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"longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge
Have a seat and let's chat.
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
I liked these chairs all lined up and thought it would be nice to present on our blog.
ReplyDeleteProbably more of a conference than a chat! 😊 Thank you again Ruthy.
DeleteThink that’s a lovely photo and caption for our off topic blog.
ReplyDeleteWell today is another lovely day here and since I’ve been putting off doing housework and making the most of the good weather and the garden I’ve decided that today, before I go outside to potter about, I must clean the bathroom!😱
I’m busy painting a wooden compost bin that looks like a beehive ( Jill would love it) and hope to get it built and in place tomorrow after a final coat of willow green today. Think it’ll look lovely in my herbaceous border with a little path of broken slate up to it. (Slates been in garage for a good 15 years.....glad to be recycling them for a good purpose).
Wishing everyone a lovely, hopefully relaxing, weekend. 😊
Ps....my emojis are now working so I may go into overdrive with them for a bit!!!👍😊
Feel free ! Wish we could view your finished garden design....& then visit the sparkling fresh bathroom...
DeleteLove the latest colourful chairs, Ruthy - imagine them rearranged in a circle, our bums on the seats, other body parts sounding off & gesticulating animatedly !
Your garden design sounds beautiful PtbY. I love slate as a garden feature material, particularly the lovely green slate that comes from the Lake District.
DeleteRuthy.....just had a little jaunt round Barnegat thanks to mr google maps.
ReplyDeleteHas a walk down broadway and into lighthouse car park. Read the massacre sign. It’s absolutely amazing what you can do with technology these days.
The wide streets in USA with well spaced buildings and car parking for them all over always amazes me.
I find Google Earth absolutely invaluable. I often use it when reading a book set in a particular area so that I can follow the story and immerse myself in the local scenery. I particularly enjoy the books by Peter Robinson set in the Yorkshire Dales and the crime novels of Stephen Booth set in the Peak District. He gives such precise details of villages, roads and landscape features in his books that you can actually follow the route of a police chase or a mountain rescue search on Google and feel part of the story!
DeleteI do that when reading books Archerfile and agree that it really helps me to get a sense of place.
DeleteArchetphile I remember reading a book by Peter Robinson (I think) which is relevant to the recent weather. The plot was that a resevoir had dried up, and as a result a village was revealed and a skeleton was found, and so the story went on.
DeleteIt is a Peter Robinson book, which is "In a Dry Season" with Inspector Banks. I have found it in my study, and I am now going to read it again.
DeleteYes, Miriam, it was one of his most memorable DCI Banks stories I think. I have every single book in the series but have felt the last 2 or 3 books have not been as good as the earlier ones. Too much detail about which whisky he is drinking and what tracks he is playing on his car CD player.
DeleteMaryellen- your comment about Big Cats, dead, on the last blog.
ReplyDeleteOn a Sunday morning, very early, a motorist hit a BC on a road on the outskirts of Gloucester.
The man who is the contact for sightings, wearing another hat tried to access this road a few hours later but found it closed by police.
The motorist, shaken by his accident, his car written off, stood by when an unmarked vehicle arrived, men in white suits emerged, put the animal in the vehicle, cleared the mess on the road, and drove away.
The police told him not to contact his insurers, his car would be taken care of.
The road was re opened some time later that day.
The Ministry takes care of these things.
When parts of bodies are found they are taken to laboratories for analysis.
Apart from Cirencester there is, I believe one other University that is involved in research.
Thank you for all the interesting comments. I guess the ministry act as they don't want the general public to panic.
DeleteThat's interesting, Mrs P. It was the naturally- occurring deaths I was
Deletemostly thinking of, which must happen and you'd expect at least some of the bodies to be found by farmers, walkers etc and make the local if not the national press in the same way that sightings do. Do the universities concerned publish their findings?
Yes, I thought you might be asking about them Maryellen.
DeleteI don't really know the answer.
I have been told that ' the military ' shoot them. All part of the ' we mustn't allow panic ' mind set, as Cow Girl says.
I am unsure about the publication aspect also.
But I do know that analysis is done on prey found half eaten. And there are also moulds taken of jaw bones, so I suppose that cadavers or parts must have been found.
Lots of information on line.
Maryellen most wild animals if they are feeling ill or at death's door know that they are vulnerable in that state and will hide themselves away, and on moorland such as Bodmin Moor there are so many tors covered in large rocks with crevices underneath that you would never find their bodies. There is also an area of the moor with very old and dangerous mining tunnels and there have been sightings as if they are living there, and again a body wouldn't be found tucked away underground.
DeleteI envy comments above about google earth.
ReplyDeleteI struggle to use it but have often dreamt of doing just what Archerphile and Yorkshire do.
Must get the grandchildren to educate me.
PtbY I use google earth/map all the time when researching a location. I haven’t done for Barnegat, but guess don’t need to 😀 glad photos are well liked.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen: 21 July 1.45pm.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and son-in-law own some land which they manage for wildlife and occasionally find the remnants of dead animals such as badgers and deer.
That sounds like a lot of work managing land for wildlife but rewarding.
DeleteThat's a lovely thing to do.
DeleteEnjoying morning on my deck and saw two fawns with their mother.
ReplyDeleteOde written on a humid summer's day
ReplyDeleteThere's colour in the garden I must say
There's fawn and beige and taupe and cream and brown
There isn't too much green but come what may
I will not let this heatwave get me down.
Because not all the plants I've grown have died
The fuchsias and geraniums -bright red.*
(I've failed the other plants although I tried)
I'll have a garden full of them *instead
(I plan to take some cuttings and will sow.
Some seeds and hope that some of them will grow.)
LanJan thank you♥️I will print this and add photos, frame and add to my collection.
ReplyDeleteI have just picked 5 runner beans. These will go well with my evening meal, which tonight is - roast gammon with parsley sauce.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - the runner beans fresh from the garden sound lovely. I had to look at gammon - not a common word here, and I don’t eat meat. Enjoy your nice evening meal. We are going out with friends to an Italian restaurant.
ReplyDeleteRuthy I love italian food,. I have experienced so many varied authentic meals that I have ate, whilst on my very many trips to Italy. I just love - Venetian Liver, Pasta with Wild Boar, Veal escallopes cooked in white wine.
DeleteI have to say that it is difficult to find + enjoy these in the UK.
So Ruthy, what do you call gammon, now that you have looked it up.
ReplyDeleteMrsP - we just simply call it ham! Very large tradition, especially in the southern part of the US to have ham for the holidays.
DeleteTraditional here too Ruthy.
DeleteHam we call when it is sliced off the joint.
When it's a joint we call it gammon.
My mum always cooked a gammon joint at Christmas and Easter.
I hated the smell of it cooking !
I've been to the Country Show today.
Saw Alpacas, the breeder is in love with the colours and breeds for colour.
Sheep, a small family of goats, African Land snails, a tortoise and lots of exotic chickens.
As well as the usual craft exhibits.
And I have bought a cat nip pouch for Puss.
He is playing with it now.
I also offered to have a beehive in my garden. I have no interest whatsoever in keeping bees, but I have a great interest in enabling someone else who may not have a garden to keep them. As I live so close to Rodborough Common, which, because it is grazed has an abundance of wild flowers including orchids, I have many seedlings in my garden and many many bees and butterflies. I will be delighted to have a beehive as long as I am not responsible for it.
The bee society was delighted by my offer.
Yes gammon is the same as ham, I think! I cook it a lot, as it is tasty and cheap! I do a lovely quiche with the left over gammon (I always buy a "smoked" one), with caramellised onions, mushrooms, dried apricots, eggs + herbs. I find that I can make very many meals. which are very cost effective, yet tasty. and nutricious. I also do a gammon in cider sauce, which is great with pasta + veg. My Mum taught me how to cook cheaply but be innovative, to provide a healthy meal, and I still do so.
DeleteMiriam, how lovely to have home grown vegetables. My mother’s beans and peas tasted like no other. I loved the peas straight out of the pod as a child and had to be rationed so we could cook some.
ReplyDeleteMrs P a friend who 50 years ago honeymooned in your neck of the woods called her house
ReplyDeleteRodborough.
They stayed at "The Bear" .
Oooooh! I had my wedding reception there in the 70s.
DeleteThe Bear at Rodborough - yes LJ, very nice.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hotchpot of a building but I like it. It has a Schloss, a Victorian addition I think.
I like to have a civilised afternoon tea after walking to it.
Must have been a successful honeymoon !
Just googled ‘the bear’. Looks a lovely place. I’ve only passed through the Cotswolds on the way back from Bath. Must try and get down that way for a proper stay sometime.
ReplyDeleteGot to admit I had to look up what a schloss was.
PtobeY- when I moved here, I googled the Bear to read the history, and was confronted with Schloss. I had known the meaning in the past, but needed to refresh my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYour not alone.
Good morning fellow bloggers Got to see my son who came back to east coast for a friends wedding. We met him and another friend in the city (Manhattan) for early dinner. It was just lovely to see him if only for just a couple of hours. Lots of rain here! And will continue on and off this week.
ReplyDeletePlease send some rain over here, Ruthy!
DeleteRAIN Ruthy - what's that!!!!!! 😮 We are now on an Amber weather alert for continuing heat. It is a bit much now as the nights are also quite close. Good old GB where would we be without our weather of one sort or another to comment on 🌞☔️💥🌪🔥 etc 😂
ReplyDeleteApologies for long comment.
ReplyDeleteFellow cat lovers.
Would you have done what I am doing.?
The elderly lady not far from me has been admitted to hospital.
She has dementia.
She also has four lovely cats .
According to her next door neighbour her carer is feeding them once a day but yesterday
.I walked past her house and noticed empty bowls with lots of blue bottles .
I was so upset and 'phoned the RSPCA.
I took four little bowls of cat food across the road and the cats emerged from the untidy dry grass.
They polished them off quickly and so I repeated the process.
There was some water there.
I haven't taken anything over today yet but plan to do so later in the day if there is nothing there.
I have phoned the Council Social Services.
I was told there was nobody there from that department but they would phone me back.
I am waiting for a call from the RSPCA too.
I know I am interfering but those cats are devoted to Mrs D and when she wandered as she did they would trot along with her.
They need human company too.
If I don't hear back from the Council I may well phone again.
Thanks for listening to me.
You're a hero, LanJan. Course you're not interfering!
DeleteDoes Mrs D have any family who could home the cats?
DeleteSo glad you are there Lan Jan for Mrs D puss cats could not bear for them to suffer twice over - the heat of course but also missing their loving owner. Please let us all know what transpires.
ReplyDeleteHope the services you have asked for help contact you soon!
Is Mrs D likely to be able to return home?
I went across to her next door neighbour yesterday afternoon and she telephoned the hospital to ask what ward Mrs D is in and was told she has been transferred to a Home for reassessment for a month.
DeleteShe should never have been left to live in her own home .
She is younger than I am but is not capable of looking after herself at all and apparently because she kept pressing her alarm it was being ignored.
Bit like the boy who called "Wolf".
Her husband is already in a Home.
I don't think she will ever return so the cats need rehoming now.
They are all gorgeous
One is tiny so I don't know if he or she is being fed.
The little one hides under the car which Mrs D is not now allowed to drive.
Interfering, absolutely not. The cats welfare and that of their owner is paramount. Some long term decisions need to be taken and you have called the right people. I would do exactly the same.
ReplyDeleteNo Lan Jan you are not interfering, not at all.
DeleteWhat you are doing is being a caring neighbour and fellow human being.
Lan Jan, i don't know which part of West London you live in, but may I suggest you contact the cats home at Hanwell.
When I have posted this I will look them up.
If Mrs D is in hospital for a month those cats need more than a visit from a kind neighbour twice daily, cos they will miss her, and may wander themselves.
So IMO they need intervention from an organisation devoted to cats. But whoever looks after them and arranges their future care, also needs to know that they are a bonded foursome and must be fostered as such until asessed.
It might also be worth contacting the Cinnamon Trust. They may just have a rep or carer in your neck of the woods, who will take over their care.
In the meantime you and MrsDs next door neighbour must continue doing the right thing, which you have already been doing.
Please you were there & acted, LJ. What a sad situation, for Mrs D. & her lovely, bereft cats. I hope you get a response soon, especially from the RSPCA. ( is there a cats protection outfit, or similar, near you ? Might be worth a try, if nothing else happens by tomorrow). Do keep us posted !
ReplyDeleteLan Jan to save you looking up details.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't mind, but have done it for you.
Cinnamon Trust 01736 757 900
RSPCA -Southall / Norwood Green 0300 123 0746
RSPCA - Hillingdon 01895 833 417
Mathew - Kensal Green 0208 962 8009
Hounslow 020 8560 5443
ARC Hillingdon 07944 232 063
Cats Protection Hillingdon website
Sorry Mayhew Kendal Green
ReplyDeleteYou are all so lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
The RSPCA are supposed to be calling back as are the local Council.
I am going to phone the Council soon and ask them if they knew that Mrs D had four cats.
The so called private Carer is a disgrace.
As Mr LJ says you wouldn't want to kick her beer over but if I had my way I would do more than that to her.
I haven't been into the house for a while but her neighbour says it smells and is dreadful.
(Neighbour has gone to Miami so at the moment I am on my own but I am going to phone some of the numbers Mrs P has kindly mentioned.)
Will report back and thank you all again.
LanJan- you are doing exactly the right thing. Those cats cannot just be abndoned because their owner has to stay in hospital or a home. I had the same problem when my 91 year old brother kept being admitted to hospital after falls. The local social services arranged for a neighbour to go in daily to feed his beloved Minstrel. The neighbour was OK at first about doing it but it was happening so frequently they soon got fed up and refused to be involved any more. Living over 50 miles away, I had no option but to call the local Cats Protection League who came and removed Minstrel to their cats home on a temporary basis for which I gave a good donation.
ReplyDeleteMy brother eventually died in hospital and the CPL were able to re-home Minstrel soon after, having given her much needed veterinary treatment.
You can rest assured that you are not ‘interfering’ but being a caring neighbour.
Should just add that my brothers bungalow was also in a dreadful and smelly state because he refused point blank to pay for any home care the local council tried to arrange for him. He also refused to be admitted to a home which he desperately needed to do. He became one of those reclusive hoarders and nothing I could say or do would change him. I didn’t blame the neighbours for refusing to enter after a while, it was just disgusting. After his death, Mr A and I had the job of sorting it all out. We found cat faeces everywhere, even in the wardrobes! One of the worst jobs I have ever undertaken, it took over a month of almost daily (100mile return journey) visits and included having to have the bungalow fumigated before it could be sold.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope nobody else here has to cope with a similar situation.
Lanjan, I do hope you have some success with the RSPCA, although sometimes their attitude is not helpful. I think your best bet is the Cats Protection or animal rescue centre.
DeleteWhen I was on the council a neighbour asked me to intervene when her neighbour left their the dog in an outside pen without clean water and only food once a day. They had left a very young girl to go once a day to put some food in a bowl. This pen was full of faeces a dirty water bowl and cat food crawling with insects. My neighbour went in and cleaned it all up, gave the dog food and water. When the RSPCA arrived their assessment was that the dog was now clean and being fed, therefore they had no evidence to remove the animal. All they did was put a note through the door saying they would be back to discuss the dog.
Im not saying don't do anything, I would most likely capture them and take to the nearest vet or animal shelter, but then I have the cat baskets to undertake this task. I support your actions in feeding them and finding alternative accommodation, and in this heat I do hope a rescue happens very soon.
You are a very good neighbour.
I have managed eventually to speak to Mrs Ds Social Worker.
DeleteShe said that they are aware of the siruation.
I said that they cannot be aware of it or they would not allow it to happen.
I asked how the cats are being fed and she said that she can't tell me because of data protection.
She would' not answer any question I asked because of data protection.
I said it is obvious that Mrs D will not be returning -at least for a month so the cats should not be left like that .
I said that I hoped the phone call was being recorded as they said for "training purposes "
and that someone would act on what I had said -but they won't will they?
I have just gone across now and there was one cat and so I left food for that one.
There are in fairness four empty bowls -full again of horseflies.
In this weather if the food is put down and the cats are not there it will soon go off.
I then phoned the RSPCA again.
It is a call centre.
She said that an Inspector is aware of the situation .
I said can they let me know how he gets on and I was told that he is too busy.
She got quite shirty with me actually.
I was very disappointed with her response
I said that if the Inspector got in In touch with the Council he would be fobbed off and told that the cats are getting fed three times a day which I am convinced they are not.
She said there was no point in phoning again.
I haven't seen anyone today.
If the carer does come she will dump the food and go and no doubt charge for her visit.
To say I am appalled is an understatement
If I repeat myself I am sorry.
I have gone to retrieve the bowl I left for the one bewildered cat and it is absolutely licked clean.
I will go across later and see if the rest of the cats are around .
I may contact the Cats Protection but I doubt they can do any more.,
I am so disgusted and still very upset.
It is no wonder that Social Workers get a bad name.
I am astounded at the response from the RSPCA. I have only had two previous and personal experiences with them. One was when a dog was left shut in a home, over a very hot weekend and was crying and barking, trying to get out of an upstairs small window. The second was when a swan landed in my cul-de-sac (it missed the local pond). In both cases the RSPCA responded and appeared within 2 hours, and took over. The swan was removed and taken to the pond, and after 24 hours the police + RSPCA broke in + removed the dog, who was rehomed.
DeleteWell done LanJan. It appalls me that someone can be whisked away from home with no proper care arranged for pets. It is also pathetic that the person you spoke with hid behind data protection, any professional worth their salt can find a way of answering that doesn't break confidentiality but does provide reassurance for the enquirer
DeleteLanJan.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing the right thing. I know that you have your own cats and so you realise their needs, and this hot weather will not be helping. I would also do exactly the same.
I am still feeding my homeless cat. She is lovely, but is obvious she has not another source of food. She hoovers the food up, without much crunching of the included biscuits.
PS I finally have my stronger contact lens today. It is helping things well but strong. For those who know eye power, it is -9.75. Vision is still blurry, but that's the catarct. I know that this is the best possible, thanks to a wonderful optician.
Miriam, all the best with your new lens and I hope it helps whilst you wait for treatment.
ReplyDeleteLan Jan, social services has a duty to protect property and pets whilst people are in hospital and as they now know the cats are not being fed they should take action. They also have strict confidentiality rules so cannot discuss details with anyone who is not immediate family or an involved friend. I am sorry to hear that the social worker did not explain this in a helpful way. It is really distressing when you are trying to do your best to help someone and are rebuffed. I can understand that you don’t feel reassured. Is the other neighbour more in contact with Mrs D - I notice the hospital gave information or were they less careful about confidentiality?
Thanks Seasider, it will help a lot. As I have previously said. I am very grateful for the patience and expertise of the optician, to give me the best possible vision while I wait for the hospital appointments. I feel very lucky as the problems are only affecting one eye.
DeleteLan Jan you have done what you can, and that is the best you can do.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that ' confidentiality ' and 'data protection' has taken the care out of the general population, and even when people like you try to help, we are hampered at every turn.
Like Stasia, I would take things into my own hands, and have done so on occasion, but unfortunately if you were to take them to a rescue, they would be constrained in accepting them, because you would have, theoretically ' kidnapped ' or ' stolen ' them.
On the other hand, I believe that, with the information you have, a rescue would be able to remove them.
Are these cats able to get in and out of the house ?
Do you have a garden shed that they could be housed in for the time being.
I do hope for you that you can find some solution soon.
But don't give up.
Cats Protection are very good and practical. I was very surprised at their matter of fact reaction a few years ago when we had a problem with a cat using our porch as a toilet. They said it was probably an unneutered Tom and if it continued they would catch it and neuter it. However, whether the cat died or moved away, it did come to an end shortly afterwards.
ReplyDeleteMrs Ds cats -latest.
ReplyDeleteThanks again everybody.
Just been across the road and still only one very timid cat so I left another small plate of food which I will collect in a while.
Miss Marple is at work.
The bluebottle infested plates are still in the same place,under a south facing window.
If the food has to be left why not put it under a bush or by the wall facing north?
It is the hottest day of the year so far.
Pan A
I will check tomorrow morning and then throughout the day to see whether the plates move.
I know cats don't have to be fed three times a day but if she says they are then I will be able to see if she is telling the truth.
As regards the next door neighbour.
When she phoned the hospital she said she would like to visit and would they say which ward Mrs D was in .
It was then they said she had been discharged but wouldn't say to where.
To be fair to the neighbours they were so fed up of the poor lady waking them up at all hours of the night yelling abusive comments that at 3am one morning they phoned for help.
They originally called the Carer who wasn't there.
A replacement Carer came but said she couldn't stay and would they stay with Mrs D until morning.
They then contacted I think the local hospital
They said the ambulance people were wonderful.
Mrs P.
DeleteWe can't take any more cats .
Poppy would not allow it and they are on the other side of the road where our cats never go.
Poppy's world ends ar our front door .
The back garden is her territory.
Can't get from front to back unless she goes through garage and Utility Room which she doesn't.
Percy walks along back walls to ???
Not Poppy.
Apparently the cats can get through the cat flap to a Conservatory which is locked and nobody can get into it because Mrs D says she has lost the key.
There is no food in there and I would think it is very hot in this weather
Will check out the bowls tomorrow and report back.
Lan Jan, thank goodness you are able and willing to help. I am amazed that a Home Care worker would be paid to visit and feed cats, it's almost impossible to recruit any to feed and visit humans up here.
ReplyDeleteI do not want to criticise the RSPCA, but they have been more than useless with a local issue, when 5 households contacted them about a dog cruelty problem with a neighbour. They visted more than once and declared that as the poor animal was given food, shelter, (an outside pen) and water, it was adequately cared for. They ignored the beatings, kickings and screaming from the young 'owner',also the constant whining. (No proof, as none of us has ever managed to get a photo).This poor creature is regularly thrown in a van and taken rabbiting. I suppose they (RSPCA) must see much worse things, so my version of cruelty is not the same as theirs. I agree with those who say take direct action - otherwise I think they will suffer. Good luck, and well done.
Would your vet know anyone that could foster them? My vet has a nurse who is very good at re-homing pets. They advertise the Cinnamon Trust which sounds very good.
DeleteI have been wallowing in, and remembering my teenage years, as I have been watching "Back in tme for Tea". This programme has focused on the 1970's, and I really liked that the "Northern Soul" style of dance was shown, with an explanation as to how it originated, and what it meant to so many. I remember it well.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Lanjan. You are doing so well, and please don't give up. I am a cat lover, and I know how you must be feeling.
ReplyDeleteKeep going, and keep us all posted.
This a real life situation, when help is drastically needed, as a matter of life or death for those cats. It is not like The Archers, fictional.
I am not a cat lover but the thought of these ones suffering is awful. Thank you Lan Jan for caring and I hope the situation will be resolved. The conservatory is not a good place in this weathers. I have not been able to use my south facing one for weeks! Even a garden shed would be better for them.
ReplyDeleteNews of Gypsy. With controlling treats and food not to mention reasonable walks she now weighs 8.9 kilos as opposed to the 9.2 when we had her. A carer had been entrusted to walk her but wonder how much walking she had. She can stand her ground sometimes and needs encouragement to go on but when near home goes like a rocket! Like many small dogs she is bossy and likes to be in charge! As one of the girls from Friends of the Animals remarked she is quite a character. A lot of work and visits to the Vet but so worth it! We are taking her to the beauty parlour this week as her coat has grown so rapidly.
Well done Ev, I know what hard work it is. Once she has slimmed down nicely She will feel the benefit I am sure. Nice to have some positive news !
DeleteLanJan - I am late in showing my support for you. You are not in any way interfering and is actually doing a good deed by feeding them and calling the social service who can provide the assistance to these animals.
ReplyDeleteLeft three bowls out after University Callenge.
ReplyDeleteHave just been back.
All are empty but I have only seen one cat.
Where did I see it?
In our front garden.
He or she has cottoned on as to where the food is coming from.
We are going to have to check under the car when we go out.
The bowls left by the "Carer" are still where they were early this afternoon -empty.
LanJan, I should have thought, because you have told us about Poppy.
ReplyDeleteSilly suggestion from me. I apologise.
Mistrals suggestion is sound.
Veterinary Nurses often foster cats.
A visit to the local vets might be a good idea.
Tell your story to the receptionist.
Vet rcptnsts are better than most. They often have to deal with real situations.
I know as I did that job for some time.
There may be someone there who can help or have contacts who might step in.
I am amused by the little cat coming over the road to ask.
Perhaps P& P will allow him/ it / her to move in !
( tongue in cheek )
My boy has been very quiet today and has not been out at all.
He has gone out now, late evening, and probably won't come back.
Lanjan, I applaud you! So lucky that our amazing neighbours & friends are looking after Pi, our cat.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in honeymoon news... We have, so far, glided over the rainforests in a cable car in North Queensland, taken afternoon tea on a vintage train, cruised down a river alongside crocodiles and sailed out to the Great Barrier Reef where we snorkelled for hours! Which was interesting - other half can't swim & I'm scared of fish...
Now in Sydney just wandering about aimlessly! I love wandering about aimlessly - it should be taught in schools...
G.G. Sounds fantastic. Now the obvious question....why are you scared of fish???
DeleteG.G. What a fabulous time you are having. A cable car over the rainforest sounds amazing. You can’t beat having a good wander, well unless it’s coffee, cake and people watching....bliss.
Delete☕️ 🍰 😊
Have you been to Doyle's yet Gary or have you done the boat trip to Manly (or Manley).
DeleteHave you thrown a boomerang ?Seen the koalas?
How about the kangaroos ?
So much to see.
I'll tell you what though I wish we could have the weather you will be experiencing,I can't be doing with 35degees .
Ooo Gary, you have got us all very jealous - well me, anyway! I particularly like the sound of afternoon tea on a vintage train - just my cup of tea!
DeleteWhat sort of temperatures are you having out there? We are all sweltering here, government heat warnings, temps into the 30s every day etc, but I think Aus is in the winter season, so is it any cooler down under?
Enjoy every minute of your fantastic adventure.
Re Mrs D's cats...
ReplyDeleteThe empty bowls which were in her front garden at 10.00pm are not now there.
Nor are the cats.
My plan today was and possibly still is ,to check how long the bowls are left in the front garden without being moved.
I was hoping to have evidence that they were not being fed properly but if she has moved the bowls into the back garden , the gate is locked so I can't check.
Even in our cooler kitchen with the fan on cat food cannot be left in a bowl as it soon goes hard and flies start coming.
She may come soon .
Maybe I have underestimated the RSPCA and something was done under the cover of darkness to take the cats somewhere safe.
ReplyDeleteThey won't let me know-Data protection!
There is a lot of nonsense talked about Data protection, it is often used for non action. There is nothing in Data protection that stops them telling you they have taken action on your concern, they don't need to tell you what.
DeleteLanJan you are doing your very best, that is all you can do. Lets hope for a good ending both for the cats and their owner.
Quite so CowGirl! Data protection people yes - but CATS..... LanJan just needs to be told that her concern has been acted upon and thanked for the information as no animal/ pet should be left unattended at anytime but especially so in these current heatwave conditions.
Delete👏 to you LanJan for caring ❤️🐈 and being so pro active you are just the sort of neighbour people hope for!
Update.😈😈😈😈
DeletePopped across at 9.30
Bowls are back but empty-except for flies
Three cats there.
Added a bit more food which they ate straight away.
One cat very friendly ; other two a bit wary.
Little one not in sight.
I do hope you find out more Lan Jan. So frustrating to care and yet be shut out.
ReplyDeleteIs there a healthy gossip machine in your area, or more than yourself who cares.
Keep on the case, and please continue to let us know.
GG - wonderful honeymoon news. We are all so pleased for you.
But yes, we need to know about the fish problem.
Thinking of Sarnia, in hospital, and hopefully recovering from surgery.
ReplyDelete🤒 Adding my thoughts to Mrs P's Sarnia 👍
DeleteSome time ago we talked of the Beavers that were to be introduced to The Forest of Dean above Lydney. Did anyone hear the piece on Today this morning ?
ReplyDeleteThere will be more on their arrival today on PM this afternoon.
Suz, are you there ?
A pair have been introduced in Ladock woods on the way to Truro. They have built four dams so far, creating larger ponds, and this is apparently slowing the flow of the river which they are hoping will help protect the village at times of flooding. I am hoping to get down there to have a look sometime through the summer.
DeleteLanjan - had lunch in Doyle's this afternoon! Spent the entire day hopping about on the ferries. I loves a good ferry trip!
ReplyDeleteAs to my horror of fish - the thought of swimming in the sea usually freaks me out completely, but sometimes you just have to gird your loins and plunge in! Fish have always just given me the heebie jeebies...
Lan Jan I am pretty appalled about the data protection stuff you suffered yesterday - we have a right to have our private matters kept private, but it is about the person not the “data”. What an officious way to speak to you, and to conceptualise the work she is doing. I agree with Cow Girl that your helpful neighbourly actions should have met with a better response. No need for her to tell you all the personal details but she could have explained a little of her intended actions, and maybe even thank you?!
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like your alert has had the desired result. It’s likely someone came early this morning and took the cats to a cattery until it is clear what the future plan is for Mrs D.
Gary your honeymoon sounds wonderful and such a perfect way to celebrate.🎉
Ruthy meant to say glad you enjoyed some quality time with your son the other day. I just worked out it’s 25 years since my summer in upstate New York. It was 32 degrees every day and in the afternoon I was gardening which got a bit much actually. I remember the freshly cut water melon for “tea” break straight from the garden. Also the trips to the Catskills and to Tanglewood to hear the Boston symphony orchestra.
Latest about😺😺😺😺
ReplyDeletePopped over at lunchtime with 4bowls of food.
All four cats were there and wolfed them up.
The good news is that an Inspector has obviously been this morning.
There was a card in one of the bowls asking that the person feeding the cats should get in touch.
I ,in my ignorance thought it meant me !
Couldn't understand why when I had given my name address and phone number he hadn't been in touch by phone.
I phoned the RSPCA and told the call centre woman the situation and she said the card was for the official feeder not for me.
I had to make sure the card was put back in the bowl.
At least he will have seen the bluebottles.
However as Mr LJ says.
The Carer will no doubt phone,says she feeds them twice a day ,morning and evening and he will think all is well and another case sorted.
He will at least have seen the squalor.
I got the impression that I am a nosey old woman .
I am so cross that he didn't speak to me.
I will pop across later to see if the card is still there.
Grrrr.
What has happened to common sense?
Please don't be put off, LanJan. You're a star, and we'd all like to have you for a neighbour.
DeleteIt went out the window when privacy and human rights walked through the door.
ReplyDeleteSTOP PRESS😈😈😈😈
ReplyDeleteI have just had a phone call from the Inspector.
I am hoping that he will be able to sort something out.
He did listen
It is so ridiculous.
He was here at 1.15pm.
Had they given him my address I could have spoken to him whist he was there.
Well done LanJan for your perserverence. and that someone has listened at last.Lets hope the inspector sorts it. Cats need more than just feeding and in any case just leaving food in the open is there for anyones taking, cats are nibblers unlike dogs who eat all at one go.The cats need proper care either temp or permanent.
DeleteI am sure the organisation gets loads of unnecessary calls, but that makes no excuses for the way you have been treated. What a poor advert for the organisation.
Hmmm what a saga. I hope it all gets resolved soon.
DeleteLanjan. The RSPCA is one of the wealthiest animal charities in the country, if not the world, but sometimes their attitude stinks. Cats are just as vulnerable as any other animal, however,they and others seem to think it is ok to leave these little furry ones outside to be fed and watered by anyone, just as long as it's not them. Leaving a note for the 'official' carer is a cop out, especially in this weather. My cats are suffering, as are we all, looking for shade to,stay cool. I admire your tenacity in continuing to feed them, but whey will require other interventions if they are to avoid getting various parasites, and other illness, eg FIV. They will eventually have to be seen by a vet, so is it the Official carers job to round them up and get them to a vet?
DeleteYou are their Heroine.
GaryG. Sounds like you and partner are having a wonderful honeymoon . I take it you have never placed your feet in a tank, to be nibbled on by little fish, which all the rage a couple of years ago?
ReplyDeleteContinue to tell us your next adventure. I am envious.
MrsP, I also hope Sarnia is recovering well.
I've been nibbled by fish.
DeleteI enjoyed it. And it only cost a fiver.
I agree with Cow Girl and Stasia and yourself LanJan.
ReplyDeleteHowever...... as far as the RSPCA and other large organisations would be concerned, they have done a good job.
They received calls, a day or so later they put in place someone to feed the cats, within forty eight hours an inspector called.
When he returned to his base, or perhaps his van, he called in to the contact point and was told that a neighbour was concerned and had also been feeding the cats.
He then called the neighbour and listened to her version, and properly assured her that the cats were being looked after.
So what is there to complain of ?
All the procedures in the statement of intent have been attended to and all boxes ticked.
I wouldn't be surprised if along the way the phrase, ' we are doing every thing we can ' was repeated at each encounter. Put life in the hands of the professionals and this is how it gets done.
Common sense ?
I know this is a difficult situation and many of us are frustrated and angry with the response. However there are some very caring and conscientious people working in many different professions. They’re not all bad.
ReplyDeleteTime and resources are extremely limited and getting worse year on year as well. I am not making excuses on this particular occasion but I don’t like to think that every professional trying to do a good job is damned because some don’t.
Lanjan Keep going. I wish I lived near you, as I would be helping out.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand who this other "cat carer" is? Is it Mrs D's personal carer, doing it as a favour or is it some-one with specific knowledge as to the care of cats?
Keep going with the admirable job you are doing - at least you know that the cats are getting food + water. I applaud your valiant efforts.
I am giving a general warning to any-one who lives in my area, This is referring to the state of the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village.At the moment there are a lot of major works going on, with new buildings being constructed, and many of the car parks are closed and the access roads are also under construction, so congested.
ReplyDeleteMy elder sister (who lives 26 miles away) had to take her SUV for a service at the main dealer in the vicinity of C Oaks.I picked her, in my car there, and we then went to Cheshire Oaks and The Coliseum. It was a good day out, as we are locals we knew where to park easily, with only a short walk. I did very well, as I was looking for a new handbag, and bought a "designer" quality leather one, RRP £220, for £66! It will last for years.
I need to add, that a large part of the shopping complex is awful. It is totally boarded in, so it is very claustrophobic and I felt as if I was walking through a London tube station.
DeleteWhat a bargain ! A very satisfying feeling when that happens. Well done, Miriam.
ReplyDeleteThe Saga of the Cats : perhaps feeding & watering them is the best that can be done, Lanjan, for the time being. It's early days, & it seems they aren't being neglected (especially with you as their chief champion)It is very frustrating, though, not being informed - 'data protection' is getting as out of hand as 'Health & Safety', as I know from other contexts. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. As you can tell, we're all routing distantly for the Bereft Four !
Thanks everyone.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate your support.
I have just been across the road again without food .
Three of the cats came out of the dry grass to greet me. one rolled over on its back and another one rubbed up against my legs.
The little one didn't seem as scared.
One was not there though .
The card left for the "Carer" is still there.
I think she is going to feed the cats twice a day .
She was there at some point about breakfast time because the three bowls(there are four cats) appeared.
They have been empty all day and since she hasn't picked up the card the Inspector left I assume she hasn't been again.
Why could the RSPCA Inspector not contact the Council and find out what is going on?
I believe the Carer is being paid (by Mrs D ) to feed the cats.
Her minimum charge is for half an hour I think but when she was a "Carer"she was never in the house for more than 10minutes.
When she first became Mrs Ds Carer I actually invited her into the house and she told us what she did and what she charged.
Mr LJ saw through her immediately.
Oh Dear. The young couple who live in the house adjoining to me, are at it again. Normally no sound travels through between the properties, but as the windows and doors are open, I am hearing things, I would prefer npt to. She is screaming at her partner to "get out" and he is shouting at her "to shut the xxxx up"! It is not a quiet relaxing evening.
ReplyDeleteLuckily there are no sounds of violence.
Sorry to hear it, Miriam. A friend of mine lived above a couple who were always yelling at each other. They were engaged, and my friend would very much have liked to point out the obvious – that they just didn't get on – but what can you do? My friend moved out (not because of the screaming couple, but let's say she didn't miss her otherwise delightful flat). Can screaming amount to noise pollution, like excessively loud music?
DeleteYes Bootgums, if you live in a local authority property.
DeleteOr if your local council are prepared to act on their anti social policy.
In my ground and first floor maisonette in Putney, we had a family move into an adjacent first and second floor maisonette. A mother with five children, they were incredibly noisy in all ways. None of the neibours watched East Enders but we soon all knew the storylines due to their very loud television.
The grandmother was also there daily as the mother worked and she constantly screamed at the younger children.
After about three weeks neighbours, as a group, made an informal request to our estate manager, who wrote to the mother.
She was upset, but was willing to talk with us.
When we had explained, she thought about it and admitted that they had previously lived in a very noisy neighbourhood and she thought that had rubbed off on them. She also did not like her mother's way with her children, and chose to make other arrangements.
As a family, they changed their ways, much to everyone's relief.
And without any unpleasantness.
Lan Jan, those cats are clearly getting used to you, and your smell.
ReplyDeleteIf they are coming to greet you, they know you have taken responsibity for looking after them .
I hope that makes up to some extent for your feelings of frustration.
You have ensured that some authority knows the situation, and in due course, other actions will be taken.
Putting plans in place for animals left when the owner goes into hospital unexpectedly does take time, and you visiting them frequently is clearly giving them confidence in you.
So a pat on the back for yourself is justified.
But have you been in touch with the Cinnamon Trust.
They may very well be able to Liaise with the RSPCA and the Social Services and rehome the cats, since you think it unlikely Mrs D will return home.
They took my mums dog when my mums illness was affecting Brandy and making her neurotic. Brandy spent her last years happily living with a family of dogs and walking daily on the sand dunes at Hayle.
😈😈😈😈 Mrs P,
ReplyDeleteCoincidently I was about to telephone the Cinnamon Trust when I received the call from the RSPCA Insoector.
I feel now that I must leave things in their hands for the time being at least .
However what I intend doing is to go over a couple of times during the day -maybe lunch time or tea time -to have a "chat" with the cats .
I will take small amounts of food in 4bowls -on at least one occasion.
I am assuming that the "Carer"will have been late last night and may well come this morning at about 9.00 am or 9.30 .
Last night ,I noticed the most friendly one was in pur garden again but no Mrs P there is no way we are having any more cats.
Mr LJ asked me if I intended going over there indefinitely and when I said that I would go until things have been resolved he accepted it.
Unless anything new develops I won't mention this again .
Thank you all for being there.
It's part of what we are all here for LanJan - to help and support each other when there is a problem - and I was greatly cheered by everyone's input when I had a difficulty to deal with.
DeleteRuthy has been a marvel setting up this forum for us, it gives so much more than we used to have on the BBC blog.
Without a doubt it - Ruthy ⭐️
DeleteWell, I've finally got my act together, with everything in the right part of the house so I'm not forever having to plod up and down the stairs! Thank you to those bloggers who have wished me well.
ReplyDeleteI was indeed fortunate last Wednesday: for some reason I found myself No. 3 in the pecking order instead of at the bottom of the list as expected, so I was back on the ward eating lunch at midday and at 1.15 was permitted a short stroll to the bathroom with walking frame. Crutches on Thursday morning, stairs on Thursday afternoon and home for lunch on Friday.
For the first few days I was fairly alert in the morning, asleep all afternoon and totally useless in the evening when I usually get to my laptop, but by which time I was too tired to use it. I've now got myself organised, with the correct items in the 'doggy bag' around my neck, so by 10.15, bed and chair exercises completed, I'm ready for my as yet modest foray up and down the street.
I'm fortunate in that we have a reasonably large garden for a suburban house, so in the morning I can sip my iced coffee in the summerhouse (octagonal with diamond-paned windows, my pride and joy), or rest on our jumbo sun-bed in the afternoon without having to be cooped up in a bedroom.
I sent for this earlier in the year with Mr S's infirmities in mind: it is a grown-up version of the low-level, flimsy things to be found on holiday, 20 inches high with an extremely robust tubular frame adjustable headrest and built in folding table. Predictably he refused to use it, but I'm now able to doze under the shade of the flowering cherry tree when my feeble exertions have got the better of me. The dressing was taken off today, so I'm making progress, but it's always so SLOW and there's only so much summerhouse-sitting and sunbed-lying (and plodding up and down the street on crutches) a body can take!
Well done Sarnia, so pleased that you have got through the difficulties of the first ten days.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for letting us know.
I envy you your summerhouse, but pleased that you have such a lovely alternative to the bedroom.
For me the tiredness lasted for weeks. I am very pleased in retrospect that I was able to give in to it and just went to bed when I felt I needed to, because now my energy levels are increasing daily.
Do please continue to let us know your progress.
Ah, but Mrs P, yours was a hip, wasn't it? That's an altogether different proposition, far more intrusive and fundamental. Anyway, even if it wasn't, this was not a complete knee replacement, but a re-surfacing, which I always think sounds more like a job for a couple of council navvies and a tar-barrel.
DeleteThe Great Man re-surfaces the bones (which apparently were so far gone they had begun to crumble) with stainless steel or some such material, and inserts a plastic bearing in place of the cartilage. That way I get to keep my own knee, which doesn't interfere with the swimming/cycling/organ playing as much as a complete replacement.
The first one in 2014 was experimental, so I was a guinea-pig in a way, but he's obviously
been honing his technique since then, as it took 1. 1/2 hours the first time round. As on Wednesday I last looked at the clock at 9.30am and woke up in recovery at 10 20 he must have got it down to 30-40 minutes at the most.
Anyway, as I changed the dressing on Sunday I thought of you and how I stand in awe of ladies who manage the aftermath of these procedures while living alone. I'm not surprised your tiredness lasted for weeks.
Thrilled to hear your excellent progress, just go at the pace of your body, we are all different.You will soon be back to self.
DeleteWell done, Sarnia. Love the image of the council navvies and tarbarrel poring over your knee! It is marvellous to have your knee remodelled in this way. Just imagine how it must have been in the past before these techniques were developed.
DeleteOh I do, Ev, I do!
DeleteYes Sarnia mine was a complete knee replacement, but I'm interested in your re surfacing jobby, since in a couple of months I will be having my six monthly check up and discussion about my left knee, which is troublesome, but not as bad as the right one was.
DeleteMy concern is that I do not want to have to return for another operation in a few years. He told me this one would last me twenty five years which would take me to one hundred and one, which is beyond the point at which I would prefer to exit the scene. So I would rather a complete renewal of the left as well as the right.
Interested too in the crutches. I was given sticks and no mention of crutches was made.
Though as Cow Girl has reminded us, we are all different.
Although my hips were not done in the same hospital, both issued crutches to begin with as a matter of procedure unless the patient couldn't manage them, which I know is sometimes the case. I've always been grateful for the extra support, which I feel has helped to give me confidence and security with balance and got me moving more quickly. The physios assess your progress, moving you down to one crutch, then to a stick and finally, no walking aid at all.
DeleteLanJan: earlier in the week, unusually I answered a 'Withheld' call thinking it might be from the hospital. This it might possibly have been, but the well-spoken caller asked for my name. When in return I asked who was calling, she replied that the Data Protection Act precluded telling me that unless she was sure she was addressing the right person.
I said this was indeed unfortunate, as the Data Protection Act also prevented me from revealing my name to an unidentified caller, so we seemed to have reached an impasse.
She sounded annoyed and said she would ring back later, but to my knowledge she never did.
So pleased to hear of your rapid progress Sarnia, you are giving me plenty of positive vibes for my turn in August. Your outdoor arrangement sounds really lovely and a beautiful way to rest and recouperate. I tried sitting under our pergola earlier on (the Wisteria is having a second flush and smells heavenly) but I only lasted half an hour before the extreme heat drove me back indoors.
ReplyDeleteHope all continues well with your recovery.
Archerphile, I am pleased that you are feeling more positive about your surgery
Deletenow. If I had listened to the friend who was persistent in reminding me of the awful experiences of other knee sufferers outcomes, I would not be feeling as I do now.
Instead I had a very positive attitude.
And I am pleased that we have this facility to provide support for each other.
Mrs P Re my 'knee jobby': the plastic bearing is thought to have a life of about 15 years and when it wears out can be replaced with keyhole surgery.
DeleteThanks Sarnia. I will have to do the maths.
DeleteLanjan. Regarding the RSPCA, this has been headlines in our local BBC news. This just confirms my opinion, Google, Worcestershire, emaciaced horses fostered for RSPCA. A very sad story and does t put them in a good light. Except for the intervention of a group of women these poor horses would have suffered terribly.
ReplyDeletei think I think it is like anything Sarnia
DeleteThere are the good and the bad .
It is pot luck who one gets when one telephones any Company .
I had cause to compliment someone I telephoned the other day .
I asked to speak to her Manager .
She had common sense.
Yes,it was a "she"
I reckon that the best folk to deal with are usually middle aged women.
Just briefly🐱🐱🐱🐱
Social Services will be getting sick of me.
I have telephoned to say that the plate on which the Carer left cat biscuits was red hot.
I moved the plate and put the biscuits into the plastic bowls which were there.
I have put the bowls and water in a large cardboard box to give a bit of shade.
I have phoned Social Services to tell them what I have done.
They won't be able to tell the Carer who I am because of "Data Protection!"
(I took address label off the box first)
Does not put them in good light. Typing error.
DeleteLanJan: did you see my 6.15 entry re phone call/Data Protection Act?
DeleteSarnia, glad to hear from you, & doing so well ! I'm impressed. Not easy in a heatwave either. All the best to you over the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lanjan, those cats are falling in love with you ( reverse situation with Anisha & Rex) The authorities should be bloody grateful for all your attention, & get them into Cats Protection ASAP(who would get them to fosterers, after vet check)
Sarnia. I am very pleased to hear about your progress with your recouperation. You seem to be doing well.
ReplyDeleteThe father of 3 of my nieces (my sisters 1st husband) has been sailing in Greece, on board his friends yacht. I knew that they had problems and had to gone into port for repairs. He has messaged us this morning that he is OK, but they have left Athens in, quote from his message:- "a thick cloud of smoke, with ash falling like snow". My nieces are ecstatic that their Dad is safe, as no-one knew exactly where he was.
I find it so hard to beleive, that these fires was set deliberatly.
Lanjan. Please keep us informed about the cats.
ReplyDeleteI am a cat lover, and I would so like to hear what happens next, with its eventual outcome.You are doing a magnifcent, caring and heart-warming "job".
Thanks Ruthy.
You have given us a wonderful site, where it is so lovely to just be able to keep in touch, with everyone on a much more personal level.
Hear!hear! Cheers,Ruthy!👏👍🏼✔️✔️🤗
DeleteCat owners
ReplyDeleteDid you know about a Cats Protection Scheme called something like Cats Protection Guardian?
It doesn't cost anything but if for some reason you are not able to look after your cat(s) they will immediately rehome them.
You have to register with them first and I think they expect that maybe up you will leave them a bit in your Will but of course you don't have to
I thought I would phone just I case Mrs D had got something in place that the "Carer" didn't know about.
She hadn't.
The Carer presumably telephoned the RSPCA in response to the card the Inspector left at 1.30pm and which was still there at 10pm ,and she probably said she comes three times a day .-She turned up at lunchtime today and stayed less than 10minutes and was talking into her mobile for most of the time.
She (the Carer) told me when she first started "caring" that she charged a certain amount an hour but for anything less than half an hour she charged for half an hour.
There is nothing to say how long she stays unless there is a nosey neighbour spying on her or if she comes at all.
I think I might just have to go back to check how they are -possibly just after The Archers.
LanJan - this Cat Protection Scheme is a wonderful thing. I am not really sure what there is in the US, but know that during a time of crisis, pet lovers always come to the rescue. What you are doing is such a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI have come down with a cold, and with the rainy/cloudy weather, and the recent spider bite has gotten me a little down of late. Am reading everyone's comments and wish everyone well.
I did take a little time to to set up two new posts for next week. So all set and no interruptions!
Get better soon Ruthy.⚘🌻🌼🍇🍒☕🍰
DeleteBest wishes, Ruthy!💕🌸
DeleteSending you a virtual ' Get well soon ' card Ruthy.
DeleteYour card has a smiling sun on the front with
Delete"Hope you'll soon be feeling brighter ""
Inside,Ruthy.
Keep smiling Ruthy, we are all sending you virtual cards and love.
DeleteWrong heading at 6.02
ReplyDeleteOf course we are not Cat OWNERS.
Just been across the road and I am not sure what I can do now.
I have now spoken to two different members of the Social Services team
Someone-presumably the Carer has been back with more food which is covered with blue bottles or may be horseflies.
If she is going to put food down in the sun she should stand there whilst the cats eat it.
Of course as Mr LJ points out they may not be around when she arrives and she won't bother to stay.
The large cardboard box into which I put the cat bowls has been tossed aside..
How can Social Services think that what is happening is ideal?
Carolyn - one of the cats always comes up to me now with tail vertical for a stroke.
Another lies on its back to have its tummy ticked(bit wary of doing that so just stroke head)
When Carer arrived she ignored my little mate or went up to her.
Do I just go across the road to give them a stroke or do I take food and stand over them while they eat it?
If I see Carer again do I go over and tell her about the flies?
I almost did today.
I want to confront her or even pretend I don't know what the situation is.
I feel like saying that I will feed the cats for her if she would like to leave the food but then she'd lose her 3 lots of pay so I can't see her agreeing to that.
I hope this won't end up like our BLOG Crusade.
My MP hasn't replied yet and they go on holiday tomorrow but when you are the leader of your Party (because there are few others to choose from) and are nearer 75 than 80 so are unlikely to stand again for this Seat ,why bother about Constituents?
He already owes me a reply to something I sent to him a while ago.
(I think the £10 we pensioners get put into our Bank Accounts each Christmas (in addition to tour fuel money ) should be scrapped.
Anyone who is on benefit credits should keep it .
The money could better be used elsewhere like the NHS
Some of my friends didn't realise we get it.
Lanjan.
ReplyDeleteI have a suggestion, which is awful, but why don't you leave the cats just in the care of The Carer,, until tomorrow evening. You will need to spy + watch + also note down when she comes, how long she is there and what she does. This will be very hard for you, but you will have some hard facts to pass on.
I am not sure I could do it though.😺
I am being very cynical, but I am thinking that the "carer" is exaggerating her input into the care she is giving the cats, to get some easy money. She sounds that she cannot be trusted. Can you video her visits on a 'phone or similar - to show her true care?
DeleteYou are not being cynical Miriam.
DeleteI am sure you are correct.
I think she is more bothered that the easy money she was getting for her less than 10 minute visits at 30 mins charge are coming to an end.
Trouble is Miriam we "live" in the back which faces south..
ReplyDeleteThe two rooms in the front are our bedroom and "my" study but it wouldn't be easy spotting her unless I stood at the window.
Mrs D's house is not exactly opposite to me
If I do see her ,do I say anything?
Bit wary .
She looks like a front row forward and she is a lot younger than I am.
Headline
DeleteFormer Queen's Guide (77) punches Caring Animal lover in quiet suburban street.
Her MP commented
"She is trouble that one.
She always has a bee in her bonnet about something"
😁😸👍👏
DeleteLanJan, suggest get in touch with Cats Protection.RSPCA are doing nothing. This is a great worry for you and should be sorted out. The cats obviously need a new home.
DeleteGypsy had her visit to dog beauty parlour today. We left her for 20 minute aquaintence visit, went for a hot chocolate in ChocolateApothecary and came back to find her fast asleep on cool tile floor right next to an enormous German Shepherd. Nothing phases this little lady,!
PS Her main visit is tomorrow when she will have the full treatment!
DeleteCowgirl the comments about feeding cats has made me wonder if you are managing to keep your animals fed and watered okay. The grass has gone to a crisp here, and I think Phoenix said something similar about Yorkshire. I know when my brother's cattle have drunk the lower troughs dry because they then come up to the trough in my field beside the house, and I end up filling it about 3 times with a hose. The little stream has dried up.
ReplyDeleteYes Janice 9 weeks tomorrow since we had a full day of rain, no significant rain since then just the odd shower here & there. We've lived in this house 45 years come Sunday & we always say when it starts to rain it forgets to stop, even in summer we very rarely get a full week of sun. We live on the pennines close to Lancashire border and whenever we go away we know we're near home cos rain clouds always hover over our village! '76 was extremely hot & as I was pregnant with my daughter [a November baby] I really struggled, just hope standpipes don't come out this year as they did then.
DeleteI used to live in Phoenixs part of the world many years ago, but I now live on the east coast and we are doing better, I have far too much land in any case, Emerald is Fat and will need slimming again this winter Bear is fine. My neighbour who is beginning to get short is running some sheep on one of my fields. To night we have a good heavy shower, and more expected tomorrow, so we should be growing again. Being an old dairy farm the fields are well supplied with throughs running off the mains, I have never been so lucky!
DeleteI hope your situation improves soon.
I remember one year on the pennines when it rained every day of the childrens summer holidays and the day they went back to school the sun came out . In that house I had a private water supply and after 6 weeks of no rain the supply dried up, there was a stream I could take from for the animals and I used a stirrup pump to pump into my tank and then pump it up the hill to feed the ponies , no cows in those days, drinking water I had to carry in, that was hard work , still I was a bit younger then.
😈😈😈😈7.00am.
ReplyDeleteHave just been across the road.
No food,no plates ,no cats just a Pyrex dish of water.
Will check later.
Suddenly dawned on me in the night.
I have been concerned about the food being left out in the heat.but what if it rains?
If there is no development today I will get in touch with the Cats Protection.
Maybe the cats have been taken away last night.
I hope they have, Lanjan, but your mind won't be at rest about their safety & well being until you know what's happened. It would be so if 'they', probably CP, told YOU this time ! But I suppose it will be down to you to find out, as you say.
ReplyDeleteI think you should be allowed visitor rights, if only to see those eager whiskers & vertical tail one more time....
'It would be so NICE if...' I meant.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the cats were in their conservatory which would be cool in the early morning.
DeleteIn which case you will see them later LJ.
Ruthy, I'm so sorry you are not feeling well. Please rest and take care of yourself. You have my, and I'm sure everyone else's, best wishes. 🍇🍇🍇 do treat yourself to some grapes, over here we tend to give them to people who aren't well. Lots of vitamin C. 🤕
DeleteYes take care of yourself Ruthy. So good of you to keep the blog going. Hope you feel better soon.💐🤒
DeleteI echo all that, Ruthy; summer ills always seem worse - we are supposed to be well & happy in that season ! May I pinch a few of Stasia's grapes & Seasider's flowers because my emojis sometimes act shy & won't appear. Hope you feel a little more yourself as today goes on
DeleteI echo all that, Ruthy; summer ills always seem worse - we are supposed to be well & happy in that season ! May I pinch a few of Stasia's grapes & Seasider's flowers because my emojis sometimes act shy & won't appear. Hope you feel a little more yourself as today goes on
DeleteLatest - 😈😈😈😈
ReplyDeleteI went across the road again at about 10.00 am and the food is all there but it is covered in flies.
Carer obviously dumps the food and then goes.
She was according to a neighbour there at 11.00pm last night which was when she must have removed the bowls.
There was one little cat -Miss Timid -she doesn't mind me now-under a bush but when I tried to tempt it with the food it wasn't interested.
I came back home and brought a bowl of fresh food and the MT wolfed it up.
Another cat -Marmalade-appeared so I repeated the process.
I have photographed the bowls but you can't really see the flies very much and I have photographed the cat eating the fresh food.
Obviously one can't expect the Carer to stand around until all the cats come to eat which is why the set up won't work.
I am going to try to find an email address for Spcial Services so I can send the photos.
I will pop back in a bit to see if I can find Sweetheart and Tiny
Didn't see Tiny yesterday at all.
(Not their real names of course )
In fairness they don't look emaciated but they certainly don't look happy .
Now -if I should see her do I say something?
Advice needed please.
Thank you
Re previous message.
DeleteShe must have bee this morning between 7.00-10.00 too.
Maybe you could tentatively start a conversation by asking about MrsD, that might give you an opportunity to bring up the cats. Showing concern for your neighbour should be non threatening to the carer, and she might divulge some information about what is expected of her interventions with the cats. Does she have access to the house to clean the bowls and has she been given medication to treat for worms etc. I wish you well.
DeleteYes Lanjan, I think you jolly well should say something. The situation is getting ridiculous and is obviously not working, especially in the current weather conditions.
DeleteIf I were you, (and remembering what I had to do about my brothers cat when he was permanently incarcerated in hospital) I should phone your local Cats Protection League, appraise them of the circumstances, ask if they can step in to rescue the cats and then tell the ‘carer’ what you have done.
If Cats Protection are able to help it will (a) save those poor little moggies and get them any veterinary treatment they may require , (b) put their owners mind at rest (c) save the ‘carer’ a job and, very importantly (d) stop you worrying and feeling you have to take responsibility for them. Do it today! 😼
Carers are not usually allowed access to people’s houses whilst they are away unless the carer is privately employed by Mrs D and not through social services or an agency. If an agency employs her they charge by the hour or half hour which might explain the 30 minutes. However if the carer can’t access the house and the cats don’t appear when she goes there she probably can’t do much.
DeletePerhaps Mrs D doesn’t want the cats taken away. I know she has dementia but if she is able to express an opinion they might feel they have to respect it and if as you say the cats don’t look ill. Of course that may be because you’re keeping an eye on them.
Is there an outside tap for the bowls to be washed and give the cats a drink?
Perhaps you could ask the carer about this and suggest whether a foster home would be better for them, or whether you are happy to share the responsibility with her until a decision is made about Mrs D’s future.
If you are still concerned you could have another conversation with your contacts.
You are on a mission and a good neighbour.
😈😈😈😈
ReplyDeleteLatest
The Carer has just been here!
I saw her talking to a neighbour who must have told her I was feeding the cats and she told me that the RSPCA are happy that she is coming three times a day to feed them .
The Social Services are happy that she is doing it.
I told her about the flies and the fact that they were not eating the food she leaves so I was taking food for them which I watched them eat.
I told her about the horseflies .
It is going to be the hottest day of the year since records began.
She says it might be hot outside but it is hotter inside.
We may have storms.
There is a Conservatory with a cat flap but one poor cat can't use it.
She says it is 40degrees.in there.
Before she came I phoned the Social Services and asked for an email address so I could send photos.
I won't repeat our conversation.
I was not rude but I could not believe what I was being told.
I said that the cats need affection and should be re homed even temporarily.
I am going to have to give up.
Mr LJ said that would happen.
How the RSPCA can accept it beats me.
They are believing the Carer.
I did ask her if she was doing it out of the goodness of her heart and she said she will be paid either by MrsD or the Social Services.
I do hope I never need to deal with those who work in this Borough again.
Whoops, wrote my above reply as you were posting your latest news.
DeleteNow I just don’t know what to say, except you have my very great sympathy for having to deal with such knuckle-headed people, and to express my great admiration for what you have been trying to do.
You are one of the good people on this earth Lanjan, I am just sorry your efforts have been frustrated at every turn. Bless you.
Likewise as Archerphile says I was also typing and things were moving on. So frustrating to say the least. Very curious to know which borough but I don’t expect you to say. So sorry that you are no further forward.
DeleteIs it still worth talking to Cats Protection for advice? Perhaps they might be able to negotiate??
Seasider I am exhausted.
DeleteI am having to give up I am afraid.
I don't think the Cats Protection will be able to do anything .
They will probably accept what is being told.
The Carer is private.
She does go into the house.
She is being paid for three visits of a half hour each visit a day so she doesn't want to lose the money.
She left before I was able to say if she is paid for half an hour she perhaps could stay longer than 10 minutes and watch the cats eating so that bowls of food are not left
There is nobody to check up on her.
I am upset especially with the attitude of the RSPCA
I will not win but am glad I tried .
Mr LJ says he can't understand why I am surprised as he knew what would happen.
It is easier for them to believe what is being told to them.
They don't want folk like me rocking the boat.
Thank you all so much for being there.
LanJan so frustrating for you not to be able to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion - you certainly could not have tried any harder, and have been a saviour for those puss 🐈 cats thus far fighting there corner. 👏
DeleteI have read all the above posts and do feel for you LJ.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide later that you can continue or at the very least have one more try, I would suggest again the Cinnamon Trust.
They deal specifically with older animal owners and those in particular who are unable to look after their animals sufficiently through ill health, incapacity or hospitalisation.
I feel sure they will have people near enough to step in and possibly take over.
I might ring them myself.
I do understand how distressing all this is for you.
You are a ' fixer' and when you cannot fix, you suffer for not being able to do so.
Lan Jan I can imagine you are exhausted as I would be if I had put in such a sterling effort as you have done. Don’t feel defeated as you have definitely made a difference. The cats have appreciated your efforts and shown more gratitude than anyone else and I am sure Mrs D would also appreciate it. Take a well earned break and do something for yourself. At least they are forecasting slightly less hot weather for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteLan Jan.....
ReplyDeleteI have now spoken with the Cinnamon Trust foster coordinator.
They cannot do anything as legally they have to have authority from the owner of the cats or that person who holds power of attorney for her.
They do have a rep in West London, but all hands are tied.
But..... her advice was The Cats Protection local branch to you.
She said they are your best bet.
If CPL no joy then you really will have covered every avenue LanJan. Most likely the Data Protection will come into the equation once again!! A hands tied situation 😡
DeleteI am afraid the CPL are unable to intervene.
DeleteMrs Ds attorney is the local Council because as I suspected she had not completed the LPA forms before she got dementia.
Once a person has dementia it is too late.
I may have mentioned that when my sister tried to get powder of attorney for her husband she was asked if he was of sound mind and she said that he wasn't which was why she needed power of attorney.
They told her they were sorry but she was therefore too late.
You are kind Mrs P as are all of you on Ruthy's site.
ReplyDeleteI rarely give in but why would they listen to me when the Social Worker,the Carer ,the RSPCA all say everything is fine?
I am just an interfering old woman in their eyes.
The Carer doesn't want to give up a lucrative job .
when I said to the member of the Social Worker department this morning that Mrs D was not safe in her own home she said that possibly she was upset when she banged on the neighbour's door at 3 am yelling obscenities and although she has dementia it doesn't mean she can't live alone.
Words failed me.
I was also upset to see a different neighbour talking to Carer before Carer rang my door bell.
This particular neighbour is our Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
When I was concerned about 18 months ago about Mrs D who kept wandering down the road sweeping up and said I didn't think she should be driving she told me to mind my own business as it was nothing to do with me.
Fortunately a RAC man repairing our car saw her and said the same as me.
The car is still on the drive but she hasn't driven for almost a year and a half.
I am now going to sit and read a lovely book called The Keeper of Lost things by Ruth Hogan.
Not heard of this book or author LanJan but have now looked up same on Amazon where you can read some chapters and I will make sure to obtain and enjoy...Thanks for writing of it here!
DeleteRuthy do hope you are feeling just a little better. You look after us so well that we do not like to think of you under the weather 🤒 Take care 🌻
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the reality is that many older people with dementia or without are required, or wish, to live alone, whether they are safe or not.
ReplyDeleteI have done my bit in the past to enable a very old lady to return to her home and descend into squalor yet again. But she continued to live independently for another eight years, once in her home again, and I am very proud of my input into allowing her to do so.
I believe that each individual is entitled to live as they please, however distressing and offensive it may be for others to witness.
And up to a point this is the stance of social services, I believe.
Besides which, as so many of us are living to be very old, the reality is that society cannot afford to look after each and every one of us that may not be able to look after ourselves as others may wish us.
Hence the need for a national conversation on this subject.
Personally I raised my daughters to view their mother as an independent being, and so far, they have respected that despite the fact that they felt unable to visit me due to the unfavourable conditions under which i lived for some years.
Eventually I was able to retrieve myself from those conditions and move and I now have a reasonably well ordered home in comparison. But I do not rule out the possibility that I might descend into undesirable ways again in the future.
I cannot say how I would feel about ' being rescued' if that were to happen, but I suspect I would be angry and averse to interference from any quarter.
Of course I believe as any right thinking person would, that if that person became a danger to others, as L J described Mrs D continuing to drive when no longer safe, that it is correct to ensure that a driving licence is withdrawn.
However LJ, I am sorry that your neighbourhood watch coordinator was unkindly rude to you. She should have taken on board your concerns.
More could be said, but for this moment...... rant over !
👏🏻 All very well said Mrs P. It is a delicate balance between support and interference and each of us is different in our needs and wishes. This makes it very hard to have a general course of action as one size doesn’t fit all and discerning the individual needs and context is all important, not being hide bound by rules.
DeleteI despair when I hear of LJ having to listen to undigested policies spouted at her rather than having a respectful conversation with someone who is genuinely concerned and wishes to help. Not the way forward.
Enjoy your book LJ it looks great.
I have finally found my way to the Ambridge Observer which I thought was only on Facebook which I am not. It’s brilliant and very funny. Is the author a blogger here?
MrsP, very well put. Unfortunately a number of factors are taken into account when managing an individual with dementia/Alzheimer's. A thorough assessment needs to be undertaken by a number of professionals, not just social workers, to include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, professionals working in the specialist field of the Elderly mentally infirm and of course the family. Let's hope MrsD has given power of attorney to someone close who can advocate on her behalf, because if she has been diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's she will have been deemed not to have the capacity to make important decisions about her domestic arrangements. If there is no POA then the social workers will be managing the situation, and with a multi disciplinary team assessment an agreed approach will be implemented.
DeleteA carer going in for 1hr30minutes is nothing in a 24 hour day. My mother had carers going in for that duration and the input was abysmal, my sister was visiting on one occasion, and the carer didn't realise she was there, my sister heard how she speaking AT my mother, she quickly asked to leave and complained to the company. The notes left by the carer were also fictitious and didn't resemble anything in the care plan. Eventually my mother went into a magnificent care home and the staff were wonderful. They were always mindful of her background and psychological needs.
It is not easy getting old.
Lanjan, I want you on my side should I ever need it, you have done your utmost on behalf of the furry creatures. But I feel that you will still worry, I know I would. Enjoy the book I have never heard of the author or book.
I read this book a while ago having bought it in the charity shop. It is a very good and relaxing read. Enjoy it, LanJan. You deserve it. Am surprised CPL can’t help but this sounds like a complicated situation. I think you can opt to have pets taken care of by organisations if you are incapacitated but not sure how you go about it. This and Powerof Attorney needs to be sorted before the situation arises. Katy and I will try to get down to the latter over the summer holiday while I am still compus mentis!
DeleteLanjan. You have tried very dilligently and very valiantly. It must be agonising to decide to turn away.
ReplyDeleteThat "carer" sounds like a real money grabbing so + so!
Thank you all so very much.
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing that has happened to me today is reading your kind and supportive words so that is what will be written in my diary this evening.
(Yesterday's nice thing was realising that the loose cotton dress I bought ages ago and which I left in my wardrobe because I thought it was too short is ideal for this hot weather.)
I have one of those! Mine is a strappy, mid-calf, loose dress in a crinkle viscous, but it is wonderful on a day like today. I think this dress is at least 15 years old, and still looks good, though I wouldn't wear it anywhere other than the house or garden. Mind you, if I did, it would still be better than some of the "outfits" that I have seen recently.
DeleteEnjpy your book.
LanJan, I wont say any more than if animals had rights this situation would be different.
Deleteyou have done your best, no one could ask more.
Agree with all that's been said, especially the pinpointing of when to respect someone's wishes becomes secondary, & danger to self & others becomes priority. Assessments, fine, but changes can happen so quickly that they don't invariably keep pace with events.
ReplyDeleteI'm concerned for you, Lanjan, as you've absolutely done all you could, & will continue to observe what's going on(how can you not) & until an outcome becomes clear, that is, the 4 aren't seen, the food & water doesn't appear, you will feel concerned.
Mrs Ds neighbour whom I don't really know that well came over to see me last evening.
ReplyDeleteWhat I didn't know is that she has been banging her head against a brick wall for a long time over Mrs D's treatment .
She says the Carer is extremely rude to her.
Yesterday the Carer promised me that she would move the bowls to a place which isn't in the sun.
I am expecting!!!! a telephone call from Mrs D's Social Worker .
When /if I get the call I will suggest that she tells the Carer that since she is being paid for half an hour she should stay for more than the 6-10 minutes she usually stays (always with a mobile clasped to her ear)
If I don't get the promised 'phone call I will leave a message on the Social Worker's answerphone.
It won't make a scrap of difference of course but will make me feel better.
I think it is the RSPCA I am most disappointed with in regards to the cats.
Of course he may telephone me !
I suspect that the RSPCA are in a difficult position legally, as the cats are being fed and watered. What of course we don't know is what has been said between the 2 parties.
DeleteLeaving food outside does not mean that the cats are getting it of course as there are plenty of others to take advantage, their being hungry when you feed them LanJan would suggest this.The ideal solution would be fro the social worker to suggest to Mrs D that the cats be temporarily be fostered, in the cats best interest.
The 2 parties could have been more forthcoming with you , without breaking any confidential issue or Data protection and enlisted your help. Both these organisations need the public behind them , a few lessons in communication with the general public would not go amiss, the whole saga reflects badly on both.
Domesticated animals are exactly that, their needs are different to feral and human involvement even for cats is important.
No you are not interfering just a good neighbour with a real concern, however much it is a nuisance to officialdom.
Thoughts are with you.
Lan Jan, I am pleased to see that you have gone back on your words, when you said you would not do anymore.
DeleteBecause you are doing more.
You are still persisting in being an ' interfering Old biddy ' and sticking your oar in.
GOOD FOR YOU LAN JAN
Keep at it, because it seems that 1: you are not alone, the next door neighbour of Mrs D is trying to get things done too.
And 2 : all parties are getting closer to talking to each other.
I hope it continues, and we are all behind you.
LadyR - thank you. I have a lingering summer cold and foot is slowly getting better.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy tonight, as I have just learned that my eldest niece + partner have finally exchanged contracts on the sale of their property + buying their new one.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long wait, as they were top of the chain, and the 1st time buyers at the bottom, were causing problems.
They are moving 2 weeks from today - up to Cheshire from London, and will only be 25 miles away. I will be able to see my 7yr old great-niece, and 4yr old great-nephew, far more often. What a lovely feeling.
PS I still have bright and hot sunshine here. There is no sign of any rain, yet which is very welcome as I hope to see the blood red moon later on.
DeleteIt‘s raining here for the first time in a couple of months at least. Bedroom is 30 degrees at the moment. Mr S is not so pleased as he is painting the conservatory.
ReplyDeleteLovely news Miriam about your niece -something to look forward to and really soon.
I hope those cats have shelter. I still feel like ranting about it all but it won’t help. Care in the community is fine if there is support but resources have been cut and cut and outsourced to inadequate organisations. Of course people should not be shunted into institutions any more but too often people are at home beyond their capacity to cope and family and neighbours are left to deal with the problems and the worry of it all. Services have shrunk to next to nothing, step down beds and cottage hospitals where people could have respite have been closed...OK I’ll stop.
Mrs D should have an independent advocate appointed if there isn’t any family for her and social services should make that referral if she no longer has capacity to make decisions such as whether to live elsewhere and then the cats’ future can be decided as well. Let’s hope it is sooner rather than later.
I just want to add though that I agree with Mrs P that it is important to discern and support people who really want to be at home and be open minded about the way people choose to live. OK enough.
DeleteThunder is rumbling on and I have been suffering with the heat. I feel a bit of Lear coming on...
Yay- we have some steady gentle rain so very strange after all this time! A little bit of thunder late afternoon but not for long. How about you Archerphile? Any downpours? You got that a week or so ago and we did not!
ReplyDeleteWe rarely invite people for meals but we had invited four old friends for dinner tonight, to be eaten out in the garden under the pergola. Yesterday I had prepared the menu and written a huge shopping list for the food but it was unbearably hot to go shopping. I was in a lot of pain with my hip and limping badly.
ReplyDeleteMr A decided we should postpone the meal, due to the excessive heat yesterday, the forecast for intense heat today and evening thunderstorms which would ruin our garden meal. He telephoned both couples and explained that we thought it best to postpone. We will try to fix another date before my hospitalisation.
So what has happened today? The temperature has really dropped and it is lovely and cool, almost fresh. The thunderstorms are showing no signs of arriving this evening (yet)and it is lovely sitting outside!
I feel incredibly stupid and very embarrassed at putting our friends off at short notice for what has turned out to be for no good reason! 😟 How do I make amends?
A little cooler with now, a gentle breeze on a generally overcast day here in Gloucestershire. But no rain....... yet !
ReplyDeleteBut I have cleaned up my front to the cottage in case it comes.
Archerphile don’t be embarrassed. I came home early today from a course I was taking because it was just too hot and I cannot imagine trying to shop and cook for a dinner party today, never mind with a hip problem. We have just had an almighty deluge and it could just as easily have struck where you are.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile, I’m sure your friends will understand and it could have stormed tonight and maybe even now it will. When supping with friends the sitting round the table does go on! On the island, here at least we have had a few spots so far but have been out with the hose just in case. We are enjoying our tomatoes and have just started picking the runner beans. I bought one plant at Quarr Abbey labelled as a climbing bean. The pods are purple but when cooked they turn green!
ReplyDeleteI went on a day painting course in Blackwater on the island on Monday. Much to my surprise we used Chinese brushes which are thick to take up the paint but when wet come to a nice point. I have some from years ago when we lived in Hong Kong but hardly touched since and had not thought of using them with watercolour so another interesting discovery! Living here I have to learn to paint boats!
A treat tonight. Daughter is cooking a stir fry!