Life outside Ambridge
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Life outside Ambridge
G’day from down under!
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Life in Ambridge
So Lily is off to Australia, she might see this.
Life in Ambridge
Hopefully the police have cleared the bridle path
ArcherphileOctober 1, 2026 at 12:13 PM
ReplyDeleteNot sure if mentioned before, but now our neighbours of 40 years have moved, the house is occupied by their 45 yr old son and his wife who is from the Phillipines, Janice. They met when he was working as an English teacher in Borneo. She is now pregnant and due in November. her parents, are coming for the birth, then her entire family are coming over for Christmas and to meet their youngest member. I am told not all of them speak English but I shall enjoy hearing about their culture and perhaps swapping recipies!
REPLY
BasiaOctober 1, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Yes, you did mention Archerphile and now with further developments.
Never mind about the language barrier, as you say, food always brings people together.
Now two of you on the blog have Phillipino connections.
Manila envelopes originate from there too.
JaniceOctober 1, 2026 at 3:52 PM
That's sounds lovely Archerfile, and it will be interesting for them to experience a British Christmas. Mabel comes from Masbate island and she is used to having the main meal , a "feast" , on Christmas Eve, and she cooks a selection of Philippino dishes for us then
BasiaOctober 1, 2026 at 5:19 PM
ReplyDeleteOK, one l and two pp - you are the expert Janice, but the autocorrect seems to accept both.
JaniceOctober 1, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Mabel would say the correct spelling is Filipino, and that she is a Filipina and her brothers are Filipinos. 🙂
BasiaOctober 2, 2026 at 11:57 AM
That's right up my street Janice and I'll use it from now on, here at least.
I'm all for 'fonetic' spelling and pronunciation and the 'a' ending for feminine gender.
I assume her sisters are Filipinas, but when mixed the masculine applies.
Enough of linguistics.
linguistics.
ReplyDeleteJaniceOctober 1, 2026 at 3:59 PM
I take it the reason the last couple of days there have been heavy bombers going overhead here is because of the various unsettling things happening at present. Apparently they do training loops or aerial refulling over the Cornish coast.
REPLY
AmbridgesMrsPOctober 1, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Don’t forget RNAS Culdrose down at Helston Janice..
My daughter is only eight miles down the road from there and they get a great deal of air traffic over their land.
She was describing to me a few months ago how they often bring aircraft over and fly low down into their heavily wooded valley, she assumes to hide, then suddenly pop up.
ArcherphileOctober 1, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Well, that was an interesting start to Traitors. I think there are too many contestants this time which makes it quite confusing. A lot of young women I don't know and only 3 I am familiar with. I am hoping Amol Rajan and Michael Sheen do well but and thoroughly fed up with Richard E Grant already!
REPLY
Proud to be Yorkshire.October 2, 2026 at 7:34 AM
We loved it.
Don’t know a lot of the young folk. I don’t like amol Rajan, Hope coffin lid shuts on him.
Oh Richard! He was so excited he couldn’t help but blurt it out! What a plonker.
He is bringing the entertainment value to it. Don’t think he’ll last long though.
Ross Kemp….hilarious. Supposed tough guy that is jumping at everything and everyone.
Can’t wait for tonight. Haven’t got a favourite yet.
A very frustrating morning. I got to supermarket check out & joint credit card not in wallet. So pay on mine, not an issue, but I went back to car distracted by card, loaded bags & then checked pockets of spare jacket that I keep in the car & had thrown on yesterday due to sudden rain, no luck so got in car still distracted & drove off without returning my trolley (I didn’t hit it either so it may have rolled away of it’s own volition or someone took it) which means I have lost my token which is more irritating than losing a pound coin. I get home, phone credit card company & could only cancel my card but not order the replacement as MrNuts is the named account holder & he was out on walk….then putting away shopping realise bacon has hit expiry date & went to check carton of soup which I then dropped & it spilt over the floor. I think I most have affronted the universe somehow, at least I’ve got bacon sarnies to look forward to.
ReplyDelete‘ Oh ! What a day, said Enid ‘
DeleteI don’t know where that expression comes from, but a girlfriend always said it when anything went wrong.
I rather agree with Mistral KP, go back to bed, then start the day all over again.
I do hope you got the bread in order to make the bacon sandwiches.
Oh dear KP. I would go back to bed and restart the day later..
ReplyDeleteHope you get your credit card sorted quickly.
I really enjoyed The Traitors, very funny last night.
ReplyDelete👍👏🏻👍👏🏻
DeleteI have a very slow but strict routine once I’m out of bed and into my dressing gown.
ReplyDeleteFirst move is to open back door for Lady to do her first wee.
But for some reason I could not unlock the door, so spent twenty minutes or so getting screwdrivers to undo tiny rusted screws to take the plate off the lock. Then had to find the nut crackers to turn the spindle as the tool box is in the garden shed.
Meanwhile Lady with legs crossed and patiently watching whatever it is that mums doing, finally gets outside. And where as she usually greets the cat with a friendly sniff, today she snapped at him, presumably due to frustration at having to wait.
I’ve been to Screwfix this afternoon and bought a new door lock and handle.
Tomorrow’s task will be to fit it.
Couldn't you take her out the front, even if still in your dressing gown?.
DeleteI often go out the front in mine if needed, as it doesn't bother me at all if I'm seen as I am decent.
I'm not the only one, as I met one of my lovely neighbours yesterday morning as I was hoing out for an appointment, when he was putting his bike into his car and he was still in his PJ's.
It didn't bother either of us.
Yes I could go out the front Miriam, but our front is not a street, it is three terraces on different levels. Then there are steps down onto an extensive drive shared by several buildings.
DeleteWe have problems with, we suspect, people coming and using our drive as a dog toilet and Lady has been accused in the past of being the culprit.
So I put a great deal of effort into making sure my dog is not perceived as a nuisance. Allowing her to use the drive or any of the terraces would counter all my training of her to not do so, as well as confusing her and reveal me to be a hypocrite.
Well done for tackling the lock yourself. Would never have thought of using nutcrackers. My go-to for any rusty screws or anything that has seized up is WD40. When my son was younger he wanted a lockpicking kit as a present, and once I had established it was just for fun and he wasn't intending to become a burglar I got him one, but now you have got a new lock I doubt it will go wrong again.
DeleteThe WD40 was in the shed too, along with the tool box Janice.
DeleteWhat an imaginative present for a young person, what did he grow up to become ?
Not a burglar thankfully! His subject at uni was artificial intelligence and robotics, and he is self employed now and designs computer programmes. Something he can do anywhere in the world as long as there is internet access, hence them being able to go back to Mabel's homeland for two months.
DeleteGot my wish that Amol Rajan was the first to go.
ReplyDeleteNow I can watch the traitors without constantly saying “I can’t stand him” all the time.
Still haven’t got a favourite.
I’m trying to watch SCD but I just can’t get into it. Putting the sound on and off. Josh nice enough guy but is not needed and is clearly a spare part. Emma Willis is an excellent host and does not make the programme about her. Whereas Jo Jo is most certainly making it about him. As a dancer and tutor he was a delight but out front too overpowering and his wardrobe completely taking the attention from the contestants. As Miriam would say “ My opinion” and I know she is loving it as no doubt are others and I am pleased for you all. Maybe I will still grow into it 🙃
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Lady R.
DeleteI was pleasantly surprised by Graham Halls dance.
I am sick of the screaming professionals though.
I agree with you about the presenters Lady R.
DeleteGraham Hall is a bit of a revelation, he seems to be able to do both latin and ballroom.
Sorry PtbY, but totally disagree with you!! I was very upset Amol Rajan was the first to leave. He is one of my favourite presenters and has made some extremely interesting documentaries as well as being on the Today programme and University Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI hoped he would be very analytical and could get lots of useful information from the other players.
I think he is a great loss to the programme when one of those young 'actresses' would have been no loss at all!
I came to to "squesk, squeak" and the patter of paws with an occaisional yowl. As have said before, I know by experience to let her do what she's doing, as usually critter is cornered.
ReplyDeleteDozed back off, to then hear next "crunch, crunch" - and on finally getting up - there it was a headless mouse corpse! plus there were also leaves + grass by my bed.
🐈⬛ is being ignored, mind you she's been very quiet after her nighttime activity.
AP How wise to have a budgie.
DeleteHow is Pip doing?
Very well thanks Miriam. He perks up when he hears his name & we have a daily routine going for feeding and cleaning up. I have already spent a bit on cage toys and food, he really is being a proper pet!
DeleteOnly problem is the seed & feathers all round the cage and over the furniture, that I have to clean up daily. He's a messy little bird!
DeleteARCHERPHILE- i remember that mess.
DeleteI think my mother had an old sheet under the cage and spread it around the area.
I managed to get a gauze 'skirt' that is elasticated and stretches round the bottom half of the cage. It helps a bit to stop seed flying around but still have to sweep up mess from underneath. You just have to be very careful if you have to lift the cage up!
DeleteOoh AP, that has brought back a memory from decades ago, and I mean very many.
DeleteAs a child a neighbour had a budgie and the memory is, that there was a plastic, elasticated thing around the bottom of the cage. Best described it was like a shower cap or one of those covers for a shopping basket!!
Ah yes !
DeleteThe plastic bag with elastic top that fixed around Dandy’s cage.
I remember it well, just like Miriam remembers.
Mr CC has been busy making a hedgehog house as ours is still resident in the garden.
ReplyDeleteWe put it out this afternoon and wait to see if it is tempted in or will prefer to stick with the hibernaculum that it made itself. It would make a nice, cosy space to hibernate in.
CC do let us know if it takes up residence.
DeleteKPnuts.
ReplyDeleteHow is your latest grandchild doing?
I bet you're a doting grandma, or whatever you decide to be called.
I’m not a grandmother, the baby belongs to my niece, we have many great nephews & nieces and even one great-great nephew on MrNuts side. I am unlikely to become a grandmother as both my daughters are pretty adamant that they don’t want to have children, although my younger daughter would consider adopting
DeleteI'm having an off day today.
ReplyDeleteI had my 'flu jab yesterday and apart from a sore arm, I was fine.
This morning I just felt a bit achy + tired, so off I went to the supermarket. As soon as started pushing the trolley my arm started aching, but still fine.
Now I'm feeling absolutely exhausted with a throbbing arm + headache! They say though that this is good, as it shows the immune system is working as it should be!
Shopping was one of those good ones as to what I got:-
Gold Blend coffee for £5.70
A 1.7kg lean loin of pork joint for £6.49.
These were quality bargains which were not of my list, but I couldn't ignore them!
I had over £22 in savings in my full shop. 😃
The pork will be cut in half + then frozen.
I like Gold Blend coffee and that was a good price.
DeleteI too got a bargain today.
DeleteI forgot to buy the cats biscuits in my last shop and had to cut dog kibble into quarters as an emergency last night.
When I got to Tesco today lo and behold they actually had Whiskas senior which are not always in stock. Then I noticed that they were four for the price of three. So I won’t be running out again for several weeks, and I saved £6.
I’ve recently been able, on two occasions, to get my liquid iron at three for two and at £15 a bottle that too is a considerable saving.
Regarding the cost of things. My son messaged with photos and said they had just had a Taiwanese meal in a restaurant for 3 adults and a child for the equivalent of £14. Apparently there are heaters built into the table so you can cook the bowls of food yourself. My daughter in law had a beef hotpot and my son a vegetarian one. One reason they chose Taiwan was because proper vegetarian meals are routinely offered. In the Philippines if you ask what vegetarian meals they have they think you just mean you want extra vegetables. My daughter who enjoys trying different things chose to have pig's intestines with duck blood. Just the thought turns my stomach.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are all still here. In August I was diagnosed as diabetic as well as medication I started the diabetic diet and have lost 6.5Kg (about a stone so far). Mum would have been devastated as she did love our cream teas and coffee and cake. Anyway just mention it because it has cut the grocery bills by about 40% in this climate it all helps. Mum's dog Dudley had to have a dental which cost £960 so win some lose some. He is fine now and she would be so proud of him he is a lovely senior dog. All the best.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the diabetes diagnosis, but you have done brilliantly losing a stone. It is interesting you have mentioned Dudley's vet bill because just at present on the other blog the vet Alastair and villagers have been talking about how the large corporate businesses are buying up independent vet practices and increasing charges. Hope all goes well with you. Losing weight may enable you to manage on less medication.
DeleteHello Katy, how odd, I was actually thinking of you today and whether you'd get in touch with us again. Some bad, some good news mixed up, just like life in general and good to hear from you.
DeleteHello Daughter of Ev - how nice that you still keep up with us.
DeleteI hope that pleases Ev, looking down on us.
My father, diagnosed later in life with diabetes, decided to control his diet and was so strict with himself and in testing his urine daily - he was an exceptionally disciplined man, to the point of being obsessive - that he never had any medication throughout the rest of his life.
Well done you for losing that weight and I hope you are able to continue to keep yourself healthy.
Wishing you all the best !
Wonderful to hear from you Katy, aka Daughter of Ev2. 😃
DeleteWhenever I see or hear anything about the IOW I think of you, along with fond memories of your Mum.
Diabetes can easily be controlled and as you say, the diet is obviously doing you proud. A diabetic diet is quite easy to do once get the hang of it, it's just re-educating about different foods.
It's not uncommon that diet can reduce the condition considerably and reduce or even cease any medication. It is allowed to cheat now + again, as long as it is just that.
How is your life + business doing now and how old is Dudley?
Now what I want to know is, what's happened about taking that Spitfire flight.
My 🐈⬛ is a little devil in disguise at times, but is also a very loving, cuddly cat and I couldn't do without her. She's my shadow + companion. Pets certainly are loyal aren't they.
Do keep in touch as you certainly are one of us here.
Hello Katy. Nice to hear from you. Well done on the weight loss. Hope you get your diabetes under control with your diet.
ReplyDeleteVet bills!!!! I took our 2 for their annual boosters and kennel cough yesterday……£193. I find it hard to stand and pay without looking horrified and saying how expensive it is. We were in and out in 15 mins! Ours is an independent vets.
Feel your pain PtbY
DeleteWhen I took Lady and Puss together last year, boosters, worming etc. it cost me around £150.
I started putting a fiver away in an envelope each week.
This year I will have most of the cost in cash to cover it.
Most, since I expect a price rise !
I obviously got away lightly when I took 🐈⬛ into for annual booster + health check - £53.
DeleteThis is still a father + son owned practice + are fabulous.
Dudley will be 13 on 2nd January. Life generally is good. I had my busiest ever month in July this year, but generally chugging along nicely. I have been running escape toom games but that will stop at xmas and I also mark exam papers. All tighter than being on a teaching salary but much more time to actually enjoy life including lots of swimming. On Ssaturday I am going to the Cats Protection League to learn how to crochet. Generally I have a nice content life.
DeleteTRAITORS.
ReplyDeleteI as sad they got rid of Richard. He was good entertainment but I understand why they had to do it.
I like the way James Blunt goes into army mode and organises everyone at the start of a mission. Hope he doesn’t go out soon.
I think Bella might be in trouble soon as she's so perceptive and it shows.
DeleteI hope I'm wrong though, as I do like her.
Miss Miranda Marple also seems well tuned in.
BASIA ?
ReplyDeleteA reminder to tell more re your memory problems ………. MrsP
I think I am a bit like Basia as I also store a lot of things up. All I need is a trigger to a memory, and it all comes flooding back.
DeleteThis can be a hindrance though.
Precisely Miriam and MrsP
DeleteMy sister said over the phone: the boys (husband and friend) have gone to get ice-cream.
I said - you got him an and ice-cream maker once...
She: WHAT? WHEN?
Ask him, I'm sure I'm right. And I was, but she forgot, he forgot, only his wife remembered.
My sister said I have a problem by not deleting stuff and it gets worse with age.
I know exercise bikes are destined to become fancy clothes horses. What is the ultimate use of ice cream makers?
DeleteDon't know what an alternative use could be, but perhaps save it until the heat wave next summer and sell it for an exorbitant price on ebay.
DeleteOMG...I guessed right Bella could be in danger but didn't expect it quite so soon.
ReplyDeleteVery upset Julie has gone, she was the one I really wanted to win - having admired her for years in Coronation Street. Don't understand why she was chosen. Would much rather Hannah left, I really don't like that woman, never have.
ReplyDeleteI too was disappointed that Julie was voted out. A real character and so full of enthusiasm.
DeleteNot impressed with Claudia’s outfits this series. Usually like her jumpers and plaid trews.
ReplyDeleteCLAUDIA! Ok I get the joke 🤭 colour coordination awful!
DeleteHave people been really busy over the weekend or is Google playing silly b****rs?
ReplyDeleteI've been busy because Australians are over here again researching more of their family tree . People seem to wash up on my door.
ReplyDeletePerhaps your too generous with your hospitality Janice.
DeleteI went to Strasbourg to see family, for the first time since January. The heatwave was almost like covid for me. We the girls, sister and g-daughters played time's up falling about with laughter. The boys watched with merriment and said next time they'd like to join in!
ReplyDeletePS Sister and husband visit me here, so I've not been abandoned.
I'm still miffed I don't get a covid vaccine. I'm vulnerable enough to need a 'flu jab, so why not a Covid one? It just doesn't make sense to me!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of paying to get one done privately, as I feel I want to be protected in some way.
To add I've just booked a private covid vaccine for Nov. 3rd at an eye, watering price of £98!
DeleteI just want some sort of protection after reading about this new strain which seems more virulent.
Perhaps I'm being silly..who knows as I don't.
I think you are being sensible Miriam. I had my flu jab today at the local chemist and spent the afternoon resting, and next week am having the covid at the same place. I prefer having them seperately in case of reactions.
DeleteI persuaded my daughter about 3 years ago that she really should have a comprehensive course of injections before going to the Philippines, and over the last 3 years she has thankfully had all she should. The nhs only supplies a couple of them. She would gaily have gone with none. My persuasion mainly involved me saying I would pay for them as she doesn't have a high salary, so I know how expensive they can be. Some of them were in courses of 3 plus booster. The rabies course of 3 plus the booster last year were £70 each. It gives me peace of mind though because she has a tendency to pet any animal she comes across. Today they visited a cat village which looked fun from the photos, but apparently all the cats with a notch in their ear had been vaccinated.
We had our flu and COVID vaccinations on Saturday at our local pharmacy. No ill effects apart from a very sore arm, which I didn't get with the last one.
DeleteHedgehog update. It's still around, we occasionally see it in the evening when we clear up after our evening meal. It has been snuffling around in front of the box but has decided that the rustic one it constructed itself is superior to the offering of Mr CC's bijoux residence.
CC - Perhaps you'll get another visitor in there, or the present one will change his mind come winter.
DeleteI had Flu and Covid last Thursday. Covid made my arm sore.
DeleteI felt like a Carol Tregorran today!!
ReplyDeleteI had to set up an app for my Barclaycard, as I will no longer be able to pay it via the normal on-line banking.
What a palaver which took me ages. I had to agree to things I didn't want to do and as for the security. I had photo my driving licence back + front, record a video with me doing a set movement, read out loud a set of numbers which appeared on the screen, set up a specific identification code, then was sent another pass code to put in to then be accepted that it was me!
All this was just to pay my credit card bill, which I only use very rarely l, for cash flow + offsetting payment.
Once finally set-up, I could finally view my statement and payment is not due until Nov.2nd which is what I thought.
I could do it, but how many couldn't...
PS I didn't pay, as the card was only used to offset payment until November.
DeleteEvery little helps! 😆
A good explanation of why I continue to refuse to do online banking Miriam
DeleteI don’t do apps either.
I will continue to use the telephone for as long as I possibly can.
I feel for you Miriam! I have to keep doing online surveys for 1) Pre hospital ortho appointment and 2) yearly health test for my surgery at the end of which I was told you must still make an appointment for blood and urine tests. Both went on forever.
DeleteCar to get sorted now a couple of jobs to be immediately followed by MOT then tax to do.
Haven’t long finished with the dentist 🙃 I expect she is off to The Maldives soon now 🤣
I had car service + MOT on Sept 30th and I've a costly opticians bill coming up in a couple of weeks time, new lenses for 2 pairs of glasses. I'd like some new frames, but I think I must resist temptation + make do.
DeleteWe had an emergency trip to the vets on Saturday afternoon. Daphne ended up staying in overnight till 5pm Sunday. She had a bout of gastroenteritis and was getting dehydrated from the trots and having bile-y sick as she wasn’t eating. So on a drip to rehydrate and anti-biotics and bung you up paste. £600 thank you very much!!
ReplyDeleteIs it any wonder why the rescue animal shelters are overflowing with abandoned pets...
DeleteWow Peppy ate 9 of Buddy's BP tablets in. May and 30 hours on a drip was £300.. Bargain!. All tablets are now in pill boxes Buddy has his own. Peppy is so sneaky and has a thing about medication.
DeleteI too was in shock at the vets today.
DeleteI suspected that Puss was in need of a dental and the decision today was to book him in for the end of next week. I was told that a dental is typically in the region of £300 - 500.
That wasn’t the shock tho’ ….. the cost of today’s consultation was £62.
That’s only two pounds more than I pay for a visit to my osteopath, and I expected it to be much more expensive.
It is £58 for a 15 minute consultation here, dropping to £53 for follow up consultations. At the beginning of August I realised Bella was in pain. Our local Penbode vets surgery was closed because it was a Saturday but I managed to get a late appointment at their bigger branch in Bude that was open. Our usual vet was there and he realised very quickly she had a rotten tooth. He sighed and said he had been hoping to leave work at half four, but then went and sedated her and removed that tooth and one beside it that was wobbly. Cost was £153.It was an independent practice but got bought up by a big company when the owners retired. The vets are all very caring, and thorough in their work
DeleteWe have an independent vet here in Minehead.
DeleteEveryone spoke very highly of him so I signed up with him when I arrived here. We went for two years with no problems, but when he was cutting Lady’s nails two years ago, he cut into the quick and drew blood. She was screaming and resisting, in my opinion quite naturally, but his reaction was that she should get used to it, and he carried on with the procedure as though nothing was amiss.
For the next year I continued to feel very uncomfortable about this event and the following year signed up with the corporate outfit in town.
Lady has been very unhappy at having her feet touched since.
Recently though I’ve found a poodle parlour where the woman there has successfully cut her toenails without Lady turning a hair.
I’ve also been putting away a sum of money weekly for the last year, to at least have something in hand for the dreaded invoice.
I’m pleased for you Janice that you still have an old fashioned vet you can get to.
We had the first frost of the season with some very pretty patterns on the conservatory roof.
ReplyDeleteYesterday we had the last of the salad from the garden, it feels like autumn is well and truly here.
“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” 🍁🍁🍁 not that I am seeing much of it struck down with cough and cold. Had my jabs on the 1/10 too! Just managed my birthday which Bentley Lodge went all out for a complete surprise big cake to share with the residents a balloon and a card they had made from George which he helped with and wrote Georgie in it himself, and the arts and crafts man drew a beautiful butterfly picture which he even brought in on his day off. A resident had just had a birthday and I said oh you’re a Libra too and when I told her I think a member of staff overheard. I was told it was because apart from sickness I go everyday and therefore a big part of the family by talking to and helping many of the residents.
DeleteMy pleasure of course 😊
How lovely for you.
DeleteI’m off to Lanjan’s tomorrow with a Christmas cake I’ve made her. Off to see “Hayfever” this aft at Wyndham theatre.
What a lovely birthday treat for you Lady R 😊
DeleteHow lovely Lady R that you have made yourself one of the residents by visiting daily. I know how this feels as I did the same in the first year of my mother’s residency in the nursing home.
DeleteI remember one lady that I became very fond of.
And for you, this has become another chapter of your life.
You deserve the reward you had yesterday and belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
I’m so pleased for you that they made a big fuss and you must have felt so at home with new friends.
Sometimes the hardest chapter in life also brings with it new experiences and opportunities.
PtbY - enjoy your time with LJ and give her my love.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Hayfever too.
How remiss I feel for missing Lady R's birthday, esp. as she's the one who remembers everyone else's.
ReplyDeleteLady R. Belated Birthday Wishes 💐
Just heard BIL is having his open heart surgery op. on Nov.30th. Big Sis + hubbie have known for about 6 months it would be happening in December, but now they've got the actual date they're now completely daunted by it all along with all the extra appointments beforehand.
They live 50 miles away from the hospital and a return journey involves trips across the Mersey Gateway toll Bridge but they can pay for a multiple use ticket, which will certainly be needed.
Miriam I do wish your BIL all the very best for such daunting travel journeys to and from the hospital what a distance to have to make each time and in wintertime too, but he will be well rewarded after his surgery.
DeleteThanks everyone for Birthday wishes. You are right Mrs P new friends to be made in another chapter of life as you also found 😊
Lady R. The travel is it what it is, as he's going to the major cardio/thoracic hospital for the area. They live in Wales but on the Shropshire/Wales border.
DeleteThey feel lucky that this facility was in their catchment area, so the travel is well worth it for the care + expertise They are getting.
I hope that all goes well with the operation Miriam, a very stressful time for your family.
DeleteMixed news for your BiL Miriam.
DeleteGood that the surgery is now due but difficult travel to get there.
And for your sister while her husband is in hospital, or will she be able to rent an AirBnB near to the hospital.
Good news for your BiL Miriam about the surgery but mixed with concerns for the long distance to travel.
DeleteWill your sister be able to rent an AirBnB whilst her husband is in hospital ?
My BinL had triple bypass surgery last year, he is now fully recovered but he was quite depressed afterwards. He had been very active before, running and playing tennis and he really struggled with having to slow down and rebuild gradually, my sister was getting rather fed up ( empathy and sympathy are not her strong suit) so is relieved he is back to normal.
DeleteLady R - this is unforgivable, I forgot your Birthday! But it sounds as if you had a lovely time and George's home certainly make a fuss of you which is much deserved. Belated birthday wishes from me too, and love to George next time you see him.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit concerned about French grandson James, who started at Lyon University in September. The school protesters have sacked the town today and burnt down the tourist information office. Son & daughter.in.law went up to Lyon to visit him this weekend and although the University is outside the city centre they have seen evidence of the rioting. James tried to go into town to buy some computer equipment but the shop had been wrecked. He is keeping his head down now.
ARCHERPHILE….. I’m sure that your very pleased to have a grandson who prefers to keep his head down instead of becoming a protester, even if he doth protest in his head or heart.
DeleteAll this news from France reminds me of the student protests of the sixties.
Fortunately not when I was visiting Paris.
I hope your Gson continues to be safe.
I hope that your grandson stays safe in Lyon.
DeleteIt saddens to near about what is happening to that city, we know it quite well. Or eldest daughter spent two summers working in a restaurant there in her university vacation and we visited her and the city.
Had a lovely day with Lanjan. Cups of tea, crumpets and a good sit down and natter. Very relaxing.
ReplyDeletePassed on your regards MrsP.
Thank you !
DeleteHope she is well and still able to be active.
Yes she’s very well. She was up and down out of her chair like a good un. She daren’t garden any more because she had a fall outside. She’s just got a new passport because she’s like her son to take her to Madeira!!! Think she has more energy than me!
DeleteGood to hear - and more energy than me too.
DeleteGood to hear news of Lanjan. Wish her well from me.
ReplyDeleteHaving had a lovely time with PTBY on Sunday and having had a chat with Lady R earlier this month I thought I would see if I can still get onto the blog .
DeleteDidn’t realise that PTBY and I have the same feelings about Amul Rajan!
However I don’t watch Strictly nor Traitors so we didn’t spend the time talking about the programmes that most people enjoy.
Thanks Mrs P and Janice for your mentions.
Sadly and unexpectedly I had to have Percy the cat put to sleep last month.
Those of you who have had pets know how it feels if that happens .
As PTBY I decided to get a passport
Well I don’t know what happened there .
DeleteWhen I pressed publish all seemed well .
Re the passport .
Yes I have one now but certainly don’t fancy doing any winter travelling abroad .
All the best to you all .
Will check up now to see if Liverpool have scored.
Oh No!! Just heard that Radio 4Extra is to be axed in the BBC savings. It is the station I listen to more than any other. Every single afternoon I tune in to old plays, comedy programmes, Paul Temple, Miss Marple, old Desert Island discs etc etc. It cant cost much to run R4 Extra - everything is from old recordings and virtually no continuity announcers. I am heartbroken
ReplyDeleteBut it’s not completely lost ARCHERPHILE- you will still be able to get it on ‘Sounds ‘
DeleteI immediately thought of Miriam when I heard the announcement- didn’t realise you were also a devotee.
How very good to hear from you LanJan - hope you stay with us this time. You are greatly missed and often referenced.
Hope radio 4extra stays on sounds. I listen to it all the time.
ReplyDeleteI noticed in the comments on the BBC News page, dozens and dozens of complaints about 4 Ex being shut down. It is obviously a very popular station and not just with old ladies like me! If it is still available on Sounds that is OK. - it's how I usually listen anyway, via my iPad.
ReplyDeleteI think what they mean is that although R4ex will be shut down, the programmes they broadcast will still be available on Sounds but it'll mean searching for suitable things to via the genre categories. To do this is tedious + time consuming, esp if like me, tastes are very varied.
DeleteThe other concern is will new + different things be added to give variation.
My bedside clock/radio is tuned into 4ex so if I wake up + can't get back to sleep, I switch it on which helps.