Life outside Ambridge
Two goslings next to Petersfield Pond
Life in Ambridge
Following todays news
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Life in Ambridge
Starter kit for Ed & Emma
Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
MistralJune 30, 2023 at 4:11 PM
ReplyDeleteMrs P,
The photo is of Flump my Jack Russell, taken 2 or 3 years ago. Sho loves helping me get the compost out! Sadly she is now 14 and suddenly her back legs are giving out, she can't limbo any more, when I was messing about composting the other day, she looked and gave a Lynda Snell sniff before moving on....
REPLYDELETE
MistralJune 30, 2023 at 4:16 PM
She's 15 kg, would have been a HUGE rabbit!
MiriamJune 30, 2023 at 4:16 PM
ReplyDeleteI have just a watched a Place in the Sun, based on Lucca in North Tuscany. I know Lucca really well, (been many times) as was the place of a property shown, in a town called Barga.
I had a great friend, who I met in Italian language evening classes. She and Hubbie moved to Barga, and this was where I celebrated my 50th birthday and visited a few times.
It also, though, reminded me of EV, as this was not far from The Mill where she spent many a wonderful time, on her painting holidays.
She gave the details as to it, as also does Italian speaking holidays in the same place, but then the Pandemic happened!
Plans were shelved and still are.
REPLYDELETE
AmbridgesMrsPJune 30, 2023 at 5:22 PM
Shelved plans can be reinstated Miriam
Hope you get there one day.
Thank you Mistral - yes I thought it was a dog, but it could have been a very large bunny !
DELETE
MiriamJune 30, 2023 at 5:28 PM
My two year out of date passport, needs to be renewned first!
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ReplyDeleteI deleted what I thought was a meaningless post.
ReplyDeleteTo precis:-
a) I have learnt today that a letter I submitted will be published next week, in a weekly periodical and it is not TA related. Not saying any more, but this will not be the first time to be published. Think about 5/6th.
b) A great day - washing all done and dried, along with an emmaculate back garden, which took all afternoon.
Enjoy weekend All. 🤗
Is anyone watching/listening to the Ashes?
ReplyDeleteMr A is glued to TMS most if the day & we both enjoy the highlights on BBC2 at 7.00
But it seems that Ben Stokes new strategy is not working against the Australians this time and we really must do better. Goodness only know what Boycs thinks sitting in the stand!
The Eastbourne tennis final was enough. It was a nail-biter.
DeleteLooking forward to Wimbledon 🎾 next week.
I see Prince William and Prince George attended the cricket today AP.
DeleteWe saw the second set of the Final Miriam a nail biter indeed we were going out so at least we did not have to miss out on a final set. Yes Wimbledon again next week how can this be 😱!
Lady R. I am so glad it didn't go to the 3rd set. Lunch was eaten, so needed to get back out to continue work in the garden, which I did!
DeleteMy back lawn has Wimbledon stripes now, and the front will be the same tomorrow..😆
DeleteI have done very little.
ReplyDeleteI certainly have days like that - it's just re-charging the batteries (my excuse). 😁
DeleteBet you've done more than I did today, Sarnia.
DeleteI’ve done very little today. Watched gardeners world at my friends as usual, and ended up coming to bed for a snooze mid afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI have at last finished marking ICCC papers. It is for 16 years old GCSE abroad where they will be taught in English. (My granddaughter in Frankfurt has done English and English Literature.) Next year she'll be doing IBAC (what ever that is!)
ReplyDeleteI have had papers from Tanganyka, Pakistan and Dubai, or ones that I have recognised. I'll tell you that reading 'horror' stories from 16 years is not a pleasant job!
Today I'll be gardening after I have finished hoovering sitting room and kitchen as they have not been done for a month while 'marking.'
Next weekend Chris will be bring over Evelina to watch Lana Del Ray and then I may go back with them. Depends on how I feel.
Dermatology put up my tablets to 7 per week but have been feeling sick so will ring them to go back down to 6 .
Thyroid people putting off appointments, Next one is 23 Aug, pushed back twice. Now consultants are going on strike so not hopeful !!!
Have watched Ashes and am not hopeful we can pull it off again Archerphile !.
Tennis I haven't watched for years when girls started grunting! At least I can say that I have played tennis with one of those who feature on BBC coverage. I went to school with Virginia Wade and she helped me in after school tennis lessons !
I like that claim to fame Spicy, you can claim to have played tennis with a Wimbledon champion. I am full of respect for your energy & determination in the face of side effects of your medication,
DeleteI hope everyone is well, I’m just glad that it’s cooled down a bit.
Wow Spicy -Virginia Wade as your “personal” tennis coach that’s some claim to fame 👏🏻
DeleteI feel tired just reading about all your hard work, now fingers crossed for your Consultant appointment. I do wish the NHS pay and conditions situation could be settled as apart from emergency care which is still happening thanks be for my brother in law right now the service needs a real overhaul today’s population is a far cry from that of 1948 for a start….
IBAC = International Baccalaureate. I haven't the kudos of being coached by Virginia Wade, but I have played the organ for her father Gabriel, who was a minister in the United Reformed Church.
ReplyDeleteSmall world, isn't it!
I envy your close contact - however long ago it may have been Spicey - with Ms V Wade.
DeleteThe only tennis I’ve willingly watched was when she was on screen, and watched that final in 77 complete. She wasn’t at Wimbledon the only year I went, but I was involved - in a small way - in delivering the Championships for two years.
Spicycushion, you are a superstar in your ability to fight back against the cruelty that nature has visited upon you.
I had an entirely empty day yesterday. Complete nothingness !
But late in the evening discovered that Chanel 4 are currently screening Laurence of Arabia, with six days left to watch which I shall do over the next few days.
Managed to contact my carpenter who now says he can return on Monday, to do further work on my doors.
My landline telephones have finally bit the dust so must go to Argos today to buy new equipment.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBack to my support for Ukraine, now even stronger than at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteSo nobody apart from Spicy is interested in the cricket then but plenty of comments about tennis.
Personally I am dreading Wimbledon fortnight … virtually no programmes other than wall to wall coverage of tennis on BBC 1 or BBC2. If you are not interested, it’s just too much and there is little alternative.
I did once go to Wimbledon, in the days of the Wightman Cup. UK v USA women’s tennis.
Saw Christine Truman and Billy Jean Moffat, as she then was, and was horrified at her grunting and swearing at herself and calling out loudly. Not what we were being taught at school at all!
And even worse this year for me is that Clare Balding has taken over from Sue Barker as lead presenter. Is there no programmme the BBC will not put her in front off? She is everywhere! Even on the quiz programme House of Games recently.
Sadly the same thing seems to be happening to Jay Blades. He successfully presented The Repair Shop and one or two spin-off programmes and now is doing a programme about the East End of London ( very gor’blimey cockerney)and will shortly be presenting a series on Beech Huts of all things. This often seems to happen…someone comes along with a show that is successful and they are then taken up by the BBC and over exposed by doing all sorts of other things they may not be particularly qualified for. In the end people get fed up with seeing the same face over and over again.
I am very interested in the cricket. However I don't have any means of watching it live, and don't like the radio commentary, I have to just look at scores every now + again.
DeleteTotally agree about Jay Blades - I also don't like it when such diversification happens.
DeleteMiriam, if you are interested in the cricket there is a one-hour programme of edited highlights on BBC2 each evening, usually at 7 pm, if you have a TV oryou could see it on iPlayer on you tablet or whatever. You get to see all the best shots, wickets etc and good round ups from the various commentators.
DeleteWe watch whilst having dinner!
Thanks AP. I do know about this, but it's not the same as watching the match live and up to date with the score!
DeleteI follow on the BBC Sports news.
Well Archerphile today's newspapers are a bit like Football headlines !
ReplyDeleteBit disappointing.
Let's us hope that the final 3 matches England win !
Here, here Spicy. A very odd day yesterday at Lords and much talk today about ‘Yes he was out according to the Laws, but what about the spirit of the game?’
ReplyDeleteI would dearly like to discuss this with Mr A, who is a fully qualified Umpire, to see what he thinks. But he is staying with his sister in North Wales for a few days ( to celebrate both their birthdays).
I’m not sure if he will have even seen the match but I have recorded it for when he gets home.
What news from OZ this morning. Niece was on holiday last week (OZ half-term). Monday morning she had a text. Meet the boss at 9.00am in a cafè, which she did, to told that she no longer had a job and was now redundant, and to go straight back home.
ReplyDeleteShe is in total shock - but it all seems very strange and badly done.
OZ employment rules might be very different, but it still sounds wrong.
She will be taking proper advice and guidance.
What torrential rain this morning. I got soaked getting Bonnie pusscat to the Vets for her annual check-up. Good news, her heart problem is still very stable and is not causing any problems.
ReplyDeleteThe garden so needed the soaking, and my plants were upright, almost singing and "dancing in the rain".
I can really see a difference.
Is anyone else having to sign in to Google every time that want to leave a comment here?
ReplyDeleteI never used to have to do this and it’s a pain, signing in, opening my Google photos app and saying yes, it’s me, then trying to get back here again
Then if I want to comment on the other blog I have to go through the whole performance over again!
Any idea how to avoid all this?
I have this prob on my lap top but never on my phone. So I stick to my phone.
DeleteYes ARCHERPHILE many of us had this problem way back a year or so ago (i think ) but someone figured out a way of overcoming it and now, for me, it’s lost in the mists of time. I have a vague memory that LJ was the one to discover how to overcome the problem.
DeleteSorry that you are experiencing this again, and sorry I can’t help.
Yes for the first time I am having to sign in with google. The first time this happened I didn't have to but now it seems I have. The program keep telling me I have to update to sign in so I'm not sure what I've done!
DeleteSee to have sorted it somehow, but not sure what I did. Something to do with private browsing on Safari which meant I even had to sign in toGoogle to look things upon Google!
DeleteTotal mystery to me, but keeping fingers crossed it’s OK now.
ReplyDeleteLady R son Dan said to put the vimeo website link they gave us into the address bar and not into Google.
Other than that he thought Mistral gave the right advice, although by then he couldn't concentrate as things had descended into a bit of chaos with toddler Max pulling a little wooden table over on top of himself . You may have sorted it by now though.
DeleteSo very kind of you both Janice. I have not solved the situation myself and now have not been able to find the funeral details on the blogs. Also the time limit may have expired 🤔
DeleteCheshire cheese…. How goes the hip? How many weeks since your op now?
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking PtbY. It's 23 weeks since my op and all has progressed as expected. It still aches if I do too much but all movements are back to normal now. I'm gradually working on my fitness now which had deteriorted in the months before the op, mainly walking.
DeleteFrom what you've posted you seem to be doing well. Just keep listening to your body and you'll know what you can and can't do. it get's frustrating at times but you will get there!
I seem to have an invasion of flies in my house today. All over the kitchen, lounge and dining room windows. I have zapped 38 of the wretched little things but they keep on coming. I have no door or windows open so presume there must be a ‘nest’ somewhere in the house!
ReplyDeleteThis is a horrible idea of mine, but I feel the need to say it! Apologies in advance...
DeleteRemember your electric problems and joking about "critters" eating the wires under the floorboards? Is this a coincidence, as to the flies and perhaps "electrecuted critters"...
As said not a nice thought 🙀
You could well be right Miriam. Years ago my brother changed his corn shed and stored the corn in another shed about a mile away. Of course when their food supply had vanished the rats were hungry and some actually got in here into the only dropped ceiling in the house ( the rest is simply old fashioned single wooden floorboards). I don't like killing things but had no choice but to put down poison. The smell was awful for a while and then we had a plague of bluebottles emerging from cracks in the walls. It was absolutely horrendous. Thankfully I think they have moved on to some other farm's barns now.
DeleteI remember when a child there was for some reason a migration of rats from one farm to another. I didn't see it but all the adults were talking about it. They came down one of the roads in their hundreds, if not thousands, in a sort of V formation with a lead rat in front. There weren't many cars around in those days but a car came up the lane, he ran over the lead rat accidentally and he said another rat just went up in front and took his place. He just had to sit tight while they passed. When they reached another farm they apparently all just vanished into nooks and crannies and if they hadn't been seen coming no one would have realised they were there, or how very many there were. Sorry to those of you who shudder at the thought of rats. I don't mind them, in fact they seem to be intelligent creatures, but definitely not indoors where they can chew the electrics.
Yes, Miriam, that exactly what Mr A said when I told him about them on the phone tonight!
DeleteI have now zapped 56 of them, perhaps I should mark them on the handle of my zapper - like planes did in the war! 🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗
And Janice, we have had rats in the roof before too. They can climb up the outside walls and in under the eves. We once had a disgusting smell upstairs and searched everywhere for the culprit. Eventually Mr A pushed up one of the trapdoors into the loft and a dead and decaying rat fell on his head! It was an appalling shock and we just couldn’t get rid of the smell until we had a new trap door made and threw the old one away . 😵💫
I’m really sorry to hear your concern about the flies ARCHERPHILE as well as Miriam and Janice suggestions as to the cause.
DeleteI do hope you can get to the bottom of the problem and eliminate the cause.
Personally I don’t mind talking about a rat problem which I’ve never had any very close experience of, but am currently tasked with dealing with.
Here in Minehead we have little alleys between rows of properties. The one behind where I am is very overgrown on the side of a huge bank as the next layer of houses are higher up the hill and I have seen one dead rat there as well as evidence of rat holes. I also found a dead rat on the lane leading up to this back lane and also some rat holes in my neighbours garden close to where she has left breadcrumbs on the ground for many years.
I am trying to get the local authority to do something about it but am not hopeful.
I am intrigued by the tale from Janice and puts the story of the Pied Piper into perspective. And I can definitely vouch for the intelligence of rats from an incident in my daughters kitchen where having discovered that a rat had been marauding through her kitchen cabinets I spent a Sunday morning with her and my SinL ripping out everything. Exhausted and failing to find the bugger we retired for some lunch at their local. On returning we found that in our absence the rat had returned. My D had said all along that she was sure the entry point had been the outlet from the dryer which was housed in the under stairs cupboard. We then set to to dismantle that outlet and that rat was never seen again.
I couldn’t understand why I kept finding mouse droppings in the drawer in the sink unit where I keep clean tea towels. Never caught a mouse in there but there was plenty of evidence and chewed corners of tea towel.
DeleteJust couldn’t understand how a mouse could get into a shut drawer!
Eventually discovered the back panel of the sink unit didn’t go all the way up, right across to the drawers. Mice had been able to get in through a tiny gap in the wall where the drainage pipe from the sink went outside and were unable to climb up the back of the unit and into the drawer. Took us ages to work that one out! Typical of ancient house with solid walls and equally ancient plumbing!
AP. I was very worried when I gave my thoughts yesterday, that I would cause offence to you and Mr AP.
DeleteKeep Zapping.
I hate flies. I am inundated with moths, which Pusscat loves to try and catch. These are the large, winged and interesting ones buy there wing flapping is very loud in the bedroom at night.
My thought is that these are coming from the very overgrown neighbouring garden. It's a jungle as has not been touched since last September - Fewilding at its best. 😄
Rewilding was obviously meant 😆
DeleteI have just started to watch Wimbledon today, for the 1st time.
ReplyDeleteMy initial thought has to be about the "has been" commentators, who just irritate me!
There must be others who could do much better.
I know Miriam BBC commentators in general all seem to suffer from verbal diarrhoea- less can be more!
DeleteLady R...I just can't stand listening to the likes of Virginia Wade, Tracey Austin, John Lloyd, John Macenroe etc...
DeleteIt is spoiling Wimbledon for me, and so soon.
No one can beat dear Dan Maskell - “ oh I say” and “That’s it they’ve done it” ♥️
DeleteI stopped watching Wimbledon after the Tim Henman era. I couldn’t stand all the grunting.
ReplyDeleteBeen supervising Mr unblocking our kitchen drain outside this morning. So frustrating. Instructing him what to do but then forgetting the exact word I want, and thingy doesn’t cut it with him. Then he gets annoyed and starts flinging his arms about. Roll on another 3 months when I can sort stuff myself. Anyway, turned out it was blocked up with washing powder so I’ve re-ordered the washing sheets I used to buy and will give up on the powder once again.
After all that I plan on having a quiet rest of the day and maybe do some reading this aft.
Sounds a good plan to me ptby 📕
DeleteI bet Mr ptby is also looking forward to the day when he has his competent DIY er back in action 😂 a god job he did not marry me we would have made a right pair!! Although I’m sure he has his talents.
Lady R…… haven’t found what his talents are yet…been looking for 36 years!! 🤦♀️
DeleteSeemed to have lost TA blog today, along with a number of other threads - don’t know why - however to get back to the blog when it disappears I go to an old blog and find KP and access this blog from there.
ReplyDeleteThis morning quite by random, I hit upon May 22 - and found it very interesting to re read all our comments regarding GG s absence and the concerns we all had about continuing.
So…… once again I wish to thank KP for rescuing us and for continuing to host us for well over a year now.
I had great difficulty yesterday too, Mrs P. Kept being asked to log in with Google but then it wouldn’t let me. I was at a loss about what to do. But today, all seems well again!
DeleteTried a Shop in Sainsburys again today. Wanted to do an online shop but their website has been totally unavailable this week - too many customers trying to get through.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, was completely knackered half way through so Mr A finished off and, thank goodness, the chair behind the checkouts was back + a row of three more chairs with arms. .
I was very grateful to be able to sit down before I fell down!
Yes they have PtbY, you phone and book one in advance. But I am reluctant to use one because, as Miriam said, it is probably important to try being as mobile as I can, even if it is just hanging on to a trolly and using my legs! While I have Mr A with me to do the bending and reaching up to high shelves I will carry on.
DeleteHowever, We decided that some weeks, if I can get onto the Sainsburys website, I will do an online shop for all the heavy, non-perishable goods to be picked up via ‘Click and Collect’. But will go a bit early for the collection so I can just pop into the store for fruit, veg and meat which I am never happy with when shopped online.
Best of both worlds, I hope.
Has anyone read The Salt Path .?
ReplyDeleteIt’s being filmed here in Minehead at the moment, with Gillian Anderson. It seems to be or have something to do with the West Coast path which starts here in Minehead. I must ask Mr Google.
I’ve got gardeners coming this afternoon.
They are to prune the apple tree.
Because I failed to contact them before spring I will have to sacrifice most of this years apples.
They are also going to open up the canopy on the magnolia and do what they can with the row of firs that overgrow into my garden. The owner of which knows his law and refuses to do anything about them, claiming he likes a wild garden. They are exceedingly tall and have grown up right beside his fence which is the boundary to my garden. He has informed me that if his fence is leaning into my garden, which it is, I am free to erect another fence in front of his on my side. His bungalow must be incredibly dark, but he presumably likes that. I’ve learned that he is known in the district, to be a miserable and inconsiderate bugger. His wife on the other hand seems to be a pleasant woman. I’m told that his dream is to go to the wildest part of Wales to live. I presume she doesn’t !
Neighbours and gardens are always such a controversial point.
DeleteThere are ways, but it nearly always ends up in messy disputes - such as overgrown trees, hedges etc blocking light, and I think, but not sure that if something encroaches into your garden, such as a leaning fence, this can be dealt with.
Try your local council for advice..
I suggest that you look up The High Hedges Act Mrs P. When we couldn't agree a height of a leylandii hedge with our neighbours we threatened them with the Act and they soon came to an agreement with us.
DeleteThank you CC - I will !
DeleteI listened to The Salt Path being read on radio by the Author as a Book at Bedtime, just after it was published. I was amazed how brave they were setting out on such an enterprise after they had lost everything and with a terminal diagnosis. Much braver that I would be!
DeleteI was in my Sainsbury's today, but still no chairs! I put my concerns in writing, addressed to The Manager, but I expect it didn't land on his desk!
ReplyDeleteNow to try again - as said previously - I am on a mission.
One thing I noticed is that, prices are still rising with the sizes diminishing at the same time!
I take advantage of my individual points offers and reduced prices (via App), plus Nectar prices. I can get good savings, as a result. Todays was £15.88 plus an extra 380 points added on!
There are some good savings to be had with the Nectar prices in Sainsbury's. In spite of that I'm doing less and less of my shopping in there. Their offering seems to be changing, probably because of competition with other supermarkets. They frequently haven't got things that I want on the shelves and, don't get me started on the way they now package the mince.
DeleteI get my fruit, veg and eggs mainly from my veg box, my milk from a local dairy and cleaning products on line from a company specialising in ecofriendly products. However, I do realise that I'm lucky to be able to afford that choice.
I find if I go to sainsburys, either 18 or 24 miles away, I go round not buying much because I can’t bare paying their prices compared to our local Lidl, 1/2 a mile from us. I know people moan you can’t get everything you want from Lidl but I make do with what they’ve got. I now hate food shopping anyway and I’ve had enough by the time I get to the last aisle in Lidl.
ReplyDeleteMy shopping is a mix of Lidl/Aldi & Waitrose, there are certain family staples I can only get in Waitrose (pink grapefruit juice & ginger beer both of which MrNuts consumes daily) some items I only buy in Lidl (little 2.8% lagers and their mini cucumbers & peppers) we have a weekly veg box and I do occasional runs to Costco to bulk buy loo roll, washing powder etc. Since semi retiring I am more likely to pick stuff up locally as I am out in Petersfield where the larger supermarkets are.
ReplyDeleteIn Stroud we had Sainsburys Tesco and Waitrose, then a new Aldi and before I left a new Lidle as well. In nearby Nailsworth was a Morrisons too.
DeleteNow here in Minehead we have a Tesco Aldi and Morrisons.
I’ve never liked Morrisons, something about its shabbiness for me. I don’t much like Tesco but have no choice now, and I split my shopping now between Tesco and Aldi. I miss Waitrose so, much but the nearest is in Wellington a forty five minute drive away. On the other hand we have a very good pet shop here and Lady gets superior food now. My biggest purchase in Aldi is the mousse that is the only wet food that Puss will eat.
I now get my loo rolls on line - eco friendly bamboo.
Oh, and the nearest fish and chip shop is superb !
Such interesting posts about, of all things, supermarkets.
DeleteIt comes down to where these are, what is available in-store and if these suit individual needs...etc.
I adapt my shopping every week between the supermarket and a farm shop.
I am one of those "nerds" who pre-plan some meal ideas, for a week. As such I just buy what I might require, but always keep my store cupboard full!
I will be doing a Pip Archer tomorrow - meatballs. The difference is that mine will be home-made. 😀
Turkey mince, onions, oats, herbs etc. to then be cooked in a stew type "mess" (swede, carrots, celery, leeks, more onions + herbs). These freeze well and worth the effort.
DeleteWho knows what else might be chucked into the pot 🙀
Sounds very tasty Miriam.
DeleteDo the meatballs hold together cooked in a stew? I suppose if cooked gently they would, or do you add them later on in the process. Haven't ever cooked them like that.
DeleteWOW. What a violent storm has just happened. It was short + sharp, but it so messed up my Wimbledon watching, both on TV and I-player, due to the interference.
ReplyDeleteTo add, worked in garden this morning plus in the kitchen, for my reward to be disrupted.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDeleted my post, as one too many in a row...
ReplyDeleteBack in day or two, or perhaps more. Take Care All in the meantime.
Nooo. I asked a question above before I read this, but you may not see it now,
DeleteJust rescued another bee from the conservatory, the third one today as well as 2 butterflies. I really enjoy sitting in it watching the birds on the feeders and flying overhead especially the swifts swooping around catching insects. The fact that bees get trapped in there is such downside though.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a good year for butterflies around us which is nice.
ReplyDeleteA poor year for butterflies here but Avery good one for bees.
DeleteIt’s good for us too KP. We had had a great many Brimstones, clouds of Large Whites and are just getting the first of what I think of as the ‘patterned’ ones - Painted Ladies, Tortoishells, Fritillary’s and Peacocks. In fact I think that here in Hampshire it is a better year than last.
DeleteMy daughter came down stairs very excited about half an hour ago looked out of the lounge window saying “that’s definitely not a cat” a quick look through the binoculars revealed a mink in the back garden chasing around with a rabbit which was presumably defending it’s warren. Not sure where it came from as there are no rivers nearby, but it was fun watching it bounce around the lawn.
ReplyDeleteMy nephews wife has text me this aft to ask if we fancy rescuing a one year old yellow lab. It’s been shoved in a cage whilst owners at work all day, fed, then shut in cage all night. At the moment heart is overruling head. Daphne would love another youngster to play with. Mabel wouldn’t be bothered by her. What to do??
ReplyDeleteI know if we go to see her we’ll come back with her. Shes in Mabelthorpe which makes me think it’s fate. I’ll see if we can sleep on it. If our Julie sends a photo of her that’ll be it. We’ll be off to collect her. Poor thing.
Why would anyone get a dog to treat like that? I hope that a kind home is found be it with you or elsewhere
DeleteOh ptby you have to say yes what a wonderful life and love you could give to this currently badly treated dog. Just don’t fall over her during your ongoing recovery!
DeleteThe dog has your name written on it ,P tbY.
ReplyDeleteMentioned it to someone you should be meeting this evening and he was telling me that brown labradors -he has one- used to be put down because they were not considered to be as good as yellow ones.
Go for it!
I have had a very busy and not very pleasant fortnight .
Sadly my lovely Poppy had to be put to sleep last Thursday
Re Wimbledon-couldn't go obviously but fortunately my friend's daughter was able to have my Centre Court ticket and so she accompanied my younger son .
They saw Murray win his Match .
The Test Match was great but I hope they drop that Yorkshire bloke Bairstow who could have lost us this Match which his bad catching and certainly was responsible in helping Australia win the first two Matches
All being well am off to Garden Centre today with a friend ,hopefully to get a large container into which I can plant a bush in memory of Poppy.
Lanjan as I went to bed last night I suddenly realised I could not remember reading posts from you of late - and now your sad sad news of losing your lovely Poppy. I am feeling for you so much. How has Percy reacted to her absence?
DeleteCentre court tickets for Murray’s winning match wow I bet your friend’s daughter and your son enjoyed that and at least your ticket was used and appreciated. Cricket 🏏 not a clue Mr R try’s to explain but….😳 🤣
Bitten the bullet. We are off to see Labrador on Saturday. It’s 2 1/2 hours away and I shouldn’t really be travelling that far in a car yet but I don’t care. Have spoken to the lady and the dog sounds lovely. She’s called Amy at the mo but that’ll have to change. I’m thinking Doris or Brenda to go with Daphne and Mabel.
ReplyDeleteAccepting that you shouldn’t be travelling for that length of time right now……. Suggest you organise your journey to allow a stop every 30 minutes or so and get out of car and do some of your exercises or walk around for five minutes.
DeleteOf course you will adopt her.
As LJ says, your name is already on her tag.
Enjoy the years to come, though with three large dogs in the house I just don’t know how you do it PtbY.
Amy sounds a lovely name.
DeleteHow about:-
Dorothy, Dora or Martha, Margot???
Plus - Edie or Esme
DeleteGosh, 5 hours in a car at your stage in your recovery PtbY. Wishing you a safe and not too uncomfortable journey.
DeleteNot into bragging but guess who got Wordle in One today?
ReplyDeleteI always used the same word but will now have to change it.
So Sorry to hear about the loss of Poppy. I expect you are feeling the loss of her..It was a year ago on July 8th, that I lost my wonderful cat..but the replacement 🐈⬛ a year on Sunday since "rescued", has certainly made a great replacement.
Delete🐈⬛ one year for adopted puss Miriam!!! How quickly time flys by.
DeleteWell done LanJan
ReplyDeleteFeels good doesn’t it ?
When it happened to me I was astonished.
Not tonight tho’
DeleteI’ve got it, but on the fourth attempt and a great deal of working through.
I’ve just been laughing as I haven’t laughed for a very long time.
I picked up a thread on The Guardian about corvina building nests from metal bird deterrent spikes. That led me to read a second Guardian article about Homosexual Necrophiliac ducks - You really could not make it up !
Right I’ve decided. After a lovely photo of the Labrador being sent through I’ve decided she looks like an “Audrey”
ReplyDeleteYes she does although Hilda suits her too or even Elsie or ..............
DeleteAudrey is a good choice and so fits in with Daphne and Mabel.
DeleteThank you animal lovers for understanding how I feel.
ReplyDeleteI know some of you have gone through similar .
Recently I couldn't get Percy to come into the house but the past two evenings he has allowed me to carry him inside and he has settled down on my knee.
He spent the first day lying in the area where he and Poppy used to sit but now sits for much of the day nearer the house on the patio
Animals know .....
When Mr LJ died Poppy- a gentle cat but never one for showing affection ,came and slept on my bed for several days
A kind friend has bought me a lovely rose bush called "Little white pet" and yesterday another friend took me to a garden centre and I bought a container for the rose to be put outside the front window.
Sounds lovely. You will enjoy the rose and the memory it represents.
DeleteKP Nuts mentioned about seeing a mink. This relates to Mrs. P. and the article about the birds nesting on the anti- bird spikes, as to something I read about, along with a photo', seen today.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere, but don't know where, a drain cover in a road came up and six black creatures came out and walked down a road.
These were later identified, as a mother mink and her 5 kittens.
Where they went, is unknown!
There was an initial thought that they were black ferrets - I immediatly thought of Eddie Grundy 😀
The mink family of mother and kits was in Horsham.
DeleteApparently many years ago, animal activists released mink from a mink farm and they are all over Sussex since.
Googled it !
Thank you Miriam.
I’ve had a good day.
ReplyDeleteCarpenter was due to come but couldn’t.
Friend Simon did come - took the rest of garden cut back from Friday to tip.
Sorted, without carpenters help, my large and heavy five piece Victorian wardrobe, by dismantling it, removing carpet from beneath, and reassembling wardrobe.
It is a very well built piece of furniture but does need to be correctly slotted into into its base. The removal men had not done it correctly and it was not functioning well.
A very good day.
It's so satisfying to have a good day like that MrsP.
DeleteThe younger of my two brothers has died, aged 92, an amazing exercise in longevity by my family's standards.
ReplyDeleteNow they're all gone.
My thoughts are with you,❤️ along with a big Miriam hug.
DeleteSo sorry Sarnia.
DeleteCondolences Sarnia
DeleteSorry to hear about your bad news Sarnia
DeleteSo sorry to hear your news Sarnia 🙏
DeleteI feel for you Sarnia, I can’t imagine being without my sisters even though our lives are such that we are now only able to keep in touch by phone. Mr R of course could still be in his 60’s apart from his
ReplyDeletesevere walking disability but with his F1 chair that’s now not such an issue. So many people chat to him as he is about to whizz by 🫢
Sarnia, very sorry to hear your sad news. Did he live close by to you, do you have in-laws?
DeleteSorry for your loss Sarnia. 💐
ReplyDeleteWe had only met once, briefly by accident at my sister's nursing home just before she died, since my mother's funeral in 1989. His wife believed me to be a bad person and we were not permitted to contact each other. He leaves two younger sons and the eldest twin son and daughter, all with children and probably grandchildren as well by now, but I haven't seen them for decades and wouldn't recognise them.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry to hear of the complications within the relationship Sarnia. Whatever happened I imagine there is still a chill feeling at being the last of your generation.
ReplyDeleteIt does, KP. Given that I was the youngest by twelve years it was always on the cards that this would happen, but it's a strange journey from being perpetually young and stupid to being the only one left.
DeleteI feel for you Sarnia and sympathise with the circumstances. My brother died at the age of 91 but he had caused years of family upsets and to be absolutely frank, it was a relief for us all.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds a terrible thing to say but he had caused so many problems and was such a demanding, unreasonable person it was better for him, and for us, that he went.
However, it makes our families smaller and means we hold those dear to us even closer.
KP & Archerphile you have both written excellent posts that are so true.
DeleteIn this case, AP, it has been his wife causing all the trouble, so he is free at last. I suppose she must be much of an age, so we can't help but wonder how she will cope now she has no-one to keep under her thumb. My daughter thinks she probably won't outlast him by much.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter may well be right Sarnia.
DeleteIf he has been permanently under her thumb she will have lost much of her reason for living, and so empty time hangs before her.
My lovely "guy"cut back my hedges today. What a fabulous job with all debris removed. He was so apologetic, saying he had to put the price up, but I expected this. It was £10 more than last September - but worth every penny, due to the quality of his work. The garden looks so different and I can now see into neighbours gardens again, be it from my back bedroom windows!
ReplyDeleteI am nosey 😉 😂. I can see better the overgrown garden in the adjoining property. It is just awful!
As said before - rewilding worthy of Kirsty + Rex.
Quality of work is always worth every penny! 🤗
DeleteThat was two total very dominant Mens Wimbledon semis today, It will be an interesting Final on Sunday. I hope though that the commentary also rises to the occasion.
ReplyDeleteThat is my complaint this year - as to the totally inane and often meaningless comments made..
I tried to watch with no sound, but this just didn't work for me..
There must be someone, somewhere, who can commentate sensibly and purely as to the tennis being played. I can but hope. 🤞
Yes looking forward to Sundays final Miriam two very strong players but guessing the crowd support will be with the new “Nadal” at just 20yrs he is a superb player. As befor I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding the commentary- I keep shouting my annoyance with them at the tv but so far no improvement 😂🎾🤣
DeleteI am currently deciding whether to just put a sweater on or set & light a fire. It’s the middle of July apparently!
ReplyDeleteWhen we got back from visiting friends I put our CH on until I was fully wam again KP.
DeleteRather that though than the 45c not so very far away 😱
I too have had the heating on for half an hour today, and this evening I have drawn the heavy sitting room curtains, not pulled shut for the last few weeks.
DeleteI refuse to put the heating on until Oct 1st at the earliest. I may light log burner in sept. So glad we aren’t having the hot temperatures that Europe is having. Gets to 22 here and that’s hot enough for me.
ReplyDelete22c tops I’m with you there ptby ☀️
DeleteYesterday was cool, just 15C outside. I was back into jeans, tights, blouse + jumper. I too thought that if it was winter, the gas fire would have been on!
DeleteBetter today, but so windy.
To add, the weather not me! 😂
DeleteWimbledon Extra. I have so enjoyed the wheelchair tennis. What talent + skill, which is so very impressive. I am in total admiration. Also the matches shown had no silly commentators, which made such a difference.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100% once again Miriam - superb that the match was put on number 1 court so deserved and didn’t the crowd just love it…
DeleteSo…..Audrey is part of the family.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good.
🐶 ✔️
DeleteA good day - as it is exactly a year since I adopted 🐈⬛
DeleteHopefully Audrey will be an equally wonderful addition to your home.
Welcome Audrey what a lovely home you will enjoy now, as indeed Miriam’s puss found a year ago 🤗
DeleteAlways good to hear that a dog has settled into its new home.
DeleteSince you say that all seems to be well, does this mean the other two have accepted her ?
Why was she given up ?
Had she been difficult in some way, or was it human failure rather than canine ?
My little lovely Lady now six years old is determined to continue to steal the cats food.
In our year here Puss’s feeding table has of necessity been on my bedroom windowsill.
Lady from time to time would sneak in, usually when I had gone out without her, and raid the dish and pull it to the floor and consume the cats food, most of it dry food. I learned to remove it to a high shelf in the bathroom prior to going out, but didn’t always remember.
At considerable expense I have had a carpenter create a feeding station in the wet room and installing a cat flap in the window in that area too. He created a ladder for Puss to climb up to his feeding area which is at the same level as the cat flap.
All well and good.
Lady has now over a period of 36 Hours raided the cats ‘house’ and stolen his food three times, even though I barricaded the door after the first raid.
Last night the barricade was even more secure. I don’t know whether she tried or not, but the barricade was still in place and the cat had been able to get through it overnight when I got up today.
In the cottage the cats feeding station was on a high windowsill upstairs in the hall but the window was contained within the thickness of the wall with a small table in front that the cat could jump up to.
Mrs P. ….she had been kept in a cage all day whilst owners at work. Let out for her tea then back in cage whilst they went pubbing/clubbing. Then in the last snow they put her outside in the cage. The next door neighbour said she’d take her to get her out of the situation then passed her to the lady where we got her from who rehomes dogs.
DeleteAudrey and daphne finally clicked before lunchtime and had a good play in the garden.
She’s settled in like she’s always been here. Mabel finally getting some peace and quiet whilst young two play together.
What a result and probabley what was envisaged. Mabel can do her own thing now, which is equally important.
DeleteSounds a very happy house-hold.
Pleased to see that Audrey has settled down,P tbY.
ReplyDeleteRe temperature
I far prefer this weather to what was going on a year ago when it was approaching 40degrees
Apparently some people are choosing to go to Europe for holidays .
They must be stark staring mad.
I have to admit that once I stopped teaching and was able to go away at times other than the summer I preferred to stay in this Country during our summer and go to South Africa in January or February if I could.
Watching Wimbledon, and it is now 1 set all.
ReplyDeleteTaking a short time- out, to do a quick hair wash, as no idea how long it will go on!
Re Wimbledon (nothing to do with the tennis) I cannot stand listening to Clare Balding’s voice any longer and her chatty, let’s be mates attitude. ?
ReplyDeleteAnd now I see she is going to be presenting another new show this week, something to do with dogs.
Are there no other presenters available? How about some of the newsreaders that the BBC got rid of this year.
As you said and also Why?
DeleteThere has to be unknown others who need to be given a chance, so its not the "same old, same old"!
It's getting so repetative and boring now.
So Happy - a Wonderful new Wimbledon Champion, and so well done. Wishes do come true at times.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Men’s final & finished in perfect time for the Archers😀
ReplyDeleteIncredible how the young Carlos steadied himself after losing the first set and went on to win. I thought Djokovich was gracious in his speech after losing. I used to like watching Nadal and Federer.
ReplyDeleteMrs P I know I shouldn't chuckle at Lady's antics but can't help it. I have had similar with my two sister cats, one being larger who finishes her food faster and then thinks she has the right to eat her sister's. After trying different ways to solve it I now place little Tiger's food on the windowsill in my bedroom. She is agile enough to jump the distance from the dressing table to the windowsill whereas plump Bella can't quite manage it. It is also helped by the fact that Tiger regards my bedroom as her nightime territory and Bella my daughter's. When it gets really cold in Winter the traitors abandon both of us and curl up in the kitchen in front the rayburn.
Don’t imagine for one minute Janice that I too don’t have a chuckle at her antics at the same time as being utterly frustrating by her single minded cleverness.
DeleteLike you I’ve had the two cat dynamic too.
The wonderful talkative Bobby Brewster a tabby Main Coon followed by the sleek and silent British Blue Burlington Berty appeared to tolerate each other, but within days of Burlys adoption I made the statement that this beautiful grey cat would need to become top cat. It was where he positioned himself on our bed that led me to come to this realisation.
I was correct.
After the dog died he upped his game, gradually taking himself to the last spot that Bobby had been sitting and peeing there. This led me to me gradually barricading any place that the cats chose to be and eventually led to me living in a place that no sane person could call home. I became utterly overwhelmed and eventually had to make the decision to re home Burly as I knew he needed to be an only cat.
Although he had been a rescue from Battersea I contacted the British Blue breeders society and they had a young couple wanting a BB. I took him all the way from London to Northleach in the Cotswolds with green fields on the doorstep of the house.
The young woman sent me photographs and a monthly diary of his exploits for a year. Many years later she sent me a letter to tell me that he had died but that he had had a wonderful life. I never regretted letting Burly go, but unfortunately within months Bobby died with a voracious cancer.
I learned a valuable lesson from those two.
Never have a pair of males …….. there will be trouble !
Cheshire cheese. ……
ReplyDeleteHip question. Did you have a spinal anaesthetic for your op? If so, do you get numb tops of your feet during the night?
I’m getting awful numbness on the tops of my feet that wakes me up in the night. Considering I don’t sleep well to start off with I’m now feeling exhausted every day because of this.
I’ve been Googling and it may be because of the spinal jab but there are loads of other things that can cause it. Funny how it’s just started after op so I am assuming it’s the jab.
Can’t wait to be able to sleep on my side again
I did have a spinal anaesthetic for both of my hip ops and didn't have that problem with either of them. My problem was sore heels which I solved with the second one by wearing lambswool heel protectors. It might be worth asking the consultant about it. I was given the email adress of mine for any queries.
DeleteI'm still struggling with sleep nearly 6 months in, I seem to have lost the habit of sleeping well since my op. I'm a side sleeper so empathise with you, it was a few months before I was able to do so again.
I had an epidural for my first hip replacement but don't remember anything of this kind. Have they given you a number to ring if you have any queries?
ReplyDeleteJust received a photo from my daughter of granddaughter leaving the house this morning.
ReplyDeleteAfter her travels around Asia she is off today to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis.
I hope thatshe gets some decent weather MrsP
DeleteJust like her grandmother she certainly gets around!
ReplyDeleteI don’t think the weather will deter her CC - she is a leader for gold DOE and has experienced many very wet and cold treks and appears to be very cheerful about it.
DeleteAnd Sarnia - you’ve got the wrong idea about me.
I am adventurous, but in a very minor way.
I am envious of my grandchildren who have experiences way beyond anything i was ever able to achieve.
Sarnia/Cheshire cheese.
ReplyDeleteOff to see surgeon for check up on Aug 3rd. Will ask him about numb feet then.
All this back sleeping gives you back ache.
I used a folded towel in the small of my back and a pillow under my knees to help with the back ache PtbY.
DeleteI dread to think what sort of picture I'm painting with my towel, pillow and heel protectors!
DeleteI didn't need the towel or heel protectors, but I certainly had a pillow under my knees. It also stopped me from turning over for the first 6 weeks until I was allowed to sleep on the operated side.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder about these people who have both hips done at once: whatever happens about 'good leg up, bad leg down', and stretching the operated leg out behind you in order to bend down?
Health..I had an hospital eye clinic visit this morning. Wheras I was just high eye pressure and pre-glaucoma, I am now confirmed glaucoma..😒
ReplyDeleteNew drops to use, and hopefully these will keep things under control. At least I saw my consultant, who is so lovely.
One thing I noticed (relating to Rob/Helen story), she wore a lanyard with consultant woven into it.
There was no confusion as to her status.
Im sorry to hear that you have glaucoma Miriam, you seem to have taken the news very well. And I do hope the eye drops give you some relief and keep the condition controlled.
DeleteThanks Mrs P.
DeleteI was warned 6 yrs ago when I was referred as to higher than normal eye pressures, that this might happen and it has. What is wierd is that just 2 months ago at opticians, all was perfect and that my condition still was so well under control. My only consolation is that I know that this change has happened in just two months, so hopefully things will soon be well under control again. Off to clinic again in 6-8weeks.
The thing now is to get eye pressures down again and maintain them.
It is still very positive, but care has gone up a notch.
Sarnia /Cheshire Cheese.
ReplyDeleteFollowed your advice. Pillow under knees…..no numb feet. I did read somewhere you shouldn’t put a pillow under knees after op as it puts pressure on the hip but I can’t see how it does that so it’ll be under knees again tonight.
Rolled up towel under back….yes that’s helped a bit. Still a bit achy but I think that will soon go when I get up.
Thank you.
Yes, I was told not to, that I should be making the effort to keep my knees flat against the mattress when lying down. Fine, but they didn't have to live with the pain and discomfort that created, so this time I ignored the advice. As it happened the knees gradually flattened of their own accord, so it's a good thing I left them to it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had severe shoulder tendonitis, I too had no option but too sleep on my back due to pain.
ReplyDeleteI soon learnt how to do this, with a rolled up towel under my knees.
I do though have a very firm orthopaedic matress but found it easier to only use a flattish pillow for my head. My spine was more aligned, which helped.
I still often sleep on my back.
List of recent events affecting our household
ReplyDelete1). Return from holiday straight into hospital
2). Diagnosis of untreatable heart failure
3). Loss of electricity, hot water, cooking for 3 days, resulting in expensive electrician bill
4). Car fails MOT resulting in another expensive bill
5). Landline packed up last Wednesday, cannot receive or make calls. Missed phone consultation with GP. BT supposed to come and fix it last Friday but didn’t turn up. Female engineer arrived today, she can’t fix it. Got to send someone else.
6). Last night blockage in septic tank system resulted in sewage on lawn and a flood. Waiting for Caroline’s Effluent Services to come and sort out blockage probably resulting an another big bill.
Honestly, you couldn’t make it up, could you?!
🙄
Think it’s a sign to your husband that’s it’s time to be moving!!!
DeleteLet’s hope that problems coming in threes doesn’t mean 3x3
DeleteAs PTBY says may the universe is telling you it is time to move.
I know that. He knows that. The family know that.
DeleteProbably have to wait until I’m in a wheelchair before anything happens!
Then I suggest you take matters into your own hands ARCHERPHILE.
DeleteGet the local, or nearby large town estate agents round for a valuation, then organise some viewings for a suitable property in a nearby town that would be within your budget, get in your renewed Micra and go to view some. Perhaps your family members would support your efforts.
It might be possible that your independent actions could sway his stubbornness.
Oh Archerfile, what an awful time you have been having recently. I hope that things get better soon for you.
DeleteWe had our annual visit to the Tatton Flower Show today. There were a few threatening clouds but it stayed dry and pleasantly warm. The hip held up well and we met up with some friends in the afternoon for a cuppa. A very enjoyable day.
Someone I know of would say if in your position “Is real life or am I hallucinating”
Deletehoping life will get back on track soon AP 🙏🏼
You've been having a very tough time lately Archerfile. I hope that when things go wrong with the house that it is Mr A. who does all the phoning up and sorting out. If you leave him to organise these things it might encourage him to think seriously about moving.
ReplyDeleteMr S didn't believe in university - thought it was a waste of time. I had longed to go all my life, and at 62, with a little help from my daughter-in-law, I enrolled first and told him afterwards. I knew he wouldn't argue with the Head of Programme, because he would never stand up to another man in authority.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteYou are a true fighter, and I so admire you for this.
Now - how to get Mr AP to realise that a move is best for you? This must be so difficult to even consider. I am sure that in your heart you do not want to leave your cottage.
My Little Sis is just doing similar now. They are leaving their Norfolk barn conversion, downsizing, and moving to be near to her grandkids and daughters. It's all very complicated, but they are going into a rental property so to keep their buyers happy..
She doesn't mind this as knows that her new life, is now only a few months away.
This is the sister with an incurable liver problem (an auto immune one) which is under total control.
She just feels that she now wants to be much nearer her family and grandsons, as is finally a pensioner (66yrs last January).
She has got her prorities so right.
She certainly has Miriam and I wish her well and all the best for the future
DeleteMy Aunt has been living with an autoimmune liver condition for about 20 years & is now in her 80’s, she has recently returned home with a care package having broken her arm, the liver disorder is treated with steroids which have side effects, but more acceptable to her than the alternative.
DeleteMy third starter word was the Wordle today : )
ReplyDeleteThe other day, two of my three came up in Duotrigordle.
Son coming over for ten days on 'home leave' with whole family. I haven't seen daughter in law since before Covid so I am excited !
ReplyDeleteNow I must find health insurance as I never had then in Germany, as son and family will take me back for a fortnight !
Now there is so much to do but am lying on the sofa listening to cricket !
Have ordered portable fan, two new pyjamas, underclothes, sun hat and loads of present for dil's mother is also visiting, as well as her brother, wife and 4 year old daughter !
Thank goodness we're going on Eurotunnel !
Good grief Spicy what wonderful news but busy busy times ahead - well once you get off the sofa that is 🤣🏏 if you ever get time will look forward to hearing how all visits go.
DeleteI hope that all goes well with your forthcoming precious family time Spicycushion.
DeleteAfter all your horrific health issues Spicycushion you certainly deserve all the love you will receive from your extended family members.
DeleteAnd I hope John/Jon gets all the admiration he deserves for looking after you during your most challenging times.
Have a wonderful visit Spicy, you deserve it, as does Jon. What a lovely burst of sunlight for you at the end of a long tunnel. Enjoy!
DeleteNew thread open
ReplyDelete