting and order my seeds, to get my vegetables done, today.
And the Six Nations starts tomorrow! Yeah!!!!
Well Spicy as Lady R said earlier it seems to be working for you and I am really pleased that you are able to do all you want to .
ReplyDeleteI checked my medicine cupboard yesterday morning and threw away stuff I had bought - a half empty bottle of cough mixture etc that was past it's sell by date.
I also found I am ashamed to say an unopened box of Co- Dydramol tablets with the instruction
Two to be taken 4 times a day .best by 05/10/21.
I assume they were given when John first became ill and before he was put on other medication.
My pharmacist friend came round yesterday afternoon and she was telling me about the number of unused packets of pills that have been returned to the chemist when somebody dies that have to be destroyed .
Just think of the cost to the NHS Service .
My previous point was that one should see if there are other methods of treating the symptoms before going along the pill route.
For anyone interested the ankle weights are not to be used for walking so it a good excuse to sit down and relax and feel smug that you are doing something to help your knees improve.
LanJan has mentioned drugs that have been returned to pharmacies.
DeleteI seem to remember that some years ago I encountered a scheme where unused ( and sometimes out of date ) drugs were collected and sent to third world countries, and also sent for use to animal rescue centres abroad.
Did I dream this or did this scheme exist ?
Does it still exist ?
I would hope that MIRIAM or LanJans pharmacist friend may be able to answer.
PS - I would hope that my use of the phrase ‘third world ‘ is not now out of date and therefore not perceived as insulting.
Talking of cost to the nhs ….,since having my thyroid removed and being on thyroxine for the rest of my life I do not have to pay prescription charges for any medication. I feel this is wrong and I should pay for anything else other than thyroxine. It’s nice that I don’t have to but I don’t think it helps the nhs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you PtbY.
DeleteI remember very clearly that when prescription charges were first levied I was relieved that because of my thyroid condition I was immediately in the cohort of not paying prescription charges.
In those days I was on one simple tablet each day.
However as the decades progressed I like many people was prescribed a growing number of medications of all kinds.
And because of my thyroid condition I have never ever paid for any prescription.
Being on a low fixed income I am very grateful for this situation, but being grateful does not preclude my belief that this is wrong on so many levels.
Incidentally I was given to understand many years ago, that Thyroxin is one of the cheapest medications on the market.
I have no idea if this was true or if it still is.
I totally agree with you both. Both Mr A (diabetes) and I (thyroid) have been on free prescriptions for around 40 years each.
DeleteAs you say, this includes medicines for any other illnesses/problems we have and surgical items such as elastic compression socks for Mr A’s varicose veins. We must have cost thé NHS a fortune over the years between us.
We both think free ‘scripts should be only for the drugs needed for the problem that qualifies for them, not anything else. In Mr A’s case this includes insulin, injection pens, test strips etc but not steroid cream for a rash or medicine for indigestion!
For me it should only be for thyroxine but not for anything else.
Time the prescription rules were addressed and save the NHS a considerable sum.
AP re gravy granules:
ReplyDeleteI've just bought my usual tub of Bistro gravy granules for £2. I noticed that the smaller jars are £4 and the large ones £5. Perhaps you use more granules than I do, but the £2 tub lasts me two months or more.
Phone has never heard of Bisto!
DeleteI usually have a jar of beef, one of chicken and one of pork as I do like to have appropriate gravy for whatever meat I am cooking. A large jar will last quite a long time, several weeks, so it is a while since I have had to replace one. The £5 large jar is obviously a much better deal than the small one at £4 but the increase in price came as quite a shock.
DeleteHaving decided to tidy the garage yesterday I took off my mothers engagement ring which I wear on my right hand and put it into the drawer in my bedroom where it lives.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to get it ,late afternoon it wasn't there.
I spent the whole evening searching for it -mainly in the bedroom ,all over the floor,under the bed etc.
When I lose anything I always ask St Anthony to help me find it and give a donation to Charity when he does
(I digress now -he found the address book I lost behind the radiator!)
Last night though I decided to pay the money up front so made a donation to 52 Lives over the Internet.
I decided not to do anything else about the ring as I would leave it to St Anthony to find it .
About an hour ago I walked into the bedroom and there by the bottom of the bed was the ring.
I must have walked round the bed a dozen times and never spotted it.
I did tell St Anthony that I would make a further donation if he found it so 52 Lives will get a bit more on Sunday.
52 Lives is a Charity where each week somebody is nominated ,by Social Workers,Doctors ,Teachers or Neighbours ,who is in need of help but who somehow is not getting the support he or she needs.
All the money sent goes to that person.and the following week we are told how the donated money has been spent.
There is no large payout to the CEO.
There are some very sad stories and very worthwhile causes.
People can donate as and when they feel they are able.
I’ve never heard of 52 Lives, is that organised local to you? It sound a really good idea.
DeleteLanjan, am pleased that you found the address book and even more so that the precious ring was found too! The help of St Anthony is very real as it works just about every time but I must always remember to thank him! Giving to a charity in connection with finds is a lovely thought too!😊
DeleteOn a completely different topic; for anyone who is interested, Fascinating Aïda have announced tour dates for later this year, we’ve booked for Basingstoke.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, didn’t realise they were still together!
DeleteKP and anybody else who may be interested.
ReplyDelete"52 lives "is a National Charity.If you Google "52lives" you will see the good work that it does and will explain things far better than I can.
Briefly
ALL money that is sent in a particular week goes to the one person or family nominated for that week.
No money is given to CEOs
Anybody can do the nominations.
Obviously if one is a tax payer the Charity gets an extra25%.
Very interesting LJ like others here never heard of this charity until now so you are being a good ambassador spreading the word 👏🏻
DeletePtbY and Mrs P - I just replied to your posts about prescription costs published yesterday at 2.43.
ReplyDeleteI expect.things to change very soon. Free prescription charges are still set at 60 yrs, but the plan is to change this to the state pension age.
DeleteWhat annoys me, is the difference between England + Wales, both NHS. ALL prescriptions in Wales are free and subsided somehow. I used to get so angry dispensing a prescription for 32 paracetamol for a person in full time work!
Aah Bisto!!
ReplyDeleteI hate gravy granules in all its many forms. I still buy the original Bisto gravy powder, whilst I still can that is, and just use different stock cubes.
I am also a lover of Worcester sauce, to add into gravy along with cider or red wine, of course!
Popped to supermarket earlier today, and bought 3 tangerines, a stick deodrant and a 24 OXO cubes (on special offer) - cost £6! This is getting ridiculous...
DeleteMy mother used to make gravy with Bisto powder stirred into veg water. It was always glutinous with small nodules of solid Bisto in it. Once I had discovered that the granules melt discreetly into the contents of the casserole dish leaving no evidence of their presence there was no turning back!
ReplyDeleteIt's how it's done that makes the difference.
DeleteI will only buy granules, as these are far too salty and artificial to my taste, when there is no other option.
How different we all are in our ideas.
Bisto now make gravy granules with reduced salt, which is what I buy for Beef.
DeleteRather than pour the boiling veg water straight onto the granules I always mix them to a paste with a couple of teaspoons of red wine first. This makes it much easier to mix with the veg water and no lumps!
I like salty! It's sweet I'm not keen on.
ReplyDeleteI have just read your 4:10 comment ,Miriam
ReplyDeleteI am appalled that a doctor would prescribe paracetamol tablets -easily bought over the counter - to anyone and can understand how annoyed you must have felt.
A few years ago I stood behind a woman in Boots.
She apologised but said that she had come to collect both her and her husband's prescriptions..
She went out carrying two carrier bags.
She walked slowly and I caught up with her.
She apologised again and said she that her husband was on 15 tablets a day .
I think she was on about 8.
She said of course they didn't take them all .
I was appalled at the waste .
I suggested she went back to the doctor to tell him which ones they were not taking .
I don't whether she did.
I suspect there are many like her .
Not Guilty, M'lady. All my free NHS medication is related to the basic ENT problems.
DeleteLJ. Part of my job was to invite clients for a wee chat, about their meds. as to how they took them, and what did they understand about why.
DeleteI had a lovely private "consulting room" in which I did this, providing a cup of tea or water, if wanted.
It was surprising what was told, and as you have said, how many just didn't take their meds. but kept ordering them anyway.
I liased with the GP's and things were often sorted, to the benefit of all.
Is any-one else like me, eagerly waiting for 9.00pm and the last ever episode of Happy Valley?
ReplyDeleteHow I have loved it but hope I won't be disappointed.
Well thank goodness happy valley has finished. Back to normal bedtime now.
ReplyDeleteDid love it though.
Well I WAS disappointed.
ReplyDeleteToo many loose ends.
Final episode too rushed.but brilliant 3 Series.
Got to agree. I want to know why that child sat in its coat all the time! Lol.
DeleteThere’s an interesting article on the bbc news site about beavers and how they can invigorate wetlands by building dams which then conserve the water and provide an ideal habitat for other species as well as themselves. They chew through tree trunks and use the tree and it’s branches to build dams etc. This naturally coppices the tree as new shoots grow out of it. Of course in the wrong place they can cause more harm than good but can then be moved on. They are fascinating creatures and natural engineers! There is a move afoot to introduce them on the island and in fact I seem to remember it had been started. They were hunted into near extinction in the C19th but we now recognise nose their value.
ReplyDeleteTake out nose in the last sentence!!
DeleteI’ve saved that article EV to read later.
DeleteI have been very interested in the re introduction of Beavers since it was being talked about decades ago.
Yesterday I discovered that they have been introduced to the Holnicut Estate right here on my doorstep.
I am very excited about this….. but I don’t for one moment ever expect to see them.
I wonder if the Holnicott estate has guided walks to see the beavers. I know that at Ladock in Cornwall, where beavers were introduced in 2017, they have summer evening walks with small groups to see them. I haven't seen them myself as it is quite a bit further south than us.
ReplyDeleteJanice, the Holnicot Estate is now within the NT.
DeleteOn my Taunton district feed this morning there is a piece about a woodland walk in North Devon that was a favourite of Wordsworth and his drug fuelled friend Coleridge.
The NT is aiming to improve its walking areas with improvements for dog walking. Water, and washing facilities for muddy pars etc.
so…… to answer your query, no, not yet but perhaps it will do so in the future. I shall keep an eye open.
Since living here I’ve heard daily at dusk the local owl.
ReplyDeleteAs the crow flies the woods are about 100 yards away and that’s where I felt able to locate him /her.
Just now I was tending my compost bin and heard the owl but not in the woods, rather very close by. I looked up at the tree that overlooks my garden and the owl flew out just above my head and then over the roof of the house.
It was a tawny, but over Christmas when in Cornwall when stirring in my sleep one night a huge Barn Owl flew past the window of my room. It was like a huge white ghost flying past.