"longer off topic comments" - Episode 3
Life Outside Ambridge
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.
We will starting posting here on Thursday!
ReplyDeleteThis is Anneveggie - just testing.
DeleteI noticed several of you mentioning the gardener Chris Beardshaw yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to meet and have a long conversation with him a couple of years ago. We were on a cruise to the Canary Islands, including being in Madeira for their famous Flower Festival. Chris Beardshaw as the guest speaker on the cruise and he gave three fascinating lectures about various gardens he had restored, and also his entry for the Chelsea Flower Show. One of the gardens was especially designed for mental patients to work in, another was an almost ‘lost’ garden which was completely overgrown and needed complete restoration. He was a brilliant speaker, very informative, entertaining, funny and willing to answer dozens of questions. We really enjoyed having him with us on the ship (oh, and he is very good looking too! 🤩)
Thank you again Ruthy. Love the chairs. You have now started a trend, or a bit of a collection! I now find when I take a shine to some artifact I have to start a small collectio. Drives 'im indoors to distraction. His motto being if you bring something into the home (i.e.beautiful or useful, something else must leave!) Sadly I'm not of the same opinion. We hoarders have a bad press imo!!😊
ReplyDeleteAh,Mr BB is "suffering " from a touch of the Eric's,BB.
ReplyDeleteEric was a friend who sadly died not too long ago who had a limited number of everything he wore.
He only bought a pullover for example when he needed a new one and the old one was thrown out.
Excellent idea
Mr BB,William Morris and I are of the same opinion it would seem.
BB May 3, 10:44 AM - I don't collect anything at all. A couple of years ago we downsized to a 2 bedroom apartment overlooking the Hudson River, from a 4 bedroom house. We got rid of more things than we kept. We have now since moved to a 3 bedroom townhouse, next the the nature preserve, where we have much more space, but with very little furnishing. It almost looks like we are temporary lodgers. This suits us just fine. No clutter.
ReplyDeleteSorry! But if anyone can live in chaos and clutter I can! It has served me well on a major move. I have retained my humour ( not necessarily shared by all!), my laughter (ditto) and a sense of Karma (alcohol helps obviously!) So all in all job almost done! 😀
ReplyDeleteRuthy. I also love the chairs, they look like rocking chairs. Do you photograph them when you visit other people's houses?
ReplyDeleteI am also a collector, but in the last few years I have had to control myself. I love Georgian silver, especially cutlery but have now confined myself to Irish silver. A, because it is very hard to find, and B, it is also more expensive than the English.
Thank you again .
MrsP. I do hope your hospital appointment went well. At least you had a nice day to journey into Glos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stasia, the consultant looked at my knee and said ' it doesn't get better than that, that will last you for a good twenty years'
DeleteI shook his hand and thanked him for his good work.
Unfortunately I did not sleep a wink last night and had got to bed by ten. So as I was up at dawn, and combined with my over ambitious walk yesterday, I crashed at about four o'clock this afternoon.
And it's a night of election results too !
So glad the op was a success, you can relax and move on now.
DeleteI was having a nice relaxing time reading"The Maid of Buttermere" ,lounging on my deckchair when the door bell rang.
ReplyDeleteIt was somebody canvassing for the election telling me that our postal votes hadn't been received but that we could go along to the polling station to vote if we wished.
I told her -correctly- that the form had definitely been posted and then I noticed our MP at the house next door.
I did wonder whether I should make myself known as the person who plans to get in touch with him about the appalling way we have been treated but decided that perhaps my timing would not have been right.
Incidently I had a 'phone call yesterday evening .
I thought it was from the BBC but the woman said she was 'phoning on behalf of the BBC to see whether I was happy with the way my complaint had been handled.
It was obvious that she hadn't a clue what I was on about.
She did appear to be typing something!
Lan Jan, that phone call was the follow up from your complaint. Do you remember I had the same sort of call after I had made my complaint whenever that was.
DeleteMy respondent was typing as I talked also.
I so love the image of the chairs and their colour. I so am in need to wash, scrub, and clean my wooden patio table and chairs. The above image has given me many ideas, so I thank Ruthy for helping me to think.
ReplyDeleteLAN Jan @ 5.56
ReplyDeleteAt least you have seen somebody canvassing. We have not had a single communication from anyone standing in our local election, much less a visit! I had no idea who the candidates were until I went down to the polling station and saw the names on my ballot paper ! Shan’t say which party I voted for, but I went against my usual choice and voted for the candidate who actually lives in our village rather than my preferred party, whose candidate lives on the very far side of our constituency in the town.
I so like your post. I agree with you, in that I feel that it is so far better to vote for the person who you think will support your community and whom will do then do best for you in your enviroment.
DeletePS I did exactly the same in the last General Election, in that I voted for the candidate that I felt would be the best MP for my constituency. He won with a massive majority.
DeleteThere have been no elections of any sort where I live today. I almost feel deprived.
ReplyDeleteThis was posted by janicebythesea on the about BBC Blog on 1May:
ReplyDeleteBritains best home cook- Gill Archer.
Election - Emma Grundy won.
Love in the Countryside - possibly Jazzer and Hannah.
The Naked Truth - Jolene and Syd.
Mountain - Lakey Hill.
Art on the BBC - Linda Snell's pantomime .
Blossoms - Bert Fry's gladioli.
The Jazz Ambassadors - Jazzer's dear little pigs.
Keeping Faith - Alan at St. Stephen's.
Facebook - not for me.
Witless - poor Alastair out of his wits at present.
Nature's Microworlds - Kirsty looks at the Am's ecosystems.
Very witting and creative. I wanted to share with everyone who may not have seen it. janicebythesea, if you are reading this - thank you!
Archerphile,I only used two of my votes for two different Parties.
ReplyDeleteNeither person was from the Party I voted for in the General Election.
Well done Janice by the sea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. So imaginative.
I wonder who she is.
BB I have the same problem with being asked what am I going to throw away to accommodate new item when I want to bring anything new into the house. He is really excited that we are “re-acquiring “ a small place to stay near my mother later in the year so I can spend more time with her but also use for storing my clutter he doesn’t want me to have here. I sometimes wonder if he would like to declutter the house of me as well to make it more minimalist :))
ReplyDeleteArcherphile I heard Chris Beardshaw speak a good few years ago and I really enjoyed his witty and warm style. Glad you enjoyed the cruise.
Hi Ruthy, can you help?
ReplyDeleteI have just been given a Samsung pad. When I visit this site through it I can only comment as ‘google account’
How do I get the blog to recognise me?
I have found out the answer to my question.
DeleteThanks Ruthy for pointing out Janice's clever blog.
ReplyDeleteI had avoided it yesterday and today
Richard Bell had been sent to Coventry by me for not replying to any of our comments.
There is a new blog by him for this week and I have posted the first comment on it.
It does not mention The Archers so should not be removed.
If it is I will stamp my foot and take it personally !
It was the BBC blog site I was avoiding not Janice's blog comment.
DeleteWhat exactly do you think Mr Bell wants us to say on his Highlights blog?
Perhaps I will ask him tomorrow.
Getting near my bedtime now!
Poor Mr bell ! He only had one comment on his last blog after all ours were removed.
DeleteAll comments so far on the new blog although relevant, are all from those of us who are Archer fans. I'm afraid I did mention the forbidden word though, determined not to give up quite yet.
Janice by the sea has commented about the Archers in Welsh on the welsh Sesh blog, same page as the I player blog.(mine isn't good enough!) It would be good if she had a few up arrows from us please.
ReplyDeleteLan Jan @ yesterday: I was surprised you mentioned ‘only using two of your votes’ yesterday - surprised that you had more than one! We only had one councillor to vote for down here. Our borough council elects on a three year system, meaning each councillor serves for three years before having to be re-elected. As our village ward has three representatives it means we get to vote for a different one each year. I’d be interested to hear how things work in your area. A few years ago we were faced with having a unitary council for the whole of Hampshire which would have meant all the local and borough councils being disbanded but fortunately it never went ahead. I much prefer ‘local councils for local people’ in such a large county. I believe Dorset are about to have their three boroughs amalgamated into one authority and there is huge opposition to the idea.(all being done in the name of cost saving I believe)
ReplyDeleteCame across this while just surfing around the BBC website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5w7d7lK4pG9MpBHGT7wgJ6p/eight-chinese-proverbs-to-help-with-modern-life
I've given up arrows to everyone one of you who has posted a comment in the about BBC blog :)
Working from home today - waking up to birds chirping and blue sky!
Archerphile,I have lost the plot really ,regarding elections.
ReplyDeleteYears ago each Ward had three Councillors and like is happening with your area now, only one Councillor was elected each year and stood for the next three years.
This year we could vote for three Councillors so I imagine they all.stand for three years .
Cow Girl,I noticed that you mentioned the "A " word.
Shame on you!
I am trying to see how far I can go without having my comment removed.
Funnily enough,although I haven't checked,I don't think our comments were permanently removed from either of the other blog sites.
I wonder what Mr Bell has got against us?
When I looked first thing this am there was only one comment that of Annhill, totally on topic. When I went later all ours were back, saying removed, just looked again and again just the one . The BBC don't know what they are doing.
DeleteI know , slapped wrist , I just couldn't resist it, the rest was ok though.
OOPS apologies BBC, my mistake I was looking at the wrong date.
DeleteRuthy,
ReplyDeleteHaving a son who lives in Canada and being aware that there is an 8 hour time difference I was thinking it might be something similar for you until you mentioned the Hudson River which I think having studied North America for GCE " O" level Geography ,is east rather than west (son lives in British Columbia) so not as large a time difference.
We used to have a Canadian bloggeron the BBC blog and another one from the USA .We also had one from Australia.
I am intrigued as to how you got into listening to The Archers,Ruthy .
Change of subject now.
I heard last week on "Last Words " on Radio4 that Anita Shreve had very sadly died.
I read and enjoyed her books.
My ' Selvedge ' email came through this morning with an interesting article on
ReplyDelete'Mayday', it's history and rituals. If I could figure out how, I would copy it onto here.
I wonder if Adam has taken a leaf out of our book when he said
ReplyDelete"We won't let this beat us.
We'll find a way"
We may not win but I am taking much pleasure in reading the comments written by some bloggers on the
It decided to publish before I had finished)
ReplyDeleteTo continue
About the BBC site especially the one by Janice ,in Welsh which although I didn't understand,I totally agreed with.
I don't understand her welsh either. 13 years since since I left North Wales.I tried google translate, but that didn't make sense either.At least it mentions the Archers!
DeleteAt least Adam was more positive tonight and acknowledging a little of how Brian felt and Brian a little more humble, perhaps they can work together now.
I am delighted that Mr Selfridge has been in contact with a regular.
ReplyDeleteI loved that TV show, along with Home Fires, in which Daisy Batber played a part (this was filmed nearby to me,) and it caused very many problems as to how many roads had to be closed.
Miriam - the magazine is ' Selvedge ' a specialist textiles magazine.
DeleteNothing to do with a department store or a television series.
Looks like we have settled into our routine of two posts per week, one predominately for The Archers and one for everything else. I will open a new post for The Archers comments before I go to sleep tonight just in time for you early birds in the UK. I am waiting for the arrival of our pair of hummingbirds. Been faithfully changing old nectar with fresh every week. Hope they will show up soon.
ReplyDeleteYes Ruthy, I am very comfortable with this two blog system and have mastered updating and scrolling down quite successfully - it’s become my new routine to check for new comments every day. Now finding it just as easy as the old BBC blogs. It’s good how quickly you can become used to a new way of doing things. All my thanks again for rescuing us and giving us this lovely new ‘club’ of like-minded Archers friends - it’s better than belonging to the WI, because I don’t even have to leave home to join in!
DeleteNight night Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for tomorrow
Hi Anneveggie - if you are reading this blog, welcome!11
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthy, Thank you for the welcome. On the squirrel topic: I have 3 baby squirrels in my back garden, one of which seems a bit slower than the others. My terrier, Maisie, has got very close to catching him on a couple of occasions and I'm trying to stop her! They're grey, I'm in the US, and quite prolific around here but I hate the thought of her catching this baby.
DeleteFirst sighting of a female ruby throated hummingbird at the feeder this morning!
ReplyDeleteRuthy, so pleased the humming bird h as arrived. Spring has sprung here and the blackbird gives us a song every evening, either sitting on someone’s TV aerial or on the oak tree next door. The tree is showing it’s new leaves which will fall all over my garden in the autumn but I do enjoy the tree in summer as do all the birds so I forgive it!! We have red squirrels here as we are an island. They have been practically wiped out in UK because the grey ones brought a disease with them. If a grey squirrel is sighted on the ferry, they are caught and taken back to the mainland!Thanks again for the blog and the lovely pictures. Enjoy the humming bird!
ReplyDeleteGlad the greys are returned to the mainland, rather than being shot. Not so scrupulous in some parts of the country. So horribly unfair, as the greys didn't beg to leave their natural habitat, and they have a survival instinct like every other creature, including us, and are not responsible for carrying a virus fatal to reds. ( oh dear, did this topic get aired on the old BBC blog...)
DeleteAs I understand, it is now illegal to release foreign captured wildlife. There are only 2 options - destruction or wildlife sanctuary.
DeleteCaptured grey squirrels are tested for squirrel-pox in some areas in order to map the spread of disease. Not sure if test is before or after death.
Cows didn't volunteer for their lifestyle but they have to be culled in disease outbreaks.
Until a few years ago there was a law requiring you to report any grey squirrel sightings so they could be dealt with. A believe you could be fined £5 for failure to do so. Needless to say of late this law was little known and probably never enforced. I think I probably first heard about it in an article saying the law had been repealed.
DeleteCertainly it wouldn't have worried the grey squirrel at our previous shoe. I once tried hanging the bird feeder on the washing line. Tufty just bit through the line. Next I had a hanging basket hook fixed to the fence post and hung the bird feeder at the end of a bathroom sink chain attached to the hook. I'm sure Tufty held on by the fluff of his tail!
Fortunately we don't have many squirrels near our current shoe. We used to have a family of foxes living next door but they appear to have taken offence and moved out.
Many thanks, Ruthy, for both these new blogs, and I'm happy your humming bird turned up.
ReplyDeletemaryellen. I notice that we were the last to make comments on the Jane Austin blog. There is nothing indicating that it has been closed.
ReplyDeleteHello, Stasia - I've been on the road minus iPad for the last 3 days but plan to contribute to the Jane Austen blog shortly. I enjoy the user friendliness of the BBC blogs compared to Blogger, and it gives me an interesting new angle on TA and social changes in the last 200 years.
DeleteMiriam. I’ve have been to Costa Rica twice, once in January and once in February. We go during these months to get away from the cold of North America. In the rain forest it will be cool, but the beaches will be warm and beautiful. These months is in the dry season, so good time to good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruthy. As I thought it is the dry season and it would be so much better than a horrible, cold, wintry February in the UK when there is the possibility of ice, snow, fog and cold. I am off to look at a lot of things, such as finances, relating to this years winter heating bill, the cost of my cats kennel bill while I am away and so on
DeleteI think that my calculator will be red hot. As I am an indepedant travellor, I have to add in a "single" suppplement, which can be very costly, (often £400 for this sort of trip). Thanks though for your info. It is very helpful.
Miriam, if you are going in February you would have a chance of seeing turtles nesting. It was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had. Hundreds of turtles coming out of the sea in the twilight, digging nests in the sand, then laying their eggs, burying them and with the last ounce of energy dragging themselves back into the waves in time for the tide to take them out. Here is a website for the turtle nesting/hatching times and places: https://costa-rica-guide.com/nature/wildlife/turtle-nesting/
ReplyDeleteYou can only see this with guides tours - Costa Rica is extremely eco friendly.
I prefer the Pacific Coast but a third of the country is National Park and it is all lovely.
A must see for me is the Poas Volcano and a boat trip in the mangroves where there are usually small crocoldiles and howler monkeys.
There are plenty of websites that will give you detailed info about Costa Rica.
Carolyn - posted a reply re squirrels by mistake on TA blog! Where you have grey squirrels, you must be very fond of them as they are cute but little doubt their introduction was very bad for our native population.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks, Ev, saw your reply, was aware of those reasons in outline, but the whole disaster is such a comment on humankind in general - our heedless use of planet earth down the millenia. Both greys and reds are the sufferers in this case.
DeleteI had an amazing late afternoon sitting in the garden listening to the cuckoo singing. I went bird watching in the remote west of Ireland a few years ago, and watched a fat baby cuckoo being fed by a willow warbler, such a small bird and a very exhausting task.
ReplyDeleteMrsP, I haven't forgotten about sharing that cup of tea. I hope your is continuing to improve.
MrsP. Of course I ment your knee.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteOld Woman has commented on the latest Technology and Creativity blog.-3months in.
ReplyDeleteI have added my comment because what it says is
"as ever all feedback and thoughts about BBC ideas is very welcome so do leave a comment or get in touch"
They should have added "We will of course not take a blind bit of notice of anything you have to say."
What cheek.
My daughter has gone diving today on a submerged forest in the Solent followed by a dive on a wreck. My husband was a diver in the Navy and she has followed him. Not my scene at all! At Christmas she won a draw prize with the diving club and opted for a beginners scuba diving session FOR ME! This is a lady who doesn’t like putting her face in the water! At least it is in a pool not the sea! Am still screwing up the courage to go ahead with it!
ReplyDeleteI’d have to do exactly the same Ev! Good luck, if you manage to pluck up the courage, but just think, a year from now you could be diving off the coral reefs in Australia!
DeleteWoke up to a raining Sunday. Only the female hummingbird so far at the feeder. Took an early morning walk in my backyard nature preserve. Saw a pair of great blue herons. They are regulars here. Lots of white tail deer, wild turkeys, many different species of warblers and sparrows, and swallows.
ReplyDeleteEv - I never dived but I love snorkeling! Done that many times in the Caribbean 🌴 where we take winter vacations. Love all the beautiful colorful fish in their natural environment.
ReplyDeleteRuthy it sounds wonderful where you are. I noticed you mentioned the Hudson the other day. I spent a couple of months working in Upstate New York some years ago and loved it. Don’t remember hummingbirds but I do remember the crickets day and night. Now trying to remember the name of the nearby town...
ReplyDeleteI went for a run in my local park yesterday and there are herons living on an island in the lake. They were sitting out on the willow branches enjoying the sunshine.
Having dragged my husband round Italy several years ago (he was not into art!) I thought it only fair to go on safari with him as that was more his thing. Agree Ruthie that there is nothing better than seeing creatures whether on land or sea in their natural environment. I have many memories of it all! Archerfile it would be nice to think of diving the coral reef but one step at a time!!!
ReplyDeleteEv. I have so many memories of visting Italy for its art and history. I spent 2 holidays a year, for at least 12 years, studying and exploring. I did the Pierro della Franscesco trail, the Pisano pulpits, Florence at least six times, Pisa, Sienna, Orvieto, Lucca, Venice etc etc. I did an OU Italian Art history course, and then went, found and admired, all the wondetful art, many not on the tourist route. I then discovered, The Galapagos Islands (a weeks sailing around), then wild life in Africa. I rememeber my first sight of a pride of lions, basking in the evening sunshine at a waterhole. It was memorable. Sadly those days have now passed, but I do have a lot of memories and photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very difficult situation as to what is best at a particulat time in ones life. Harrison + Fallon have done so well, to buy their Ambridge cottage from Christine, are saving and invsting in their own and their prospective children futures. It is very hard to know what to do for the best. Do they have wonderful adventures now, or be very financially secure in the future. There has to be a compromise, to be able to do both
ReplyDeleteMiriam - It all sounds wonderful! I loved the Uffizi and couldn’t tear myself away from Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo which still has the frame he chose. My husband was bored! He did like Turner’s paintings though and LS Lowry.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the travelling you have all been doing and visiting such exotic places. My next door neighbours (both retired head teachers) are real globetrotters and have been to just about everywhere in the world since retiring. They have just came back this week from Hawaii & San Francisco. Next months they are off to Cuba . My problem with their 5 or 6 holidays a year is that they always assume we will look after their cats, which has become a bit of a chore. They have just bought two pedigree Burmese kittens and want us to kitten-sit next month which will involve emptying dirt trays as the kittens are not allowed out yet. It is such a responsibility. It wouldn’t be so bad if we had animals they could look after in return but this is a very one sided arrangement. Does anyone have ideas on how I can politely get out of this chore? We’ve been doing their cat-sitting for so many years that it is just assumed we will always be willing and available! Perhaps I should deliberately book a holiday for when they are going to be away and see what they do then ?
ReplyDeleteThe least they can do is to bring you back lots of beautiful presents from their travels!..........Oh! I forgot you don't like clutter! Back to the drawing board.🤔😊
DeleteObtaining kittens when 2 holidays have been booked is not good forward-planning.
ReplyDeleteI expect your arthritic knee/hip is playing up and the doctor will recommend that you avoid bending down to empty litter-pans.
I think it is time to be honest and say that actually whilst you were happy to look after their older cats they are you are finding things too much now and 2 kittens is more than you can cope with. They should have discussed this with you before they bought them.
DeleteWhen I was in a similar position This is exactly what happened.
If the kittens start going to a cattery from the beginning, it will be part of their routine.
Archerphile, not only do you look after the cats, who presumably know you as a close neighbour, you are also saving your neighbours considerable costs in cat sitting, visiting or boarding, each of which costs differing amounts of money.
ReplyDeleteWhen this kind off arrangement is reciprocal it often works very well, but you have said that in your case it is not reciprocated as you do not have cats.
I think most people are sensitive about this sort of thing, and I suspect that you have communicated false information, in that they have understood that you are completely happy with this arrangement.
That is not a criticism of you. Many people are most likely to display polite agreement to a request, without the skill to maintain boundaries.
There is no doubt that your neighbours are taking advantage of your good nature and long association.
Could you consider ' speaking up ' ?
Archerphile,I would suggest that you tell them about Cat Sitters.
ReplyDeleteSomeone I know always used them.
Trusted ,insured ,people stay in your house and look after your animals.
Often these are folk who have the time and fancy a change of scene .
I have checked up and there are several of these Companies around.
It is not fair for you to have the responsibility of two kittens.
Please put your foot down.
A neighbour looked after a friend's son 's cat when she went on holiday and the cat went missing.
The neighbour put out leaflets and checked the neighbourhood etc.
Eventually (but not until the owners had returned ,the cat was found in someone's shed amazingly still alive fortunately.
Too much responsibility for you.
I persuaded Mr LJ to get a cat .
ReplyDeleteHe wasn't a cat person-but by the heck he is now.
So much so that he refuses to go away on holiday because he won't leave them.
(I actually think ithat he likes his own bed and we have done a lot of travelling and he is happy to be in hisown home and sit in his garden on days like today.
So,all being well I am off to see a very old friend in Devon for a couple of days tomorrow.
Son has treated me to 1st class rail fare.
Archerfile if they can afford their holidays they can afford cat care. You don’t need this responsibility. In a form er existence I used to look after a working springer spaniel who lived in a kennel outdoors. As I had a border collie it was assumed I could take both dogs for walks. The difference was that it was my dog’s nature to stay close but the springer would get a scent and would be off not heeding being called back. As we had lovely country walks it seemed good for the dogs to run around not on a lead. They never offered to have my dog when we were on holiday and finally I cited family commitments to refuse them. Some people just take advantage I’m afraid.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, your neighbours sound extremely selfish and unthinking. Both were headteachers, I wonder what sort of relationship they had with their teaching staff?
ReplyDeleteTaking on two kittens, and swanning off on holiday expecting you to care for them is downright irresponsible.
Whenever we arrange holidays we always factor in the cattery, not just the extra expense, but these places can become booked up very quickly.
They are in effect abandoning these two little kittens, who will require more attention than older cats.
MrsP is right if you set boundaries now then they will have to make more appreciate arrangements.
Mid morning break.
ReplyDeleteCan there be a more rewarding job in the garden than emptying a compost bin that is full of worms ,which smells lovely and which hopefully will be used to produce tomatoes
Wonderful!
DeleteMy compost heaps are the favourite bits of my garden.
DeleteRegarding cat sitting. For our two cats, for short trips we have a nephew who lives nearby and he will come and do cat duties. For longer trips, 1 week or 2, the duties will be split between nephew and a hired person who will come in once a day to feed and cleaning the cat litter. Our cats have always been indoor cats, and agree, cleaning the litter box is not for everyone.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I think it is time that you tell your neighbor that you no longer care for cat sitting and wish them well on their vacation!
I just posted a comment on the About BBC latest blog :)
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - further thoughts....
ReplyDeleteyou have looked after the cats in the past, and were willing to do so.
However, two new kittens as well as the cats you know well becomes a different matter.
In addition, kittens are, for you, an unknown quantity and you are very concerned
That you do not have the skills to care adequately for them.
You are also a little concerned that you might be rather heavy handed with such little creatures and cause them damage.
So all in all, this holiday, perhaps it would be better to have a professional cat sitter.
Usually found on the notice board at the local vets.
Cat sitters are often vetinarary nurses.
My thoughts only..... as Maria used to say !
Y
Archerphile, you have done it in the past for older established cat[s] but to assume you are willing to be responsible for two housebound kittens 5 or 6 times a year??? bit of a cheek I think. Our neighbour always looked after our cat for our holidays after our son left home, but we lost her last year aged 17. Neighbour keeps asking if we're getting another cat, but he is mid 80's now & in poor health so we are reluctant to take on another young cat in the circumstances. What if 2 mischevious kittens cause damage or mess ?? especially upstairs or somewhere in house you don't go?? Time to develop a health issue that prevents you doing cat care or develope a job/errrand you need them to do regularly!
ReplyDelete...also just my thoughts!
Ooops! Sorry Archerphile not suggesting your age or health is in any way like my neighbour's, just relating our situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you one and all for you comments about my cat loving neighbours and all your suggestions for how to deal with them. Just to elaborate a little further - We have been neighbours for 35 years and are good friends. When we first moved in, we had cats too, so the cat sitting for holidays was a mutual arrangement and suited us all very well. Over the years we sadly lost several cats, either run over on the nearby road, or just gone missing. A few years ago we decided not to have any more cats ( much as we adore them) because the road has become very busy and dangerous. However we still continued to feed next door’s cats (twice a day) when they were away. It was sort of assumed we would do so. In return they usually bought us back a bottle of wine and would pick up our post and just keep an eye on things whilst we were away.
ReplyDeleteLast autum, they were off on their 5th holiday of the year and we were looking after the cat again, a 10 year old moggy who went out a lot, until.....we had a knock on the door one evening as someone had found the cat run over on the road! We had to deal with the aftermath of course and bury the poor thing but the worst bit was telling our neighbours that the cat was dead, on their return home! They were OK about it and didn’t blame us, thank goodness. I was greatly relieved and thought that they wouldn’t replace him as they are away so much these days, and that would mean no more cat sitting for us! I was therefore quite shocked when they told us about buying these pedigree kittens, in fact I even said, a bit jokingly, ‘whose going to look after them when you are away’? I didn’t get a reply!
Now I’m not sure what to do. It’s a big responsibility looking after expensive kittens, especially after what happened last year but I don’t want to fall out with our friends. Mr A thinks we should just carry on as before but I feel very much taken advantage of as they could easily afford a cattery and their daughter lives down in the village and could come up once a day to do what is necessary, even though she has 2 small children which has been the excuse for her not doing so before. 😠
Archerphile.
DeleteI'm sorry Mr A but I don't agree with you. I am with Mrs A on this one.
I would suggest that this is the perfect time to end the cat sitting. As you say they have a daughter down the road, it is not your responsibility. I accept that you do not want to fall out with them, It is very difficult to face someone and say no, especially as you have looked after the cats for sometime. My suggestion would be that you write a note, explain how you feel over the loss of the previous cat, although you know they didn't blame you, you felt it never the less. Now they have 2 pedigree kittens the responsibility is far greater and is something you do not feel able to face.
With a note they would find it much more difficult to put pressure on you.. You could of course say the reason you were writing was that you yourself found it difficult to say no directly. Any reasonable person in the circumstances should I feel be able to accept
This this.
I do hope you are able to sort this out amicably, I am sure they do not realise how you feel
Archerphile I would definitely feel taken advantage of in the circumstances you describe, bad enough when it happened to your own cats, but having to deal with all that for their cat & then wait for them to come home & give them the news....too much to ask of anyone. Some people really like to put friendship to the test!! Why do husbands always go for the "let's not rock the boat" solution?? Sigh ...
ReplyDeleteIt is awkward to say no to someone when you have had a long standing arrangement in that it is easy to think it will damage the relationship and worry too much about offending people. However it sounds like a lot of people on this blog are on your side and think it is perfectly reasonable for you to say you don’t feel you can manage the kittens. The fact that you have such support suggests to me that you don’t need to doubt this.
ReplyDeleteStrike whilst the iron is hot and as others have said it sounds like the perfect time for a change. You have been more than a good neighbour and they have no reason to think otherwise just because you are not able to take on those kittens. Good luck!
Archerphile, I'm with all those who say that now would be a good time to make a break with the previous cat-sitting arrangements. After the trauma of the last time, when you had to deal with such a sad thing as their cat being killed on the road, it's not at all unreasonable to say that you can't face the possibility of something happening again - especially as you are now being asked to care for pedigree kittens, which is even more of a responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI used to travel a lot, until it became too expensive, but I always used to book my animals into kennels at the same time that I booked my holiday. I wouldn't have enjoyed the holiday at all if I had been worrying that something might happen to them while I was away, and I'm surprised that your neighbours haven't thought of doing that on this occasion, following the tragedy when they were away before. My mother-in-law did house and pet-sit for us while we were away many years ago, and my beloved cat was killed on the road. Although it was through no fault of hers, and we didn't blame her for it, I think she always felt guilty that it happened on her watch, and I felt guilty for asking her to look after the cats in the first place. That should give you a good excuse to extract yourself from your present arrangement.
Apologies Archerphile! For some reason I thought I was replying to LJ, hence the thing about 'clutter'. Not paying attention and very early in the morning. I agree with everything that everyone has said. You say these are close friends. Close friends check that an arrangement like this would suit. They don't sound like very sensitive people to me. Do they ever do anything for you? Many years ago I discovered that it was ok to say no to certain things. If you do it in a kind and non defensive way I've found that most people are able to take it at face value and not take it too personally. I also felt less anxious about doing things I didn't want to do. If they don't they were never really friends in the first place and certainly no close friends.
ReplyDeleteStrike now Archerphile before they book the next holiday, you could be left with the trauma of getting 2 kittens to the vet (and paying ofocourse!) if the little kittens have a scrap & cause injury to each other!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is making perfect sense, Archerphile, but can understand how awkward you find this situation, for all the reasons you give. Trouble is, the longer you leave it, the harder it is to say your piece, & we ( well, many of us) tend to over think these things. Really, it is enough to say that you're not comfortable with caring for the kittens & both they & you would have peace of mind if cat sitters were hired. All these holidays, obviously not short of a Bob or two. What puzzles me is why they didn't delay buying the cats until they were home. One thing occurs : when you made the joke about who was going to look after the animals they said nothing, but might they not, on reflection, have taken the hint?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWell Archerphile ,as you can see we are all behind you.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I would say is that I disagree with Cow Girl in as much as
I would definitely not write a note.
If I were them it would seem to me that you were scared of telling them to their faces(if it were me I dare say that would be true though)
I would go to see them and just be straight.
I wouldn't lie
Explain the way you have done to us.
I bet they will be fine about it.
If they put the kittens in a Cattery you can offer to take in the post etc if they want you to.
I wouldn't offer to do that though if they are going to get someone else to pop in for the cats.
Let us know how you get on.
Good luck Archerphile. I do hope that with all these similar answers from all these savvy woman, you can take your courage in your hands and speak up for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, everyone for your superb support and good sense. I know what you are all saying is right - I just have to pluck up the courage to tell them face to face! I had thought the only way out of it was to make sure we are away when they are going on holiday but I couldn't afford as many holidays as they have! We often invite each other round for a cuppa at the weekend so next time we are sitting in the garden and all relaxed I shall bring up the subject and say my piece.
ReplyDeleteYou have all been excellent agony aunts for me today, its been so helpful for me to share this problem with friends who are not involved and I very much appreciate your input. Who need Marge Proops or Evelyn Holmes when you have this lovely blogspot!!
It is interesting this discussion on neighbours and looking after cats. I had a work colleague who went to America for two months, and the next door neighbours agreed to go in and feed him. When they got back they discovered that the cat had decided to move out, and took up lodgings with another neighbour. There then ensued a bitter arguement about who then was really the rightful owner.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile our next door neighbour’s cat has just seen off a new cat on the block who was in our garden which first cat views as his territory. He has since spent the last hour sitting on top of our shed keeping a close eye on things. He is very friendly with us but we have never been asked to feed him. I think the neighbour is a little bit jealous of how often he comes over to say hello of his own free will.
ReplyDeleteWhen in London, my close next door neighbour and good friend shared animal duties, but because reciprocal, never questioned.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbour here can rarely say hello, but I did offer to feed cat when she got it. She makes it clear that she has a sense of guilt and prefers to share the burden with several 'feeders'. On the couple of occasions I was asked I found the neighbours kitchen such a filthy hole and the cat food dishes so caked with dried food that I have been pleased to not be asked again.
On the other hand, a person up the road when discussing my getting a cat immediately asked outright if I would be willing to share cat feeding duties, to which I agreed with pleasure.
Nothing like being upfront !
An evening of reading
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time recently I have read in a novel about someone who listens to The Archers.
Last time it was Eleanor Olliphant and now it is a male American(by birth)
I also heard on PM where people say what happened to them this week in a sentence ,one woman saying that she and her husband were going to Vietman ,leaving everything but would still listen to The Archers.
I can do that.
DeleteMy family and I, put my late parents property on "the market" and it was sold at its asking price, in 24 hours.
It is a long single sentence, but it is what happened, in this week in 2015.
Two thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLanjan Have you thought about a "wormery"? One of my bro-in- laws has one, and the garden is a show piece.
I witnessed an upsetting event today. I have a blacbird nest in a beech hedge, close to the house, and I can actually see the flefelings in the nest. I heard an awful cocophony of noise and went out to see the "parents" very visible and active around the nest. Suddenly a magpie flew out of the hedge with one in its beak! It is nature, I know. There are still babes in the nest, I can hear them.
Miriam. I had two Robins nesting in my allotment in an old bag of woodchippings, and yesterday the nest was empty. I suspect gulls did the damage.
ReplyDeleteLife can be very hard for these little birds what with predators and humans.
I also have a lovely male robin, frequenting my gatden. I do not though if he has a nest nearby.
DeleteI once saw a large black bird, (crow or rook), swoop down and grab a duckling, still at the small, fluffy, yellow stage. The black bird flew up to a nearby roof and killed the duckling. The worst thing was that the mother duck began quacking and running, all the other ducks joined in, it looked as if they were searching for the missing one. I have no idea if ducks behave in such a way, but that it what it looked like, it was horrible.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. My parent blackbirds are still very anxious and vocal but are feeding the survivour/s still in the nest. The strange thing is that my pusscat, is not interested and is totally ignoring the birds. She is now 13yrs so perhaps she just wants a quiet life. I have never heard about crows, ravens, buzzards and other rapturs, attacking any Ambridge lambs or similar. It must happen, I would think.
DeleteI would so love to hear about how Hayley, plus Mike + Vicky and their daughter, Bethany, are progressing. They are never mentioned, but they still have family members living in Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteI have a bird box in the garden which was there when we moved in. Because of garden alterations it was taken down and the year before last my husband put it back up on our new fence. Last year nothing happened but this year there are bluetits resident in it. At least they are relatively safe from predators which include magpies and other big birds and also of course cats. I have climbing plants in which should in time further conceal the box. I think though I have to take it down at the end of the season to clean it out. That will be fun!
ReplyDeleteWe were getting a bit off topic on the other blog talking about parties and weddings. I did enjoy my own wedding as there were only 12 guests, all immediate family and we had the celebration at my parents’ house. My husband and I left at about 6 o’clock and that was that! We kept it lowkey as my husband had been married before with a huge wedding which all ended in grief 5 years later. I was very happy not to have a big fuss, have never regretted it and we had nearly 43 years. together.
What a lovely post Ev gladdens the heart!
DeleteAgree Lady R ✔️
DeleteMiriam, I would also like to know how Mike, Vicky and Bethany are faring. You would think they could visit Roy. Don’t know what they ‘d make of the Lexi situation though!
ReplyDeleteEv, pleased to see your wedding comment here, as I was just about to express dismay at the number of folk who hate them, on the TA blog ! I've always enjoyed them : someone else doing the work, everyone (mostly) in a good mood, happiness, humour,dressing up, plenty to eat & drink....son's getting married in July & whilst that's all pretty exciting, it might be a tad OTT, & now I'm worried that there'll be a lot of guests with fading, false smiles as the day wears on....many of whom I won't know; should I create an amusing diversion of some kind? Tell embarrassing stories of his childhood, or is that a total no, no ? It's on my mind today as, after lunch with a friend/cousin in London, I looked at a few dresses,but didn't go so far as to try anything on.....
ReplyDeleteI have always found Phase Eight a place to find a dress to wear for a wedding, and it is then suitable for other social events, as it is not a typical wedding outfit.
DeleteHaven't tried there yet - thanks for the tip, Miriam !
DeleteIf it's your style, Bon Marche also do a decent line in occasion-wear. Try the catalogue (with very elegant model) or google their website before you check out the store.
DeleteI'm with Miriam , and wore Phase Eight dresses for both of my daughter's weddings. Dressy enough for a wedding when dressed up with smart accessories, but not too over-the-top to wear for other occasions.
DeleteI just think weddings go on too long and maybe, Carolyn some folk might welcome the chance to bale out gracefully earlier on leaving maybe the younger element and some of the oldies of course to boogie the night away. The main thing is for you to enjoy it so don’t worry! Thank you so much for your thumbs up, Lady R!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing place. By a huge coincidence, my son is getting married too, in August. I was in John Lewis last week looking at Phase 8 dresses!! I don't like weddings either, and don't want to look like a dog's dinner, but have been told that jeans and walking boots are not on. I liked East but they have gone bankrupt, but plenty of time to check other brands before I buy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for everyone's thoughts (have checked out Phase 8 & one drapey, asymetric single colour number did grab me, bit pricey, but hey....) Don't want to be swamped by huge, garish florals - though some water colour washes are very pretty - nor do I want to expose upper arms....it goes on, & probably already too much info' !
ReplyDeleteCorrection - it was Reiss, not Phase8 where my fancy was tickled....I'll try not to agonize further, but should I come across The One,probably won't be able to resist reporting that fascinating moment...
ReplyDeleteI used to buy a lot of clothes at Bon Marche, very good for basic casual wear but the do have some good ‘occassion’ wear too. However my one gripe is that so many of their garments are made of polyester which I simply cannot wear. It’s a great shame as they have lovely styles but rather cheap feeling fabrics. I would suggest sending for an Artigiano catalogue. Beautiful dress styles, many in viscose or cotton/linen, very elegant, lovely colours. Their pricing would a bit high for me for an ordinary day dress but OK for a special occasion.
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment in reply to Mistral on the "BBC iPlayer Highlights 5-11 May" about BBC Blog.
ReplyDeleteAnneveggie - are you a vegetarian?
ReplyDeleteArcherphile. Re clothes. I find it so difficult to find things that a) fit b) are suiatble for my age and c)are value for money but will last. I have recentely been buying from "Maine-New England" (I am Not advertisisng this brand) but I have found that meets my criteria. My basics are bought in the very large Sbury's store which is 15 miles away in the Tu range, esp when there is a 25% off promotion.
ReplyDeleteFor a very posh outfit,for eg a Wedding, I go to Phase Eight. I am always lucky there and I always find what I wanted to buy. But the cost???
DeleteThe village where I live is between Ryde and Newport with the main road running through. An Italian ladies’ fashion shop is going to open and I heard today their dresses start at about £200! Will have a look through curiosity but I doubt they will get much trade here! It is difficult choosing outfits for weddings especially when you are at the forefront but it isn’t worth spending lots only to have it sitting in the wardrobe forever after! Maybe a nice dress or skirt and top with toning jacket which you could then mix and match with other things. Hats if worn can be expensive but sometimes you can pick up a nice one in better charity shops and nobody will be any the wiser! Good luck Carolyn and Mistral!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ev. The trouble is, I never go anywhere grand to re-wear things. I intend to go through my wardrobes, (2, like Jennifer's fridges), and see what I've got. I know I have a Biba dress from when I was about 17, but don't think it will fit now! I have loads of dresses/seperates from work, but I worry that they probably aren't 'smart' enough. Due to various and complex issues, there will only be two family members, (me and one other),to support my son, whereas the bride's family are numerous. Also, against my will, we are at the 'top table', so I will feel on show and uncomfortable. In these circumstances, my confidence will be boosted by a good, well-fitting dress. However, I am mean, mean, mean and begrudge the cash outlay, especially as I still need stuff for Norway in November, which I don't begrudge at all. Also, they have chosen soup as a starter - Soup!! In summer. Who can eat soup elegantly? Not me.
DeleteHi Mistral. If you don't mind not having a brand new outfit, and want to save a considerable amount of money, have you thought about looking in a 'nearly new' shop, if there is one reasonably close to you? I used to browse around a nice one in Cirencester when I lived near there, and they had some beautiful nearly new (posh phrase for second hand) clothes there. Often only worn once or twice and always very good quality. Or, did you know that Oxfam have an online site that features good quality clothing from their branches nationwide? Again, another place to find some really good bargains.
DeleteSuz, thank you, I hadn't thought of that at all, great ideas. I could sell them some of my hoarded stuff too :) I'm spending too much time searching websites for ideas at the moment, getting bored of it really.
Delete👍
DeleteHaving had two daughter's weddings I can empathise with the outfit problem. I was lucky to find a local independent shop to get my outfits from but it has closed down now so don't know what I'll do if number three gets married.
ReplyDeleteWas it the one in Frodsham or Tarporley? I had to stop visiting these when I retired!
DeleteOne of the younger shoe-dwellers wanted a 'posh frock' for Christmas. Having traipsed around both floors of our nearest out of town shopping centre we finally found the perfect dress. Had I remembered to check the price tag before taking it off the hanger she would never have got to try it on!
ReplyDeleteBut it's lovely and she loves it. I just hope it gets plenty of wear before it's outgrown!
Archerphile, have you sorted out your cat conundrum yet?
ReplyDeleteIt occurred to me that, possibly, they felt they *ought* to ask you this time to show that there were no hard feelings and that they still trusted you to look after their furry felines. If so, it might be a relief for them if you back out and they feel free to book the kittens into a cattery without worrying about causing you offence.
Thanks for asking OWiaS - We all had tea together yesterday, sitting in the garden. Actually it developed into cheese & wine, well into the evening. During this I mentioned that we are going to France from mid-June until the end of the month to stay with our son &family before they depart to Dubai. It turns out that this is when the neighbours are off to Cuba so it was obvious we wouldn’t be able to kitten sit. But then they slipped another holiday into the conversation, going away with their daughter & family in July. We weren’t actually asked to look after the kittens last night, so I didn’t say anything. But if it comes to it I am resolved to decline on the grounds that it it too much responsibility as the cattens (as they will be by then) will only have just been introduced to the cat flap and going into the garden. I have researched two catteries not far from us so shall ‘very helpfully’ suggest they contact them!
DeleteIt is a good idea for young cats to experience a cattery. They will be well looked after and thee is no worry of them disappearing. I looked after a neighbours cat which vanished. I had to break the news to them and their young daughter. Although I did a door to door enquiry, there was no sign.It was found after posters had been put up in local shops. The cat had adopted herself to a house which was over a mile away. The cattery I take mine to is brilliant. My cat really pined on one occasion and refused to eat. The owner poached chicken for her and bought tins of tuna (which I never give her) but at least she decided to eat.
DeleteAs an addendum. The next time I took my cat to the same cattery, they kept a special eye on her but she was fine.
DeletePleased to hear the news from the cheese and wine evening Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteOnce they have found an alternative to your care, you will be able to encourage them to use that facility again.
Do not give in now !
Miriam - you mentioned wormer ies.
ReplyDeleteYes I have had one .
Children love them.
They love the idea that worm poo is good for the soil.
I just use compost bins now though.
They are full of little worms.
Re wedding outfits.
I bought a really lovely linen dress a month or two ago for £24 TK M *** as an incaser (in case I am invited to a wedding or Buckingham Palace Garden Party (THE wedding invitation has gone astray ) .
I wouldn't go and buy a new outfit unless it was for a really close member of the family.
Who is going to care what I wear apart from me and if I feel good in something that is good enough.
Ev- good luck if you ever go to the Great Barrier Reef.
I went into the sea there and I am scared stiff of the sea.
I had people round me who assured me they would not let me drown
It was a great experience but I would not repeat it .
In the US a cattery is now a cat hotel! I think this fancy name so they can charge more money.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteLanjan, don’t worry as I will never venture to the Antipodes! My husband and I travelled in Europe, Asia, Africa and America but never fancied that long air journey to down under! At 70, I now stick to Europe. Our own continent has such a lot going for it! I’m still thinking scuba diving is not for me but will give it a go! When I was in the WRNS many moons ago I went potholing. Quite an experience but not to be repeated! It was at Cheddar Gorge. We saw the cleft in the rock which Inspired “Rock of Ages”.I’m rather claustrophobic nowadays and wonder how I did it! The folly of youth I suppose!
I love this blog, Ruthy!
Ruthy, you are a cynic but I do agree about the extra charging for the posh name of the cattery! Lanjan, I do like swimming in the sea except for you never know what you are putting your feet on!
ReplyDeleteEv I only go in the sea abroad where the sea is clear & you can see exactly what is under your feet, I hate going in if there is seaweed about.
DeletePotholing,Ev?
ReplyDeleteOh I could never do that.
I hate getting into a lift if I am by myself.
When the boys were little I took them into a cave? mine? at Ingleton.
I was a nervous wreck.
Hated it.
Mr A was an avid potholer when younger (or ‘caver’, as he would insist) and spent very many weekends exploring caves in Somerset, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. I was not the right size or shape to go caving so spent many hours sitting in a cold car waiting for him to emerge, usually covered from heated to toe in mud. Oh what joy!
ReplyDeleteHowever his other love, which still occupies most of his time, is gliding and I was very happy to join him on gliding weekends and even learnt to fly myself. The high cost of this sport stopped us continuing when the children came along and we were farming, but since we have retired he has bought a share in a glider and spends most waking hours in the summer down at the gliding club. (I don’t fly anymore as my eyesight is no longer good enough).
Last week Mr A was thrilled to hear that our 11 yr old grandson had been on a caving expedition with the Scouts and had been down Goatchurch Cavern, in Somerset And loved it. Mr A had caved there ( and once got stuck in a ‘squeeze’ & had to be rescued) 50 years ago, so was delighted the family interest carries on.
I always yearned to go ' caving'.
ReplyDeleteDreams eh !
We used to go to a caravan on a small plateau in the foothills of Snowdon every February half term.
It was my passion as a mother to give my girls as many experiences as possible, so one year it was a trip down a slate mine. Oh how exciting !
I sat behind my two gripping the rail of the trolley as it descended into the deep underground and continued to keep the fixed grin on my face throughout.
And I thought I would like to go caving ?
Absolute terror.
Another year we took them on the overhead high rail ride at Llangollen.
The girls were in front thank goodness and couldn't see the terror on their mother's face.
However maybe I have changed, since I went with the grandchildren to Cheddar a few years ago. Fascinated, and not at all in fear or terror.
Can anybody top this?
ReplyDeleteI have just seen a man on this lunchtime's news who has a PhD in Eurovision!
Words fail me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"Words fail me". Ms Lancashire, this is not what your literary agent wants to hear!
DeletePerhaps he needs to speak English first, it is meaningless, or perhaps I'm an idiot!
DeleteSorry about that Maryellen but I am afraid I just could not believe it .
DeleteIs that worse than a BSc (Hons) Course in Soap Operas at Central Lancashire University?
A student (not from the above university )was interviewed by a reporter on the local news programme and said
"We are learned English and maths!"
Tee hee - obvs. their English & maths teacher learned 'em well
Delete
ReplyDeleteI might be going to top my previous comment.
My friend has just emailed to say that her son went to Parents' Evening at his son's school last night and was told that "A is in the top set and is on mastery for everything on the flight path"
I imagine the lad is doing well.
Again words have failed me.
I am obviously not on mastery for anything in the flight path!
Sounds as if the teacher is having a mental/linguistic breakdown, thanks to those he wrestles with who are not on a flight path with the top set, but prefer to compose songs for Eurovision, & rehearse in his lessons
DeleteI think you may have a point there,Carolyn.
DeleteSounds like a very posh school if they provide flying lessons ; )
DeleteI heard of a teacher, years ago, who had three stock phrases for reports:
Delete'He tries hard.'
'He tries.'
'He is trying.'
:)
DeleteI am concurring with EV, in that I cannot face that long journey to Oz. I have family who have lived there for nearly 8 years and are now official Australian Citizens. Also I now cannot afford the air fares! Luckily they are coming to the UK in August.
ReplyDeleteI am still thinking very strongly about another long-haul holiday. I am very intetersted in going to Costa Rica, but I also am thinking about visiting Africa again. I travel as an independant, single female person, but this does limit me on what I decide to do and where to go, and which travel company I decide to book with. I have to feel safe.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas anyone?
DeleteLan Jan, I have been highly exercised this week and last, by ' wings of a dove' on R4, where at least two of the main characters seemed incapable of pronouncing
ReplyDeleteany word finishing in ing correctly, on each occasion instead finishing the word with a K.
In the North-West, we (or many of us) pronounce the -g in -ng. This is not the same as saying, e.g. 'somefink', which is from much further south, but may sound a bit like it to someone who is not familiar with it. I had to go to university to discover that, for most English speakers, 'singer' is not a perfect rhyme for 'finger'.
DeleteIn 'Wings of a Dove' I found the young man's voice infuriating, but because he sounded such a drip!
Oh, that is very annoying Mrs P, I haven’t heard the programme but it would really irritate me too. My current pet hate, to the extent of grinding my teeth when I hear it, is the interviewee who starts every answer with “So.........”. There was a government minister on the Today programme two weeks ago who started every single answer or comment to Mishal Husain with ‘So’ and I had to turn the radio off in sheer frustration!
ReplyDeleteI listened this morning at 6.30am a programme on R 4ex, as I woke up very early, a programme called "Famed for Its knitting". It was about the magazine the "Womans Weekly". I used to buy it every week and loved the knitting patterns, many of which I have knitted. The marmalade recipe which I always use, to this day, came from this magazine. Did anyone else buy and use this periodical?
ReplyDeleteMirium, it was my mother's magazine for as long as it was published, and she certainly used many of the knitting patterns.
DeleteIt is also quite possible that the marmalade recipe was the one she used also.
Hi Miriam. That was my mother's favourite magazine right through the 50s and 60s (and I think the 40s too, but not sure about that), and I wore many of the patterns she knitted for me. When I had a baby daughter, she knitted W.W. patterns for her too, despite her advancing arthritis. She also used many of the recipes - especially for cakes and jam - and I still have them all, torn out of the magazine, and loving preserved in several folders, although rather 'battered and spattered' now. And I still refer back to those too, especially for Christmas cakes and puddings.
DeleteI used to have WW every week a long time ago. I have bought a couple of copies recently but it seems to be half as thick and twice the price! The recipes were always good and the knitting patterns. Victoria Wood immortalised it in her ballad about Frustrated Freda - “beat me on the bottom with my Woman’s Weekly” which made my husband and I hoot with laughter! If you like craft I hav e just discovered a magazine called Daphne’s Diary which is expensive at £5.99 but only comes out every 6 weeks. You can buy a subscription which makes it a bit cheaper. It has lovely illustrations and worth a look next time you are in WHS!
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I am new to the concept of single holidays. Saga might be a good starting point. Many single people enjoy cruises and we used to go with Fred Olsen which are smaller more intimate ships and fairly reasonably priced. I am venturing on a solo holiday soon in Tuscany. It’s a week’s watercolour painting and I thought that with like minded people it would be good for me. If you have any special interests e.g. music, Saga do have holidays which cater for this and you can build up a good rapport with your fellow travellers
A reporter on the TV this evening said to somebody"What did you say to the Minister as he was sat there"!
ReplyDeleteGrrr
Ev - my mum had two Saga holiday a year once my dad had died.
ReplyDeleteShe never went abroad, mostly university campus stays which Saga no longer do.
I wish they did, as I would avail myself of the opportunity if so.
Miriam ,I have never been to Africa alone but a friend went on a solo holiday with a Company along the Garden Route stopping at various places.
ReplyDeleteI can recommend Knysna on the Garden Route
Perfect temperatures in January and Fecbrusry
I liked Woman's Weekly better than Woman or Woman's own.
There were knitting patterns for dolls clothes and stories to read.
I never took to Woman's Realm.
Re the long journey to Oz.
I went one year alone to visit a friend and went Royal Brunei Business Class as it was cheaper than going ordinary class by BA.
We stopped over in Brunei instead of Dubai briefly.
The one downside was that it took longer as it stopped off at places like Darwen and Brisbane rather than going direct to Sydney.
Perhaps I am odd but I enjoy travelling alone .
To a teenager, the agony column in Woman was much better than the one in Woman's Weekly, where the questions tended to be, 'I am to be introduced to a duchess next week; how should I address her?', and the replies, 'As you know, I am against anything before marriage, including holding hands. I would advise against making eye contact with your fiancé, for fear of giving him ideas.'
DeleteMistral,re wedding outfits.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I mentioned this at some point but I borrowed a friend's mother of the bride outfit,.
Nobody but Mr LJ knew .
It was lovely -very smart but not fussy.
Have you a TKMaxx?
I know folk don't like them because you have to rummage through racks but I recently bought a stunning cotton dress for £14 .
You can buy stuff online .
I bought my Tommy Hilfliger (may not have spelt that correctly) pure wool duffle coat from there.
Much cheaper than it should have been.
Hello LanJan, 9.44 p.m. There is a TKmx a few miles away, but I will check on line as you suggest. Suz suggested nearly new, I found a couple of dress agencies, but both far too far away. Still need to look at the Oxfam website. Friends' clothes are not an option, I am only 5' 2'', everyone I know is like a beanpole. Someone on here, probably you, said it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you feel comfortable, which I agree with in principle, but as I am 50% of my son's relatives in attendance, I just feel that I need to up the ante a bit, I don't want to let him down. Added to this is my new-found candour which I need to control, several people have remarked recently that my 'social filter' seems to have gone wonky. Hmmmmm, shabby AND outspoken, what a combination....
DeleteMistral, I really enjoyed your description of yourself as shabby and outspoken. You sound rather memorable.
DeleteMistral: I'm with you on the 'candour & outspoken'. Deliver it with a huge smile and it really 'floors 'em!' I'm a great charity shopper too. When we lived in a very well heeled part of London I would often see women wearing something I really liked and think, "Mmm that'll be in the charity shop soon, I must remember!"......sadly though there were a lot of size 6 &8's.....both of which I ain't!! We now have a recycling depot which sells some of it's less rejectables.......particularly stone garden planters (LanJan look away now you and Mr. BB are still on the same page!) Apologies but I guess none of this will help with the Wedding Dress dilemma.🤔
DeleteMistral, my daughter suggests looking on e-Bay and put in mother of the bride/bridegroom outfits.
DeleteMy Mum’s favourite magazine was Woman’s Realm and it was delivered every week. There were always lots of offers, for make up sets or dressmaking packs where you would get all the pieces for, say, a dress, ready cut out and all you had to do was sew them together. There was always a choice of pattern or colour. I loved the children’s section which often featured those cut out paper
ReplyDeletedolls which you could dress in different national costumes. When I first got married I continued to take Woman’s Realm but it ceased publication within a few years. Now I don’t take any magazines except Radio Times - they are so expensive and not really relevant to me any longer.
A couple of years ago I read a book by Roger Deakin titled Wildwood. He and a friend were doing some coppicing and decided to stop to eat their sandwiches. They stopped at 2p.m. and ate in their truck so they could listen to the Archers. He also wrote a lovely book about swimming across Britain. He died, sadly, in 2006.
ReplyDeleteRadio Times for me too, especially for the crosswords. (And to look up the spoilers on The Archers, sorry.) I used to start with 'Fantasy TV' but they've stopped doing that : (
DeleteI sometimes buy card making magazines if I like the 'free' die on offer. (As if I didn't already have plenty ....) I bought Mollie Makes from time to time but once I spotted that *none* of the products they feature comes labelled with a price tag I realised I probably wasn't in their intended readership group.
Sorry, that should have been a reply to Archerphile, May 11, 10.36pm
DeleteBB,my trouble is that I rarely find clothes I like as much as those I have so .
ReplyDeleteMy mother of the bridegroom dress (long ,elegant 100% cotton) I still wear after nearly 29 years.
In fairness it wasn't really a wedding outfit although the large hat I wore made it look more special.
Too long for you to borrow though Mistral!
At his wedding the bride's father said how beautiful his daughter looked(she did),
how beautiful the bridesmaids looked(they did) how lovely his wife looked (she did ) and then said "and Janet doesn't look too bad either!"
I just fell about laughing!
I make my own cards too Old Woman.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't sell them though because they take so long to make.
That is what I am doing when I am "playing quietly".
Am I just being old-fashioned or am I justified in resenting my local supermarket giving up a big chunk of its floor space to house an Argos store? And even more resentful of their decision to devote a large amount of floorspace in the centre of the store to a shushi bar?
ReplyDeleteThese two intrusions have meant that the range of fresh meat, cheese, salad ingredients etc, things I buy every week, has been greatly reduced.
Since it opened I have never seen a single customer at the sushi bar, hardly surprising as the store is located in a housing estate on the edge of the town, far away from offices whose workers might fancy sushi for a desk, or park lunch!
Added to this, the store which used to be bright and spacious has become dark and claustrophobic as they have had to raise sheleves to the ceiling in order to store goods that used to be kept at the rear of the store - now needed for Argos goods.
I have shopped with the same company for the whole of my 48 years of married life and I don’t want to change now, but the men that run supermarkets these days really don’t seem to care what the customer wants as long as they can enhance profits. When the company was run by family members (I was there the day Lord Sainsbury opened this store!) it was the customer who came first.
Rant over, back to the kitchen. ��
Don’t know what those two questionmatks are doing there - it was supposed to be a cross face!
ReplyDeleteWhat is an “agony column”? I heard of the term “agony aunt” from Downton Abbey.
ReplyDeleteUsually in magazines or some newspapers, people write in with a problem and some wise old bird gives advice! Our most famous agony aunt was Marge Proops. I expect you have these columns in the USA but call them something different?
DeleteI have had an email from the Complaints dept which I tried to copy but I can't.
ReplyDeleteIt was in reply to my complaint about all my other complaints being ignored . .
Usually by this time apparently the complaint would have been dealt with but my complaint is taking more time.
I have been thanked for my patience.
I think we are still on stage b -with a case number.
I sent mine by post LanJan, but haven't heard anything as yet, did send it recorded.
DeleteI have been keeping an eye on all the posts with no or only a few comments, and counting the comments made by us, ready for the next round !
I am like Lanjan, as I actually prefer to go on holiday on my own. This means that I can do what I want to do, when the time is right. This does sound strange but it means that I do not have to wait around for some-one else to decide, what to do next. I have done very many "single" holidays with a reputable company. I am finding now that in ordet to keep the cost down, thay there are very few meals included in the "package" I really prefer a holiday which has half-board. I will look again at Saga.
ReplyDeleteI have only travelled with Saga once and the total experience was a true nightmare. I did complain and I had half of my holiday cost refunded.
Saga isn’t perfect. We had quite a few holidays with them and had cause for complaint on several. However we did have some good ones too and in th e special interest ones we went for jazz holidays having been to New Orleans where we have friends and they were good times. I am doing my painting holiday independently and I’m being met at the other end. I agree you need meals included as it can be such a chore finding places to eat apart from adding heavily to the cost.
DeleteHi Ev. Thanks for answering. The most famous one in the US was Dear Abby. She ran a syndicated column for many years until she died. Her’s was a relationship advise column. They are no longer popular - probably because no one reads the paper anymore.
ReplyDeleteI do admire all you craft making types, I have absolutely no talent, nor inclination towards making things from bits and bobs, knitting sewing, painting or carpentry. Although I do grow lots of vegetables.
ReplyDeleteI have never read any of these women's magazines and my mother didn't buy them. She was however, very good at all the things I am not, and my sister inherited many of her talents, she was an art teacher, and also makes all her own cards.
Archerphile. I know what you mean with Argos taking over. I am now finding that very many products that I used to be able to purchase are now no longer available due to the lesser space available. These are very simple and I am now trying to found an alternative outlet near to me for them. I can no longer purchase Branston Beetroot Pickle, the Iams 7+ Senior dry cat food which has changed my cats life, (Pets at Home dont stock it) the "own brand" washing powder which I liked but it is no longer available - I could go on. I am extremely lucky in that I have a wonderful Farm Shop a short distance away which sells such wonderful home produced fresh vegetables and it is cheap.
ReplyDeleteJust to make myself clear,Miriam,it is the travelling I like to do alone.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to travel to Singapore,Canada ,the USA and Australia alone but when I reached my destinations in each case I was visiting friends or close family.
I have never been on a solo holiday but I have a friend whose husband will not travel so she goes all over the world by herself and she is older than I am.
A widower friend spent a couple of months on a Cruise Ship in January and February .He went alone and loved it
If I did go anywhere alone I would fancy travelling Britain by rail-first class-and staying for a day or two in various places .
Good Luck Miriam
I hope you find exactly what you want.