Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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SozMarch 1, 2026 at 5:48 PM
ReplyDeleteAfter my accident (3 years ago this May) my husband bought me a 3 wheeler as soon as I came out of hospital. It gave me some independence and gave me the freedom to walk round the village on my own. The make of mine is JAZZ - it has a bag which will carry up to 7kg and most importantly, a seat which is used a lot. On a good surface I can walk for up 3/4 miles, with quite a few sit downs!! I have used it on grass and with some determination it enabled me to get up to Swyre Head over firm but stony terrain. I tend to use a crutch now as it’s quicker than packing Jazz in the car but that makes me one sided and gives my shoulder a lot of pain. I do appreciate your need for an extra hand, particularly if using 2 crutches. A 3 wheeler would enable you to walk around your garden and if you had a table the right height, you could sit and do jobs like potting on etc. I find it v useful for unloading the car. I’ve stopped thinking about how old I must look - anything that helps you to move is a bonus.
REPLYDELETE
Lady RMarch 1, 2026 at 11:56 PM
So sorry to hear of current health problems that are occurring amongst you but glad some really good solutions being put forward - whatever it takes to keep us all safe and bogging away!
I used my collapsible stick in the snowy rainy weather and it is still very much to hand.
AnrolMarch 2, 2026 at 4:13 AM
ReplyDeleteAP the shop in Farnham is a megastore but I am not too sure how far it is from you.
DELETE
ArcherphileMarch 2, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Many thanks to everyone who has commented and put forward suggestions about a walker. And other ways of coping. Farnham is quite far for us to get to but I should be able to find something locally. I will look on Gumtree as well as in local charity shops etc. Feeling much more positive today after all your help and concern. Thank you all.
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KPnutsMarch 2, 2026 at 8:21 AM
There is a group called Alresford Pigs who have a selection of aides that they lend out who are very helpful, not sur how far you are from Alresford, but Alton may have a similar group.
ArcherphileMarch 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
ReplyDeleteThanks KP. Alton & Alresford about equidistant from us. But I think I really want to get a second hand one rather than borrow. Loads on Gumtree too, so plenty of scope for finding one.
DELETE
SozMarch 2, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Ive been using JAZZ in the garden today and I can’t count - it has 4 wheels not 3 , probably more stable than the 3. I have been using it mainly to sit on in between short bursts of pruning.
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MiriamMarch 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM
AP. It might be an idea to go somewhere to see what's available and what will suit your needs, as I would think that there are differences. Better to find out exactly what will help you. Just an thought.
AmbridgesMrsPMarch 2, 2026 at 7:58 PM
ReplyDeleteARCHERPHILE
Another thought.
If you were to got to Alresford or Alton you could look at - and try - what’s available, borrow if a mind to, for as short a time as allowed, prior to making a final choice AND THEN buy on Gumtree after making an informed choice.
DELETE
AmbridgesMrsPMarch 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM
This conversation is all grist to the mill.
I might be in the market for one of these or something similar in due course, myself.
MiriamMarch 2, 2026 at 6:04 PM
ReplyDeleteToday I got the notification of what my new SSP will be. I looks good on paper, but in reality when tax is deducted, the monthly increase on my council tax, water, utility bill payments plus the extra cost my weekly supermarket bill now costs me on my normal shop, ia taken into account, not much will be left over
At least I won't be any worse off.
KP - I had to laugh at your new picture at the top of the post - which one is mine?!
ReplyDeleteI've just read an interesting piece which relates to the canal collapse in Shropshire. All the water from that stretch of the canal went down the embankment into a field below. Two months later, the level of this water has gone down enough to rescue the fish. Apparantly there's going to be a small electric charge put into the water, just enough to stun tge fish, allow them to be collected and returned back into the canal, safe + sound.
ReplyDeleteThat's a happy story Miriam, just what's needed with all that's going on in the world at the moment.
DeleteThe estimate is there are about 1000 fish and these will be put equally either side of the breach which has dams either end.
DeleteThe sad thing is that a canalside cafe not far from the breach, is obviously not getting any narrow boat passing trade.
They are trying to diversify by attracting cycle clubs instead
I wonder what the insurance situation is in a case like that. I guess it depends on the small print which is never favourable to the customer.
DeleteThat's really interesting. I'm glad they are going to rescue the fish.
DeleteWhat a lovely sunny + warm day. After the lawns were cut this morning, I've been out weeding and trying to make the garden look better. It's a long job but did well and have sorted about a third out.
ReplyDeleteThankfully the garden bin service starts next week and I have my new permit. The cost of £55 is well worth it for me and my bin will be full for the first emptying.
It has been a lovely day and I managed a bit in the garden this morning but had to give up due to having woken up with a sore throat and headache which have developed into a full blown cold. I can't remember when I last had one but the timing's bad as I was going to meet up with a friend at Quarry Bank tomorrow. I've cancelled as I don't want to risk her getting it because her partner has a lot of health problems including chest ones.
DeleteI'm long overdue a trip to Quarry Bank, which I must rectify soon.
DeleteTake Care + hopefully a fulk + quick recovery. Luckily I've avoided the majority of the winter bugs, but famous last words springs to mind...
It's strange that even though now in 2026, I still do sone things which were done in the Pandemic.
DeleteThe main one is washing my hands thoroughly when returning home, it's just a normal thing for me nowadays. Plus I still have hand gel in my car though not often used.
I've read a lot about viruses found on screens, door handles, ATM key pads etc. The door of the pharmacy I use still has to be pushed/pulled open by door handles, so who knows!
CC, I hope you recover quickly, MrNuts and I have both had colds that have hung around for two weeks, definitely excessive, on the mend now but still coughing like an asthmatic donkey 🙁
DeleteFinished watching Lord of the flies. All I can say was it was really weird.
ReplyDeleteWe have both had colds since returning from our weekend in London. Makes me feel like it’s not worth going away to come back to be ill. I’d rather stay at home and potter in the garden.
I’m going Easter wreath making at a friends on Saturday. Goodness knows what it’ll turn out like cos I am definitely not artistic. Going to go to the Range and hobby craft tomorrow to see if there’s any inspiration. Apparently I need either a load of moss or straw!
It was my turn to get Wordle in two today 😊
ReplyDeleteWell done. I did 4.
DeleteMe in 3
DeleteI have yet to do today’s. Yesterday’s was in 6! My ⭐️ performance did not last long 🤭
DeleteThe other night I was flicking through TV channels trying to find something decent to watch and I came across "Call My Bluff" on BBC4.
ReplyDeleteHow I enjoyed it and this was an episode from 1979 and two of the guests were Robert Powell + Nigel Havers. How young they were and just gorgeous looking - talk about eye candy - + so well spoken!
I joined in guessing and did OK.
I loved Call my Bluff. It’s been on Monday nights for some months. As you say, well worth watching. Everyone looked so young and fashionable. I loved the sparring between Frank Muir and Patrick Campbell.
DeleteI’ve been watching ‘Call my Bluff ‘ recently too.
DeleteAlways a favourite many decades ago.
It somehow didn't seem 47yrs old, well apart from how young everyone looked. It was still a great watch + an enjoyable one.
DeleteOh Dear, does this mean I'm suddenly showing my age..😱
😉 Miriam - join the club!
DeleteAP I did a bit of research for you today as to a wheeled help. I had a lovely chat with a lady in a supermarket today by accident. My trolley met up with her mobility walker going into + out of an ailse. After a laugh + a chat, I asked her about what she was using, which was a great 4 Wheeler, with seat + carrying basket.
ReplyDeleteHer advice was to try before you buy, as different manufacturers vary so much as to sturdiness + stability, plus they come in different sizes. She said make sure to find one that suits individual needs .
She was lovely and said just how much her wheeled walker has made to her life.
Hope you don't mind me doing + mentioning this and perhaps overstepping the mark, but the lovely lady was so pleased to pass on her experience.
I will talk with anyone!
DeleteMe too!
DeleteI’m sure AP will be appreciative so many points to be thought about regarding what on the surface appears to be a simple purchase. Width, weight, height and accessories extremely important. Your encounter was meant to be Miriam!
I think it makes people feel good to be able to offer advice.
DeleteI too, although a fairly quiet person ( at work years ago they fell about laughing when I said I was a quiet person but I definitely was the quietest in my family!) will often start up a conversation with total strangers. simply because people are so interesting and have stories to tell that you woulsn't realise by just looking at them.
This is why my sister now hates coming out shopping with me! On a trip before Christmas to a very large M+S, she gave up with me when she caee out of the loo, to find me chatting to a bloke, as this was in the menswear dept. Her reaction was, do you have to talk to everyone you meet?
DeleteThat's just me...🤣
Well everybody, we went to the Care shop this morning to look at walkers & get advice. On hearing I needed it mainly to get around the garden I was told I would need big, broad wheels that wouldnt dig into grass. I was shown one with a fold down seat and a little basket on the front. It was beautifully made, high quality and design. Tried it round the shop and carpark and it seemed OK. But it was £330, much more than I want to spend. It w as also too wide to get through some of the old doors in the cottage. We discussed it a lot & decided not to get one after all. I literally would only use it in the garden, not to go to the village or shopping. I think I need something simpler like a zimmer frame to steady me & which would also help in the house too. Thanks for all the suggestions, I did follow them up and got lots of info which helped make up my mind.
ReplyDeleteMr A went to Sainsburys to fetch our click & collect order today. On unpacking it at home I found several items I hadn’t ordered or paid for. I did order one pack of Club chocolate biscuits, but I was supplied with two packs. There were 3 packs of some other chocolate biscuits that I hadn't ordered and a pack of Rye Ryvita, which I never ever buy. So 5 packs of unordered, unpaid for biscuits.
ReplyDeleteWhat should I do?
Thank Lord Sainsbury for his kind present & give them out to the family, or take them back to the store next week to see if they will take them back (they are very fussy about taking stuff back)
What would you all do?
Should I consult Michael Buerk on The Moral Maze? 🤔
Send an email to Stamford Street pointing out their mistake, and offer the goods to the local food bank AP.
DeleteAs long as you got all that you ordered, do as others suggest + give the extras to a local food bank. There will be many who would so appreciate these items.
DeleteArcherphile.
DeleteIf you go for a zimmer frame, which my late father far preferred with his mobility problems, you can get net bags which clip onto them. This means can carry things such as your i-pad, a book etc.aroujd with you.
To add this was something he didn't know about but I did though, through my work. I went out and bought one for him. He loved it as he could stuff it full of his sweets + biscuits, which as an insulin dependant diabetic, he wasn't actually allowed! 🤣
DeleteExcellent idea - the food bank! Why didn’t I think of that? There is a food bank collecting crate in Sainsburys, I’ll put them there next week
DeleteAnd thanks for the Zimmer frame idea, Miriam. I’ve seen some on Amazon with extra big front wheels which look good. Much easier around the house too I hope.
Got Wordle in two today.
ReplyDeleteOpening word - three letters good, one in correct position.
I was quite proud of my wreath making today.
ReplyDeleteI’ve changed my pic to show the results.
ReplyDeleteLooks good. Bunnies and eggs are a nice touch.
DeletePtbY - well done and thanks for showing the result.
DeleteWell done PtbY, much better than anything I could have made.
DeleteThat’s really lovely PtbY And very natural.
Delete😘👍
DeleteI've just heard the first sign of Spring.
ReplyDeleteNo it's not a cuckoo, but the chimes of the ice-cream van as it went past to his usual spot at the bottom of my cul-de-sac.
It's too cold today for me to be tempted...🍦
Talking of spring, we saw and heard our first skylark of the season at Teggs Nose this week. Always a joy to hear.
DeleteToday's job was repotting my cacti. One of them was so pot bound that I had to smash the pot to get it out. It's a very big and very spiky one so I didn't intend to struggle with it. I've also brushed off the dust that they collected over the winter and given them a feed. Hopefully I'll get a nice show of flowers in the coming weeks.
Elegant and lovely.
DeletePut that in the wrong place! Meant to be about PtbY's wreath.
DeleteI’ve had a streaming cold over the last two days, with a dry cough for two days before. Clearly all on my chest before the bunged up stage.
ReplyDeleteHopefully tomorrow might be the final day of the worst of it.
Spring in my garden - lots of daffodils and grape hyacinths for several weeks now, and in recent days the buds of the magnolia are opening and showing their exquisite purple pink.
Also - I’ve pulled cooked and eaten my first two sticks of rhubarb.
ReplyDeleteI love rhubarb and I often buy a rhubarb yoghurt to put on my morning cereal.
DeleteNot quite the same but it's the best I can do.
As a child, there was always rhubarb in the garden and pudding after the Sunday roast was often a fabulous rhubarb crumble. Then there was rhubarb + ginger jam, along with stewed rhubarb on top of a lovely rice pudding complete with the skin.
Aah memories...
Mum used to bottle it, to keep for use later.
DeleteI despaired of my garden last year as everything had died off in the hot dry weather, well so I thought
ReplyDeleteMy lovely poppies are now green + lush plants again, and the new plants I bought which just disappeared, are now showing and sprouting. The only thing is that I can't remember exactly what I planted. I'm just waiting with fingers crossed to see if the new hibiscus has survived, as it's still a bit too early for it's leaves to show.
So much for Spring! Yesterday was foggy all day & today started off foggy, now it’s clear but very chilly. And we are to expect the Sahara sand dust storm soon, just after having my windows cleaned. You can’t win, can you?
ReplyDeleteYou can't. I had my windows cleaned a few days ago and were sparkling. Now my lounge windows have massive streaks of bird shit all down them! I still don't understand how so much can appear over 3 panes of glass at the same time!
DeletePerhaps I need to put bird seed out, laced with Imodium!
Ooh Miriam 🤣🤭🤣
DeleteWe watched the final episode of Lord of the Flies (recorded last night), then the programme about. how the films were made. It think it was an extraordinary series. The photography was magnificent and the acting of such you boys was amazing. Most of them had never acted before, or only in school plays. They ranged in age from 6 to very young teens. There were 60 of them shipped out to Malaysia and each boy had a parent or chaperone with them & they were very well looked after.
ReplyDeleteThe filming techniques, were quite new with special equipment to colour the backgrounds.
We very both very moved by the final episode, mostly about Ralph and his friendship with Piggy.
I must admit to crying when Piggy died and Ralph buried him in the forest. Brilliant little actors.
When I read the book years ago, I did find it disturbing and thought its reflection of human behaviour might be even more so from my much older viewpoint today so I didn’t watch. I believe they changed the very end this time. Maybe I will watch on iPlayer.
DeleteIt’s worth watching Soz.
DeleteI endorse everything AP has written.
I watched all episodes over two nights immediately after the first episode and I’ve since watched the making of the series documentary too. I’ve now started watching each episode again in order to watch more forensically, and with knowledge of how it was filmed.
Each of the children were extraordinary, and so natural in their appointed roles.
I have decided to read the book again and have ordered a copy as I can’t find it on my bookshelves. It was, and I’m sure will be again, a hard read, but for myself I do think that today, at my advanced age I feel that each of us retain care for others within us as deeply as potential evil within us, as I felt when a young person.
This was the message that I read back then, showing that changed circumstances bring good and evil to the surface in different ways according to what each of us has absorbed on our way through life.
I firmly believe that each of us has both within us according to how we evolve, and the expressive skill brought to the fore from these children in showing the struggle that each of them experience in this respect is excellent.
Thank you.MrsP. I will watch it . My daughter, who is a psychologist and needs to analyse everyone whether they want to be analysed or not, would probably tell me to get out of my pink fluffy world and face reality. We have had many discussions on inherent evil particularly after the Bulger murder by those two young boys. I like the way you have explained your views clearly and sympathetically. Maybe I will reread the book too.
DeleteYour reply Soz has taken me back to that time of the Bulger murder.
DeleteI was doing philosophy and psychology at the time and clearly remember speaking on the subject of evil and innocence with younger and less worldly students. I was in my fifties then, and able to remember and talk about the public outcry regarding Mary Bell, in many ways a similar situation.
Like your daughter I have a very analytical way of looking at life and I find it has served me well, always able to look at the truth of life without bias of good or ill.
I did not grow up in a pink fluffy world.
Both my parents were survivors of emotional neglect and cruelty and I was shown a world of reality with little kindness in it.
( though I hasten to add, no cruelty to me )
But there was always too, a sense of understanding, and articulated understanding that ‘ there but for the grace of God ‘ go I, whenever a major crime or situation was currently in the news.
I hope you Soz, and anyone else, gains some thought provoking understanding of human nature when watching the drama.
Anyone else watch Call The Midwife and sobbed like me...🥲
ReplyDeleteThe entire episode was so well done.
I had "chills" when they sang "In Paradisium" from Faure's Requiem, as this was the music we chose for the entry of my late Mother into the crematorium.
I had to get petrol today and the queue was really long and this was soon after 9.00am. To make matters worse, it was 8p a litre dearer than when I passed it on Thursday. 🙀
DeleteAt least I'm OK for at least the next 450miles.
It will hit our middle daughter who uses oil for heating as they don't have mains gas where they live.
DeleteSame here. No mains oil.
DeleteMeant gas of course.
DeleteMy son has just ordered oil but it won't be delivered for a lot longer than usual, so ether people are panic buying or the company are having trouble sourcing it.
I think a lot is panic buying, which is denying + won't help those who really need fuel for their livelihoods.
DeleteARCHERPHILE. Thanks for the info. on the other page. I found + listened to it and it was a great piece of music played beautifully, but to be honest, I didn't really recognise it apart from a few bars.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I felt exactly the same, great to listen to, but it was for Archers fans only to hear any resemblance to the signature tune.
DeleteI listened- thanks AP - I thought it very clever but managed to hear only the minimum of BarwickGreen !
ReplyDeleteVery nice piece of music but unless told I wouldn't have known it was The Archers theme tune.
ReplyDeleteI hope Steve Rosenberg stays safe. I admire the way he asks Putin challenging questions.
Glad it wasn't just me who struggled to recognise Dum-De-Dum-De-Dum-De-Dum.
DeleteWordle in two for two days running!
ReplyDeleteYou’ve spoilt my thunder! After days on 4, I managed 2 then 3 on last two days . Well done OWiaS
DeleteI’ve had a run of four and even fives, and one night simply could not get it at all.
DeleteWell done Soz and OwiaS.
I’ve been 5 on wordle for the last 2 days.
DeleteI have decided to join the U 3 A .
ReplyDeleteSo far I have joined a Rumikub group ,( third meeting tomorrow) ,have been given a ukulele so I can learn to play and join the local U 3 A Ukele band and today I went to play table tennis!
Unfortunately most of the players were about 15 to 20 years younger than me!
I enjoyed it but the walk home exhausted me and now my legs are rather painful.
However my Apple watch is very pleased with what I did!
So much for playing table tennis.
ReplyDeleteToday I can hardly move.
Went to see “Dead Ringers “ on stage in Basingstoke last night absolutely brilliant! But every idiot boy racer seemed to be on the A339 Basingstoke-Alton on the way home.
ReplyDeleteLove dead ringers. Their Donald trump is my fave.
DeleteThey always are KP! It’s a heck of a dangerous road which we use a lot, including Mr AP going to rehab every week in Alton or to Lasham. We always used to go cross country as far as possible, via, Dummer, Axford and Ellisfield but the potholes have made that route impossible!
DeleteOh Lanjan ! 😁
ReplyDeleteYou’ll just have to get used to it I guess. Think how much it’ll have done you good.
At least you can have a sit down playing rumicub today. Hope you win.
I’m going to drop our dog car off at the garage this morning. Rear air suspension has gone again. This happened last summer as well. To go into town from our house you have to go over 5 speed bumps, 5 to come home. I reckon it’s these that have caused the problem again. Ruddy things. Big bill coming no doubt.
Thank you PTBY.
DeleteI actually won the first game !
Good luck with your car
At last I can look out of my kitchen window and really see the effort I've put into the garden. After another few hours out there today, I've got weed-free flower beds (well almost), pruned roses, shrubs chopped back and everything looking neat + tidy.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm going to stiffen up + suffer later on, but every muscle ache + pain will be worth it.
I'm actually feeling proud of myself! 😆
PS I'm looking forwards to a long soak in the bath, with the jets on along with a lovely creamy bath additive - no bubbles if the jets are on!
DeleteWell done Miriam, but remember not to overdo it.
DeleteEnjoy your bath Miriam, it sounds like you've earned it.
DeleteI really enjoyed my gardening efforts on a relatively mild sunny afternoon. Who needs to pay for the gym..🤣
DeleteI've found the ideal tool to get rid of dandelions - an old but still sharp, carving knife. I was vicious with it!
Dandelion shoots are in season now, much sought after at up to 15€/kg
DeleteMine would have been worth about 1.5€. They're in the recycling garden bin so will not be wasted.
DeleteI don’t know whether any of you watch the programme Breakfast on BBC1 .
ReplyDeleteI don’t but a friend ‘phoned me to say that Crane Park ,one of the gates to which is literally (even at my walking pace )only 3 minutes away from my house ,was featured.
I had just turned on the BBC lunch time news as well and there it was …..
It is a very pleasant park with a Shot Tower and the River Crane a tributary of the Thames running through it .
There is a coffee stall run by a young man who was originally from Iran whose family are still living there and not long ago he was mugged and had his day’s takings stolen from him.
However one of the dog walkers who frequent the park started a fund for him and raised a good amount of money for him..
A very heart warming story I felt.
Also there is a bring and help yourself book stall and a small chest of draws where you can put packets of seeds for visitors to take.
When PTBY next comes down to visit I will take her there.
Her dogs would love it!
I meant chest of drawers in my previous comment
DeleteGood news on the car front. Had a new compressor fitted for free. Last new one was last June. I said surely it will have a 12 month guarantee/warrenty. They agreed it should. Really pleased.
ReplyDeleteGlad you won a game Lanjan.
Great no expense, as deserved.
DeleteJust got Wordle in two !
ReplyDeleteWell done. 4 for me today.
DeleteMe too PtbY but 3 for Nerdle tell Mr PtbY!
DeleteWhat an afternoon - high winds + torrential rain, which is still ongoing. Pusscat 🐈⬛ keeps poking her head out of the cat flap, then backing off. She's looking very cross-eyed + cross-legged at the moment!
ReplyDeleteThink I need to put a litter tray down now.
I didn't have a good day yesterday. As the weather was so bad I decided to bake but my hand mixer broke half way through. I finished of the cake and made the butter icing by hand. Later on I thought I'd descale my coffee machine and the motor burnt out whilst going through the process. I've had both of them a long time so I think it's time to replace rather than get them fixed.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the saying that things happen in 3's, doesn't apply this time.
DeleteA few years ago I was in Aldi and one of their middle aisle special buys, was a stand mixer for £29.99, a real bargain. I haven't used my hand mixer since.
It's great for doing my bread dough and mixes cakes so quickly. I still use my food processor for pastry and other things though.
I’m sorry Cheshire Cheese that you had such an unfortunate day yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAs Miriam says, let’s hope that on this occasion number three does not arrive.
Around 1960 my mother and I visited the Ideal Home exhibition.
We were both quite taken with a new fangled little machine that combined a grinder for coffee and such and a mixer for making cake mixture and so on.
We both decided to buy one.
I think my mother used her mixer for quite a number of things and I was very happy to grind my coffee beans as well as using the mixer.
When I was sorting my mother’s cupboards after her death in 1997, there was that machine though it had probably not been used much in the last few years.
My machine was also in my cupboards and now one is still in use and the other is in a top cupboard waiting as the spare.
65 years and both still in use.
They don't make them like they used to MrsP
DeleteI have a Kenwood mixer that was a wedding present in 1970. I gave it to my daughter who is a much better cook than myself and would use it more often. It is still working but she doesn’t use it as much now because of its size and weight.
DeleteThat Kenwood Chef mixer was the crème-of the-crème then. My mum had one as well and we found it in a cupboard when clearing out their bungalow. I agree, it was made to last.
DeleteI had one for years. It finally gave up the ghost with a bang and a puff of smoke when I was making a Christmas cake.
DeleteMy food processor is a Kenwood and I've no idea how long I've had it. It's still used often and works perfectly, but again it's sturdy + quite heavy.
DeleteWow that’s something Mrs P 😲 and CC I hope things have improved for you 🤞🏼
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother had a pre-war Kenwood that was still working when she died in 2004. I don’t know what happened to it when the house was cleared. My Kenwood is a youngster at 34 years old, it has had some work on the motor and lives on the counter because as people have said it is quite heavy
DeleteHappy Mothering Sunday to anyone who is celebrating. I am just pleasing myself, in effect pretending I’m not a Mum, and letting MrNuts & my daughter fend for themselves. I will be taking elder daughter to visit younger daughter tomorrow so I it’s not like I’m not seeing my offspring.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothering Sunday to all who are Mothers and/or still have a Mother.
ReplyDeleteI hope all have had treats. 😍
Happy Mothering Sunday to everyone who has ever mothered/cared for anyone. Lots of posies of flowers and Simnel cake for everybody this morning, and an interesting sermon by our new very different vicar who talked about the different "mothers" of Moses, his biological mother who did her very best to protect him in dangerous times, his sister who watched over him hidden in the basket in the rushes and came forward to suggest their mother as his wet nurse, and the childless Egyptian princess who found and decided to rescue and care for him.
ReplyDeleteI had one card and two phone calls.
ReplyDelete( the other card is in the post apparently )
No flowers this year !
I treated myself with a Lamb Shank from Tesco.
I’ll try again because just now my comment wouldnt publish - so this may come up twice!
ReplyDeleteI was very spoilt by Michelle who arrived with a beautiful card, bouquet of deep purple tulips and a box of chocs! Not a word or message from son in France who probably didn’t know what the day was! Thinks it’s on a different date over there.
Was telling Michelle about thinking of getting a walking frame or 3wheel walker, but they were expensive for my needs. Within seconds she had whipped out her phone, got on to Facebook’s Marketplace section (never looked at that before). She quickly found a basic walker, in Basingstoke, selling for £10! Before I could say anything she had messaged the seller, got a reply, arranged to go and see it after school on Tuesday and if OK, buy it and deliver it for me!!
It is very basic and needs a bag attaching, but as she said, for £10 try it, even if just as an experiment, and get rid of it if I don’t like it. She doesn’t hang about, my daughter! Bless her 😍
That's great Archerfile. I'd never heard of a Facebook Marketplace. Good to know.
DeleteWell done Michelle !
DeleteBoth mine, plus G daughters do the same.
As she said, it will do as an experiment and will help you work out what exactly will help you.
Will look forwards to Tuesday to hear more AP.
I had a scare with Lady yesterday.
I noticed that her back legs were shaking and when we went out she struggled to climb into the car.
We had a short walk and I kept a close eye on her and noticed several other things which indicated that something was amiss.
It was worse when we got home, very restless and in and out to the garden and looking at me with pleading eyes.
I had gone shopping earlier and on my return found the contents of a bag of food waste - intended for the food waste bin - scattered across the floor.
I had failed to close the kitchen door and Lady had done a raid !
My fault !
Later, in conversation with my neighbour and then my daughter the question of ‘ chocolate ‘ was raised, and then I remembered that yes, there had been the scrapings from a chocolate sauce in there which had been made with cocoa powder.
No more than a teaspoon, but nevertheless toxic.
Fortunately after several hours she ate the small meal i had made for her and slept through the night.
BIG lesson learned !
You can take the dog out of the streets, but you can’t take the street out of the dog !
What a fright with Lady. Thank goodness she's OK now.
DeleteARCHERPHILE.
ReplyDeleteFor £10 that sounds a brilliant idea. At least you can try it + work out what you like + don't like, which will give you more thoughts as to what you think will suit you best.
For anyone interested in Facebook marketplace - just open Facebook and at the very bottom are various options, friends, notifications etc. One is Marketplace, just tap on that and you will see hundreds of photos of bargains. Y ou can search for a particular thing and say where you want to buy from (town) etc etc. I just looked and saw a 10’ x8’ greenhouse, exactly like the one we had to demolish, completely to anyone that could unaseble and remove it! ….. very tempted!
ReplyDeleteI don't want to be a Devil's Advocate but I believe scammers use Facebook Marketplace, but usually for higher priced items.
DeleteJust be careful + just see + inspect before you buy.
I'm just so over cautious these days esp.after listening to a podcast about people's experiences of such f/b experiences.
It is always worth keeping an eye on FREECYCLE too.
DeleteI’ve got rid of usable stuff and also been the recipient of various articles for well over a decade now.
I’ve always used my fathers garden tools but several have reached the end of their useful life.
Last year a requested a large and solid plastic container to use as a pond. When I went to collect it I was asked if I was prepared to take several bundles of garden tools, many ancient, and I’ve been very pleased to have them. But there were also some very old forks and spades but without handles. I have negotiated with my local Men’s Shed who operate a scheme whereby they restore and repair garden tools and send to Africa for reuse in deprived rural communities.
And freegle, the UK's answer to freecycle.
DeleteJust got Wordle in two .
ReplyDeleteWell done Mrs P - it took me 5 today!!
DeleteI did it in 2 too! It was nearly 3, but I changed my mind on the last letter.
DeleteSuccess! Michelle just arrived with not only the little three-wheel walker, but also a wheeled zimmer frame! All for £10! Apparently it was a lovely youngish couple charged with disposing of recently deceased Dads belongings. They are moving soon so were very pleased to sell the walker and insisted Michelle take the zimmer frame as well, which he had used indoors. I tried the walker into the garden and it is good enough but I need to get a bag for it and may change it for a better one eventually, perhaps with a seat as well. Thank you dear daughter and Market Place
ReplyDeleteThat’s very good news ARCHERPHILE- and you got into the garden , well done.
DeleteExciting days ahead and some warmer weather to boot.
For over ten days now I’ve been finally rising from my bed at one o’clock in the afternoon, and even then very slow to get going.
Today I finally managed to get myself out just before five pm and drove down to the beach expecting to be able to give Lady some time there.
In the event I managed, with considerable effort and many stops to walk the entire length as far as the golf club. There is extensive work going on with even more rock armour than last year being placed as defence against the sea. It’s very impressive.
We then walked back along the promenade, even more slowly.
We were out for two hours and I estimate we’ll over a mile and a half.
Such an effort but I’m pleased to have made it.
Well done MrsP, thats a long way, especially along a beach. I seem to remember the sand is firm at Minehead but I remember having to negotiate a lot of seaweed ….. and donkey droppings!
DeleteNo donkeys nowadays AP and I did walk on the firm damp sand close to the tide line. Not a lot of seaweed either except after storms.
DeleteLady does not go close to the water, she backs away from the waves creeping in.
Some very satisfactory purchases AP. It’s good to try something before you spend a considerable amount. My 4 wheeler has lasted very well and it is v useful in the garden - I put gardening tools in the basket and use the seat to sit back to take a breath and admire my handiwork . It allows me to potter.
ReplyDeleteImpressed with your walk Mrs P. Definitely sounds worth the effort.
I went on a train journey today on my own, my first since my accident. I had booked assistance to get on and off the train which was fine for the first part of the journey but there was confused communication at the station where I had to get off. Fortunately there were some very kind passengers to help me. The most daunting thing was the gap between the platform and the train - difficult to negotiate with a crutch and bag!!
Got my second shed re-roofed yesterday. Did old shed at the weekend. Could hardly walk after. Certainly tested out my artificial hip whilst sat across the ridge of the shed.
ReplyDeleteSecond shed is a sloping roofed one so much easier. Have put metal sheeting on both like you see on farm buildings. Means I’ll never have to re-roof again. Thank goodness. Another lovely day today so will be gardening this aft. Certainly perks you up being outside in the sunshine. Even managed a brew sat outside on patio yesterday.
Watch it PBTY.
DeleteI know you.
Once you start to do something you won’t know where to stop.
You are right about being out in the sunshine though.
Yes sunshine lifts the spirits, especially after all that persistent rain. The garden path is a quagmire. Most go round it but grandson (4 last week) seems to enjoy squelching through it.
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying watching our little rook colony (just 6 or 7 nests) a split off from the main rookery down the lane in the gardens of the big house. I thought it a shame that they had some trees cut down, but on reflection came to the conclusion it was better than one lot who had an annual shoot the rooks and their nests. Some of the dead and dying rooks ended up falling out the sky in the track by our house. We couldn't do much for them except put them in a comfortable box in the garden shed so they died in peace.
ReplyDeleteYou can't do much about lead pellets. People come and people go, generally wealthy people who fancy a big holiday home but then find this rural area too quiet and vanish back to the town, but the rookery goes on.
ReplyDeleteOur trees on the hedge catch the wind much more so they will no doubt be a tough hardy lot. They have just about stopped squabbling over whose nest is whose and settled down now. Every now and again a twig drops out the sky.
Won't go on any more now but will just say this latest couple seem to be more community minded. They are hosting an Easter egg hunt on Easter Saturday free for children in the parish, and a refreshments stall and raffle to raise money for the surf club and village hall. I am looking forward to wandering round their gardens. Just hope it is fine.
ReplyDeleteBro-in-law was in the major cardiac hospital today. He had to be in the day unit by 8.00am, not easy as they live 50 miles away.
ReplyDeleteHe is the one who had a complete pacemaker in last year, and on the appointment to sign him off from the major unit, a heart valve problem was found.
Today yet another test, a camera up into his heart via a vein in a leg to look at something but no idea what. This all went well and no unexpected problems were found.
In 3 weeks time he has to have another scan, one done down the food pipe to get an image of the heart valve, and then the surgery plan will be put in place to repair the valve, so it works normally again.
Modern medicine is just so wonderful and how lucky we are to have the NHS.
Having great fun trying to sign some legal documents electronically. Fortunately our solicitor is my oldest friend (57 yrs) so won’t charge me extra for time hand holding & resending.
ReplyDeleteAn 82 year old friend recently had the same problems KP re sending documents electronically……… which never arrived !
DeleteShe had to come into town and deliver them eventually.
We can't rely on the post either these days.
DeleteI have just read your comment about your Solicitor KP Nuts
DeleteMy Solicitor ,someone I used to teach ,retired the week John died and someone from the firm she worked for took over her work.
I won’t go on about that but did you know that if you subscribe to Which magazine you can get Legal Service remarkably cheaply?
I decided to pay an extra £99 which meant I could telephone as many times as I wanted to for a whole year .
I could have had a half hour session for just over £2O had I just wanted that.
My queries were sorted out within a few phone calls .
Solicitors were charging well over £200 per hour 5 years ago.
I don’t know what they charge now.
Finally sorted out today. MrNuts & I each had to do the process & MrNuts had missed out a character on our neighbours email address… there was something quite comedic about two boomers & one 80 something struggling with iPads & smart phones
DeleteI got a real bargain in S/bury's today. There was a big fridge unit with beef + pork jointsspecial offer, which I had no intention of looking at. However as I walked past, this joint started waving and winking at me, well I couldn't ignore it as was so pleading and needed rescuing, so it's now enjoying its new home in my fridge.
ReplyDeleteSilliness over - I bought on impulse a 1.5kg top rump beef joint full price £27.68, for £11.48. This was cheaper than buying 1kg of mince!
It will be cut in half, half for the freezer and half for this weekend. I'll braise it in red wine + stock to then be made into a gravy, and serve a sliced portion with roast pots , etc
I reckon I'll get 4 meals out of each half and so cost effective.
Sounds like you're making the most of your bargain Miriam, enjoy.
DeleteWe're off to visit middle daughter this weekend. The family are doing a swimathon for charity. 12yr old grandson is going to do the 5k himself and his 7yr old sister is going to do it in a team with her mum and dad (she's hoping to do1k). We've been been recruited to count the lengths.
Good luck with that CC.
DeleteMy partner of some years did the BHF Swimathon every year and I was always recruited to cover length counting.
Be warned
Don’t fall asleep ……. It’s very hypnotic !
To all past listeners to Womans Hour
ReplyDeleteR I P Jennie Murray
She did a very good job for thirty odd years albeit somewhat overbearing IMO.
Nevertheless I miss her and haven’t really listened since she left the programme.
I never liked Jane Garvey and found Emma Barnet not to my taste.
I know that BASIA still listens and perhaps others too, but it no longer seems to have any relevance to me now.
Yes, I was a bit sad when I heard the news because Jenni Murray was there when I started listening to Woman's Hour. I liked Jane Garvey, but not so much Emma Barnett.
DeleteI still listen because it coincides with my morning routine, but as you say MrsP, some of it makes very little sense, so I switch off and tell them so.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad about Jenni Murray, loved her voice and authority, used to listen every day. She got very flirty with Jack Nicolson, which made me laugh, and championed Maya Angelou.
I liked Jane Garvey once I got used to her, but gave up once they left. I loathe Emma Barnett, she has single-handedly turned me off both Woman's Hour and the Today programme, no mean feat for a life-long listener.
I started listening to Womans hour when it started i remember very clearly my mother telling me - when I was very little, four or five I think, that there was going to be a programme for mummy’s in the afternoon and we would listen together. Of course in those days it was linked to Listen with Mother and whenever I heard those tinkling notes my memory was instantly taken back to those moments as a small child.
ReplyDeleteI listened avidly as a young mother and I clearly remember the item about Hillcroft College for women when I was about twenty five. I squirrelled that away in my memory, telling myself that one day I would apply to go there, when it would be my entry point to academia
I went as a very mature student when I was fifty.
Sarnia would probably have picked up on the aircraft in pairs circling in the sky over Cornwall yesterday. Apparently they were Boeing KC135s refuelling B1 Lancers which are American bombers.
ReplyDeleteMy son took advantage of the sunshine to go kayaking and was watching them above him.
I met a new "neighbour" today, who is now living in a house whose back garden boundary, abuts my property to the side of the house.
ReplyDeleteThis is Clive, a 5 month old Doberman puppy and is gorgeous with normal ears.
I now know why my 🐈⬛ keeps appearing in my empty window box outside my lounge window, meaowing and pawing to be let in. She obviously doesn't want to go past Clive if he's in his garden, to get to her cat flap. 🤭
They will soon get used to each other + realise their gardens are separate, so cannot come face to face.
DeleteMy 12yr old Gt.nephew took part in a rugby tournament today. There were 16 teams in groups of 4 and they won their group, won their semi- and then won overall. 🏆
ReplyDeleteA wonderful achievement for his team 🏉
His ambition is to wear the No#10 shirt for England 🌹🏴 🤷♀️
DeleteHe has a dream..and why not!
Sorry. Too vocal again! 😱
DeleteWe managed to stay awake for the swimming lane counting this morning MrsP and everyone achieved what they set out to do. Needless to say our grandson didn't go to swim training this evening, having swum 200 lengths in the morning!
ReplyDeleteWell done to your great nephew Miriam, I wish him well with his ambition.
Good news CC and well done to the boy and his team Miriam.
DeleteI had news today that my Gdaughter just coming to the end of her Marine Science degree at Newcastle had a very positive visit to Bristol on an open day for a masters and intends to apply.
She sent me a very positive text outlining the course and particularly emphasised the placements in industry.
She also this week submitted the first draft of her dissertation.