Cherry Blossoms are here - and so is The Archers Blog.
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
1. Good morning everyone! Cherry blossoms are in full bloom!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruthy. No blossom here yet. I love pink.
Delete2. Spring lambs and cherry blossom....this site is SO much nicer than the BBC one. Bravo, I feel optimistic. Unlike Brian.
ReplyDelete3. I love the cherry-pink and the clouds remind me of apple-blossom white.
ReplyDelete3a Aha, an Eddie Calvert fan!
Delete4. I meant to ask; did l miss something or has Alice caught herself on an given up the drink?
ReplyDeleteI think she's trying to cut down as Chris suggested, after her thoughtlessness at Nic's funeral.
DeleteThanks v. much, H
Delete5. Love the blossom picture. I stopped listening to TA for a while as the melodrama and misery was getting me down. I've given it another go and don't think a lot has changed but am going to persevere for a while, I live in hope.
ReplyDelete6 cherry blossom blooming down my road, and now on this site - so welcome ! Just spotted a woodpecker at the feeder, too (rare sight in this garden) Hedgehog of Hollowtree, last blog, nodding vigorously at your ref. to Shula's ' lying by omission' re-Titchener attack at the hunt; the fading of that story strand has always irritated me
ReplyDelete..
One hundred and twenty ..lambs blog ,without doubt
ReplyDelete(It must have been something I said!)
Sarnia 's just gone and blotted my pseudonym out
And put a pink rose there instead.!
7a Nothing to do with me, it just appeared on my screen. Putting it there is beyond my capabilities!
DeleteMy beautiful pink cherry tree was in full bloom at this time last year. This morning there are just bare branches and a few far from open buds to be seen through the thick cold mist. Brrr!
ReplyDeleteGood for Jazzer last night, sticking up for himself against arrogant Tom and unthinking Neil - I do hope that Neil isn't going to morph into a "corporate" man. Jazzer seems to be becoming the voice of sense and sanity amongst the petty dramas and illusions that are abroad in Ambridge lately. Go Jazzer!
Jazzer may find it difficult working for a corporate enterprise. Has he ever really been on the receiving end of a strong management style? Tom has a point, it is a very different experience from mucking in on a small family farm, where he is essentially working on his own.
ReplyDeleteBehind the facade of Neil is the hard corporate face of Justin, and both Neil and Jazzer (if he is appointed) will have to work to the tune of being company men.
DeleteTrue, Stasia. As I said, I'm worried about Neil. He's enjoying his working conditions and status as the moment, but I think he may find some difficulties along the way, once the initial gloss has worn off. I certainly wouldn't want to be employed by Justin!
11(perhaps) Torn between what Suz and Stasia say. Firstly, felt much as Suz about Jazzer's attitude, Tom's assumptions, but Stasia's point about the looming figure of corporate management in the person of JE makes me think this could lead to a knotty and nuanced SL involving Neil as well and no doubt others....
ReplyDelete10. Cherry Blossom Pink and Apple Blossom White played by Eddie Calvert- One of my Mum's favourite tunes.
ReplyDeleteI do hope Jazzer moves over to work with Neil. It's true he has mainly been his own man; the number of times Tom has swanned off all over the world but he (Jazzer) is so experienced with pigs and appreciates his 'girls' he would be an excellent choice.I wonder how many workers they will need? The programme I heard on Farming Today a while back had 3000 pigs, some outdoors and some on boards in shed and there was the farmer, his wife and two adult daughters working on the farm. If Berrow Farm has about the same number Neil will still need a couple of others. Johnnie could go as well but he is working for Brian at the moment - but for how long?
One final thought Tom and Johnnie moved out of Bridge Farm as it was too crowded - 4 bedrooms I suppose. It wouldn't be much bigger as Bridge Farm is only 180 acres (about a tenth of the size of Home Farm) so it wouldn't have a very big house. Presumably Henry and Jack share a room. But the idea of Pat inviting someone from the hostel to live goes against all the safeguarding rules of working with vulnerable people and she should be kicked out of the Elms asap!
I don't think Johnnie is still working at Home Farm. (He was employed by Adam, remember, not Brian.) He turned down offer of a full-time, permanent job at Home Farm and decided to do another level of his farming apprenticeship at college. Johnnie will have gained plenty of porcine experience by now besides studying topics like disease-control. I'm sure he and Jazzer could have run Neil's pig-breeding between them on a profit-sharing basis.
Delete12. We have one cherry in full bloom at the moment and the double pink Kanzan variety tress are full of bursting buds, so they won’t be long. Our garden is looking a mess though, at the moment, as we have contractors in erecting new fences, trellis and a pergola - mud and debris everywhere! To the Archers - I agree with Spicy about Pat taking Olwen into her own home. I am sure this would be frowned on by the voluntary organisations. Surely Pat’s home and circumstances would have to be thoroughly vetted first and all sorts medical checks carried out on Olwen to ensure she was fit enough to be moved to a private home. Though, of course Olwen said she wouldn’t stay in a hostel anyway. I wonder what Alan would have advised - he has experience of working with the homeless. Pat seems to have got a little carried away with her new do-gooding activities, she may find she has taken on more than she bargained for. I wonder how long Alison Steadman is committed to TA?
ReplyDeletePat knew Olwen in the past so it's not like O is just another client of The Elms.
DeleteHas Jazzer given up real girls completely? His only emotional attachment at the moment seems to be to his pigs....
ReplyDeleteMaybe they've given up on him? There's hope, though; Fallon is allergic to marriage, he's always fancied her but likewise averse to formal commitment, so..
Delete..
The only real girl to whom I can recall Jazzer having an emotional attachment was Fallon. Emotions don't usually come into it for Jazzer. (Aside: Jazzer's family seems to consist of his Ma and his no-good brother. No father in the family?)
Delete11. This blog is settling down very nicely. I greatly prefer the picture heading for each section to the Beeb's haphazard "Quote of the week"
ReplyDeleteThe cherry blossom picture takes me back to Spring 1965 when the ship in which I was serving visited Japan. Very beautiful.
(13ish)Sorry Stasia,I couldn't think who else to blame ,didn't mind anyway and I knew you would take it all in good part.
ReplyDeleteSadly cherry blossom almost finished but plum blossom about to flower.
Went to allotment.
Shattered now.
50 years ago today I passed my driving test after a day's teaching!
Not a lot of people know (or care )about that gem of information
13b. :)An achievement to be proud of, Lan Jan.
DeleteLanjan. You have been working too hard. I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to.!! I tried posting yesterday but my efforts disappeared. I don't mind taking the blame as I am computer stupid.
Delete13 ? It occurs to me that the BBC’s closing the official blog on cost grounds might be to help finance the legal bill for expensive lawyers to defend against Sir Cliff Richards’ privacy case.
ReplyDelete17. Just getting the numbering straight!
ReplyDelete18. Re AS/Olwyn perhaps she is a story filler until the Piplet arrives. There really is a dearth of social services support in Borsetshire in adult and children services. Good choice re lifeboat charity. Love the blossom apple blossom out here as well.
ReplyDeleteOlwen is a chef/cook. She might fill in at Grey Gables for Ian's paternity leave when the Adamlexit arrives. It would give Pat a reason to reactivate her friendship with Kathy. Today is transfer day for Adamlexit.
Delete19. I am on a train ride this morning to get to a business meeting and enjoying reading these comments and listening to Cherry Blossom...on my Spotify. 🌸🌸🌸
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete21 LanJan removed her comment and mine disappeared too.
ReplyDeleteHope I didn't offend you LanJan - I certainly had no intention of suggesting you were anything like my rather cavalier friend!
(22) Not at all .Old Woman
ReplyDeleteSorry about that
I didn't see your comment
I decided to play about to see if one could delete one's comment and then repeat it and it didn't go so I tried again and then left it.
Stupid idea.
I then had a bit of a panic and decided to return to make sure I could get back!
My comment more or less said that we are now a Group of 39 at the moment.
Pierre,perhaps when Sir Cliff hears that our blog has has to close because of his Court Case he will change his mind.
ReplyDeleteAnother Celeb born in the same month and year as I was (he is older than I am incidently )
He is a few months younger than me!
DeletePierre, I've just twigged your pseudonym.
DeleteThank you Ruthy for your / our new blog.
ReplyDeleteI miss the blossom of my previous home in Putney.
Ugly fifties built LCC buildings, but big rooms and acres and acres of lawns and trees, lots of pink and white.
A neighbour here has a Magnolia in bud, but no blossom, apple pear, or cherry.
Mention of the Eddy Calvert immediately brings the sound of that soaring trumpet into my head. My mum loved it too.
Lan Jan, if you are the same age as Cliff, you are not that much older than me.
76 this weekend.
How did I get this far ?
I do agree about both Neil and Jazzer being at Berrow.
It could be a mixed bag !
Good food for the SWs though.
I liked that point made by Carolyn (?) about Shulas dishonesty.
I used to like Shula, but she becomes less and less likeable as she ages.
25. I have to admit one of my strongest early memories of TA apart from Walter Gabriel was Shula as a teenager when I was a similar, slightly younger age and finding her irritatingly precocious. Whether she really was or just my adolescent perception I couldn’t say. I can imagine her embarrassment when questioned by Clarrie and digging herself a hole by her response. I think she’ll be mortified that it has got so public so soon. I also squirmed at Jill’s questioning her so hard.
ReplyDeleteI sympathise with Nigella (hope it was you) who stopped listening because of all the angst. We need more Silmarillion reviews for a bit of balance.
Hello Seasider, no, it was not me. I am still listening ☺️
DeleteBut I agree that some light relief such as talking about literature in between the angst is very welcome.
((26) Only a few months younger than Cliff ,Pierre so probably a child of the 40s like me.
ReplyDeleteFunny how those who were born in that decade just don't look our age!
Mrs P I like to shop in Putney.I walk down the High Street from the station and then have a meal at a pub by the river.
Lovely.
Do you LanJan ?
DeleteWell next time I come down, we should meet up and have lunch at the Boathouse.
Testing I have managed to get my pic off, all trial and error. Hello new blog, first time on today. Gorgeous blossom pic Ruthy you are doing a superb job for us....
ReplyDeleteOh dear what have I got now! Meal to do so will have to play around again later - sorry all!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if have found this site. Hope so.
ReplyDeleteMy thought as to TA is that I so hope that both Neil and Jazzer realise Berrow Farm is not for them.
ReplyDeleteI agree Miriam, they could they set up on their own and with Rex if he takes to the pigs.
DeleteSomeone suggested alpaca-farming on TA. The rise in alpaca-farming is featured on "Springtime on the Farm" on Ch. 5. Preceded by a programme about hedgehog rescue.
ReplyDeleteFew, found it at last, not a lifeboat but lovely blossom. I also love the quilt under the cat, being a quilter.
ReplyDeleteWe have boated up the Thames past Putney. No mention of any Archers with narrowboats. Maybe Justin could start building them, diversification.
Did we really need all that information this evening?
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed we don't have it thrust down our throats for the next nine months.
I am just wondering now about Ruari
Brian's closing lines were about Ruari's future .
I hope that there is going to be a future for him.
Surely by now we would have heard him speak now that he has grown up and presumably lost his Irish accent
If the BBC can bring in one new character-Olwyn,why not let a character who is already supposedly living in Ambridge (when not away at school) actually speak?
LanJan, I chuckled when Brian told Ruth that Ruari had already joined the silent Ben.
DeleteAnd what's the significance of the light in the ladies' changing room I wonder.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRuairie is "home" for his school hols, so why is he silent?. As Ruth is his spokesperson on the Home Farm Family board, perhaps they could have had a chat between them, so to Ruth could understand Ruairie's thoughts and ideas for the future, as after all, he is involved in a massive way.
ReplyDelete30ish sorry Nigella and Cheshire Cheese got you mixed up earlier.
ReplyDeleteCould someone explain re the blog whether we are supposed to post at the end or insert replies further back as I keep finding posts I haven’t read. Am I doing it right?
No worries. I do both. I comment directly, especially when I have not been on here for some time. Although I guess that some of those posts will not be read because most people probably do not scroll back that far if they post regularly. And if I have a new thought, I post my own comment at the bottom of the page.
Delete31 ish would suggest posting at the end
ReplyDelete(32)- I agree Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteReferring to numbers is what we are used to .
If someone wants to make a point about a topic that happened five posts ago it is better for example to do as we used to do.
Once people have read the posts they are unlikely to want to return to them to see if someone has made a point later just beneath that post.
It won't take us long to remember to put in the numbers and even if everybody doesn't do so I am sure most will so we won't have to count back too far to find the correct number.
I do hope Lexi doesn't get pregnant and that she decides that she needs to return to her actual daughters and her mother.
I really can't be doing with her at all.
Seasider / Ruthy, I do both. If the post I want to respond to is some way back I respond on the reply button, then in my main comment at the end I usually say that I have left a remark as a reply further back.
ReplyDeleteIf someone is interested enough to want to know what I have said, they can scroll back.
If there not interested, then it doesn't really matter, ' cos I'm talking to thin air most of the time anyway !
I only heard bits of tonight's episode as I was drifting into sleep and out again.
I did hear Brian being ' hopeful ' about his relationship with Ruari.
Sorry that should have been 32 ......
ReplyDelete33 LanJan(27?)'Did we really need all that information this evening?'
ReplyDeleteIt could have been worse - at least we weren't in the room for the big event itself!
A little known fact is that Ben is currently doing extended work experience at the hospital. This week he has actually been allowed to scrub up and watch low risk procedures. However, the unexpected encounter with a relative in theatre today has left him speechless. Experts say it is too early to say but the condition could last between 3 and 6 months. (The uncertainty being due to his pre-existing non-verbossity, the cause of which has not yet been established.
Guffaw. I take it that "non-verbosity " is a medical term?
Delete33, this blog is much more straightforward and easier to use. looking forward to tomorrow lunchtime to find out what Brian has been saying. I quite enjoy trying to work out what's happening out from your comments and comparing with what the RT says. I once got told off for so called spoilers, never did understand.
ReplyDeleteSorry, should have been 34
ReplyDelete34 - It looks like Brian is priming Raurai re "Home Farm" because he would like him to run it one day. What is the significance of the file he was looking for and found before insisting he drove R over to "Brookfield" he obviously wanted to have that chat with Ruth....
ReplyDeleteStill don't know why I can't revert to an orange "B" from my flower pic which I deleted.
Are you remembering to save your edits to your profile e.g. deleting profile pic once you do them?bottom left off the page from memory.
Delete(36) My previous should have been 35!
ReplyDelete(35) - Pity we can't do up arrows Old Woman I would give you one but as Sandrakay says it is a lovely straightforward blog and if we agree with something or something puts a smile on one's face like it did just then for me with your comment about Ben the Silent we can say so.
ReplyDelete⬆️
DeleteI think tonight we heard the beginning of what SOC predicted when he left i.e. trouble and strife in the Aldridge family. I think war will break out between Brian and Jennifer as to who will
ReplyDeleteinherit Home Farm and/or become the main manager -his son Ruairi or her son Adam. We need to know what Debbie thinks about all these developments too, but perhaps she is only concerned about Hungary these days. Brian was cleverly trying to get Ruth onside tonight, talking about Ruairi’s future, what an oily character he can be! I suspect we are in for many months, if not years, of Home Farm wrangles 😟
38 Archerphile(37) ' I suspect we are in for many months, if not years, of Home Farm wrangles'
ReplyDeleteAlternatively, the insurers get wind of Brian's little memory slip and refuse to pay up. Brian gets hit for the full cost of the clean-up and goes bankrupt. The whole family is saved from a stay at the Elms by Justin who generously agrees to buy Home Farm at bargain basement prices. Lilian stipulates the sale must include the wine fridge and contents plus all the contents of the cellar. Brian, spurred on by remorse and Alice, does not demur.
Unfortunately, we do not escape the years of Home Farm wrangles - everyone sues Brian for loss of home, livelihood, school fees, yurts, etc, etc. They are represented by Anna T on a pro bono basis (with the promise of a complimentary stay at Spiritual Home if it is ever reopened somewhere less toxic).
Brian tries to escape the fuss by emigrating to Honolulu. Shula also disappears but rumours that she has joined Brian in the sun are just vindictive gossip (possibly, Susan couldn't possibly comment.)
Jennifer takes up writing again, with some very frank novels. Fortunately, she uses a carefully constructed pseudonym that not even Lynda Snell spots. (Not that she would *ever* read that sort of 'literary' output.) She has, however, taken out very generous insurance to cover inevitable court fees should any of her nearest and dearest realise just how much of their lives has made it into print.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
DeleteOW, why are you not a script writer? That was brill.
Delete🆙⬆️✔️
Delete39. My Archers book says that Brian was disappointed when Kate was born as he was looking forward to having a son and heir. It seems that his views haven't changed much. Mind you with Kate and Alice a sensible son might look like a pleasant prospect! I have always thought that Brian did his best to teach Kate (if teach is the right word) not to be so selfish but he was always undermined by Jennifer who always took the children's side when Brian tried discipline.
ReplyDeleteI haven't counted but it seems we now have more than forty contributors! Yay!!!
40. Oh OWIAS (38) I love your projection for future Home Farm storyline. I shall now go away to bed with a happy chuckle. Thank you.
ReplyDelete39. Yes Brian is dropping sinister hints. Ruiari is going inherit everything! Brian rather reminds me of a friend of ours always playing politics. And what about the lights in the changing rooms?
ReplyDelete41 :
ReplyDeleteJudging from the comments this evening, I slept through tonight's episode more than I thought I had.
Clever jinner !
Did you see that, she made an up arrow.
Did you see my thumbs up standing in for an up arrow under no 38
Delete(42)-I can't find any thumbs up Sleepy Lawyer
ReplyDeleteThe best I can come up with are ✅⤴️✔️
I quite like the big tick because it is easy to see✔️
Mrs P , "My" pub is next door to the Boathouse .
43
ReplyDeleteIt’s lovely to be able to agree with a post or congratulate a clever post like OW’s. I am happy to use a 👍 or a 👏 or a ✔️ or to give a 🏅. But please may I make a plea that we do not start giving any negative symbols like the old, much hated down arrows on the BBC blogs. This is such a happy and friendly place so far and I feel that allowing the awful ‘downies’ or their equivalent would risk arguments breaking out. (That is not to say alternative views should not be posted, I shouldn’t want to be accused of stifling free speech but it can be done in a friendly way without the negativity of symbols)
🆗✅⏫
DeleteStasia, think the 'up' symbols are great, but not sure how to get them on here. I'm on a PC, so maybe not available. I have tried :) but as you can see, it doesn't turn into a nice smiley face :(
DeleteOnly some people hated down-arrows. Sometimes they just indicated disagreement or that a poster had said something factually incorrect.
DeleteLexie, Ian and Adam. The next nine months doesn't bear thinking about. I thought Adam was not remotely interested in the transplant. Just like I feel about the whole, will they, won't they have a baby. Poor Roy sitting at home cooking for an already fattened up Lexie.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if Brian has a document that will enable him to overturn all previous inheritance documents, thereby eliminating everyone in favour of Ruiari.
Having put Ruth in a legal position having power of Attorney, he needs to get her on his side.
Olwen has moved into the ladies cricket house, vacant possession. Her political convictions would lead her to believe that she is entitled to occupy an empty building.
It could also be the Button sisters up to no good.
45 Apologies. That should have 44.
ReplyDelete46. One final comment before I head for the allotment.
ReplyDeleteI think Brian is using Ruaidhri🇮🇪 ☘ to get back at Jenifer and the others for ousting him from power. It will interesting to see how he manages to undo the partnership. He has a cunning plan!
47. Brian's behaviour last night just chimes in with my previous thoughts about the way in which he has always manipulated his family - and thinks he has manipulated his business associates too, although he may have been deluded there, especially since Justin turned up! I agree with Stasia's theory about that document he was so keen to find, and his hurried visit to charm Ruth once he had laid hands on it. Everyone is going to get a big shock if, and when, they eventually have the veils pulled from their eyes.
ReplyDelete⬆️✅
DeleteI think Brian is a bit of a bully and has to be in control and yes as others have said he always hoped to pass the farm to a son. The enforced retirement by his wife and step children cf his own daughters’ loyalty, at least Alice, may well have given him the impetus to favour his own children over Adam, Debbie and Jennifer.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Alastair has moved into the cricket changing room to be on his own. Hopefully not Matt and his suitcases.
49 - Been so busy this week, have not been able to comment much, except to open this new post. Looks like things have settled in nicely. There may a few that have signed in but not commenting.
ReplyDeleteIt's Friday so I am looking forward to what cliff hanger the SW will leave us with today.
I liked the above theories about Brian's 'secret file' and the lonely light. I very much disliked Ruth's apologies to Brian, she represents Ruairi's interests and should be consistent.
ReplyDeleteI think (hope!) that Brian is going to replace himself with Ruairi by re-writing the terms of all current wills and business legalities. Ruairi will have his own vote (goodbye Ruth!), inherit the farm (goodbye Adam!) and get the house (goodbye Jennifer!) - Brian will have his sweet revenge on everyone who ousted him and still get to run everything from a distance through his skilful manipulation of Ruairi -
ReplyDeleteor he will be found out and thwarted! Either way, we get to enjoy it all....
52
ReplyDeleteBut Ruairi has to learn to speak first GaryG!
😷✅
DeleteIsn't he getting lessons from Ben at the moment...?
Delete53. Seasiders. I do hope it is not Matt. 👿👹
ReplyDeleteIt could also be a group of Freedie's druggy mates using it as a an illicit crack den. Or the women discussing cricket strategy over a few glasses of Toby's scruff gin.
On the news this morning a presenter was discussing the cricket season with the Capt of Worcester CC, against the backdrop of a flooded pitch. Water cricket⚾️ 🏏🏏 is more apt at the moment.
53b I reckon it was Alistair, nursing his wounds in private, having left The Bull abruptly.
Delete54. Archerphile (52) I wonder what silent Ruairi and silent Ben talked about when they got together.
ReplyDelete😆😂🤣
Delete"and get the house (goodbye Jennifer!)" Wishful thinking GG. Whatever machinations Brian has for anything else, Jennifer as legal spouse will be entitled to an appropriate share of the dwelling.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put it past Brian to transfer all the deeds to Ruairi (or try to!) and then even if there is a divorce from Jennifer he can claim to have no assets whatsoever!
DeleteLoads to catch up on, and little time at the mo', also lost a post on the laptop, got into middle, so trying back here....mainly Brian speculation, no need to repeat as everyone is well aware he is in vengeful, manipulative mode ! (Did love OWIAS version, faithful to the way the characters are, but so much more inventive and exciting than anything we can expect from the SWs...) My main problem is with Jennifer - why is she still cooking and washing for him when he is treating her like, er, excrement ? I know she's long suffering, yet I never took her for a doormat.
ReplyDelete👍🏻
Delete55. GaryGilday. Ben can't speak either. Maybe he is teaching him sign language.
ReplyDelete56.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Ben & Ruairi just play charades with the Button Sisters all day long...
Could be fun for two teenage boys lol!
DeleteOooh Mrs!
Delete57 Carolyn(54) 'My main problem is with Jennifer - why is she still cooking and washing for him'
ReplyDeleteIt's when dinner is tuna bake that he needs to start to worry. Especially if it's followed by crumble and custard (doubtless Jenny *always* makes proper egg custard).
。👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Delete:)
Delete58 Sleepy(56a)Sleepylawyer
ReplyDelete'Could be fun for two teenage boys lol!'
Something tells me this could be the Buttons' undoing
58 he, he, he !! As HG said a while back, ' You're on a roll', OWIAS.
DeleteThat was very witty, OWiaS. :-)
Delete👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
DeleteOoooh! Mrs!
DeleteGreat fun everyone. I think the beeb has missed a trick not recruiting bloggers as script writers. Maybe the talent scared them...
ReplyDeleteIf not Alistair even Shula hiding from Jill’s cross examination or Tracey Horrobin, although she was happy enough in the men’s changing room.
Mrs P/LJ enjoy Putney next time you go. I lived there years ago and loved the river.
Brian can change his mind and his Will at any time, as to who will inherit Home Farm and no-one will know his beneficiaries. Did the Home Farm "partnership" become legal, being authorised by a solicitor, so does Ruth really have power of attorney for Ruairi?
ReplyDeleteIs it Rob lurking about in the cricket pavillion. Olwen, Ursula's younger sister, is now living with Helen and Jack in Bridge Farm.
ReplyDeleteOh I thought of Rob as well but went into denial...too awful...ah Olwyn as Ursula’s sister - no wonder Helen was twitchy.
DeleteBrilliant Miriam on both ideas. I bet Olwen can make treacle lattice pie as well...and take it over to Rob in the changing rooms.
DeleteTwo more accentless Soundalikes this evening-Jake and Daniel though possibly the latter did have a slightly more "posh" voice
ReplyDeleteDid they all go to the same elocution teacher?
I actually thought that Alastair was talking about Daniel when he said that he had felt second best.
What a stupid woman Shula is.
Wouldn't it be nice if Will decided that since it was his son and stepson who had the argument resulting in the breaking of whatever it was just paid for the equipment to be mended ,bearing in mind that it would never have happened if he was living in his own home and was trying to get on with his own life ,difficult as it might be ,instead of making life so hard for his former wife?
ReplyDeleteIf he is paying for their keep,I hope Clarrie gives Emma a portion of the money.
Yes it would LanJan. But I doubt it will happen.
DeleteNothing but conflict on three fronts, very disheartening.
ReplyDelete65. Oh well that’s sobered me up after the blog fun. I actually felt tearful when Dan walked in on the argument. He did sound like Jake - BOGOF.
ReplyDeleteJust adding a comment so you can add me to your total of people using this blog- I am an avid reader but rarely comment but I wanted to thank Ruthy for creating and managing it
ReplyDeleteHave done the same. It is so nice to find a lovely, gentle and friendly site, to give a post when feel the need. Took me a while to find this site and then work out how to post. Managed it, and am so glad.
DeleteLovely to see you both here and get to know some of our previously ‘silent’ readers. A warm welcome from me 🙋🏼
DeleteMy class had to do "silent reading" every day at junior school. I expect Ben and Ruari are experts.
Delete67. Welcome Norah95. Glad you are reading this blog. Most of the time its what I do.
ReplyDeleteSo things are getting worse for Emma. It just seems like Emma is only worried about the money for the deposit. I said it before, isn't Ed working now? She continues to act like she's the only on contributing. Emma is acted well, but just seems she needs from space away from the extended family.
Perhaps she's hiding in the ladies' cricket pavilion. (There was a man on "Last Word" this afternoon talking about "lady soldiers" in his plummy accent. I wonder if there are any lady soldiers in Dan's regiment.)
DeleteEmma also needs a bit of time when she's not doing housework, child-care or one of her 3 jobs.
Damage to property: was anyone else surprised at Ed and Emma's assumption that they should replace Jake's borrowed laptop?
ReplyDeleteIn my experiance and to my cost, I have found that no-one ever offers to pay for damage any more. If something was expensive, I have claimed on my Contents Insurance, if not valuable, it hasn't much mattered.
If my teenage children broke things through stupidity, they contributed to the cost of replacements by deductions from their pocket money. I realise that I now sound as old as Methusala.
I think Emma has over-reacted, but I too would have been angry.
Contents insurance? The Grundy family? The two don't fit together.
Delete(68)-Could it be Anishsa just checking out the new ladies changing rooms are up to scratch,Miriam?
ReplyDeleteOn another topic,I came in late to the local news(well actually it was Look North West which I prefer to watch rather than our local news) and there was a man who I think was affected/infected by sepsis.
Very sad although he was very positive.
Did anyone else see it?
69. Ruthy (67) 'most of the time it's what I do'. I hope this blog isn't taking over your life is it?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I would hate it if the administration became a huge chore. Are you o.k. with it??
69a - Mistral - no worries - I am actually having fun creating the posts. Wait till you see the next one 🐸
DeleteGreat, looking forward to it :) :)
DeleteI too am happy, Ruthy, that you're happy to administer this delightful blog👍🏿☺️
Delete70 :
ReplyDeleteEmma was angry and explosive about the smashed screen, but it was more than that. She also now knows that Jake has been telling Kiera that Nic will haunt her.
Which gave her even greater reason for lashing out about Jake.
He is probably disturbed by being taken to the cemetery or graveyard by Will.
These children all need some help, and however kind and caring the Grundy family may be, how to intervene appropriately with them does not seem to be part of the skill set held within the family.
Ed is doing his best, but where is Eddy, who would be able to see what is happening if he paid attention.
Well Fallon, you made a boo boo there, didn't you.
Food for thought Harrison, however loyal and understanding you may wish to be.
Well I’ve just discovered this new blog tonight, and oh I’ve had a good laugh at it.....Ben and raurie/ charades. Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteTime to head upstairs and listen to tonight’s episode.
Thanks to all who blog here. Lovely bedtime reading.
Great to see you have found us! 😀
DeleteI think Alistair hit the nail on the head when he asked whetherShula ever had loved him. I don’t think she ever did but made the most of it for years until it all came to a head. Poor man! I hope he finds someone more worthy of him! Daniel’s appearance at the tail end of their argument was a master stroke. I think as Alistair was the only father he ever knew, he will find the situation extremely difficult.
ReplyDeleteAs Jazzer told Alistair, there are plenty of women who will be interested in him when they know he's available.
DeleteDid it again! That was 71!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters much.
Delete72
ReplyDeleteI felt so sorry for poor Dan walking in on that heated row. I just don’t understand this change in Shula, has her life been so awful that she has to be so cruel to Alistair? Why can’t she explain why she feels as she does , perhaps there is an underlying reason we don’t know about yet. She will have a lot of explaining to do for Dan. He will be totally mystified by this sudden and unexpected turn of events.
I know Dan is an adult but Alistair and Shula should have discussed what they were going to tell him and when.
DeleteA while back, after Alistair went into partnership with Anisha and invested in the practice, some people remarked to Shula that she seemed happier or she & Al. seemed happy. S. said that Al. had regained his enthusiasm for his career. Later events, Caroline's death, Anisha's prolonged absence and the Matt business have all had a detrimental effect.
2 years ago Shula was tormenting herself about witnessing the Rob v hunt protestor and not speaking up; Alistair was unsympathetic. A couple of years previously, Shula took Daryl, the homeless, depressed, alcoholic carpenter into her home; Alistair disapproved. In both cases Alistair was showing common sense. Sometimes his reaction might appear to Shula to be cold.
Almost forgot: their premises were flooded 3 years ago and they were rescued by Rob. There's enough incidents in that lot to cause stress and strain. I thought Jill has spoken sense. Shula should tread water for a bit and talk properly to Alistair. Or maybe she should go away for a bit. Only a few weeks ago she suggested that she and Alistair take an extended volunteering break together. Now she wants nothing more to do with him.
A few days or a week at a retreat might do Shula good. There are Anglican orders of nuns; Alan may know of a place.
H a H, l am amazed at your memory. I can barely recall what l had for breakfast. I had forgotten all those incidents with Shula and Al. Good and bad on both sides. We all make mistakes. Poor Dan, hoping for a pleasant R&R and walking into all that turmoil.
Delete73. I was pleased to see Alistair hitting back over Richard Locke. Good for him he's not a worm.
ReplyDeleteI do think Alistair deserves a bit more than "I don't know" when he's trying to talk things through with Shula.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete76. I deleted comment my previous comment as a friend has pointed out I have the stories of the history of Shula/Mark/Richard/Alistair/Hong Kong muddled. Will look it up in my little Archers library and get it clear in my head!
ReplyDeleteI don't think the Alasiar /Shula story rings true at all.
ReplyDeleteSilly storyline -what is new?
Before they went off into the the Arctic Shula was looking forward to the trip.
She would hardly have been doing so had she been having doubts about the marriage.
I always thought that it would be cancelled at the last minute because Anisha had gone walkabout again and Alastair needed to be at the Practice.
They stayed in an Ice Palce or whatever.
She never said that things were frosty between them.
When they returned she enthused about the experience.
What does the silly woman expect in a marriage?
The honeymoon period was over years ago
Sort yourself out,woman.
Above comment was (77)
ReplyDelete78. How come Jake is allowed to have a voice, when Ben and Ruairi are silent?
ReplyDeleteThree jobs, domestic drudge, washer woman Emma, sounds like she is on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Six adults, five children and various animals are currently living in the Grundy household, instead of whinging Emma should suggest a rota for household chores. That would include the children taking responsibility for keeping their rooms tidy. She will make a c..p Councillor if she persists in seeing everything as a chore, but doesn't come with solutions.
Shula and Alistair, they should never spent the night in an icy bed.
:) :)
Delete79 LanJan(77)
ReplyDelete'They stayed in an Ice Palce or whatever.
She never said that things were frosty between them.'
Well, it was certainly frosty during the trip ; )
I don't think they actually stayed the night at the Ice Hotel - Shula would probably have frozen to the bedding.
I got the impression that Shula really wasn't looking forward to the trip but made an effort to be enthusiastic after someone gave her a talking to. (Sorry, can't remember the details.) Alistair might have had more success with somewhere hot and sunny, preferably with curry - and not dishes you have to cook yourselves. Perhaps that might have thawed her out a bit.
80 Stasia (78)
ReplyDelete' Six adults, five children and various animals are currently living in the Grundy household, instead of whinging Emma should suggest a rota for household chores.'
I can't see Joe agreeing to let his ferrets do the washing up ; )
Hah ha ha!
Delete😂
DeleteSpicy I think you are right Alistair was engaged to Shula when she got involved with Richard Locke. When it all came out and Richard was upset he hurt Usha I think they split up and Alastair forgave Shula the affair. The Hong Kong trip was Mark but I had just started listening again so I would be interested to hear what happened between Shula and Mark that she had to rush across the world to declare her love to him.
ReplyDeleteBack to Brian & sons:
ReplyDeleteWhen does Ruari come of age when, presumably, Ruth is no longer required to act for him? Then Brian may be able to manipulate the situation through his "Puppet on a string" (ack to Sandie Shaw), and "Take back Control" (ack to T. May)
It was strange that Dan first went to his grandfather's before he came home, or did Jim perhaps tell him by phone to prepare him? It doesn't sound as if Jim took sides as Dan's rather accusatory remark 'It's true then, you are splitting up' was directed at both Shula and Alistair. I hope it is made clear to him that it is Shula's decision - it makes me so cross that she is playing this 'mutual decision' game - she even tried to persuade Alistair that it was mutual because they had agreed that he should move out! She really is kidding herself. She decided unilaterally that their marriage is over, she has told Alistair on several occasions quite bluntly that she doesn't love him any more. There's nothing mutual about that. She should face up to the fact that she has made a selfish decision and is acting purely on her own whim.
ReplyDeleteI missed Dan's remark.
DeleteAgree with all the rest of your comment.
81.Was Ruth properly ever given a written certified Power of Attorney over all Ruiari's affairs or was it a casual internal family partnership arrangement? If the former at 18 R can whatever he likes. Unless Brian has tied it all up in Trust ie The Document....
ReplyDelete82. Can do!
ReplyDelete83. waking up to thousands of birds chirping on our nature preserve, sadly I have to do some work today. About Shula, sounds like she just needs to have some excitement in her life - ie - affair with another man to make her feel alive and wanted . Regarding the ice hotel trip, I think she just went along with it - Alistair is rather dense in that way - just as he thought making curry together was romantic. Looks like there will be no pleasing her. As much as I hate to see them breakup, I don't see Alistair has a say in the matter.
ReplyDelete84 - I wonder if anneveggie was able to make it to this blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm missing Tommy. And FOJO, but he did indicate that he was reducing his involvement.
Delete(85)- You are right HG .
ReplyDeleteWhy did Daniel go to his grandfathers house first and even if he did then it was not Alastair's place to say anything.
I had forgotten about Richard Locke's involvement with Shula and Usha
When did that happen ?
There was a short period when I didn't listen.
Why would Dr Locke return to Ambridge when the two women he'd been involved with still lived there?
85a -should have said it was not Jim's place to say anything.
Delete(86)- Is there any significance in the fact that Harrison has presumably made Fallon his next of kin and that she is a beneficiary of his Will.?
ReplyDeleteIs he the next one to be written out?
There was no need for him to involve Kenton or Jolene .
All he needed was to get the Will witnessed .
I presume that scene was so we would think as Fallon did,that he was about to propose.
86 a - LanJan - I think Harrison saw that tragic accident where there was no next of kin and that had affected him greatly. So in his will he is leaving everything to Fallon. I thought it was a lovely thing for him to do. I don't think he is the next to be written off - just creating more drama for the show. What do you think of this theory of mine?
DeleteYes, Ruthy. He also mentioned Nic's sudden death in the prime of life. English law on rights of non-married partners has been challenged a few times lately. Some people are under the impression there is Common-Law Marriage, conferring legal rights and then get a massive shock when something goes wrong. Common-law marriage, sometimes known as "marriage by repute" existed in Scotland until mid 20th century. Scotland's legal system has always been different to England's. Harrison is being sensible.
DeleteGetting married is a lot less complicated and might turn out cheaper in the long run than not being married. (IMO)
Imagine Jennifer's position if she and Brian weren't married.
87 :
ReplyDeleteI agree Ruthy, and it has given the SWs the opportunity to bring on yet another 'issue' - one of failing to leave a will - in to the programme.
Less than subtle, perhaps, but useful nevertheless.
I suspect that Jim told Dan in a telephone conversation.
I think it was kind of him to think of Dan in this way, even if it was ' interfering '.
I agree with all others regarding Shulas lack of courage in being able to be truthful to others. Forty five years after the end of my marriage, I am still perceived as the one who broke up the marriage, simply because my ex has always avoided owning up to his children that he wanted out. And also, of course because I have allowed my daughters to maintain there blinkered view of their beloved father.
Must take responsibility for that !
Perhaps Jill will also intervene with Dan.
I don't think Shula is going to get an altogether easy ride from her family.
The siblings seem to be supporting her, at the moment, but will that last.
I am still sticking with my theory that Charles Collingwood and wife are wanting to retire from TA.
(86 b )-I prefer your scenario Ruthy.
ReplyDelete(88) - Re (86-b) That is -I prefer yours to mine.,Ruthy.
DeleteMrs P posted in between.
89. Lan Jan: Shula had an affair with Dr Locke just before she married Alastair. I think the wedding was being planned at the time. Usha was living with Dr Locke and was of course really upset when she found out which is why the tension is there between Usha and Shula. Dan had childhood arthritis and Dr Locke treated him and supported Shula through the trauma a little too well. I agree it is pretty implausible that Dr Locke would have returned to the village having left because of the affair and still less plausible he would have gone to Shula’s for dinner as he did on his return.
ReplyDeleteMrs P I agree the retirement theory seems likely and perhaps as someone said Shula should go into the sunset with Brian - he must be due another affair.
Thank you Seasider (89)
ReplyDelete(90)- Thank you Seasider As you say the whole thing seems implausible,
Mrs P. (87) -I believe from what you have said , you did exactly the right thing 45 years ago and since.
As for your idea about the actors wanting to leave The Archers ,you may of course be right but if so I will miss Brian.
Charles Collingwood is a good actor and Brian is an interesting character.
91. I agree Lan Jan, I would really miss Charles Collingwood, he is a born actor and brings out all the nuances of his character.
ReplyDeleteSeasider - 89 - While I can quite understand that Mr. Collingwood could possibly want to retire with Mrs. Collingwood, I cannot imagine Brian being attracted to going in the sunset with Shula of all people! He likes a bit of spark in his dalliences! :-)
Plausibility doesn’t seem to be an issue onTA and maybe he’d like a change?!? (OK maybe you are right:))
DeleteThe big advantage of this blog over the BBC's is the freedom from arrows, or more specifically, the endless stream of repetitive posts they generated. I don't think people will create their own version of down arrows here, because it would mean losing the anonymity that the BBC blog gave. However, people are veering towards creating their own version of up arrows. I think this is sweet in principle but could be disastrous in practice, in terms of adding to the growing amount to be scrolled through, and the consequent need for Ruthie to keep opening new blogs.
ReplyDeleteI expect the 'mustn't be prescriptive' rule applies to this blog too, so this is only a suggestion that people might like to weigh up showing their approval against making the blog more unwieldy and less comfortable to use.
I met a woman in the Artic who spent a night in the Ice Hotel and was so frightened to sleep in the ice bed, that she spent the night sitting on an ice bench.
ReplyDeleteShula spent the night in the icy bed and has been frozen ever since. What a waste of £250. She could have rented one of Jenifer's fridges and tucked herself in for a week or so. Alistair could have made himself comfortable in the other one.
Ruthy, I agree. Alistair is emotionally dense, shouting at the saintly Shula will not get him the answer he seeking, it will only compound her resolve to be rid of him.
I remember Clarrie saying that Shula was a "religious woman" so maybe she will go on a retreat and contemplate on why she doesn't love her husband, if she ever did.
Oh boo! I just spent ages writing about my hatred of the way the SWs are portraying Shula at the moment - several lines of carefullu composed prose - then my iPad froze and I lost the lot!! Haven’t time to do it all again so I’ll just say I am not a happy bunny about her enforced change of character. The current Shula is just not *My* Shula.
ReplyDelete94. Missed out the number.
ReplyDeleteMrsP. You did mention in passing it was your birthday this Weekend.
Looks like you also share a birthday with Shula.
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y.
🎂 💐🎉
Dan has just returned home from his deployment in Estonia, and I do wonder if his trip to Ambridge, is to talk to, and tell, his "parents" his own news (rather then their's) My thoughts as to this are, he could be leaving the Army as to his own choice, or could his previous medical problem be re-surfacing and so jeopardising his chosen and future career. If this was the case, then perhaps Shula and Alistair would then re-unite to support Dan.
ReplyDeleteApologies, I did not know I had to number my post. I am sorry that I have messed this up.
ReplyDelete97. stasia (94) - Shula's birthday is 8 August 1958. Helen will be 39 on Monday.
ReplyDelete97. Don't worry about it Miriam. Some of us number, but sometimes we forget, but it's not really a problem as it's just a general guide as to where you finished reading the blog, so missing one is fine - by me anyway! (smiley face)
ReplyDeleteMust try harder, now that I have finally found this site, be it only a few days ago (from BBC site looking at old posts).
ReplyDeleteIt seems so gentle, yet informative and I Love that there are no arrows, just topical thoughts and ideas.
👍
Delete98. My computer is spying on me. I added a couple of comments about Shula & Al's marriage and closed this site. While looking at news items I noticed 3 links about marriage. Clicking on these I've found Shula's script of the past few weeks. It's on a "How to save your marriage" site. Good news for Alistair: he can save the marriage if he goes about it the right way. More than that, he can make it better than it was. There are 8 pathways; he has to know which one to choose and when to make each step. Bad news: the practitioner who can help him is in New York. Good news: there is a downloadable book/course. I don't know price but it's claimed to be much cheaper than paying a therapist/counsellor and massively cheaper than divorce. Success rate 87% ! (Compared with traditional marriage counselling success rate of 20% according to this site.)
ReplyDeleteMy previous advice of hanging fire is wrong apparently.
If Alistair is interested I can give him the link. (NB Other marriage therapists/counsellors are available.)
Even if Alistair doesn't need the information I'd be happy to hear from him. One thing to remember though, I'm not interested in a trip to the Arctic Circle; I would sleep through it. Alistair, being a vet, will know that.
Just as well surrogacy adverts are banned in UK or they would be popping up too.
Miriam, don't worry about numbering every post. I think numbers are meant only as a guide. I've mostly forgotten.
Muckspreader (97) I was confused at Shula ordering a cake. Announcer's words were "Shula is celebrating". For a moment I thought she was having a premature divorce celebration, a sort of reverse hen-night, but in the tea-room instead of a pub. Perhaps a new business opportunity for Fallon? She could design a divorce cake.
Bakers in UK already doing divorce cakes. Idea began in U.S. Some are nasty. Guides to divorce parties are available. 2 small sons of a marriage were at a party, enjoying a tombstone cake. What will they think if they look at the pictures later ?
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Mrs P
ReplyDeleteHave a g and t on me
When we meet up at Putney!
🍸
Delete101. Hedgehog at Hollowtree (98). Had to laugh out loud at your advice for Alistair - sounds as though he has a lot of reading to get through in double-quick time, and I love the bit about your possible trip to the ice hotel with him - happy hibernation! 😌
ReplyDeleteNot sure if can go off topic. Family have just arrived, and we are having our "Easter Sunday" Lunch timorrow all together, as the original plan did not happen, due to the awful weather.
ReplyDeleteTo keep on topic re The Archers, I think that Ruth is in a difficult position with Brian and Ruairi.
102 :
ReplyDeleteH at H - 98 - loved your funny / witty post, especially the ' sleeping ' bit.
Goodness Stasia, you gave me a shock, Shula an Aries ? I think not !
Now August, a Leo ' princess ' ! That's more like it, and yes, Helen is more the Aries, but still an ' infant'.
I realised that the cake was for one of the stables staff, but it took a minute or two for the penny to drop.
I thought the breakdown of Shula and Alistair's marriage was well handled, at least initially. She went on the Arctic holiday because she was still trying to find some joy, or at least life, in the marriage. Eventually she realised, rather abruptly, that she couldn't try any more. That's convincing, and, arguably (???) makes Shula more human than she is sometimes portrayed. But she does owe Alistair a better explanation than 'I just don't love you any more', even if it takes her a while to find it within herself. In a sermon, I once heard that 'Love is not a way of feeling towards someone, it's a way of behaving towards someone'. I think we'd all like to feel that some people love us without having to make too much of an effort, but there is an element of choosing/deciding/willing to love. The point of making vows, perhaps.
ReplyDelete