THIS POST IS CLOSED
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 10
Life Outside Ambridge

Comments

  1. Good morning. Hope you like the “new” look of our blog.

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  2. Love it ! I imagine that is where you relax, drink in the lovely view, consult your laptop, I pad, whatever, & maybe listen to TA....

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  3. Photo was taken from our room in Asturias Spain. It was the most beautiful location for a B&B.

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    1. Well done for both blogs ,Ruthy.
      Now if you can go to Spain ,you can come to the U.K.
      I don't live too far from Heathrow so I ,along with other Ruthy fans who live not too far away will be at the airport when you come holding up signs with Ruthy or Archersfan whichever you prefer..
      You will recognise me as being the one who is the tall,slim and incredibly attractive woman *with a red rose (for Lancahire ) pinned to her outfit
      * I wish!

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    2. ๐Ÿ˜€Oh Lanjan, I would like to meet you. We could talk about Culcheth, Glazebrook, etc. (bit of a private conservation, non-Lancastrians).

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  4. As I said on the Archers blog, I love this new look, the clearer and more distinctive typeface etc
    Were you able to tinker with the layout and font yourself Ruthy or was it an automatic update by Google’s blog site?

    Well folks, just been informed by BBC News that today marks the second anniversary of Referendum day when our country voted for Brexit. I’m NOT trying to start a discussion about Brexit, much too political and possibly divisive for our happy blog, but just want to say how frustrating it is that everything is taking so long to sort out and that it dominates our news every day. We seem to be no further forward now than 2 years ago!
    I’d like to be a Sleeping Beauty and ask somebody to wake me up when it’s all done and dusted!

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    1. Archerphile, I hope all goes well with your operation and you keep us up to date with your recovery. I don't have any advice to offer except,please be careful how you negotiate your way around watering all of your neighbours pot plants. Had I known about the anti BREXIT march in London I would have gone.

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  5. Ruthy, breakfast on the veranda, I love the new format.

    MrsP. I was buying some cheese yesterday at a deli, and the lady serving suggested I try some new cheeses. I did ask for a Cheshire cheese, but she recommended one called Cheshire Three Virgins, made in Stroud. Apparently, The lady who makes the cheese couldn't find one to her liking, so she made her own, it was very nice so I bought some, along with some hard goats cheese, and my usual cheddar. She then began to tell me about how wonderful Stroud farmers market was and that I should go on a Saturday, as it is the best she has ever been to.
    I might venture there next Saturday, although she did say she spent a lot of money, especially on cheese. She described herself as a cheese fanatic and it seems that Stroud is cheese heaven??

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    1. Must put it on the list of places to visit!

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    2. Surely not,Cheshire Cheese.
      Cheshire cheese ( not you ) should come from Cheshire not be made in Gloucestershire.
      The tastiest ,creamiest cheese I know of if of course Lancashire Cheese.
      There used to be a lovely cheese called Leigh toasting cheese.
      Maybe Bootgums remembers it.
      Lancashire cheese either tasty ,crumbly or mild is (in my opinion the best cheese for toasting.

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    3. I lived in the very south of Lancashire, and in small shops that just sold 'cheese', that was Cheshire. Alas, I never came across Leigh toasting cheese. I found a delightful smoked Lancashire cheese in M&S, but, as is the way with M&S, as soon as you find something you like they withdraw it.

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  6. I should definately go then. Often passed the turn off on the motorway, but never been to Stroud. I will make a detour next time.

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  7. Just an observation that both blogs ended on the same number of comments and for the first time it was the 'Archers' one which was in the lead during the week.

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  8. Archerphile - I was not paying close attention to the last few comments on the last post. I want to add my well wishes to your upcoming operation, though it may not happen until October? Let us know how you get on.

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  9. I have to put in a vote for Wensleydale cheese which also tastes good toasted and untoasted it has to accompany Christmas cake, apple pie, ginger cake...something I discovered people think is odd when I moved out of Yorkshire.

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    1. Seasider all sounds good to me and I was born and bred in Hampshire, but I just adore cheese it really does seem to go with most other foods so well ๐Ÿค—

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    2. I love slices of cheese on toated teacakes and hot cross buns. I've been getting odd looks for years when I have it.

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    3. Hi Zoetrope! What is an English teacake? Are they sweet?

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    4. English teacakes are soft buns with dried fruit like currants and sultanas in.
      They are usually sliced in half and toasted before having butter spread on them .
      Delicious.
      I have never heard of them being eaten with cheese Zoรซtrope.
      When I was in Marks and Spencer recently I spotted some "sell bys"
      Ie food which has been reduced because it has reached its sell by date.
      I spotted what I thought were ordinary hot cross buns(for Ruthy's benefit tea cakes with a cross on which are eaten at Easter ) and was delighted to get them cheaper .
      When I got home I realised that what I thought were sultanas were in fact pieces of chocolate.
      Ugh!
      How can one eat toasted buns with melting chocolate?

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    5. Absolutely agree LJ.... disgusting.
      One small addition, please to your description above ...
      Hot cross buns with cross, like tea cakes but with the addition of ( extra) spices.

      I too like cheese on my teacakes and also eat apple with cheese, learnt from my parents, and I sometimes tuck slices of apple under cheese when doing cheese on toast or Welsh rarebit.

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    6. Sounds yummy. I can’t buy tea cakes in the US but maybe I can make them.

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  10. Love a simple sliced tomato fresh picked and cheddar cheese sandwich. All this cheese talk is making me hungry ๐Ÿž๐Ÿ…๐Ÿง€๐Ÿž

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  11. Lanjan, I agree that cheshire cheese should be made in Cheshire, I just thought " cheese heaven" would be a nice place to visit. Have to admit that cheshire cheese isn't one of my favourites, I'm partial to shropshire blue or blue stilton.

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    1. I can only say I'm shocked, Cheshire Cheese. Kindly justify your nom de whatever-it-is!

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  12. I am one of those, who hate cheese, I couldn't even eat the dairylea triangles! - though I did try. I do though make + eat a cheesecake, as it does not smell or taste of cheese!
    When living in a shared property, many, many years ago, if a fellow resisdent made cheese on toast, I had to go out! And to think I live in Cheshire, with locally produced Cheshire Cheese.
    I love Italian food, but I have to
    make sure that mine is cheese-free.

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  13. I have been very disappointed at being unable to find one of my favourite cheeses for several years now. It is called Sage Derby, a slightly tangy cheese with a green marbeling of sage throughout. It not only looks very pretty but tastes delicious and herby with the sage. I used to be able to buy it very regularly at Sainsburys but no supermarkets (not even Waitrose) stock it any more. If anyone know of a source I would be very grateful to hear about it.

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    1. Archerphile have you googled "Sage Derby stockist near me?" Although you will still see Waitrose & Sainsbury on the list. I thought maybe branches stock may vary but WR in Alton say no, not sure re SB. There is a superb cheese shop at Secretts Garden Centre in Milford it is owned by same but just a bit before the main GC a wonderful farm shop there too. It did have a fresh fish shop as well but not been for a while. Frensham GC also has a comprehensive cheese stock I believe in their Farm Shop.

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    2. Archerphile, I too regularly ate Sage Derby in the seventies and like you have not found it for years. But I did see some somewhere in the last two years and bought a small piece.
      Unfortunately cannot remember where.

      I have been to a farm shop in Oxfordshire today and found Cairefilly which again I used to eat regularly but rarely see now.

      Fashion in cheese eh !

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    3. Ah. Lan Jan. I am originally from Derby, and love Sage Derby. It is still available, the last place I saw it was on a stall in Newcastle's Grainger Market, but have seen it at other markets too. I love blue cheeses, gorgonzola is the best for me.

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    4. Sage Derby-ah!
      I used to buy that too.
      Delicious.
      When I lived "up north" I bought my cheese from the local market where it was cut for you as you waited.
      There was always a queue.
      I am only going back 18 years.
      A friend whose son ,born in Lancashire ,was getting married asked me if I could take a whole Lancahire cheese down to Stratford Upon Avon for her because she thought it was just what was needed for the Wedding Rexeption.

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  14. I love toasted tea cake and do eat it with cheese although not toasted cheese. I loved it best toasted at an open fire which my Gran used to do on a toasting fork. If you weren’t careful it could fall off into the fire.
    I remember Sage Derby cheese but haven’t seen it for years. It does come up in google so is still being made somewhere.
    I had some wonderful cave aged cheddar in Cheddar gorge this year - really delicious.
    Miriam sorry you cannot tolerate cheese - my uncle didn’t like it either.
    I don’t like rich cheese cake but I do like Yorkshire curd tart which we used to call cheese cake when I was growing up. I have it whenever I go home as I have never come across it elsewhere nor are curds easily available to buy. If I was clever I might have a go at my own curds and whey as I also love Norwegian whey cheese and have a recipe for that. Does anyone know if it is difficult to “make “your own curds and whey?

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    1. I used to regularly make my own cottage cheese by straining through muslin.
      Similar process I should think, Seasider.


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    2. Thanks Mrs P I should imagine it is. I shall have a go some time.

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  15. STROUD -
    Yes it's all rather ' foodie' here in Stroud.
    I assumed you knew about the Saturday Food Market Stasia, so have not mentioned it before.
    Some years ago, ten or more I think, it was voted the best in the U.K.
    It is very good, and yes it's possible to spend a great deal of money.
    The goats cheese people come every third week or something like that.
    There is also a farmer who makes the only Gloucester cheese from a herd of Gloucesters in Gloucestershire. A mild and a strong. Again, he is not there every week.

    Lots of food to eat as well of course, my favourite is the French cheese and potatoes dish.
    Is it Laclette ?
    I go to her at the end of the market at packing up time and she often gives me the left overs for half price which I take home and gorge on the Sunday.

    For all interested it is worth visiting.

    We also have a smaller market in the Shambles on Friday and Saturday.

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    1. I agree The Saturday Farmers' Market and the Friday/ Saturday market in the Shambles are all worth a visit. The food on offer, usually local, is varied from week to week and the atmosphere is often colourful.

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    2. Mrs. P.
      Raclette I think. Mmmmmmmmmm

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  16. Well.........

    I have done a round trip to Reading today.
    And I have brought back my new companion.

    He is very large and very heavy
    Black and white
    A long coat and an amazing tail
    He is possibly a Main Coon/ Ragdoll cross
    Very docile and gentle
    His name ( has been) Figaro, which I do not like, but I will wait to see his temperament
    before I choose another name.

    He is apparently very talkative.

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    1. MrsP - so glad to hear that you have found your furry feline companion at last. He sounds perfect, and very like my beautiful Pyewhackitt that I lost last year. I do hope he settles in well, and that you have lots of happy years together. Do you know how old he is?

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    2. So happy for you Mrs P. you are obviously not an opera lover !

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    3. Correct Cow Girl.
      Every time I think of the name I can hear that tenor voice repeating the musical phrase over and over.........
      Sheer hell for me.

      I had to forego a lovely concert last night due to my daytime activity.
      Not an operatic concert though.
      Medieval.
      Sublime.

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    4. I called my dog Tosca !
      I enjoy medieval too, but opera is my first love

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    5. Good news, MrsP! Keep us informed.

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  17. We have just returned from a couple of days in Chester. There was a cheese shop there on the street leading to the canal area that had a huge chunk of sage derby in the window. I love cheese too, especially an extra mature cheddar with salty crystals in it. Some nice runny Brie, totally delush!!

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  18. So glad to hear you’ve finally got your cat Mrs P. I hope he will be very good company for you but ,yes, he needs a new name. Perhaps we can suggest a few. What about Stan, a possible friend for Hilda Ogden. ;)

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  19. There's your answer Seasider.
    Google the shop in Chester and telephone or email and ask who their supplier is.
    You might be able to get the supplier to post some.

    Which reminds me, my son in law in Bath now works part time with an online cheese outlet owned by a friend.
    He loves cheese, so it suits him down to the ground, and we all benefit at family get togethers when we have amazing cheese boards, supplied by him.

    And when with my other son in law a week or so ago, helping to pack up the house that they have now sold on the I O W he came across his fathers Stilton kit.
    A piece of equipment that takes out rounds of the cheese.
    ( although I could not quite fathom how )
    About to discard it, I suggested he gave it to his brother in law for Christmas next.
    Simon will be overjoyed with such an esoteric piece of kit.

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  20. The Cheese Shop 116 Northgate Street Chester
    Tel : 01244 346 240

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  21. Thanks - it was Archerphile who originally mentioned Sage Derby cheese. However they may do curds as well.

    Mrs P I do hope your new friend settles in. I know you have been waiting for this for a long time so I am really pleased for you. Mr S is allergic to cat hairs unfortunately but our neighbour’s cat is very friendly with us and likes to visit if we are gardening so I do enjoy his company. If they go away he comes over even more to tell us he is lonely.

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  22. Oooo, thank you Mrs P! I shall ring on Monday and see if they do postal deliveries - I should love to taste a bit of good old Sage Derby again!
    Lady R - I even made a special trip down to the Leckford Nursery farm shop (on the Waitrose Estate) but they had never even heard of it so I am pinning my hope on Mrs P’s find.
    I shall report back!

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    1. I used to love Sage Derby, and have been looking for it for years. Recently I found Devon Sage ( I think that's what it was called) in a little cheesemonger on Bristol docks. It was delicious.

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  23. Mrs P - I am thrilled for you to have found your new companion - I wish you many happy years together.
    My elderly brother, never married but devoted to feline companions, had a beautiful large fluffy black and white cat called Minstrel. It took me some time to realise the connection of the name with the cat’s colouring! But it did suit him.

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  24. MrsP - wonderful! Looking forward to what name your black and white cat will be..๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿฑ

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  25. LanJan - on my next trip to UK I will definitely make the announcement. I was only in England once and only for 8 days. This is due to our limited time off. I long to see London and the beautiful countryside.

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    1. I shall look forward to your visit ,Ruthy.

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  28. So pleased that the sage derby problem may have been solved for you both.

    Ruthy, I’ll be in New Jersey in October, staying in Summit, so put the kettle on!! ;). ☕️

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    1. Proud to be Y - Summit is not far from where I live. It will be lovely to meet! I look forward to It!

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  29. Another footnote on the subject of cheese. There are two kinds of Gloucester cheese. Single Gloucester and Double Gloucester (referring, I imagine, to the fat content). They are made from the milk of Gloucester cows which are nearly all black with a white stripe running down their backs and continuing onto their tails. I pass a nice herd of them when I drive along beside the Severn on my way into Gloucester for shopping - lovely to see the old breed still surviving. There is also a cheese made not too far from here called Stinking Bishop - a soft cheese that is washed in perry (cider made from pears), and that is absolutely delicious, although, as its name suggests, it really does stink and has to be double wrapped in the fridge!

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    1. Yes you are correct about the fat content, double Gloucester has cream added to the milk

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    2. Suz, I love Stinking Bishop, I also love a French cheese called Pont l'Evรชque which is also very smelly. My sister buys, at Christmas, a round of Stilton and eventually she has to keep it outdoors, because even in the fridge it smells.

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    3. OOoh, Pont l'Eveque - one of my favourites too. We obviously have a similar taste in cheese, Stasia :)

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    4. Suz, I think that heard you refer to on your way to Glos. is the one that the cheese is made from.
      I remember hat he described to me that area as being where he was.

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  30. Oh dear, made a (long!) comment which was repeated, so, after the usual struggle to delete the 2nd, managed to get rid of both...no time to write all again, so suffice to say very pleased you now have a large, chatty companion, Mrs P.

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  31. Oh Ruthy wouldn’t that be fun to have an Archers blogger meeting if you came to this side of the pond. If LJ has her red rose I’d better wear a white one
    (the predictive text suggested a white onesie but I think I’ll give that a miss, don’t want to scare everyone)๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ™ˆ

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    1. I shall be wearing a white rose too

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    2. ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿคธ‍♀️๐Ÿค—

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    3. I incline to the red rose, but definitely agree about avoiding the onesie!

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    4. I'll wear the one onsie. (With a rose pattern).

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  32. Just to say we have cygnets on the lake in our park. Three of them probably hatched about 10 days ago. We already have Canada geese goslings and moorhens but the cygnets are the cutest.

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  33. MrsP. Congratulations on the new addition to your household. He sounds wonderful, does he like to be brushed? My two love the brush.

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    1. Oh yes Stasia, that was one of my conditions. I love grooming, dogs and cats, and I am told he does enjoy it.
      I am intending to go upstairs in the next half an hour to brush him for the first time.

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  34. England vs Panama 5 to 0!⚽️⚽️⚽️

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  35. Any English going on their hols to panama better cancel now!!

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  36. Just heard another shout from the pub.
    So assume that may be six now

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  37. Suz - thank you, he was advertised as five but is apparently four.
    Given up as considered to be ' not happy' but the fosterer and I, in conversation suspected there was more behind that statement than revealed.
    He needed only a dental, and seems to be slightly uncomfortable eating on one side, but has had one molar removed.
    Definitely Rag Doll in him, very limp and heavy, but happy to let me pick him up.
    I've had several rescued strays and difficult cats, so am delighted that I have a cuddler now.

    Thank you to all for your best wishes.
    I am of course delighted by his arrival.

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    1. He's a mere stripling then, Mrs.P. I'm sure that you and he will get on splendidly. I love cuddly cats too, although my present one, Mr. Fergus is only cuddly when he says he is! I've only had him just over a year, and although he was 10 when he came in May 2017, on 1st July he will suddenly become 12, but, thankfully, still super fit, bless him.

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    2. Yes Suz, much younger than I anticipated getting.
      However given the difficulties I've had to contend with in getting a cat at all, that has become a minor issue.
      In the event I suspect he will be stable and mature, not kittenish, which was why I wanted older in the first place.

      I have let him out of the room he was contained in for about an hour , and he explored the bathroom and my bedroom.
      He also had a brush and was very amenable to being on the table whilst attended to.
      He has returned to his room and has been quiet since, so I am hoping he is feeling comfortable with his new surroundings.

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  38. BLOG
    Just done a count of the blogs this week . Looking at the open blogs there is a total of 65 comments.

    For the last 3 weeks the total is 263 looking at a total of 9 blogs.

    this would have been a realistic figure for 1 heading alone In the Archers Blog for one week.

    I am giving up counting now

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  39. Mrs P. I am so thrilled you have finally found your feline companion, after so many months of searching and I hope he settles in well. My cat is also vocal, purring a lot but meaows loudly when demanding food.
    Chester is my nearest town, which I know well including "The Cheese Shop". However I have never looked in the window, and always pass by on the opposite side of the road!
    All I can say is that it is a specialist cheese shop.

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    1. .....due to my hate of cheese and its smell

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  40. Ruthy. I have seen your post about a possible UK trip. After London, a nice to visit would be the Cotswalds. I can personally reccomend The Broadway Hotel in Broadway, from where there are so many wonderful places to visit in the English country. A hire car would be needed + is about a 2.5 hours drive from London (driving on the Left).

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    1. And at least three of us live here in the Cotswolds Ruthy.
      And Suz not very far away.

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    2. And I live in Oxford. Lovely city, handy for Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon ...

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    3. Coincidentally,Bootgums I was born in Oxford and lived there until moving to south Lancashire when I was six years old.
      My mother told me many years later that she told my father that she would not stay there but I loved it -even the transformation from posh prep school to local village school.

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  41. Miriam - I looked up the Broadway Hotel and it’s a perfect little place. Will talk to my better half and see when we can visit!

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    1. Ruthy , Better half I think NOT.

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    2. Yes Cow Girl, I was a bit shocked by that - better !
      Other half, I am happy with.

      My friend told me off the other day for asking if his ' missus ' was ok with an arrangement, and gave me a lecture about ' not merging'
      I had deliberately used the term to wind him up, and it did.

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  42. Looks like we will be arranging a reunion ( not that we have ever had a first ‘union’!) if/when Ruthy crosses the pond. How wonderful if we really could all meet each other. Or perhaps it might not be such a good idea?
    Like with radio characters, I expect we all have a mental picture of what each other looks and sounds like - perhaps a few illusions would be shattered if we did all meet!

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    1. Not a bad thing to have illusions shattered, as a general rule, but agreed, Archerphile, it would remove our 'mystique', if that's the right word. I see the meeting under the clock at Waterloo, wandering around the South Bank looming as a possibility again....

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    2. Archerphile every chance I could shatter illusions with my online name ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ™„

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  43. Mrs P., glad your large ( how I love a big armful of cat !) Cuddly friend accepted being brushed, & that you're gradually introducing him to his new territory ( which is his, as I expect you know, no longer under your sole command). I hope a name pops up soon; maybe another composer ? Knew a 'Mozart' once....
    All the talk of cheese had me salivating wistfully yesterday, but dairy not good for me, so rarely indulge these days. I miss Pie d'Angloys most -SOO yummy.

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  44. Miriam and all, will report later on my Tuscan holiday but now have to take Gypsy for a walk before it get s too hot!

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  45. What a lovely time of year this is.
    I have just walked round the garden and the scent of various flowers is evident.
    I particularly love the scent of sweet peas,carnations and honeysuckle.

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  46. Mrs P have you christened your new addition yet?
    Somebody(sorry can't recall who) suggested "Stan " after Hilda Ogden's husband.Some years ago had a stray cat which we called the naughty cat because he had left his home.
    When he decided to move in with us we shortened his name to Nort.

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    1. No name yet, but he answers to Puss.
      He has now had the run of the house for twenty four hours.
      Tried it at bedtime too, but after about forty minutes of him winding himself around my pillow, disappearing for five minutes then returning to the pillow again, I gave up and shut him in his room.
      Have had to barricade Door as so hot must have it open, but he has now trapped himself in the back room behind some stored furniture.
      I wonder how long it will take, and how much energy involved in rescuing him.

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    2. He'll come out on his own, with repeated encouraging noises + dangling string with screwd up paper on the end, or some similar toy ? They need time to adjust to new places, be familiar with the smells. At least he seems to trust people.
      You probably know all that ( oh, & perhaps the sight/ smell of a cat treat)
      When Percy was new here, it took quite a while (we guessed he'd been an indoors cat) & was complicated by the speedy Advent of rescued, younger female, Katya, of a far more independent character, who acted aggressively. Percy often sleeps at least part of the night on my pillow...makes turning round difficult....

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  47. There was a little sarcasm in my saying "my better half". I definitely agree "my other half".
    LanJan - it is lovely here too. I am working for a couple of hours this morning and sitting next to the open sliding glass door and I can hear the birds chirping away. I have a small deck with modest flowers and herbs in boxes, which I am content to have (and only takes a few minutes each day to care for.) Maybe a photo of it will make an appearance on this blog someday.

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  48. Will look toward to that Ruthy! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜€

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  49. Since my post earlier, much activity !

    A text inviting me to share a trip to Portishead, where friend had a dental appointment.
    Moving swiftly to be ready, with time enough still to find cat who then freed himself from hiding, when friend arrived he soon took himself upstairs.
    Ten minutes later I went up to settle him before we left, and to my horror discovered windows open in ' his ' room and no sound or site of him.
    I had taken the opportunity to open all windows to air the house while he was safely contained in the back room downstairs.
    Friend, neighbour and self had a quick look around outside,but I sent friend on her way to P. without me.
    Feeling utterly sick I toured as many gardens as possible and alerted all neighbours to ' ' 'lost cat ' and returned to house.
    As I climbed the stairs he stuck his head around my bedroom door and said ' I'm here ' !

    We are both lying on the bed now, with me recovering from shock and stupidity, while he head Butts and weaves himself all around me.

    CATS !

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    1. ๐Ÿ˜€ I'm so glad you found him Mrs P

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    2. dy.
      Horrible hour or more for you, but he announced himself when ready.
      His message was clear, Mrs P. - you need to allow access to your bedroom at all times !!

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    3. I know how you felt Mrs P.
      Shortly after his adoption our Percy went missing for about 20 hours.
      I thought he had had enough and had returned to his former home.
      I was sitting outside the following afternoon when I felt something brush my leg and there he was .
      It happens often..
      He went somewhere this morning.
      I expect him to march along the garden path towards the back door when he decides he wants to be fed.
      Mr LJ says he would love to know where he goes.
      I am not so sure I want to know.
      On the other hand Poppy's world ends at the fence at the bottom of the garden

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    4. I capitulated after two nights of her crying and throwing herself at the door.

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    5. Stasia so did we.
      We built a barrier out of cardboard boxes for the cats to scratch at but between them they moved it and scratched the door.
      We now leave it open I am afraid.

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  50. Bootgums,
    Your sister(I believe) and my sister live in the village where I was brought up.
    I did ask my sister if she had any friends who had a sister who listened to The Archers.
    She meets a small group of people once a month to discuss the programme over a cuppa.
    One of our teachers at primary school came from your neck of the wood.A little big farming family-and another one came on the train alighting at Newchurch Halt as did a boy called Clive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Culcheth-dwelling sister doesn't listen to The Archers, to the best of my knowledge. The other sister does, but lives elsewhere (though still in the North-West). So there's a chapter of the Archers fan club in Culcheth, is there?

      Delete
  51. Mrs P. that is cats. Mine has a hidey-hole, which I still don't where it is, and she appears when it suits her, but it is in my home somewhere. (after 13 years this has still not been found)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Miriam, thirteen years and you still havnt found it ?
      Clever cat !

      Delete
  52. I have found out today, that I have a youn cataract, so one eye is not too good, yet the other eye has improved - very strange. There is also query, too with eye pressure not as good as should be, so back tomorrow for further examinations. I have a "red hot" calculator as to whether I l have sufficient and available funds to pay for a private cataract op, or wait for the 6-8 month NHS wait. (Private 2-3 weeks after initial referal. A big difference.).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miriam, I had cataract surgery on both eyes, but had to wait quite a long time until I was able to have it done on the NHS. The final decision was made when I couldn't see well enough to drive safely, but I had to have my eyes done separately, starting with the worst one, and then having the last one fixed 6 months later. It was a nuisance, but I couldn't have had better or more kindly treatment done than I got on the NHS. I was able to chose my hospital both times, and because my husband had had his surgery at a small hospital in Tewkesbury, I opted for that one, and was able to fill out my 'customer satisfaction' card with full marks on both occasions. I have wonderful sight now, but have to wear reading glasses for anything really close.

      Delete
  53. Miriam, most cataracts are reasonably slow in becoming worse.
    I would endorse Suz and suggest you wait for NHS.
    It is quite likely that you get the same surgeon if your private bed is fairly local.

    I had both mine at Kingston Hospital and all was fine.
    Though I must say I have yet to meet any ophthalmic professional who has any people skills. They all seem to be monosyllabic, never look one in the eye, and one of them literally only grunted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, both the surgeon and anaethetist that did mine were really kind and caring, MrsP. In fact, after the surgeon had done the first one, I asked for him to do the second one. I was so lucky.

      Delete
  54. Later this afternoon, I discovered his little hide hole in my bedroom.

    But he has now been shut in ' his' room to allow for windows to be opened
    On this very hot day.

    I suppose I panicked because it has happened once before, years ago, that a cat jumped out of a first floor window on his first night.
    We did find him three days later, but a very worrying time, and my partner was utterly distraught.

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  55. Miriam
    Please do not worry.
    Was it an optician who told you that you had a cataract?
    Have you actually seen a Specialist?
    I go each year to the Optician to have my eyes tested.
    Four years ago I was told by an Optician that I needed to go to see a Specialist as I had a cataract.
    As far as I was concerned I could see as well as I ever could so was surprised.
    When I went to the hospital,the Consultant said that I should not have been sent as the cataract was far from being "ripe".
    In 2015 and 2016 I saw a different Optician who said that I had a cataract but it was not ready to be operated on.
    She also said that I shouldn't need glasses for driving which the previous optician had prescribed.

    (I didn't need them for reading either)
    Last year sadly that Optician had moved on and the new one once again told me about the cataract.
    She said I shouldn't drive but in the end said I shouldn't drive in the dark.
    She referred me to a Specialist (via my doctor)
    Once again I was told I shouldn't have been sent.
    He also said that she should never have told me I shouldn't drive.
    He told me that it was always happening.
    I suggested that it was because Opticians are scared of litigation.
    I have been told by people who have been operated on that you will know when you need to have a cataract removed as things become hazy.

    ReplyDelete
  56. My holiday in Tuscany was wonderful and the Mill was a home from home. The rooms were all individual and whilst mine had a window with shutters some had balcony’s and terraces. We had tuition and painting morning and afternoon with a break for siesta. In the evening an aperitif on the terrace arched over with vines and the a three course meal followed by coffee and a liqueur in the very comfortable sitting room. Everything was included in the price and we were transported everywhere. We painted in the nearby village and in a former convent now privately owned. Bill and Lois who own the Mill were perfect hosts and one night Bill and William one of our fellow guests treated us to a joint recitation of a Hilaire Belloc rhyme. Pam from USAran an impromptu Tai Chi class which was very relaxing, Bill does a blog on the website which you might find interesting. Thoroughly recommend this to Miriam and anyone else. They a.so run knitting, Italian and cookery classes.

    Gypsy is fine after her holiday but not so sure about Trix who looked after her! The comment was that although small she is a very bossy little dog and likes her own way! I am trying to train her to sleep in the nearby sun room rather than in the bedroom with my going away times in mind. I sit with her for a time at bedtime and she can appear fast asleep but the wakes up if Imove a muscle! Last night, the first one with this routine she had me sitting with her until about 11 and then sat at the staitgate gently barking @ 4.30! I refused to budge until 5,30 and let her out but then firmly returned her to the sunroom until a reasonable hour was reached! Up to now she has been quiet so hope she is getting the message! I just heard footsteps so guess she is at the gate but I have put a cushion there so hopefully she will settle!

    Good to hear you got a cat Mrs P after all your searching! Sounds as if you’re having similar teething problems! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  57. In case you look at Bill’s blog, you can see the Tai Chi picture on June 22nd and I’m the one in the middle of the front row with turquoise T shirt and black and white trousers! Was very proud of making the 7 am start twice!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Lovely to hear about your holiday Ev and Gypsys progress.
    Brave you giving yourself a companionable holiday so soon after losing your husband.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Had a look at the blog Ev. Saw the pic. What a lovely place to do tai chi. Think I would even have got up for the 7am start. Nice to get the most out of your hols and not waste most of the mornings having lie ins.
    I always like coming home though to a freshly made up bed and a good cup of tea. Think holidays make you appreciate your own home no matter how good they’ve been.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Mrs P it was just nice to be with like minded people. William had lost his wife 13 years ago and as he said you never get over it but you just have to get on with your life. The anniversary of Mike’s passing was in the middle of the week away. It did help having other things to think about. I miss him every day but there’s no point in making a big thing about a very sad anniversary as each day is another marker. I am proud that on my own I managed to negotiate airports with only one or two minor panics!

    Miriam, as you don’t like cheesebe assured they would cater for you. We had one vegetarian and one gluten free who was also allergic to just about everything!

    P to be Y indeed it is good to be back in your own bed but had a comfy one there too! Going away does make you appreciate home and I find nowadays that a week is a good refresher and long enough to recharge the batteries!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Just for the moment I think you should be "Proud to be Ev" ๐Ÿ˜€ negotiating airports etc for the first time on your own ๐Ÿ‘ So glad you enjoyed your holiday and that it was of some comfort to be there on the first anniversary of losing your dear husband. Good on you Ev ๐Ÿ‘

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  62. I found the picture on the blog Ev and admire you for determining to make that early morning start.
    Negotiating airport procedures without a loving companion a first but not the last for you I hope.
    So ... ๐Ÿ‘

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thank you!๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•What lovely friends you are!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Ev. You are brave and courageous. I'm so glad you had what sounds like a peaceful, but very interesting holiday.
    I was thinking about images/personalities, and how we might perceive each other from the information we share about our lives on this blog. Someone brought up this idea in relation to Ruthy coming to England and meeting up in London.
    Blog. This led me back to the old blog when (MrsP?) discussed an excursion to The Archers studio at the Mailbox in Birmingham. They do tours and at some point I contemplated going, then forgot. A visit to the Mailbox might be interesting?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone else Stasia, I was up for under the clock at Waterloo.
      But would also consider a visit to the Archers Mailbox if it were arranged.

      I always see Lan Jan as per her description of tall and slim.
      But I suspect this description is tongue in cheek and that she may well be
      .......... short and stout !

      And we now have an idea of Ev thanks to her picture of doing Tai Chi.

      Delete
  65. I visited the mailbox archers bit last October. Came across it quite by accident. Didn’t see anything about a tour but you could go upstairs and see info on the walls. There were cut outs of Ruth and David to stand next to to have your photo taken with. Of course I did!! A list of celebrity archers fans. And photos of the prominent characters.
    Unless there is a specific tour it’s not worth going to specifically. Nice to pop in if you are passing.

    ReplyDelete
  66. A pleased you had such a good time Ev.
    Well done you .
    Lovely for you to come home to Gypsy .
    You are more sensible with her than we are with our two.
    They have got us exactly where they want us.
    They certainly fell on their paws all right.

    ReplyDelete
  67. How lovely this is... dogs, cats and holidays, ever-present sunshine, veg and flowers going barmy in the sun, as am I. I'm so relaxed that I've just dug out some embroidery, a sampler, I started when I was pregnant with my first child. He's 33 this year....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't tell you how pleased I am to read your post Mistral.
      It makes me feel that I am not alone in often failing to finish projects and picking them up again decades later.

      Delete
    2. Mrs. P. :) :)
      I've also got a cushion cover, beautiful, designed by Kaffe Fasset, can't remember the pattern or colours, but I will re-visit it one day. The trouble with leaving things is that it's very hard to see what I should be doing now, even with my specs on.

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    3. I won't even mention my O.U. degree.........

      Delete
    4. I'm also glad I'm not the only one (or 2). I have unfinished embroideries from before my 24 year old daughter was born.

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    5. How funny we are, if anyone asked me, I would never admit to being so tardy.

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  68. Ev. Your holiday sounds absolutely idyllic and it really interests me for a holiday of either cooking or language. It is what I know I would love.
    Thank-you for the reccomendation, as I would not have found this, without you.

    PS I am being referred to Hosp. as it was confirmed today that I have an early cataract + early glaucoma, in one eye only, causing a massive loss of visual focus in that eye in just 5 days (apparantley this can happen) it will be sorted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glaucoma not good news Miriam, but well done for getting it checked out and getting an early hospital referral.
      I like your positive assertion- it will be sorted !

      Good for you ๐Ÿ‘

      Delete
    2. Best wishes for the eye treatment, Miriam. I have early cataracts but have to wait until they develope before treatment. I also have Macular Dystrophy which may result in loss of central vision. I take Macushield as recommended by the specialist to keep the macular layer as healthy as posiible. I can’t get this on
      prescription as it is reckoned to be a supplement. Very annoying when it is the only thing I take in comparison with others of my age who take away carrier bags full from the chemist!Oh well, I can usually buy it on 3 for 2 in Boots but it works out even then at about £30 a month. What about those who can’t afford it? Have written letters to those above but with no positive result!

      Would love to meet up sometime and maybe if not at the Archers studio we could all wear an Archers T shirt! It would be a laugh!Perhaps we could write to the BBC to ask for a special tour for special fans!?

      Delete
    3. Ev, nice idea. I have looked at the Watermill, it looks really beautiful. I would love cookery classes, but there aren't any for 2019. I go to occasional cookery classes locally which are entertaining, but either too simple or far too fussy - the last one was Vietnamese street food which sounded fantastic, but the instructor had prepared most of it earlier as it was full of marinades, so it seemed a bit pointless. I would really love to learn how to make really good Italian food, or French for that matter. You have planted the idea in my head, I will definately look for a venue for next year. How exciting.

      Delete
  69. Very glad you had such an enriching holiday, Ev, congratulations for pushing yourself. It sounds as if it was so worth the effort, coping with lone travel anxiety, & the sadness that it had to be lone adventure. Yet you found pleasant companionship, beautiful surroundings, & very absorbing activities. Heartwarming.
    Sorry you have these eye procedures to face, Miriam, but, as Mrs P. says, thank goodness the problems were identified at an early stage, & you'll soon get treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I just posted comments on 5 BBC blogs and they all went straight to " reactively-moderated" mode.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Ruthy, that's annoying. I thought they might have forgotten us by now.

      Delete
    2. It must be something BBC is using to track the annoying bloggers like me :)

      Delete
    3. No they haven't forgotten us, I keep checking, I am still banned x 2 . It is obviously an automatic process.

      Delete
    4. No ladies we are not forgotten.
      We are like a thorn in their sides.
      See below.!

      Delete
  71. Sharon - not sure if you are reading this blog - I left you a reply on "About the BBC Blog - BBC iPlayer Highlights 23-29 June" on Very English Scandal :))

    ReplyDelete
  72. Ev - that is the kind of get away vacation I dream of. Ruthy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruthy, there were two Americans and the tutor was also American. They had long journeys home via Milan. One of them, Pam went on to meet her husband and they are going on to Rome and Venice. We Brits were amazed by the lack of holiday time in the USA. Pam gave up full time work when her son was younger as hewas suffering as a result of her not giving him enough time getting into bad company etc. Our tutor’s husband did join her for part of her time there. He was amazed at how much some of us had travelled! I think that as you have such a large and diverse homeland yourselves you as a nation don’t have the impetus to travel elsewhere. For us the rest of Europe is so accessible, my flight was less than two hours. When I came to USA we flew from Washington to San Francisco some 5 hours and I couldn’t believe I was in the same country! Hope you will be able to come across the Pond some day soon!

      Delete
  73. BLOG
    I have had another reply from the BBC.!
    A Dear Janet letter
    Basically I have been told that"
    We have referred your complaint to the relevant people (and) it may take a little longer to reply.
    ........................(More words saying that some complaints take longer to deal with.
    Then
    "We apologise and have been in touch with the relevant staff again .
    We therefore ask you not to contact us further in the meantime."
    Nobody has had the courtesy to sign it .
    It just says BBC Complaints team.

    Can't you just hear someone saying "It's that blessed woman again.Wouldn't you think she would give up?"


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Was this your letter to the executive complaints department ? last in line of the appeals. My 20 days was up yesterday, 35 days for more complex ones, so perhaps we are causing them some problems, I would like to think so

      Delete
    2. I wrote to the person who replied to my last letter,Cow Girl .
      She is the woman in charge of Feedback!!!
      I asked her to pass my letter on to the correct department as it appeared she had received it in error!!
      but it seems we are going round in circles as although nobody will take ownership of the letter,it says at the bottom that it is from BBC Complaints Team.
      The letter says that most complaints reach this stage in 20 days-four weeks ( I thought 4X7 = 28 ) but I suppose they are talking of 5day weeks..
      That seems about right by the time my last letter was passed on to the right department.
      For full details of their complaints process please visit.
      http//www.bbc.co.uk/ complaints/handle-complaint/

      Delete
    3. Sorry with all these complaints I am getting confused ! at least we are keeping them busy.

      Delete
  74. BLOG

    Incidently,my "wild card "letter received by the recipient 9 days ago hopefully has not yet been acknowledged.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Esscee - so you are Sharon on the BBC blog? I will try to remember :) Only 2 more days of waiting to watch Very English Scandal.

    ReplyDelete
  76. So regarding time off in the State. It is really appalling. I have worked in the same firm for over 18 years and I get a total of 26 days available each year (vacation and sick days included in this number.) We also only have 8 paid holidays (I believe it is call bank holiday in UK?) I try to take shorter holidays (we did 5 days in Costa Rica, 4 days in Miami, and 2 days in Montauk, NY - this year.) We took 2 weeks for Spain and Portugal last year, which was really wonderful, but towards the end we were both wanting to be home. We are just not used to long time off. Year prior we went to Italy, 9 days. We met people on the train who were on their second month of holiday. We could scarcely believe it.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Ev’s holiday sounds fantastic, Mr Nuts and I had a short break in Seville a couple of weeks ago which was lovely, but hearing about the painting holiday, and some of the other comments, made me think about the half finished paintings in the attic, along with some rather solid tubes of paint, started 20+ years ago ( pre children) now on my retirement agenda, which although not imminent is on the horizon.

    There were some comments earlier about cheese/ fruit combinations. Tonight I am going to make a feta and watermelon salad which my sister-in-law made last weekend. It a Nigella recipe, available online and very good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a very summer salad! Enjoy.

      Delete
  78. Thanks for all your wishes re my eye problem. Strangely I am not too concered just yet, as things are at such an early stage. I am very optimistic that it should not cause any changes in my future life-style and aspirations, long term.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well done Miriam for having such a positive attitude.

      Delete
    2. It is far from a life threatening condition, it is just an annoying hiccup at the moment, and if it means using eye-drops for the rest of my life, so be it. This is so minor.

      Delete
    3. It’s still an impressively positive attitude Miriam and I hope I can emulate you should I need to in the future.
      As is yours Ev, and I am so glad you had a lovely time in Tuscany, and that it helped you through a difficult time. Being in a group like that can be really nurturing even when you are with people you haven’t met before.


      Delete
    4. ๐Ÿ™‹ Miriam you have a great attitude

      Delete
  79. I hope you are all managing to stay cool in the hot spell. We went up to the hills at the weekend to get away from the heat. On Saturday evening we sat outside watching the fireflies. They never fail to fascinate me.

    ReplyDelete
  80. MrsP, I am thinking of going to Stroud Market on Saturday. Has the Butler returned to the Georgian tea rooms as I couldn't face using the place I went to last time.
    Have decided to take a day off from the allotment, will spend today and tomorrow picking peas and watering. Hate to say it, but we need rain. When it comes no doubt I shall complain.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Stasia, I drove past in the last few days, probably last Friday, and the door was open, so I presume they are back in business.

    I will be in the town tomorrow for physio, so will attempt to check that they will be open on Saturday, and will let you know.

    I am thinking of going to a concert on Saturday evening which I think may be near you.
    A village beginning with F. The church lacks a steeple.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MrsP. As the crow flys, I would estimate it being about 10-12 minutes away. I have passed it many times but have never stopped. Although I been birdwatching near there and it's not far from Course Lawn which has a very nice hotel. Thanks for investigating.

      Delete
    2. Stasia.... they are now on local listings.
      I have called and they I'll be open on Saturday from 9.30 a m

      Delete
  82. I, like Ev, have done a couple of holidays as a single/indepemdant traveller. These were fine, but daunting. I chose holidays with an interest which I felt suited me. One was a tour of Sicily, lovely but the group was too big. The second was on a small 3masted schooner on the coast of Croatia. This was ideal, a small ship with only 30 passengers, and I met so many wonderful people. This was a very positive experience and I will do another "solo" holiday again. I will choose carefully in that a I wiฤบl know I will meet similar, like-minded travel companions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your Croatian holiday on the schooner sounds wonderful Miriam.
      I am envious of all these holidays.
      I wish that I had one, the money, and two the courage.

      Delete
  83. Just back from a few days in Cambridgeshire & Suffolk - the food market at Ely was fantastic! Tastiest pork pies I've ever scoffed....

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  84. Sorry, folks’ been too busy to contribute to this blog for a few days - just concentrated on the Archers one, so haven’t been able to join in with holidays chat etc.
    Just wanted to report that a contributor to the Facebook Archers page I read said she is going to an evening event next week, where some Archers actors are making an appearance to talk about the programme
    She asked if any of us had questions we wanted her to ask on our behalf.
    So, of course, I requested she ask about the return of our BBC blogs.
    Another contributor (a man) then commented that “perhaps they were closed because we got too bolshie”
    Suspecting that he must have been one of our old friends (possibly FOSO or John the Agnostic or one of the others?) I wrote about our lovely new FRIENDLY blog and offered to supply the address if he was interested.
    Hope I did the right thing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just heard that the above gentleman was not a contributor to the BBC blogs after all - shame, I should like to have heard from some more our male ex-bloggers, their views made interesting reading sometimes.

      Delete
  85. Gianna - thank you - we are having a heat wave here expecting 100 deg F (which is 38 deg C) this Sunday and up in the 90's starting today for a week. I will be staying out of the sun!

    Hope everyone take precautions to avoid heatstroke and dehydration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last summer we had temperatures of 40°C during August. So far we have reached 34°C this summer and I am hoping it will stay like that. As we are in a valley we feel the heat more and it's hard to breathe outside.

      Delete
    2. Ruthy & Gianna ๐Ÿ˜ฎ to your temps! 20-22c is best for me but can live with 24c so a little too hot for me just now. As Ruthy says it is about keeping out of the direct sun and drinking lots - especially water or diluted fruit juice if plain water is hard to take ( as it is for some people I believe) good reason to cut right back on the housework though ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜‚
      (Archerphile) Mr R and I made it to Mottisfont Abbey (Rose ๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒนGarden) on its first official day and it was pretty hot then must be more so now! We could only do so because they run the buggy up and down which Mr R needed. Once there he took it easy with his crutches and took some lovely photos which he really enjoyed doing as he has been a member of local Camera Club for over 50yrs but does not attend these days.. I joined him for a while in the day of slides - got a few 8-9 & 10's in competitions much to my amazement! ! ๐Ÿ˜‰

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    3. Lady R - how lovely to visit the famous national collection of Roses at Mottisfont on the first day! It must have been very crowded. I, too, can only visit NT places with a buggy at the moment , all the big new car parks they have created are much too far from the houses or gardens for me to walk these days. Mr A and I went to our nearest NT house, The Vyne, twice last autumn to go up on the roof and see all the new rafters and tiles being put in place. It was fascinating to look down on the roof from above and see exactly how historic houses were built.
      And I also can only stand a maximum temp. of about 23C and am finding the current heatwave very difficult. Goodness only knows how I shall cope if we are able to visit our son and family in Dubai next year. It will definitely be a Winter visit!

      Delete
  86. BLOG
    Well my wild card didn't work.
    This is what I did
    I wrote to Frank Field the caring MP of Birkenhead because I thought he may just know the Director of the BBC as he is Lord Hall of Birkenhead.
    I am afraid although he replied and was sympathetic he said our best chance was with the BBC complaints department.
    However.
    I have checked.
    MPs should be around until 20th July after which we have to do without them until September so I will write to my MP today.
    I don't hold out much hope.
    He is almost my age and presumably won't be speaking reelection at the next election
    He won't care but it is worth a shot.
    After that it will be Ofcom
    Archerphile,if the BBC stopped our blog because of comments made.
    (were they really that bad?),wouldn't they have told us that was the reason instead of prevaricating?


    .

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I agree Lanjan. I heard back from the gentleman I thought might be an old BBC blogger (but wasn’t) and he explained he had thought it might be due to all the criticism of SO’C that was rife at one time, on many forums. He hadn’t read any of the BBC blogs so wasn’t saying that it was only us that were being critical.

      Delete
  87. Update on my hummingbird feeder. Did not see any hummingbirds for a few weeks, but they have reappeared! We only have 1 pair and never see them at the feeder together. The male is very aggressive and will stop the female feeding at the same time.

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    Replies
    1. Reggio Emilia in the north of Italy in the Po valley. It is where they make the Parmigian-Reggiano cheese. Whenever I go back to England I have to take several lumps of cheese for my family.

      Delete
    2. ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿง€

      Delete
    3. Yum, yum, Gianna, one of my favourite cheeses, and what a beautiful place to live!

      Delete
  88. I have suddenly started seeing butterflies for the first time this year. The garden is very parched, but I am watering the hanging basket, window box, just a few flower beds and my runner beans. I have never had a hose pipe ban, nor a water restriction where I live, even in 1976. Our "water board" has just been taken over by Severn Trent, so I expect that this could well change shortly.
    My previous was Dee Valley Water, serving the Wales/Cheshire border region.
    I am careful though to preserve water consumption, especially as, I have a water meter.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Gianni. I have spent time in Bologna, with a lovely young italian couple I met when they were studying in the UK. It was through a programme, when people would give board to foreign students and show them life in an english home, be it for a week-end, half-term, even Christmas. when they were studying in UK and were not able to return home in the university holidays. They stayed with us for many times, and after graduation returned back to Italy. We all met up on quite a few times, always in Bologna, but my favourite time was attending their wedding in Rimini. I also remember, when we were in Urbania going for an evening meal, my 'phone rang to tell me about the birth of their son.
    The eel nets on the Po are fascintating and it is nice to see that this family tradition, hasn't changed.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Gianna, thank you for the info requested regarding where you live. Sounds lovely! Have to admit I am not a great traveller but it is always interesting to hear about others lives in different countries - and all thanks to TA & Ruthy of course!

    Archerphile yes MA was busy and the buggys well used! We did not get around to visiting The Vyne last year but our friends who went twice did tell us a lift was available to the roof area and they echoed your comments! Mr R does have a Blue Badge which is a help at most properties especially Hinton Amptner- a favourite, where we can park right outside the house and is also near to the tearoom (an essential ๐Ÿฐ ☕️ ๐Ÿ˜€) gift shop and church. Such a homely property.

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  91. Just had a count up 24 of us have commented here (so far) 23 ladies I think, although maybe hard to tell for sure from one or two id 's - and Gary ๐Ÿ˜‰

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  92. I used to be addicted to the mail online. Now I’m addicted to reading these blogs, several times a day in case I’ve missed something. I know which I prefer and gives me more pleasure.
    I’m not on any other social media so I think of this almost like a select club.
    :))

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  93. Stasia, if you are looking in in the morning before your trip out.
    If I am around in the town tomorrow late morning I will be wearing a large floppy pink hat.
    If you get to the Georgian Tea Rooms I do hope they pass muster in your opinion, since I have recommended them.

    ReplyDelete

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