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Let’s hope Fallon’s plan is up to snuff.
Cheshire CheeseMay 14, 2025 at 8:35 AM
ReplyDeleteFor anyone interested, a new series of Canal Boat Diaries starts on Monday 19th at 8.00pm on the U&Yesterday channel.
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Lady RMay 14, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Oh thank you for that info cc 👏🏻😄🛶
AmbridgesMrsPMay 14, 2025 at 9:38 AM
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your messages and suggestions.
I do play ‘games ‘ on my IPad.
Sudoku - a ball game which is challenging and which I’ve become addicted to - puzzles, I screen shot any picture that appeals to me then use that as a puzzle - Wordle of course. And I read an awful lot of newspaper articles, news and current affairs, sociology, psychology, the list could go on, but I won’t.
I might slip into a split infinitive and get told off again by Sarnia 😉 tho with wit, of course !
The hold up is a D2A which I was advised to ask for by the friend who has been a in the care field in the past.
( that friend Simon is now way out of the picture, homeless again and living in his van after a couple of months respite with some kind people. I am still supporting him via message, as is my daughter, but I am fearful each day that he will choose to end his life, but as a firm believer in personal choice it is not a burden for me to continue to support when I can without excessive worry )
It transpires that the D2A takes time to complete its way through a system, but on Monday I was told about micro provision and followed through on information given to me, spending Monday evening writing formal emails with personal information. I had spoken briefly with a very confident Co ordinator “ oh yes we can do that for you in hours “ and she had given me a link to a “ fantastic “ social worker, who the next morning, very early, sent an email telling me that she was sorry but wasn’t able to operate in my area !
Eventually yesterday a hospital social worker came to see me and now the process has begun, six days after my initial request.
This convoluted system is what is leading to the bed blocking situation that we all know about, and which some of you have told me I should try to put aside from my thoughts.
However amongst all the hard work I’m doing, endless phone calls and texts and emails I’ve now managed to get arrangements for Lady to be transferred to another person who will look after her should I continue to be here until next week, and another woman has come on board volunteering to walk her a couple of times a week.
Of course all this activity is ensuring my brain is not shrinking, nevertheless I’m grateful for the confidence you all have in me that it’s not !
ReplyDeleteJanice - the one prominent Ukrainian woman here in Minehead Svetlana, who seems to have enough energy to keep her community alive in Minehead despite the stresses of working as a cleaner in Butlins - she is a lawyer! - and keeping her children going, while her husband is fighting back home - wanted to see Clovelly and Tintagel, so the couple who will be having Lady later this week took her for a brief trip, and of course she loved it.
Janice - I have not forgotten that my next foray to Cornwall must include Tintagel, I too very much want to walk across that bridge. Last time I stood up top on the woodland walk above Clovelly but accept that I am unlikely ever to be able to walk up or indeed down that steep cobbled hill, unless there is a donkey available to carry me. I would enjoy that experience.
Wittering again but with content I hope.
If you have…….. thanks for reading !
Oh and to Jande…. As you have read, many of us lurk long before we start to post regularly.
Now you have come out of the woodwork I hope you will choose to post again and bring new and different enthusiasm to our friendly blog.
AmbridgesMrsPMay 14, 2025 at 9:39 AM
ReplyDeleteOh dear ….. that’s a very long post…. I’m sorry, just scroll on if it’s not what you want to read.
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Lady RMay 14, 2025 at 10:13 AM
No way read right through with interest ⭐️
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Sarnia May 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Me too!
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ArcherphileMay 14, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Hello everyone. Been a bit quiet here recently and now I have masses to read to catch up with everyone’s news.
Just to let you know our circumstances - we have found 2 good house cleaners (mother & daughter) to come and do basic cleaning for us. And even more useful, an excellent young gardener/handyman who will get the garden back in shape after the recent devastation caused by the digging of new soak away. He will do 2 or 3 whole days to work on various areas, then come regularly to maintain it as it used to be, before we became too unfit to manage.
On the moving front - constantly scanning all the websites, local estate agents etc but have not found anywhere suitable at a price we want to afford. So we have been considering a retirement village of which there are many around the country, and now have a a pile of brochures to go through. Some big decisions to be made - do we want to buy outright, go for shared rental or simply rent a property. Pros and cons for each option. There is one near Romsey that looks beautiful and another in Corsham , Wilts we like the look of. Also one near Newton Abbot where you can have your own little allotment of raised beds to grow salad stuff, strawberries etc. We could manage that! But even if you buy your own apartment, cottage, or bungalow outright there are the monthly maintenance/ service charges which can amount to over £1000 per month, so very careful financial planning is required. Some villages will buy your existing property from you thus saving a lot of hard and frustrating house selling activities.
But having the help where we are now is allowing us not to have to rush into a decision, we can go and look at places and find out where we should like to end up.
That sounds like a very good solution Archerfile.
DeleteHaving your own raised beds sounds rather nice. Maintenance/service charges - ouch!
DeleteWelcome news from you AP and good to know you have the help you need and are very satisfied with. How did you come across both? Would permanent help in place enable you to stay where you are near daughter or is the concern transport once driving is no more for either of you because with no vehicle expenses to fork out and no £1000+ per month fees
Deleteeven with taxis when necessary the cost would surely not be too bad. However being in a very old cottage I’m guessing shape of stairs could be an issue in the future and not be suitable for a stairlift if one should be required. Mind you have had to spent long enough
getting Mr AP to agree 😱 what am I saying 🫢
It’s just my head is aching for you for all that is ahead regarding choosing then moving to a new abode but I wish you both as smooth a transition as is possible 🙂
RHS Bridgewater was very nice on Tuesday. Picked a perfect day for it. Give it maybe 3 weeks and it’ll be stunning with a lot more flowers out.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone travelling to North Yorkshire there is a garden called Breezy knees near York which is better. It has been featured on gardeners world and Monty Dons tour of UK.
Hello to Jande. Nice to see a new name.
Mrs P…..take advantage of the recovery time in hospital and view it as a little holiday. Get plenty of reading done in between doing your exercises and being waited on. Lady will be enjoying her little holiday too.
Anyone watching Race around the world? Omg….the roads in Nepal! Terrifying. India….not tempting me to go there so far, looks horrendous.
Think it will be a day for indoor jobs today. We are having very cold north winds.
Just looked the garden up. A bit far from us but it looks stunning. Amused by the quirky sculptures, the giant wellies and trowel etc.
DeleteWe watched last nights race around the world and were similarly horrified by the roads in Nepal and the crowds in India. There is no way I could live there or even want to visit. I am surprised the young Welsh girl agreed to go on this trip as she keeps saying she doesn’t like crowds or anything different to home and obviously hates the whole thing. Perhaps she should have done more homework before signing up.
DeleteWhere in Britain did you originally live Gianna? maybe someone here might be in the same area and could fill you in on happenings there now.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us feel the same about our blog friendships Gianna always lovely to hear from you 🥰
ReplyDeleteLady R - we found our cleaners and gardener on the North Waltham village page of Facebook. There are several adverts for local services/businesses there which is very useful. A few weeks ago I posted a request for the recommendation of a gardener and had several replies from villagers who gave me some names and phone numbers to try.
ReplyDeleteThey new help will certainly help us stay here and with online deliveries from Sainsbury, we are OK for now. The stairs problem would be fixed with the installation of one of those home lifts because are stairs are so narrow and steep they couldn’t take a Stannah stair lift.
It certainly takes the pressure off while we work out finances and it gives us a breathing space too.
That all sounds very good AP and really pleased at the pressure these measures have taken off you both 😊
DeleteARCHERPHILE and Lady R
ReplyDeleteI will post later about my current situation, but having just read two posts - one from each of you, can I pass on my new knowledge of ‘ Micro Providers ‘
If you google the term and read information you might both consider the concept well worth at least knowing about.
I wasn’t really on board with them even though my daughter had sent me information.
Daughter is an information officer with Bath and North Somerset and says it’s a really useful tool within communities being locally based.
Now that I’ve read about them I’ve realised that I’ve actually worked within this field tho’ not with that title, nor was I recruited in the way that they are now, most of my jobs over the years coming via The Lady Magazine.
Thought it worthwhile passing on the information. It might help in some situations.
Thank you for that info Mrs P I have never heard of this before so well noting.
DeleteWe visited Thornbridge Hall with friends today. Driving over the Peak District moors we were able to see the devastation wrought by the wildfires a couple of weeks ago. A lot of ground nesting bird's nests have been lost as well as other animals up there.
ReplyDeleteWe really need some rain!
In answer to Janice's post I spent the first 5 years of my life in London then we moved to Bognor Regis when my grandfather died so we could be close to my grandmother. My dad and his two brothers all ended the 2nd world war in Italy and one of the uncles took home an Italian wife. I was always very envious of my cousin as she spent her summers in Trieste Italy with her mum so when I could I came to see the country. I spent some time in Milan where I met my Italian husband. Apart from 3years spent in London and 5 years in America I have remained in Italy. Sadly my husband died in 2009 and I now live in a house which is divided into 2 flats with me downstairs and the family which is made up of my son, daughter in law and 2 grandchildren upstairs. It's an ideal situation as I am still independent but help is at hand when needed.
ReplyDeleteI agree Gianna it would be lovely to hear from you more if it is possible for you. A wonderful
Deleteliving arrangement for you and your family, independence with company and help at hand as needed 😃
Miriam where are you?? Your posts have been missed this last week.
ReplyDeleteNext time we go ‘ Up North’ I’m going to visit Breezy Knees, it looks an interesting garden. Possibly fairly near is Newby Hall which is a garden with beautiful herbaceous borders, well worth a visit.
Did anybody see Escape to the Country a few days ago? It was in Sussex and while they were there, Nikki visited Alastair’s home - an amazing location and off grid.
With views to die for….
DeleteYes Soz we also saw the programme quite a revelation I don’t think I could do it 😱
DeleteThanks for your replies. Yes I used to post more and will try to do so again. I remember when we first started when it was run by an American lady. The weather is heating up and we usually go to a house in the mountains which my family owns. It is rather isolated so I prefer to stay in the town where I can go out and get a coffee.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don’t like hot weather and therefore the mountain house sounds attractive it depends on the length of the intended stay as the going out for coffee is right up my street
DeleteGianna ☕️ and maybe cake 🫢
Definitely cake!!
DeleteLast Sunday was the Philippino ( same as American ) Mother's Day and my son treated us to afternoon tea at the Camelot Castle Hotel. We have been twice before and it is always scrumptious. A variety of very dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, including russian honey cake as one of their wives is russian ( she was persuaded by local sentiment to take down the blinking russian flag she was flying), and jam and cream scones. A good thing about having a filipina daughter in law is that now there are two mothering Sundays in the year and I didn't need to cook the usual roast!
A win win situation for you then Janice ⭐️👏🏻
DeleteThere are a lot of fledgling starlings on our feeders at the moment. I've been watching them sitting on the top of the table feeder begging for for food, then realising they can get the food themselves when their parents ignore them.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to see those CC. According to the results from the RSPB’s recent big garden birdwatch, there has been a steep decline in the number of starlings in the last year. The only birds really thriving seem to be the various tits, something we have noticed ourselves. I haven’t seen a starling here for some time.
DeleteWe used to see a lot more than we do now when we moved here over 40 years ago.
DeleteIn winter there are still murmurations flying in in the evening to a pine forest about 7 miles away from us, but there wasn't one to be counted in our garden at the last RSPB count, so my guess is that the murmurations are smaller too.
DeleteOn the 16/5 Soz questioned MIRIAM’S lack of posts since when I have checked this out and the date of her last posts on both blogs - MAY 5th oh dear that is worrying be it herself who is unwell or a family set back. Hope we hear something soon!
ReplyDeleteI don’t think you need worry Lady R. Miriam has been very busy on a couple of other Archers websites that we both frequent and making very interesting and informative lists.
DeleteNo, not lists ! I meant posts, of course.
DeleteAP. I do get a bit involved at times with my thoughts, as you now know. 😂
DeleteThank-you for wondering where I am.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am having medical problems. I was asked to make a face-to-face appointment to discuss blood tests and I got one
4 days later. My repeat tests were normal. I saw a lovely Dr. who is just completing her GP training.
She decided to give me a MOT and found two issues.
Since then it's been tests,and am now waiting for results and then to have further appointments + referrals.
I'm not saying yet what the problems are. I know they're there, but I don't want to speculate. All my blood tests are normal and I'm asymptomatic, so far.
I'm not panicking as such, just concerned, as these problems are there and won't go away by themselves.
On a better note.
My garden is looking great. The flower beds were full of weeds and as hard as I tried to clear them, they kept re-sprouting. I got some-one in and what a difference. She and her son, spent 5 solid hours clearing it all out. It was well worth her fee as to have such clear borders and they got all the dandelion roots out. Now to go to get new plants, to fill in the now empty flower beds and do my window box, hanging basket and tubs.
Family are doing well and Big Sis is in OZ with her daughter + grandsons. I've just seen photos + videos of a 6th birthday party from down-under. 18yr 5/6yr old + parents + a grandma- fun was had by all.
Sorry typos - I meant 18 5/6yrs kids, as great-nephew invited his entire class...
DeleteAs in OZ, the school year started in January so he is only 4 months into year 1 or is it pre-school? He is a year behind, as was kept back awhile ago, due to health problems which thankfully are now no more.
DeleteHis Dad, my nephew-in-law, was a circus entertainer and runs a business for children, to develop skills in other ways. He was in charge of the games so that all 18 kids totally interacted at the same time.
It was also a good way for the Mum+ Dad's to get to know each other, at the same time.
Well I think I've made up for my lack of posts!! 🤣😂
ReplyDeleteApologies..It was like one bus, then another three come along very quickly. 😱
Good to hear from you Miriam. You certainly have some interesting relatives. Not many of us have circus entertainers in the family. No wonder he had the skills to keep a class full of children entertained!!!!
DeleteHe was born into a large circus family and has 8 siblings. At one time he was the uni-cycle champion of the world! 😆
DeleteHe met my niece in Tonga, when she was there on a diving holiday. He followed her to OZ and the rest is history. They are a true love story.💞
Good to hear from you Miriam. I hope that you don't have to wait too long to get your health problems sorted out.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree Miriam and thank you for popping in with all your news and to allay our concerns 😄
DeleteCC It is what is it, be it OK or not very good, which I suspect.
DeleteI'm positive and feel absolutely fine.
The downside of having a conservatory is that bees and wasps fly in and get stuck. They usually try and fly out through the glass roof. I've rescued three today. Two were fine and flew off but the third was very lethargic. I put it on a plate with some honey and, after a good feed, it perked up and was able to fly away.
ReplyDeleteI've had so many bees buzzing around in my garden. My lovely variegated Wigellia when in flower, sadly now past its best, was just covered in honey bees. There must be hives not far away.
DeleteI can’t believe what I have just watched on Countryfile. We are to abandon feeding people and let arable farmland revert to heathland - get used to eating gorse but we will be able to watch snakes and no doubt Dartford Warblers. Yesterday I drove through a field of barley - a beautiful sight and one that is getting more and more scarce as farmers get less and less for their crops. I love the New Forest but most of it is barren heathland and not fit for arable farming. It is a popular tourist area. In my opinion we are fools if we are to abandon producing food in favour of controlled nature for tourists.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree.
DeleteApparently we now import about 40% of our food products whereas in the 1980's it was more like 25 %. Things like a rising population have contributed to this, and it seems also but to a lesser extent the fact that diet, perhaps because people now travel abroad , has become more varied with us wanting to eat things like fruits grown in hotter countries.
DeleteI find it concerning because not being able to feed its people leaves a country very vulnerable in times of trouble, anything that derails the global food supply chain puts us at risk, particularly as we are an island.
I have planted some apple trees in various places, and tried to ensure that ones not far from each other will cross pollinate and also fruit at different times ( my son is in the process of buying his own cottage with quite a large garden, nice camellias but nothing edible, and I am thinking when they go to the Philippines for their usual 2 months they might come back to find an apple or plum, or both, planted, but I will ask first!).
The problem here is the wind from the sea that blows everything to bits, you can only plant by a sheltering hedge.
I think every new housing development should be made by law to include a community garden plus orchard, as well as solar panels on each roof.
Now just had a look at the news, and as someone who voted for Brexit (and exasperated my children) one reason being that it was promised it would protect our fishing industry I cannot believe what I am reading today. Give me strength! Liars the lot of them.
ReplyDeleteThey have let down our farmers and now they have let down our fishermen.
DeleteI totally agree. A nation that decides to stop feeding itself is heading for trouble. Those in power seem unable to understand simple arithmetic - there is a difference of 8 years between 4 and 12 years. Unfortunately fishermen do understand and will feel the difference.
DeleteAre you home yet Mrs P ? Either way, is your ankle healing as it should ?
ReplyDeleteNo Soz, not home.
DeleteI’m still languishing mostly on top of my bed, but in the last two hours have been moved to another ward.
After my last post on the 14 th I spent two periods of almost two hours hanging on a line to patient transport trying to arrange my trip back to hospital for tomorrow 20th when I was due to have my plaster off and be fitted with a surgical boot. the appointment time was midday.
Ten minutes after it was all arranged, a nurse came to tell me that I had finally been given a discharge slot and assessment at my home at 12. 30 on Tuesday 20th.
I did wonder if they were expecting me to sprout a pair of wings or perhaps give me a broomstick.
After another two days of being in limbo land it was decided that I should stay in hospital until tomorrow 20th and have my plaster removed and then I would be taken home on Wednesday.
This afternoon when I checked I was told that there is still no definite slot defined.
I’m not despairing……… just listlessly accepting.
On a brighter note, still no real pain and tomorrow I will have the sutures removed when the plaster cast comes off. I see no reason for my ankle not healing.
Hopefully things will get better for you when you are able to weight bear and can get around a bit more MrsP.
DeleteI listened throughout yesterday at all the news of the deals being done ( with the EU) and comment upon those deals.
ReplyDeleteLike Janice I feel utterly betrayed.
What has been agreed was not in the proposals given before the election, and I would never have voted for our present PM regardless of any promises.
What did surprise me yesterday tho’ was the statistic that only 12 % of those who voted for Brexit now still believe that it was the right course of action.
And like you Janice I have faced the ire of my family and am still castigated in almost every conversation with my eldest daughter.
I personally believed that we would face many challenges and years of low progress.
I did not think there would be any quick fixes.
I did believe that I was voting for sovereignty and that we should be making our own decisions particularly in the areas of agriculture and fisheries.
We are an island nation and should stand upright, alone !
I wholeheartedly agree - such a dismal course of action.
DeleteWe had a lovely walk at Teggs Nose this morning. I never tire of the views from up there. The hawthorn trees were looking amazing and the wildflower meadow was getting into full bloom. However, the gorse and heathers on the upland heath area are beginning to suffer from the lack of rain, hopefully we'll get some before they all turn brown.
ReplyDeleteWe had torrential rain here last night so everything is fresher. Maybe your heathland did too.
DeleteIt rained all night here in Taunton, and I hope Minehead too.
DeleteBeen thinking of the new plants that i heeled in before coming into hospital, but I did plant them in an area that gets early morning sun only, so desperately hope they have survived.
And now I’ve just had a shower and feel beautifully fresh.
Probably the last for the month ahead.
No rain here!
DeleteIm home at last. But with zero help.
ReplyDeleteI will manage.
I cannot understand why they have discharged you without a homecare plan in place.
DeleteDo they have to do the home assessment first I wonder?
DeleteBecause in the end Janice, it was obvious that I was just going to be there forever, it’s such a slow process.
DeleteSaw a new OT and two physios once the boot was on.
They could each see how able I was walking on two feet, ( and yes, painful and terrifying to put weight on new foot, but can, will and did push through) and when these two young male physios instructed me with crutches for the steps, I went straight up a flight of steps and down again with ease, and they all said I needed to be home and independent.
So the OT and I decided to ditch the D2A and go for referral to a village agent who will broker micro providers.
But that means ‘ discharge with zero ‘.
Then the transport mucked up and I spent three hours beyond my expected arrival of the ambulance in the discharge lounge, before they arrived. The discharge team called transport controllers 3 times in that period and was given various excuses for no show. When the ambulance arrived they told us that we had been told lies. They had been given the job ten minutes beforehand.
AND - there was already another patient on board on the stretcher.
I was supposed to be on a stretcher with elevation, instead I was on a hard seat with cramped space for my leg and then another patient was behind me in another seat. Three drop offs with me being the last.
So I had left the ward at three and finally got home at nine.
So ….. The Village Agent will be in touch at some point.
I was given a Bag of Kindness, milk, bread, a tin of soup etc.
But while still on the ward I had a phone call from a strength and balance therapist giving me an appointment this afternoon.
In the event all the equipment that’s been delivered to my home over the last two weeks has helped, including the commode which I used twice in the night, but up at seven this morning after some reasonable sleep, I’ve found myself able to get around without the aids, and actually went into the garden and sat in a chair in the sun for ten minutes.
I’m walking and balanced pretty well.
So I’m pleased that all my efforts at classes and exercises and continuing walking have given me the ability to get my mobility up and running (metaphorically speaking of course) quickly.
Sorry…. It’s another long explanation !
No wonder hospital discharges aren't working, it's so disjointed and disorganised. I know that you are determined to manage MrsP, but please try not to overdo it.
DeleteI can remember years ago, before I retired(14 yrs ago), there was talk of putting in place rehabilitation places where people ,who no longer needed to be on a hospital ward but would benefit from physiotherapist and OT input, could be assessed and helped. there doesn't seem to have been much progress on that front.
Didn't we have Convalescent Homes for this purpose until they were closed in the 70's? I remember my mother-in-law going to one in Lavenham in the 60's funded, I think, by the Rail Workers Union. There was also one at Bispham, just outside Blackpool, funded by the Coal Miners Union.
DeleteWell Patricia, we had all sorts of things that worked before the eighties, didn’t we ?
DeleteThen it all changed and many things have gone downhill since then.
I’ve had an incredibly busy day with phone calls and visits galore.
Red Cross called and set in motion the next stage of help via micro providers and the Strength and Balance young woman came too, gave me exercise sheets and an appointment for two weeks time. My neighbour came and made me a coffee, Lady was brought home, and then the friend who has been looking after her took half a dozen of my Cook meals home with her and returned two of them this evening, cooked.
I’d made an order from Cook some months ago, not realising they were oven cook, not microwave and I don’t have an oven. She is going to cook them ahead for me one by one and I can microwave them.
I’d gone to have a lie down then had a phone call. Afterwords I looked at my mobile and there was a message - your meals are in your kitchen, you were asleep - she had dropped them off on her way to Morris Dancing.
I’ve asked for help with having a bath once or twice, and two meals cooked for me each week. I will get a list of micro providers and will need to interview and engage them myself.
Somerset seems to have lots of schemes to aid and keep safe older people. I’m told that it’s because the county has a very high age demographic and the highest ratio of falls and accidents.
It sounds like you are managing MrsP, hopefully you won’t have to deal with any curveballs. As others have said there is a real need for convalescence homes or cottage hospitals. We have an aging population, many of whom live alone or with an elderly partner who will need time to recover after surgery but do not need to be in hospital. The lack of joined up thinking in health and social care is so frustrating.
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️ KP and welcome home Mrs P. Such a lovely neighbour always good to hear.
DeleteSome rain at last! I realised this morning that I got my new car 9 weeks ago and this is the first time that it has been rained on.
ReplyDeleteA break from watering will be welcome!
The rain was really heavy in the night. It woke me up and this wasn't helped by being pounced on by a soaking wet pusscat. At least my car is dust free +clean again, even the bird poo was washed off.
DeleteI’ve been wondering a lot recently Miriam and meaning to ask you if you get woken by a soaking wet pusscat at as I do.
DeleteI’m pleased I’m not alone.
The rain is very welcome. Most of my roses were getting that sticky film on the leaves. I always water under the canopy and had just decided to sprinkle water from above to wash it off when the heavens did it for me! Luckily not many roses are in bloom yet so won’t be spoiled by the rain. One heavy downpour in June can ruin all the old roses (which only flower once) in one go.
DeleteMrs P. I had a cold shower in bed, as pusscat stood on me and shook herself like a dog. I was not amused.
DeleteOh Miriam it’s horrible isn’t it. Mine comes and shoves his face into mine wanting to be petted. And he is very large with a long coat …. Soaking wet !
DeleteHas anyone been watching Chelsea Flower Show? As usual the BBC go overboard with more than one show a day. There is only so much to say about the show gardens but there is always a celebrity or two about. I did enjoy snippets - Richard Grant talking to Monty about his garden including a comment from his wife - ‘ find a pocketful of happiness every day’ . Also I thought Carol’s outfits were very tasteful - I’m sure she prefers to wear T-shirts and old jeans but it was good to see her looking smart and well. When it comes to Hampton Court which is a far nicer show imo, there is just one BBC visit for the week. Now for the Chelsea chop!
ReplyDeleteYes Soz like you snippets, mostly same old celebs but as you say some better than others.
DeleteCarol will be 80yrs in the summer but as full of energy and passion as ever 😊
I haven't got round round to watching it.
DeleteI'm still getting over the disappointment of them not doing the Tatton show this year.
I’ve loved watching Chelsea. The show gardens were lovely.
DeleteI still find it hard to believe they get built in 3 weeks. The clearing up must be epic.
It also makes me think my efforts in our garden are pathetic. 🙁
What is epic PtbY is the scramble to buy plants at the end of the show. The very large marquee holding all the plant growers sell off all of their plants at very reduced prices.
DeleteAnd then the tube on the way home.
Presumably the buses too.
And possibly Victoria Coach Station.
People can be seen laden down with trees staggering through the streets of Chelsea and beyond across the bridge into Battersea.
I’ve done it once in my life, then had to lug it all the way back home from Southfields station which was a good 3/4 mile from my home.
Once was enough.
Sometimes every one of us is capable of being greedy.
Including me.
I found something on the Crocus website that I wanted to give in thanks to a couple of people helping me at this time.
ReplyDeleteI’ve spent half an hour trawling through the Crocus website this evening to find it, only to discover they have sold out.
Very annoying.
Do hope Soz is listening to Womans Hour today or on Sounds.
ReplyDeleteAll about Women in Farming today.
Exeter University are doing a three year study on the subject, so lots of programmes to expect, I imagine.
Thanks Mrs P I haven’t listened to it live but will tonight on Sounds.
DeleteHas anyone been watching this years series of The Piano? The final programme with the winners playing at a huge concert hall in Newcastle was last night.
ReplyDeleteWe thought they had ruined it this year, loosing LangLang and having some American guy judging alongside Mika. Too much time spent on their antics and not enough on the amateur pianists themselves.
But the concert was a triumph and, as always, I shed a few tears at the bravery of these amateurs (aged between 14 and 80 something) and their wonderful performances.
I agree Archerphile. I haven’t enjoyed The Piano this year; the charm and spontaneity of the previous series seemed to have waned. I had become irritated by the 3 presenters but last week’s rehearsals made me realise how much talent these performers possessed, all with a story to tell. So the concert was, as you say, a triumph. Each one of them deserved to be the best performer of the night. There was a range of styles and music that made a very well balanced programme . I thought giving the accolade to Dianne, I think that’s her name, was a fair solution; as Zac, one of the other performers, said - “you made me cry and I’m a teenager that’s difficult”! I don’t know how you could have separated the others, they were all so good.
DeleteIf you’ve missed it you can download the channel 4 app to watch.
I might do that !
DeleteThanks for the recommendation
Different subject but thought I would mention something I have never seen before in case any other gardeners have got goosegrass growing rampant ( I was so busy sorting out my rental cottage garden before the new tenant came that my own garden has gone to pot).
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter came home from work she found a little pipistrelle bat on its back with its wings stuck fast to a lot of goosegrass growing up a fruit bush. It must have been there all day and seemed exhausted. It took quite a while for her to get all the goosegrass off with tweezers. Sylvie wore gloves, just in case as there have been rumours that unfortunately rabies in bats have reached our shores, and she did it rather than me because she had rabies vaccinations last year before going to the Philippines. Looking it up it said give a hungry bat a little cat or dog food mixed with water, so I did that, then we released it onto some logs piled up in a shed where we have seen bats going in and out and it crawled away and hung upside down under a log and went to sleep. One very lucky little bat.
It certainly was Janice (to be found and tended to by two very caring people) ⭐️⭐️
DeleteA bit from our local neighbourhood site that Sarnia might find interesting. What would seem from Flightradar24 to be a Eurofighter Typhoon, although sometimes it turns its tracker radar off, has been circling over some villages here at night for about half an hour at a time. I suppose it must be some kind of practice drill.
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing okay Sarnia.
DeleteI’ve also been thinking of you very much Sarnia 🥰
DeleteWhere are all you people with interesting posts for me to read 🤭
ReplyDeleteHopefully we might be able to manage a ride out today possibly a small lunch…
There's not a lot happening here with the change in the weather. I didn't think anyone would be interested in our domestic chores of cleaning windows and ovens! I'm hopeful of getting out for a walk this afternoon. We tend to avoid visiting places or going shopping when it's school holidays, preferring to go when places are quieter in terms time.
DeleteWe are pleased that they are doing Springwatch from the Peak District, an area that we know so well. They are a bit further north than we usually visit but the scenery is very much what we are used to.
Even your chores are of note cc 😂 Hope you get your walk but agree about half term therefore we may just go out for a ride and forget late lunch. Can always get some Fish & Chips later, or sausages for Mr R…..
DeleteYes good to have Springwatch from a different location.
Yes, I'm still about, reading about poor Mrs P and the way she is being left to organise and manage alone, when she should be being looked after.
ReplyDeleteI've just spent an hour with Bryan, going through the third draft of the book with a fine tooth comb, sorting all the last-minute details.
He will work on it this afternoon and drop a hard copy of the finished result at reception. Subject to my approval we then go to print.
Well there you are a most welcome and very interesting post Sarnia 🤞🏼 all goes smoothly!
DeleteI'm so pleased to have had so much rain in a short space of time. My garden was far too dry to do anything with, in fact it was like concrete. The soil is workable now, so in the next couple of days it's off for plants to re-do my lovely clear back garden. I've no idea what I want but inspiration will strike once mooching and looking.
ReplyDeleteThe front garden is fine, as the tub, hanging basket and window box are now planted and filling out nicely and starting to flower.
I had the prescription in my left eye changed at the end of march
I got vari-focals and had my readers changed. Just after Easter I took my prescription sunglasses in to be changed. This is more costly than expected as both lenses need to be changed so the colour is the same in both. Apparently it is not possible to match the one lens to the other. What makes it worse is that these were new lenses last October. It's 3 weeks now and they're still not back. The optician has chased things up and they were supposedly dispatched yesterday so 🫰 I'll get them back tomorrow.
My garden has really perked up with the rain. The vegetables have put on a growth spurt and it's all looking greener.
DeleteI can't believe that after a lovely sunny day today, I've had to water the window box + hanging basket!
DeleteI was in the supermarket early this morning. Luckily I took a cardi with me, as the air-con was on full blast + it was freezing.
Now as for the increasing costs of goods - I can't believe how expensive things are now. I actually paid £7 for a litre of own brand EV Olive oil, and £2.30 for a slab of own brand dark chocolate, which was once £1.
It's delicious though and still good value for money in comparison.
My garden, without any attention for the two weeks I was incarcerated is now a forest of weeds and long grass. I can get out to the patio area, but not up to the upper level.
DeleteLady however can, and I’m acutely aware that she is slowly filling up the long grass with her poo on a daily basis and the grass will be growing around it and I can’t clear it up.
After spending weeks looking at plants online I finally made purchases over the weekend all at 60% reduction, but of course lots of things are no longer available. Quite how I’m going to get them into the ground is another obstacle to overcome.
But one potential obstacle has been overcome today. With the help of Charmaine my micro provider I’ve had a bath.
We achieved it with my leg hanging over the side as I wallowed in hot water.
Bliss !
But Charmaine noticed that the sides of my heel are bruised, so now I know why my greatest pain and discomfort is in and around my heel.
I shall make another call to the plaster room tomorrow for yet more advice.
How very considerate of you SARNIA to be sympathising with my plight when you yourself are where you are, though I do most certainly hope that you ARE being looked after, and very well too I hope.
However I did get my tea in bed this morning and will tomorrow too as well as Friday. I cooked myself a simple brunch, fish fingers and b beans, bread and butter, and I’ve had macaroni cheese from the freezer this evening.
My poor Lady and Puss, both shedding winter coats while I was unable to groom them. So was able to do Lady this evening and hope to do Puss tomorrow. They must both have been so uncomfortable in the recent warm weather.
I’m very tired all the time though.
I must have fallen asleep on the sofa this afternoon when Hazel came to take Lady for a walk. When I woke up there was a text…. I’ve stolen Lady !
My family has two rescue dogs. Chelsea is 6 and Olivia 3. They were found abandoned in the south of Italy. As we live in a house with 2 appartments I am the reserve carer when the family is away. I used to take Chelsea for walks in the local woods but, after a fall, can no longer take them out. They do enjoy staying with me when the family is away. The next time will be this weekend as it is my son and daughter in laws 22 wedding aniversary.
ReplyDeleteGianna 2 unlucky dogs who now have a well deserved lovely home and families to love them ❤️and give much back in return I’m sure 🙏🏼
DeleteA dull, showery and windy day here, ideal weather for today's job. Every year, once my overwintering plants have gone outside, the conservatory gets a spring clean. The first job was to dust the cobwebs off my cactus plants, the only plants that can cope with the extremes of temperature in there. Some of them are quite big with lethal spines, so removing them from the windowsill can be quite precarious. Mr CC gets that job!
ReplyDeleteGreat sense of anticlimax today after all the activity yesterday. The order went in today and they are expected to take about 10 days. They will be delivered to the home so that Bryan won't have to carry them. He is well over 80 now and wobbly to the legs!
ReplyDeleteThat's very exciting for you Sarnia.
DeleteCongratulations on getting your latest book finished. You can be so proud of yourself.💐
DeleteThank you. It was started in 2016, poems all but finished by 2018, and since I've met every obstacle under the sun. Each time I've thought I'd got going again there's been another catastrophic event.
DeleteThe staff are so excited and longing for the box to arrive. I'm getting so much more pleasure from it than the other three because I'm surrounded by people who are enjoying being part of it
Before, there was only David and he wouldn't talk about them or even look at them. He said he didn't see the point, and if David didn't see the point, there wasn't one.
When my first book arrived it was the biggest non-event of my whole life! This is SO different - there's quite a party atmosphere and everyone is wearing a HUGE smile .
I hope you feel Sarnia, that the publication of this book outshines the other three and so gives you a wonderful end into and beyond your forever.
DeleteWell done you.
Leave your thoughts of David’s negativity ( jealousy perhaps ? ) behind and enjoy the pleasure and excitement of those your able to share your accomplishments with now.
PS : I hope St Peter has been giving David some valuable lessons on how to rid himself of those sadly negative and patronising attitudes to equip him for his ongoing journey.
I do, ind, Mrs P, I've long felt that this was going to be the best ever, and it certainly is, exceeding all expectations. I'm bewildered at the moment: not only an I not dead as predicted but I've been given the energy to finish the book AT LAST, surrounded by people who rejoice with me
DeleteOh, I think David got the whole guided tour - my extra long antennae picked up some of it!
That's very poetic, Mrs P . Beautifully expressed. Thank you.
DeleteYour welcome Sarnia.
DeleteAs an aside I have two other friends beside you facing imminent death, two of them being my closest and longest friendships, of 65 years and 45 years.
As well as one new friend here in Minehead who was diagnosed at Christmas and died within the three months. And another at the beginning of a new friendship last summer who died in her chair with the television on and her dog on her lap.
She was in her early sixties.
It’s our age of course. I can remember this happening with my parents.
Keep the focus going Sarnia. What a fantastic thing you've done and achieved. I so admire your skill and ongoing tenacity.
DeleteWhere will it be available to buy, as I would love to buy a copy.
Thank you very much, Miriam. We expect them to be available in about 10 days' time. I will let you know.
DeleteThanks. ❤️
DeleteI am feeling very relieved this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI've finally had the results of all the tests and scans I've had over the last 5 weeks, for 2 potential conditions/problems.
All are normal except one blood test, but that isn't anything untowards at the moment.
I've had great service from my surgery.
The boot of my car is full of plants as I went to the garden centre after the surgery visit and I'm now looking forwards to working out where each will go.
I'm going to put the plants still in their pots, onto the garden and change them around until I get the effect I'm aiming for. It will be playing musical plants for awhile.
Pusscat is in bad books as on looking out the kitchen window this morning, I saw her peeing in the tub where my runner beans are planted. I've no idea how long she's been doing this. Hopefully the beans will finally germinate and her access is now no more.
I have to add, the hospital was good too. I had what was obviously an urgent scan, on a Sunday morning just 10days after it was requested. I was not the only one there at that time.
DeleteGood news Miriam. What a relief for you.
DeletePoor puss cat - I'm sure she was just trying to fertilise the beans for you!
Quick extra. I've just saved a lovely big, fat, bumble bee. I was putting stuff in the bins at the side of the house when I spotted it on the paving and hardly moving. I found a dried leaf in the shape of a cup, and put water/sugar/honey in it
ReplyDeleteIt began drinking and now an hour later, it's no-where to be seen.
It’s amazing how quickly this remedy works isn’t it .Miriam.
DeleteRarely fails.
At least I found it before Pusscat did as she would have played with it. 🙀
DeleteFor those who like planes - I've just seen a fantastic photo of the RAF Lancaster parked alongside a Beluga XL at Hawarden Airport (Aerospace Broughton). There is a fly-past tomorrow but the area will be jammed pack. I can only hope they fly near to me. I'll keep my eyes and ears open, as you never know.
ReplyDeleteDid you see any of the fly past Miriam?
DeleteThe date given was May 31st but it happened on the 30th. The Lancaster left the aircraft factory there on May 31st 1945, and this was the first time it had landed there again in 80yrs. The 3 planes (Lancaster, Hurricane + Spitfire) departed on Saturday and I found out the route. I tracked the take-off but unfortunately they went about 4 miles further south than originally shown. If it had been as planned then they would have come very close and almost certainly visible. It wasn't to be though.
DeleteThe birds are eating me out of house and home, I'm going through two fat balls a day on top of the seeds, suet pellets and mealworms. It's normal for consumption to increase at this time of year because of all the fledglings, but it's been made worse by the jackdaws. They are very clever birds and have worked out how to get on to all the different feeders.
ReplyDeleteInstruct them to fly south to me CC - none of the buggers visit me.
DeleteHow is your ankle MrsP?
DeleteI went back to the hospital on Friday CC, to the plaster room.
DeleteI’ve become very uncomfortable in the boot and when I had a bath we found some bruising that had not been there previously.
They were very good, changed the dressing and found that I was healing well. Some granulation which I understand is positive, and he put some softer lining in the boot for me.
Bill took me in the car and we were there and back in less than four hours.
Yesterday was a good day, but feeling bored and sorry for myself today and have retreated to bed.
But I’ll get through it !
Tomorrow's another day and rest is still so important. I expect it's frustration as much as boredom. Remember Patience is a virtue 😀
DeleteAn attempt to alleviate the boredom a little Mrs P. Something my brother emailed me this evening. He knew I had had an Ancestry dna profile done, and he told me he was offered a free trial by Ancestry and thought he would have a bit of fun with them so he mixed his dna with a little bit from a frog. The results apparently came back today as : 50% Celt, 30 % Dutch, 10% Spanish, 8% French, and a tad-Pole. 😉
DeleteThere is a letter from a viewer in this week’s Radio Times that I agree with. It concerns Gardeners World and Monty Don. It says, and I agree, that Monty has done tremendous work for Gardeners World and given pleasure and advice to thousands of amateur gardeners. But, and this is the important bit for me; we have been visiting Long Meadow for years now and know it like the back of our hands. Because gardening is so seasonal, Monty does the same jobs every year and it is becoming formulaic and a bit boring. Is it time to move to a different garden with a different presenter? A new garden to become familiar with and some new ideas. The letter writer suggests several other gardeners who could do the job, including Joe Swift who has just moved to a new place in Dorset with a huge garden for him to tame. I think that would be very interesting and a change from the over familiar ‘jewel’ garden and potting shed with its constant references to ‘agricultural grit’
ReplyDeleteI admit that I'm not a fan of Monty Don, but I appreciate that a lot of people are. I do agree with you Archerfile, in spite of Monty trying to come up with new ideas, the programme is getting repetitive and boring.
DeleteI think Monty would agree that the programme could do with some new life. I was under the impression that he wanted to do less but the BBC didn’t have a replacement. Monty has grown on me; he is a knowledgeable gardener with a relaxed but informative style, also I love the sound of his voice. A difficult person to replace and Joe Swift, imo, has neither the expertise or charisma to do the job - I have never learnt anything from him. Chris Beardshaw would be my choice.
DeleteOn a similar train of thought I am fed up with Springwatch. It is also stake and spends too much time on other presenters relsrwhere who bring nothing to the programme. What annoys me is that there are so many cameras filming wildlife 24/7 yet very of what goes on in the day, is actually broadcast.
DeleteSorry typos - I didn't check before posting.
DeleteI think that Nick Bailey would do a good job of presenting GW.
DeleteSoz - I agree about Chris Beardshaw. We went on a cruise to Madeira and he was the guest speaker, telling us about the various gardens he had designed and what to look out for on the island. He was a wonderful, knowledgable and entertaining speaker. Each talk he gave over ran for ages with so many of the audience asking questions.
DeleteI took like Chris Beardshaw. He hasn't been on GW recently as far as I can remember which is why I didn't mention him.
DeleteAdam Frost should be he next presenter. 😍
DeleteJoe swift said at a theatre tour of his that he doesn’t want his garden on the television. He wants to do it up to his taste not what the telly lot tell him he has to do.
I suppose it’s repetitive because, let’s face it, gardening jobs are repetitive year in year out. New gardeners to the program won’t find it repetitive.
I get sick of hearing the words diversity, pollinators and sustainability.
My husband would agree with you about Adam Frost but probably for different reasons😊! Also agree about the constant referral to diversity, pollinators etc.
DeleteAs they double the size of towns with expensive little boxes built on farm land rather than brown field sites with little thought given to basic infrastructure (eg doctors, schools) are the councillors really thinking of sustainability.
(Mrs P. if still bored see after your last comment.)
ReplyDeleteJanice ✅ many thanks.
DeleteOh, Janice, a tad Pole!
ReplyDeleteThe books aren't coming next week. They're coming tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting.😃
DeleteWhich is now TODAY 👏🏻 well done Sarnia and many congratulations ⭐️
Delete‼️I have just ordered a copy to be printed and look forward to receiving and reading it immensely and will treasure it always. I see your “blog” photo is on the cover!
It's actually a painting of the Queen Elizabeth in the Channel at night, but easily mistaken as the blog pic is so small. The only photo is of my brother for the dedication.
DeleteThank you, Lady R, that's a wonderful start to the day.
Just done the same Sarnia. Looking forward to it.
DeleteIt's a wonderful achievement Sarnia. I'm so pleased for you 😊
DeleteI've ordered mine too! Very well done Sarnia 📖🚢🌟🍾
DeleteMy pleasure Sarnia 🥰
DeleteJust ordered.
DeleteI've recently listened to The Jura Affair by William Boyd,(10 14min episodes) via Sounds. It's quite a good story and easy listenening, if anyone is interested.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you all so much. I don't know what else to say.
ReplyDeleteAt this rate you'll get the prize for the highest selling Magic Flute book this year! Richly deserved.
DeleteSarnia, stunning cover, looking forward to reading it. Enjoy your success!.
ReplyDeleteGulp!
ReplyDeleteSarnia would you please give me the details of your book so I can see if I can order it for deliverance in Italy.
ReplyDeleteGoogle Lanterns in wet Leaves, which will give you my name. Then Google my name with the word 'poetry' and that should bring up details of all four books.
DeleteDebating whether to go to the Royal Cornwall Show today, there are always such nice things to see, but it is raining and there was torrential rain last night which means there will be cars needing pulling out of the mud with tractors at the end of the day. I would rather go tomorrow when Prince William and his aunty Sophie will be there, but my daughter can't really take friday off work as it is one of their busiest days.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you buying Sarnia’s book from?
ReplyDeleteI ordered mine here: https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/ships-passing?srsltid=AfmBOooLI9TlsAXGgFcxgROzdX2Lc5E_Fd4b6q228bdP7UsEAsHnVVvk
DeleteOr perhaps direct from Magic Flute publisher
DeleteI tried that, Mrs P, but Ships Passing isn't listed there yet.
DeleteNo, I noticed that. I must have words.
DeleteThere seems to be a new scam around, or at least one I hadn't come across before. I received a text saying : This is my new number mum x
ReplyDeleteFortunately my children live close so I was able to ask them if they had a new mobile or changed their number, but if they lived further away and I had texted back on that number apparently I would have then been engaged in conversation purportedly from one of my children which would have gone on to ask to borrow some money. My son looked up the number and it was linked to something called a scmishing ? scam. And as I rarely give out my mobile number to anyone except family how did they get my number?
Sadly, it's not a new scam. But it still catches people out.
DeleteI doubt they 'got' your number - just generate a whole long list of potential numbers and wait for the 10% or so who do respond.
If in doubt, assume it is a scam. And call your children on their real numbers. Or email them. It's also worth having some random code word that only you and your children know.
That's a good idea OWiaS. One of our cats names I think.
DeleteHad a lovely if wet day at the Royal Cornwall. Bought 3 unusual pretty ferns for shady places in the flower tent, and listened to a talk by a gardener who when younger worked for the Duke of Westminster. One of his tips was to dip the ends of cuttings in custard (or the Victorians used cornfllour), and another was to boil up rhubarb leaves which are poisonous, or elderflower leaves, then leave them to steep overnight and apparently it makes a non expensive effective plant spray for pests. I do know that outside the larder window of my childhood farmhouse an elder had been planted, and it was traditional to do that to keep flies away.
ReplyDeleteAlso if anyone likes horses and gets the chance then go and see Ben Atkinson and his team of trick riders. The horsemanship and the way they train their horses with kindness and respect is amazing. So also was a musician Rhys Wynne-Jones/the Nightchurch pianist.
Someone who had been homeless, and was now using his music to raise funds both for a charity for the homeless and mental health. His music was very expressive.
It sounds like a good day in spite of the weather Jance.
DeleteWe went to the Rutland Show last Sunday and though the weather was fine we didn’t have such a good day as yours Janice. Mr Soz kept meeting people he hadn’t seen for a long time and men can talk and talk for hours. So I did my own thing then we couldn’t find each other - I was getting tired on my big wheeled zimmer and much of the day was wasted looking for each other. We will try to get to the Dorchester Show in September. It’s always a good one and I’ve checked that Ben Atkinson and his horses are going to be there.
DeleteI was happily weeding my veg beds when I got caught in a heavy shower. The nearest shelter was the potting shed, where I am now sitting catching up with the blog whilst waiting for the rain to blow over.
ReplyDeleteI found the feature on dry stone walls on this week's Springwatch interesting. They are amazing structures which have stood the test of time. There are several miles of them up at Lyme, some nearly 6ft high which can make climbing over the many stiles a challenge. I will take a closer look at them next time we visit.
That dark cloud has now blown over so I'll go and get on with my jobs.
Janice ?
ReplyDeleteAre you able to pass on the name of the company that you bought the ferns from if you know it please.
Currently on the lookout for specialist fern growers.
And the ferns you bought ?
The firm is a little one just outside Plymouth at Staddon. She specialises in primulas really , but has ferns as well. It is called Penny's Primulas, Staddon Farm Nurseries. The three I bought are:
ReplyDeleteMetallicum a painted fern with silver and purple (Athyrium niponicum)
Lady in Red ( Athyrium filix-femina) Lacy green fronds with deep red stems.
Okanum (Athyrium otophorum) light green fronds with maroon stems.
I don't know anything about ferns except that the wild ones grow well here in the shade, so I thought these might too.
Thanks Janice
DeleteAt last, the ground was soft enough to plant out the plants I bought last week. They were still fine in their pots but were getting pot bound and the roots were very matted together. I had to tease them out.
ReplyDeleteI've finally got 7 runner bean plants just appearing but there's still more to come, I hope.
Let's hope that your beans get going soon Miriam.
DeleteWe had our first picking of salad leaves from the garden this week. For me that means summer has arrived and I look forward to a continuous supply until autumn.
Ahhh the Autumn 😉 can hardly believe that 2 weeks today will be the longest day!!!!
DeleteI spoke too soon about summer. We are currently in the middle of a hail storm!
DeleteI've had torrential rain + hail storms as well and it's cold. I'm back in to winter woollies, socks + slippers.
DeleteLuckily my beautiful poppy (Patti's Plum) is just coming to the end, as it's now flat on the lawn. At least the plants I put in yesterday are looking fine and will be well watered in.
One of these is a Physalis commonly known a Chinese Lantern, so it'll be interesting to see how it does.
My brother's robot lawn mower was out in the pouring rain yesterday, dutifully trundling back and forth. He tells me it's waterproof, but I still felt sorry for it. (But not for its friend the robot vacuum cleaner that tried to hoover up my left foot.)
DeleteJanice reminded me of something yesterday, when she mentioned the gardener to the Duke of Westminster. I live very near to Eaton Hall, in fact the Back Gate is just 3.5miles down the lane from me, just a hop, skip and a jump.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens are opened about 4× a year for charity. This year it is for a local mental charity.
I've been before but that was ages ago. The gardens are basically just a larger normal garden, nothing spectacular and there are lovely walks down to the river Dee. There's craft stalls etc set up and if lucky the Chapel will be open, but the Hall itself is firmly off limits.
The next open day is Sunday 15th and I might just go. Tickets need to be booked in advance but I won't until I've seen what the forecast is, in fact can book the day before as there is no limit on numbers.
I think this is an earlier open day than usual but then the baby is due soon and so security will be at a premium then.
Quick extra 🙀
ReplyDeleteEvery-one has heard of cheese rolling but I've just seen a video of something a bit different. This was Fig Pie Rolling, which is an annual event in a village not far from where niece No#1 lives. Apparantly it dates back to 2819 but why??
CC This is Wybunbury, so have you heard of it?
1819 obviously!
DeleteNo, I haven't heard of it Miriam.
DeleteToday we noticed that some feral pigeons were starting to build a nest under our solar panels, around some wires. It's never happened before in the 12 years that we've had them. Thankfully it wasn't a full nest with eggs or chicks in and Mr CC managed to remove it with a long pole. We'll need to keep an eye out for further activity and try and deter them from starting again.
ReplyDeleteDo keep on top of this problem CC.
DeleteIf the pigeons eggs hatch and the babies fledge they will return as adults and nest and lay again.
My experience of this problem is that my parents home, a ten storey flat in London, was surrounded by this problem when flats had become empty or balconies were unused and then colonised by pigeons.
When a partner and I moved into a flat with a balcony the first task I tackled was to remove the eggs and nest from the balcony.
Good luck !
Lady R
ReplyDeleteI’m doing well, perhaps too well.
When I returned to the plaster room about ten days ago, they changed the dressing and the wound has healed well. The technician said that I needed physio NOW and said he would send a note.
Last week it took me four days to get to speak to my local physio, and was told that they had not forgotten me, I was on their list, but that I had to continue to wait.
I was told by physio at the hospital that I would be getting physio in the community within two weeks. It’s now three weeks !
My problem is that I’m doing a lot of walking around without any aids, ( because I can) but am not sure that I should be doing so.
Without any guidance I’m a bit lost.
Apart from that tiredness is the greatest challenge.
No pain really, and I have cut back my pain relief to over twelve hours instead of six and using a lower dose.
Tiredness is to be expected MrsP, healing takes a lot out of us especially as we get older. While you wait for physio, the only thing I can suggest is to stop if it starts to hurt or when you feel tired.
DeleteCould you ask a physio for advice in a phone call in the meantime, even if it’s back to the hospital physios or a Dr phone call or 111? I understand your frustration similar here regarding Mr R and his ongoing hospital at home delirium more to come after phone calls to make!!!
DeleteThanks CC - appreciated !
DeleteI have done both, as you suggest, when that has happened.
When I put the boot back on this morning, ( I’m sleeping without it ), I felt a great difference in my leg. I felt that I was using my calf muscles, and I think that’s good.
Thanks too Lady R. I did leave a message on the surgeon’s secretary’s line on Friday and I think she tried to return the call today when I was out. She will probably try again later.
But maybe a good idea to try to speak with hospital physio.
And good luck with your phone calls.
Reminds us all of how poor Sarnia was unable to get any help for weeks on end.
I had an e-mail today to say Sarnias book has been despatched and on it's way.
ReplyDeleteI'm on tenterhooks, Miriam!
DeleteI had mine on Saturday so must be getting close to delivery now 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
DeleteSARNIA‼️ Your book has just been delivered - totally stunning sneaked a quick look at first two entries. What descriptions I could see smell and feel everything. Beautiful beautiful illustrations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ⭐️👏🏻⭐️👏🏻 love your dedications too.
You know, I don't really understand it, but thank you.
DeleteI’ve had a phone call today from the surgeons secretary.
ReplyDeleteShe is going to try to get help and says Physio was wrong to keep me waiting on a list. For medical reasons they should have been seeing me three weeks ago.
I went out to lunch yesterday with the street choir social group.
I had a full English breakfast and really enjoyed it.
It was also very good to be in company.
Pleased to hear you got through to your surgeons secretary and received the promised reply Mrs P. Another example of a breakdown in communication and a delay in the support you needed 😡
DeleteAn outing with a full English breakfast 😋 and good company bliss indeed!
Great to hear that you are getting out MrsP.
DeleteNew thread opened
ReplyDelete