THIS POST IS CLOSED
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 32 Life Outside Ambridge
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 32 Life Outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Popular posts from this blog
Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
So cute! It’s cold and sunny here but I here it’s snowing in Yorkshire and very blustery. I have yet another sore throat so I am not going up north just yet. I bet the moors are pretty though. Hope everyone is keeping safe and warm.
ReplyDeleteor perhaps I hear. Blumming autotype thingy.
DeleteI was looking for wintry images on the internet and came across this. Just so cute.
DeleteWe are having very cold weather here in the Northeast and will have rain and sleet later and more of the same this weekend with some snow mixed in.
Seasider - do take care of yourself. I found a recipe on The Guardian before Christmas. Steep fresh or dried rosemary, sage and thyme. The first two are antimicrobial and the last is an expectorant. Steep them for about 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon for added tastes.
Thanks Ruthy, much appreciated. I was gardening earlier in the week and I have those herbs growing in pots and forget to use them. I will pick some in the (cold) sunshine. Sick of it as I have had it on and off since early November.
DeleteJust to say Bootgums is not alone in her tastes, adding to the thread on the previous blog.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to The third programme as it was, and The Home Service at 18.
Plays and music, jazz and classical on 3 and current affairs on THS, as well as attending recitals at the Wigmore Hall and jazz clubs in Soho.
By the time of my early thirties I was immersed in T H S which became R4 and it has been my daily best friend since.
Of late I have been tuning in to Classic FM overcoming my extreme dislike of the unctuous voices.
Too much opera on 3 for me.
I do hope, Archerphile that you are able to add you travelogue to your photographs to complete a folder of your wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteSomething to pass to your grandsons for their future.
It has been fascinating to read for us, and thank you.
Have any of your listened to "Soul Music " at 9.00am each Wednesday morning on radio 4?
ReplyDeleteIt is delightful .
It was where I first heard Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Part.
This week the music in question is"Smile" by Charlie Chaplin.
Lan Jan, thanks for the reminder. I have enjoyed one or two but not a regular. Will look in again.
DeleteI agree with Mrs P about the opera on 3. I listen to radio 3 when I am driving but switch off the opera. I used to like Jazz fm and rediscovered it on digital recently. I have to say I went from radio one to four, with a few London stations in between. I like the folk music on radio 2 when I remember.
Yes Seasider, I’m a jazz fm listener when I’m in the kitchen. I find it very therapeutic when I’m cooking.
DeleteYes LJ I have listened to most series of soul music since it began some years ago now. I have not listened to any episodes of this current series I'm afraid.
DeleteLike Seasider I do have R3 and Classic when driving, but it's ' off' when the opera comes on.
I have two yellow crocuses in flower today, and yellow tete-a-tete miniture daffs about to bloom. So very early and grass is growing. I live in Northwest and this is not normal.
ReplyDeleteHere in tropical Glasgow not only have our crocuses already flowered and our dafodils began bursting out, most of our rose bushes have continued to bloom through the winter! We also have hollyhocks still in flower from last summer. Madness...
ReplyDeleteDo you have a micro climate in Glasgow GG ?
DeleteIt's just that winter only arrived yesterday MrsP!
DeleteIt seems that the "winter bug" is not affecting the senior persons. Many will have had the 'flu jab, but I haven't.
ReplyDeleteI am not entitled to it, as still under 65yrs. I tried to get one done, with payment, but none were available as sources had run out.
I picked up the "bug" a short while ago. Luckily it didn't become nasty, but still have an annoying "tickly cough" + a sore throat, which comes + goes. Nothing to worry about and think I am lucky.
Archerphile – just to express my appreciation of your account of your last days in Dubai.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you Archerphile for your beautifully descriptive blogs from Dubai. I have enjoyed reading them all. Hope you have / had a safe flight home.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone ! Back home at 8pm, so just missed listening to TA live, but will catch up in bed later as I usually do.
ReplyDeleteLeft Dubai at lunchtime in temperature of 28C. Arrived at Heathrow at 6.30 in temperature of 3C !
This is going to take some getting used to, also the 4 hour time difference.
Thank you all for your kind words about my Dubai postings, I hope they weren’t too long or boring. I think I covered the highlights but I did miss out all the worry and anxiety about my grandsons who have both developed difficult medical and psychological problems since the move. Fortunately medical provision is second to none in Dubai but our son and d.i.l. are having a very worrying time with their little boys.
Just wish I could have stayed longer to support them.
Oh no Archerphile. That must be very worrying for you. How long are they out there for? Will they be returning to where they were?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your grandsons. I do hope the family receives all the help and support they need. It sounds like your visit was timely.
DeleteThank you PtbY & Seasiders. Our son’s Contract is for a minimum of 3 yrs and maximum of 5. They are most likely to return to Toulouse so the boys can finish their education at their old school there. At least being in Dubai has meant the older boy has finally had his problem diagnosed and is receiving treatment but it is not being easy. The little one has become very anxious and school-phobic making mornings a nightmare, trying to get him to school, but he was beginning to improve a little when we left.
DeleteHow distressing for everyone. Fingers crossed things continue to improve.
DeleteIt’s very difficult when you are so far away from them and there’s nothing you can do.
My son was in the USA for 5 years and for the last 5 months the house that went with his job, the boss decided to sell it, so he was suddenly homeless. He didn’t earn enough to rent anywhere so spent those months moving around on friends sofas.
He would have liked to have stayed in the USA but his visa was tied to this job (soccer coaching) and he couldn’t get a visa to set up on his own. Hence he now lives in Manchester and has a proper job.
You never stop worrying about them.
Would like to add to thanks to you, Archerphile, for your fascinating descriptions of Dubai, covering so much - the culture, the spectacles, way of life, architecture, food, above all, your personal impressions & thoughts on all you experienced. Surely, this adds up to the best in travel writing !
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the troubles your grandsons are having. Did wonder about the one who had a medical crisis before the family moved out there, but didn't like to ask when you were actually there, seemed inappropriate somehow, given the focus was on Dubai itself. I bet it did both boys a power of good to see you & Mr. A - normality, familiarity amongst much that is unfamiliar & strange. Do hope both the physical & emotional problems ease soon.
So sorry to hear about your grandson's problems Archerphile. When my children were young
ReplyDelete( 2 and 5) we moved from Italy to England for 3 years then to the States for 5 years then returned to Italy when they werev11 and 14. They were very upset about the return and spent the summer closed in their bedrooms but I am happy to say they became responsible happy adults and don't bear any resentment for being dragged around the world.
Thank you all for your concern. Yes, it is very frustrating stratingbeing so far away, at least. When they were in Toulouse it was a quick, cheap Easyjet flight away to go and help. Now that is impossible (in terms of cost). However my daughter in laws father arrives for a 2 week stay today, then her mother (they are divorced) for another two weeks, so there is another month with grandparentsl help before they are all on their own again
DeleteYou are right P t bY ,you never stop worrying about your children.
ReplyDeleteI think Archetphile said that her family is in Dubai for probably 3or 5 years so hopefully they will be back in Europe before too long.
I was very upset when my son and family emigrated to Canada not just because I wouldn't be able to see my grandsons but also because I felt that it was wrong to uproot children at the age they were -eleven and 14 years of age.
Of course I never said a word because it was their decision and the boys seem to be doing well .
I have been to see them in Canada and they have been back here for visits .
I am crossing my fingers that my elder grandson might be transferred to London by the firm he works for.
I get the impression that is what he is hoping for.
He might then be able to watch his team ,Liverpool, live rather than just on the TV.
Miriam,I think that although you live in the North West of England you do live fairly near to the coast as I did some years ago.
ReplyDeleteSo like me you should have warm wet westerly winds in winter .Where I lived we rarely had snow.
I am envious of you having tête-à-tête daffodils and snowdrops out already.
We have hellebores and quince bushes in flower but as yet no spring bulbs.
I was surprised and delighted to find how much has happened in the garden over the past eighteen days. Like Miriam I have lots of tête à tête daffodils coming through, with buds, but nothing open yet. Our goldfish pond must have been raided while we were away as the protective netting is all pushed in under the water, as if an animal or large bird has jumped on it. We are yet to learn if we still have all our fish or if the wretched heron has snaffled them all, as happened once before!
ReplyDeleteHope your fish have survived,Archerphile,
DeleteThe same thing happened to us some years ago when the heron ate all but one of our fish.
Now Mr LJ has nailed the plastic netting to a sort of wooden trellis which he placed over the pond and although the heron still visits ,so far he has not been able to eat the fish.
When we went to buy more fish I was amazed to learn that they can live for many many years.
We have just had a new addition I noticed.
Saw snow falling for the first time this winter, today. It didn't settle and turned to rain, after an hour. Although I live on the English/Welsh border, which is a type of "micro-climate", I was surprised to see snow.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI expect that you will notice the change in temparture.
A neice is in Abu-Dhabi on yet another buisness trip, and is finding it too hot.
Hope some of your fish have survived.
Ooh yes, Miriam, I’m freezing after getting used to higher temperature for the past three weeks!
DeleteI bought the healthy version of Heinz Tom sauce the other day - 50% less salt + sugar.
ReplyDeleteIt is so bland + tasteless.
Will revert back to the original, as I am sure, that the difference in a week is almost neglible, as only use 1x or 2x in 7 days.
Will buy what I know + like regardless, as it has to be, everything in moderation and be sensible. I always cook from scratch so I know that there are no preservatives nor additives in my meals and are healthy + nutricious, with lots of fresh veg. beans + pulses.
I accidentally ate some low sugar/low salt baked beans the other week and must say they tasted truly vile...
DeleteMust say that I am feeling awfully proud of myself food wise at the moment - since Boxing Day I have had no crisps, (I love crisps so much), no meat and no fizzy drinks! Possibly more importantly, I have had no alcohol or cigarettes since then too. Longest period of time without all of the above since I was about 14 years old and long overdue!!!
Gosh, well done you. Your liver will love you for it.
DeleteSo will your lungs.
DeleteGG I am impressed, but isn’t life rather sad? I don’t smoke, but enjoy the other items on your list. If I followed suit and added cheese and chocolate to the list my life would be without any pleasure! Fortunately for me ( and those around me) I am not so inclined.
ReplyDeleteI think the snow bunnies in the photo are great, if it snows i’ making some, meanwhile I have real bunnies in garden but they don’t eat the snow drops or hellebores which are blooming, no narcissi yet.
Oh I still devour far too much chocolate & cheese KP - just thought it was time to eat a bit healthier!
ReplyDeleteI truly am capable of wolfing down a terrifying amount of crisps... And even though I have cut down on the booze in the past few years I just wanted to see what a month or two off it completely would be like. Not eating meat is a doddle as I rarely ate it anyway, never understood how many people can eat it at EVERY meal time! Always been really active my whole life, but been a tremendous glutton at the same time...🍇🍞🍖🎾🍔🍕🍝🍩🍫🍰🍬🍸🍹🍺🍻🚬🍷
I mostly buy good quality chocolate and eat it slowly so that I can taste it. Then it goes back in a tin in a cupboard so that it's not sitting around being tempting. It's only allowed out once a day. There are still some Lily O'Brien chocolates in the box. Green & Black tasting collection is half price - cheaper than full-size bars just now so they might be destined for my chocolate tin. A forgotten chocolate snowman is lying in the tin.
DeleteEaster eggs + other chocolate Easter goods are in Tesco. Notice on side of display "Easter Sunday 21st April". That's 3 months away. Why are they cluttering up the shop?
We are the lucky recipients of our neighbours unwanted chocolates that she receives as gifts - she recently turned up with 5 boxes of delicious treats, with the promise of more to come. We love her....
DeleteI'm with you on the crisps GG. I can easily wolf down a big pack of 'posh' crisps with a couple of glasses of wine. I'm trying to cut down on both, having failed at dry January early on. My new idea is to have alcohol on fewer than half the days every month.
DeleteI'm not sure whether it's an 'up' side or a 'down' side to being on citalopram, but I've found the warning not to take alcohol to be well justified. On holiday last year I accidentally ate a meal with a sauce containing white wine, with such dire consequences that I've been ultra careful ever since. It's a powerful incentive to remain 'on the wagon'.
DeleteOh dear, the compulsion to eat up the chocolates so that they're not there to tempt you any longer. I haven't opened the G & B tasting collection yet, but when I do . . .
DeleteReplying to Sarnia, I’ve been on citalopram for nearly a year ( it probably prevented me from throwing in my job) but continue drink wine on a regular basis without significant interaction, which merely shows we’re all different. When I was prescribed amitryptiline a few years ago for nerve pain I couldn’t combine that with alcohol ( and it didn’t really help the pain, surgery finally resolved matters)
DeleteI’m the same with crisps. I do not buy them but always want them in the pub. I’ve now stopped going to the pub apart from saturdays and do not have any crisps.
ReplyDeleteI always thought a good way to die would be to get locked in a walkers crisps lorry full of salt and vinegar and try to eat your way out!
I just finished my Christmas bottle of wine I got so no more drinking at home either. Never thought I would get to this hardly drinking at all stage I used to drink copious amounts of wine. Just can’t do it nowadays and no longer want to.
Gary......why the rogue tennis ball in your pics, would imagine they are very difficult to eat compared to the rest!!😁
Ha! My sloppy editing! Was going to alternate treats emoji with a healthy activity emoji and then changed my mind...
DeleteIt is funny this lack of desire for booze isn't it? For about 10 years I was basically a high functioning alcoholic - so glad I'm at this stage of my life now!
Well Gary, you must be blessed with good genes because I would not have guessed that you had a past that required so much booze.
DeleteBless you MrsP!
DeleteZoëtrope,I am trying to do a similar thing to you.
ReplyDeleteI am allowing myself alcohol and chocolate -at the weekend but from Monday-Thursday they are out of bounds.
The trouble is that we were given so many tins of Quality St at Christmas (one from John Lewis not only had our surname on the tin -not the plastic one- but also had our favourite chocolates in.)
When they are used up I will go back to my all time favourite -Cadbury's Dairy milk - until Lent when I won't eat any.
I am definitely back on my carbohydrate free diet, having put one stone of the five I lost for my operation back on! I felt really uncomfortable in Dubai and could feel the spare tyre round my middle - and the summer dresses I bought last year, and took with me, were quite tight!
ReplyDeleteNow back home it’s time to get that 14lbs off, or it will undo all the good work my surgeon did!
AP you lost 5 stone for your op - wow, I remember you telling us once re cutting back on the sweeties etc which surprised me even then in my minds eye I have always seen you as a slim lady of average height...
ReplyDeleteLanjan Mon - Fri cut backs? Fri counts as the weekend 😂 good for you.
I like the Green & Blacks dark choc 1-2 squares max sucked slowly (once per day) really sates my chocolate 🍫 urge. Anything else and I want to devour the whole packet / box 😮
Yes Lady R.
ReplyDeleteMy weekend starts when I am getting the evening meal on. Friday.
Has anybody had Chocolat chocolates ?
They are supposed to be marvellous but we were given some and I was most disappointed.
I am not over keen on Green and Blacks dark chocolate either so I reckon I must be a bit of a cheapskate.
Ha Lanjan. I like Lidl’s 82% dark chocolate. I’m a real cheapskate
DeleteA chocolatier here on the island when speaking to the Townswomen’s Guild told us that chocolate had to be tempered and when broken should have a sharp sound. Apart from his own chocolate he reckoned Aldi and Lidl did the best! If you are on the island go to his shop, the Chocolate Apothecary on the esplanade opposite the bus station. The hot chocolate is to die for and he hand crafts the chocs which work out at £1 each but I promise you will thoroughly enjoy but won’t be able to eat more than two at a time as they are so rich! I am not a fan of plain chocolate but do enjoy Green and Black’s plain chocolate with ginger. You will gather I am hooked on the stuff! Nevertheless have lost half a stone since having the dogs as walkies includes uphill work, inevitable on my part of the island!
DeleteThere was a power cut here today so the pedestrian crossing was out of action. A man seeing me wanting to cross walked out into the busy road and held up his hands as policemen used to do to stop the traffic. Only on the island!!
Agree Lidle and Aldi sell the best Chocolate. German and Belgium.
DeleteWe have just got a new one hear in the town. I fear my chocolate intake will increase.
Plain with hazelnut or almond. And one square at a time is NOT ENOUGH.
But I don't drink wine or any alcohol at all to speak of.
I know from experience Evs description of 'to die for ' hot chocolate at the Apothecary in Ryde.
She and I will meet up there one of these days I hope.
So do I, Mrs P. Only a 15 minute bus ride for me!
DeleteArcherphile, how is the getting out of the bath coming along ?
ReplyDeleteBack to normal now Mrs P, can use the same method I have used for years, but I am very careful not to slip and try not to twist my hip as I get in. Thanks for asking.
DeleteI cannot resist a bargain.
ReplyDeleteI had a voucher worth £4 off £20 from Waitrose .
I rarely shop there(except through Ocado) but last week when I was near to a Waitrose shop I went in to spend £20
There was nothing I needed .
However
Pinotage red wine was reduced so I bought two bottles.
Something else was reduced because of sell by date (I bought two)
I bought some peppermint tea bags because I fancied trying them
Eureka!
I have saved £4.
As you might gather I have opened a bottle of the Pinotage.
I am in the kitchen doing the evening meal.
Mr LJ is watching football on the tele.
Soon I will give him his meal and he will not say anything about my inebriated state I trust.
Alice could learn a thing or two from me!
Happiness is getting a bargain!
We are expecting 8 to 12 inches of snow tonight!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!! ☃️☃️
DeleteLooking forward to see some snow bunnies.❄❄
Keep warm and safe Ruthy 🔥❄️🔥
DeleteI don't eat chocolate or anything sweet - cakes, biscuits, etc. I just do not have a sweet tooth.
ReplyDeleteLove my carbs. but are now all whole-grain based:- wholemeal pasta, brown rice, granary bread, wholemeal "home-made" pastry and so on...
Love low-fat turkey mince, which when mixed with oats makes very tasty meatballs, and also use in lasagne, along with sauces made with fresh veg. + ingredients. It is easy + a very healthy alternative.
Love fish - a salmon risotto with asparagus, leeks, mushrooms or green beans, is great, not forgetting a "smoked" haddock + mushroom lasagne.
This is why, at 64yrs, I still wear clothes, size 8/10. But it is very difficult to find what I want and to suit me, in a size to fit me. It is a problem.
DeleteIt seems we have a lot in common Miriam. Both live in Cheshire, both worked as health professionals, eat a similar diet and have the same problem with clothes.
DeleteI take no notice of the so called healthy eating, which changes like the wind, I have never smoked, drink alcohol occasionally, health professionals would be horrified at the amount of fat and salt I consume. I am a healthy 75 year old, cut and carry logs for my wood burner, (though no longer enough for the entire winter. ) knock in fence posts, cut my lawn which takes over an hour with a petrol driven blade , but not self propelled. etc.
DeleteMy heart is healthy, I have twice had it checked in the last 10 years after my brother was discovered to have an inheritable heart disease.
For the first time in over 30 years I have central heating, which I rarely use, it is this together with an active lifestyle that I believe. keeps me healthy.
My bone structure means I will never be anything other than a size 14, yes I do carry a little more than perhaps I should, but it is also recognised that in later life you should not be too thin.
A friend recently, who is over 80 and active had a serious chest infection and lost over 5 lbs in weight over 3 days, at least she had a little to lose. At the other end of the scale a friend of similar age has been very ill with shingles, she is the opposite always very thin and now she looks like she has just come out of Belson and her health is suffering as a result.
As in all things moderation is important
Good for you Cowgirl.
DeleteMy closest friend died in her early 60s after eating healthily all her life and never taking medication -even aspirin.
The Consultant told her that it was all to do with the genes and not what one ate.
The husband of a friend has dementia.
He is in his late 80s
He used to love a glass of whisky in the evening but she won't let him have it now in case it makes him worse.
I want to tell her to let him have it but of course I haven't and she would take no notice if I did.
Sounds like a jolly nice problem to have Miriam.
ReplyDeleteWell done !
It is a major problem!! As still only weigh 8st. 4oz (and 5'5" tall), most of clothes I like, are not available in my size. I do not know where to go next, to try and buy clothes to suit and fit. It is promblematic.
DeleteDaren't even mention - trying to find a 'bra to fit!🤣🤣
DeleteSorry to the Male contributers.
M & S is good for range of bra sizes!
DeleteGosh, we could have such a chat about bras - cup sizes( availability of), comfort, fit, underwiring-or-not, padding-or-not, support etc. When are we next meeting in London ?(or elsewhere) Spring ?
DeleteMiriam, I'm the same age, and roughly the same height, as you. If I were the same weight, I would not be complaining! That's the weight I feel I ought to be (and once was – even a bit less).
DeleteI was 7stone 2 and 5foot 1 1/2 inches for most of my young life and did not need a bra.
DeleteOh how I grieve for that young woman.
Clothes Miriam ?
Create your own style from size 6 or learn dressmaking.
Gosh, Miriam, you call that a problem? I won't give you my dimensions or you'd expect Mrs Blobby!
DeleteWhilst I’ve been ill I lost 10lbs even whilst stuffing my face over Christmas. Now I’ve just got to look at a slice of cake and another lb goes back on. Can’t tell you what I call the scales!!
DeleteI was talking to my cousins wife this morning and mentioned this, she reckons it’s in the genes on my mothers side. She reeled off all the relations and said how they all got fat and couldn’t shift it as they got older.....I thanked her very much for the deep depression I will now go into. 😩
A hefty dose of 'It's the thought that counts'-type thinking seems to be required, PtbY.
DeleteDon't worry P t b Y ,you take after your father's side of the family!
DeleteMiriam, go to a specialist lingerie shop. A good fitter will never use a tape measure, but will know by looking at you what will fit and suit. Then you will get a good fit without any hassle.
DeleteThere must be a good fitter in Chester, close to you I believe.
I love opening this blog to see the snow bunnies with their red eyes - I WANT them !
ReplyDeleteWorried that we're getting to the end of the Archer blogs so quickly these days, just a few days, never a whole week; good that the SWs are stimulating responses, but does put the pressure on Ruthy. So, can you tolerate it, Ruthy ? Would you like us to be a tad more disciplined with the other one ? ( if it were me, I'd be sighing this year, ' for goodness sake, they've just passed 200 AGAIN !', even your legendary patience might be stretched...).
I was thinking that very same thought carolyn...
DeleteAnd it has also occurred to me several times this month.
DeleteMust apologise for having taken up so much space on this blog recently, adding to Ruthy’s job of having to open new ones so often. I will try to keep my comments much shorter and only contribute when there is a subject about which I feel I can say something useful. (That will leave out anything to do with dogs, as I have never had one and don’t like them much!) I am sure that several of us would be happy to take on the job of ‘blog controller’ for a while if Ruthy wants a break occasionally - after suitable instruction, of course!
DeleteI was referring to the Archers blog, not this one which saunters along at a reasonable pace, I think
DeleteSO, please don't limit your posts here, AP !! ( as you know, we loved your Dubai writings, in particular, but all contributions here are entertaining/informative etc.)
When one gets to a certain age ,Christmas presents often tend to be things like shortbread biscuits,chocolates and toiletries.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I decided to use some body lotion which was given to me for Christmas 2017
I sloshed it on and it felt sticky.
Unfortunately having not looked at the label I didn't see that it was in fact Shower gel.
😂 whoops!
DeleteOh Lanjan 🙄 😂 😉
DeleteOh dear LJ...... I am now in a fit of laughter.
DeletePoor you.
Isn't it dreadful when one needs spectacles in the bathroom.
Oh dear. Thanks for giving us a laugh out of your discomfort, Lanjan.
DeleteWell I bet you’re very clean now. 😁
ReplyDeleteIt was quite annoying because the shower is playing up- boiling hot one minute ,freezing cold the next .
Delete'Phoned ,Joe who will put a new one in on Wednesday.
The shower gel in question was a Shea one from body shop.
In my defence it has been in a drawer for over a year and I just assumed it was body cream.
To those concerned that running this blog is a chore for me. Well, rest assured that I don't consider this a chore and really just the opposite.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very clear answer, Ruthy, thank you. New pictures, new headings so frequently - you know we appreciate them very much, & don't want to take you for granted. Many thanks.
DeleteI so appreciate the effort Ruthy puts in, to keep us able to post our very own distinctive thoughts, on these two pages.
DeleteI am like others, that if it gets a chore, posts can certainly be shortened and made more concise, in order to help her out.
I am sure Ruthy will request this, if needed.
Concisely put Caroline and Miriam.
DeleteThank you Ruthy.
When we meet you at Waterloo or Heathrow we will show you how much you are appreciated.
When we work out the bill that Carolyn has paid, we will not include you.
(Somehow or other we managed to get extra money when we met at Waterloo so it was sent to St Mungo's Charity.
It was the fault I am sure of the cocky former maths teacher who is as you might guess is having a glass or two of wine as she is preparing the evening meal.
She rarely drank wine until she joined the exclusive "Ruthy Club" .
Now who should she blame?
Thank you so much, Ruthy. I feel I could take over the technical bit, if need be, but wouldn't be able to match your illustrations.
DeleteMy younger sister lives in Norfolk. One of the Sandingham Estate bounderies, is the country lane where she lives, but it is very minor. She says it is awful, as her village is full of "press" in case they can get a photo etc.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed that the people involved went to the Press straight away but who knows what situation they are in and I imagine that the Mirror Group were paying a lot of money for the story.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think that I would have said nothing-but would I?
Yesterday's news is tomorrow's chip paper-or it used to be.,
We will be back to the B word tomorrow.
The accident will be forgotten.
Unless compensation claims, are placed.
DeleteThis was done against me. It took from July 2017 to Oct. 2018 to sort. I was lucky, as finally proven as fraudulant.
DeleteThe lady involved in the accident has said she has not received an apology but if given this would be an admission of guilt which is not always a good thing to do in accidents. It could just as easily be partly her fault if she was speeding on the main road. We once had an experience in Scotland when my husband pulled out of a lay-by with nothing in sight and suddenly a powerful car appeared from nowhere. He went in front of us and forced us to stop then angrily banged on the window demanding we open it. We didn’t! I’m not saying this happened with the Duke but it is a possibility.
ReplyDeleteDriving without a seat belt within such a short time of the 'accident' is tactless, to say the least. I doubt the occupants of the other car were speeding: grandmother, mother and baby.
ReplyDeleteRegal arrogance, in fact ?!
DeleteI understood, rightly or wrongly, that the other car was not at fault, the adult passenger was injured (wrist ?) & that no apology had been received, which sounds disgraceful on the face of it.
DeleteAs Ev says one does not admit responsibility even if you know that you were in the wrong.
My son sent a bouquet of flowers to a woman when he had an accident shortly after passing his Test.
The Insurance Company were not best pleased .
Pig-headed, elderly men who won't be told are a type. This one happens to be royalty, but there are others who would do exactly the same.
DeleteExactly !
DeleteLanjan - your shower gel bit was a laugh.
ReplyDeleteThe annoying thing is that had I noticed it was shower gel before I opened it I would have given it away to someone else because I prefer to use a Sanctuary salt scrub bar unless I have been given some Molton Brown shower gel ( over priced I think but nice to get as a present and it is obviously shower gel and not a body lotion.)
DeleteI will use the wretched gel when I am giving myself a foot pamper
Andy Murray once brushed his teeth with moisturiser. It was after he'd had a post-victory champagne celebration. I've done it too. I blamed eyesight. 🤩
DeleteRoyal or not you are innocent until proved quilty. There are a lot of assumptions being made without the full facts being known.
ReplyDeleteAgree. It is an easy assumption that the Prince is completely to blame, his age and personality but in the absence of being there when the accident occurred such a judgement cannot be made.
DeleteThe fact is he was breaking the law by not wearing a seat belt whist driving on a public road. Whether he was the cause is another issue.
DeleteWho knows the full facts. I expect a lot is being hidden or being kept secret.
DeleteI believe HRH was given an eye-test afterwards and passed, but is this fact, or here-say.
Regardless of the cause and blame of the accident, I think that he should now undergo a further driving ability test, to ascertain whether he can still to drive at 97.
The seat belt incident was on the following day not during the accident but agree this was stupid and illegal. Even he isn’t above the law.
DeleteEv It was surely on the Sandringham Estate, so on private land.
DeleteThe photographer was at fault, for illegally trespassing 🤣🤣
Just a different view.
My Sis + Hubbie, have not ventured far out today, except to walk their wonderful labradoar,along their village lanes
They are so fed up with the constant press, who are still very prevalant in their Norfolk village. They photograph every + any one, just in case.
It's a type of "witch hunt" and the privacy of normal people, is being so very much affected.
More young people who have recently [passed their test have accidents than old people. To say that at a certain age you should retake your test is in my view ageist.
DeleteNot sure about the seat belt incident as one report said it was on the estate which fair enough but another said it was on the public road! I know how intrusive the press are as I lived on the same street as Jack Mills the train driver injured in the great train robbery. They were always at the Mills’ door and misreported by making up statements from Mrs Mills. I feel that Prince Charles was much maligned by the press but as we are not part of their day to day lives we can never know the truth. Hopefully for all who live near Sandringham and have been disrupted by this, the affair will soon be overtaken by other events!
DeleteThe police spoke to the Duke of Edinburgh about his not wearing a seat belt in his new car, so obviously it was on a public road. If he does it again he should be prosecuted.
DeleteLanjan. Can you claim to be the cleanest Archersfan?
ReplyDeleteI use Molton Brown it doesn't require much to achieve a good scrub down, so lasts longer and is nice and fragrant.
Stadia I agree MB goes a long way and smells so lovely ⭐️
DeleteStasia of course🙄
DeleteStadia ,I reckon I was yesterday!
ReplyDeleteHowever I haven't always been.
I was looking at my diary of 1957
Gosh what an interesting life I had as a teenager!
I have written down when I had a bath -and it wasn't every day!
1957, I was just a 2yr 4month old child, meeting a new sister born Jan 17th, 1957, in our 2 up, 2 down home. Only a coal fire in front room, and a hot water geyser in kitchen, and a mangle in the backyard.
DeleteHow times have changed.
I was living in similar circumstances in 1957but I was 9 and my little brother was born in 1958!
DeleteA mangle? In our 'ouse we 'ad to wrap ourselves in Izal and all lie on top of each other. (Just kidding. The major laundry was collected weekly and if you were lucky you got your own sheets back in good condition. Other washing was dried by the fire and occasionally went up in flames . . .. Happy days.)
DeleteThe bath was so huge it would have used up an entire day's supply of hot water. I was put in it once with my sister. Other times it was tin bath in front of fire.
DeleteNow you mention it bootgums, I recall scorched sheets.
I was still using a mangle when I lived without electricity in the 1990s, though I did find for smaller things it was better by hand. If truth be known the mangle needed new rollers, not available then of course. I often scorched things on the Aga !
DeleteYou lived without electricity, CowGirl?!
DeleteI had very long hair when a child and once tried to use the mangle to squish the water out after my hair was washed. I seem to remember Mum managed to untangle me but I didn't try it again!
DeleteGoing much further back in time - saw "The Favourite" this afternoon! Thought it was bloody marvellous... Heartily recommend it to all. But not if you don't like swearing.
ReplyDeleteMasses of swearing in it. Quite a staggering amount really. Oodles of bad words. Oodles of them!
I planned to go see this evening, GG but it was fully booked.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow afternoon now.
Thanks for the 👍
What is “The Favourite” please?
DeleteThe Favourite is a film about Queen Anne starring Olivia Coleman who is likely to win an Oscar for her performance.
DeleteI have seen clips of it and I must say I do not fancy it.
Gary is a lot younger than I am but it may just be that I am a miserable old fashioned old biddy.
A friend emailed me to say that when she came out of the cinema there was a lot of tut tutting by the pensioners because it was so bawdy.
Let us know how you get on Mrs P .
I trust your judgement.
They were bawdy times!
ReplyDeleteJust to make it clear.
ReplyDeleteIt may be that Mrs P (who is not as old as I am but nearer in age to me than young Gary ) disagrees with my friend and the other OAPs from "up north" ..
I was trying to say that perhaps younger people might be more inclined to enjoy the film than we oldies but I may be wrong.
I never go out to a cinema to watch films (the last time must be at least 20 years ago to watch ‘Memphis Belle’,a great film about a B42 bomber crew during the war which Mr A was interested in!). I prefer to wait until a film is briadcast on TV. I disliked sitting in a big auditorium with hundreds of other people eating, drinking, being noisy, laughing in the wrong places, jeering when unnecessary etc etc. And the sound levels were much too loud for my delicate ears.So much more comfortable to watch at home.
DeleteBut I am very familiar with the story of Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill, Abigail etc having read widely about that time in history. So I might watch, if it is ever shown on TV, but then again I might prefer to retain my own impressions of the people involved and forego all the swearing that Gary mentioned ...... really don’t like swearing and it is not something we do at our house!
I saw the Favourite two weeks ago and it is brilliantly acted by all three of the main female characters. The costumes are superb as is the architecture, it is also extremely sad and definitely bawdy is parts.
DeleteArcherphile. As the film content was tense at times I delt with my anxiety by munching on popcorn. I tried to do this as silently as possible.
Every now and then I had to ask my historian partner about some of the parliamentary procedures. A fantastic insight into how the political system worked then, and IMO not very different today.
Poor Queen Anne. I think all the female leads should get an award.
We go to the cinema quite frequently, but only when something special like the Favourite is showing.
the small local cinemas near us are having more & more films in "version originale sous-titrée", looking forward to "The Favourite" very much.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I worked in a 100 seater cinema attached to an arts centre and I loved it. A small group came to every film we showed. We changed the programme twice a week. I don’t like big mainstream cinemas for the reasons Archerphile doesn’t and we tend to wait to watch on tv these days.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about that cinema in the last few days. I have just found out that my boyfriend at the time, who used to help as a volunteer usher whilst I ran the little box office, died last summer aged 58. I am knocked sideways by the news.
That is upsetting,Seasider.
DeleteNot too long ago I saw on the TV and read in the Times that my very first boyfriend had died.
It’s a shock, isn’t it? Especially finding out in a roundabout way. Still, onwards and upwards for us.
DeleteUnfortunately for me all foreign films in Italy are shown in Italian. The dubbing is very well done but means I have to wait to see them on television. Some years ago we had a small cinema which showed films in the original language but it closed.
ReplyDeleteThere is a perfectly reasonable multiplex cinema in the town where I live, but I choose to do a sixteen mile round trip to go to a small intimate cinema in another town, often weekly. This cinema is run by volunteers and I am not alone in travelling miles to get there. Today will be my third visit this year, having seen The Old Man and the Gun, and the film with the two Rachel's about the Jewish community in Hendon which I found very moving.
ReplyDeleteAs a young woman I worked as an usherette at the famous Academy Cinema in Oxford Street and was on nodding terms with most of the film critics of the day back in the early sixties. My boyfriend at the time was the projectionist there and later became a very well known film director in Canada.
I still possess a reel of film that he directed and my photographer husband filmed.
Like others I do not like large cinemas and disrespectful people eating and drinking.
Gosh, that’s really interesting Mrs P. What a wonderful experience, and in the swinging sixties in London. Wow!
DeleteI quite like these multiplex?? Cinemas.
ReplyDeleteThere is an Odeon not too far way from me.
On a Thursday morning it costs a few pounds for pensioners to see a film which is only a few months 'old in a small Cinema with comfy seats plus there is tea /coffee plus biscuits for staters.
Snowing again!
ReplyDeleteRuthy's snow bunnies are now so relevant. ☃️❄
CH on full blast 🔥
PS going back to earlier posts - I have a photo of myself in the back-yard of my home, trying to turn the handle of the "mangle". Must have been about 3yrs old. No indoor bath, just a toilet, but loved the tin bath in front of the fire, which family used in sequence. As to scorched clothes - this often happended when drying them on the fire-guard, in front of the coal fire.
DeleteMiriam, I remember all of that. In the weather you’re having a bucket of warm water was needed to defrost the outside loo. I remember watching Dixon of Dock Green in the bath in front of the fire.
DeleteNot forgeting the ice, which formed, on the inside of the bedroom window, which I shared with my sisters. It was "eiderdowns" with flanellete sheets on the beds. The sheets, when worn, were cut down tbe middle and turned, so outside became inside, with a central seam. Uncomfortable, but cost effective and warm.
DeleteOh, I remember the ice on the inside of the windows. We didn't do sides-to-middle though, on account of the sheets having been burnt before they got that worn. Oh all right, it didn't happen that often. But it did happen.
DeleteYes, the patterns on the inside of the window and keeping my dressing gown on in bed. I did love tea cake toasted at the fire - tastes much better than grilled - with Wensleydale cheese of course.
DeleteActually we have a fire burning now - smokeless - but of course the bedrooms are centrally heated and double glazed. Sleet was forecast but just soggy rain for us tonight.
Did anyone see the eclipse on Monday morning? I woke just at the right time so had a quick look. It was quite small but definitely red.
Oh dear, you wouldn't like my house, I do have woodburners downstairs, but I haven't turned the central heating on yet, my bedroom is a healthy 52 degrees f
DeleteCowGirl 😮😮😮😮😮
DeleteHope you have a nice warm hot water bottle Cowgirl! Our oil rayburn has guttered out (it does it when the wind is from the northwest) so I am wearing a dressing gown in bed tonight! but we do have central heating which could be turned on, and a woodburner that could be lit at the other end of the house.
DeleteYes Seasider I did see the eclipse, got up at around 3 a.m. to watch the beginning, then got up again at 5 to watch totality. It was such a wonderful clear starlight sky here and the view of it so good that I woke my daughter up to see it even though she had work in the morning. As you say it did look red and I thought awe inspiring. The universe is so vast, just waiting to be explored and colonised. We are really pleased because although Scotland is getting the first spaceport, Richard Branson is backing (plus government funding ) a space satellite launching port near Newquay.
DeleteSheets side to middle -me too.
ReplyDeleteShirt collars taken off and turned the other way when they got frayed.
Leather patches put onto pullovers which were starting to wear at the elbows.
I can't get out of that habit.
Christmas cards cut up into small rectangles for writing shopping lists.
Trouble is that I married a man who is the same.
Would you believe that yesterday morning a certain Mr LJ persuaded his wife that in his opinion a perfectly good although slightly broken rocking chair should be removed from a skip down the road.?
We have no room for a rocking chair but he has decided that it will be good in the garden for the summer.
He spent yesterday and today mending it.
It is much too good for the garden.
However there are certain things I will not stint on.
I have asked the plumber to get what he considers to be the best Shower he can.
Hopefully tomorrow morning will be the last time I will be alternately scalded and frozen .
Best wishes for the new shower Lanjan, enjoy! We didn’t have central heating at home so when I joined the WRNS at the age of 20, I packed Winceyette pyjamas in the one suitcase allowed. I joined at HMS DAUNTLESS in Reading, miles from the sea! The accommodation was in huts but we did have the old style metal radiators. Of course my PJ’s were far too warm and in due course were exchanged for Baby Dolls! Do you remember them? They were a bit
Deletescimpy!
Looking at the accounts of living conditions when we were young I was reminded of meeting American friends in London. We went to the Imperial War Museum where there was a full scale house equipped as it would have been during and after the War. Joel, our friend exclaimed “Where’s the Ice Box?” and I had to explain most people didn’t have a fridge in those days. I remember my. Mum putting the milk in a bucket of cold water in the summer! We had to buy ice cream when we ate it, no storage for that! Gosh, some things are better nowadays!
DeleteMmmm...... rancid butter comes to mind.
DeleteI can't remember the last time I encountered rancid butter.
That’s probably why I have never liked milk.
DeleteCowgirl, my bedroom up north was that temperature and I have put off my next visit until the weather improves. Mind you I don’t have a bed yet so sleeping on an inflatable mattress is no fun as it stays cold all night, even with several layers over the mattress.
Do you have snow up there?
School milk used to be kept in crates outside. In the winter it was lovely and cold but in summer unpleasantly warm! I remember enjoying cold milk from a machine in Kendal. We used to have a stop there en route to Glasgow where we had summer holidays with my Dad’s family. The ice cream in Glasgow with the Italian input was lovely!
DeleteI remember with fondness at primary school when it was so cold that the milk in the bottles ( and I can see those little bottles in the crate) rose above the top of the bottle, frozen. The crate was brought inside and put close to the fire inside the fire guard in the classroom, and watching the top of the milk retreating into the bottle. Then prodding the lump of ice in the bottle with the straw. The lump would bob up and down.
DeleteWas this an early lesson in science ?
I suppose this memory must belong to 1947 when we had the very harsh winter.
Seasider No but very cold last night, a sharp frost. I woke up to hearing the boiler going, the system overrides to stop the boiler freezing, suspect it had been going off and on all night.
ReplyDeleteYou need as much warmth under you as over. Newspaper is a good insulator, so put some under your blow up bed, that will help. Sensible to put off till the weather improves, just before Christmas I had a nightmare journey from Leeds, particularly crossing the moor, high winds ice and snow, I did wonder if I was going to make it. I was prepared of course if I didn't. Water, food for Misty and a thermal sack.
Janice, as a sop to my old age I do have an electric underblanket!
Bootgums, yes for many years, my house was very remote, a 3 mile track from the road. Known by my brother a s Shivering heights,( across the moor from withering heights)
My niece and her friends loved coming, gas lighting downstairs and oil lamps up, plus I kept ponies for her. Didn't need much snow for drifts to occur, often had to walk 3 miles to pick up the car to go to work, even the landrover wouldn't cope.. I generally walked the last mile anyway as it was quicker than constantly getting in and out to open and shut gates. Fuel was bought for the year in the summer, a habit I still keep.
I did have a telephone, I needed it for work, but it took 6 months to put it in , (BT strike) and cost me then £1000.Loved it without. Long before mobile phones of course.
I now live in civilisation and have neighbours, 6 houses down a single track road, to many though it would be thought of as isolated.
0
Oh, CowGirl, you're much tougher than me. I love 'Shivering Heights' (as a jeux de mot, wouldn't want to live there!).
DeleteWe had a few years ago we had an electric blanket which one night when I turned it on caught fire.
ReplyDeleteI watched as the fire zig zagged across the mattress which was of course ruined.
Since then we have done without and funnily enough have never missed it.
I pefer sleeping in a cold bedroom anyway.
New shower has been put in.
Haven't tried it out yet but it looks good.
I am really enjoying "Les Miserables" on BBC 1
ReplyDeleteHowever I wonder why less desirable French characters have to speak with a cockney accent.
Our hero has a very slight Yorkshire accent but I assume that is because the actor is from that County.
Lanjan, I watched the first three episodes and then gave up. Too much misery, and the cruelty left me depressed. Couldn't sleep afterwards, especially when the extraction of her teeth occurred.
DeleteHave just caught up with the blogs, Wonderful cinema in Brixton called the Ritzy. Went there regularly when I lived in London.
My mother used to heat the bedrooms by carrying shovels of hot coals up the stairs from the living room fire. The risks people took to keep warm. I love an open fire, reminds me of my childhood. Despite having central heating, I light a real fire every evening, it is psychologically warming.
I enjoy Victor Hugo's house which is fascinating, floor upon floor of rooms lined with books and a phenomenal view of the islands from the conservatory on the roof, but don't care for his writing: I've ploughed through Les Travailleurs de la Mer, which was more than enough misery. Was briefly at school with one of his descendants.
DeleteStasia, my mother also carried shovels of burning coals around the house.
DeleteThe late afternoon + evening snow yesterday, settled, then froze solid. It still hasn't all melted esp. where there was no sun. My car + driveway, stil have a covering, even though been in sun. If it freezes again, it will be worse tomorrow. My tiny cul-de-sac, will become an ice-rink but will not bother me, as don't need to go out now, until Friday.
ReplyDeletePS I hate electric blankets but my bedroom is always warm + cosy and have a 13.5tog duvet on bed for the winter.
Janice, the moon was beautiful, wasn’t it. We were also lucky as there was a clear view at 4.30, but when I looked at 5.30 I couldn’t see it. I love the sky at this time of year but I expect where you are the view is so much better.
ReplyDeleteCowgirl, that sounds wonderful to live up on the moor like that. I have dreamed of doing it for many years but I am not sure I am brave enough, and I know Mr S wouldn’t like it, prefers to be within walking distance of a latte. A friend of my mother lives in a remote place in Northumberland with many gates to open. My mother has had some wonderful holidays there.
Thanks for the mattress tip. I do have it on a new warm carpet and blankets etc on the mattress ie underneath me, and a thick duvet on top. My mother offered me an electric blanket she’s had a while but I don’t fancy it as I don’t know if it’s still working safely. I’ll take a sleeping bag next time and the local furniture shop said a bed can be delivered quickly so that will be my first purchase. Last time I was up I couldn’t extend my stay for the bed delivery because I had to be back in London for our meet up 😀
If you have an old duvet Seasider, take that up next time and put that underneath you.
DeleteMy spare bed, is a very old feather mattress. Very warm but since it has to go on the floor is also very hard.
Cow Girl your previous home near top withens sounds like bliss to me.
I have always wanted to walk on those moors. I've been promising myself another holiday up there for a number of years now.
I did do a walking holiday staying in Hebron Bridge a few years ago, but we didn't go over Haworth way.
Group walk today in light snow across the commons. A very still day, so well wrapped up was warm and cosy.
Predictive text again.
DeleteHebden Bridge of course.
Thanks Mrs P, yes I have and I intend to do just that. When I do have a proper bed I will bring the air mattress south for those hot summer days when I am too warm to sleep.
DeleteYour walk sounds lovely. We had a local walk today. No snow but only three degrees this afternoon and tonight the car has frost on it already. It was my first outing for a week after this blessed cold virus so a bit breathless but it did me good to be out in the fresh air.
Hebden Bridge is lovely. I stayed in Heptonstall at a writing retreat which used to belong to Ted Hughes. I visited Haworth years ago but not yet Top Withens.
Cowgirl I forgot to say “Shivering Heights”😂🥶
One of our walks on that holiday was to her grave.
DeleteSilvia Plath of course, not a Bronte.
Though I did visit the B museum at Haworth about forty years ago.
A toss-up as to which blog this belongs to, but I want to express my appreciation of Prince William's speaking up about mental illness.
ReplyDelete👍
Delete✓✓
Delete✔️ 👏🏻
DeleteWoke up at 04.00 this morning with every joint & limb aching & a shocking cough.
ReplyDeleteTo compound the horror, today is the day that we are getting new carpets fitted in both the living room and the bedroom. I have had to make a quite pitiful nest for myself in the study and am feeling terribly sorry for myself! The entire house seems to be in an uproar and there is "stuff" everywhere which sets me on edge at the best of times. And it doesn't get any better - nothing can be put back in it's rightful place after the carpets are down because we have 3 new sofas arriving at "some point" tomorrow - not that I have the energy to even lift a cushion in any event!
I am going to listen to 8 episodes of Valley of the Dolls on the iPlayer and moan softly to myself. I am a man of few needs at heart...
Oh dear Gary........ you sound as though you are entitled to feel very very sorry for yourself.
DeleteContinue to wallow until the worst passes.
This is the time for your partner to wade in and take the lions share, if he doesn't already, while you start to recover.
Wish you lots of sleep.
Wish you well GG. Find a warm + comfortable place, and just stay there. Things will get sorted, but your health is far more important, than any material possesions.
DeleteIt might take a few days longer to sort things out as you envisage, but that is minor in the scheme of life.
When I had my new kitchen installed, now 18 months ago, the upheaval was far greater than I ever imagined. It took quite a while afterwards to just get things back to normal. I was surprised how long it was, but it was well worth it in the long run.
DeletePS A charity shop did well, when I took items which I decided I no longer needed - eg a complete crockery set of 6 plates of differing sizes, soup + pudding bowls, cups + saucers plus serving dishes + sauce boats.along with a milk jug, sugar bowl and a matching teapot. Said to see it go but rarely used.
I much prefer my 6 place Wedgwood china service - 🤣🤣
Feeling for you GG - bad enough to feel as you do 😷 🤒 at the best of times but of course it has to happen when you have upheaval going on all around you ☹️
DeleteThank you for your kind thoughts to me on Ruthy’s TA blog 💁♀️
Lady R, so sorry to hear that you have been through a rough time. I hope 2019 continues to be better for you.
DeleteGary, get well soon. Hope the sofas are comfy enough to aid your recovery once you’re over the disruption.
I have just had some lovely news.
ReplyDeleteI knew a niece is expecting her second babe on May 30th, but I have just found out that another neice, is also expecting her second babe, due on August 1st. The new babes will be born close together as to date, but not geographically. One will be born in Australia and one wiĺl be born in Suffolk. Sadly worlds apart.
How exciting Miriam 🤰🤰double joy. FaceTime for Aussie? Suffolk hands on visit 🤱 🤗
DeleteLan Jan, in reply to your post on the other blog concerning your doctor son.
ReplyDeleteMy doctor does late afternoon/ early evening surgeries.
Since I am a late riser this suits me.
However if I have an appointment with her at say, 5oclock, I know there is little point in turning up before 5.30, because she never runs less than half an hour late, often over one hour late.
The patients who make appointments with her know that she is thoughtful, kind and understanding and thinks her way through problems and symptoms. She listens and explains options and possible treatments.
She is wonderful and I and I suspect others are prepared to forgive her poor time management for the reasons given above.
I had a GP who was generous with his time. I appreciated this when I was the patient, and readily accepted it when I was later in the queue.
DeleteAbsolutely- glad so many of us are this lucky and more job satisfaction for the wonderful Dr’s such as Lanjan son. Pass on our grateful thanks LJ....
DeleteDog alert :
ReplyDeleteI have been asked this afternoon if I would consider a dog who came over from Rumania to adopters with another dog at home.
She has been with them a few days only and has started to bleed.
It has become apparent that she may have a form of tumour, which is often found to be benign, and is likely to be a sexually transmitted condition.
I have spoken to my vets and am advised that they can treat this condition ( payment for all treatment would be covered by the rescue organisation).
However it was also pointed out to me that the drugs used and the condition itself can be excreted and that I would not be able to exercise her in local public places.
In addition, were I to see the picture or video of the animal I would not have chosen her.
She seems perfectly nice, but does not make my heart sing.
I am pretty sure that all and any on here would advise me against accepting responsibility for this poor creature, much as I may feel compassion towards the dog herself and the rescue.
One look and you’d be smitten whatever. Best to wait for a different dog that wouldn’t be so limiting.
DeleteThat is just my opinion.
With ptby Mrs P. Guess it’s a head versus heart situation.....🤔
DeleteThank you both.
DeleteI forgot to say, it would be a foster situation not an adoption, though PtbY comment likely to be too true.
I am allowing myself time to think it through.
Off to have my bath soon, allowing deeper thought, however I am pretty sure my head is ruling me, not my heart.
I wrote my post in order to draw further support from others.
We took on Gypsy in May who is blind and has skin problems. She also has a poor digestion and is currently recovering from colitis which caused frequent poos in the house. She has a doggie form of OCD, has to have a rigid routine and performs rituals like sitting on her bottom and spinning round and round! Nevertheless we do love her and do not regret taking her on. She is 11 now and we are pleased to have her for her last few years. Her previous life was not happy. For the first 6 years she had an elderly owner who never took her out of the house and garden. Then the lady died and her friend took Gypsy on. She too was elderly and we had Gyp when she could no longer cope. We are fostering so the charity pays the vet bills thank Goodness as we are down there frequently. A dog with these sort of problems does take up a lot of time and much as I have no regrets over Gyp, I think Mrs P that the problems you describe over this dog are huge especially not being able to walk it in public places. I would hesitate in taking on a dog from Romania or any other country where they are not valued as they have lots of issues. I am fine with Gyp but these bigger problems would be a step too far for me. There is also the fact you haven’t really taken to the dog via her photo. That is so important. Gyp is a gone wrong Shih Tsu with short front legs and longer bandy back legs, overcrowded teeth and itchy skin but she does have a delightful waggle and a very cute face! Because of her skin I have to bath her quite often and did so today. She was not amused! Anyway, Mrs P, only you can decide but my advice would be to be cautious.
DeleteMrs P, even a foster situation needs careful consideration.You say this dog does not pull your heart strings, then you need to stop and think as to fetch her home would in my view be an emotional decision and probably not in either of your best interests. If the dog would not be allowed out then it would be best that it went where there was a large garden to exercise in.
ReplyDeleteYou have been looking for a dog for a long time, which indicates to me that you have a clear idea of what you want. I suggest that you stick with your original plan?
Goodness I do sound bossy.
Whatever your decision I wish you well and will always be here to support you.
Well said cowgirl.
DeleteI have given my answer. It is NO.
DeleteI thank each of you for your help to enable me to give the sensible answer.
Miriam please could you tell me how you make the turkey mince and oatmeal meatballs that you mentioned a while back? They sound nice. Do you use any other ingredients, and do you use an egg to bind it with? I thought it might be nice to go with mashed potato and swede as an alternative to haggis for Burns night tomorrow, or is it today now! 🍽 🍜🥘☕
ReplyDelete