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"longer off topic comments" - Episode 41 Life Outside Ambridge
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 41 Life Outside Ambridge
American Robin
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
GG - would you be able to meet Saturday instead?
ReplyDeleteHow is your day going in NYC 🍎🍎🍎?
DeleteWe still haven’t decided where to stay overnight in Manhattan.
Sat should be fine Ruthy - got plans up til around 17.00ish and will be around Central Park way. We are staying right beside Columbus Circle.
DeleteHad an amazing flight - due to an almighty cock-up by American Airlines (flight first cancelled, everyone automatically put on a much later one, then original flight NOT cancelled only delayed...😣😨😬) we ended up on a transatlantic plane with only 26 passengers!! It was so eerie. At one point I sat in a whole section by myself. The closest I will ever get to a private plane...
How weird, GG ! But what luxury after a stressful start. Been to NY only once, 2003, so much to see...
DeleteWhat a splendid Robin ! More redbreast than ours & darker wings. When in Florida staying with friends, am always struck by the exotic, to me, bird life. Why, came eyeball to eyeball with a pelican perched on a pier Oct. 2017 ! Even in a supermarket carpark, though, .all sorts of colourfully vibrant species. ( Like our blackbirds, for instance, but with an edge...)
ReplyDeleteSaw my first American Robin on a coastal pathway in Newquay, Cornwall. That was some years ago, it got blown in on the wind, it is much bigger than the European robin. Cormwall gets a high number of vagrant birds drifting in with the storms.
ReplyDeleteThe best bird watching I have ever experienced was on the Great Salt Lake.
We went to San Antonio where I was thrilled to see a mocking bird as “To kill a mockingbird” is a favourite book of mine!
DeleteCarolyn......are you on holiday in Sainsbury’s at York????? There’s a woman just leaving the cafe who could be your twin sister but with shorter hair!!
ReplyDeleteNo ! Shucks, I thought I was unique.....but I love York.
DeleteAll the best for tomorrow, PtbY. I hope the way forward for your thyroid becomes clearer.
PtbY. Good Luck for tomorrow. Do you do what I always do - and that is writing down my questions + thoughts beforehand?? I always get bemused looks, when I produce a piece of paper out of my bag, to check if I've forgotten anything.
DeleteExcellent to do so though Miriam ✔️
DeleteThanks Miriam. We are staying in a hotel not far from the hotel tonight.
DeleteI will write my list whilst I have a martini later.
Mr PtbY has already found the pub in the grounds and has informed me, via text, that they have an excellent pint of Leeds best and cricket on the telly. It’s heaven apparently.
Haha. Gone mad. Hotel near hospital. !!!!
DeleteThat's anxiety only. Deap Breaths, and just relax with a martini or a good slug of local beer.
DeleteLet us all know how things go.
PtbY 👍
Delete🍹🍺
DeleteIt is still only March, but I am again busy watering my widow box, hanging basket + planters, to keep the winter planting of violas, pansies + bulbs alive, before replacement, normally May, but think will be much earlier this year.
ReplyDeleteOops - window box!
DeleteSteady Miriam, don't go and over do it. I have been watering my recently planted flowers in the borders.
DeleteHope all goes well P to b Y
GG - I am in Atlanta today and tomorrow for business meetings. Yes, we can meet you after 17:00 or what we call after 5 pm. We will probably in in the Central Park / Columbus Circle area. So probably drinks then!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Atlanta Ruthy and will see you Sat!
DeleteWent to the Warhol exhibition yesterday - absolutely breathtaking! Everything I hoped it would be and more. The man was a bona fide genius - discuss...! Going back today to soak it all up again.
The weather was beautiful yesterday so had a pre-breakfast stroll around Central Park before wandering downtown to the gallery. Afterwards we even had the energy to jump onto the Staten Island ferry & back again! And then very quickly ran out of energy and slept solidly for 10 hours...
Wow, so jealous..
DeleteHilliare Belloc. Lord Lundy.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting tired and so are you,
So let's cut this poem into two.
How he cried, when pushed off to NSW.
Rather apt given today is the 29th.
Proud to be Yorkshire
ReplyDeleteThinking of you with private Endo today and wishing you clear answers to questions and positive action on your thyroid.
Thank you all.
ReplyDeleteHad a positive appointment. He states I am fit for the operation whilst other woman reckoned I wasn’t.
Ended up, waiting for results of 2 biopsies and scan I had yesterday on nhs. Take 2 weeks. Then we’ll talk about the op. Could have op within a month of results.
Have much more confidence in this dr. Knew what he was talking about. And......actually had a good feel of my neck, other woman never bothered.
Very good to hear!
DeleteWell done that endocrinologist.
DeleteI am sure you feel relieved PtbY.
And well done you and Mr PtbY for going for a second opinion.
Delighted to hear your news P tb Y.
ReplyDeleteGood news .
DeleteFantastic PtbY.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased for you
Well done for getting a 2nd opinion, but equally annoying, upsetting + frustrating that you have had to go down this route.
I also have some good news.
DeleteAs I have said before, my "Lil Sis" has a liver problem, has constant scans and her consultant (in Norwich) is one of the major ones for her condition. An unusual "blob" appeared on her liver about 14months ago - she has had scans done every 3 months by the consultant radiologist. Yesterdays went fine - no idea what "blob" is but no cause for concern as still exactly the same. Back to normal screening - a relief.
I had a frost last night, and my back lawn waa still frosty at 8.30am. Now sun is going down, starting to get chilly.
ReplyDeleteThought Spring had Sprung, but appears its not.
Had my gas boiler + gas fire serviced today and all working fine, with no problems. Nice to know, just for peace of mind.
Whoever had their dental appoint. today (sorry not sure who mentioned it), hope it went well.
No frost here but the foghorns were going off in the Solent and there were no car or passenger ferries from Cowes to Southampton first thing. Later it was lovely sunshine but apparently colder next week!
DeleteMiriam and ptby so thrilled for you both 🤗🤗 relax now and have a lovely weekend 💐
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteGG - we are staying at the 1 Hotel, not far from Columbus Circle. Would you like to mosy on down there and meet us at the Jams bar in the hotel? If you have a better suggestion let us know. We are open to suggestions.
ReplyDeleteBack from Atlanta. These short trips are getting to my bones.
Ruthy, have you seen Martin Luther King’s tomb in Atlanta.? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s surrounded by water but very serene like the man in his non fiery moments.
DeleteEv - I haven't - but will be going again in May for my nephew's wedding - and will put that on the list of things to see. Thanks for suggestion.
DeleteRuthy, we are staying on W58th St too - The Hudson! What were the the odds on that happening? Will happily swing by Jams around 5.30 tomorrow - the bar at ours is way too noisy! (and horrible, to be honest with you...😀)
DeleteWhat good news, PtbY, a bit of a wait, but a positive result. You must be so glad you got a second opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a rum job when you have to get one to get to the truth though.
DeleteHappy Mothering Sunday to all mothers out there. 💐💐
PtbY - happy for you!
DeleteThere are plenty of beautiful American birds - Blue Jay, Cardinals etc. but I must confess I think the British Robin is so much prettier than the American one.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely spring day here, looking forward to Mothering Sunday, although I still miss my own Mum. I’ve told my daughters (aged 19&21) that I want cards, cake, cookies & their company for lunch.
ReplyDeleteMy 19 year old moved into her own place last summer. She is only on an apprentice wage, approximately £150/week. We pay her rent but nothing else, this apparently means she is living in poverty. She puts about half her money aside to cover her bills eats a balanced diet, manages to buy clothes when she wants/needs, often charity shop bargains. Her flat was furnished using old furniture/kitchen bits from us and her grandparents, the only larger items we bought were a bed and a second hand freezer. She is very happy, so far no financial crisis, has enough disposable income to join a local gym and is very content with her lot. It does make e wonder how poverty is defined these days.
I did GCSE Sociology where I learnt there are two types of poverty - absolute where you have nothing and relative where you don’t have the wherewithal compared to general society - well that’s what I remember! Sounds as if your daughter manages her money well and lives within her means which will stand her in good stead for the future. It helps a lot your paying her rent. It must be awful to have to choose whether to feed yourself or pay your way. My daughter has had her poor days and to this day buys clothes in charity shops or on eBay looking smartly turned out on very little. The difference is nowadays she can save! Have a lovely Mother’s Day KP and other Mums out there!
ReplyDeleteBeen back to the Warhol exhibition today. Even better second time around, and sooooo glad we had pre-booked tickets - the queue to buy them at opening time was approximately 175 miles long!
ReplyDeleteSaw the Flat Iron, went to the top of the Empire State Building in the afternoon (where I DIDN'T have an attack of vertigo!) and then got the world's largest pizza and scoffed and scoffed until we had to have a lie down. When we awoke we went down to Times Square (to basically look at giant overly bright flashing adverts & watch people in slightly rubbish costumes begging.) Fun, if you like that sort of thing... And then went back up the Empire State Building at 10pm to see the city lights from on high, and it was absolutely stunning! Just incredible. A joyous day of wondrous beauty...
Sounds glorious Gary. It’s a wonderful place to visit, all the iconic places you’ve seen and heard about.
DeleteLoving your travel blog. The detail!!!!!! 175 miles long queue.....so precise!!🤣
Wonderful GG - when I was in NYC in the 90's I found a great bar /brew pub in Union Square, not far from the Flat Iron!
ReplyDeletePtBY. Thumbs up from me.👍👍.
ReplyDeleteRuthy, so that you will recognise me later, I look EXACTLY like a black George Clooney. I shall be wearing full Highland dress and carrying a banjo....
ReplyDeleteCan’t wait for Ruthy’s report!
DeleteI see there's every chance of you missing each other.....
DeleteCould you not sport an Andy Warhol tee shirt, Gary ? Just to make identification totally secure ?
PS I suggest a soup tin or Marilyn as the clincher
DeleteRuthy ,Gary is exactly like you think he will look like.
ReplyDeleteWe all recognised him immediately.
A smiling ,happy ,smart gentleman.
Nothing like George Clooney though.
KPnuts.
ReplyDeleteHow well your daughter is doing. I realise that you are paying her rent, but she seems to be managing her life well, can eat, pay her bills and still have a social life.
You are supporting her in the right way, and you obviously have taught her how to budget and live, so to also have a life.
You must be so proud of her.
Many others, sadly, have not had such great help + input, so end up with massive debts.
Your daughter will not be on an apprentice salary - ad. infinutum (quoting Jim) and will end up a well balanced person.
My two sisters have done the Bank of Mum + Dad bit - but purely to help their children put a deposit down, to buy their first home.
DeleteRuthy + GG.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful meeting up.
I dread to think how Sat. Evening will end up!!.
Can't wait to hear all the tales + stories about it.
I would so love to be a "fly on the wall" with binoculars + a hidden heariing piece.
Have a lovely "Mothering Sunday" tomorrow, to all it applies to.
ReplyDeleteI no longer have a Mum and I am also not a Mum, so all tomorrow means is, I lose an hour in bed!!
I have memories though. 😀😀
Thank you Miriam.
DeleteTake some time with your memories tomorrow.
And a happy Mother's Day to all other Mums.
Same circumstance here Miriam!
DeleteAlthough the one niece that I have insists on giving me a “Mothering Sunday” card & gift because she says I did so much for (my mum) her Nan throughout her dementia years in particular- Mr R was a diamond too, and to be fair my 2 sisters and their families lived away but helped when they could and kept in touch).
Like you though I wish all Mothers amongst you “ A lovely lovely day” 💐 tomorrow.
My eldest came with husband today and took me out for breakfast at our best local tea rooms / Bakehouse.
ReplyDeleteThat's my Mother's Day outing for this year.
Considering they have spent the last week in Devon house hunting, stopped off at siblings in Bath overnight and were journeying on to stay with an old friend in Lincolnshire, I am very happy with the two to three hours given over to me.
Sounds lovely Mrs P 🤗
DeleteWe’re going out for breakfast tomorrow to the beach cafe at Appley Beach near Ryde. Katy and the dogs sent me a hamper which included a bottle of champagne. She said Gypsy & Buddy spent ages selecting it and spent all their pocket money on it! Yeah, right!! Love them all!
DeleteCan anyone give me a failproof recipe for “Queen of Puddings” in the next 24 hrs - one with a few shortcuts if possible.
ReplyDeleteGranddaughter Rosie would be eternally grateful!
Used to make it years ago but could never get the meringue right.
My husband’s father was a Master Baker and passed on his knowledge. For the meringue you need really clean, dry bowl and whisk, you whisk the egg whites until stiff, add half the sugar and whisk again until you get stand up peaks when you take the whisk out, then gently fold in the rest of the sugar. Make sure there is not a trace of yolk in the whites. Have never made Queen of puddings but will try to look out a recipe for you.
DeleteThanks Ev. Don’t bother looking for a recipe, am off to make the pud with Rosie right now, having found instructions in an ancient cookbook of my Mum’s ( big advantage, its all in ounces not grams thank goodness, but the oven temps need converting)
DeleteI will follow instructions for the meringue to the letter and hope we get it right!
Will let you know if it is a success - Rosie wants to make this for her Mum (my daughter) as a surprise Mum’s day gift.
Good luck, AP! You have awakened my interest and am making one now! Recipe is from a book my husband bought for me before we were married. It was used so much it’s now held together with rubber bands! He knew that as a WRNS officer with food being put in front of me I didn’t have a clue about cooking!
DeleteIt came out well and will do again!
DeleteLovely meeting GG and MrGG. Off to dinner and more tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothering Day 🌈🌸
ReplyDeleteI don't want to be an old curmudgeon, but we seem to lurch from one, ( buy now) occasion to another. All designed to make us spend money, I'm not mean, but I do object.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, historically it was called Mothering Sunday and that involved attending the church of ones baptism. Servants were also given the day off to visit their church. Apparently Mother's Day is an American creation brought over to Europe by Soldiers in the First World War. The concept was also used by fascists and nazis to honour women who had lots of children. Now it has morphed into buy, buy, spend, spend, spend.
Sorry folks, rant over, enjoy your day, whether you are being treated or treating.
6.000,000+ and counting.
Saw a report about Mothers Day Cards cards in a shop which were “to Mum from your Dog (or Cat). Sick making!
DeleteEvery year I used to make my Mum a card with bits of lace and lumpy cross stitch embroidery on them, or pressed flowers glued on, and she loved them ....or said she did! Would never, ever have bought a card as that would be cheating!
Didn't know the history, Stasia, interesting, but feel the same. It's a racket, never participated, & son doesn't. ( Birthdays are enough, surely ?!) The proof of love is in consistent dealings not in an annual gush of attention. On the other hand, if people enjoy it, why not, no harm.
DeleteStasia - I do agree with you. My son has always said he loves me every day and not just on Mother’s Day. Birthdays and Christmas are the only special days we celebrate. And expensive gifts are never expected.
DeleteI do wish everyone a Happy Day whatever you are doing today.
I am sitting in a window alcove that has a view of Cental Park. So I am very much enjoying the moment.
My feelings exactly Carolyn. We never do Mother's day which is on the 12th May in Italy. It has become much too commercialised for me.
DeleteI agree with you stasia, too commercialised.
DeleteThat said, it does mean the small shoedwellers buy me chocolate : )
Delete(And other nice goodies including a frog and a rather nice tray from the charity shop.)
I remember I got a card for my Dad one year: 'Dad, a card may not be the best way to say thank you. .... But it's the cheapest!' He was amused.
However, the best ever card was from my sister: 'Mum, for years I've wondered who did the washing, the cleaning, the cooking, ... At last I've solved it!'
(inside) 'We've got elves!'
(We *think* it was tongue in cheek)
Well I love Mother’s Day. I have kept all my cards from my son over the years and I do like to look at them occasionally. Admittedly I didn’t get a card for 3-4 years when he was living in USA but after I threatened to change my will if I didn’t get a card he soon discovered moonpig. I’m not bothered with a pressy but I do like a card.....same re birthday and Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMind you, the boy done good this year and I got a delivery of flowers on Friday. Nearly fainted!! 💐
😀😀😀
DeleteI’m not used to getting expensive pressies on Mother’s Day but was delighted with a ha per this year! Sorry, AP, I did get a card from the dogs but it was just a bit of fun. My main reward about them is that they are both well and happy especially Gypsy who has had so many health issues. She hasn’t had the happiest of times in the past and doesn’t show much affection but for the first six years of her life she never went out of the house or garden so was not socialised with people or dogs. It is nice though when she occasionally enjoys a short stroke or touch! Buddy is the opposite and loves to meet people and dogs making a big fuss of them when possible! We took them to the beach this morning and Gyp surprised us by enjoying a long ( for her) and brisk walk. She is now fast asleep!
ReplyDeleteThat should be a hamper!
DeleteI hate all this commercialism. Yesterday whilst out shopping, I was appalled at the price of the flowers, the big displays of prosescco, champers, chocs etc. I needed a 40th birthday card, as it needs to go into the post on Monday, to get to OZ in time. It was difficult to find amongst all the Mothers Day cards + Easter Cards (since when have these been about?), but did find a perfect one.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteQueen of Puddings, is one I love to do. I cannot give you an exact recipe as I do it by instinct, as taught by my Mum in the '60's when still a youngster but liked to help out cooking.
The nearest recipe, I have, is from Delia Smiths Complete Cookery Course circa 1978. This is my cook book of choice.
Mine was so awful it had to be discarded, but found one in a charity shop (a later reprint of the original, but identical) in a pristine condition. It is still well used, but with extreme care, as I know it can now never be replaced.
I had a lovely Elizabeth Stewart cook book, from the same late 1970's era. I sadly lost it in a house move in the 1980's. In it was a wonderful pudding recipe, which was pineapple in a custard, with a stewed pineapple fruit layer, topped with meringue.
DeleteI have sadly, never been able to reproduce it, as much have tried + with research, I have never found that recipe. It was a delious take on a Queen of Pudding.
Miriam, your recipe sounds lovely. Just leave out the pineapple and stewed pieapple layer and I'll be round like a shot. On second thoughts, leave out the custard too then double the recipe ; )
DeleteHey Mr & Mrs Ruthy, thanks for the drinks & the laughs! Was an absolute pleasure to meet you both...
ReplyDeleteApart from meeting the delightful couple, yesterday found us walking across the Brooklyn Bridge first thing in the morning and then going downtown to catch the ferry to Liberty Island and then on to Ellis Island. The walk along the bridge was stunning. And it was accompanied by bright warm sunshine. It was bliss. The journey to the Statue of Liberty was gorgeous too. (I love being on a ferry!) After we met Ruthy we found a cute little Japanese bar and sat drinking fancy beers til late. Went back to the hotel and had a gin martini for the first time in ages - most civilized! Hangover this morning was swiftly dealt with by a 2 hour cycle round Central Park, a jumbo hot dog & a huge big cake...
What no hair of the Dog ?
DeleteGlad you all had such a good time
Sounds wonderful Gary.
DeleteCan’t beat a gin martini.
Just had one myself this whilst husband at football to celebrate mother’s day on my own. Bliss.
You certainly know how to enjoy life GG !
DeleteContinue......
We had a fun, fun time with GG and Mr GG! Our time was too short as we had to run to a dinner reservation. It literally felt like meeting old friends! Enjoy the rest of your NY stay. I can't believe how much you two are doing!
ReplyDeleteWill definitely want to hook up again in the future - hopefully in Scotland!
Here's hoping!
DeleteEv. - Rosie and I made the Queen of Puddings and I followed your meringue instructions absolutely to the letter and it turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThe first time in my life I have made a successful meringue!
It was very much appreciated by my daughter and will become a real family favourite from now on. So thanks for your help. 💐
So pleased!
DeleteWhen married I frequently made Queen of puddings. It was husbands favourite.
ReplyDeleteWhite bread soaked in milk and egg yolks in bottom of deep dish when cooled slightly, cover with layer of jam.
Whisk egg whites till stiff, fold in caster sugar, continue whisking till peak stage.
Turn into dish on top of jam
Bake slowly.
I got a second bite at Mother's Day with an invitation to younger daughter for scones baked by G daughter.
ReplyDeleteAnd delicious they were !
Due to disruption in very early childhood I never felt love for my mother, so Mother's Day was a torture in finding a card that was not effusive.
Often sent a blank card with the fewest words written as possible, always accompanied by extreme guilt.
When sorting her effects after her death I found every card I had ever sent, kept together.
I like to think she knew and forgave me.
Yes I too am disgusted and sickened by the commercialism of it all.
Remember childhood Sunday school single Jonquil to take home to mum.
I personally relish the cards and flowers from my daughters, though this year, no flowers. But no significance in that. Just current circumstances.
Our last night in Manhattan. Went to Grand Central Station earlier - absolutely breathtaking! So elegant in design and it has a strangely relaxing atmosphere. I love the scene in the Terry Gilliam movie "The Fisher King" where everyone at the station pair up and dance a waltz, so I just had to re-enact it... Took a wander down to the UN headquarters. Wish we hadn't. No flags a-fluttering and nothing else to see apart from a big ugly building. Very disappointing. Poor show, UN! And then to one of my favourite things - looking at (but not buying!) tourist tat. Popped into into every third rate dive selling cheap crap & overpriced gaudy trinkets & laughed & looked horrified in equal measure! Marched up & down 5th Avenue in a possessed quest to find the most pointless piece of junk on offer.
ReplyDeleteAnd now just had an enormous Philly Steak sandwich.Huge big beast of a thing it was... Night night everyone!
What an exciting trip, both couples. Quite breathless reading about it, especially anything to do with climbing high AND that Brooklyn Bridge ( a completely irrational phobia - as phobias are - but can't walk over Bridges with traffic flowing underneath; it's ok with water, & if the bridges over roads are in a capsule, as it were. Was a shaking wreck after Brooklyn, which seemed so long ! )
DeleteSuper that you met up. Bet GG looked fetching in his kilt, &, yes, a younger version of Clooney...
P to B Yorks and Seasider. Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow. I shall be wearing grey trousers and a red cardigan with grey embellishments and a cow brooch of course !
ReplyDeleteIt's happening so soon ! Have a lovely time, ladies & tell us about it, please....
DeleteI shall have a black trilby on
DeleteGG Lucky you. I love dramatic architecture and would just love to wander round Grand Central Station. So iconic.
ReplyDeleteProbably the only other place I really, really would like to see in real life in the US is Monument Valley. That stems from having been brought up with (forgive probably un-pc title!) "Cowboys and Indians" films! Always the stage-coaches were chased across Monument Valley!
One other place to visit; I'd love to see the splendour of the interior of the Taj Mahal. Such a breathtaking exterior but inside is beautiful (from what I have seen in peeks during documentaries etc) too.
Oherwise I'm quite happy with what I have seen and am prepared to accept what other marvels this world has to offer if I come across them.
Am halfway through a second tranche of anti-biotics to get rid of a bacterial infection. The first course led to a diminishing of symptoms but within three days it returned with a dreadful vengeance. My lovely doctor prescibed a second whack, then scared the living daylights out of me by telling me the symptoms I am to look out for should sepsis develop! Intructions were to attend A&E immediately.
However, physical symptoms still present but feeling much more energetic compared to the past four weeks, so lovely sunshine is calling me to the garden.
But first I have a small old-fashioned fruit cake to decorate for a wedding buffet lunch middle son's office is giving for 'one of the girls' who is getting married at the end of this week!
Happy gardening , baking and meeting-up everyone on this beautiful Spring morning!
Spicycushion I send best wishes and hope you have a speedy improvement in your symptoms.
DeleteMy three-generation Mothers Day was really lovely.
ReplyDeleteDaughter treated us to yummy cakes and tea, at Whitchurch Silk Mill which is just down the road in Whitchurch (Hampshire). It was served by Rosie who has a Sunday job there in the cafe/gift shop. The Mill has been fully restored as a working Mill, powered by water from the River Test. The grounds surrounding it are beautiful, ducks coming up to be fed and dozens of trout in the river. A short tour of the mill showed us the silk, in a myriad of beautiful colours, being spun, loaded onto the looms and finally being woven into the finest possible silk material. We tried our hands at creating designs and trying to wind the silk onto bobbins - a highly skilled job, each bobbin holds 2 miles of thread and the bolts holding the warp threads need up to 10,400 threads of silk!! The silk is only the thickness of a human hair.
After our visit it was back to the house, help Rosie make the successful Queen of Puddings requested by daughter (thanks Ev) and a delicious Sunday Roast cooked by son-in-law.
A really lovely family day in beautiful spring weather. 💐 ☀️🦆
Archerphile, I think the place you mentioned is where I visited many years ago (decades ?) before it was as developed as you describe it now.
DeleteThere was a young woman in a workshop weaving in silk.
I still have the silk threads I purchased then.
PtbY, Seasider & CowGirl - enjoy tomorrow's meeting!
ReplyDeleteGG - did you experience the whispering arch at Grand Central Terminal? You stand at one end and you can whisper and someone at the diagonal end can hear you.
ReplyDeleteI found a google site:
http://www.sonicwonders.org/whispering-walls-grand-central-station/
You did a lot in 5 days! Safe journey home - and I hope uneventful.
Unlikely to enjoy again an almost empty plane homeGG but safe journey wished for and looking forward to more news of exciting trip.
ReplyDeleteAnd will be thinking of tomorrow's meet up in Gods own County.
Non stop talking !
Yes indeed.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to hearing about it.
CG, PtbY + Seasider.
ReplyDeleteHave a great meet up.
Am so looking forward to hearing all about it.
Miriam. 😍😍
Cowgirl, I am really looking forward to meeting you tomorrow and to seeing PtbY again. Depends how cold it is tomorrow but likely to be in a red jumper, brown trousers and a faux fur headband will definitely be involved.
ReplyDeleteExcited to read about GG and Ruthy meeting in NY. Not sure if we can top that but I am sure our moorland encounter will be memorable. I might not blog about it until next week when I am back on WiFi.
I have just read a cannot put down book, which I recommend to all who love a good book.
ReplyDeleteBest book I've been glued to for a long time.
Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine. By Gail Honeyman. The author is clearly an Archers listener as the programme is mentioned in the first few pages of reading and throughout.
Hope you had a good journey home GG?
Enjoy the meet up. Cg, PtbY and Seasider.
I read Eleanor Oliphant last year, and felt the same, thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteI'm going to look up Whitchurch Silk Mill, sounds fascinating.
Ha! Gail is an old friend of mines! And she is a delight... Still not read the copy she gave me though!
DeleteJust checked it out, will definitely be reading! Thanks Stasia 👏🏻
DeleteThose meeting up tomorrow- have a great time ☕️🍪
GG ✈️ Safe journey back to UK - what a trip! Great you could meet up with Ruthy and (Mr R) 🤗
I too read that book last year. Really enjoyed it.
DeleteIt was also serialised on radio 4 and listened to that.
Super novel - seriously funny, & humorously serious. Lanjan mentioned it last year, so I followed up. Don't think she cared for it, though, but was caught by the Archer references.
DeleteYou have got the wrong person there I think , Carolyn.
DeleteI am almost sure I recommended the book .
I loved the Eleanor Oliphant book but I didn’t warm to her character
The chap she worked with was so gentle and patient with her.
I first heard it on the radio and then read the book and then recommended it to our Reading Group who also enjoyed it.
.
Do read the book Gary.
DeleteI am sure you will enjoy it.
Ah, yes, sorry Lanjan. Definitely prompted by you, forgot it was the character herself you didn't like. I found her fascinating, a pain obviously, but for particular reasons. What an ending ! ( but no spoilers...)
DeleteYes, I read the Oliphant book last year too. At first, I wasn’t keen and thought it was not my kind of book at all, was preparing to ditch it in fact. But glad I persisted, because within a couple of chapters I was hooked and just had to keep reading. I ended up really caring about this unusual character and would love to know what happened to her after the book concluded.
DeleteI remember the discussion on here last year and how thrilled everyone was with it.
DeleteI heard it on R4 and disliked it intensely as a result of which I have not read it.
In a bizarre twist of fate, the actress who read it on Radio 4 (Tracy Wiles) was one of my best friends when I was in my late teens/early twenties!
ReplyDeleteJust back from a visit to The Guggenheim. Saw a couple of amazing exhibitions - a HUGE retrospective of Hilma af Klint (who neither of us had ever heard of) & a Robert Mapplethorpe show. Both were eye openers - for very different reasons! Now waiting on the shuttle to take us to the airport and then back to what passes for reality in our neck of the woods. Thank you for indulging me in my babblings...
Babble away Gary - it’s like bring on holiday with you and very entertaining!
DeleteLove your babblings - loved NY & you took me back there .. merci!
ReplyDeleteMiriam, just thinking of you and hoping your sight is better day by day.
ReplyDeleteThinking too of the meet up in Yorkshire.
Hope it is non stop conversation for as long as all three of you can keep going.
Thanks Mrs P.
DeleteThings going really well and it is difficult to believe it happened 2 weeks ago now. Vision is still bright + clear, but know I will need a corrective C/lens and glasses. I stiil get "spooked" when waking up, in that I can see almost, but not perfectly in that eye. I am very active again, but still being slightly cautious re gardening, how I shop with lifting + carrying things. It will be another 4 weeks until healing is totally complete - such a long time after a simple 20min
procedure.
Thank-you so much for asking, it is very appreciated.
PS Driving is so much better and know I meet DVLA standards, though not perfect, but far etter than before. 🚘
DeleteAs a result of your operation Miriam I had an eye test.
DeleteAm to get anti glare driving specs.
But also learned that I have very close to twenty twenty vision.
Good to be told, but I've never really understood what it means.
Well Mrs P, we did meet up and chatted for 2 1/2 hours and agreed to meet up again. We also discussed that a number others wished to meet up, Up North. An enjoyable few hours
ReplyDeleteSo pleased it all went well, though easily predicted that it would.
DeleteUp for the next one 'op north ' me and Spiceycushion at least.
Had a lovely surprise today. A lovely bunch of flowers, red roses, red carnations, purple flowers (no idea what they are) gypsophylia + foliage. It came from a niece (shouldn't have a faviurite, but she is). She was busy over the weekend, and sent her partner + kids to Big Sis with flowers yesterday (as back working in London) but also sent me some flowers. I was so touched. She knows I am not a Mum - but thinks of me as an extra grand-mother, to her 2 children. I was so touched + felt special.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely surprise Miriam.
DeleteYou are clearly loved.
That is really lovely,Miriam and so much nicer when it is unexpected.
ReplyDeleteQuick extra - as time to go and create my wonderful, hot + spicy chilli - but I have agreed today, to have all the fascia boards, soffits replaced with woodgrain UVPC ones, along with new gutters, on my home. It was a difficult decision to make, but I made it logically, with a long 'pro + 'cons list.
ReplyDeleteI always sort things out, putting thoughts onto paper!
The top of the cons list was cost + finances. At the moment, I have no shed, so the gable end of the house, which gets all the Westerly gales/storms, is easily accesible by ladder. If I wait and then put the new shed in place, scaffolding would be needed at an extra cost of £500. Also got a disconted price of £500 less, as order is on the books before April 7th, the financial year end. It could be done before Easter!
DeletePaid deposit on a credit card, so payment is protected, just in case - but I am not worrying, as know when things are genuine, and not being conned.
Mrs P. what have you decided about the house you love, and are thinking about buying?
ReplyDeletePrefer to say nothing at this moment Miriam.
DeleteArt + Artists.
ReplyDeleteI was introduced to Frida Kahlo on a trip to Mexico. Due to massive Mexico celebrations resulting in roads being closed (+ a massive electric power cut), my holiday group went on an unexpected but free extra, to her home + studio, on the outskirts of Mexico City. I was just spellbound. It was one of those magical experiences - never to be forgotten, esp. as not expected. Our group tour manager sorted out a really wonderful alternative.
Had a lovely time meeting up with seasider and cowgirl. We put the world to rights and had a good moan about the archers.
ReplyDeleteI now have another face to a name on here. I like this...I don’t find it ruins the blog for me at all.
I will deffo try to get to the next get together.....wherever it is!!!!
Let me know! I am in Cheshire West, but would like a few days away staying in a Travelodge, or similar, to visit York again, and meeting up in Whitby, where I have never been. Am interested but who knows?
DeleteIt's all adding to our friendship on here.
DeleteI think it's great !
Took Lady to her second training class this evening.
ReplyDeleteShe did well.
And she was in and out of the car several times today, and stayed in it when I did a quick shop.
Things are getting better by the day.
I also had my Vitamin B12 Injection today.
I am now allowed a dose every three months but probably need it every two months.
The last month I've had to drag myself about and in the last week just falling asleep standing up.
That is such good progress with Lady.
DeleteHope you soon buck up after your injections.
Such good news about Lady Mrs P, it wont be long now before she has got over her trauma.
ReplyDeleteMisty is making very slow progress. I bought 4 new chickens, I leave their door open to encourage them out and to tantalise Misty when we go out, if she pulls on the lead. she goes back in and I continue. Yesterday we managed to go out first time and when she was in the garden the chicks were the other side of the fence she chased over, but when I raised my voice, she managed to stop and come away. She isn't like my last dog who learnt to leave them alone in a week, but still we might eventually get there.
Cant you persuade the GP to give it to you bimonthly ? Perhaps to prove your point you might need to make a diary of your health and discuss with GP again in a couple of months.
Good to hear of more chickens, and Misty slow on the uptake, might be very good about it once she has overcome her prey drive if that's what it is.
DeleteVit B - have been in negotiations since my collapse in 2016.
Three months is the latest regime.
We will get there. My neighbour has been pushing away with his GP for many years longer than me and he is now on 8 weeks regime.
I have heard of a What's Ap group here in this town where a number of them get there dose from Germany and self medicate. But haven't managed to ( got around to ) finding out more, and don't know how to do what's Ap.
I have heard so many tales locally that I wonder if it's the Glos Health Authority that is the problem.
Good to hear everyone's latest news.
ReplyDeletePtbY - you have done 3 meet groups now! Where next?
My kitchen is being demolished today. I was promised by the contractor that I will have a working kitchen in 4 weeks. So will be eating lots of sandwiches, takeaways and going out.
So you have a brilliant excuse for not cooking Ruthy - make the most of it ! 😉
DeleteI may suggest another meeting towards the end of the year Ruthy. I’ll be in New York at the beginning of November.
DeleteLucky beggar.
DeleteI am suffering.
ReplyDeleteWith a sunburnt skull.
I never knew until I lost my hair that my Vitiligo extended to my scalp.
Since losing my hair I have been very careful to wear a hat in sunny weather.
However, the fine down that covers my whole head now ( about six years growth ) led me to be negligent last weekend and I allowed myself to sit in the sun when out to breakfast with daughter and S in L on Saturday.
I couldn't figure out why my head was burning until I looked in a mirror - don't do that often - and saw bright pink patches under the down, instead of white patches.
It's really quite painful.
But a small thing to bear.
Oh dear Mrs P, you must be more careful!
DeleteLecture over, but I am interested to hear that you suffer from vitiligo because I do too - but only on my arms so far. They look very strange in the summer when I get a bit of a tan.
(I am no sun worshipper and it’s only from gardening in short sleeves)
In Dubai one of my grandsons asked why my arms were mottled and looked like a snake’s skin and I had to explain about melanin etc. I am hoping it will stay on my arms and not spread elsewhere, but who knows ......the doctor certainly didn’t!
Listen here Archerphile, I've been ' being careful ' since i was six/seven when my Vitiligo was first triggered. So don't you go telling Me ! ! !
DeleteSeriously though, it's unusual for me to forget, it's so much a part of me.
I believe that is the reason why I took it so calmly when I lost my hair.
I've always had this 'oddness' about me, so becoming bald was a bit more of the same.
It always fascinates me when I see others, how the patterns are so different on us all. Mine where on my trunk as a child, very large patches. Then as a teenager it spread to my limbs and a little on my face. During the weeks after I had my knee done, I watched the patterns on my feet change on a daily basis, and now I realise it has spread further across my scalp. The worst is my hands, no melanin at all now. I am as careful as I can be, usually avoiding the sun completely in high summer.
Vitiligo. I have noticed an ad. on TV (think a lady razor) where one of the young participants suffers from this.
ReplyDeleteIt is refreshing to see this.
Ruthy Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteMy kitchen was redone, over 18 months now. It took over a week, as had to wait 2 days before the tiler could come + lay the ceramic floor tiles and then grout. Only then could the new mini-range cooker be installed, and the under cupboard plinths put into place.
I lived with just a microwave, kettle and toaster, in my lounge, for over a week.
It was worth it.
Good luck with your new kitchen Ruthy. When we had ours done a few years ago the plaster fell of one wall when they took the old units down. That had to be replastered and then we had to wait for it to dry before we could proceed. With other problems that cropped up it ended up taking 9 weeks to complete the whole kitchen
ReplyDeleteBlinking heck Cheshire cheese, just how big is your kitchen!!!!!
DeleteHow exciting a new kitchen Ruthy. I love going round a kitchen showroom....have to open every drawer/cupboard that says “open me”!
I would love to have an old fashioned pantry, I’m very jealous of anyone who has one.
My worst experience with kitchen fitting.
DeleteAs I live in a very small home, whicj was a 1986 new build, so all the walls are basic partition ones - the wrong tool was used when putting up the new units.
As such, had at least 8 drilled holes, which came through the adjoining lounge wall, ruining my newly hung wallpaper. I had to call in my decorater, as an emergency, who repaired the damage. The kitchen fitter, paid in cash for the repair, as didn't want me to give him a bad report. It was done amiably, and 18 months on, the damage/repair is invisible.
I was lucky.
PtbY.
DeleteI always love, when watching Escape to the Country (which I record and watch whilst eating breakfast) a property, with a walk-in pantry. I would so love one.
In MrGG's old tenement flat there were 2 pantries - one of them a walk in one! He had never developed the flat into a 2 bedroom like everyone else in the area had done. When he sold it al the estate agents were astonished!
DeleteI wonder if Ruthy knows what a "walk in pantry" is?
DeleteI have no idea if that is a feature of houses in the USA.
Any ideas?
Miriam - no idea what a "walk in pantry" is. Pray tell.
DeleteI am a great fan of larders, never aspired to a walk in pantry, but my daughter does, and I think might have one in a property she Is buying.
DeleteI have always built a larder in to every kitchen I've had, however small the kitchen might be.
Ruthy: a small (Usually) room off the kitchen or very near, usually longer than it is wide, with a waist high cold slab, marble or such, and shelves above lining the walls. Always built in to coldest side of a house.
Fresh produce and provisions kept in this room.
I did have a house where there had been a walk in Pantry, long gone but the brick floor had a deep central dip where many feet, or perhaps the feet of one woman, had worn a groove down the centre.
Proud to be Yorkshire - not a big kitchen just a lot of problems!
DeleteMy new kitchen took three months and isn't finished yet.
DeleteAre we being competitive ?
Just saw your note that you will be headed to NY! Will be waiting for you.
DeleteLanJan - I sent a note to GG 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived with out electricity, my walk in larder, just off the kitchen was built underground, so was very cold, I didn't need a fridge.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have always fancied is an ice house. Never managed it though.
That Ruthy is dug underground, filled with ice in winter and used as a freezer as the ice will last all year.
I've always been interested in ice house.
DeleteAlways try to walk around the grounds of grand mansions if possible in order to find the ice house.
Cow girl, your larder sounds like a cellar. Did it have a table made of stone slabs?
DeleteAppuldurcombe Ice House at A. House on The IOW never forgotten it - 50yrs on 🤔 really ! Where have those years gone!
ReplyDeleteI see A.House (Ventnor IOW) is up for sale - anyone? Only 6Million! For that you will get 52rooms, 365 windows 😲 7 staircases 12 principle rooms AND 287 acres of land plus 2 farmhouses 7 holiday cottages an aviary a cafe and children’s outdoor play area. So not so bad I guess.....
DeleteI think I could slum down there, but would need a window cleaner + gardener.
DeleteMiriam. You would need an army of cleaners. Imagine having to hoover 52 bedrooms.
DeleteWe live in a 4 bedroom house and just about manage, would love a cleaner. Although wouldn't object to an acre of land for vegetables.
I have had an interesting 30 mins today. A senior gentleman knocked on my front door - I was prepared to send him on his way, but was from Mori Polls, trying to recruit people for a survey about their radio listening. To cut a long story short, I am keeping a diary of how often I listen to the radio:-
ReplyDeleteHow long, what radio stations, where (home, in car etc), what type of radio (DAB, online or other).
Just need to put my input online, - from Mon 8th-Sun 14th.
Thought it is something interesting to do. I expect that I will realise that I listen to the radio more often than I think, esp with car use included.
I am now a "statistic" in the results.
This research relates to how radio stations will broadcast, in the future.
PS I was given £5 for my input. I will spend this on my Grand Niece + Nephew, when I spend the day with them next week, and their choice of radio music in the car, will be included in survey. It will be fun.
DeleteI’ve done that survey before Miriam a number of years ago.
DeleteDoes it include listening on the sounds app or is it just “live” listening?
The only live listening I do is radio 2’s pick of the pops occasionally if it’s my era.
Listening via i-player is OK if live, but not as a download.
DeleteStill hate " BBC Sounds" and will not use until have to. I just hate it as so inferior.
I confused the Mori person with a question.
DeleteI listen to R4ex every night, via a Dab. clock radio. I fall asleep, wake up, so listen to whatever is on, fall asleep again wake up + listsn again (along with a trip to the loo).How do I record this - answer was as best as can.
That sounds really interesting Miriam. I should love to do that survey. I actually quite enjoy filling in surveys and often do so. I have only ever been contacted about a political survey once - during the run up to the referendum, when I was asked over the phone if I would vote remain or leave.....I shan’t say how I answered!
DeleteSuggest you sign up to ' YouGov ' Archerphile
DeleteI do at least one survey a week. They are all quite varied.
I used to be signed up with MORI but suppose I have lost touch since moving.
Have just signed up to YouGov and awaiting my first survey - hope it’s an interesting one!
DeleteThey are often varied with differing subject matter.
DeleteBut not always.
I've worked out ( I think) that the first few questions, sometimes only the first, categorieses you by your answer and you are then selected by the computer to a next set of questions.
I suppose it's logarithms.
Ah yes, the logarithms - I remember doing logarithms with my slide rule and log table book at school. Whatever happened to them I wonder ?!
DeleteMiriam I have also done the radio survey - again a lovely gentleman. However iPad not able to take info and I got confused on Mr R desk top so in the end I was telephoned for my results. I was still able to keep my £5 😉
ReplyDeleteApparently thr police have to be informed of the survey area and window times of calls for security.
I will let you know, how it goes. I am looking forward to doing this survey. I will put in my results via my desk-top on a daily basis in the mornings, and will be truthful.
DeleteIt is now Sat. April 6th in Melbourne, OZ and it is my niece's Wedding Day.
ReplyDeleteSadly no family have been invited - but I understand + appreciate this. This is due to so very many not having the ready money, to travel + stay (my nieces' partner is also British with 9 siblings). It was All or Nothing.
It is strange to think that when I wake up on Sat. morn, she will be married.
A video of the Ceremony will be posted on-line, and I will watch it with 2 things to hand:-
A Tissue, as know I will cry
A bottle of Prosecco with a crystal flute.
Not sure what time will do this, but it won't be when eating my Weetabix.
My neice is having a great 2019. She is getting married today/tomorrow, having her 40th birthday in 4 weeks time, and her 2nd son is due in 6 weeks time. Monty her 1st born son, is just 14 months old. She will have her hands full!
DeleteI have to keep on top of cards + pressies, due to postage times - at least 2 weeks. At least I know my Wedding Card has arrived in time.✉
DeleteSuch excitement Miriam have a lovely time viewing the wedding ceremony your end (and the tissues and Prosecco in crystal flute sound spot on 🍸💘💝)
DeleteHow lovely, Miriam ! Enjoy a few tears & prosecco...( I bet your niece makes less of a fuss looking after her 2 little ones than Pup does her 1! No denying it will be exhausting, though)
DeletePip, I mean ( with her pup..)
DeleteMy sis, my nieces Mum, has just rung me. She is so distraught at missing her daughters wedding - she sobbed down the 'phone to me.
DeleteI so feel her upset for her, and she made me cry, due to her missing her this wonderful occasion.
Note to self - salty tears irritate "new eye". Thankfully steroid eye drops have soothed it.
DeleteI remember crying buckets when my son got married in South Africa, without us there, so I do sympathise. Be careful not to rub your eyes too much.
Delete