Lovely photo Ruthy. You’ve excelled yourself. So....bit of a dismal day here. Heading to the seaside to walk the dogs round the front. Free parking now it’s november. Only suggested it cos I really want to go to b and q for a tin of varnish on the way back. 😁😇🤭
I love the veranda, Ruthy. The sun has gone in here, but it accompanied me around the garden while I plan what needs tidying up and what could be transplanted or provide cuttings for up north. Thinking of chopping a few pieces off my pyracantha which is too big for this garden and will have to be removed - if I take them straight to the other garden and stick them in (hardwood cuttings) I wonder would it work? The cuttings I mean, the whole plant is too big to transport. I have other things like berberis and cotoneaster.
Mix your compost with sand, dip your cutting in rooting powder and away you go. Pyracantha like roses take easily, should be ready by next year.Best of luck
A really pleasant day here. Not a breath of wind. I have just done a bit of sorting out of my plant pots having taken the geraniums to their winter quarters -the garage.
Waterlooers I wonder if any of you would like any poppy seeds. They are opium poppies and vary in colour from almost white to dark maroon. I used to have lots of hollyhock seeds but in the end got rid of them but may have one or two. There may be some verbascum ,nigella and foxglove seeds as well. I also split my aloe Vera and have a small one in a little pot if anyone would like it. Aloe Vera gel is brilliant for small cuts or sores as you probably know. I just break off a bit of leaf and rub it onto the affected part. Bootgums,the poppies came originally from my school friend who lives near Warrington.
I love poppies LanJan, so yes please, I would like some. Thank you for offering. My garden is an absolute mess. I started to reorganise in my first year here, but when the builders came lots of stuff got moved up there and the house needs to be my priority, so it remains a mess. But it is verdant and so if I scatter seeds they'd do take, and when I ' sort ' the garden all will be organised into the plans that I have in my head.
Hope springs eternal etc. !
Must be off now to distribute the rest of my round delivering the parish newsletter.
Lan Jan, poppy seeds, or hollyhocks would be lovely if you have enough to spare. I could offer pelargonium cuttings - a dark red one called mystery (apt perhaps?) but folk might not want to carry a pot around London/home on the train.
Ruthy, I can imagine myself sitting in the rocking chair with a nice cooling drink. Reminds of Cambridge Springs A very quiet place with beautiful gardens.
After many cold, + icy nights, my garden is now ready to be "cut down" and put to bed for the winter. I will have no problem now, digging up plants, pruning roses, and just clearing out. It is sad to do, but has to be done. I still have sweet peas, fuschias + roses in flower, but will have to be harsh.
I learnt something, that I didn't know, today. Wilfred Owen died, just one week before the end of WW1.Supposedly, but I am not sure if it is true, this was only known on 11/11/1918, ie Armistice Day. At least his legacy with his poems, still lives on, and are still meaningful, known + apprecieated, even now, 100 years later. I have my poppy, and am proud to wear it - for the so many persons who have lost their lives, serving Queen + Country, from then 'till the present day.
Miriam - re Wilfred Owen. Apparently his mother received the telegram telling of his death (exactly 100 years ago today) as the bells were ringing in the local church to announce the Armistance on 11/11/18. How terribly sad, almost unbearable I should think. I have loved Owen’s poems all my life - having been taught “Dulce et Decoram Est” by my Dad as a schoolgirl. It was his way of explaining to me what it had been like to fight in the trenches and face poison gas attacks. It has remained etched on my memory ever since. Also, my dear Mum died on 11th November ( 43 years ago) so that particular date is very poignant for me.
I don't know why I didn't choose. Wilfred Owen poem to learn before Christmas . He is my favourite War Poet. 11/11/11 -Cat Poppy was about a year old when we got her in November 2012 so we gave her that date of birth. She seems happy with it.
"First World War 100: Poetry's Passing Bells" on Radio 4 Extra 2p.m. Monday to Friday this week. "Archive clips marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War". Sassoon was the featured poet today. Programme included a recording of him reading "Aftermath". Subject of tomorrow's programme is Wilfred Owen. "Voices of the First World War", a compilation of interviews from the Imperial War Museum archive is on R4 Extra at 10 a.m., repeated at 3 p.m. each day. Repeats of "Tommies" drama series, the companion to "Home Front" are each morning and evening R4 Extra. "Tommies" website has a lot of historical background. The new and last episode of "Tommies" is on Radio 4 on Sunday.
Pro patria mori!! What an absolutely senseless war, and tragic loss of life. As a pacifist I would have been shot at dawn for not dying for my country, but for a belief that we have no right to take or subject others to head towards their death. As Blackadder was commanded to go over the top the officer in charge said " we will be right behind you" his reply was, "yes 35 miles behind!" The war to end all wars didn't do its job.
I.was born in 1948 and nowadays never cease to be grateful for those who fought for our freedom. This included my dad who was a driver during the D day landings and was there when Belsen was relieved. The fact is that if we had not stood up to Hitler he would have overrun Europe and enslaved those who did not belong to the “master race”. We post war babies might never have been born. I deplore war and the deaths involved but we do need to stand up against evil. I do dislike the expression that they laid down their lives as they didn’t, it just happened that fate was not on their side. I once asked dad whether he felt frightened by the challenge and he said you never thought it would happen to you. We must remember those who died and those who grieved for them.
My dad was born on 11/11/1905, so aged 13 at the end of WW1 He joined the army Age 17 and was sent straight to N Ireland His mother died on his 40th birthday He attended the memorial service with the British Legion every year and the Cenotaph every fourth year, until his end. It was the most solemn and important day of the year in our family.
And in ours Mrs P. On the actual Armistice Day, my Dad had been in Haslar Royal Naval Hospital recovering from injuries and lung damage due to his ship being torpedoed at Gallipoli. He was discharged a year later and married my Mum in 1920. On the anniversary of Armistice Day every year he would wear his Rogal Navy tie and attend the service at the Cenotaph. I remember when, at 11am on 11th November, not only would there be a minute’s silence but all the traffic in London would stop and people would stand still in the street. I have been very glad that, for the past few years, the minutes’s silence has been announced in our local supermarkets and shopping centre. The tills stop operating and (most) customers stand still for that minute. It is very poignant.
My great grandfather, and grandfather were both in the First World War and my GF was injured. I'm not sure he fully understood why he was there, except his country needed him!! My father was also a soldier in the Second World War ( a very different war) and was part of the liberation of the concentration camps and Normandy landings. My mother aged 14 was also transported by the Hitler regime to a camp, and then into slave labour which is how she eventually met my father. She never saw her parents again and her experiences left her damaged. Remembering wars has evidently not stopped wars. I just a cynic.
Agree totally with your last paragraph Archerphile - Remembrance and respect for the people who died to ensure that we are able to live the lives that we do today!
Mr R 's dad died on the 11/11 so a very poignant anniversary, his DOB was also the 11th but of September (which since 2001 has a very sad side to it)
My mother was French and her father was killed in the first world war when she was 4 years old so I never knew my maternal grandfather. My mother then lived under German occupation in the second world war but would never speak about what she experienced during that time, she suffered from mental health problems for the rest of her life.
My father in law was in the D day landings and did talk about his experiences, particularly seeing his friends killed and the guilt of surviving.
Unfortunately, as long as there are humans on the planet there will continue to be wars and terrible suffering.
As Stasia says, remembering wars has not stopped them. Some future generations. Unanimously deciding not to join the military, turning away from being both killer & cannon fodder, might. Then where would all those in power be, if this were a global human realization ? As a species, we are not anywhere near that position. the
Sorry, Carolyn but it would take the whole world refraining from military action to persuade me and while there are people like Putin and the North Korean for example, that’s not going to happen.
If there was a threat to our world from outer space such as an extra large meteorite heading towards us then I think/hope our governments would quickly start working together and pooling our resources. We might just discover our common humanity then. I was very ban-the-bomb when young, but think there may be a use for nuclear warheads in the future to protect life on earth by deflecting/destroying large meteorites. NASA is at present watching a meteorite called Bennu although there is only a slim chance of it harming us. It is not due to come near us until 2135, but it is heartening to know NASA is on to it. I liked your comment Ev about defence and locking the door at night. Preparation for any eventuality is key.
My father was 16 years old when he was given a white feather and he and three pals immediately joined up . He was injured twice. He was 42 when I was born. I might have mentioned this before but when we recently visited the battle fields in Belgium and I mentioned to somebody that my father fought in the First World War I was asked if he had survived !
Having watched several very moving programmes about the First World War in recent days, and remembering my fathers stories about his part in the conflict, something has occurred to me. Had there been all the film and TV cameras, reporters, instant news coverage from the front, nightly scenes of the ongoing carnage at the front and on the high seas - would the war have been allowed to continue for as long as it did? We now have so much access to news, the loss of every serviceman covered so intensely during more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, reports from war correspondents every day, each lost soldier individually commemorated by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons. If that could have been done in 1914 - 1918 perhaps the carnage would not have been allowed to continue.
It was certainly a different world then as witness the soldiers shot for cowardice when suffering from shock and some being very young they refused to go over the top. At least we have moved on since then.
It leaves long lasting scars. An 18 year old from a village not far from us ran away and somehow managed to get home. He was found at home and taken away at dawn, marched through the village and shot. I can remember an old man from the village years and years later talking about it with great sadness. It had haunted him his whole life, what it did to the actual family I can't imagine.
I have a very strange 11th November ritual. This is the day, when I "steam" the family Christmas Pudding, (put together the day before) and watch the TV at the Cenotaph. This year might though be different, re the Armistice Church Bells, which I so want to hear. My younger Sis has been + found, the war grave of a member of our family who didn't survive in 1914-1918.
Interesting Miriam as I usually make a Christmas cake (a bit late I know but by the time we get around to eating it...) I used to make it in my great grandmother ‘s mixing bowl which my gran used when I was a child but it had to be retired. I still have it on top of my kitchen cupboards. I have adapted a recipe handed down to Gran in 1913, the year she married just before Christmas. It had 14 eggs in it.
I am in Jacksonville Florida for 2 days of professional meetings and I can't find anything better to do then to watch election results, listen to TA and reading our blog!
I vaguely recall getting unbelievably drunk in Jacksonville in 1998 during a tour of the East Coast where I was doing the merchandising for my friend's band. The next morning we drove to Disneyland where I got royally stoned and had one of the best and oddest days of my life...
Ah so there were crazy times Archerphile 😉 I gather your rehabilitation post hip operation is going well - back having your much loved baths and I can understand that! Do you have a 3 mth check coming up?
I was out shopping today, and came across lovely leggings + matching top for my 7yr old gt. neice. There were similar, as a complete 2 piece with a single price. My items were 2 individualy priced ones but were matching items.When I went to cash desk with both items, the cashier only "scanned" one item, which I paid for (obviously thinking it was a complete set). You should have seen me leaving the store, as fast as my legs could carry me!! Bought £20 worth of clothes for £7. It was their mistake, but should I have pointed it out, not sure!
I did the same some years ago. As you say, it’s their fault not yours. As s friend pointed out to me , the only thing is if you got stopped leaving you could have been accused of shop lifting. Don’t worry, you are not going to send us into economic ruin. 😀👍
I had a similar dilemma when I complained, at a well-known clothing+food store, and not for the first time, that a clearly advertised special offer hadn't been honoured, got the appropriate refund, and subsequently noticed that I hadn't been charged for a bottle of wine. I'm afraid I didn't go back to complain that I hadn't been charged . . .
Cow Girl.... and others interested. I wrote a post two days ago, but it did not post, so I decided that I should not push my luck. But since you ask...... and thank you for doing so. As you have probably guessed, my important visit was a home visit. I was very concerned that my garden would not pass the test. But this weekend I heard that I had passed the home visit. However........ the homing team are concerned, I am unsure, so far, about what, although I have asked. The admin team assure me that they are doing their best on my behalf. I submitted an application form but also a very detailed letter of submission, which was so well received that a telephone interview was skipped. I have now submitted two more emails in submission of my wish to have this particular dog. She is very shy, but I have demonstrated my skills with this in the past.
If you want to look she is Teddie, Rumanian Rescue Appeal, special needs.born 2013.
I've done my best. I can only wait on others decisions, and continue to hope, but without expectation.
Yes , Teddie is lovely! She has a long coat like Buddy and we have learnt from him that it is much easier to have them groomed and have the coat cut much shorter. He was getting leaves etc caught in his hair on walks, dislikes being groomed when he wriggled around and tried to eat the brush and would get knots no matter how careful I was. I was shocked when I saw the result after he was groomed but it is quickly growing now! We asked them to leave his tail and just trim his face so he still looks cute! The other thing is to keep the hair around their eyes short as it can irritate the eyes and cause ulceration. This is best done by groomers especially if you have a wriggler! Hope it goes through for you Mrs P. Good luck!
I've looked at Teddie, and, without any personal experience, unlike Ev, it did strike me that grooming might be quite time-consuming! Best of luck, Mrs P.
Found him - what a lovely looking fellow ! Handsome, reliable eyes somehow, if that doesn't sound odd... I hope very much he finds a home with you & puss.
Found her, thanks PtbY, obviously wasn't paying proper attention to what you wrote, Mrs P. Very long fur as Ev writes, with sound advice, but she is gorgeous, & looks like she enjoys fun & play - which suggests the shyness that is mentioned will soon be overcome with plenty of that happening, plus initial quiet attention, no pressure.
Ev thanks for advice, but both my previous dogs, Tibetan Apso and Tibetan Terrier were long coated, and thick. Teddies coat looks thin, and rougher I suspect. So I have considerable experience with long coats in both cats and dogs. I like grooming, it's great for bonding. And it's not just around the eyes that causes problems. Dirty skirts too. And of course Puss is groomed daily. His coat is very long and very thick. My Simba was also long coated, and my Main Coon, Bobby Brewster too.
I am new to long coats although I did have a Sheltie way back when. Buddy had a very long coat all over though and as a wriggly pup he is much easier to deal with now. Your experience counts for a lot and I’m sure if you have Teddie she will always look lovely! I hadn’t realised the eye problem which can arise and Gypsy certainly has hair growing around her eyes. One of them is ulcerated and I wonder whether this has contributed to her blindness in her past life. We will never know. She does cope very well though.
Made the mistake of looking at all the dogs on that site. If we hadn’t got 3 dogs already I’d be inquiring about one. When we were applying to get our Hattie (Rottweiler pup) from the rspca we didn’t hear anything for 2 weeks after the home visit. In the end we went to the centre and asked about her. Turned out they’d forgotten to ring us back!! Anyway they said we’d been accepted and we could take her then. Luckily for us they said rottie pups were hard to rehome so she was still there. The cutest thing you’ve ever seen, and now the most loving dog. All she wants is a knee to lie on.
So Mrs P if you don’t hear anything for a while I’d give them a buzz.
Thank you again to all of you for rooting for me. It's all on line with this organisation, but as I am now on Messenger I will send a message. Unlike the RSPCA PtbY the organisation is run entirely by volunteers, and they seem to send messages very late at night, so I imagine they attend to their volunteering work after a day at the office, or whatever.
Ev, I hope you will not mind me passing on a little more of my experience. You need to keep a regular eye on Buddeys feet. She has wide spaces between her toes because she is a mountain dog and has to deal with snowy slopes. Her fur grows between those toes and turns into felt. If that felt is not kept in order and clipped out from time to time it will become difficult for her to walk. And when trudging through snow, if we get any this winter, that felt freezes into thick icicles. So I hope you don't mind me giving you the advice to make sure you dry those feet thoroughly in very cold wet weather after a walk.
As for the eyes. I notice now that most Shi Tzus and Apsos seem to have their face fur trimmed. But my experience was that if left long and combed daily and washed around the mouth with a damp flannel after eating, the face fur naturally blows away from the eyes and mouth. If trimmed around the eyes it becomes short and stubby and will turn inwards towards the eye, and gets caught in the eye lashes. When walking into the wind, it is blown away from the eyes. I was taught by the old breeders fifty years ago, and the breeders who had brought them over from Tibet, knew what they were talking about, that I should always think about the geographical conditions that the breed had come from. High windy mountains.
We used to go to Snowdonia every February and Topsy was clearly in her element up those windy mountain slopes. She loved it.
Topsy went blind at the end of her life. It might be a weakness in the breed.
Yes she did have fur between her pads which are strangely formed maybe as she wasn’t walked as a pup. She belonged to an elderly lady for her first six years and never left the house or garden. The vet trimmed the fur in her toes when we first had her in May. I keep an eye on her feet and the groomers care for them as well. She is a reluctant walker and frequently literally digs her toes in but once we are walking she relaxes and the stops are less often! The blindness is a weakness of her breed as the eyes are so prominent but I did wonder whether the face hair was involved having read something about it on the internet. Buddy is a Tzi shuh cross Yorkie but his eyes are more deep set. Thank you for that information about the origin of the breed. It is very interesting and new to me having had sheep dogs in the past.
The Llasa Apso spent many centuries living in the monasteries with the Llamas and they often gave the dogs as presents. When they were given to Chinese Princes they bred with the Pekenese and so the Shi Tzue came about as a breed.
I am sadly back at work. No drugs or nearly any alcohol in Jacksonville. The conference meetings had us busy every minute for the two days. It was sunny and warm - which was nice. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a manatee during a short break and walk along the river, but that will have to be another Florida trip.
Archerphile and anybody else who has enjoyed listening to Home Front on radio 4,I have just listened to the last episode. However ,tomorrow afternoon there is to be a one off play set 99 years ago so one year on from the end of the 1st World War about how the characters of Home Front fared..
When I was out shopping this morning I noticed that very ,very few people were actually wearing poppies. When I was teaching every child in the school wore a poppy. I wonder if that happens now?
Near Veteran's Day (in the US) we will see veteran's passing out poppies at train stations. Sadly, I think the passing out poppies is another of those traditions going away. When I was at the Synagogue last Saturday, I did see one gentleman wearing a poppy.
I'm ambivalent about the poppy. When I was a child we all wore a poppy, and the teachers wore a slightly fancier poppy, with added foliage. I expect they paid more. I haven't bought a poppy for some years now. It's a worthy charity, but so are lots of others, and the expectation that you _must_ wear a poppy or you're barely human is rather off-putting.
I can see where you are coming from Bootgums but it was the one Charity that everyone seemed to support. I have never collected for that particular Charity but I have stood at railway stations (including Waterloo ) and in the middle of towns for several others. On one occasion one of the most pleasant(I think) female news readers put some money into the tin with a delightful smile when I was collecting outside M and S. That was a good spec on a Saturday morning because there was a Band there too. The local Prêt a Manger provided us all with drinks.
I am one of those "sad" people, who always listen to the Sunday Omnibus. If there are others who also do the same, remember as it is "Remberance Sunday", which is so very special this year, TA will start at 9.15 am. I am looking forward to the Ambridge peal of bells, and my local one/s.
As to poppies - I have a very small, permanent "pin" which is usually on the collar of a blouse or on a jumper etc. This cannot be seen by others, but I still wear it with pride. To put it onto "outer" wear, it would cause problems, re puncture marks + water-proofing.
Yes I have one of those and just pop a donation in the tin each year. The British Legion started to put the year on them as they didn’t want people to wear one without donating. This was a bit insulting as you would think anyone who bought one in the first place would continue to donate in future years! It is a worthy charity but .there are also others who support ex service people in need.
I have listened this evening to this weeks omnibus of Home Front. I am pleased that it was Kitties voice that closed the last episode. I shall be listening to the follow on drama tomorrow. Thanks LJ for flagging it up.
I was very pleased with the last scene. It took me back to the first episode, introducing Kitty and Deiter. (I listened to the opening episode on "BBC Sounds" last week.)
Thank you LanJan - I did know about the final Home Front play tomorrow afternoon and have booked my place in front of the radio and told Mr A he will have to watch TV, read the paper or go into the garden as I shall be fully occupied for the duration of the play! I do hope the cliff hanger about Kittys family will be answered (that they will not face any prosecutions) and we hear that Alice has decided to go to Canada with Roy. That would be a satisfactory ending for me.
As for the Cenotaph service on Sunday morning - for as long as I can rémember I have taken my place in front of the television to watch the entire ceremony. I sort of feel it is my duty to represent my father who used to go in person as long as he was able. It means a different Sunday morning routine (no Archers Omnibus in the bath) but I wouldn’t miss watching the ceremony for anything and feel I know the entire, familiar, musical score by heart. This year will be more poignant then ever, and even more important to support, even if only from the comfort of my own living room.
Did you listenArcherphile and Mrs P ? I did. In case you didn't there will be no spoilers. I don't know about you but I found that there were far more characters in Home Front whom I really liked than there are in Ambridge Does this mean that people were nicer 100 years ago?
Doubt whether people were nicer, but when whole nations are in crisis, it seems to bring out the best, as well as worst, in them. They would think we were soft & self indulgent these days, we might find them inflexible & bigoted.
Yes I listened, but will listen again, as I had been distracted by needing to attend to parish business as a result of a phone call just before the start of the programme.
Like Archerphile I have for a number of years had the television on IPlayer and the radio at the same time for the ceremony tomorrow. But I am deeply torn this year. I feel very strongly that I should be at Putney Crematorium at Eleven tomorrow with my father, and his dedication in the book of remembrance, or alternatively in the crowd at the Cenotaph in place of him. But I have not made any arrangements to travel to London, and perhaps am simply better alone with my thoughts. And disconnecting the telephone !
At the prosaic level, Sunday travel on public transport is hell, but, feeling such a strong prompting as you do, I think you'll in both places, in spirit, & your father will know, not being bound by the space time continuum. I have a strong conviction, for instance, that people attend their own funerals, separately from the body left behind, but there, close, observing. No conventionally acceptable proof, but there it is.
I have always felt closest to my gran when making my Christmas cake which I used to do with her as a child and which I will do tomorrow (fruit is soaking) even though it will be baked 300 miles from where she lived. I will be thinking of her brother and brother in law who died in WW1 and my grandfather who served in the munitions factory as an engineer and died when my mother was a baby.
Mrs P, perhaps you could go to Putney when you are in London next month if you still felt the need to do so. (sorry, I don’t mean to interfere, I will shut up now.🙂
Thank you (each) for your thoughts. I will be going to Putney in December but the book of remembrance is open at his birthday which is tomorrow.
Yes I will be there in spirit, but I have a hankering that if I wake at 4am, as I do sometimes I will get up and drive. But of course that is a fantasy. I probably won't even be asleep by 4 am !
Carolyn, I have the same belief, that is why I am planning my funeral. For ME !
Mr R's dad died 11/11/88 so it is 30yrs! Much as we love to watch the tv service live we will visit the Crem tomorrow to view the Remembrance Book and leave a plant with a Poppy attached to it. However for us it is only a 12 mile car ride so a big difference for you Mrs P having to travel to Putney! Your dad is in your heart and thoughts wherever you are so I hope you will not feel too torn and do what is the best for you on this occasion. My thoughts will be with you 🌹 Saturday evenings Royal Albert Hall Service was very moving we thought.
My grandfathers elder brother died in WW1, another Gt.Uncle was "gassed" in the trenches and I remember, as a very young child, seeing him in a wheelchair with a constant oxygen supply. A great Aunty lost her fiance, in WW1 and we, still as a family, have all the memoral cards he sent. We also have the letter his parents sent to my Gt.Aunty after his death. It is so lovely, poignant and just heart-breaking. These only came to light, after Gt. Aunty passed away, never having married, and my Mum, as next of kin, sorted out her personal belongings. We, as a family, also have very similar from other memoribilia from family members who served in WW2. Nothing was ever talked about and it was a massive surprise to find so much interesting letters etc. sadly after their deaths and so couldn't found out more. I did find out that in WW2 one Gt. Uncle was a "sniper" and we have his medais, for his shooting prowess. No-one knew anything about this, not even his wife.
Miriam it must have been very moving to find all that. My mother has a letter written by her uncle to her mother from the front just before he died at Ypres. He mentions that they are off there shortly. So many poignant stories people have to share.
Bootgums I feel the same as you, and that the tone of the commemoration has changed. I hope this special year will be different.
My grandfather came home and brought with him from France, a painting for his wife. I did not know of its existence until a few years ago when my 95 year old cousin offered it to me. I had always loved Mimosa, but never understood the origins of my delight as it was not grown or seen as prolifically when I was a child as now. That picture is a simple still life of Mimosa and Carnations. And when it was given to me I was told that Mimosa was Grandmas favourite flower. Grandma died when I was five. I do have vague memories of her, but clearly her love of Mimosa had a greater influence on me. Or perhaps the memory of her lives on in the flower.
I thought of you and your father whilst we were at the Crem this morning for my husband's fathers anniversary - 30 yrs today - I said a short prayer for us all. ❤️
Yes Lan Jan, I did listen to the final Home Front edition but had to switch off 15 minutes before the end as some unexpected visitors arrived (the second lot today!). So I intend to listen to the entire programme again tomorrow afternoon.
I was a bit confused about what was going on at first and it took me a while to realise in what a clever way the episode had been written, with Florrie as a sort of commentator. I look forward to a hopefully uninterrupted performance to morrow.
Rememberance Day has double meaning for me as it is also the anniversary of my dear Mum’s death in 1975. My heartfelt thanks are due to her and my Dad for adopting me in 1945 and giving me such a happy and privileged upbringing. My life could have been so different without them, they had hearts of gold. 🌺
What a lovely post. I, for one, am very interested in your adoption. When,is now known, but not why. There has to be a story to tell - only if you can.
Such heartfelt posts this last week. Family stories, much to remember. Particularly touched by your adoption which worked out so well, Archerphile. I be your adoptive parents were proud of you, & grateful for your existence ! Also touched by your mimosa story, Mrs P. , a love passed on from a granny who died when you were so young. Seems like a gift, a pleasure she bequeathed to you.
My father was a POW in the Korean war - he spent 2 years in a camp in China from the age of 20. Whilst there he had his appendix removed without any anaesthetic....
GG - thank you for sharing this story. My father was imprisoned by the Japanese in China but he was very fortunate to escape. I will remember him today.
I never knew my uncle who died as a Japanese POW in Thailand. There is no one alive now who knew him but we do remember him through what we have been told about him. He was 24.
My grandad was wounded at the Somme but came through the war. Mum was born in 1922. Dad came through WW2 and I was born in 1948. Fate is a funny thing when you think if either had died, I wouldn’t be here!
In reply to those who inquired about my adoption, earlier: (Please scroll past if this is of no interest, I’m purely answering a couple of questions)
My (adoptive ) Mum and Dad married in 1920 after Dad was invalided out the the Navy after the war. They quickly had a son in 1921 and wanted more children, especially a girl. Sadly, Mum had an exceptionally early menopause, which was untreatable in those days. They resigned themselves to having no more children. In 1938 they moved out of London to the Buckinghamshire countryside to escape possible bombing and anti-semitism should the threatened war break out. They were especially afraid of what could happen to them if there was a German invasion, being aware of what was happening to Jews in Germany.
Towards the end of the war there were hundreds of orphaned children needing good homes. I think there were appeals for foster and adoptive parents. They decided to offer their lovely countryside home to such a child and at last complete their family with a daughter.
Meanwhile my birth mother lived in Kilburn, North London and became pregnant by a Jewish boy whilst her soldier fiancé was still fighting overseas. My real father wanted nothing to do with a baby and neither did her fiancé, who refused to bring up another man’s child. My mother was sent off to a wartime emergency maternity home in Leicestershire to give birth to me. From there I assume I went into the adoption procedure and was eventually taken in by my adoptive, Jewish mum and dad and 24 year old brother! They gave me a wonderful home.
I knew absolutely nothing about being adopted until the age of 21, and then only because I needed a full birth certificate, showing both parents names (being Jewish is passed down through the mother, not father) in order to get married to my Jewish fiancé in an Orthodox Synagogue. I only had a short certificate and Mum and Dad had to explain why. It came as a terrible shock. Then my fiancé and his family ‘dumped’ me three months before the wedding as the Beth Din refused to recognise me as being Jewish and wouldn’t allow the wedding. In spite of having been raised as such in a good Jewish family, attended synagogue, learnt Biblical Hebrew, gone to Jewish youth clubs etc etc I was not acceptable because my birth mother was a gentile!! I even offered to go through the rigorous 2 year conversion course to become accepted but the fiancé and his family wouldn’t support me so that was it - all in the course of about three months, my world came crashing down.
When it became legal in the late 70s for adopted children to see their original birth certificates (and after the death of both my mum and dad) I applied. Only then did I find out who my birth mother was and where I was born. I never asked Mum and Dad for these details as it upset them too much to speak about it. I have very few details about my birth mother as many documents were lost after the was. I have seen the rather splendid mansion in Castle Donnington where I was born and am in touch with other babies born there during and after the War. But that’s it!
One thing I did learn from all this was always to be completely open with my children and never to keep secrets from them. Looking back, I led such an enclosed, secretive childhood, so many subjects not spoken about and secrets hidden so that I wouldn’t learn that I was adopted. I didn’t want my children growing up in that atmosphere. It’s not healthy and can lead to so many problems and disappointments.
Thank you for sharing your story Archerphile I was living it all with you, and certainly shows how much the world has changed. So glad you had a good life with your adoptive parents and that in the end you met Mr AP and had your own special family ❤️
Thank you. What a shock to find out in that way, and for it to have such consequences. How lovely that you are in touch with others born in the same place during and after the war.
Archerphile. THANK YOU !! You have shared the very personal and intimate story of you life here. I admire you so much for doing so. It has brought a tear, or more, to my eyes. 😭😭 At least you have your Mr A. and it is not that long now, until your wonderful trip to Dubai. I expect you are really missing your son, daughter-in-law and your grandchildren. Again, that was so brave of you to tell all, and I appreciated your courage
Archerphile, your story has not been passed by, I am sure it is of interest to all of us and thank you for telling it for us.
When a child, we had family friends the older parents of which were like surrogate grandparents. We adored them. She was a second younger wife to him and step mother to his older children. They had a daughter who when she was about twenty learned from an older sibling during a family argument, that she was adopted. She was utterly devastated, and never recovered from the shock. My mother kept in contact with her long beyond the death of her parents and even in her forties this woman was still a very damaged person.
My parents had both been brought up with ' secrets and lies' and ignorance of the facts of life in my mother's case. My parents swore to each other that their girls would never be ' protected' from the truth, and their feelings were endorsed by the example that they witnessed with the family friends, and I will remain eternally grateful for that.
Thank you Mrs A for sharing your story. I feel we can write a movie script about a blog group who never meet (mostly never) but how we all come together and share these stories. Very inspiring.
I am so amazed, and "humbled", about so many stories about "family lives" which are being told here today. Sometimes - these need to be told about, and I for one, admire you all, for sharing these with so many others. We are all anonymous, so this does make it easier to do so, as no-one here judges or criticises, but just loves to hear all life experiences, good or bad, and these can be shared amongst like-minded people This is what makes this extra blog, so interesting.
Archerphile, Gary and everyone who has shared personal stories in recent days it is really moving to learn about each other’s experiences and memories and wonderful that we feel safe and respected to share on this lovely blog. Group hug.🤗
I've had contact with the rescue this evening. A longish phone call and discussion about Teddie, who is apparently very socialised with dogs, as I thought, but not at all socialised with humans. She knows her name and comes to a call, but a manager who was very good but has now left, worked on encouragement to get her to trust enough to come close, and once, to touch her. But workers and new manager unlikely to put in same effort. So concerns are 1. Catching and putting on lead, is it possible ? 2. Transporting terrified dog with sixteen others, if successful with 1. 3.once here in UK if she does not settle then we have set this poor animal on a course of one traumatic event after another, being passed to one rescue then another. She is apparently not aggressive, just without trust. I suppose she has been on the streets since puppyhood and never any kind or positive access to any human. I grieve for a lovely creature destined to live her life without human comfort and losing one companion dog after another as they become re homed. I was asked if it would be possible for me to go over, or to have another dog with her to give her courage and guidance. This is not the end.... The volunteer I spoke with is trying for a video of her to assess some more information. Thank you for letting me tell you......
Many problems, but can see you've not given up, Mrs P. - good ! Going over there sounds a bit much, 2 dogs might make a big difference, but would you really want that ? You, Puss & 2 of them, mmn....Two things strike me 1) the manager who left might well have made only a little progress, but how much time could she give to one animal ? It would be very different with you, surely, in a much quieter environment with plenty of patient reassurance, gentle talk, no pressure & good food .2) have you thought of an animal behaviourist ? I'm no expert on dogs like Ev, but did have a phone consultation with one when Percy Cat was new to us in 2014, & she was great over the specific problem we had. I guess Teddie would need a visit. Just a thought, anyway. Agree, it would be wonderful if this lovely girl could find security, affection & contentment at last.
I’m afraid that a dog with this sort of history may never be able to settle in a conventional home. Having been in some countries where dogs do roam free whilst you feel sorry that they have to hunt for each scrap of food and have no real shelter. It may not be possible to alter their position realistically. I wonder at the wisdom of rescuing dogs from abroad and know my dog rescue charity had great problems with a border collie from Roumania. He had been rescued, the new owners couldn’t cope and he was left in the hands of the charity. There followed a string of foster homes but I gather he has eventually found a good forever home. He has an outside kennel though with a run as he can’t be kept in the house. He is regularly exercised of course. Maybe Mrs P you could think of taking on a home grown dog with less problems although I do realise you have a lot of experience. Only you can decide. All of the very best wishes from me!
Still keeping my fingers crossed for you Mrs P. Has anyone read the book about “Arthur”. He was a dog that was homeless in South America and after being thrown a bit of sausage by a Scandinavian team in some sort of trekking competition he latched on and followed them. It is a truly moving book and goes to show that anything is possible.
My thoughts are with you all that have shared personal stories. I feel touched to have been able to read such experiences.
Thank you, all my Archers blog friends, for wading through my extra long post. I really appreciate having been able to tell you all about my rather complicated family life - it has been quite cathartic and so wonderful to feel I am amongst unseen friends who are so supportive. Thank you, one and all 🙋♀️
Mrs P, thank you for letting us know about Teddy,I was wanting to know, but didn't feel able to ask again! Why if they were so unsure of him did they put him on the web site? Building your hopes up. I am sure if any one can give him a home then you can, but glad to hear that you are realistic. Please keep us posted with progress, .best wishes for the pair of you
I thought that too CowGirl, why ? But then thinking it through I suppose they take pictures of all of them and post those pics up, prior to discovering the animals nature. I imagine the project gets the dogs in and after seeing the vet for assessment they are automatically added to a list of animals to be rehomed. And it's not until the process of adoption is started that the true nature of the dog is looked at in depth. That seems to be what is happening now, with Teddie.
No one has commented yet on the vibrant new pics that Ruthy has magicked on both blogs; they're great ! I take it that the other one is Natasha's fruit converted into a healthy drink, bounding off the shelves at Bridge Farm ? I wonder if the hat we see on the handsome outdoor recliner above is the the same as the one in the cafe where Ruthy & PtbY met a short while ago ?!
Late in the day, but would like to echo the appreciative comments about the way this blog has developed, the trust shown, & the personal stories that we are privileged to share Archerphile, yours was especially poignant. Thank you, & thanks to all who've written. It somehow gives hope for humanity that such exchanges can evolve between people unseen, unheard, across large distances.
Yes, have noted the new pics! The hat on the seat suggests she has gone in to get a glass of Pimms in order to settle down again with a good book! Just fancying!
Back briefly to dogs, we have finally got Buddy’s date of birth hand find he is 8 months old where we had believed he was 5 months. This means he is too old for the puppy classes Katy has been taking him to on Monday nights. However, we are not telling as he is not nearly ready to move into the next class! His behaviour was appalling last night, he barked a lot and had to stand in the corner, he gate crashed the new puppy class and wouldn’t come when called although he had happily done that the previous week. He then played on his cuteness having the puppy owners fuss over him and enjoyed being the class clown. On returning home, Katy had a large glass of wine to get over the embarrassment! We think this is teen behaviour and continue to show him he is not Top Dog! We are trying anyway!
Ah, Ev, how well I remember those puppy classes with my big lurcher puppy, Harry. I spent most of the time during classes at the far end of the room, trying to stop him disrupting the class while I struggled to hear what was being said by the trainer. On his free time off lead, he pinched the other puppies' toys and tried to steal the trainer's treat store. I think I came close to having a nervous breakdown over them - had reached an intensive phase in the degree I was taking at the same time - and I just despaired of ever having a dog that I could control. Even thought about re-homing him, but, who would have him? Couldn't bear to think of him being badly treated as he was very loveable, despite my struggle to be 'pack leader'.
But, I did it eventually - not always in the way we were instructed in the puppy class, I'm afraid, but by using stratagems worked out by the "try it and see" method. I first had to assert my dominance over him - sometimes a little bit roughly because he's big and strong - and it took a long time, trials of many different approaches and endless patience. But after several years I could be reasonably confident in his behaviour, and I now that he is a veteran of 10 and a half, I have a loving and (mostly) obedient boy who accepts that I'm his pack leader (and mum too!).
My neighbours daughter has two young dogs rescued from Rumania. She and her partner decided that they would have one as a working dog, her partner is a tree surgeon, and the other a home dog. The decision was based on their temperaments. The daughter has recently returned from Rumania, having volunteered in a rescue centre. We have two rescue cats who were abused, and it took a long time for them to settle and trust us. There are a number of animal rescue centres around these parts, and every week the local rag does a tear jerking story on cats and dogs waiting for "their forever home". Do we really need to go as far as Eastern Europe to rescue them? I pose the question because it reminds of the mad rush to adopt, and work with babies abondoned by the old regime. I have never had a baby or a dog, although I do admire those who have the love to give to those who are unwanted. I do hope I haven't offended anyone. Ps. I would like the hat on Ruthy's swing.
My son says that there are many stray cats and dogs in the Philippines, and occasionally because there is a lot of poverty some do get killed and eaten. My filipina daughter-in-law who is a teacher was invited for a meal by the parents of one of her pupils and found herself facing a meal which included cat as the meat. She was polite and ate it rather than hurt the family who were poor and who had cooked it to thank her for her kindness to their child. My son was luckier. He gave some regular household work to a girl who needed it and he was presented with a huge bunch of bananas from her father as he had a banana tree growing in his garden. People give what they can. Just out of interest for those of you who were teachers, teachers there - at least on Masbate island - have to maintain their classrooms themselves , painting it when needed, and they also seem to have to supply paper and pens for their pupils even though their wages are not high.
Blimey, makes the educating bit seem like a piece of cake ! I think it's like that in parts of Africa, too. Mind you, I doubt teachers in those parts of the world have to do all the tedious paperwork & target chasing.
A friend asked me if I would be free on the 3rd December and if so may she come to visit me. When I told her why I wouldn't be available on that date there was a resounding " Wow, how great."
What wonderful Autumn colours I am seeing this year. Lovely sunshine and so many vibrant colours. It is a delight to see. I had a real spectacle yesterday - rain with sun, and then a double rainbow, with fabulous trees with very wonderful, brilliant, gold + red colours. Sadly, no photo.
Oh golly Ruthy, that may mean that we get it soon. We tend to get it about a week after you. It has been very mild this week but temperatures are due to drop from tomorrow, yet still very mild for November.
I had been investigating the possibility of finding a way to be with you on Dec 3rd, but the matter has been settled by the arrival of a clinic appointment on that day. Pity.
Still under the clock. Then Benuga's, which overlooks the clock, so that if Bootgums can't make it by 1pm she knows where we are. Naturally, that applies to anyone else who might be running a little late.
I don't post very often but log in every day to read all of your coments and to hear about your lives. I would have really enjoyed meeting some of you in Waterloo but, with my son, daughter in law and the two grandchildren we are planning to spend Christmas with my daughter in London so won't be able to make two trips. I'm looking forward ro reading about rhe meeting and hopefully there will be others so I can attend.
Hope so, too, Gianna ! While I'm at it, if you're dipping in from time to time, Hamburg Gardener, it would be great to see you, if not on Dec. 3rd, then at some point. Same goes for Nigella, think she lives in Germany, &, unless I'm imagining it (not impossible), has posted on the Ruthy blogs.
Me too, looking forward to reading all about the big meet up, that is ! What a pity we can’t post photos here ...... but then that might spoil my mental pictures of you all, so perhaps it’s just as well. I wish you all a very happy day and hope you will all write detailed accounts of what happens and what you all chat about - for those of us who won’t be there in person.
Hear hear Archerphile. For me an easy journey from one end of the line to the other but not possible on a personal level at the moment anyway. Also a little bit of me feels as you do AP we listen to TA with our own visions of each character....same on here? Even so my curiosity is aroused and looking forward immensely to reading how the meet up goes 🤗🐄🐓🐑 I'm sure it will be a resounding success!
Snow over - woke up with sound of sleet!!! Can it get any worst for a first winter snow storm. The weather predictors got it so wrong!!!! The snow was forecast to change over to rain because the temperature was going up in the late afternoon. Well it didn't and the snow kept coming. We've got about 12 inches and now with sleet coming on top of that. The commute for NYC and New Jersey was a nightmare with millions trying to get home. I lucky was smart enough and fortunate enough to have left work at 2 pm. Still it took twice the time to get home, but I will work remotely from home today :)
I agree ladies. Under the clock it is and if anybody does arrive late and if those who have arrived already are not still greeting each other there to the amusement and surprise of fellow passengers we will no doubt be upstairs in Benuga or Benugo whichever it is..
I've been sent three short videos of Teddie this evening. Manager trying to tempt her with a biscuit. Coming near, tail down but swinging. Interested but caution prevents her taking biscuit. But she took biscuit from ground when it was thrown in her direction, and she clearly knows her name. A very slight curl of the lip when she looked as though she felt trapped, but no attempt at biting. She needs time and space. I have the patience !
So glad to hear your news Mrs P. Misty was exactly the same and she had been living with a family ! 8 weeks on and only now is she really trusting me. Poor Teddie hasn't had a chance, like you I see the potential, *(from your description ) As they say time is the biggest healer. Good luck to you both I hope she comes to you soon. I will continue to keep an eye out for your up dates.
Go for it Mrs P. You want to I feel sure. If anyone can do it ,you can Please keep us in touch with what you decide.
Great noise outside as I type this. There are 10 parakeets all trying to get at the container of sunflower hearts. The pigeons sensibly stay on the ground waiting to get what has been dropped by the other birds. They don't get it all. We now have sunflowers growing in the Rose bed below the feeder.
Hope you do go ahead with Teddie, Mrs P. She needs your patience, the safe environment of your home & surroundings to become the lively, happy & confident dog she was born to be. Something not entirely unconnected going on here : we collected 3 rescue chickens yesterday, a far cry from beautiful Beatrix, but she wasn't a rescue. Very shy, nervous, & challenged in the feather department, but we think they'll blossom in time. Think I've figured who's the boss - makes the most noise & has a few more feathers than the others. Mr C even found a perfect egg this morning ! Impressive, after the terrifying journey, & then faced with a much smaller, & unfamiliar space.( advice was to keep it like that for a few nights, so we won't allow them in the inner run till Sunday )They're around 15-16 months old, so have been laying for a while. Important thing, though, as with Teddie, is that they start to relax, & grow confidence - as well as feathers - as the weeks go on. Very glad we've done this, as there's so many that need rescuing from wretched conditions.
A small cabbage hung up whilst they are in side will give them something to peck at and relieve the boredom , helps to stop them pecking each other if they have been used to this.I am sure they will flourish with your loving care.
How wonderful, the result of yesterday’s Children in Need fundraising appeal. Every year they seem to exceed the previous years total and this year it was an unbelievable £50,500,000 apparently. I was particularly impressed by the youngsters taking part in the rickshaw challenge, they all had such heartbreaking stories to tell, but put themselves through extreme conditions to raise money for other children who are going through similar experiences. Good for them, and for all who contributed in whatever way, simply dressing as a clown to teach in school yesterday, (as my daughter did) to undertaking difficult challenges. The British spirit and compassion is alive and well.
I'm afraid I won't be coming to Waterloo on 3 Dec. I've been invited to a book launch at Lambeth Palace and it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's not far from Waterloo: how many hours are you planning to stay?
Oh that's a shame but can't say I blame you going for the ' better offer' as we used to say.
Am with LJand C, I am unlikely to be rushing off in a hurry. As you say Bootgums, it's not far, but further than you think when walking.
Also like Lan Jan I could be there earlier as only fifteen minutes to Waterloo on the train. Longer by bus, but I shall enjoy the journey. And have now read other posts, so Bootgums if you are able to make it before the book launch several of us can too.
I will be most disappointed Bootgums if you can't make the meeting I think the length of time we are likely to be staying has not been decided. I would have thought an hour or two possibly.
It's possible people may leave at different times. Bootgums, I reckon if you showed at 3pm, there may well be some of us there. I, for one, would be happy to stay till 4pm ( another tea, another bun....)
Bootgums, I will need to be somewhere else at 4 but I think if I leave at 3.30 that should be fine. The book launch sounds intriguing - looking forward to hearing about it.
I had a "magical" photo of a scan, + a message via Wattsapp this morn.My neice who lives in OZ, is expecting No#2. She is already 12 weeks pregnant, and her son is still only 10 months old!! She will cope brilliantly!
Lovely photo Ruthy. You’ve excelled yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo....bit of a dismal day here. Heading to the seaside to walk the dogs round the front. Free parking now it’s november.
Only suggested it cos I really want to go to b and q for a tin of varnish on the way back. 😁😇🤭
I love the veranda, Ruthy. The sun has gone in here, but it accompanied me around the garden while I plan what needs tidying up and what could be transplanted or provide cuttings for up north. Thinking of chopping a few pieces off my pyracantha which is too big for this garden and will have to be removed - if I take them straight to the other garden and stick them in (hardwood cuttings) I wonder would it work? The cuttings I mean, the whole plant is too big to transport. I have other things like berberis and cotoneaster.
ReplyDeleteJust give it a try. It might work and what have you lost if it doesn't Seasider.
DeleteMix your compost with sand, dip your cutting in rooting powder and away you go.
DeletePyracantha like roses take easily, should be ready by next year.Best of luck
A speaker at our gardening club said if you are out of rooting powder then dipping them in custard powder works!
DeleteA really pleasant day here.
ReplyDeleteNot a breath of wind.
I have just done a bit of sorting out of my plant pots having taken the geraniums to their winter quarters -the garage.
Waterlooers
ReplyDeleteI wonder if any of you would like any poppy seeds.
They are opium poppies and vary in colour from almost white to dark maroon.
I used to have lots of hollyhock seeds but in the end got rid of them but may have one or two.
There may be some verbascum ,nigella and foxglove seeds as well.
I also split my aloe Vera and have a small one in a little pot if anyone would like it.
Aloe Vera gel is brilliant for small cuts or sores as you probably know.
I just break off a bit of leaf and rub it onto the affected part.
Bootgums,the poppies came originally from my school friend who lives near Warrington.
I love poppies LanJan, so yes please, I would like some.
DeleteThank you for offering.
My garden is an absolute mess.
I started to reorganise in my first year here, but when the builders came lots of stuff got moved up there and the house needs to be my priority, so it remains a mess.
But it is verdant and so if I scatter seeds they'd do take, and when I ' sort ' the garden all will be organised into the plans that I have in my head.
Hope springs eternal etc. !
Must be off now to distribute the rest of my round delivering the parish newsletter.
Lan Jan, poppy seeds, or hollyhocks would be lovely if you have enough to spare. I could offer pelargonium cuttings - a dark red one called mystery (apt perhaps?) but folk might not want to carry a pot around London/home on the train.
DeleteRuthy, I can imagine myself sitting in the rocking chair with a nice cooling drink.
ReplyDeleteReminds of Cambridge Springs A very quiet place with beautiful gardens.
Where is Cambridge Springs Stasia ?
DeleteMrsP. It is in Pennsylvania.
DeleteAh. Thank you.
DeleteAfter many cold, + icy nights, my garden is now ready to be "cut down" and put to bed for the winter. I will have no problem now, digging up plants, pruning roses, and just clearing out. It is sad to do, but has to be done.
ReplyDeleteI still have sweet peas, fuschias + roses in flower, but will have to be harsh.
I learnt something, that I didn't know, today.
ReplyDeleteWilfred Owen died, just one week before the end of WW1.Supposedly, but I am not sure if it is true, this was only known on 11/11/1918, ie Armistice Day.
At least his legacy with his poems, still lives on, and are still meaningful, known + apprecieated, even now, 100 years later.
I have my poppy, and am proud to wear it - for the so many persons who have lost their lives, serving Queen + Country, from then 'till the present day.
Miriam - re Wilfred Owen. Apparently his mother received the telegram telling of his death (exactly 100 years ago today) as the bells were ringing in the local church to announce the Armistance on 11/11/18. How terribly sad, almost unbearable I should think.
ReplyDeleteI have loved Owen’s poems all my life - having been taught “Dulce et Decoram Est” by my Dad as a schoolgirl. It was his way of explaining to me what it had been like to fight in the trenches and face poison gas attacks. It has remained etched on my memory ever since.
Also, my dear Mum died on 11th November ( 43 years ago) so that particular date is very poignant for me.
I don't know why I didn't choose. Wilfred Owen poem to learn before Christmas .
ReplyDeleteHe is my favourite War Poet.
11/11/11 -Cat Poppy was about a year old when we got her in November 2012 so we gave her that date of birth.
She seems happy with it.
"First World War 100: Poetry's Passing Bells" on Radio 4 Extra 2p.m. Monday to Friday this week. "Archive clips marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War". Sassoon was the featured poet today. Programme included a recording of him reading "Aftermath". Subject of tomorrow's programme is Wilfred Owen.
Delete"Voices of the First World War", a compilation of interviews from the Imperial War Museum archive is on R4 Extra at 10 a.m., repeated at 3 p.m. each day.
Repeats of "Tommies" drama series, the companion to "Home Front" are each morning and evening R4 Extra. "Tommies" website has a lot of historical background. The new and last episode of "Tommies" is on Radio 4 on Sunday.
Pro patria mori!! What an absolutely senseless war, and tragic loss of life. As a pacifist I would have been shot at dawn for not dying for my country, but for a belief that we have no right to take or subject others to head towards their death.
ReplyDeleteAs Blackadder was commanded to go over the top the officer in charge said " we will be right behind you" his reply was, "yes 35 miles behind!"
The war to end all wars didn't do its job.
I.was born in 1948 and nowadays never cease to be grateful for those who fought for our freedom. This included my dad who was a driver during the D day landings and was there when Belsen was relieved. The fact is that if we had not stood up to Hitler he would have overrun Europe and enslaved those who did not belong to the “master race”. We post war babies might never have been born. I deplore war and the deaths involved but we do need to stand up against evil. I do dislike the expression that they laid down their lives as they didn’t, it just happened that fate was not on their side. I once asked dad whether he felt frightened by the challenge and he said you never thought it would happen to you. We must remember those who died and those who grieved for them.
DeleteMy dad was born on 11/11/1905, so aged 13 at the end of WW1
ReplyDeleteHe joined the army Age 17 and was sent straight to N Ireland
His mother died on his 40th birthday
He attended the memorial service with the British Legion every year and the Cenotaph every fourth year, until his end.
It was the most solemn and important day of the year in our family.
And in ours Mrs P.
DeleteOn the actual Armistice Day, my Dad had been in Haslar Royal Naval Hospital recovering from injuries and lung damage due to his ship being torpedoed at Gallipoli. He was discharged a year later and married my Mum in 1920.
On the anniversary of Armistice Day every year he would wear his Rogal Navy tie and attend the service at the Cenotaph.
I remember when, at 11am on 11th November, not only would there be a minute’s silence but all the traffic in London would stop and people would stand still in the street.
I have been very glad that, for the past few years, the minutes’s silence has been announced in our local supermarkets and shopping centre. The tills stop operating and (most) customers stand still for that minute. It is very poignant.
My great grandfather, and grandfather were both in the First World War and my GF was injured. I'm not sure he fully understood why he was there, except his country needed him!!
DeleteMy father was also a soldier in the Second World War ( a very different war) and was part of the liberation of the concentration camps and Normandy landings. My mother aged 14 was also transported by the Hitler regime to a camp, and then into slave labour which is how she eventually met my father. She never saw her parents again and her experiences left her damaged.
Remembering wars has evidently not stopped wars.
I just a cynic.
Agree totally with your last paragraph Archerphile - Remembrance and respect for the people who died to ensure that we are able to live the lives that we do today!
DeleteMr R 's dad died on the 11/11 so a very poignant anniversary, his DOB was also the 11th but of September (which since 2001 has a very sad side to it)
My mother was French and her father was killed in the first world war when she was 4 years old so I never knew my maternal grandfather. My mother then lived under German occupation in the second world war but would never speak about what she experienced during that time, she suffered from mental health problems for the rest of her life.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law was in the D day landings and did talk about his experiences, particularly seeing his friends killed and the guilt of surviving.
Unfortunately, as long as there are humans on the planet there will continue to be wars and terrible suffering.
As Stasia says, remembering wars has not stopped them. Some future generations. Unanimously deciding not to join the military, turning away from being both killer & cannon fodder, might. Then where would all those in power be, if this were a global human realization ? As a species, we are not anywhere near that position. the
DeleteI was in the military for six years. It was not about war but about defence. It’s the same as the reason we lock our doors at night.
DeleteSorry, Carolyn but it would take the whole world refraining from military action to persuade me and while there are people like Putin and the North Korean for example, that’s not going to happen.
DeleteWell, exactly. Can't conceive of a global ceasefire.
DeleteIf there was a threat to our world from outer space such as an extra large meteorite heading towards us then I think/hope our governments would quickly start working together and pooling our resources. We might just discover our common humanity then.
DeleteI was very ban-the-bomb when young, but think there may be a use for nuclear warheads in the future to protect life on earth by deflecting/destroying large meteorites. NASA is at present watching a meteorite called Bennu although there is only a slim chance of it harming us. It is not due to come near us until 2135, but it is heartening to know NASA is on to it. I liked your comment Ev about defence and locking the door at night. Preparation for any eventuality is key.
My father was 16 years old when he was given a white feather and he and three pals immediately joined up .
ReplyDeleteHe was injured twice.
He was 42 when I was born.
I might have mentioned this before but when we recently visited the battle fields in Belgium and I mentioned to somebody that my father fought in the First World War I was asked if he had survived !
'Somebody' probably wasn't as good at sums as you, Lanjan. I wonder how you reacted.
DeleteI think I said something like "Obviously" but I don't think to her it was that obvious so I suppose I must have looked nearly 100 years old at least.
DeleteHaving watched several very moving programmes about the First World War in recent days, and remembering my fathers stories about his part in the conflict, something has occurred to me.
ReplyDeleteHad there been all the film and TV cameras, reporters, instant news coverage from the front, nightly scenes of the ongoing carnage at the front and on the high seas - would the war have been allowed to continue for as long as it did?
We now have so much access to news, the loss of every serviceman covered so intensely during more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, reports from war correspondents every day, each lost soldier individually commemorated by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons.
If that could have been done in 1914 - 1918 perhaps the carnage would not have been allowed to continue.
It was certainly a different world then as witness the soldiers shot for cowardice when suffering from shock and some being very young they refused to go over the top. At least we have moved on since then.
DeleteIt leaves long lasting scars. An 18 year old from a village not far from us ran away and somehow managed to get home. He was found at home and taken away at dawn, marched through the village and shot. I can remember an old man from the village years and years later talking about it with great sadness. It had haunted him his whole life, what it did to the actual family I can't imagine.
DeleteHow very very sad Janice 😌
DeleteThat story will stay with me too, Janice. I don't know who or where and it was so long ago, but the sadness still resonates.
DeleteI have a very strange 11th November ritual. This is the day, when I "steam" the family Christmas Pudding, (put together the day before) and watch the TV at the Cenotaph.
ReplyDeleteThis year might though be different, re the Armistice Church Bells, which I so want to hear.
My younger Sis has been + found, the war grave of a member of our family who didn't survive in 1914-1918.
Interesting Miriam as I usually make a Christmas cake (a bit late I know but by the time we get around to eating it...) I used to make it in my great grandmother ‘s mixing bowl which my gran used when I was a child but it had to be retired. I still have it on top of my kitchen cupboards. I have adapted a recipe handed down to Gran in 1913, the year she married just before Christmas. It had 14 eggs in it.
ReplyDeleteI am in Jacksonville Florida for 2 days of professional meetings and I can't find anything better to do then to watch election results, listen to TA and reading our blog!
ReplyDeleteI vaguely recall getting unbelievably drunk in Jacksonville in 1998 during a tour of the East Coast where I was doing the merchandising for my friend's band. The next morning we drove to Disneyland where I got royally stoned and had one of the best and oddest days of my life...
ReplyDeleteSo Jacksonville is the place of wildly contrasting experiences ! Ruthy today, Gary 20 years ago...
ReplyDeleteWould love to know the name of your friends band Gary, if you can remember after all that....😁
ReplyDeleteThe name of the band was Lungleg PtbY - it was a joint tour with a Washington DC band called The Make - Up. Oh, the adventures we had that sumer...
DeleteWhey-hey Garry! You are making me feel very old - all those crazy times are so far away!
DeleteAh so there were crazy times Archerphile 😉
DeleteI gather your rehabilitation post hip operation is going well - back having your much loved baths and I can understand that! Do you have a 3 mth check coming up?
Yes, Lady R - at the end of this month, so should be signed off in time for Xmas, hopefully.
DeleteMrs P, when do you expect to hear the result of your important visit. Hope it will be positive.
ReplyDeleteSorry for asking but keep looking !
Hey Gary.....do it right now. Do it right now baby!!😁
ReplyDeleteHa! Great little song, isn't it? 🎵🎵🎵
DeleteI was out shopping today, and came across lovely leggings + matching top for my 7yr old gt. neice. There were similar, as a complete 2 piece with a single price. My items were 2 individualy priced ones but were matching items.When I went to cash desk with both items, the cashier only "scanned" one item, which I paid for (obviously thinking it was a complete set). You should have seen me leaving the store, as fast as my legs could carry me!! Bought £20 worth of clothes for £7. It was their mistake, but should I have pointed it out, not sure!
ReplyDeleteI did the same some years ago. As you say, it’s their fault not yours. As s friend pointed out to me , the only thing is if you got stopped leaving you could have been accused of shop lifting.
DeleteDon’t worry, you are not going to send us into economic ruin. 😀👍
We'll, good for you, Miriam !!
DeleteI had a similar dilemma when I complained, at a well-known clothing+food store, and not for the first time, that a clearly advertised special offer hadn't been honoured, got the appropriate refund, and subsequently noticed that I hadn't been charged for a bottle of wine. I'm afraid I didn't go back to complain that I hadn't been charged . . .
DeleteCow Girl.... and others interested.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a post two days ago, but it did not post, so I decided that I should not push my luck.
But since you ask...... and thank you for doing so.
As you have probably guessed, my important visit was a home visit.
I was very concerned that my garden would not pass the test. But this weekend I heard that I had passed the home visit.
However........ the homing team are concerned, I am unsure, so far, about what, although I have asked.
The admin team assure me that they are doing their best on my behalf.
I submitted an application form but also a very detailed letter of submission, which was so well received that a telephone interview was skipped. I have now submitted two more emails in submission of my wish to have this particular dog.
She is very shy, but I have demonstrated my skills with this in the past.
If you want to look she is Teddie, Rumanian Rescue Appeal, special needs.born 2013.
I've done my best. I can only wait on others decisions, and continue to hope, but without expectation.
Mrs P.... Teddie looks gorgeous. Seems to me you’d make a lovely couple!!
DeleteYes , Teddie is lovely! She has a long coat like Buddy and we have learnt from him that it is much easier to have them groomed and have the coat cut much shorter. He was getting leaves etc caught in his hair on walks, dislikes being groomed when he wriggled around and tried to eat the brush and would get knots no matter how careful I was. I was shocked when I saw the result after he was groomed but it is quickly growing now! We asked them to leave his tail and just trim his face so he still looks cute! The other thing is to keep the hair around their eyes short as it can irritate the eyes and cause ulceration. This is best done by groomers especially if you have a wriggler! Hope it goes through for you Mrs P. Good luck!
DeleteI've looked at Teddie, and, without any personal experience, unlike Ev, it did strike me that grooming might be quite time-consuming! Best of luck, Mrs P.
DeleteShe looks sweet.
DeleteGosh, fingers tightly crossed, Mrs P. ! (it hurts!), & I will now look Teddie up online...
ReplyDeleteI can't cross mine at all any more Carolyn.
DeleteSo thanks for trying on my behalf.
Found him - what a lovely looking fellow ! Handsome, reliable eyes somehow, if that doesn't sound odd... I hope very much he finds a home with you & puss.
ReplyDeleteThink you found the wrong one carolyn, I found him first.
DeleteTeddie is female and white /grey long hair.
Found her, thanks PtbY, obviously wasn't paying proper attention to what you wrote, Mrs P. Very long fur as Ev writes, with sound advice, but she is gorgeous, & looks like she enjoys fun & play - which suggests the shyness that is mentioned will soon be overcome with plenty of that happening, plus initial quiet attention, no pressure.
DeleteYes Carolyn, you've picked up on what I saw.
DeleteThank you all for your best wishes.
Ev thanks for advice, but both my previous dogs, Tibetan Apso and Tibetan Terrier were long coated, and thick. Teddies coat looks thin, and rougher I suspect. So I have considerable experience with long coats in both cats and dogs.
I like grooming, it's great for bonding. And it's not just around the eyes that causes problems. Dirty skirts too.
And of course Puss is groomed daily. His coat is very long and very thick.
My Simba was also long coated, and my Main Coon, Bobby Brewster too.
I am new to long coats although I did have a Sheltie way back when. Buddy had a very long coat all over though and as a wriggly pup he is much easier to deal with now. Your experience counts for a lot and I’m sure if you have Teddie she will always look lovely! I hadn’t realised the eye problem which can arise and Gypsy certainly has hair growing around her eyes. One of them is ulcerated and I wonder whether this has contributed to her blindness in her past life. We will never know. She does cope very well though.
DeleteAahhhh Mrs P - do hope you are successful Teddie is just lovely 🤗
ReplyDeleteMrs P we are both rooting for you and Teddie. I know what the wait is like, such an anxious time, everything crossed here including paws.
ReplyDeleteMade the mistake of looking at all the dogs on that site. If we hadn’t got 3 dogs already I’d be inquiring about one.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were applying to get our Hattie (Rottweiler pup) from the rspca we didn’t hear anything for 2 weeks after the home visit. In the end we went to the centre and asked about her. Turned out they’d forgotten to ring us back!!
Anyway they said we’d been accepted and we could take her then.
Luckily for us they said rottie pups were hard to rehome so she was still there. The cutest thing you’ve ever seen, and now the most loving dog. All she wants is a knee to lie on.
So Mrs P if you don’t hear anything for a while I’d give them a buzz.
Thank you again to all of you for rooting for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's all on line with this organisation, but as I am now on Messenger I will send a message.
Unlike the RSPCA PtbY the organisation is run entirely by volunteers, and they seem to send messages very late at night, so I imagine they attend to their volunteering work after a day at the office, or whatever.
Ev, I hope you will not mind me passing on a little more of my experience.
ReplyDeleteYou need to keep a regular eye on Buddeys feet.
She has wide spaces between her toes because she is a mountain dog and has to deal with snowy slopes.
Her fur grows between those toes and turns into felt. If that felt is not kept in order and clipped out from time to time it will become difficult for her to walk. And when trudging through snow, if we get any this winter, that felt freezes into thick icicles.
So I hope you don't mind me giving you the advice to make sure you dry those feet thoroughly in very cold wet weather after a walk.
As for the eyes. I notice now that most Shi Tzus and Apsos seem to have their face fur trimmed. But my experience was that if left long and combed daily and washed around the mouth with a damp flannel after eating, the face fur naturally blows away from the eyes and mouth. If trimmed around the eyes it becomes short and stubby and will turn inwards towards the eye, and gets caught in the eye lashes. When walking into the wind, it is blown away from the eyes.
I was taught by the old breeders fifty years ago, and the breeders who had brought them over from Tibet, knew what they were talking about, that I should always think about the geographical conditions that the breed had come from.
High windy mountains.
We used to go to Snowdonia every February and Topsy was clearly in her element up those windy mountain slopes. She loved it.
Topsy went blind at the end of her life. It might be a weakness in the breed.
Sorry Ev.... Gypsy - not Buddy.
DeleteYes she did have fur between her pads which are strangely formed maybe as she wasn’t walked as a pup. She belonged to an elderly lady for her first six years and never left the house or garden. The vet trimmed the fur in her toes when we first had her in May. I keep an eye on her feet and the groomers care for them as well. She is a reluctant walker and frequently literally digs her toes in but once we are walking she relaxes and the stops are less often! The blindness is a weakness of her breed as the eyes are so prominent but I did wonder whether the face hair was involved having read something about it on the internet. Buddy is a Tzi shuh cross Yorkie but his eyes are more deep set. Thank you for that information about the origin of the breed. It is very interesting and new to me having had sheep dogs in the past.
DeleteThe Llasa Apso spent many centuries living in the monasteries with the Llamas and they often gave the dogs as presents.
DeleteWhen they were given to Chinese Princes they bred with the Pekenese and so the Shi Tzue came about as a breed.
It means little lion and Gypsy does look like a Chinese lion sometimes. She certainly has a lion temperament!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI am sadly back at work. No drugs or nearly any alcohol in Jacksonville. The conference meetings had us busy every minute for the two days. It was sunny and warm - which was nice. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a manatee during a short break and walk along the river, but that will have to be another Florida trip.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile and anybody else who has enjoyed listening to Home Front on radio 4,I have just listened to the last episode.
ReplyDeleteHowever ,tomorrow afternoon there is to be a one off play set 99 years ago so one year on from the end of the 1st World War about how the characters of Home Front fared..
When I was out shopping this morning I noticed that very ,very few people were actually wearing poppies.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching every child in the school wore a poppy.
I wonder if that happens now?
Near Veteran's Day (in the US) we will see veteran's passing out poppies at train stations. Sadly, I think the passing out poppies is another of those traditions going away. When I was at the Synagogue last Saturday, I did see one gentleman wearing a poppy.
DeleteI'm ambivalent about the poppy. When I was a child we all wore a poppy, and the teachers wore a slightly fancier poppy, with added foliage. I expect they paid more. I haven't bought a poppy for some years now. It's a worthy charity, but so are lots of others, and the expectation that you _must_ wear a poppy or you're barely human is rather off-putting.
DeleteI can see where you are coming from Bootgums but it was the one Charity that everyone seemed to support.
DeleteI have never collected for that particular Charity but I have stood at railway stations (including Waterloo ) and in the middle of towns for several others.
On one occasion one of the most pleasant(I think) female news readers put some money into the tin with a delightful smile when I was collecting outside M and S.
That was a good spec on a Saturday morning because there was a Band there too.
The local Prêt a Manger provided us all with drinks.
I am one of those "sad" people, who always listen to the Sunday Omnibus. If there are others who also do the same, remember as it is "Remberance Sunday", which is so very special this year,
ReplyDeleteTA will start at 9.15 am.
I am looking forward to the Ambridge peal of bells, and my local one/s.
As to poppies - I have a very small, permanent "pin" which is usually on the collar of a blouse or on a jumper etc. This cannot be seen by others, but I still wear it with pride. To put it onto "outer" wear, it would cause problems, re puncture marks + water-proofing.
ReplyDeleteYes I have one of those and just pop a donation in the tin each year. The British Legion started to put the year on them as they didn’t want people to wear one without donating. This was a bit insulting as you would think anyone who bought one in the first place would continue to donate in future years! It is a worthy charity but .there are also others who support ex service people in need.
DeleteI have listened this evening to this weeks omnibus of Home Front.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that it was Kitties voice that closed the last episode.
I shall be listening to the follow on drama tomorrow.
Thanks LJ for flagging it up.
I was very pleased with the last scene. It took me back to the first episode, introducing Kitty and Deiter. (I listened to the opening episode on "BBC Sounds" last week.)
DeleteThank you LanJan - I did know about the final Home Front play tomorrow afternoon and have booked my place in front of the radio and told Mr A he will have to watch TV, read the paper or go into the garden as I shall be fully occupied for the duration of the play!
ReplyDeleteI do hope the cliff hanger about Kittys family will be answered (that they will not face any prosecutions) and we hear that Alice has decided to go to Canada with Roy. That would be a satisfactory ending for me.
As for the Cenotaph service on Sunday morning - for as long as I can rémember I have taken my place in front of the television to watch the entire ceremony. I sort of feel it is my duty to represent my father who used to go in person as long as he was able.
It means a different Sunday morning routine (no Archers Omnibus in the bath) but I wouldn’t miss watching the ceremony for anything and feel I know the entire, familiar, musical score by heart.
This year will be more poignant then ever, and even more important to support, even if only from the comfort of my own living room.
Did you listenArcherphile and Mrs P ?
ReplyDeleteI did.
In case you didn't there will be no spoilers.
I don't know about you but I found that there were far more characters in Home Front whom I really liked than there are in Ambridge
Does this mean that people were nicer 100 years ago?
Really well written I thought. I agree about the characters - I am going to miss them.
DeleteDoubt whether people were nicer, but when whole nations are in crisis, it seems to bring out the best, as well as worst, in them. They would think we were soft & self indulgent these days, we might find them inflexible & bigoted.
DeleteYes I listened, but will listen again, as I had been distracted by needing to attend to parish business as a result of a phone call just before the start of the programme.
DeleteLike Archerphile I have for a number of years had the television on IPlayer and the radio at the same time for the ceremony tomorrow.
But I am deeply torn this year.
I feel very strongly that I should be at Putney Crematorium at Eleven tomorrow with my father, and his dedication in the book of remembrance, or alternatively in the crowd at the Cenotaph in place of him.
But I have not made any arrangements to travel to London, and perhaps am simply better alone with my thoughts.
And disconnecting the telephone !
At the prosaic level, Sunday travel on public transport is hell, but, feeling such a strong prompting as you do, I think you'll in both places, in spirit, & your father will know, not being bound by the space time continuum.
DeleteI have a strong conviction, for instance, that people attend their own funerals, separately from the body left behind, but there, close, observing. No conventionally acceptable proof, but there it is.
I have always felt closest to my gran when making my Christmas cake which I used to do with her as a child and which I will do tomorrow (fruit is soaking) even though it will be baked 300 miles from where she lived. I will be thinking of her brother and brother in law who died in WW1 and my grandfather who served in the munitions factory as an engineer and died when my mother was a baby.
DeleteMy point being, I agree you can be there in spirit without the stress of the travelling.
DeleteMrs P, perhaps you could go to Putney when you are in London next month if you still felt the need to do so. (sorry, I don’t mean to interfere, I will shut up now.🙂
DeleteThank you (each) for your thoughts.
DeleteI will be going to Putney in December but the book of remembrance is open at his birthday which is tomorrow.
Yes I will be there in spirit, but I have a hankering that if I wake at 4am, as I do sometimes I will get up and drive. But of course that is a fantasy.
I probably won't even be asleep by 4 am !
Carolyn, I have the same belief, that is why I am planning my funeral.
For ME !
Mr R's dad died 11/11/88 so it is 30yrs! Much as we love to watch the tv service live we will visit the Crem tomorrow to view the Remembrance Book and leave a plant with a Poppy attached to it. However for us it is only a 12 mile car ride so a big difference for you Mrs P having to travel to Putney!
DeleteYour dad is in your heart and thoughts wherever you are so I hope you will not feel too torn and do what is the best for you on this occasion. My thoughts will be with you 🌹
Saturday evenings Royal Albert Hall Service was very moving we thought.
My grandfathers elder brother died in WW1, another Gt.Uncle was "gassed" in the trenches and I remember, as a very young child, seeing him in a wheelchair with a constant oxygen supply. A great Aunty lost her fiance, in WW1 and we, still as a family, have all the memoral cards he sent. We also have the letter his parents sent to my Gt.Aunty after his death. It is so lovely, poignant and just heart-breaking. These only came to light, after Gt. Aunty passed away, never having married, and my Mum, as next of kin, sorted out her personal belongings. We, as a family, also have very similar from other memoribilia from family members who served in WW2. Nothing was ever talked about and it was a massive surprise to find so much interesting letters etc. sadly after their deaths and so couldn't found out more.
ReplyDeleteI did find out that in WW2 one Gt. Uncle was a "sniper" and we have his medais, for his shooting prowess. No-one knew anything about this, not even his wife.
Miriam it must have been very moving to find all that. My mother has a letter written by her uncle to her mother from the front just before he died at Ypres. He mentions that they are off there shortly.
DeleteSo many poignant stories people have to share.
Bootgums I feel the same as you, and that the tone of the commemoration has changed. I hope this special year will be different.
My grandfather came home and brought with him from France, a painting for his wife.
DeleteI did not know of its existence until a few years ago when my 95 year old cousin offered it to me.
I had always loved Mimosa, but never understood the origins of my delight as it was not grown or seen as prolifically when I was a child as now.
That picture is a simple still life of Mimosa and Carnations. And when it was given to me I was told that Mimosa was Grandmas favourite flower.
Grandma died when I was five.
I do have vague memories of her, but clearly her love of Mimosa had a greater influence on me. Or perhaps the memory of her lives on in the flower.
I thought of you and your father whilst we were at the Crem this morning for my husband's fathers anniversary - 30 yrs today - I said a short prayer for us all. ❤️
DeleteYes Lan Jan, I did listen to the final Home Front edition but had to switch off 15 minutes before the end as some unexpected visitors arrived (the second lot today!). So I intend to listen to the entire programme again tomorrow afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit confused about what was going on at first and it took me a while to realise in what a clever way the episode had been written, with Florrie as a sort of commentator. I look forward to a hopefully uninterrupted performance to morrow.
Rememberance Day has double meaning for me as it is also the anniversary of my dear Mum’s death in 1975.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt thanks are due to her and my Dad for adopting me in 1945 and giving me such a happy and privileged upbringing. My life could have been so different without them, they had hearts of gold. 🌺
What a lovely post. I, for one, am very interested in your adoption. When,is now known, but not why. There has to be a story to tell - only if you can.
DeleteMe too Archerphile. I would also like to know about your adoption.
DeleteThank you for sharing your pride in your adoptive parents with us Archerphile.
Delete3 mths since your op wow, I'm sure all will go well at your. Heck and you will be a free woman until your X ray at one year! 😀👏
Such heartfelt posts this last week. Family stories, much to remember. Particularly touched by your adoption which worked out so well, Archerphile. I be your adoptive parents were proud of you, & grateful for your existence ! Also touched by your mimosa story, Mrs P. , a love passed on from a granny who died when you were so young. Seems like a gift, a pleasure she bequeathed to you.
DeleteMy father was a POW in the Korean war - he spent 2 years in a camp in China from the age of 20. Whilst there he had his appendix removed without any anaesthetic....
ReplyDeleteI shall remember him this morning.
GG - thank you for sharing this story. My father was imprisoned by the Japanese in China but he was very fortunate to escape. I will remember him today.
DeleteI never knew my uncle who died as a Japanese POW in Thailand. There is no one alive now who knew him but we do remember him through what we have been told about him. He was 24.
DeleteIt is so hard to learn about family members ordeals, and no grave to see + acknowlege.
DeleteJust in case there is any confusion - my father was released from internment and lived to a ripe old age! Thank goodness for me....
DeleteMy grandad was wounded at the Somme but came through the war. Mum was born in 1922. Dad came through WW2 and I was born in 1948. Fate is a funny thing when you think if either had died, I wouldn’t be here!
DeleteHave we got a full list of the Dec meety uppies yet?
ReplyDeleteThink there were 6 of us, but it's possible that others find they can make the meeting, or just turn up without announcing on the blog.
DeleteIn reply to those who inquired about my adoption, earlier:
ReplyDelete(Please scroll past if this is of no interest, I’m purely answering a couple of questions)
My (adoptive ) Mum and Dad married in 1920 after Dad was invalided out the the Navy after the war. They quickly had a son in 1921 and wanted more children, especially a girl. Sadly, Mum had an exceptionally early menopause, which was untreatable in those days. They resigned themselves to having no more children. In 1938 they moved out of London to the Buckinghamshire countryside to escape possible bombing and anti-semitism should the threatened war break out. They were especially afraid of what could happen to them if there was a German invasion, being aware of what was happening to Jews in Germany.
Towards the end of the war there were hundreds of orphaned children needing good homes. I think there were appeals for foster and adoptive parents. They decided to offer their lovely countryside home to such a child and at last complete their family with a daughter.
Meanwhile my birth mother lived in Kilburn, North London and became pregnant by a Jewish boy whilst her soldier fiancé was still fighting overseas. My real father wanted nothing to do with a baby and neither did her fiancé, who refused to bring up another man’s child.
My mother was sent off to a wartime emergency maternity home in Leicestershire to give birth to me. From there I assume I went into the adoption procedure and was eventually taken in by my adoptive, Jewish mum and dad and 24 year old brother! They gave me a wonderful home.
I knew absolutely nothing about being adopted until the age of 21, and then only because I needed a full birth certificate, showing both parents names (being Jewish is passed down through the mother, not father) in order to get married to my Jewish fiancé in an Orthodox Synagogue. I only had a short certificate and Mum and Dad had to explain why. It came as a terrible shock. Then my fiancé and his family ‘dumped’ me three months before the wedding as the Beth Din refused to recognise me as being Jewish and wouldn’t allow the wedding. In spite of having been raised as such in a good Jewish family, attended synagogue, learnt Biblical Hebrew, gone to Jewish youth clubs etc etc I was not acceptable because my birth mother was a gentile!! I even offered to go through the rigorous 2 year conversion course to become accepted but the fiancé and his family wouldn’t support me so that was it - all in the course of about three months, my world came crashing down.
When it became legal in the late 70s for adopted children to see their original birth certificates (and after the death of both my mum and dad) I applied. Only then did I find out who my birth mother was and where I was born. I never asked Mum and Dad for these details as it upset them too much to speak about it. I have very few details about my birth mother as many documents were lost after the was. I have seen the rather splendid mansion in Castle Donnington where I was born and am in touch with other babies born there during and after the War. But that’s it!
One thing I did learn from all this was always to be completely open with my children and never to keep secrets from them. Looking back, I led such an enclosed, secretive childhood, so many subjects not spoken about and secrets hidden so that I wouldn’t learn that I was adopted. I didn’t want my children growing up in that atmosphere. It’s not healthy and can lead to so many problems and disappointments.
👏👏👏 🤗🤗
DeleteThank you for sharing your story Archerphile I was living it all with you, and certainly shows how much the world has changed.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a good life with your adoptive parents and that in the end you met Mr AP and had your own special family ❤️
Thank you. What a shock to find out in that way, and for it to have such consequences.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you are in touch with others born in the same place during and after the war.
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU !!
You have shared the very personal and intimate story of you life here. I admire you so much for doing so.
It has brought a tear, or more, to my eyes. 😭😭
At least you have your Mr A. and it is not that long now, until your wonderful trip to Dubai. I expect you are really missing your son, daughter-in-law and your grandchildren.
Again, that was so brave of you to tell all, and I appreciated your courage
Thank you for telling us your story Archerphile. I am so glad you found a loving family.
ReplyDeleteOh Archerphile,what a story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling us it.
Archerphile, your story has not been passed by, I am sure it is of interest to all of us and thank you for telling it for us.
ReplyDeleteWhen a child, we had family friends the older parents of which were like surrogate grandparents. We adored them. She was a second younger wife to him and step mother to his older children. They had a daughter who when she was about twenty learned from an older sibling during a family argument, that she was adopted.
She was utterly devastated, and never recovered from the shock.
My mother kept in contact with her long beyond the death of her parents and even in her forties this woman was still a very damaged person.
My parents had both been brought up with ' secrets and lies' and ignorance of the facts of life in my mother's case.
My parents swore to each other that their girls would never be ' protected' from the truth, and their feelings were endorsed by the example that they witnessed with the family friends, and I will remain eternally grateful for that.
Thank you Mrs A for sharing your story. I feel we can write a movie script about a blog group who never meet (mostly never) but how we all come together and share these stories. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYes Ruthy...... it's a film in the making, isn't it.
DeleteI am so amazed, and "humbled", about so many stories about "family lives" which are being told here today.
ReplyDeleteSometimes - these need to be told about, and I for one, admire you all, for sharing these with so many others.
We are all anonymous, so this does make it easier to do so, as no-one here judges or criticises, but just loves to hear all life experiences, good or bad, and these can be shared amongst like-minded people
This is what makes this extra blog, so interesting.
Thank-you Ruthy.
Joining the chorus, Archerphile. What a story. Congratulations on coming through it all.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, Gary and everyone who has shared personal stories in recent days it is really moving to learn about each other’s experiences and memories and wonderful that we feel safe and respected to share on this lovely blog. Group hug.🤗
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing, with sadness and happiness mixed. I wonder if your birth mother later had other children and if you have half siblings somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI've had contact with the rescue this evening.
ReplyDeleteA longish phone call and discussion about Teddie, who is apparently very socialised with dogs, as I thought, but not at all socialised with humans.
She knows her name and comes to a call, but a manager who was very good but has now left, worked on encouragement to get her to trust enough to come close, and once, to touch her. But workers and new manager unlikely to put in same effort.
So concerns are
1. Catching and putting on lead, is it possible ?
2. Transporting terrified dog with sixteen others, if successful with 1.
3.once here in UK if she does not settle then we have set this poor animal on a course of one traumatic event after another, being passed to one rescue then another.
She is apparently not aggressive, just without trust. I suppose she has been on the streets since puppyhood and never any kind or positive access to any human.
I grieve for a lovely creature destined to live her life without human comfort and losing one companion dog after another as they become re homed.
I was asked if it would be possible for me to go over, or to have another dog with her to give her courage and guidance.
This is not the end....
The volunteer I spoke with is trying for a video of her to assess some more information.
Thank you for letting me tell you......
Many problems, but can see you've not given up, Mrs P. - good ! Going over there sounds a bit much, 2 dogs might make a big difference, but would you really want that ? You, Puss & 2 of them, mmn....Two things strike me 1) the manager who left might well have made only a little progress, but how much time could she give to one animal ? It would be very different with you, surely, in a much quieter environment with plenty of patient reassurance, gentle talk, no pressure & good food .2) have you thought of an animal behaviourist ? I'm no expert on dogs like Ev, but did have a phone consultation with one when Percy Cat was new to us in 2014, & she was great over the specific problem we had. I guess Teddie would need a visit. Just a thought, anyway. Agree, it would be wonderful if this lovely girl could find security, affection & contentment at last.
DeleteI’m afraid that a dog with this sort of history may never be able to settle in a conventional home. Having been in some countries where dogs do roam free whilst you feel sorry that they have to hunt for each scrap of food and have no real shelter. It may not be possible to alter their position realistically. I wonder at the wisdom of rescuing dogs from abroad and know my dog rescue charity had great problems with a border collie from Roumania. He had been rescued, the new owners couldn’t cope and he was left in the hands of the charity. There followed a string of foster homes but I gather he has eventually found a good forever home. He has an outside kennel though with a run as he can’t be kept in the house. He is regularly exercised of course. Maybe Mrs P you could think of taking on a home grown dog with less problems although I do realise you have a lot of experience. Only you can decide. All of the very best wishes from me!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ev.
DeleteYou illustrate the concerns that I have.
I am a realist not an idealist.
Still keeping my fingers crossed for you Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone read the book about “Arthur”. He was a dog that was homeless in South America and after being thrown a bit of sausage by a Scandinavian team in some sort of trekking competition he latched on and followed them.
It is a truly moving book and goes to show that anything is possible.
My thoughts are with you all that have shared personal stories. I feel touched to have been able to read such experiences.
Thank you, all my Archers blog friends, for wading through my extra long post.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate having been able to tell you all about my rather complicated family life - it has been quite cathartic and so wonderful to feel I am amongst unseen friends who are so supportive.
Thank you, one and all 🙋♀️
Very moving.
DeleteThank you, AP, for sharing your story with us all, at this very moving time. xx
ReplyDeleteMrs P, thank you for letting us know about Teddy,I was wanting to know, but didn't feel able to ask again!
ReplyDeleteWhy if they were so unsure of him did they put him on the web site? Building your hopes up.
I am sure if any one can give him a home then you can, but glad to hear that you are realistic.
Please keep us posted with progress, .best wishes for the pair of you
I thought that too CowGirl, why ?
DeleteBut then thinking it through I suppose they take pictures of all of them and post those pics up, prior to discovering the animals nature.
I imagine the project gets the dogs in and after seeing the vet for assessment they are automatically added to a list of animals to be rehomed.
And it's not until the process of adoption is started that the true nature of the dog is looked at in depth.
That seems to be what is happening now, with Teddie.
Archerphile. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNo one has commented yet on the vibrant new pics that Ruthy has magicked on both blogs; they're great ! I take it that the other one is Natasha's fruit converted into a healthy drink, bounding off the shelves at Bridge Farm ? I wonder if the hat we see on the handsome outdoor recliner above is the the same as the one in the cafe where Ruthy & PtbY met a short while ago ?!
ReplyDeleteLate in the day, but would like to echo the appreciative comments about the way this blog has developed, the trust shown, & the personal stories that we are privileged to share
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, yours was especially poignant. Thank you, & thanks to all who've written. It somehow gives hope for humanity that such exchanges can evolve between people unseen, unheard, across large distances.
Yes, have noted the new pics! The hat on the seat suggests she has gone in to get a glass of Pimms in order to settle down again with a good book! Just fancying!
ReplyDeleteBack briefly to dogs, we have finally got Buddy’s date of birth hand find he is 8 months old where we had believed he was 5 months. This means he is too old for the puppy classes Katy has been taking him to on Monday nights. However, we are not telling as he is not nearly ready to move into the next class! His behaviour was appalling last night, he barked a lot and had to stand in the corner, he gate crashed the new puppy class and wouldn’t come when called although he had happily done that the previous week. He then played on his cuteness having the puppy owners fuss over him and enjoyed being the class clown. On returning home, Katy had a large glass of wine to get over the embarrassment! We think this is teen behaviour and continue to show him he is not Top Dog! We are trying anyway!
Ah, Ev, how well I remember those puppy classes with my big lurcher puppy, Harry. I spent most of the time during classes at the far end of the room, trying to stop him disrupting the class while I struggled to hear what was being said by the trainer. On his free time off lead, he pinched the other puppies' toys and tried to steal the trainer's treat store. I think I came close to having a nervous breakdown over them - had reached an intensive phase in the degree I was taking at the same time - and I just despaired of ever having a dog that I could control. Even thought about re-homing him, but, who would have him? Couldn't bear to think of him being badly treated as he was very loveable, despite my struggle to be 'pack leader'.
DeleteBut, I did it eventually - not always in the way we were instructed in the puppy class, I'm afraid, but by using stratagems worked out by the "try it and see" method. I first had to assert my dominance over him - sometimes a little bit roughly because he's big and strong - and it took a long time, trials of many different approaches and endless patience. But after several years I could be reasonably confident in his behaviour, and I now that he is a veteran of 10 and a half, I have a loving and (mostly) obedient boy who accepts that I'm his pack leader (and mum too!).
My neighbours daughter has two young dogs rescued from Rumania. She and her partner decided that they would have one as a working dog, her partner is a tree surgeon, and the other a home dog. The decision was based on their temperaments. The daughter has recently returned from Rumania, having volunteered in a rescue centre.
ReplyDeleteWe have two rescue cats who were abused, and it took a long time for them to settle and trust us.
There are a number of animal rescue centres around these parts, and every week the local rag does a tear jerking story on cats and dogs waiting for "their forever home". Do we really need to go as far as Eastern Europe to rescue them?
I pose the question because it reminds of the mad rush to adopt, and work with babies abondoned by the old regime.
I have never had a baby or a dog, although I do admire those who have the love to give to those who are unwanted.
I do hope I haven't offended anyone.
Ps. I would like the hat on Ruthy's swing.
I would like the swing.
ReplyDeleteI already have the hat !
I'll join you Mrs P if I may.
DeleteWe'll get one of the youngsters to push us.
My son says that there are many stray cats and dogs in the Philippines, and occasionally because there is a lot of poverty some do get killed and eaten. My filipina daughter-in-law who is a teacher was invited for a meal by the parents of one of her pupils and found herself facing a meal which included cat as the meat. She was polite and ate it rather than hurt the family who were poor and who had cooked it to thank her for her kindness to their child.
ReplyDeleteMy son was luckier. He gave some regular household work to a girl who needed it and he was presented with a huge bunch of bananas from her father as he had a banana tree growing in his garden. People give what they can.
Just out of interest for those of you who were teachers, teachers there - at least on Masbate island - have to maintain their classrooms themselves , painting it when needed, and they also seem to have to supply paper and pens for their pupils even though their wages are not high.
Blimey, makes the educating bit seem like a piece of cake ! I think it's like that in parts of Africa, too. Mind you, I doubt teachers in those parts of the world have to do all the tedious paperwork & target chasing.
DeleteIt's always good to be reminded how lucky we are in the UK with our First World problems. Life s**** for so many.
DeleteWhat is the meeting date under the Waterloo Station clock?
ReplyDelete3rd Dec., 1pm. Er, does this mean, Ruthy, you just might.....? ( No, tell me I'm being silly !)
DeleteOoooh !
DeleteI echo that oooooh...!
DeleteMe too.
DeleteA friend asked me if I would be free on the 3rd December and if so may she come to visit me.
DeleteWhen I told her why I wouldn't be available on that date there was a resounding " Wow, how great."
Would dearly love to be there with you, but no. Working on a special post for this meeting and wanted to make sure it's up and running!
DeleteAre, that's nice.
DeleteRuthy, you put so much into our project. Far more than the BBC ever did.
Roll on Dec 3rd!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful Autumn colours I am seeing this year.
ReplyDeleteLovely sunshine and so many vibrant colours. It is a delight to see.
I had a real spectacle yesterday - rain with sun, and then a double rainbow, with fabulous trees with very wonderful, brilliant, gold + red
colours. Sadly, no photo.
Wish I can see those too.
DeleteSnowing in New Jersey - we are due to get 3 to 5 inches. Left work early and seeing the snow accumulate on my deck.
ReplyDeleteOh golly Ruthy, that may mean that we get it soon.
DeleteWe tend to get it about a week after you.
It has been very mild this week but temperatures are due to drop from tomorrow, yet still very mild for November.
We got 8 to 12 inches of snow ☃️
DeleteGood grief Ruthy. How do you manage to get to work with that much. Does everything grind to a halt like it does here if we get half an inch.
DeleteI had been investigating the possibility of finding a way to be with you on Dec 3rd, but the matter has been settled by the arrival of a clinic appointment on that day. Pity.
ReplyDeleteSarnia, that’s such a shame. Not something you can rearrange?
ReplyDeleteAre we still meeting under the clock or going straight to Benugo’s?
Ruthy, are you snowed in this morning? Is it usual to have snow in November in New Jersey?
DeleteStill under the clock. Then Benuga's, which overlooks the clock, so that if Bootgums can't make it by 1pm she knows where we are. Naturally, that applies to anyone else who might be running a little late.
DeleteJust to reiterate- we must meet under the clock.
DeleteThe tradition !
Anyone running late, or.....deciding they might join us when they have seen how we interact with each other.
ReplyDeleteSilent readers.
I don't post very often but log in every day to read all of your coments and to hear about your lives. I would have really enjoyed meeting some of you in Waterloo but, with my son, daughter in law and the two grandchildren we are planning to spend Christmas with my daughter in London so won't be able to make two trips. I'm looking forward ro reading about rhe meeting and hopefully there will be others so I can attend.
DeleteHope so, too, Gianna !
DeleteWhile I'm at it, if you're dipping in from time to time, Hamburg Gardener, it would be great to see you, if not on Dec. 3rd, then at some point. Same goes for Nigella, think she lives in Germany, &, unless I'm imagining it (not impossible), has posted on the Ruthy blogs.
Me too, looking forward to reading all about the big meet up, that is ! What a pity we can’t post photos here ...... but then that might spoil my mental pictures of you all, so perhaps it’s just as well. I wish you all a very happy day and hope you will all write detailed accounts of what happens and what you all chat about - for those of us who won’t be there in person.
DeleteHear hear Archerphile. For me an easy journey from one end of the line to the other but not possible on a personal level at the moment anyway. Also a little bit of me feels as you do AP we listen to TA with our own visions of each character....same on here?
DeleteEven so my curiosity is aroused and looking forward immensely to reading how the meet up goes 🤗🐄🐓🐑 I'm sure it will be a resounding success!
Snow over - woke up with sound of sleet!!! Can it get any worst for a first winter snow storm. The weather predictors got it so wrong!!!! The snow was forecast to change over to rain because the temperature was going up in the late afternoon. Well it didn't and the snow kept coming. We've got about 12 inches and now with sleet coming on top of that. The commute for NYC and New Jersey was a nightmare with millions trying to get home. I lucky was smart enough and fortunate enough to have left work at 2 pm. Still it took twice the time to get home, but I will work remotely from home today :)
ReplyDeleteRuthy, hope you keep warm.
DeleteMeeting up group I agree we should stick to meeting under the clock for those who can. Just needed to clarify we hadn’t changed the original idea.
I browsed the BBC site this morning and they are flagging a play written by Richard Lumsden, who I believe plays Alastair. Has anyone listened to it?
I agree ladies.
DeleteUnder the clock it is and if anybody does arrive late and if those who have arrived already are not still greeting each other there to the amusement and surprise of fellow passengers we will no doubt be upstairs in Benuga or Benugo whichever it is..
Dog rescue alert.......
ReplyDeleteI've been sent three short videos of Teddie this evening.
Manager trying to tempt her with a biscuit.
Coming near, tail down but swinging. Interested but caution prevents her taking biscuit.
But she took biscuit from ground when it was thrown in her direction, and she clearly knows her name.
A very slight curl of the lip when she looked as though she felt trapped, but no attempt at biting.
She needs time and space.
I have the patience !
So glad to hear your news Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteMisty was exactly the same and she had been living with a family ! 8 weeks on and only now is she really trusting me.
Poor Teddie hasn't had a chance, like you I see the potential, *(from your description )
As they say time is the biggest healer. Good luck to you both I hope she comes to you soon.
I will continue to keep an eye out for your up dates.
Go for it Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteYou want to I feel sure.
If anyone can do it ,you can
Please keep us in touch with what you decide.
Great noise outside as I type this.
There are 10 parakeets all trying to get at the container of sunflower hearts.
The pigeons sensibly stay on the ground waiting to get what has been dropped by the other birds.
They don't get it all.
We now have sunflowers growing in the Rose bed below the feeder.
Oh LJ, I do miss those parakeets.
DeleteThank you for keeping me in touch with them.
And thanks CG and LJ for good wishes.
Hope you do go ahead with Teddie, Mrs P. She needs your patience, the safe environment of your home & surroundings to become the lively, happy & confident dog she was born to be.
ReplyDeleteSomething not entirely unconnected going on here : we collected 3 rescue chickens yesterday, a far cry from beautiful Beatrix, but she wasn't a rescue. Very shy, nervous, & challenged in the feather department, but we think they'll blossom in time. Think I've figured who's the boss - makes the most noise & has a few more feathers than the others. Mr C even found a perfect egg this morning ! Impressive, after the terrifying journey, & then faced with a much smaller, & unfamiliar space.( advice was to keep it like that for a few nights, so we won't allow them in the inner run till Sunday )They're around 15-16 months old, so have been laying for a while. Important thing, though, as with Teddie, is that they start to relax, & grow confidence - as well as feathers - as the weeks go on. Very glad we've done this, as there's so many that need rescuing from wretched conditions.
A small cabbage hung up whilst they are in side will give them something to peck at and relieve the boredom , helps to stop them pecking each other if they have been used to this.I am sure they will flourish with your loving care.
DeleteThanks to Carolyn too.
DeleteNow I envy you having chickens.
How wonderful, the result of yesterday’s Children in Need fundraising appeal. Every year they seem to exceed the previous years total and this year it was an unbelievable £50,500,000 apparently.
ReplyDeleteI was particularly impressed by the youngsters taking part in the rickshaw challenge, they all had such heartbreaking stories to tell, but put themselves through extreme conditions to raise money for other children who are going through similar experiences.
Good for them, and for all who contributed in whatever way, simply dressing as a clown to teach in school yesterday, (as my daughter did) to undertaking difficult challenges. The British spirit and compassion is alive and well.
I'm afraid I won't be coming to Waterloo on 3 Dec. I've been invited to a book launch at Lambeth Palace and it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's not far from Waterloo: how many hours are you planning to stay?
ReplyDeleteOh that's a shame but can't say I blame you going for the ' better offer' as we used to say.
DeleteAm with LJand C, I am unlikely to be rushing off in a hurry.
As you say Bootgums, it's not far, but further than you think when walking.
Also like Lan Jan I could be there earlier as only fifteen minutes to Waterloo on the train. Longer by bus, but I shall enjoy the journey.
And have now read other posts, so Bootgums if you are able to make it before the book launch several of us can too.
I will be most disappointed Bootgums if you can't make the meeting
ReplyDeleteI think the length of time we are likely to be staying has not been decided.
I would have thought an hour or two possibly.
It's possible people may leave at different times. Bootgums, I reckon if you showed at 3pm, there may well be some of us there. I, for one, would be happy to stay till 4pm ( another tea, another bun....)
DeleteBootgums, I will need to be somewhere else at 4 but I think if I leave at 3.30 that should be fine. The book launch sounds intriguing - looking forward to hearing about it.
DeleteBootgums ,Is it possible for you perhaps to nip in for a short time before the Book Launch?
DeleteI realise I probably have an easier and shorter journey than most if not all of you and can be at Waterloo earlier than 1pm if that is of any use.
DeleteSame here Lanjan. If anyone wants to meet earlier I can be there earlier too.
ReplyDeleteThat’s also possible for me.
DeleteDon't mind earlier than 1 pm, if that's consensus.
DeleteI had a "magical" photo of a scan, + a message via Wattsapp this morn.My neice who lives in OZ, is expecting No#2. She is already 12 weeks pregnant, and her son is still only 10 months old!! She will cope brilliantly!
ReplyDelete