Life outside Ambridge
I found this colourful surprise in the wood pile the other day
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
MiriamNovember 21, 2023 at 4:34 PM
ReplyDeleteThere are, well to me, some lovely listens on R4ex at the moment.
I am listening to The Change, King Street Juniors, the omnibus editions of The Old Wives' Tales, The Destuction Facture and have subscribed to The Curiousity Cupboard, the latest of Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allen Poe and HG Wells series + stories, some not started yet and sone not yet strarted listening to.
I will be sad when R4ex is closed down, which I believe is next year, but not really sure.
REPLYDELETE
ArcherphileNovember 22, 2023 at 3:35 PM
I was listening to King Street Junior too Miriam, one of my real favourites on 4x, also several other series that accompany me doing my jigsaws. Just bought a new one on EBay that is very difficult, but entertaining, because the picture (of a busy airport scene) is in mirror image….so the things on the right and left are transposed! Just been sent a brand new puzzle from my son which is mad
AmbridgesMrsPNovember 22, 2023 at 1:39 PM
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to know Miriam and CCs opinions on the news today about pharmacists being given the responsibility of prescribing for certain conditions in order to lessen the burden on GPs.
REPLYDELETE
MiriamNovember 22, 2023 at 4:01 PM
As long as the guide-lines are extremely strict and adhered to at all times, then there shouldn't be a theoretical problem.
However there is a big BUT to this:-
Can a busy Pharmacist have enough knowledge to spot a potential problem? It helps knowing a regular clients precriptions and so medical issues, but not if he/she is an unknown walk-in, trying to avoid potential problems, to get what they think they need.
Plus also can a Pharmacist spare enough time to consult a client in the best way possible?
I doubt this.
I say this as a long retired and now out-of-date Pharmacist and so glad that I am!!
I remember a time when Chloramphenicol eye-drops/ointment were newly available to buy an
a Saturday morning one of the hospital pharmacists I knew, popped in to buy some for his mother. I refused to sell, as the rules were I had to consult the person who needed them face-to-face.
ReplyDeleteHe acknowledged this and an hour later I met his Mum - who I sent to A+E as had glaucoma, a very sore red eye which was definitely not in my NHS guide-lines. She just hadn't told her son the true problem and needed emergency eye care, which only the hospital could provide.
DELETE
AmbridgesMrsPNovember 22, 2023 at 4:59 PM
Thank you Miriam.
Your reply mirrors the concerns discussed on R4 when the news was announced.
Apparently pharmacists need to apply and pay a fee to access the scheme, so one would expect any pharmacy operating the scheme to have thought through the ramifications.
Cheshire CheeseNovember 22, 2023 at 5:27 PM
ReplyDeleteAs a doctor who worked in sexual health and contraception I have a lot of concerns. I totally respect pharmacists as professionals in their field but worry as great deal about the loss of clinics of the type which we used to run, staffed by professionals with years of training and expertise. The pill is only one method of contraception and not suitable for everyone. We were able to discuss all options with our clients and help them to choose the best one for them and then deliver that to them in one visit.
We are losing a very valuable asset. Providing a good, comprehensive contraception service has been shown, time and again, to be very cost effective. We also used to provide outreach services including domiciliary ones for those who had difficulty getting to clinics for all sorts of reasons. We also visited mother and baby units, women's refuges, units for those with physical and learning disabilities, mental health units and prisons. Those sorts of services either disappeared or are much reduced.
my other concern is, if pharmacists are doing the job normally done by doctors and nurses who are there going to be enough of them to do pharmacy job. It just doesn't make sense to me to train people to a high standard in a particular field then expect them to a job in a field that requires different training!
This aspect wasn’t covered in the piece today CC.
DeleteI’m sure your comments are valid and would hope that such concerns will be addressed.
I can see the reason behind a scheme such as this, and noted that it was specific conditions that were identified.
I would hope that concerns such as yours would have been covered in consultations leading up to the rollout of this scheme.
I’m sure CC that you will be keeping an eye on how it progresses.
Thank you both for your comments.
The pharmacies around me are already so busy that I rather hope they don’t sign up to the new scheme, possibly the large Boots in Petersfield might be able to make it work , but even there the queues can get pretty bad.
ReplyDeleteCC, I remember my Mum cheerfully toking me down to the Family Planning Clinic when I was 17, my embarrassment was compounded by the fact that she used to work with the receptionist, so much for anonymity! I did subsequently take a couple of my friends who weren’t so close with their Mothers.
Beautiful, KP. I mostly get gatekeepers and speckled woods, with the odd brimstone in the early season and one or two red admirals towards the end. You wouldn't believe how many buddleias I've got, and myriad other flowering plants, but to no obvious effect. Don't get many bees, either.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo of a Peacock KP! So lovely to see at this time of year. 😊
ReplyDeleteHello everyone are you all busy getting ready for Christmas? 🤭 Tell all!
ReplyDeleteMr R 10 days on from discharge is much more his old self we may even attempt a short car ride today as he has not been out as yet. Will need to wrap up well as it very chilly and even the fresh air to the car will be a shock for him 🙃 will report back later.
Nothing to get ready for, Lady R. Gifts are all money dealt with by cheque, working on Christmas Day, nobody else here. As for food - well I'm certainly not prepared to pay over £6 for the smallest available Christmas cake and I'm too tired after the service to cook anything elaborate. Apart from the service, Christmas tends to pass me by.
ReplyDeleteThe gift side of things same here Sarnia - for which I am grateful years ago enjoyed the present shopping and wrapping but no more. At least you contribute to the real meaning of Christmas Sarnia with your church organ playing. What time (s) do you do this?
DeleteWe usually go to local friends for the day to enjoy home grown/cooked food and a lovely fire but not sure if Mr R will be able to do this this year we shall see. Just as happy to stay home if that is the case.
Did not venture out as Mr R had a headache/ tum come on. Feeling better after a sleep and always another day 🤞🏼
We're visiting family in Edinburgh this weekend, so probably won't be around on here for a few days.
ReplyDeleteKeep Warm. ❄️
DeleteI have just been out to bring the bins in. It was cold outside and I was surprised on coming back inside, just how warm + cosy my home still is, as the CH went off at 9.00am this morning.
ReplyDeleteKeep warm all, as it will be a cold one tonight.❄️❄️
I am expecting a Christmas home alone this year. This does not bother me at all, as I had such a brilliant one last year and besides, this has been done before on many an occaision.
Fingers crossed for your husband's state of health, Lady R. You are under constant strain with the responsibility of looking after him.
ReplyDeleteSince lockdown we only have the one service at 10am on Christmas Day. For years I did 4.30 Christmas Eve Crib Service at one church and then11.30pm/midnight and 10am Christmas Day at the other.
Since lockdown no one has a midnight service any more, it's gone on line so that people don't have to go out. Sad, but attendance was dwindling anyway .. ...
Thank you Sarnia for your kind and understanding words.
DeleteI did not know that Midnight Mass Services had stopped and moved online -how life has changed since 2020, and what a busy bust time you had prior to the change.
Are you feeling better now Sarnia? (Also I would like to take this opportunity to ask Archerphile how she and Mr A are faring at the moment)
Busy busy of course not busy busty 🥹😂
DeleteA quick extra.
ReplyDeleteI listened today to a pre mentioned R4ex programme I spotted on Sounds.
This was The Curiosity Cabinet. I wasn't sure about it when I started listening to ep.1, but as it went on, I was totally hooked + really enjoyed it.
What a cold day. Biting! Got a duvet cover out and dried though.
ReplyDeleteHad a mad cooking morning. Used my last round courgette in a moussaka and a courgette cake. Made some curried lentil soup for lunch. Really nice. Big panful left for next few days.
Hope it’s just husband and I for Christmas. Son, fiancée and dog reckon they are coming over for a few days at some point but quite frankly I would love to have no-one come at all and have a really quiet , lazy Christmas.
With thanks to recommendation from PtbY I’ve made my first online purchase this week which arrived today.
ReplyDeletePtbY - I hoovered the leaves from the wisteria that were on the porch.
Thank you
I didn’t feel it was very cold today. The wind seemed a bit chilly but the temperature seemed mild.
At gone six, Puss has just emerged from behind my pillow where he was asleep when I got up this morning, having been there, asleep, all day !
Glad you’ve got sorted with your leaf Hoover. 👍
DeleteI had expected an appointment in December to see my orthopaedic surgeon.
ReplyDeleteNo appointment having arrived i telephoned the departmental secretary on Monday.
On Tuesday I received a phone call from her.
I have an appointment on Saturday afternoon.
Result !
How satisfying that must feel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a frost this morning. It was still -2C when I got up, which was not that early.
ReplyDeleteI ventured out to do some gardening after lunch but it was so cold, I only lasted 15mins!
I'm definitely a fair weather gardener nowadays.
By chance, whilst looking for something else, I found a brand new pair of fur bootie slippers, bought in the last January sales (still with price tag on).
How lovely and warm they are.
To add, I didn't find what I was looking for.
Now to delve deeper and see what else I might just find, tucked away and forgotten about.
What a lovely surprise find Miriam and found at precisely the right moment. Another busy Sunday looming🤔?
DeleteOh Yes! I have Half price electricity for 5 hours again on Sunday, so wash machine to go on, cotton bedding needs ironing, ibread to make and as for vacuuming!
DeleteAs said, every little helps.
To add. I hope also to defrost the freezer, which I do by putting roasting trays filled with boiling water in it.
DeleteThis melts the ice so quickly but I need to to boil many kettles of water to do so.
As it is so cold, the freezer contents will be put onto the patio table outside, so will be fine.
Once again I applaud you Miriam and in the old days when bills were per quarter your weekly amount saved would be in the region of £17 so yes quite a saving. I have not defrosted a fridge or freezer in a long time but good to be doing yours in outside freezing conditions regarding the safe keeping of its contents ❄️
DeleteVery short meeting with my consultant and am now on his list for surgery.
ReplyDeleteHow long is your list I asked - about a year was his reply.
I can wait another year !
Hello everyone, sorry for not posting for a while. Glad to hear MrR is back home -thought it is hard for you to have all the responsibility of looking after him Lady R. But you do seem to have a very good GP surgery if there is an emergency. I wish you both very well.
ReplyDeleteMrA has appointment for an electrocardiogram next week. We are surprised the appt came so quickly - then he will be waiting for the angiogram appt. Now Basingstoke Hospital has this new state of the art cardiac centre things seem to be moving more quickly.
I managed to get a 5 minute phone consultation with my GP and persuaded her to prescribe something to stop me constantly rushing to the loo and not getting there on time,. I have been spending a small fortune on Tena Lady pads recently! It because of the necessary diuretics of course and my day to day life was getting unbearable. Hopefully the new drug will help though I am now taking 7 different medications every morning. I must rattle!
Family are all well. Daughter & s.i.l. have bought a little VW UP! for the two grandsons for Christmas. Griff is 17 next week and will start driving lessons soon, Max is 25 and still hasn’t learnt to drive so relies on buses and Mum and Dad to ferry him around everywhere. They want both boys to become more indépendant though I shall be constantly worrying about them driving.
The car will be a total surprise for them on Christmas day so it is residing on our drive for the next few weeks
What a wonderful surprise that will be for them ARCHERPHILE.
DeleteI do hope the new prescription works for you.
And I hope Mr As appointment goes as well for him as mine today.
If I was looking for an electric car I’d be tempted by the the little VW , just to have an E-Up, unfortunately the battery range is quite low so not ideal for rural location.
DeleteSo pleased to hear from you Archerphile and to hear some success for you both on the medical front too. mr R consultant rang last week as we did not feel we could get to him so soon after discharge. He had a good 10min chat with me and then had sent an immediate account of our conversation. If Mr R feels he can make it will see him and xray both knees on arrival early Spring or if not another phone call. Please would I send an occasional e.mail to let him know how his man is in general and if he feels he needs to see him sooner just let J his secretary know, and then he sent Mr R his love 🤗 mind you they have been together 13yrs now 😱
DeleteWhat a Christmas your grandsons are about to have with such a present, will look forward to your post following that for sure! Take care both of you.
Strictly talk…… getting difficult to choose now as everyone is so good.
ReplyDeleteDidn’t like Annabels black and yellow frock but she did an amazing dance.
Think my favourite is Angela S. Ellie did an amazing Argentine tango. Wonder how long her romance with Vito will last after it’s all finished.
Really enjoying I’m a celebrity this year too. Nice to be having a laugh at this time of year.
Agree re SCD ptby! Tonight’s result show will be a hard watch. I used my 3 free votes forAnnabelle, Ellie (& Angela particularly for Mr R 😀)
DeleteJungle we saw a part of the opening programme seems like we should pop back in as one certainly does need some laughs with the world as it is right now!
I got an unexpected laugh recently while trawling the internet for sink units. I accidentally happened upon a website advertising T shirts, one if which bore the slogan:
Delete'It's weird being the same age as old people'.
I voted for Angela twice and Annabelle once. I thought Angela was marked very harshly, especially by Craig so gave her an extra vote.
DeleteI agree that Ellie is a great dancer and wouldn’t be surprised if she won but somehow I keep remembering what a spoilt moaning child she was in Corrie and it just puts me off! Very unfair, I know but there it is!
What I like about Ellie is that she is so very different from her Corrie character.
DeleteTo me it's like the awful grey/green caterpillar, which suddenly morphs into a gorgeous, colourful and floaty butterfly.
🫣
Thank you, AP. I now have a wonderful mental picture of Violet Elizabeth Bott on Strictly, with ringlets, fluffy bolero and silver shoes, thkweaming and thkweaming until she is thick!
DeleteThat'll keep me amused until the next aeroplane comes in.
Glad to be of service Sarnia!
DeleteAt last my freezer has been defrosted, which was a job well done. At the same time I wrote a list of what was in it. Luckily there were no strange surprises.
ReplyDeleteI had run it down, ready to re-stock with a big Sbury's shop next week, using my nectar points (now over £100)!
This will be sufficient to last me until 2024. That's the plan, hopefully.
Wishing all well with the many health problems.
💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼 Well no surprise there! (I agreed with Shirley)
ReplyDeleteMost improved week on week for me Annabelle no dancing (or acting skills to assist her) and such a lovely person no histrionics etc with her - pure class.
Totally agree. Annabelle will have to be my new favourite even though I can’t stand her partner. I’ve never heard of Ellie before so have no preconceptions about her.
DeleteShirley doesn’t like Nigel either.
I agreed with Shirley over the dance off. Annabelle has improved so much since the beginning but I've liked Ellie from the start and she remains my favourite.
DeleteI've just finished listening to The Curiosity Cabinet. Thank you Miriam.
ReplyDelete(I'm not crying, honest, must have got something in my eye.)
I really enjoyed it and it so enthralled me..
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it, obviously in the same way I did.
I am enjoying Arnold Bennet - The Old Wives' Tales, but I am only listening to the omnibus editions on Sundays. Two down, one to go.
DeleteThe big news of the day is obviously that I had a new dining-room table at the weekend!
ReplyDeleteSecond biggest news of the day is that after washing machine (at 26 years old, a Siemens) finally ground to a halt, printer ditto, and sink unit cupboard ( 30 years old and secondhand when I had it) actually collapsed, my kitchen is now looking like a bomb site as our trusty builder friend is dismantling everything in order to rebuild and replace things. It isn't possible to buy and match the lovely wooden doors of the wall units so he is going to make the ones for floor units himself to try to create a match. They say things happen in threes so hopefully that is it! Before Christmas too!
ReplyDeleteI would never have believed so much stuff could have accumulated in and come out of my floor units. So another room is for the present cluttered up.Can't use the sink so am washing dishes in the bath and the cats aren't very pleased because the rayburn is off.
Hopefully Sarnia I will get as much pleasure out of it when finished as you will be getting with your new dining table.
Would have liked another washing machine like my beloved Harlequin Siemens ( brightly coloured and multicoloured in yellow red green and blue straight out of Noddy town) but decided that with the other things happening as well another Siemens would be too expensive so I have got a Bosch (arrived yesterday) as they seem to be made by the same manufacturer now, and was lucky to get a reduction in the Black Friday sales. Sadly they just seem to make washing machines in boring colours nowadays.
DeleteWow that was some machine Janice! I’m a Bosch lady my current machine is a washer/dryer the dryer has sensors so that it spins as needed to shorten the drying process and does not seem expensive to run. My fridge/freezer automatic defrost is now 21yrs old and had a small repair last year but way cheaper than new and love the inners of both which I could not find in new when checking the net! Just imagine how many people today would be horrified at anything being more than 5 yrs old even a whole kitchen or bathroom 😂 Enjoy your “new” kitchen and appliance when all is in place again 🤗
DeleteSarnia how do you plan to christen your new dining table!
I have a large capacity Hotpoint A+++ rated wash machine in white, silver + black. It is so economical to run, yet v. stylish in my kitchen.
DeleteKeep Warm All.
ReplyDeleteI have just seen the forecast for tonight - sleet showers first then frost at -2C, mist, and then a max. temp of 4C tomorrow daytime.
It's Winter...❄️❄️
Janice just googled your Harlequin as never heard of it found a video on YouTube my goodness that certainly brightened up washdays 👏🏻😀
ReplyDeleteThe deliverymen who brought the new machine took the Harlequin away for recycling
Deleteand I stood there like a lemon waving it goodbye with tears in my eyes!
I can imagine 😢
DeleteI do indeed, Lady R. On Dec 9th, before my next Sunday off, I and my young friend James who kindly assembled it for me, will be enjoying a Greek meal of beef stifado, yogurt with honey, and baklavas.
ReplyDeleteImpressive - enjoy 😋
DeleteJust seen a picture of the harlequin washing machine. Couldn’t believe my eyes!! I’m afraid that wouldn’t be for me.
ReplyDeleteI’ve replaced an integrated Bosch washer we inherited with another Bosch. It’s fantastic. So quiet, lots of programmes….that I do use…and a speed time button. This reduces the time of the programme. So instead of 2 hours 45 mins it reduces it to 1 hour 46 mins. It has a speedy 30 min wash too and a mixed wash of 1 hour. Now unless things are very dirty I use these quick washes. Must be saving electric as the old one used to take about 3 hours. I love it.
This one isn't plumbed in yet but it does seem to have a speed setting so from what you say that will be very useful, better than waiting hours for a cycle to finish.
DeleteReliable Ron ( 68 but says he likes working) has just suggested I get some brightly coloured metal paint and paint the Bosch 😂. I think he was joking, but swirls of yellow, orange and green have a certain appeal!
I did a massive big supermarket shop today. All my normal store items and the freezer are now stocked up! It was interesting to see that others seemed to be doing exactly the same. I expect that as it's the end of the month, pay has gone into bank accounts, or pensions.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cold day today, with more to come for a while yet.
Bonnie pusscat is in disgrace yet again - a dead red-breasted robin was found on my bedrooom floor!
Oh well 🙀
But Mummy, I'm only a pusscat doing what pusscats do
ReplyDeleteOne of the only advantages of not being able to have a puss at the moment is being able to have several bird feeders in the garden. I spend a lot of time watching them and marvelling at how clever they are, even our Robin has taught himself how to hang upside down like a nuthatch!
ReplyDeleteBut, on the whole I would much rather be able to be able to have a lovely warm, friendly, cuddly cat!
I can't have bird feeders in my garden for an obvious reason. Pusscat though sits by those in neighbouring gardens in true cartoon style, licking her lips!
DeleteMuch as I would love a cat or dog MrNuts is not a dog fan, plus until the pandemic we were both out at work most days, and he is severely allergic to cats, so my kids had to make do with guinea pigs, gerbils & mice. I always felt vaguely guilty as I grew up with cats & dogs and feel they enriched my childhood. If/when I find myself alone I suspect a furry companion may well find their way into my life, meanwhile I enjoy the birds who get through huge amounts of nuts & seeds.
ReplyDeleteDon’t think I wrote about this last week, but in a period of two and a half hours one evening last week Puss delivered four dead or half dead mice. One by one they came with Lady eager to finish them off, I was frantically trying to retrieve them.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest problem is then disposing of them. Even wrapped in quantities of newspaper and put in bin I still find wriggling maggots festooned around the bin within a few days and long before said bin is due to be emptied.
So far this week, no ‘ presents ‘ presented.
At 8.30 this morning I received a phone from a withheld number, which surprised me as it means 'doctor's surgery '. A very pleasant young lady asked if I would still be attending my appointment at 9am.
ReplyDeleteAs I had no idea I had one I said 'not a chance' as I was still in my pyjamas and it would take me a good half hour to walk to the surgery.
She seemed resigned to the fact that I hadn't been informed of it and said she'd tell 'them' I wasn't coming because I didn't know about it.
And to think government ministers want to fine people for not attending appointments they don't know they've got!
The nhs is getting to be pathetic at the drs surgery level.
DeletePtby...it certainly is. I had major problems with my surgery trying to get the correct prescrition for the eye drops I needed, as my usual one weren't available. I know I talked about this at the time.
DeleteWhat annoyed me was when, after over a week of trying to get this sorted, there was a very "snotty" comment on my repeat meds list, informing me to order my meds before I start to run out in future!!
What a cheek!
DeleteI have just done a "peak save" electric event from 4.30 -6.00pm today. Have I saved much, that is very doubtful but it will help to offset my gas bill for keeping the CH on all day today 😗
ReplyDeleteIt was -5C this morning and -6C is forecast tonight.
A niece in Essex shared a photo of snow in her back garden this morning.
Keep warm all 🔥
Snow any-one?
ReplyDeleteNiece in Essex had snow yesterday. Big Sis just 20 miles away is having snow flurries now.
Luckily I am only having rain..phew.
What a shame Nigel has had to withdraw from Strictly.😔
WHAO! NIGEL HARMAN OUT OF STRICTLY RIB INJURY‼️ Heard earlier from my niece. Maybe he will be given a bye then 5 in the semi 1 out 4 in final as always planned but Amanda quit. 1 goes out of the final and then 3 left with one to win…..🤔
ReplyDeleteI’m behind the times Miriam 🤭 started post then got diverted as one often does 😂
ReplyDeleteInterested to see what they say on strictly about Nigel. Will miss him but not the gurning ruddy Katya.
ReplyDeleteCouldn’t believe it when I saw the headline in the paper.
I wonder what they are going to do on Strictly tomorrow night now that there has been no voting?
ReplyDeleteThe programme will be pointless with no dance off.
I suspect Mr A will be taking over the TV for a whole evening of Snooker!
The snow arrived here earlier this evening, I think we are due for more overnight.
ReplyDeleteNever watch the Sunday show. Just google strictly spoiler for result Sunday morning.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve had a bit of snow. Where we take dogs just 3 miles up the road had about 3” of snow. They love it.
Quite a bit more snow overnight here, still hoping to get out for a walk this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI was sorry to hear about Nigel's broken rib. I didn't think that Bobby deserved a higher score than Annabelle last night, I thought her dance was better than his. I'm getting bored with Layton doing very similar dances every week, the other dancers show more variety in their offerings.
Presumably that is down to the choreographer, creating dances to suit his talents?
DeleteI didn’t like it when he dressed up as a woman, high heels and all, and took the woman’s role completely a few weeks ago. I feel the very athletic type dances are what he does best but whether it qualifies as ‘ballroom dancing’ is very questionable.
I wonder why they didn't have a public vote this week, it could have been carried forward just like the judges score. This week's dances will now be weighted towards what the judges decided.
DeleteThe contestant who has made the most progress from nothing (for me) is Annabelle and as Craig pointed out started with no dancing or acting skills to draw on. As a sports person dedicated to training of course and her personal motivation for wanting to take part - but certainly no sympathy votes needed however the icing on her cake would be to achieve The Final with her wonderful partner.
ReplyDeleteMy free votes will go to her and a phone one for Ellie. Bobby has done well too!
No snow for me, just a slight dusting of something white which then froze solid, so my cul-de-sac was like an ice-rink!
ReplyDeleteI have finished a jigsaw, one which I thought would be straight forward to do. How wrong was I, but it kept me occupied during the cold days.
If I may mention Strictly - I have loved all the Pro Group dances this season. I really loved the Chorus Line and My Fair Lady ones, which so embraced "Musical's Week".
ReplyDeleteI am glued to Professional Masterchef at the moment, as this too is down to the Final Four.
Now these are so talented chefs, and is also a close competition, too close to even think about a winner.
To add - The pro dancers who accompany the guest artist on a Sunday, have been wonderful to watch.
DeleteI wish the Bake Off lasted as long as Strictly. I haven't ever watched the Professional Masterchef so maybe I will try that.
DeleteI've been binge-watching Simon's cat videos.
ReplyDeleteThey are delightful Sarnia. I have downloaded a Simon’s Cat game to my iPad. Not because I particularly wanted a game to play, but because the little cartoons are so enchanting.
DeleteBelieve it or not, I am actually going so see my GP face to face tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteShe has been my GP for about 5 years but I have never actually met her before, only spoken on the phone. I’ve been having problems with my medicines so hopefully we shall finally get them sorted out tomorrow. And I want some advice about my arthritic hands which are getting worse and look like a crabbed old witches hands, all bent and crooked. Another benefit of old age!
Good grief….a celebration will be needed.
DeleteYay 👏🏻 🎉 👏🏻 hallelujah AP!
DeleteHaving a girls meet up at the garden centre this morning. Of course out of the 5 of us it’s the same old three that always put in the effort to meet. The other two just ignore till it’s arranged and then say they can’t come.
ReplyDeleteThen off to the pop up cinema in the local theatre to watch a film about Salvador Dali starring Ben Kingsley. I may even take myself for a drink before heading home after. A totally indulgent day. 😊
Enjoy every minute PtbY. Sounds like a really lovely day
DeleteSound perfect PtbY.
DeleteGood on you ptby 👏🏻
DeleteAP I hope you have had your many questions answered. How lucky to actually see a GP in person, though this surprises me after your time in hospital and all that went on.
ReplyDeleteI did a quick s/market shop today. Luckily it was a short one to basically get what I require for a week. It was colder inside than out, which says a lot, as the heating wasn't working. The staff were so cold and complaining and this was late morning, as I waited for the car to become frost + ice free.
It was another very cold one last night and not expected.
I had a text from the GP asking me to make a face to face appointment, which I did. When I saw him he asked why I had come, to which I replied because I had a text asking me to do so. He hadn't a clue why I'd been called in, eventually he decided it was to do with a letter from my neurosurgeon recommending medication for my slipped disc. I pointed out that the acute episode was a few weeks previously and it was now settling down. A totally wasted appointment.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you managed to get your medication sorted out Archerfile.
Yes I did thank you CC and we agreed on my ongoing treatment. I now have. to weigh myself every morning to see if I am retaining fluid which can build up very quickly, in which case I have to take double diuretics until it subsides again.
DeleteShe had time to look at my twisted hands and said I have a combination of Dupytrens Contracture and arthritis about which not much can be done apart from taking painkillers.
So it turned out to be a worthwhile visit and I have been put onto a new repeat prescribing regime whereby the GP sends a batch of prescriptions to the pharmacy and they will deliver once a month automatically This is because the NHS is insisting on GPS not prescribing more than a months work of drugs at a time, to save money on potentially wasted drugs.
I have just seen a lovely sight. I mentioned awhile back about some-one with an elderly dog, now being walked in a contraption with wheels, so supporting its hind legs.
ReplyDeleteThere is now only one hind leg, but is still doing well. This contraption has rear red lights and a flashing white light at the front.
What a sight to see, and l admire, along with the love + dedication this dog still is getting.
🕎
ReplyDeleteI shall be lighting the first candle in my menorah this evening. And thinking of the poor women and girls who were so savagely abused and killed in the kibbutzim in Israel on 7th October. It doesn’t seem right to be celebrating what is usually a happy and joyful religious holiday with all that is going on, on both sides of the border.
I haven’t said much about it but my heart has been broken knowing what those family’s have gone through and are still experiencing. And all because of their religious beliefs. God help them all
I understand your dilemma Archerphile and feel for you and everyone who has been involved in such atrocities it’s hard but try to err on the side of hope and my thoughts are with you 🙏🏼 🕯️
DeleteHannuka 🕎
DeleteMy thoughts are with you.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSaw my dr for blood test this morning. He’s retiring at the end of January. Apparently there is a woman coming in to replace him but she’ll be part time! Yet another one! Told him what I think about these part timers and that they get paid too much if they can afford to just work 3 days a week. He agreed with me. He’s been full time all the time he’s been here, must be about 30 yrs. Our town has 2 big retirement communities built in the last 10 yrs and no further facilities brought in….ie drs. It’s ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteAND to cap it all my optician is looking to retire in the new year too…nice independent optician.
Rant over.
Oh dear PtbY !
DeleteI sympathise, having to start afresh with both a new doctor and optician is galling when your presented with it but without any choice.
I’ve started afresh because I’ve moved, but that was my decision and I think I would feel like having a rant if I was in your position.
So far so good as to the high winds + rain that were forecast.
ReplyDeleteIt is calm, partial sun + cloud, so I am hoping it stays like this.
Now I've said that...it might well regret this later!
Omg. Wish I had a pair of legs like annabel Croft.
ReplyDeleteLoved Bobbys quick step.
I agree that Bobby did a great quick step and for a 20yr old has really been magnificent, but my heart is with Annabelle and Johannes she has shown commitment, elegance and heartfelt emotion.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happens she has done herself her pro partner and her 🕯️ beloved husband/family proud beyond measure.👏🏻
Hear hear Lady R. She is my choice to win but I still suspect it will be Ellie.
DeleteDidn’t like Ellie’s couples choice dance.
ReplyDeleteI’d like annabel to win.
Hurrah me too 💃🏼 🥰 🙏🏼🏆
DeleteI noticed that Diane, Vito and Johannes all made a point of saying that their partners had no previous dance experience at their post dance interview with Claudia.
DeletePerhaps Layton should have been entered in a different competition - like the Professional Masterchef, they could have a Professionals Strictly Come Dancing, then there would be no conflict between absolute amateurs and experienced dancers
DeleteAlso, I think Ellie is the judges favourite and has been consistently overmarked whilst Annavel has been under marked.
ReplyDeleteOh well excuse me but - bugger! How odd that Craig decided to save Annabelle and apparently did not witness the mistake that all the 3 other judges did, particularly as he is Mr nit pick personified. I guess his heart ruled and he wanted her to get to the final (for her husband) and also not to leave voteless. I thought it would be Shirley’s decision this week. Can’t call next week but would like it to be Ellie or Bobby as both newbies to 💃🏼💃🏼
ReplyDeleteWholeheartedly agree.
DeleteI am stunned 12.45am and I have just solved wordle at my 2nd attempt in less than a minute never ever before and probably never again pure luck really. Although my brain does function better in owl mode 😂 At first I though good grief I’ve got the first 3 letters in order wow and when it continued I just had to do a post! I don’t play the lottery but I guess that’s how a big winner may feel.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Lady R. All this being in bed before midnight in order to get up at 10 past 7 just to track in a couple of aeroplanes is beginning to get to me! At present they're landing from the north, which means heading up to Winchester via Hamble at about 7,000ft, too far away for me to see them, especially with that monster of a van parked across the only gsp in the trees where I might just catch a glimpse.
ReplyDeleteThen they do take off over the house, but with this awful weather I hear them, but the cloud's too low to see them.
I'm beginning to get the urge to switch off the alarm and go back to sleep. No self-discipline any more, that's my trouble!
🤭 also ….such an inconsiderate neighbour Sarnia 🚚 ✈️ 🚚 ✈️
DeleteAeroplanes more or less the correct livery 🌟🌟🌟. If only the van were as cute!
DeleteTook me my usual 4 on wordle.
ReplyDeleteSome of you may recall that Mr A was referred to see the dermatologist at Basingstoke hospital back at the beginning of August. Having only had an initial letter from them to say he is on the waiting list but heard nothing since, he decided to ring them this morning to check he hadn’t been forgotten.
ReplyDeleteWas told the waiting list is now 11 -12 months and he can’t expect an appointment until next summer!!
They said if his condition gets worse in the meantime to visit the GP again to get a more urgent referral. So much for warnings about getting moles and other skin lesions check urgently!
So frustrated for you both 😞
DeleteIt really saddens me to see what's happening to the NHS that I worked in for so many years.
DeleteA family member is still waiting for a growth on a hand to be removed, now 15 months on the waiting list and that includes being listed for a cancellation appointment.
DeleteI have said go private as an option, but advice ignored.
I hear that more and more people are choosing to ‘go private’ for treatment these days, including those who would seemingly be unable to afford to. People who are desperate for a hip or knee transplant and whose lives are on hold because they cannot get about. There was a lady on the news recently who had cashed in her lifetime savings, , meant for her retirement, to get her hip operation done privately beacuse the waiting list in her area was so long. It looks as though we are turning into the sort of society of haves and have-nots that was the norm before the NHS was created. 🙁
DeleteI agree. I was lucky enough to be able to go private for my hip and it’s changed my life. I couldn’t have waited for 5 years to actually be allowed to go on a waiting list.
DeleteI think young people today should think more about taking out health insurance than all these tv and music subscriptions. I know I would.
It looks as if I may need more decompression surgery on my left eye as it is bulging again. Will have to research waiting list against cost of going private. Time will tell.
It is getting so like other countries.."Do you have insurance"?
DeleteNo insurance.
DeleteI was out and about in the lanes of Wales today. What should have been green fields, were lakes of water as far as the eye could see.
ReplyDeleteThis was only 10 miles away from my home, but I certainly didn't have any sort of rainfall to cause such problems.
Strangely a message has just popped up to the effect, that my e-mail for this site is now being cancelled and removed so can no longer access this site..🤷♀️
Off to try and hopefully sort 🫰
Hi all. Lovely to pop in and see the butterfly as butterflies were so thematic in mum's funeral. Friends of the Animals published a memorial statement for mum it just says "Remembering MARLENE BELL a very kind lady who fostered a little blind shih tzu named Gypsy, before offering her a wonderful home". Thanks again to those of you who donated in her name. The boys and myself are fine. I have quit my job (but being teaching they are not letting me out until July), but after Easter reducing my hours and responsibilities and retraining as a dog groomer. I am going to work from home and have been doing training in spa treatments etc in preparation. The boys never smelled so good. On paper all the finances work and it means I won't have to leave them for long hours. So have just finished an online parents evening and the Archers is playing in the background. Also I went on the The Chase. I can't say much about it until it airs (will let you know when), but it had particular significance for Mum and me and her favourite Chaser who also was on the last episode we watched together was my Chaser. It was a bit emotional! Not sure when I will pop by again, but FoA sent me a magazine with that message and it just made me think of you all.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear from you. I for one still think of your Mum whenever the IOW is mentioned, in whatever way.
DeleteEnjoy your new life, which seems to be so well suited to you.
Do pop in now and again.
Glad you got sorted Miriam 👏🏻
DeleteLovely to hear from you Katie - my word, you have been busy and getting on with things. That's an interesting change of
ReplyDeletecareer, which should be a lot less stressful than teaching. However awkward dogs can be at times, at least they can't answer back!
Good luck with your new direction.
Ah, Katie, how nice to hear from you. I have been thinking about Ev recently and guessing her reaction to the storylines. It sounds as though you have thought long and hard, I remember during Covid that your mum mentioned you had bought dog clippers. Thank you for posting, and I hope you have a peaceful Christmas and very happy New Year. Glad Bud and Dud are doing well too!
ReplyDeleteMistral, you're back! How was it?
DeleteHello Katie. Lovely to hear how you are getting on. I was just thinking of your mum this morning when I read about the landslide. Please tell us when you are going to be on the chase.
ReplyDeleteHope you and the dogs have a restful Christmas.
It is good to hear your news Katie. I still can't quite believe your mum is gone. Wishing you all the very best with your change of career.
ReplyDeleteKatie what a lovely surprise to see your newsy post. As you can see Ev is often in our thoughts and she is still missed here. What a positive and happy future you have set in motion for yourself and your dogs, quite sure Ev would be over the moon.
ReplyDeleteThrilled to hear you have been on “The Chase” a staple programme of ours so yes please do let us know your air date, I know they can be many months ahead but the anticipation will keep our appetites wetted…. Take care and thank you for popping in please do so every now and then 😊 🙏🏼
Sarnia, yes, I got back, will write more later, swamped in insurance claims just now.......
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear from Katie with news of the mention from Friends of the Animals.
ReplyDeleteI do so hope that your change of career brings you great joy Katie.
I’m never happier than when grooming my animals.
Good luck and do keep in touch.
I think we all know you and the boys because so many of Evs posts included news of you and them, and we feel that you are one of us.
Mistral
Hello and good to see your return - will look forward to your news and any progress on the house sale.
Hello Mrs. P., thank you, will catch up soon, going to Devon on Friday so busy trying to get things done, we are having a pretend Christmas so I'm looking forward to it.
DeleteI woke up to a lovely video this morning, a "cuddly" koala bear in a tree in my nieces back garden, and then climbing down (OZ obviously).
ReplyDeleteIt certainly makes a difference to the squirrels in mine.
Apparently it's koala mating season, so all are frisky and on the move to find a suitable partner and are also noisy with male mating calls at night.
My problem yesterday was that I needed to log-into Chrome again.
ReplyDeleteToday, I am also having problems to log-in to other sites, as well as recharging my 'phone, which is taking ages.
I have done a scan, but still think something is not as it should be.
How I wish I had more technical knowledge...
Another memory of EV + Katie has just suddenly appeared via an e-mail.
ReplyDeleteIt is from The Windmill at Posara in Italy, where they both spent many a wonderful time.
My link is for an Italian speaking week, which still so intrigues me to do..
I am tempted, as I know that part of Italy so very well and I do need a holiday to suit me.
DeleteNeed to look at monies, Pusscat in kennels (a big extra cost) and also I don't have a current valid passport.
It's tempting though...
OWiaS, every day I check to see if your books have arrived. I'm getting nervous!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid it does take a long time. If Bryan has run out, books by people like me are only printed on demand when the order can be fitted into the printing schedule, so I'm afraid it can be a long wait.
Sarnia, I'm so sorry - they arrived ages ago!
DeleteBut I've been so run off my feet that I've only had the time to flick through them briefly. Sometime after Christmas I should get the chance to put my feet up and read through them properly.
Never mind, I'm just relieved that you've got them.
DeleteHad lunch out with an old school friend and her husband today. We've known them for over 50 years and they've recently moved to somewhere closer to us to be nearer to their daughter. Had a lovely walk by the river and a good old reminisce.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely CC.
DeleteSounds just the best kind of day CC ⭐️
DeleteWhat a lovely day to do it as well. Bet it was fun.
DeleteI am just getting ready for another "peak save" event from 5.30-6.30pm.
ReplyDeleteTea will be ready to start cooking at 6.31pm, a bit later than usual, but I will get £1 credit for doing this.
Every little helps and these credits are slowly adding up, along with my half-price electricity "saves" for 5 hours on a Sunday, when I use the oven a lot for pre-cooking for the freezer, baking bread and doing the big weekly wash.
This Sunday will also be a big ironing session...which I am dreading. 😵
I will On my way! And do your ironing for you Miriam.
DeleteOne task I enjoy, but don’t often do for myself as nothing I wash ( well very little ) needs ironing because I dry and fold so carefully.
Off to sing carols with the choir this evening at the RNLI boathouse.
Hope that you enjoy your evening Mrs P
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DeleteMrs P. The evening of Carols in the RNLI boathouse sounds just wonderful. They do such a great service which saves lives and on a voluntary basis...
DeletePS Ironing includes a full bed-set of cotton bedding, still want to do it? 🤣
Oh yes Miriam - bed linen best of all, and cotton only second best to linen.
Delete( I’m very good ! )
Actually although I sang along it was all too loud and hearty for me, drums and tinkly keyboard AND clapping …… nothing cerebral at all…….
BUT the sea shanty’s from the crew were fantastic. And I really enjoyed them.
They have their own version of The Twelve Days ….. and this was apparently the first carol service since 2019.
In recent years Minehead has raised the money for a new boathouse to house the modern boat and it was in its final days of construction when I moved here. They now have up to date facilities for the crew and a shop and a larger, presumably taller, boathouse for the massive trailer that the life boat sits within for launching. All that was outside along with the special tractor that takes it into the sea.
I shall go down next summer and have a proper tour with explanations.
Very interesting Mrs P! Will look forward to your detailed report next Summer. “Saving lives at sea” on the tv takes our breath away such fantastic crews ⭐️🙏🏼⭐️
DeleteMrsP, when you've finished at Miriam's, come to my shoe. With my ironing avalanche you'll be like a pig in clover!
DeleteDo you do an evening meal as well as BnB OwiaS ?
DeleteI know I would get well fed while at Miriam’s.
Mrs P. That event at the RNLI sounds wonderful.
DeleteAlthough not to your taste, what they are doing and have acheived, sounded so worthwhile to celebrate and join in with.
Your coastline will be well served.
What a wonderful sunset I am now seeing. It's vibrant and bright red and a delight to see.
ReplyDeleteAnother delight to see for me tonight, will be The Strictly Grand Final.
Whoever wins will be a worthy winner.
I really want Bobby and Diane to win.
ReplyDeleteOh no! As I feared the wrong person won 😢
ReplyDeletePossibly due to a campaign on the Strictly site which has consistently been very anti-Layton.
I wanted Bobby to win too, PtbY. Bobby’s dance in memory of his Mum was heartbreakingly beautiful.
I was torn but in the event gave my 6 free votes to Bobby but I am ok with Ellie winning as she has been really good.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased that Ellie won. She's been consistently good and, for me, was the most versatile of the three finalists.
ReplyDeleteSCD was a great Final show. I wouldn't have minded who won, as they all danced so well.
ReplyDeleteI was totally entertained and thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Ah well that's both the Bake Off and Strictly finished. Is there anything else with a feel good factor to watch? I suppose Willy Wonka will be at the cinema, and the second season of Traitors is starting again on January 3rd. Last time it was quite gripping and Claudia Winkleman surprisingly good as the host.
ReplyDeleteOmg Janice. We have just binge watched traitors. Mr PtbY was obsessed with it. So much so that after he found the Australian traitors and we binged that in 3 days.
DeleteWe are watching off 5star a prog called revenge. It’s from 2011 and set in the Hamptons about a women getting revenge on people who let her father go to jail wrongly accused. It’s really good. There are 4 series.
Also the Archie series about Cary Grant on ITVX is excellent.
I actually like Masked Singer. To me it is silly, fun and light-hearted entertainment.
DeleteIt makes me smile and chuckle and that is why I will watch it again.
Look out for Christmas "special" episodes, for some shows others might like, such as:-
DeleteSewing Bee
Pottery Throw Down
Bake Off
Strictly.
I sound like Joy with the double week TV/Radio guide, except I use a red pen! 🤣
DeleteI've just done mine Mriam, I use a spreadsheet with several colours. How OCD is that?!
DeleteCC...🤣🤣
DeleteI love a highlighter pen or a red “pen” ring around the programmes (and lists for most things) 🤣 so you are not alone CC
DeleteLANJAN still missing you here as you blogged for so many years a,ong with others on the BBC - and always think of you when Liverpool play ⚽️ hope you are planning the Christmas of your choice 🎄
A nod to the professional background?
ReplyDeleteCould be Sarnia. Very quiet here today maybe like us it’s been a few days of people popping in which is nice but tiring when it all happens at once. Also our nighttime’s are interrupted by visits to the toilet. Mr R especially yet in the daytime not so and of course I am then on the alert so do same 🤣 Therefore an afternoon nod is appreciated and missed a few since last Thursday- poor old soul!!
DeleteNobody popping in here, Lady R. In local terms I live on the wrong side of the river; people who live on the church side (west) tend not to have any reason to cross the bridge, so I'm off the beaten track for dropping in.
ReplyDeletePoor you, I remember what it was like to be on call all night, every night. Hopefully Lord R can still remember where the facilities are, which, alas, Mr S could not!
Thinking of you.
Thank you for your kindness Sarnia. Mr R is thankfully at least 95% ok with memory as of now (but I have experienced elements of your situation in the past with my mum) and can appreciate the very draining situation you had to cope with and that is why it is so lovely to hear of the better days you are having now with your beautiful garden etc to enjoy and continue to plan for 🌺🌼🌸
DeleteOh, Lady R, that comment was intended as a gesture of solidarity with the constant strain under which you have to live your life, and your poor husband, for whom every day must be such a struggle. How like your generous spirit to turn it round to sympathy for me.
ReplyDeletePlease accept it as a tiny shred of comfort for yourself.
🙏🏼 done! 🥰
DeleteI have been watching a big building development being constructed not far from me. It is 5 blocks each 9 storeys high and will be 155 retirement apartments. It is by a very busy roundabout with many busy roads and there is nowhere green + leafy to walk to.
ReplyDeleteStill it will suit some.
It looks so un-appealing and a true eyesore.
I know Miriam this is happening a lot 😟
DeleteSame here Miriam.
DeleteSupermarket shop this morning for the last time 'till next week. It was great and my plan to go to the farm shop tomorrow was suddenly changed.
ReplyDeleteVeg. was so fresh, new in and very reasonable price wise.
...and no I didn't buy sprouts!
I still don't know when I will put the Christmas tree + Dec's up, even if at all that is...😀 🤷♀️
New thread opened with suitably festive picture
ReplyDelete