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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
MiriamJune 4, 2024 at 4:05 PM
ReplyDeleteI 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!
As 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Now to get a new passport (mine is now 2yrs out of date), my bus pass 🤣 and I will need a photo when I have to change my driving licence, in September.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.
REPLYDELETE
MiriamJune 4, 2024 at 4:08 PM
To add, I also have 4 proper paper photos of the right ID size, like the old days! 😀
Sarnia June 4, 2024 at 5:06 PM
ReplyDeleteHm! Technology only makes things easier if you understand it. If you don't it's a nightmare.
I 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.
DELETE
Cheshire CheeseJune 4, 2024 at 5:39 PM
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.
Lady RJune 4, 2024 at 7:20 PM
ReplyDeleteWow! That sparrow - one lucky bird cc.
DELETE
AmbridgesMrsPJune 4, 2024 at 8:56 PM
What a wonderful experience in one’s own garden CC !
My daughter and I had sparrows on our table at Heligan this afternoon.
Too tired to tell more. Tomorrow perhaps.
I know deer can be a problem in gardens but we do like seeing them, especially when we had a family of Mum, Dad & faun (unfortunately I couldn’t get a photo as they kept moving)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. I’d rather have that deer than the 2 million slugs I seem to have in my garden.
DeleteMrs P, the Waverley anecdote is on the old thread.
ReplyDeleteYes I saw it Sarnia.
DeleteAt Heligan yesterday there were two Golden goats from the Chanel Isles ?
Didn’t you mention them recently ?
Re: Sparrowhawk
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a budgie who lived in his cage on our lounge windowsill. I used to kid myself he’d like seeing other birds in the garden. Until one day there was an almighty crash on the window, I thought someone had thrown a rock at it. Budgie went berserk and shed lots of feathers in panic.
On going outside to see what had happened we found a very stunned sparrow hawk on the ground under the window. He must have seen the budgie through glass and thought it would make a good breakfast!
😱 although it sounds as though the budgie survived the ordeal 🤞🏼
DeleteWhat a flirt my 🐈⬛ is!
ReplyDeleteShe loves men. I have had boiler problems with a minor leak for 5 days now, just like a dripping tap, nothing more.. Each time a male engineer has appeared (3 now) she greets them like old friends and is constantly by them. Luckily, so far, all have accepted this.
She does the same with the two blokes who live next door.
How I wish I knew her past history,
Fingers crossed, this leak has now been sorted today, but will monitor for 24 hours just in case.
Thankfully it is summer not winter, so boiler is hardly on.
I don’t know what others can see KP but on my screen it’s a lot of hedge with what looks like a fawn coloured back at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteIs it a pig or a deer ?
Aha ! Just looked again and it’s a complete picture and I can see it’s a young deer.
My neighbour in Rodborough often found deer in the garden and I personally encountered them often….. does anyone remember Lady’s head on clash with a deer in the first year that I had her ?
When I lived on the Isle of Purbeck we had many deer in and around the garden and once on arriving home one evening as I drove into the drive my arrival disturbed a huge stag who jumped the hedge and my car while I was still sitting in it.
A pretty hairy moment !
The downside is the ticks of course. In the last week I’ve removed about ten from Lady, though I rarely see the deer here. Lovely animals though and however often seen, always a delight.
MISTRAL
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the very best over the next 48 hours and hoping the move is as stress free as possible.
Good Luck Mistral.
DeleteWhilst out and about today, I bought some lovely freshly picked, organic home produced asparagus - a treat.
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be served with smoked haddock and parsley sauce. I was tempted with some new Cheshire pots. but at 5.99/kg. I am making do with what I've got, mashed.
To add - I was just about to book the lovely bloke I use, to cut back the very overgrown hedges, until I saw a male blackbird going into the beech one, with a beak full of grubs etc. There is obviously another brood in the nest, so must wait.
DeleteWe look forward to the asparagus season when we get it in our veg box. I like it with poached egg on toast.
DeleteWe've had lots of juvenile starlings squabbling on our bird feeders today.
ReplyDeleteI was amused seeing a juvenile blackbird on the back lawn, with a petal from an oriental poppy. I think it thought is was a food sourcde..until an adult appeared.
DeleteHappy moving Mistral. 🤞 it all goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been digging out a new border in the garden with the aid of a male blackbird as an assistant. If I stop digging it comes within 4 inches of me. Trouble is it’s eating all me worms! Lol
Will be thinking of you and your move Mistral. Think of it as a big adventure and it might seem less daunting. Best of luck and lots of happy wishes for the future
ReplyDeleteEchoing all above best wishes Mistral. A new chapter awaits 🤗
ReplyDeleteArcherphile how did Mr AP get on with his call to your surgery the other day?
ReplyDeleteThe GP asked us to take a clear photo of the growth on his neck and email it to her. She said she would then send it to the dermatologist at the hospital who would decide if a quicker appt was needed. Talk about all around the houses! Just a quick 5 min check with the GP would have saved precious time
DeleteYou are so right AP such situations are frustrating at best and worrying at worst. The Dr situation is getting dire I fear even creeping in our way. Mr R surgery which is also our neighbours open e.consult from 6.30am - noon but can be turned off much earlier if the amount of applications are going to be more than can be dealt with S needs an appointment but her daughter keeps hitting e.consult full. Her knee replacements are now 26 and 25 yrs old 😱 and beginning to give her trouble.
DeleteMy Bro-in-Law is having his pacemaker fitted next Friday. Sadly after his pre-op appointment today, they were told his condition has already deteriorated from just a few weeks ago...
ReplyDeleteHopefully the pacemaker will make a big difference for him.
I am obviously worried + concerned, and will give my support as + when needed. However he has 2 sons and a daughter, all local, who can also support and help their Dad.
I might sound harsh at the moment, but I will always be around to help and support my Big Sis. in whatever way I can..
On a more positive note -
DeleteI revarnished my wooden window box this morning, and it has now been planted up.
It is looking very straggly but hopefully will fill out soon.
At least new compost was put in before planting so hopeful that new plants will survive.
I have two bright pink geraniums, with six trailing surfina petunias, which have petals of either striped or spotted.
It will be interesting as to how this will end up.
My new hanging basket, also planted up today, has three trailing begonias, lemon in colour and perfumed. Again, I wait in anticipation as to how this grows and develops.
It's all 🫰🫰
If MISTRAL has time to look in…..
ReplyDeleteWelcome to your new home MISTRAL
We’ve had a good afternoon for aircraft, earlier the red arrows flew over, boy are they loud!, then we have just been treated to a little display from what looked & sounded like a vintage aircraft, we don’t often see planes doing loops, MrP thinks possibly Mustang, definitely not spitfire, unable to find on flight tracker, my daughter looked, Still fun to watch
ReplyDeleteSuper KP did - not hear them today but have seen them at close quarters and they are indeed loud. Last full rehearsal for next Saturday’s Trooping the Colour today maybe the connection 🤔
DeleteTrying to find something decent on TV to watch, I have come across early episodes of Goodnight Sweetheart. So enjoy it, but surprised just how poor the colour quality is and also, it is not in wide screen format. To think was in the late 1990's, yet it eems so much older.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve been watching it as well Miriam, we recorded all the episodes awhile back & are watching a couple of episodes whenever there’s nothing else that grabs our fancy
DeleteWe’ve been finding very little to watch ‘live’ on TV recently and are relying on recordings most nights. Found that Shetland is being repeated from first episode on ITV3 so are recording all those (have to fast forward through adverts of course)
DeleteAlso, Robbie Cummins Canal Boat Diaries are a joy, but also recorded to loose the ads.
Mr A insists on watching Springwatch every night but I have grown very weary of Michaela Strachan’s over the top enthusiasm and she & Chris Packham, whom I normally admire, seem to think they are still presenting a children’s wildlife show.
The only bits I watch are those with Iolo Williams.
We're struggling to find something to watch as well. We don't subscribe to any streaming services so only have freeview to choose from. As it's summer I don't expect things to improve for now for those of us who aren't particularly interested in sport.
Delete100% agree with your second paragraph AP. One evening next week IoIo has a feature on little owls. When we used to stay in a friends caravan at Church Farm Pagham (in those days her home was surrounded by trees, hedges and stumps and a little owl would sit on a stump right near us one side and a blackbird would sing its heart out outside the kitchen window the other. With the sea and nature reserve so nearby 😊 such happy days and lovely memories. We only ever had one on and off wet week it seemed to be in a little pocket of good weather.
DeleteI’ve just finished Astrid,murder in Paris on channel 4 on demand.
ReplyDeleteReally good French police drama.
Highly recommend.
I’ve been feeling pretty morose over the last few days.
ReplyDeleteMichael Moseley taking a walk on the island of Symi and becoming lost has given me much food for thought over recent days.
My very first thoughts upon Wednesdays news of him being missing was that he had an adventurous spirit, much the same as mine and had acted on that spirit under dangerous conditions.
It is very sad, but expected I feel, that his body has now been found.
Comments have been made on this forum about my adventurous spirit and this recent occurrence has really brought home to me the need to curb my instincts to become more cautious, and to try to lead a less risky life.
I must remember that none of us is indomitable.
MM will be much missed nationally.
Yes, it was very sad to hear about the death of Michael Moseley. It must be such a shock for his family.
DeleteIt is a very sad story, indeed.
DeleteWhat I still can't get my head around, is that he went off walking in the heat of the day when warnings were out for the high temps, and without a mobile 'phone.
Although the coastal areas of Symi, especially around the harbour, are unbelievably beautiful, the interior is extremely barren and inaccessible, with possibly one road and unreliable bus service up to Pedi , the rest being dirt tracks only accessible by jeep. Years ago, on asking the way to a site of particular interest to him, Mr S was instructed to 'follow the donkey poo!'
DeleteIt seems that Dr Mosley was feeling unwell and slipped - dizzy spell perhaps. I believe doctors are notorious for not following their own advice
You obviously know this island and area well. What a sad end though, which could have been avoided.
DeleteAfter a busy day, I have just sat and watched the repeat of the Albert Hall D-Day Rememberance Tribute and Concert, along with tea (Earl Grey of course) + cake.
ReplyDeleteI was left in total 😭😭
It was so meaningful and emotional.
I bet June Spencer, aka Peggy, soon to reach 105yrs on the 14th June, must have memories of this day when the news broke. Peggy in TA is 99yrs, and it would have been wonderful to have heard a cameo from her, be it just two or three words..
I agree Miriam, although I guess we do not know how June is health wise these days. 105 though and only retired 2 yrs - wow!
DeleteFor the first seven or so years of my life people around me talked of little else but The War, to the extent that I didn't realise it was over, especially with the constant sound of unexploded ordnance disposal coming from France.
ReplyDeleteWhat with that, road signs in German and barbed wire all over the place, I'd heard enough about WW2 to last a lifetime. No danger of me forgetting!
To say nothing of the concrete bunkers and monstrous gun towers, now being converted into luxury homes!
DeleteWhat was meaningful to me, was what it was all about and why, which other younger generations will hopefully now appreciate the scale of this operation and it's final outcome.
DeleteMrs P June 9th 1.28
ReplyDeleteOh, you're indomitable all right, just not indestructible!
Mmmmmmm !
DeleteSay again?
DeleteThank you for your correction Sarnia.
DeleteJust didn't want you selling yourself short again, that's all.
DeleteWe have just watched the final of The Piano, recorded from last night. It was the big concert when the 7 chosen pianists played in front of a huge audience.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the most emotional programmes I have ever watched. I had tears in my eyes all the way through! From the little 12 year old Asian boy who played a fiendishly difficult classical piece to the elderly man with dementia who played a piece he had composed for his wife, with her sitting alongside the piano to help him if he forgot the notes - he didn’t. Also a refugee from Ukraine who had to leave her family behind when the war started and is a very gifted pianist.
The eventual best performance award was to a lovely lad who’d had a bad start in life and brought up by foster careers who were in the audience. He written a magnificent piece for them and has the ambition to write music for films, which I am sure he will, with recommendations from Lang Lang and Mika
A truly uplifting programme, I thoroughly recommend seeing it if you can, it will be on the Channel 4 catch up service.
I too have recorded it, but have not watched yet. I do know who won as saw this on-line this morning, but this will not spoil my enjoyment when watching it. I will delight in all the performances.
DeleteThis is great tv viewing, showing such a different talent.
I was taught piano and enjoyed playing but have never had a piano of my own..homes far too small!
I often tinkled the ivories when visiting Mum + Dad.
On one occasion I was sitting playing quite happily on my own, and Mum was surprised to hear me.
Not sure I could play now though. 🎹
I did my new passport application on-line yesterday. It was so very easy, helped by the code I had for my new 'photo which immediately appeared when I put it in.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I thought that It would be difficult + time consuming, as all done in 15mins.
Now need it to be returned by July 4th..
Things are going well here in my part of Italy thanks Miriam. We live in the north east and have an excellent health service. I've had some health problems but am now recovering. We have just had elections so hopefully things will stay as they are.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear that Gianna. And especially that you are recovering. I might think about emigrating to NE Italy, for the health service amongst many other things.! 😃
DeleteSo good to hear from you gin Gianna, good to hear you are recovering from your health problems 🤗 Keep popping in you have been missed.
DeleteNot suggesting you are a Gin lady the keyboard went crazy - as they do 🤭
DeleteGianna Where are you?.
DeleteMy furthest North East visit was Vincenza, along with the surrounding area.
Tee Hee...I have just applied for my bus pass!
ReplyDeleteI am entitled to it, and my local bus stops just a short walk away, which goes direct into the city centre. I might as well get this and use it, as and when...
I am making the most of my new ID photo, which as things go is not too bad. The next use of it is for my new driving licence, due to the age change in 3 months time. I dread the thought of going up a decade..🤷♀️
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIt was the one that hit me Miriam but the goalposts keep moving and now nearly 7yrs into it I feel (in my head at least) and hopefully my manner that I am only 55🤭🤣🤭
Delete55 is a good age to be, Lady R. I've been 55 for years, although I'm beginning to suspect that people might be humouring me, so I doubt if I'll get away with it much longer.
DeleteI live in Emilia Romagna. Our nearest city is Reggio Emilia and the nearest airport is Bologna. This is the region where parmesan cheese is made. This is a well run area and our health service is good. Luckily for me as I have had some health problems. We have now finished doing up the house we bought 3 years ago. It is divided into 2 flats with me downstairs and my son, daughter in law and two grandchildren upstairs. My grandson will be going to study in the university in Dublin this autumn. My granddaughter is 14 and has just completed her first year of secondary school.
ReplyDeleteLovely to know and thanks for saying.
DeleteI never visited Reggio Emilia, but spent time in Cremona, Padua, Mantua and Bologna, all of these cities were amazing, as was Verona.
Another place I really enjoyed was in Tuscany - Lucca.
I spent many happy holidays in this area, staying in apartments or villas, with a hire car.
What a lovely area to live.
You must have had some wonderful holidays, Miriam. You are so very widely travelled.
DeleteI have travelled well, I admit, but as someone who had no dependants this was my reward for working hard.
DeleteMy all-time favourite is my 7day cruise on a small
5* luxury yacht (a group of just 20 persons) then 10days in Ecuador. Other favourites are my trips to S.Africa with all I experienced and saw.
Now my new passport is now on it's way, I might start my travels again..
Nice to see Gianna posting. It’s been a long time.
ReplyDeleteToday I am setting off for Rutland. Tomorrow I’ll be going round Barnsdale gardens, the late Geoff Hamiltons.
I went in March so I’m looking forward to seeing what has come up since. I’m especially interested in seeing their climbing roses after seeing how they’d been pruned. Also the large hosta garden.
Back home Thursday evening, to return the friend I’m going with, then Friday I’m setting off to the NEC. Staying in castle Bromwich then doing Gardeners World live on Saturday. My aim is to find a rose expert that can advise how to stop black spot on roses. Need to see Adam Frosts show garden too.
Mr PtbY staying at home dog sitting. I like going to places on my own, you can just please yourself then.
Sounds a lovely few days PtbY. If you find out the secret to stopping black spot in roses please share it.
DeleteWill do.
DeleteI have just had to renew my over 70’s driving license too. You have to do that every 3 years. I was surprised how easy it is to do online, no photograph required and just a few questions to answer. Strange thing is that I probably won’t drive again because I just don’t enjoy it any more and it is too expensive keeping my car on the road when I don’t use it.
ReplyDeleteMy recently bereaved sister was in your position AP then two years ago the xxxx hit the fan big time and she drove back and forth to hospital approx (8 - 10 miles I think each way) maybe more for 70 continuous days. After that if further was needed sorted a hospital car service. They only had the one car and thankfully it had been quite recently changed from an enormous one that she could never have coped with to the current model. Do you drive Mr R’s vehicle. Of course you have family nearby which at that point my sister did not….
DeleteYes we do have two cars Lady R. Mr A’s car is much bigger than mine, an automatic Lexus. He keeps saying I should learn to drive it but I hate the automatic transmission, I just don’t trust it to slow down without gears!! Also it is full of knobs and buttons and dials and switches, even on the steering wheel and I find it too confusing, which is why I have kept my much simpler 24 yr old Micra.
DeleteOh yes AP I can see that Mr AP car a problem I certainly wouldn’t want to drive it for all the reasons you have given 😱
DeleteI have a mystery.
ReplyDeleteAs said yesterday, I have applied for my bus pass (more difficult than getting a new passport!). I had an e-mail today, to say I needed to give prove of age. I took a photo of my birth certificate and sent this.
What I have never noticed, but that is probably due to no idea when I last looked at it, is the address of where Mum + Dad were living then, as it is to not where I thought they were living when I was born.
I have Sisters on the case, as to where this was and why?
And I thought I knew my life history!
Hope you manage to find out Miriam, I’m still chasing some of the mysteries my father left.
DeleteJanice, pleased to see you posting today. I was concerned that we had not seen you here for a few days and wondering if you had experienced a set back. How is the recovery going ?
I’m hoping the silence from Mistral since she moved is due to not yet being connected to the internet yet, which happened to me when I moved.
Ups and downs Mrs P. I am still reading but will comment more when am sorted out. Energy levels still very low.
DeleteThey started me on a high dose of avorvastatin ( 80mg) at the end of April as well as a blood thinner and have been having a bad time with side effects that the doctor thinks is probably the statin so he has halved the dose and going to review it again at the beginning of July. Haven't heard anything back re the heart monitor so hopefully no news is good news. Son is driving me the 25 miles to an assessment and first group physio session tomorrow to help with slightly off balance wobbly walk. Maybe after a few sessions I will be like a spring chicken again!
I too was sad about Michael Mosley as I liked his Just One Thing podcast and found it useful. Funnily enough the physio who did the one off initial visit did his best to teach me how to do squats ( with a chair behind for safety!) as a way of strengthening the leg muscles and in M.M.s book of his favourite just one things he recommends doing squats as being good for the brain as well as the muscles, so I shall try to persevere with them. I am lucky in having good family support.
Lady R: I agree. See June 12th, 9.42am.
ReplyDeleteTherefore Sarnia we shall forevermore be 55yrs 👏🏻 anyone else up for joining our club? 🤭
Delete👍
DeleteWelcome Janice 🤗👏🏻
DeleteIt was nice to hear from Gianna, and to know she has got through her health problems.
ReplyDeleteI do squats daily as well as in my fitness class, and I’m pretty good at them.
ReplyDeleteHowever despite my ability I still cannot do a squat to pick something up which I really ought to be able to do.
Practice makes Perfect, so keep going. 😀
DeleteThe floor is so much further away than it used to be, even when you're still only 55 (sigh).
DeleteGo Sarnia 🤣😂🤣
DeleteI hope Mistral is settling down in her new home. Early days yet, but I do hope all has gone as expected.
ReplyDeleteI've been having problems with symptoms of sinusitis. I got some medication from the pharmacy but it's no better 3 weeks on. I decided that I needed to bite the bullet and contact the GP so phoned this afternoon. Given all the publicity about people's experiences I was expecting difficulties being dealt with in a timely manner so was very surprised when the phone was answered immediately and I was given an appointment for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHello again everyone, thank you for your good wishes and thoughts, I really appeeciate it.
ReplyDeleteAs Mrs. P. guessed, I have no internet yet, but today my daughter showed me how to 'tether and hotspot', so got access again.
The move went well, (Pickford's) and the boxes are reducing, I can see some floor now. I have completely filled my three !!!! kitchen cupboards, so now waiting for my son-in-law to fit some shelves. Its funny though, because this flat was a conversion done in 2018. It has cupboards where I can only reach the lowest shelf, racks of coat hooks which I can't reach at all, a bathroom light/shaver socket about 2'' off the high ceiling, and I have to stand on tiptoe to reach the cords to lower the blinds. I am 5'2'' but feel like a midget. It must have been designed by a very tall person. Went to Ikea today and bought some wooden steps so I can reach things, they are more attractive than my paint/cement covered aluminium ones. it's really funny what you don't notice when viewing, and I visited four times....it's really lovely though, and I feel very happy, but still can't quite beleive it. I am in full-on holiday mode!
Wonderful, Mistral. As a fellow-5'2er learning to live in a house arranged to suit a 6' husband, I feel for you. Can you see yourself in the mirrors?
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear that it’s all gone to plan Mistral.
DeleteAnother 5.2” here and with the same problem as you. Cupboards that I can barely reach and everything designed for a taller person. Try to live with most things as they are until you know for sure what adaptations you need.
And great that you now have D and SIL close by.
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to coming your way for a day trip.
A 5'2'' club as well as a 55 one? I wonder how many of us would belong to both?
DeleteI had my pre surgery assessment by phone on Monday and am at Musgrove in Taunton this afternoon for swabs and suchlike as part of that assessment.
ReplyDeleteAlthough no date for surgery yet, I’m told that pre assessment last six months so I appear to be moving up the list.
I’m going to Taunton on the bus for the first time.
🤞that you won't have to wait too long MrsP
DeleteDon't think it will be long now 🫰
DeleteGlad to hear the move went well Mistral. I hope you’ll be very happy there.
ReplyDeleteI had an awful journey down to castle Bromwich today. Torrential rain on and off and the M1 was a nightmare. Think I may go home via the A1 tomorrow night. Got booked in my hotel but it’s one of those that looks fabulous from the outside then is really dated inside and needs doing up. Should have guessed really by the price I paid.
Anyway have just been reading reviews of the restaurant and I’ve decided to go to Morrisons for my meal! I’m dreading breakfast. Think I’ll stick to the cornflakes! lol.
At least it is for one night, but what a disappointment. Hopefully your bed will be comfy for you to sleep well.
DeletePtbY. Can eggs, toast abd bacon be messed up?
DeleteYou bet! Cf Royal Lodge Hotel, Symonds Yat. Expensively so, too!
DeleteThey certainly can be messed up Miriam.
DeleteMy day in Taunton was mixed.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the bus was late and overcrowded ( Butlins changeover day ! I know now never to go on Friday ) the journey was interesting. And I had a long conversation with a young South African man on his way to the Isle of Man.
Much of the rest of the day was good.
However my clinical experience was, to me, disturbing.
I have a physical reaction to tattoos and metal facial adornments.
The nurse who attended me had both tattoos on her arms and hands as well as a ring through her nose and some other metal thing somewhere around the top of her face, as well as bright orange nail varnish.
I also dislike nail varnish but not to the extent of the other two elements.
Seven hours later I am still feeling both discomforted and physically sick.
Last week I sent feedback to the hospital for three different members of staff giving really helpful and knowledgeable answers to my questions. I received a very nice email from the hospital in response.
This evening I have sent a very detailed email regarding the appearance of a member of the clinical team and explaining how it affected me.
I know very well that many people are currently adorned in such ways, but I won’t use shops where I know that I will have to experience seeing this.
And in recounting what happened today to my friend Simon he told me that when he worked at Butlins any member of staff with tattoos was required to wear sleeves to hide them and all metal adornments had to be removed.
I feel very strongly that any person required to be in close physical proximity to a patient in a clinical situation should be required to be clean of such adornments.
I shall be interested to hear other’s opinions, positive or negative.
Poor Mrs P. I'm very surprised that such things are permitted. It sounds most unprofessional to me and I shouldn't like it at all
DeleteI went to have a blood test taken at the surgery a couple of years ago.
DeleteThis bearded, tattooed biker arrived in the waiting room and I realised he was calling my name.
Absolutely lovely guy, and took my bloods with no problems whatsoever ...
When I was working we weren't allowed to wear nail varnish. Perhaps you could inform the people that you have an appointment with of the effect that tattoos and piercings have on you. We would certainly have accomodated that in our department.
DeleteOWiaS, that's an interesting reply and more or less what I would expect. I always imagine you to be younger and from a less formal background than many of us. I know that Guernsey is often said to be 50 years behind the times, but I remember walking out with my parents on Whitsunday in best frock, straw bonnet and white gloves
DeleteI don't look back on those times as being anything other than quaint, but nevertheless, I do not equate tattoos and body piercings with a professional approach and scrupulous hygiene. I don't find the spectacle of heavily pregnant women in leggings and crop top particularly edifying either, but I recognise that dignity is now an outdated concept and it's my dinosaur credentials showing!
Cheshire Cheese -
DeleteI imagine my email will be followed up and in any reply to it I will be sure to find what the policy of the hospital is on this matter.
AND - after my comment this morning that I too was 5’1” - I was measured today at 4’11”
ReplyDeleteI’ve shrunk three inches !
Oh no ! However let us not forget that good things come in little form 👍
DeleteDear Mrs P
ReplyDeleteUnder the circumstances I regret to have to inform that your application for membership of our distinguished association has been unsuccessful.
The question of tattoos and piercings is a slightly tricky one for me as my younger daughter has acquired quite a collection of both, but she’s a barber and it seems almost compulsory in that business.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that in a clinical setting they look out of place, and would suggest that piercings should be removed, but they have to heal before you can do that. Ideally tattoos would be covered but cross infection control advises bare below the elbow…. I feel it would be a brave boss/ manager to take a staff member to task over an issue of personal expression. Nail polish is a cross infection matter and in dentistry at least it is something you can forbid, although with gel, shellac and acrylic nails it is harder to enforce.
I do sympathise with you MrsP, MrNuts was kept in the dark about our daughter’s decoration for a long time as he hates tattoos, I knew they were inevitable and was more concerned that when she got them done there was good cross infection control in place.
Tattoos seem to becoming increasinly popular and socially acceptable. Even the police allow officers to be tattooed (within certain guidelines).
DeletePersonally I dislike them. (Tattoos, not the police!) Can't see any attraction in sticking ink into your skin. However, more than one Small Person Sometimes in a Shoe disagrees with me on this matter, so I've just had to learn to live with it.
Quite. Irrespective of my own likes/dislikes, other people's choices are none of my business
DeleteI am not a lover of "body art", but I do not object to it in any way. I just feel that what looks good now, might not in 30yrs time when skin starts losing its elasticity, and how lives have then changed.
DeleteMy NIL has huge body art down a leg which is only seen when he wears shorts. It is very meaningful for him, as it represents his journey from being an alcoholic, to becoming sober (after many attempts) and then becoming a father.
As such I cannot dislike.
Have just been reading re this subject/ NHS policy on line.
ReplyDeleteMany hospital authorities do have policies on this subject, and there is overall NHS policy published.
Most seem to be tattoos covered. None if offensive. Piercings removed when on duty.
I hadn't planned to, but did end up watching Trooping The Colour, and I am so glad I did.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely spectacle with all those taking part, the armed forces along with the Royal Family, doing what they do best..
PS Princess Charlotte of Wales so reminds me of a young Princess Elizabeth, our late Queen.
PPS My new passport arrived yesterday, which is amazing as I only applied for it last Sunday. I actually like it. The photo is good as it doesn't show my silver hair streaks 🤣. It will certainly do for 10yrs.. until 2034 🙀
The interesting thing is that my hairstyle is almost identical to that in the old one.
Trooping the colour - agree totally Miriam just superb. The king does not get luck with the weather his Coronation Day was also blighted by rain strange how the weather changed so dramatically for the fly past though which was thrilling. Louis well he just can’t help himself shades of uncle Harry 🤭 Charlotte comment ✔️ and George has always been stately bless him, imo as things stand The Crown is in safe hands for the future.
DeleteWow good news re your passport application quick turn around and to be pleased with your pic!! Silver streaks sound lovely some youngsters even pay for them. A comment was made recently that silver hair if paired with good skin is not at all ageing and indeed looks elegant oooohhh. (especially if one is only 55 eh Sarnia 😂🤣😂)
Bit late to the discussion, but, tattoos etc……When I was young, tattoos only seemed to be seen on old sailors, usually an anchor or a sweethearts name. Often done abroad on one of their sea trips.
ReplyDeleteBut nowadays they seem to have proliferated to the extent of people like David Beckham, who was seen this week chatting to the King, with tattoos extending up his neck and beyond his shirt cuffs.
I don’t mind a discrete tattoo but cannot bear these whole arm, or whole body pictures with hardly an inch of bare skin anywhere. Like Miriam, I dread to think what they will look like when the skin becomes old and wrinkly (like mine!).
I had to stop myself commenting when granddaughter Rosie obtained two (small) tattoos on her upper arms when at University. But at least the nose piercing has since been dispensed with!
As for being treated by someone with such ‘adornments’, no, I am not keen. But worse, for me, was a trip to our X-ray department to be dealt with by a nurse, in nurses dress, but very obviously a man, with very unconvincing make-up, very deep voice and hairy hands. OK, if he wants transition to female that’s fine, but surely should not be allowed to treat patients until he is a bit further down the line of transition. I felt extremely uncomfortable being treated by him/her. But didn’t feel I could object for fear of being accused of bias or something worse
All good points AP . I take it your hospital experience was at Basingstoke 🤔 The world is changing so much regarding gender identity I guess the bottom line is respect both ways but that can leave some people (often from a different era - ie many of us) feeling unable to state that they do not feel comfortable in a situation such as you have described for fear of it being taken as a comment made with malice…..
DeleteI think in your case ARCHERPHILE an email via hospital feedback would have been appropriate.
DeleteAs Lady R says, respect both ways, in which case we should be able to at the very least, exercise a right to have our feelings recognised.
Years ago I knew a woman who had covered her arms in tattoos when young. She had many operations to remove them, having deep regrets for what she had done so many years before. I think the removals were done on the NHS, in which case can we imagine what the NHS might be required to spend huge amounts of money on in the future.
Exactly Lady R. Yes it was Basingstoke, about 2-3 years ago. When we first saw this nurse appear, while sitting in the waiting area, they were walking around the department and we honestly thought there was some hospital entertainment show going on, or being rehearsed for. The nurse was so obviously acting very ‘gay’ it was quite amusing. Little did we realise she/he was a real nurse and I was about to be called into a cubicle with her.
DeleteProud to be Yorkshire. commented on "Life outside Ambridge"
DeleteYesterday
Well, I had a breakfast at my hotel this morning, a cooked one and it was very good. Ok the scrambled eggs didn’t look appetising and I don’t do runny fried ones but the rest was great. Proper sausages, not plastic ones and tiny button mushrooms properly cooked. A good start to a good day.
I will definitely go to gardeners world live again next year. There were loads of fabulous plants to buy and displays to see. Even had my photo taken with Adam Frost……my next husband, as I like to call him. 😍. Saw an interview with Monty Don explaining about the filming of gardeners world. A lot more to it than you think.
I got 2 hosta’s and a multi stemmed white foxglove. You could spend a fortune there if you wanted.
Mrs P….I’m with you on the subject of tattoos and facial piercings. Every youngster seems to be covered in tattoos nowadays. My question is….how do they afford them all? Most look awful with them.
Well I wrote a long post last night and it’s disappeared in the ether.
ReplyDeleteBlack spot on roses. Pick off affected leaves. Spray all other growth weekly with a chemical spray for black spot.
It’s the rain causing it. When the leaves stay wet for a long time…..so basically we are all buggered!
Had a lovely day at GWL. Had photo taken with Adam Frost…my next husband! lol. Saw Monty Don interviewed about filming gardeners world. Lot more to it than you think.
Heard a houseplant talk by Frances Tophill. Don’t think it’ll stop me killing mine though.
Loads of wonderful plants to buy, you could spend a fortune. I will definitely go again next year.
On tattoos and facial piercings. I’m with you Mrs P. They do not look professional and such piercings should be banned from a health service practise. Most young people seem to be covered in tattoos nowadays….my question is….how do they afford them?
What with mobile phone contracts, vaping/smoking, Apps that cost money ie Spotify, Netflix and the like there is no wonder the young can’t save for a house.
My son is getting married next year, they have a little house and the cost of Netflix, prime, Spotify and God knows what per month, could go towards this ridiculous costly wedding they, well she, is planning.
The young want to have it all straight away. The time of saving for something is long gone.
Hi PtbY I have inserted your post so we know the breakfast was good even if the hotel itself was lacking.
DeleteHaha. Thanks KP.
DeleteAs Ptby... says, youngsters these days want and then have to have, the latest technology, gadgets etc.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me this is by both "peer pressure" and advertising.
I still don't get this obsession for air-fryers and the so-called savings. This is obviously a different generation thing. I am sure I can cook far better and in a very cost effective way,
My great-niece and I get on well, but she is so into technology etc already. She is still astounded that I don't have Sky, Netflix but I don't need or want them! I do the "don't forget I am a pensioner " act...🤣🤣
BIL had his pace-maker(hopefully temporary) fitted on Friday. Big. Sis is already moaning, as he can't to any gardening for 6 weeks. They have a big garden which he maintained, whilst she did the vegetable plot and then utilising the veg. in meals and preparing Jams, Pickles and for the freezer.
Now she has to do the lot, including using the ride-on lawn mower..which means she will have to give up some her jaunts out! Also BIL has OCD re tidiness, kitchen cleaning,..so I expect he will be frustrated for a while.
I am standing back, as he has family leaving near by, who for once should do their bit for a change.
It is Father's Day today, he had a hospital procedure on Friday, yet so far, none of his children (all single and in their late 30's) have been to see him. 😪
I am posting again, but need a Rant!
ReplyDeleteI do not mind the football coverage on TV, as I love other sports such as Wimbledon, the Olympics which will swamp the channels soon.
My rant is:-- Why, Oh Why, does there have to be a programme starting 60 or even 90mins before the match Kick Off, and then a long post-match discussion..
Finally a taste of summer today. No rain, warm sunshine and I've just heard an ice cream van for the first time this year. I got some gardening done and a load of washing dried outdoors. Hoping it stays a bit warmer and my vegetables start to grow. The only downside is I've got blackfly on the broad beans, hopefully a spray with horticultural soap will knock them on the head.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only person who can’t see the point of air fryers. I’ll stick with my slow cooker.
ReplyDelete...and I still love a pressure cooker, updated a few years ago.
DeleteAir fryers and the like.
DeleteThis is the latest………as Miriam has said, peer pressure and advertising, so have you seen the latest ?
Here is my question first : did you swaddle your babies ?
I did. My friend Angela did. Perhaps many on here did.
Do young mothers today swaddle their baby I wonder. Think it went out of fashion a long time ago.
Recently saw an advertisement or something on Pinterest.
It appeared to be a garment. An all in one garment with arms and legs closed at the ends, and, I assume, a zip up front - or back. It looked to be in a warm fabric and resembled those creatures that were on baby television. They made funny sounds …. Can’t remember the names …..
This garment was named the Swaddler !
I bet all the new mums will now need to buy them, probably about £20/30
And they will all think this swaddling thing is NEW !
Swaddling? No fear, my son was a projectile vomiter - 5 minutes of feeding and he could hit a sideboard at three paces. Gradually lessened until time for the next feed, when it started all over again. Lovely chap now, couldn't wish for better, but he's still a greedy pig!
DeleteDo love your descriptive posts Sarnia😂🤣😂
DeleteRight, well, I thought at the time that his feeds were more of a Roman orgy: full to the gunwales after 5 mins guzzling, then throw up to make room for more! Turned out that sausages were far more to his liking.
Delete🤭✔️
DeleteMy two children were born in 71 and 74 and I was instructed to put them down to sleep on their tummies. The health visitor was very strict about this.
ReplyDeleteNowadays the advice is to lay babies on their backs to sleep, to lessen the risk of cot death.
So who is right and why do the ‘rules’ about baby care change over the years?
The advice has changed because of more evidence about the cot death risks having been gathered. It's also why sleeping bags are used rather than blankets or duvets for babies.
DeleteI put both mine on their tummy’s to create strong back muscles.
DeleteFads and fashions come and go.
First one in '74 on his tummy; got very good at propping himself up on his elbows and manipulating shapes.
DeleteSecond one in '77 on her side. Grizzled until I sat her up. Nosey little minx, talking from the minute she was born. Midwife dumped her on Mr S, who had a beard in those days; madam looked up at him and said, Ooooooh!
I went out all up-beat, for gardening today.
ReplyDeleteWell the lawns have been done and that's all, as far too chilly with a cool wind blowing to do much more. Still it looks like things are changing tomorrow, so will continue in the sun 🫰
My poll card arrived today. This time I am in a completely new constituency which I am far from happy about. I was in The City of Chester, but am now on a remote edge of a very large new one. There are just a few wards which have been shunted out, and I still don't understand why this was deemed necessary despite the many valid arguments about this, lead by by now ex MP.
I am not being political at all and never will be.
DeleteOur polling station has been moved from the secondary school round the corner, which I coul just about manage, to a different location almost a mile away. This is too far for me to walk, so I now have a postal vote.
DeleteI too am now living in a constituency where the boundaries have been changed. Minehead is now included with Tiverton and looking at a map I can see why. The number of residents in between these two towns must be a very few thousand at the most I would think. So I can imagine that this particular boundary change made some sort of sense. Judging from local comments the standing MP is not well thought of.
ReplyDeleteUs too! We were in North West Hants which centers on Andover. Our MP has been Kit Malthouse who has never been seen in our village and only seems to care about Andover.
ReplyDeleteWe have now been moved just into the edge of Basingstoke constituency under Dame Maria Miller’s care. In some ways I think this is good as she is keen on stopping more overdevelopment due to Basingstoke having already built far more houses than any other town in the South-East.
But I think it quite possible there could be a change of party here, the council is now run by a LibDem/ indépendant coalition after the local elections in May
I still don't understand why so many parliamentary constituencies have had to be changed. The previous ones were fine as they were.
ReplyDeleteI am hating my new one already, as just feel shut out. There have been no canvassers around, very little fliers or mail, so much so, I only know the candidates by looking on-line...
Must tell about my bargain of the day.
ReplyDelete4 extra large on the vine tomatoes, reduced from £1.70 to 34p!
I do love a bargain 😀
Oooh Miriam - overripe tomatoes, my favourite.
DeleteI much prefer cooked tomatoes to raw.
And under 10p each, yes a genuine bargain.
They are still firm and far from overripe..and will last for a while. This is why I don't understand why such a product still has a best before or sell by date.
DeleteMiriam
ReplyDeleteBoundary changes explained by Ros Atkinson on BBC Sounds
Believe you me, I understand the reasoning as to the boundary changes and why these have been done.
DeleteI still don't agree to this in mine and the other two other local ffected wards. I was very vocal in the campaign to keep these 3 wards in the previous parliamentary seat. I have friends who live in another such removed place. In 7 minutes by foot, they reach the ancient city walls of Chester, but they also are no longer part of the parliamentary seat of the City of Chester.
Mrs P.
DeleteApologies for the rant, but as you realise, I feel very strongly about being shunted into a huge new parliamentary constituency. Any future problems needing MP help + input, will not be addressed by the "local" one, who would probably still be aware of what is going on locally, due to those lucky enough to still be included.
Sorry Miriam, I clearly misunderstood your questioning of boundary changes.
DeleteWith your latest reply to the question I can see why you are so engaged by these changes. If I was previously within a major city, I too would be pretty sore to find that I was suddenly excluded from that position.
To many people such things are important and matter to them personally.
When we moved house 12 years ago we moved closer to Winchester and it became our nearest large centre whereas previously we could get equally easily to several towns. However our parliamentary constituency changed from Winchester, a marginal, to EastHants which is incredibly dyed in the wool conservative, wi never get canvassers knocking on the door as the houses are spread out and no pavement, however there is a hustings with most of the candidates on Monday that we are going to.
ReplyDeleteHere on the outskirts of this wonderful Maritime City, we occasionally get leaflets through the door, but absolutely nobody canvasses, not even in pairs; perhaps they're afraid to, even though I think we may be marginal.
ReplyDeleteLast time someone came, ages ago now, he asked me what I thought of our local MP, which was asking for trouble!!!
I said, you mean that rude little man who used to work in the local bike shop... ...
Mr A had an exciting government letter from Belfast today.
ReplyDeleteHand addressed envelope (even though they left out half of the address), first class post, three printed pages inside.
The notification? That when he reaches the age of 80 in 10 days time he will be entitled to a higher State Pension. Yippee we thought, something to soften the blow of entering his 9th decade. The sum, discovered on another page…..25pence!
How can it be worth the government, strapped as they are, to have a clerk doing this work, print the pages, pay the postage all for the sum of 25pence.
We are having serious discussions on how to spend it. 🤔
It's to show that them upstairs in the corridors of power are thinking of him. Perhaps you might put 25p aside in a jar every week and watch it mount up. After all, as they say at Tesco, 'Every little helps'. Or was it Asda?
ReplyDelete🥴
ReplyDeleteWell !
DeleteMr A was privileged to get a special letter.
I don’t remember getting such a thing, just the usual DWAP confirmation of my birthdate and the magnificent sum of 25p extra, in its buff envelope.
I have saved that 25p each week for over two years but I haven’t counted it yet.
£26 🤔 wowee….
DeleteOur constituency has been Conservative for over 100 years, a safe seat. However there is a possibility of a change this time. We've had leaflets from all the other parties but, surprisingly, nothing from the Conservatives.
ReplyDeleteApparently, due to boundary changes and our incumbent MP retiring, our constituency might actually change colour! If you'd asked me a year ago, I would have said that was as likely as the ravens leaving the Tower of London.
DeleteCC (& others) have you received your personal letters from Richie 🤮?
DeleteSurprised today to get info. from two of the prospective candidates in my new constituency. These make very interesting reading as two totally differing views, along with how to represent the very many constituents.
DeleteNo personal letter from Rishi Lady R.
DeleteApparently both he and David Cameron visited our constituency but I didn't find out till 2 weeks later. According to our local paper Sunak visited some farmers and fed a lamb and Cameron pulled a pint for our MP in a pub.
I have no gas supply. Last night a gas pipe caught on fire and shot flames high up into the sky. All the fire brigade could do was to try and contain the fire, until the gas supply was shut off, and they did this brilliantly, so no home or vehicles were affected. It took 3 fire engines though and 5 hours.
ReplyDeleteSome householders had to leave their homes as a precaution.
I could see the smoke and glow of the fire, as quite close by.
A long story cut short, my gas supply is off, Cadent has to visit every home affected to cut off + cap meters, to then return to re-connect once repairs done.
Time-scale is 5 or even 7 days.
At least my only problem is no hot water, so all I need to do is keep boiling the kettle...
I can cook, but so feel for those with gas cookers.
Gosh Miriam, thank goodness no one was hurt!
DeleteYes. The fire brigade were fantastic to ensure this.
DeleteA scary situation there for a while Miriam good on the firefighters! ⭐️👏🏻⭐️
DeleteThe community area is doing great as the village hall is open until 10.00pm tonight, giving out advice, and providing hot-plates to those with no cooking facilities.
DeleteIt is amazing this has been organised in less than 24hours.
Also any-one with health or age issues or is classed as vunerable, can be registered for priority reconnection when things are finally sorted.
There is also someone trying to liase with hotels, gyms etc in the area which are not affected, to provide free hot showers etc..
As said I am fine with boiling the kettle for now along with a good "strip wash"! 🤣
I am far better than I was as a child in the '50's..There were two hot water geysers one over the sink in the inside loo and one over the kitchen sink...We managed fine as it was normal life then, not temporary as it is now.
DeleteAt least no heating is needed.
It it interesting reading posts on our local community site, as to the constant moans and complaints etc..from younger generations.
I'm sitting in the conservatory listening to 2 blackbirds having a singing competition. I'll really miss them when the singing season is over.
ReplyDeleteI spend too much time watching the antics of the birds on our feeders, especially at this time of year when there are so many fledglings around.
I love to hear a blackbird.
DeleteI’m sick of cooing pigeons.
Me too CC. I spend hours on the sofa watching the birds on the feeders and in the large bird bath we have nearby. Often there are several blue tits in the bath at the same time, splashing around, having swimming galas and whatnot. Our two blackbirds love having a good old wash there too. Yesterday l looked out to see a beautiful bullfinch, with his bright orange chest, having a spruce up. He then went and perched on stems of spent aquilegias, pecking at the seed heads
DeleteI really don’t know what I would have done these past months of house arrest without the avian antics going out outside the window to entertain me.
I sadly had a pressie on the bedroom carpet this morning - a baby bird but not sure exactly what is was. Think it might have been a fledgling robin..
DeleteI have my "bloke" booked in for chopping back the very overgrown hedges. There is a delay as he is so busy but the nests should all be empty by then.
DeletePussy loves you, Miriam.
DeleteMy gas meter has now been officially "capped off". It will be a long wait until the gas supply is restored. It is the earliest on Thursday, but not convinced as all.
ReplyDeleteAll the houses (about 3500),have to have the meters uncapped, the gas supply tested along with all house-hold gas appliances to ensure safety and working correctly.
I did have a lovely bath this morning, as the water in my tank was still quite warm. I emptied it into the bath and indulged myself!
Like the old days again Miriam, one bath a week - but not in a tin one in front of the fire this time (lovely on a cold winter night but not so good going into a freezing bedroom afterwards) Did you then put on a clean vest and knickers 😂🤣😂
DeleteActually feels like summer at last. Glyndebourne yesterday was idyllic, perfect warm sunshine for picnic but not uncomfortably hot and a fantastic new production of Guillio Cesare, and nice to see a piece I haven’t seen before.. Tosca at the Grange on Wednesday so another picnic to plan.this time for four, probably the same chilled soup as the forecast is hot. At least England’s football match is on Tuesday a few years ago I had to take my ipad so MrNuts & our friend could watch before the performance started.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening at The Grange KP.
DeletePersonally I am already sick to death of football, the way it has taken over TV schedules and caused even the News to be delayed or cancelled.
And then there will be 2 weeks of Tennis to get through. I so wish that the BBC would dedicate one of their several channels to sport and leave the rest alone.
Couldn't agree more Archerfile.
DeleteI don’t have much of a social life, haven’t for years really, but don’t seem to mind.
ReplyDeleteHowever I’ve had three days in a row of what seems like non stop socialising, culminating yesterday in driving to Wellington to a service - Choral Evensong.
I’ve been trying to find somewhere since I’ve been here without any luck, ( too far to Wells for regular attendance) then on Friday in a local tea garden got talking to a family and the woman sings in a Somerset choir that were doing Evensong in Wellington this weekend.
Discovering this choir has opened up more opportunities for music for me, and making me very happy.
And SANIA - the organ was good too.
Unfortunately when I got home my electrical power went and I cannot reach my fuse box situated very high up in a cupboard. Fortunately my neighbour upstairs lodger was able to help this morning.
I can certainly understand and sympathise with Miriam’s dilemma having been without an oven now for several months.
Thanks, Mrs P. Sadly ours has conked out due to irregular use and maintenance from diminished income since COVID. We had embarked on an overhaul programme, but then bits started falling off the turret. Repairs are now completed and the coffers are bare.
ReplyDeleteIn the United Reformed Church there is no central structure, and each congregation is largely self-sufficient.
I am therefore currently a pianist rather than an organist.
I hadn't realised just how often I use hot water in a day, as now I have to boil the kettle every-time!
ReplyDeleteStill luckily, that's my only problem, unlike many others.
I hope that it gets fixed soon Miriam.
DeleteA woodpidgeon got into our conservatory this morning. What a mess with feathers and poo everywhere as well as two broken terracotta cactus pots which were knocked onto the floor. Mr CC managed to catch it by putting a towel over it. We recently spring cleaned the conservatory after putting out our overwintering plants, now it's getting another clean.
ReplyDeleteThis afternoon's job is repotting the cacti.
That reminds me of a time I was away for a week-end and cay at that time was home alone. I returned home to find a trail of feathers going up the stairs. One dead blackbird and one still alive! It was a mess with feathers "bird sxxt" all over my bed!
DeleteI can sympathise.
What awful experiences for you both!
DeleteI received two election leaflets today. One for the Reform Party and one for Hampshire Independents
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately they were both encouraging me to vote for them in the East Hants constituency which is not where we live!.
What a waste of their time & money
Can' have much confidence in someone who doesn't know where the constituency boundaries are.
DeleteWe went to an East Hants husting on Monday, it was on green issues, Reorm declined to join & Hampshire Independent was a bit of a fruit loop
DeleteWhat a lovely morning. It was Sunny, warm, woke up with pusscat curled up beside me, plus a tank full of hot water!
ReplyDeleteMy gas was reconnected at about 8.00pm last night, but all the property reconnections won't be finished until tomorrow.
I was one of the lucky ones.
So pleased for you Miriam 👏🏻
DeleteI do envy you your tank Miriam.
DeleteI have inherited a combination boiler here and I so miss having a tank of hot water.
I am obsessed with not wasting ANY water and so regularly run off cold water from the hot tap into plastic milk bottles, to use later, before the hot water comes through. Even with the kitchen sink next to the boiler I am still able to collect two or three litres of cold water before the hot appears.
To wash in the bathroom I boil a kettle which I then take to the bathroom.
The hot water to the bath comes through pretty quickly as the boiler is literally on the other side of the wall so I imagine that the pipes to the bath must be pretty short.
As said … I envy Miriam her tank of water.
I’ve had a call from HSBC Fraud department this morning.
ReplyDeleteThe call was on my mobile - which I try to restrict to texts only - and I could not decipher what the caller was saying so I ended the call by saying that I suspected this was a scam. Seconds later I had an alert on the mobile asking me to call HSBC Fraud department which I did.
The bank had blocked my card and a payment made at 2am last night ( not by me ! )
And were of course asking me if I had made this payment or if I had given any of my card details recently.
I immediately remembered that about two weeks ago I had attempted to make a very small payment on line. HSBC had immediately sent a text from the fraud department asking me if this payment was from me. I had answered yes and the payment was unblocked. But this intervention made me think again, and I then closed the transaction down without completing it.
Over the following days I had various emails informing me that my package was waiting for me to pay the postage owed before it could be delivered.
I ignored these emails, but I did keep the text from the bank on my mobile.
I was able therefore to tell the fraud department the date of their text to me and that was then linked to last nights attempted transaction.
A new debit card will be sent to me and I have already cut my present card into small pieces. Fortunately I will not need to use my card over the next few days.
I am usually very careful and cautious, and I had twice before ignored the offer presented before finally attempting to acquire it.
Lesson learned I think. If it looks or sounds dodgy, it probably is !
That's a horrible experience, Mrs P, and takes a while to get over the unwarranted intrusion into one's private affairs.
ReplyDeleteI got lots of lectures from various quarters about what I should not have done to cause the situation, but as I hadn't done any of them I don't know how it could have been prevented.
My son spent years trying to persuade me that internet banking was safe, and I proved to him within days that it isn't!
Actually Sarnia I didn’t experience it as horrible. I just calmly dealt with it systematically and then wrote that post.
DeleteI do consider myself as both cautious and careful, but I did let that slip for a few minutes. But then I had a moment’s reflection and decided against continuing, so all in all the cautious part of me won out. And that teaches me another lesson in that I can feel positive about changing my mind.
I wrote the post as a reminder that we can all be subject to a moment of gullibility.
I won’t do internet banking, partly out of concern such as that experienced this morning, but mostly because I am innumerate and I would not be able to understand enough to check for any abnormalities. I can and do check my bank statements each month, but I feel that is my limit.
Thanks anyway for your sympathetic post.
On another note entirely, I’m annoyed right now.
I had arranged to go to see an old friend in Wantage today.
He is dying and I need to say goodbye, but it’s taken ages to arrange as because it’s a considerable drive I need to go when we have long daylight hours, and he has all the difficulties associated with his health plus still attempting to produce the same artistic output of previous times.
Yesterday, with the heat wave rising, along with the forecast, I emailed and said I wouldn’t dare be stuck in a car if there were holdups on the motorway and so then re arranged for next week.
Bugger me if today has turned out to be overcast with a cool breeze and just pleasantly warm.
Well it is here in Minehead. No heatwave to speak of.
That was a wise decision at the time, as is it hot and sunny here, 28C.
DeleteNo heatwave here either, but then I'm not in a car on a motorway.
DeleteAh, Mrs P, mine was a horrible experience because until the new card came I had no access to my account. Therefore, no Sainsbury's shop, no milk from the milkman, chiropractor and optician's appointment cancelled and no new glasses as I couldn't pay the balance. Son tried to arrange Sainsbury's delivery, but that was cancelled because their system crashed.
ReplyDeleteA Rant if I may.
ReplyDeleteI was watching the tennis from Eastbourne. The live match I am watching is now no more, as coverage switches to football.
To continue watching I am having to switch to i-player, which is not loading for some reason.
It's a big Grr from me.