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Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
Cheshire CheeseMay 16, 2024 at 3:30 PM
ReplyDeleteJanice I feel for you and hope that things improve in the not too distant future. Having worked in the NHS for decades it really saddens me to see what is happening to it. I had a meet up with ex work colleagues last week and we were all saying the same thing.
REPLYDELETE
Cheshire CheeseMay 16, 2024 at 3:41 PM
On a more cheerful note, we went to RHS Bridgewater today. A pair of coots have built a nest next to the café's outdoor terrace, upon which were two little chicks. The parents were busy replenishing the nest with vegetation and, at one point, one of them passed a piece to one of the chicks which promptly dropped it. The parent passed it back and the chick managed to put it in place. Such a nice moment in the doom and gloom that is in the world (and TA). I managed to get a video of it.
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MiriamMay 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Thankfully you must have missed the rain. It is chucking it down here.
I've had recently fledged blackbirds in garden, with parents very much watching over them.
The noise they make when puss-cat goes out 🙉
AmbridgesMrsPMay 16, 2024 at 4:02 PM
ReplyDeleteOh Janice, what a dreadful time you’ve had over recent days.
I’m sure that along with everyone else I would like to be able to give you some warm words of comfort, but rather like everyone else it is despair at the state of the NHS and what patients like you are put through rather than the all encompassing warmth and compassion of the past.
Do try to let thoughts of your garden and it’s needs be put aside and concentrate on your needs instead.
I think you are very fortunate to have a physio come out to you, and well done that doctor who probably over rode objections to get her to you.
And my thoughts are especially with you as I’m just a few miles down the coast at the moment.
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AmbridgesMrsPMay 16, 2024 at 4:13 PM
As for the state of the NHS and the general election when it comes, I have no hope at all that any one party of any persuasion can do anything to improve the situation.
All politicians want to do is throw money at the problem and time and again that has proved fruitless.
I was able to see problems building when a young nurse in the late fifties and early sixties, and I’ve watched those problems deteriorate further throughout the decades since.
Last month I read on a local feed that our small hospital in Minehead was changing all the signage of the hospital to reflect a small change in name of one department ( I forget which department )
I despair !
The cost of that change in signage and headed paperwork alone will be thousands if not millions, and for what ? Because some jobsworth has decided that the present name of the department does not reflect the ethos of the hospital ?
I don’t know the answer to my questions but it does make me think of the conditions of hospitals in the current war zones operating quite possibly without any signage at all.
KP I have just posted to Janice n the old blog please will you transfer - thank you.
ReplyDeleteI did see it Lady R and it is reassuring to hear your husband is doing well on the blood thinners.
Delete✔️🤗
DeleteThanks for the good wishes, much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJanice do not despair !
ReplyDeleteI had a stroke during lockdown and was in hospital for three days in Maidstone. Speech therapist praised me and I was luckily enough to have no sign of physical disability. Just speech.
I had clopidogrel too. No injuries or side effects.
Recently ,on a trip to Germany in March, had a thrombosis and stayed in a German hospital. The same applied as in England's; poor food, one visit from doctor and no baths or washing facilites fpr 5 days!
I have now come off clopidogrel and been prescribed Xaretto 20mg (riaroxaban) and a disposal aspirin because of thrombosis and now have to hold a card to show at blood tests and hospital appointments.
I twisted some varicose veins during the thrombosis resulting an enormous haemotopia at the top of my leg but I am not on the waiting list yet ! Now I have arythmia. So i have dermotology, somethng to do with thyroid, diabeties, asthmas and blood pressure so that six consultants at hospital.
I am happy. Perhaps in in the garden this weekend, just to trim my plum tree because neighbours don't like it! I don't know what I would do without my son ! Watching TV and reading books. Loads of books to get through!
Weeds will grow but they be there in a couple weeks time.
An interesting post spicy as well as an encouraging and understanding one for Janice.
DeleteIn our position we certainly agree regarding tv, books and papers for Mr R.
Thank you Spicy. You have been through so much. In many respects I have been lucky.
DeleteJanice, my thoughts are with you. You certainly had a rough stay in the hospital. Take things easy.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, so nice to see a post from you. How are your eyes now?
How are you both today, Janice and Spicy? A new day, and perhaps a better one? x
ReplyDeleteFeeling more cheerful today after reading all yo : ur comments. Like Spicy I am very lucky in having one of my children, my daughter, living at home and she has been doing the cooking at present and ferrying me into the surgery for various appointments. We have a Farm shop about 3 miles away who do a delivery service, and they make nice pies, so I have been ordering them for the deep freeze which makes an easy meal for my daughter to cook after work, or I can put them in the rayburn to start the dinner off. Have resigned myself that the garden will have to be a wild garden for the present. At least I have some french and runner beans coming up because I planted them early before I was first ill in March, and like Spicy and Mr R I like reading and my daughter has downloaded a bird app to my tablet. So when the sun shines I sit in the garden and turn it on and whenever a bird sings up comes its picture to tell you what it is. It has picked up on a couple of little birds that I didn't know we had, as not seen before. The physiotherapist said they tell people about what they call the 3 Ps rule: Plan, Prioritise and Pace (with lots of rests inbetween).
DeletePTBY Not too bad. Need to get an eye test done, got a reminder last week. Have to do it Saturdays as Jon is working all week and have to have a wheelchair for the shopping centre. Lovely day.
ReplyDeleteDaughter travelling back to Aus today after spending some time with me. Also met one grandson whom I haven't met for 20 years !!! Next time she'll bring over second grandson next year !
Eldest son travelled back to Germany yesterday. So I am resting because of family visiting !!!!!
Nice you’ve had family visiting. Bet it’s been exhausting though. Enjoy your resting. Glad your eyes are not getting worse. Well done to Jon for doing such a good job looking after you. 😊🥇
DeleteJanice, empathetic and get well vibes are heading in your direction.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately your experience of the NHS is all too common.
It would seem that the clinical staff are working in a war zone.
Enjoy your garden and book reading.
Thanks. Nice to know you are still popping in here sometimes.
DeleteLovely to hear from you Spicycushion and Stasia.
ReplyDeletePleased that you're feeling a
Sorry pressed send accidentally. ...bit more positive Janice
DeleteI have a very excited Bro. In Law.
ReplyDeleteHe is an avid Crewe Alexandria FC supporter. They are playing at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, and he plus daughter and a son (from a previous marriage) have tickets. They have booked into somewhere for Sun night, so will spend time together.
The "kids" need a break as their Mum (the ex- wife) has been going through both chemo + radio therapies for many months now - a lymphoma in groin. All is going very well, as it was caught early.
They will have a blast, win or lose and good family time together.
What I find strange is that I never see Bro-in-laws family since the wedding with Big Sis, 10yrs ago in September. I have no idea why the families have been kept apart...
DeleteHow lovely for your bro in law and his daughter and son Miriam 😊 also so so good to hear that his ex wife’s cancer treatment is going so well due to early detection.
DeleteNot unusual, Miriam, we had hardly any contact with the families of my brothers-in-law.
DeleteI noticed that TA got a mention in yesterday evening's Dead Ringers. It's nice to listen to something more light hearted.
ReplyDeleteMore family off to Wembley Match tomorrow - Gt niece, Gt nephew and their Dad. They are flying down to London as so quick and cheaper!! £150 per person for train fare, £60 per person for air fare.
ReplyDeleteSitting in the garden and enjoying the huge flowers on 2 of our clematis (The President, deep blue and Nellie Moser, pink) and the mass of small flowers on the clematis Montana which has successfully grown back over our entrance gate after being decimated in the storms last year. The wisteria, which has also been magnificent this year, is fading now and dropping petals on me as I type. Wish I could reproduce the scent in words.
ReplyDeleteWe have bought several clematis plants but they haven’t done well, not sure why
DeleteI can't grow clematis as my soil is to clayy.
DeleteGorgeous sunny day so MrNuts & I went to the Alresford watercress festival, lots of really interesting & tasty foods available, I came back well laden
ReplyDeleteJust in from garden to cool off!
ReplyDeleteAt last the flower beds are almost weed and grass free. What a mammoth task it's been and I have planted my runner beans. I am trialling a new variety this year - St. George - supposedly heavy cropping and stringless
This variety was an RHS winner at Wisley Runner Bean trials for producing a heavy yield.
Time will tell...
There's nothing I like more than, going out picking beans, and are on plate half-hour later.
DeletePlus eating them as you pick 🤗
DeleteMr R and I drove to Fleet to pick my sister up and then we had a roast dinner at Redfields Garden Centre. It was so tasty (except the Yorkshire pud a bit bland) but everything else was super, roast pots cooked with herbs etc and the pork was beautiful. So no cooking required tonight JOY!!!
ReplyDeleteOn the drive over to her and then onto Redfields we have never seen - other than at Exbury Gardens so many fantastic ginormous Rhododendron bushes 🤗
Sister needed the spiritual lift of the outing as obviously still in the very early days of her bereavement, she is taking a day at a time and the Dr etc being very supportive. Last Wednesday morning she went along to join in an hours walk with a local group and coffee afterwards she needs to build her stamina up again and that is all in hand. My niece and I are keeping in touch as to how things are going. Sis is a very independent lady and in time will regain her stability and confidence. She and her husband always lived away from us all for one reason and another so a somewhat insular life now very slowly she will integrate into her new way of life 🙏🏼
At least she knows she has your support, for whenever she feels like reaching out. It takes time and effort to adapt.
DeleteJust keep in touch with her on a casual basis, so she knows you care.
Absolutely Miriam 👍 we are in close contact and seeing each other a lot she understands Mr R situation so we are both flexible in our arrangements to accommodate him as he enjoys being with her too.
DeleteI’ve returned home today.
DeleteHaving agreed to stay and look after the horses I regretted my decision every day and finally said that I didn’t feel confident about it.
I took daughter to the train in Truro, and treated myself with a number of goodies in the Cornish food store, part of Waitrose.
Janice, as I came through Camelford I recognised it as the attractive town that I had noticed going through at Christmas ( as a passenger then ). I imagine that it’s your nearest main town, and sent you warm thoughts as I passed your way.
I do hope you are enjoying just being in your garden, particularly today as it was so warm, and hope too that you are feeling a little better each day.
Fleet - my home town : )
DeleteGrowing up, we had several mature rhododendrons growing in the back garden. We used to have great fun climbing in them. When my parents moved house, the new owners cut them all down : (
They seem to like the local soil - the purple one was pretty common growing alongside roads not far out from town.
Mrs P I hadn't realised you would have come so close to us. You must drive the pretty way! There used to be a cafe in Camelford beside the bridge that was a nice meeting place but the landlord put the rent up and the owners couldn't afford it and had to leave. Just at present I can't drive and have absolutely no energy and am in the middle of various tests (feel like a pin cushion, next one is a 24 hour heart monitor), but if you come via Camelford again let me know and if you had the time and didn't mind making a seven mile detour you would be very welcome to pop in for a cup of tea and something to eat. I could, if better and driving again, meet you in Tintagel and show you the way, or give you directions, basically turn right at the RC church drive about a mile up to a T junction in the hamlet Trenale, turn right again and keep going for about a quarter of a mile, round a corner and turn left up a track by a garage and there are two farmhouse type houses set back from the road.
DeleteYes Janice I drive what I gather is known as ‘ The Atlantic Highway ‘
DeleteI like to feel that I am making a journey through our lovely country rather than getting from A to B. I have done the Exeter route several times and it has not particularly inspired me.
I would love to stop off at Camelford some time. It looked intriguing, but of course just driving through anywhere can be delusional in either a negative or positive way.
Thank you for the invitation to meet up sometime.
I shall keep that in mind.
I was talking to my daughter about the area where you are and she mentioned the new bridge and suggested I went to see it, and i remembered reading about it. What are the local feelings about it ?
Good or not so ?
It must be so miserable for you right now, feeling so low and yet still needing to go through many tests. We seem to have another nice day today so I hope you can spend some time in the garden resting.
And I will find some time today to look more closely at Camelford on Google Earth.
Singing this afternoon though !
There was a lot of local opposition when the bridge was first proposed, ranging from those who thought it would spoil the view, to those who thought climbing down and then up the very steep steps was part of the fun of getting there, and others not dependent on the tourist trade who simply thought it would encourage even more visitors to the area. English Heritage does seem to charge a shocking amount for people to visit what are basically a few tumble down walls, and long gone are the days when people in the area could go in for free. Welsh castles are much more complete.
DeletePersonally I don't think the bridge looks too bad, and it enables the elderly and disabled who would not make it on the steep steps, which can be slippery in wet weather, to get across to the island. Plus which they are quite correct in saying that in the long ago times it would have been more of a peninsula and people on horseback could have ridden straight across from the outer entrance to what is now the island. People don't like change but they get used to it, and it is the passing visitor footfall that keeps the little church going. They think it is on the site of an old Celtic graveyard where the inhabitants of the island would have been buried.
A friend messaged me yesterday with a story that I thought I'd share. She and her husband live in a house situated in several acres of woodland. They were out walking the dog when they came across an amorous couple. The dog ran over and began licking them, being delighted at so much exposed flesh. Her husband walked over to tell them that they were on private land and not a public right of way. Hastily pulling up his trousers the young man man mumbled something about looking for ley lines. My friend laughed and said "well, it looks like you've found one". The girl ended up joining her in a fit of giggles.
ReplyDeleteThey find lots of things in the woods but that was a first!
Ooo-er!
DeleteIf you go down in the woods today/You're sure of a big surprise... ...
ReplyDeleteI stopped off in a woodland drive yesterday to let Lady get some grass and do a wee. Just as I got out of the car another vehicle arrived and stopped . I was immediately upfront and said ‘ am I on private land ? ‘ ( with a smile of course )
ReplyDelete‘ You are ‘ he smiled in return, ‘ but it’s ok ‘ and asked if my dog needed water. He then drove off to the building I could see.
As Lady ate her grass I hunkered down to relieve my bladder and as I did so another car came down the drive. Moments later the man returned with his dog, presumably alerted by the occupants of the second car. He didn’t mention what must have been relayed to him, but we had a pleasant chat about the large timber home that he had constructed, and he extolled the virtues of living off grid while the dogs introduced themselves.
Getting caught short is a hazard for anyone availing themselves of natures needs in the open air.
😂
DeleteJust a quick look in today.
ReplyDeleteI had problems with electricity yesterday. Things were taking ages to cook in oven and when I went to get meal, to be eaten whilst listening to TA, I found all kitchen electrics Off! It took a while to reset it this, but managed eventually (kitchen is on its own electric circuit) Today I cut yesterday's made bread in two, half for use + half for freezer, to find it was still raw dough in middle.
To add, replacement loaf made today is 100% perfect.
Until next time..
Bad luck, Miriam. Do you know what caused it?
ReplyDeleteWhen at my daughters last week we had a power cut one evening.
ReplyDeleteIn the very large sitting room, where we were, there were a number of side / table lamps. All but one lost their light, which was very strange.
We then went around the house testing all the other lights and electrical outlets. Some lights and some devices still had a minimum of power and we came to the
conclusion that certain of the lower powered light bulbs and devices were still alive but the higher volt ones seemed to be affected. From a upper window she could see the neighbouring farmer looking around and some lights dimly burning.
I went up to bed and she changed the lightbulb in my bedside light to a lower voltage one but stayed up herself, worrying, until the powers returned soon after one am.
Never experienced anything like this before, it was very strange.
Usually a complete blackout such as Miriam’s.
Sorry to hear about your half baked loaf Miriam. We’re you able to re bake it ?
Woken up in a really can’t be bothered mood today. Have pottered around doing bits and bobs but not achieving much. Jarred off that it took me 6 goes to do wordle and I only got 4 in the times daily quiz. Thank goodness I’m meeting a friend for a brew at the garden centre at 2.30.
ReplyDeleteGo with the flow PtbY
DeleteI arrived home on Sunday evening and I’ve done nothing for two days now.
And I did not get Wordle in five yesterday either, so you were not alone.
Hope you enjoyed meeting up with your friend.
Yesterday’s Wordle took me six as well, and I lost the day before😡 they’ve been a bit nasty lately. I think “can’t be bothered mood” is my default setting, as long as the essentials are covered don’t beat yourself up.
DeleteOne of those days, PtbY. Enjoy the cuppa with your friend - there'll be another day tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteMrs P. My electric problem was very strange, as only the kitchen circuit went off. The rest of the house was perfect, which was why I didn't know any problem.
ReplyDeleteAll my kitchen appliances (apart from the microwave, which was not in use), are A+ or more rated, so do not overload the supply.
It's a total mystery...
The loaf I made yesterday to replace the awful one, was used for my lunch sarnis today - so tasty...😋🍞
Extra. What a lovely photo I was sent yesterday. The youngest, who is now 4.5yrs with her Gt. Grandma (her Dad's Gran) who is 96yrs and still so active + glamorous. She is a remarkable woman.
Sounds similar in some ways to the power cut we had in Cornwall Miriam, only partial rather than full.
DeleteThe alight but very dim table lamp was a new experience and the kettle - top of the range electric beeped and threw out warning lights.
It’s possible I suppose the the power stations now have the technology to organise limited power rather than a total loss.
Just a supposition of mine.
That photo sounds good.
I’ve reached the stage of wondering if I will be a great grandmother.
When my mother was dying over a period of four years with PSNP my daughters wondered if she was hanging on for great grandchildren, which were not even on the horizon even though both girls were in or beyond late twenties.
She did get to attend her eldest Granddaughters wedding though.
She died at 82, my age now.
Something I have noticed shifting in myself over the last few years is my definition of elderly; twelve years ago when we celebrated my Dad’s 80th I considered him elderly, last weekend my neighbour celebrated his 80th an it struck me that I wouldn’t describe him as elderly…… maybe elderly means 30 years older than yourself?
ReplyDeleteI can identify with that, KP, I can't remember the exact wording now, but some time ago I saw a tee shirt that said something like, "It"s so weird being the same age as old people"
ReplyDeleteI'm just not ready yet!
Cold and pouring with rain here. Hence another can’t be bothered mood.
ReplyDeleteHave prepared some Yorkshire pudding batter and will get broccoli and spring greens ready in pans so I have no excuse at tea time. Think it will be a sit down and read/sew/watch tv afternoon under my blanket.
Only excitement will be to see if water butts are fully replenished.
Same here PtbY. Done some ironing this morning, a friend is coming round for tea and cake this afternoon.
DeleteElectricity update:-
ReplyDeleteThe whole area had a total power cut last night, caused by a failure of a major electricity cable. Some areas were reconnected quickly, but others like mine, had to wait for engineers. All fine this morning.
The interesting thing is that 2 weeks ago, a major road (about a mile away) had to be closed for two days, while emergency repairs had to be carried out for an electrical fault.
I don't believe in such coincidences...
I put 'phone onto mobile data, so I got all updates on local area group..
Let's hope no more 😃
To add, so glad such an awful rainy morning, as I caught up with Masterchef + Sewing Bee via i-player.
DeleteLoved both.
I have been out for most of today since - for me - early morning. (9.30)
DeleteWas taken to Taunton where I had financial business to attend to and to buy frozen meals from ‘Cook’. But because others in the party had appointments elsewhere, I also had time to myself, so did TKMax and the charity shops and have returned with a handful of ‘ new clothes ‘.
I wore my ‘Vicky’ lace up boots because of the expected rain as didn’t want to get my newish conker brown brogues wet.
At no point did I encounter the rain !
And at the end of the day my legs and feet are killing me as much of central Taunton is cobbled underfoot.
Oh dear Mrs P you do like an Aries challenge to your day! However you enjoyed your outing and that’s the main thing 🤗
DeleteMmmmm Lady R !
DeleteYour right of course, but I’ve realised over recent time that there is a backlash to being so.
My eldest clearly sees her mum as indestructible.
Last week I was pacing the paddock lining up the green plastic sticks ( I don’t know the correct term ) to then thread the rope through to create the temporary fence for the horses. The grass has grown over the churned up ground and it was excruciating and extremely difficult for my ankles. It’s clear that she thinks her mum is still capable of anything despite her years.
I am realising that she probably has this attitude due to having witnessed her mother tackle all and everything over her life time.
I’m afraid I am getting more and more exhausted doing even the smallest of jobs. Son + dil + grandsons coming to stay next week, so thought I should get spare room ready & make up beds. But after I had climbed the stairs & got the bed linen out of the Airing cupboard that was it. I was so short of breath and dizzy I had to sit down for half an hour before I could move again.
ReplyDeleteThen later I went to greenhouse to water tomatoes & do some side-shooting, but again, the effort of lifting the water can & bending over the plants polished me off! It is very depressing to find I can’t even do small simple jobs I have done for years & have to ask Mr A for help all the time. It’s not what I expected to happen at all. Sorry, feeling a bit despondent this afternoon. 😔
No need to apologise Archerfile, it must be so frustrating for you when you've been such an active person.
DeleteAbsolutely AP physical exhaustion is bound to lead to feeling a bit down 💐 Mr R could not understand more - of course he has a good few years on you but it still hurts.
DeleteYour family will no doubt realise your condition and be more than willing to help out, (although how is your son now?) Healthy DIL and grandsons though 🤗
I must have tempted fate! I have just had a big order delivered from Sainsburys with a lot of extra food, especially vegetables, fruit, cheese etc to feed the family next week …..only to get a telephone call to say they can’t come after all!
DeleteApparently younger grandson Elliot had an epileptic fit at school and had to be brought home. He had one a few years ago in Dubai, but none since, until today. Doctors instruction is rest and an appt at hospital next week for tests, brain scan etc. Very worrying and very disappointing.
Batch cooking for the freezer ARCHERPHILE ?
DeleteNevertheless a worrying time for your family.
And whatever the tests bring forth I hope all will be done to treat effectively whatever is found to be faulty for your G son.
That is a shame Archerfile. Hope all goes well with your grandson.
DeleteRe. Your earlier post I keep a small chair in the greenhouse to sit on inbetween doing things, which to be honest is very little at present but in the hot weather the tomatoes did need watering. Also when I need an energy boost I have honey on toast, I suppose the glucose in it helps a bit and comfort food is nice. We have a nearby little honey shop and he keeps hives everywhere. I especially like his bell heather honey from the hives on Dartmoor. A couple of years ago he was selling Borage honey when he heard of someone growing a field of borage, and it had a lovely delicate flavour, but they didn't seem to grow it last year.
Good to see this post, Janice, I was wondering how you were.
DeleteOh my goodness AP what a disappointment for you combined with concern. Maybe best for your family though that this health issue happened to your grandson while the family still at home rather than during their time here with you 🤔
ReplyDeleteI do wish life would settle down a little for you during the last few years you have had so much to contend with one way and another. Sending sympathetic thoughts to you and will quote the phrase
“This too shall pass” 🙏🏼
Lady R, you are such a comfort to all of us, and you always know exactly what to say.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarnia that is so kind, we are all virtual friends here and like to look out for each other 🌻
DeleteArcherphile, I hope the tests show the cause of the epilepsy and then a plan can be made to manage it, it must be very worrying for the whole family, and scary for your grandson. I expect they must be as upset as you that they won't be able to visit this time, but the summer holidays aren't far off and perhaps they can re-arrange.
ReplyDeleteIn the mean time, yes, you could fill your freezer so that there is plenty when they get over, without the rush of cooking, you will have more time to enjoy their company.
I thought you were daring to be buying cheese for a French family though! Was it British, Stilton and Sage Derby, (my favourite), or maybe Stirling Gold?
Mistral - you have reminded me of Sage Derby which for many years was my favourite cheese, but I’ve not only not heard of it nor encountered it in decades, but had actually forgotten it !
DeleteI shall try to seek it out. Difficult tho’ here in Minehead, a foody desert I’m afraid.
And Mistral……. How is the move progressing ?
DeleteThank you all and lots of replies
ReplyDeleteYes, the freezer is now full of food, little shopping to do for a couple of weeks.
Good idea Janice to have a little chair of stool in the greenhouse, I’ll try that.
Another good idea, the honey. I don’t usually buy it because Mr A can’t have it, but no reason I can’t!
Yes Mistral, English cheeses….. my son specially likes a strong cheddar, they have no equivalent in their local market……and
Sage Derby is my all time favourite, used to be available in Sainsburys (son loved it too,) but no supermarket stocks it these days, even Waitrose or Ocado. But I believe it is available online from one supplier so will have to investigate.
And yes - g’son is seeing doctor next week at the hospital so we hope something positive will come out if his visit. I can’t help wondering if it’s to do with him being so painfully thin, it’s very difficult to get him to eat anything apart from breakfast cereal and he always claims to be ‘not hungry’ . Every strategy under the sun has been tried to get him to eat but to no avail. I am wondering if the faint/seizure was simply due to lack of nourishment. We shall see!
Finally the air tickets have been transferred to July in time for Mr A’s 80th birthday so we can have a family celebration. I am keeping everything crossed that they won’t have to be transferred again.
SAGE DERBY - just found it for sale online at Belton Farm.com. The lovely green marbling is there. And they have dozens of other cheeses and lovely gift boxes.Didn’t get as far as looking at prices or postage costs but their web site is Belton Farm .com They are located at Whitchurch, Shropshire. email: info@beltonfarm.com. Phone 01948 662125.
ReplyDeleteI have had many 'phone calls from Big Sis.
ReplyDeleteHubbies was diagnosed with an atrial flutter 5 yrs ago now. They were going to do a procedure to try to stop it, but due to the site in the heart, he decided not to have it done due to risks, plus the meds. being taken was keeping things under control.
A while ago at a routine appointment things were not at good, so another pill added in.
A week ago at specialist cardiac unit at hospital in Liverpool just for routine appointment things far worse..Had an echo cardiogram yesterday, a pace-maker is to be fitted soon (hopefully temporary) and then an attempt to stabilise heart beat by a procedure.
Worrying. Their big 6 week trip to OZ, to stay with her daughter + grandsons plus a massive jaunt North, to take in the Gt.Barrier Reef with stopover in Bali (all paid for), is now having to be cancelled.
This is as hospital. has said he is not fit to fly and won't even be in September, when trip booked.
It is positive, as a procedure can be attempted to revert problem, hopefully.
Oh dear Miriam, worry and cancelled Australian trip for your sister.
DeleteBut yes, positive treatment available for her husband.
I hope all goes well, and that you can continue as a support for your sister.
ARCHERPHILE
Thank you for the info on Sage Derby.
My son in law in Bath helps a friend who runs an online chess business, I should look them up and see if they do a SD.
So it was your favourite cheese too.
As you say, no longer widely available at any of the supermarkets which may explain why I had forgotten all about it.
Have looked at Belton Farm cheeses and see immediately that they do the Red Fox. My daughters fridge in Cornwall had Red Fox, lots of it, and she mentioned it as a very good cheese.
DeleteObviously from Waitrose !
If a desired cheese etc. is available on-line and can be delivered, then why not just do it.
ReplyDeleteWhy not have a true treat?
To add to a post I did awhile ago, as to finding a perfect pair of blue jeans in TU range in S/burys.
DeleteI so wanted a black pair the same. Success yesterday as this was now available on-line. Ordered for click + collect close-by, and as 25% off a bargain.
So sorry to hear about cancelled trips. Archerfile, I do hope that the July trip happens especially as it will coincide with a special birthday.
ReplyDeleteI have found Sage Derby at two specialist stalls at indoor markets in Newcastle and Jersey, it is ironic because I am from Derby and never heard of it until I moved away. I wish Sainsburys hadn't closed their cheese/fish/meat counters after covid, such a small range now and I used to buy small bits of different varieties, don't always want the prepacked size.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile, fingers crossed for July. Such a worry when people wont eat, perhaps your grandson's medical will create a discussion/plan.
Miriam, such a shame about the holiday, but if the health problem is sorted out, there will be more opportunities later, so I think it's good to be positive.
Mrs.P. Thanks for asking about the move, it seems like ages in happening, but I am moving on 7th June!!! I actually can't believe it, I was convinced my buyer would pull out, but everything is signed, removal company booked, sorting, packing and charity bags being filled, 13 days to go.
ReplyDeleteI just can't express the relief and excitement. Did a car boot sale this morning and didn't shift as much as I hoped, so I have a lot to donate. My table is covered in to-do lists. I must say that it has all been very straight forward apart from my own catastrophising, which is really a coping mechanism and keeps me grounded. I am going to get a little terrier and visit you in Minehead!
That is such good news Mistral. I bet you are excited, and what is usually thought as a chore,ie sorting out, has a very different meaning to it all now.
DeleteGood Luck with everything and really pleased to hear that things are going so smoothly.
Thunder rumbling around for over an hour now, and the warning for storms lasts until 10.00pm.
ReplyDeleteI love a good storm!! 🤣
Thank you Miriam, I agree it isn't so much a chore sorting things out that I know I will never see again. A lot of the stuff I am discarding is my grown-up children's things which have no sentimental value so it's easier.
ReplyDeleteMassive storm, thunder, lightening has just started her too.
A lot of people seem to be moving at the moment, including several that I know, it's quite unsettling.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck Mistral.
Oh Mistral I’m so pleased to hear that you are well on the way.
ReplyDeleteI can’t remember the date I moved but it was in either June or July two years ago.
Perhaps our date guru LadyR will be able to remember !
I suspect your doing so much better than I was, though I think I did get rid of lots.
Good luck with it.
Once your been there for a few weeks let’s meet up halfway and before you get a little terrier please.
It will be wonderful for you to be near to your daughter. Will she be able to spare some time to help you settle in ?
And remind me of the town you are going to, I’m so pleased for you that you got the flat you wanted.
I’m feeling pretty despondent about Lady.
ReplyDeleteSince we went to the behaviourist last year I have worked hard on the training techniques that we learned. There has been an enormous improvement in Lady’s behaviour on the lead. There is sometimes the slightest of growls but the checking technique soon reigns that in and it is now only occasional. We have also recently done two classes in a small are with another dog, different one each time, both on leads but in a small area. This has been with a more local behaviourist. She did well and we have been told we can now join another class with more dogs.
However although off the lead and on the beach she was meeting and greeting many dogs and politely, recognising some when she met them again, with me being unwell and then us being away in Cornwall, yesterday was our first visit to the beach for some weeks. She passed a number of dogs without a problem, and then she attacked another dog. Yet again it was a curly coated dark golden colour and it was running towards me and her. I don’t blame the man, owner, who was very angry, but he attacked me with dreadful language and was very nasty. I felt very shaken up for the rest of the evening, and miserable that all my efforts at training her cannot change this behaviour. The other dog was not hurt but often the owner feels it more than the dog, and I can’t blame them.
So today it’s been back to another isolated walk in the woods.
And the hope of ever being able to visit my younger daughter again fades even further.
I feel pathetic.
Mrs P. he shouldn't have used bad language even if he was angry, especially not towards a woman.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if Lady has had a bad experience in her past with a dog of that colour, and if it was running towards her she may have thought she, and you, were going to be attacked.
I wonder if you could resign yourself to having to keep her on a long lead on the beach.
I have been quietly amused by our neighbour with the chickens recently. They have always had labradors but one died last year and this year the other two have joined him over the rainbow bridge. They were all getting on in years. Our neighbour was adamant she was never going to have another one, it being so painful losing them, but then she found the house empty when her husband was doing his long distance night time driving delivering Cornish food in his refrigerated van , and they went to look at some puppies. So now there is a really sweet waggly tailed little thing next door. I thought it was a golden labrador but apparently it is something called a fox red labrador.
My picture is of Audrey, our fox red lab. Never used to see them years ago but they are very prevalent in our area. Much more so than yellow labs. I think they are bred more for working/hunting dogs nowadays than the other colours.
DeleteMistral….so pleased your move is going ahead very soon. It’s good to have a good clear out. I can’t believe at the end of next month it will be 3 years since we moved. Needless to say the garage and 2 sheds need a good clear out, full of stuff yet again.
ReplyDeleteMrs P. …..how disappointing/worrying for you about Lady. Thing is I don’t think you ever really know what has previously happened to these foreign rescued dogs and it doesn’t seem to take much to trigger them. Maybe you should walk her with a muzzle on all the time to be safe.
The man with the foul language was a rough type, so not really surprised.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen Lady so much as flinch or drop her tail with any human, and she clearly loves people, so I’ve come to believe that she was, unusually, never abused by anyone. But I do think that she had a difficult time in a shelter with dogs. But more than that I’ve come to believe that she lived alone in the wild and possibly encountered small brown bears. It’s always spaniel sized dark coated dogs that she goes for. As for a long lead, she is so strong she would have me over if she took off.
And as for muzzles, much as I hate them, I’ve tried it in the past. She just works away at scraping it along the ground until it’s dislodged or broken. Plus even if she was muzzled she could still attack and roll another dog over.
Nevertheless I’m grateful for the supportive posts.
Thank you PtbY and Janice.
Mrs P, have you tried a fabric muzzle that fits over the nose but has a hole so they can breath and can drink? She wouldn’t get one of those off. We put one on Audrey when we took her to the beach so she couldn’t pinch other dogs tennis balls.
Deletehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Touch-Barking-Chewing-Adjustable/dp/B087ZM4T2Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=32JNH1YG7QHT9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.doeeMcDOM1Ek1tcAyKhJYNXXfwcNZEs2FgYQvp7qtcM0TIufY3WwOnWlRQ5p0yG16J6HJ7V3VL4xf6rQCaKo4A7IlgChElOw-jWilIefTIvthOOxLxtelm-HrHO2cl88WuOL9TgO454Wo4LiMByP3VhtNJc8SZXUERL98hrtZkQqteaC6dR5qECNbQAx0MgnbgEQOiRvQmEZdLR7xuatgA.bZIHi20OwzEi8Mc6fgVsMGzrprUQaSBNkLfXLJCYzKo&dib_tag=se&keywords=soft+dog+muzzle+medium&qid=1716767321&sprefix=soft+dog+muzzle+%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-7
This is a link to one on Amazon.
MRS P 😂 June 25th 2022! I’ve cheated as I have just checked my posts for that period and there was a particular one on that date to welcome you to the first day in your new home!
ReplyDeleteThank you LadyR -
Deletethere you Mistral two years give or take a couple of weeks.
I hope you are as happy with your move as I have been.
Thanks everyone, exciting times ahead.
ReplyDeleteMrs. P. I would love to meet you, half way is perfect. I am moving to Ashburton near Newton Abbot.
My daughter is near Exeter, about 20 mins drive away. She offered to come and help pack up, but I declined, she is more ruthless than me at 'getting rid'. The weekend I move they are off to a festival in Wales, but I will have the use of her house and a promise of cooked food for the weekend. It suits me very well because the removal firm are clearing my house on the Friday, and delivering to the flat late on the Monday, so it gives me two days to get in, clean up, and plan where I want things before the chaos starts. My only reservation is that they have two cats who are excellent mousers and bring their gifts into the house, every time I visit, and I have a very real phobia. I will have to close the windows and block the catflap.
My dog was very reactive to others, I had some run ins too, was very used to walking at odd hours in quiet places. I had a canvas muzzle for the vets, like PTBY 's, very ugly but really tough, but I don't like them.
It sounds as though you have tried everything, I know this sounds barmy, but would a mild sedative help?
Wonderful news that you are off to Devon at last Mistral, after all the problems and delays.
DeleteI wish you a very calm and successful moving day and the happiest of lives in your new home.
Would love to come and move near you as I know that part of the world very well after dozens of childhood holidays in the area. South Devon (and North Devon also) have a special place in my heart. I am sure you will love living there. 😍
Such exciting news, Mistral, and SO much nearer the airport!
DeleteThank you both, it is a lovely place, 10 mins drive to Dartmoor. (I nearly said Broadmoor, thats what a day of sorting out charity boxes has done to me!)
DeleteSarnia, yes, but you know I LOVE Condor....
My son flew over a couple of weeks ago for a funeral and brought me a kilo of Jersey Royals, which is an extravagant gift these days....
Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about dogs as am a cat person.
Have you talked to the behaviorist or vet, about using one of these plug-in ferome things?
Thanks for the suggestion Miriam, but it wouldn’t be possible to use anything that plugs in when out on a walk, beach or heath.
DeleteLady is a very calm and extremely patient dog when at home. She is also very focused on smells when out on a walk.
Her reactivity is towards certain dogs only. Always small to medium sized dark coloured often curly coated dogs. In my opinion she would have encountered small bears in the mountains in Rumania and maybe had to defend her self.
On an entirely different topic..
ReplyDeleteNiece No#3 and daughter (my youngest great child) are busy making scarecrows. It is their annual village Scarecrow Event next week and they are doing Peter Rabbit and Mr.McGregor.
What a great job they are doing, but look quite strangestill as have no heads. They are waiting for the papier machine ones to dry out, to then paint.
What I have seen via WattsApp look amazing...
Does any-one else have a Scarecrow event, where they live?
Spell-check obviously, as meant paper machè heads...🤣
DeleteA village near me, Bishop Middleton used to do one, not sure if they kept it up after Covid, but they were really good.
DeleteAre you *sure* that's the reason poopr Peter has no head? Mr McGregor has form in this department ...
DeleteYes Miriam, we have an annual scarecrow event in Overton, our neighbouring village. Every shop/ house down the HighStreet and nearby streets have a sort of bracket installed at 1st floor level. In June there is a scarecrow display, often on a particular theme & the public vote for the best. In December illuminated Christmas trees are displayed which make the whole village look very festive.
DeleteMistral
ReplyDeleteI understand about ruthless daughters.
My ruthless one came and helped me in the weeks before the move and I’m still grieving over certain items that she took away and disposed of. Then later I discovered that she had actually helped herself to certain things and then further discovered that the other daughter had other items, given to her by her sister, one of which I’ve now got in my possession again.
Halfway between Ashburton and Minehead is Tiverton or a little further south Crediton.
However it has occurred to me that my local coach company do day excursions to both Newton Abbot and Dawlish / Teignmouth from time to time. They have already run both these trips once this year, but they seem to repeat most destinations each year.
So that seems to me a good option. I will keep my eye on their itinerary which is released monthly.
I hope you can keep a lid on the stress as you get through the next couple of weeks.
Wishing you the very best. MrsP
Mrs. P, that sounds perfect, I think I've been to Dawlish, but not Newton Abbot yet.
DeleteMy daughter too has acquired my belongings in the past, but stupidly forgotten to hide them when I visited. This has resulted in me checking her house for my stuff whenever I see her, although she has become less light-fingered because her partner doesn't like clutter. I've got my eye on several books she has 'borrowed'. I keep telling them they can have it all in a few years time......
We shall be able to explore Newton Abbot together then, if you havnt been there by the time the next excursion comes up. Totnes and Dartmouth are other possible destinations.
DeleteI share that experience of an item not being hidden.
I passed by something in eldest house when there at Christmas and did a double take. It was an Arts and Crafts cover for something or other, not seen for decades as most of my possessions have been packed away in boxes for most of my life. ‘where did this come from ‘ I asked, ‘ oh yes C found it in your storage. We thought we would make a photograph album for you ‘
I await said album with anticipation.
Hooray, I’ve managed to get back to my over sixties fitness class this morning. It’s several weeks since I’ve managed. Today was circuits and I thought I would only be able to do one round, but well done me, I managed both rounds.
ReplyDeletePet shop on the way home and bought more rabbit ears for Lady, and decided to get her a couple of cow ears to see if she would like them.
She always gets a little treat on my return if she is left alone, so today she was smelling the shopping bag with anticipation so I gave her a cow ear. She took it onto ‘ her ‘ sofa, then a few moments later retrieved it and ran to the garden door. I watched and realised that she was going to bury it. She has only ever done this before when we lived in Stroud and then it was a very large buck rabbit that she had killed, and another dead rabbit that she found on one of our walks here. Unfortunately she has buried it next to my compost bin, which has a regular rodent visiting. I’m wondering who will retrieve it first, dog or rat !
My eldest son once came home with a bin bag full of animal bones for my small Jack Russell. I have never seen such a worried animal, he went bananas trying to get them buried, I had to put loads in the bin. I found several just hidden in long grass.
ReplyDeleteThat’s interesting- worried - I hadn’t thought of that.
DeleteSo, Lady is not hungry but is given something that she realises is precious.
Has she buried it because she thinks I might take it back, or as insurance for a future date ?
Her bone, which she has had for over three years and which she spends time on most days has always been in full view and never buried.
Woof was an only dog at the time, so didn't need to protect his haul, I think he was just overwhelmed with the quantity - couldn't eat them all so what to do? He was running up and down, looked really harried, which is why I binned a lot of them, he wasn't looking happy. He definately wanted to store them.
ReplyDeleteUpdate : Lady has dug up and re buried her ‘trophy’ twice today, in different parts of the garden.
DeleteI’m fascinated !
( as you may have guessed )
Apologies if this subject is boring or irrelevant to others.
Well I find it fascinating Mrs. P.
DeleteHave you given her the other cow ear yet? I wonder if they became ordinary, how she would react?
No Mistral - not thought of giving her the other one.
DeleteShe has been in the garden this morning, sunbathing, but not approached the final burial site.
For those of you who are interested, the new series of Canal Boat Diaries starts on Monday 3rd June on the Yesterday channel. It's on Monday to Friday at 7.00pm, for 1 hour.
ReplyDeleteYippee cc very interested 🤗
DeleteAnd I found Robbie Cummins has a Facebook page where he tells all about his series and about the talks he gives around the country. He is now a very busy man and was delighted that Yesterday TV took over sponsoring his programmes from BBC. The only slight problem for viewers is having advert breaks but we record and watch the next day.
DeleteI have tried over recent hours to get this Yesterday Channel which appears to be free. I’ve signed up and that has been registered, but when I try to watch anything my screen tells me to download an app. When I try to do so it doesn’t seem to work.
DeleteAny suggestions ?
I have found the earlier series of Canal Boat Diaries on Iplayer though so will watch them.
I’ve always wanted to have a canal boat holiday, but have never managed more than one single short journey of a few hours.
Mrs P download the UK TV PLAY APP you will the find the Yesterday channel there along with Drama, Dave and W (whatever that is) or is this what you have already done without success?🤞🏼that this info may help you.
DeleteI don’t have a television Miriam.
DeleteLady R - that’s the App that I’ve tried and it just keeps telling me the same information each time then reverts to the App again. Round and round we go ……..
I don't think Mrs P has one.
DeleteMy lack of technical ability.
DeleteIt would seem that I had already signed up and registered. Just had not seen the icon enabling me to install. Have now done so and hope to start watching the Bletchley Girls later.
Thank you for your help Lady R.
Thanks CC. I will do as others, record it so can whizz over the adverts!
DeleteRant as to adverts on some of these channels - funeral plans and life insurance policies, then there are the so called gadgets to aid many (at great cost), all of which are aimed at the more senior citizens, as if we are that gullible.
Rant over. 😀😄
PS I collected a floor steamer mop today, after a lot of research as to products available.
DeleteSo looking for my kitchen ceramic floor tiles being gleaming again, and my slippers no longer stick to them...
Anyone watching Sewing Bee??
ReplyDeleteIt is still early days, but am enjoying it, even though some of the sewing tasks do seem a bit strange, as to what is expected to be produced.
To add, sadly there are two participating contestants who are already irritating me, regardless of their sewing abilities.
DeleteHave seen just the first episode so far Miriam but will watch second on catch up and see how that goes. Used to be a favourite even though I am no needle woman! Did not watch the last series so thought give this series a go as I believe it is an anniversary season - 10th?
DeleteMiriam: amen to the rant about ads aimed at senior citizens. The one that annoys me the most is poor John who has got his life back now he can go upstairs on his Stannah stair lift. Having reached the landing he then leaps out of it like a young gazelle!
DeleteIf he can do that he doesn't need a stair lift.
Amen to you too Sarnia!
DeleteCareco have an online video for a Riser Recliner chair the older lady gently rises with relief on her face and then strides off as though about to take her place in a fast walking event 😳 Mr R is looking into purchasing one of these chairs but as now will still need to be at the ready with his walker once his feet reach the ground. Also I’ve never seen parents talking so cheerfully to their grown up children about them leaving this mortal coil no one appears to be upset at this prospect and all have a jolly good smile and a joke and carry on with the family gathering (but no doubt some maybe secretly planning how to spend the dosh 😂)
Lady update :
ReplyDeleteShe dug it up again this afternoon, brought it inside to her sofa, looked at it ( now limp ) then took it out to the garden and buried it in the gravel section of the garden this time.
I find this behaviour fascinating, Mrs P. This object is obviously very precious to Lady, although she can't possibly know what it is.
DeleteIf only we could be party to her thought processes.
If only Sarnia.
DeleteI know of course that dogs bury things, but it’s new to me. My other two dogs never buried anything.
I was talking to my daughter about it and she told me of a dog walking friend of hers in Bath that their dog has sticks thrown for it when on its walk, and at the end of the walk the dog has to bury the stick. I wonder if it is the same stick retrieved each time ?
I’m pleased to hear that you too are fascinated, I don’t want to be responsible for boring everybody.
Oh, I'm just interested in motivation, human or animal!
DeleteI too find it amusing hearing about Lady’s antics.
DeleteI agree with all others about the ads for seniors.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don’t have a television, when I watch on my Iplayer I do get some of these and like others thay annoy the hell out of me. My greatest gripe is that none of the ‘actors’ even look old, particularly the woman in the bath. Most of them look to me as though they might be reaching seventy soon, which seems to me hardly very old nowerdays.
Like Archerfile we record programmes that we want to watch so that we can skip through the ads. Very occasionally it doesn't work and I find it tedious having to watch the ads, but I suppose that without the ads there wouldn't be the programmes.
ReplyDeleteJust a quick comment about Race Round the World because I don’t think many of you watched it.
ReplyDeleteI was delighted that the two young (is 21 young?) lads won and beat the mother & daughter who really irritated me. Both lads had had a troubled youth, one losing his mother when he was only 5, so it was lovely seeing them achieve something so difficult and strengthen their friendship.
I believe there is another ‘celebrity’ version coming up but have no idea who will be taking part.
We really enjoyed watching the race. I feel the same as you. I was capped that the lads won. All the others were annoying. The scenery was spectacular the whole way.
DeleteIt was a close exciting finish. We enjoyed it too.
DeleteHad a lovely visit to Cowgirl this morning with all my blue bells I’d dug up for her wood area. Just think without this blog we would never have met!!!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Mistral, as the excitement mounts. Given your connection with the islands through your son, and new awareness of the convenience of flying from Exeter, I recently found myself (in my head) becoming excited at the possibility that you might consider visiting me.
ReplyDeleteThen I remembered where the rest of me lives.
One week to go Mistral.
DeleteWishing you the best !
Thank you Mrs. P. Busy busy here.
DeleteFinal update re Lady
ReplyDeleteShe dug her cow ear up and then buried in various parts of the garden FOUR times today. Then took it on the grass area ( I refuse to endow it with the graceful moniker ‘ Lawn ‘ ) considered it for a short while, then proceeded to eat it. I’m not sure whether she completely consumed it because I was interrupted by a neighbour, but I cannot see any evidence of it anywhere.
I wonder if it tasted better being older and damper.
DeleteI also wonder if she will behave the same way next time.
I watched her the last time and could see that it had gone soft and floppy, so yes Mistral I think it must have smelt better and perhaps had become softer to eat.
DeleteNext time ? We shall see.
She must have been experimenting with various burial sites to see which would render the cow's ear to the required consistency!
DeleteNow that’s a very interesting take on her behaviour Sarnia.
DeleteCertainly something deeply instinctive being played out.
I was woken up at 6.00am by 🐈⬛ laying on top of me, purring and tapping me with paws, which was totally ignored!
ReplyDeleteWhen I got up, 🐈⬛ ran ahead of me miaowing loudly. For some reason there was no food and was hungry! I was so upset.
Does your cat have a cat flap Miriam, if so could some other cat be visiting in the night and feeding itself ?
DeleteMine wakes me the same way wanting water. He will only drink from the bath tap running with a trickle.
No. I just hadn't put her food down..😫
DeleteOh dear Miriam not like you - poor 🐈⬛ 😒 She knew what she had to try and do though…..
DeleteWell done Miriam, you might have ignored the interruption for a while but you did get up and feed him/her eventually.
DeleteThey are very clever though and seem to know when you are asleep. Mine certainly do.
I’m off on my trip down the coast to Ilfracombe on the Waverley tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI will report back.
Oh, lovely Ilfracombe! Will you be taking a trip out from the harbour to go mackerel fishing?
ReplyDeleteOr visiting Damian Hirst’s cafe. My favourite thing to do there was a visit to the Lifeboat station. 🛟
The excursion on the Waverley is the highlight AP
DeleteIlfracombe is the destination but i believe we have only a couple of hours there, and I like to get a feel of a place by walking around rather than visit specific indoor spaces. But thanks for the tips.
We shall see what there is todo when we get there but my friend knows Ilfracombe well.
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DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI made the most of my Sunday half price electricity - lawnmower, oven and washing machine - were all red hot!!
ReplyDeleteWashing is already dry as so sunny + breezy. Now I have to iron it all 😫
Finally made a start on pruning our spring flowering evergreen shrubs today. Four down, twelve more to go!
ReplyDeleteKP can you help? I had great difficulty finding out how to delete an unfinished post. In my confusion I seem to have deleted the second, completed one as well. It wasn't particularly important, about taking my children on the Waverley, but it's something I had in common with Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarnia, unfortunately I think that where the contributor deletes the post it is lost, when a post just vanishes into the ether it sometimes appears in my edit page and I can re-post it.
DeleteGood morning Sarnia, perhaps you can write agin the post you accidentally deleted.
DeleteWhen did you have a trip on the Waverley and where to ?
It was a good day.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the coast line of West Somerset and North Devon was very satisfying, most of it inaccessible from land.
The day started very hot and I was worried that I would not be able to cope but once at sea it was very much cooler.
Ilfracombe looked interesting but as we had less then two hours there, a good look at the Damien Hirst statue and around the harbour was about it before the return by coach. Another destination for another day.
Janice
ReplyDeleteHow are you ?
Is your recovery progressing ?
Do let us know how you are.
Thank you Mrs P. I could politely say Fine or I could say *****###^^^^ the latter being a more accurate description. Had 2 days when i thought my energy was coming back and completely forgot what the physio had told me and went out in the lovely sunshine gardening so my energy well and truly vanished and yesterday and today have had to be just resting in bed. I have always been an active person and it is blinking hard. On the 6th I have to go to the local hospital about 20 miles away to have a 24 hour heart monitor fitted so they are covering all bases. Couldn't believe it when the letter came as I already had 2 other appointments arranged for the same morning, doctor, nurse, and then was also phoned up about a group physio session ( because the waiting lists are so long they are trying to arrange group sessions but miles away). Decided the heart monitor should take precedence, and others had to be rearranged.
DeleteMay have mentioned before that I looked up what to do after a stroke to help make new neural pathways etc. So am learning a language, Spanish, on a Duolingo app. Have bought online a dictionary of difficult words because learning a new unknown word a day is supposed to be good, useful for scrabble anyway, and am listening to Mozart cds because the complexity of the music is supposed to help stimulate and repair the brain. Don't know if true or not but nice to listen to. Also juggling, and apparently research has been done on it, if you persevere with it for 3 months itnoticeably increases the grey matter and to a lesser extent the white matter. Doesn't matter if you are not good at it which is just as well. When my son was at uni I used to joke if he didn't get his degree he could always make a living juggling with a hat on the pavement as he was very good, firesticks and all. So all his juggling balls are still here, and to say I am not good at it is an understatement. I practise above the bed in the evening, and Tiger who tends to sleep on my bed watches me with a careful eye before deciding which end of the bed to curl up on.
DeleteDan and Mabel and my little grandson after 2 and a half months in the Philippines left Manila at about 11.30 our time and are in the air heading for Qatar. Trying to keep Max in his seatbelt is a struggle as he wants to play, but they are trying to keep theirs on all the time because of those two planes that went into "clear air" turbulence. I am trying to remember which site Sarnia said to go to to watch plane fights. I am so glad they are on their way back, my son is such a calming influence on me, always sensible. Can't wait to see them.
DeleteFlights!
DeleteFlightRadar24 Janice
DeleteThank you Sarnia. See below.
DeleteArcherphile how are you and Mr AP at the moment? Not been an update for a while.
ReplyDeleteMr R is having a rough time skin wise these days not least on his bottom with so much sitting required. Must get a riser recliner sorted for him soon. Hopefully a new supportive seat will also help.We have a collection of creams, pads etc and then yesterday we managed a lunch out with my sister which we ate inside and then had coffee out on the decking area afterwards. We were under an umbrella and by water but last night his forearms reacted so gave him an antihistamine which is a 24hr pill but if does not work will have to take him to Pharmacy and the Pharmacist will come out to the car. Will also buy some after sun cream later. The trouble with all these ointments etc is they are often little used and when needed out of date of course. It distresses me to see him having to deal with his issues although I don’t let him see this, but my neighbour knows. He is so good never complains and in the main we laugh our way through plus plenty of hugs and kisses plonked on cheeks probably the best medicine of all at the end of the day 🤗 Good to be able to share here too.
Lady R, I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties that you are having. Mr R is lucky to have someone as caring as you are, it makes such a difference.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your dear husband’s problems Lady R. Is it a side effect of one of his medicines that causes problems in the sun. I am on one that causes a very irritating rash if skin is exposed to sunshine so have to make sure I am entirely covered or just not to go outside.
DeleteFunny you should ask about Mr A as he has just been on the phone to the surgery to try to get his dermatology appt. moved up the list.
He first went last August & the GP took photographs of the growth on the back of his neck. to send to the hospital. He was told no appts available until August this year! But the growth has obviously grown bigger & has become itchy & he is worried about it. So I hope he’ll be seen sooner.
Our next door neighbour noticed a suspicious mole on his back & an appointment was made for just two weeks time to check if it is benign or a melanoma.
Seems to depend on which if the GPs sees and refers you,
Love to Mr R and to you too. I don’t know how you keep going!
Thank you cc for your kind wishes and words for us both.
DeleteArcherphile we should have remembered Mr R sensitivity to the sun because of his head problems of the past as you and Mr AP know about only too well. I guess actually getting out scrambled our brains - ok so we were under an umbrella but it was very warm and one or both of us should have thought about it. Will take a few days to recover!
Very concerned to hear of the hospital delay for Mr AP how did he get on yesterday? Can he see the Dr again or send in a photo he really does need a referral right now. Please keep us all posted and love to you both too. Onwards and upwards for all of us 🙏🏼
Wishing You All Well..🤗❤️
ReplyDeleteI had a bad day today, but so very minor in comparison..
Good News, my neice, her hubbie + grand-niece, won their village Scarecrow competition, with Peter Rabbit + Mr. McGregor. These were amazing..but then I am biased.
They must have been good if they won!
DeleteJanice: to track plane flights you need FlightRadar24. If you simply Google it, it will time out every 30 minutes, usually at a critical point when someone is just coming into to land and you miss it when reloading! If you download the app you will be interrupted by the occasional ad, but these only take a second to remove.
ReplyDeleteTo track diversions for plane FIGHTS you want Ryanair flights to Spain out of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
🤣. Thank you Sarnia. I did find it, then when they arrived at Qatar son sent me a link to something called Flightaware which just showed their plane. So this morning am propping eyelids up with matchsticks! They are safely back in this country and at Paddington now.
DeleteYes, I've tried Flight aware, but didn't find it anything like as useful as FlightRadar24. I like the way clicking on the aircraft or airport brings up so much more information. Couldn't resist the response to aircraft fights.
DeleteGlad to be of assistance .
We went on the Waverley on our honeymoon : ), setting off from Dunoon.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely OwiaS - very romantic !
DeleteWhen our children were young we had a family Railcard which provided full fare for one adult, half fare for the second one and £1 each for children. When the Waverley ran trips from Bournemouth we would connect with the steamer by train, travel on it to Swanage and return by train to Southampton.
DeleteI made them Waverley pompom hats in red, white and black and we bought them a badge each to wear on them. My daughter and I were entranced by the engines and would spend most of the short journey watching the governors rotating.
Then the railways were privatised, the Railcard concessions disappeared and the special outing became too expensive for four of us.
I had a hair appointment this morning, and put my "slap" on before going, which I don't usually do. On leaving I went directly and got ID photos done!
ReplyDeleteAs these go, I am quite pleased as though not flattering are quite a good resemblance.
Now to get a new passport (mine is now 2yrs out of date), my bus pass 🤣 and I will need a photo when I have to change my driving licence, in September.
What I hadn't realised is that that photo is now logged in at Gov.UK and have a code number. When I do the passport application on-line, I just need to input this code and the photo is there. The person who took the photo was so helpful in telling me all about this.
How technology is making things easier.
To add, I also have 4 proper paper photos of the right ID size, like the old days! 😀
DeleteHm! Technology only makes things easier if you understand it. If you don't it's a nightmare.
DeleteI spent all day Friday trying to send a shopping list to a friend for her to collect for me on Saturday. Both my systems refused pointblank to send it on the grounds that the contents of the attachment amounted to malware, phishing or a third criminal act which I forget. In the end I had to ring her up and dictate it over the phone.
A grocery list from a supermarket!! I was speechless.
We're sitting in the conservatory having a post evening meal cuppa. A sparrowhawk just swooped in and tried to grab a sparrow from the bird feeder! It didn't succeed. That's something we don't see every day.
ReplyDeleteWow! That sparrow - one lucky bird cc.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience in one’s own garden CC !
DeleteMy daughter and I had sparrows on our table at Heligan this afternoon.
Too tired to tell more. Tomorrow perhaps.
New thread opened
ReplyDeleteAn excellent D Day Tribute episode ⭐️
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understood Fallons words regarding feelings of potential loss and in circumstances of high emotional moments they tend to sneak up!