Total new subject and a plea for advice..... are there any hairdressers or ex- hairdressers in our little group. (Sorry, Gary, you can scroll past this topic if you like!) I have a problem with my hair which I can’t seem to cure. After having fine, soft, silky, blonde hair all my life it has now gone almost totally grey and become coarse and bushy. It feels horrible, like chicken wire, and won’t stay in the short, pixie style I have. It sticks out all over the place and I look like the wreck of the Hesperus, as my dear Mum would have said! No amount of conditioner or hairspray seems to work; all the shampoo, conditioner and setting stuff I use is for silver hair but Im stuck with this horrid rough, shaggy, sticky-out, mess on my head! My hairdresser just said hair changes texture when it goes grey, use conditioner, but it doesn’t help. Do any of you know of a cream, (like Vitapointe in years of yore), spray or anything that might help? I’m fed up with looking like a 73 year old, pulled through a hedge backwards, grey pixie!! π₯΄
Hmm...I'm not sure I have the answer to this, but I do find all the products in the 'Aussie' range very good. Alternatively, getting a range of quirky little hats esp. tin he 1920s style can work wonders---whenever my ageing, thinning hair looks awful (most of the time!), I pop on a hat and try to look bohemian.
I had fine, soft, silky hair and it did not change when I turned grey.
Then it all fell out. I preferred the years of being totally bald to the fine fluffy, not proper hair, that I have now. I did get some cream, natural and organic, that does help when I remember to use it. I will pop upstairs later and post the name of it Archerphile.
You say you have a short pixie haircut ,Archerphile,but is your hair actually all the same length or layered so that the length of. your hair overall is very short like about one and a half to two inches long? For years I had a bob.My hair was thick and straight but when I had my hair cut short and layered it went wavy and doesn’t stick out. It sort of sticks close to my head if you know what I mean
My hair has always been coarse and wavy and have tried different styles. Currently it’s short at sides and back and a bit longer on top so that the weight stops it sticking out! It was very thick when I was younger but glad of that now as it has thinned out but still have it! I can’t let it dry naturally and have to blow dry to stop frizziness so you may need to do that Archerfile.
Then again, when I had very very short pixie cut when young in the late fifties, we didn't have ' products' except brylcreem, I used Vaseline. It worked well enough and gave a great shine ! And what's more I can still see that shine in my favourite photograph of me.
Thank all of you for your hairy thoughts and especially Mrs P for the recommendation of the product made - here in Hampshire! I will try some. For the record, my style is layered about 1 - 2 inches on top, graduating down the sides and into the back of my neck. It’s the bits in front of my ears and around the back that stick out at all angles - they never used to. I have even tried sticking them flat with sellotape whilst blow drying ! Perhaps I’ll just have to accept it’s one of those unfortunate symptoms of advancing years.
I noticed at PMs Question Time today that the MPs were wearing white roses.I think that Yorkshire Day is 1st August Was it anything to do with remembering Jo Cox the Yorkshire MP who was murdered? Come on you Yorkshire lasses . What do you know?
Gary I believe baby Sussex is to be called Divock Trent after two of last night’s heroes but they may just use part of one of the player’s surnames and call him Alexander
Still no sign of my hummingbirds. This weekend will move all my plants outdoors and will pot new flowers which I am hopeful will attract them back to my deck. Still have my fingers crossed.
They have called baby Sussex ,Archie! Well it is obvious they never listened to the radio in the 1950s when Peter Brough,a ventriloquist had a dummy called Archie. The programme was called Educating Archie and Max Bygraves and Julie Andrews were also members of the cast.
I think maybe Meghan listens to The Archers because his second name is Harrison. Then they have added Mountbatten before Windsor. Well it is different .The bookies will have benefited no doubt .
I thought of Archie the dummy as well. As Julie Andrews is still around, she can be fairy-godmother. I don't like Archie; it's old-fashioned to me and not in a good way. Neither do I like diminutive names. I knew a dog called Archie. I prefer the suggestion Aethelraed. Aethel means noble. Aethelflaed daughter of King Alfred and Lady of the Mercians, who was married to an Aethelraed, was the subject of a 'Great Lives' programme in the current series. Aethelraed or even better, Aethelstan are vintage royal names. It's time the name Ethel made a comeback. π Perhaps Meghan has been listening to TA to educate herself about English rural culture. She'll now know the rules of cricket and that pigs are not 'hogs'.
I loved Archie and he did appear on TV as well as on the radio. He seemed to be person sized but as a surprise my parents took me to see him on the stage in Hanley I think. What appeared was a small dummy with tiny legs draped over the ventriloquist’s arm. I was so disappointed! I think the ventriloquist was Peter Brough and he would have done well to stick to the radio as he was not that good! I was very surprised that Archie had been chosen for the royal. I can see Harrison as he is Harry’s son! I agree H at H. Don’t like it. Neither do I like Alfie which is also popular. My nephew was going to give that name to their baby but thankfully it was a girl and she is Emily Rose!
I did not like Archie Andrews, and still think that he was incredibly ugly. And I hated that voice. I never liked the name Archibald either, but am quite comfortable with ARCHIE.
Yes I am not keen now but as a child somehow loved him! We used to listen to Educating Archie on the radio, later saw him on TV. There is something sinister about him but maybe influenced by a film about a ventriloquist dummy who dominated his” partner. “Can’t remember what it was called but think the dummy was called Charlie Something.
In reply to the hair question. Sorry a bit late as to my thoughts. I have short, wavy hair, which on waking up always sticks up. I brush it with a cheap, plastic rotary brush, which smooths it down. I use a purple shampoo which I buy from my hairdresser - expensive at £37, It is luxorious, rinses out well so there is no residue and as it has a pump dispenser, it lasts a year. I never use conditioner nor hairspray, (as hair then gets too heavy + dry) and I only dry my hair on a cool, slow setting on my hairdryer. This works for me, so far, but this could well change. I find that using minimal products suit me, along with a regular cut + style, every 6 weeks, to keep my haircut, as I like.
PS I wash my hair every 2/3 days, as it only takes 10/15 mins to do. My hair is still soft + silky, but it won't be long now before I am totally "silver". I am glad I have decided to go "au naturel" as this can be a very lovely natural look. It will be far better, and cheaper, than added colours, which can look so false.
I hope Salah, Firmino & Kane will be firing on all cylinders by then. Not that it really makes much difference to either team when they don't have their "best" players available.... In fact, Spurs probably play better!!!
and why not Gary? They are an attractive team. The worst that can happen to Liverpool is that they will be runners up in two competitions which can’t be bad.
MEETING ALERT Those of us who met at Waterloo are now planning another get together in early September & hope that others might like/would to able to join us. Plenty of time to consider the idea ! This time it will be at The Barbican Centre, in front of the main theatre entrance, outdoor space with fountain playing & London views, large waterside restaurant. We aim for 11am, but people will arrive when they can, given varied travelling distances. The nearest tubes are Moorgate & The Barbican, whichever is most convenient. The date choices are Sept. 5th, 6th, 9th or 11th, so if any of you are interested in meeting, please let us know preferences. We had such fun last time, & as you know, other meetings here & in the States have been enjoyable, too. We do hope others will want to join us in September.
Sadly, I wont be joining you all. I just hate using the underground, and can't overcome my thoughts + fears. I was the same as a young child and always threw a tantrum (so I was told) of going underground. I do use it to Liverpool, which is quick, simple + easy It only lasts 30 mins and is the same overground train, which just goes under the Mersey, and never crowded.
Has anyone else received the voting papers for the European Elections? If so ,did you know that the D’honde formula is used to decide how the candidates are chosen? More to the point. Do you care?
I have my Poll Card - but will I vote - not sure yet. I need to know who is standing + why. Only then will I decide! I hate not utilising my right to vote, which I did for the first time a few weeks ago. Will I make it 2 in a row, not sure yet. But I am not on this site to discuss politics, so sorry π―
Miriam and anybody else who isn’t interested please ignore I was keen to know how the MEPs were chosen as the ballot paper to me wasn’t explicit enough in my opinion. I made a telephone call to find out. It is not a straightforward system apparently like in the General Election and one can’t vote for a particular individual in a Party . There is a pecking order for that. Now I know how the system works I will be happy to vote . I
We have our polling cards but do not yet know who will be standing in our area. I shall definitely vote as I have never missed a poll in my entire life - and have always arranged a postal vote if I know I shall be away. I just feel I owe it to Mrs Pankhurst et al to execute my right to vote! My Mum could not vote until she was 28 and drummed into me what a privilege it was. Some of her relatives had been suffragists.
Lanjan, we in Scotland have had that voting system (with a tweak or two) for almost 20 years. "First past the post" now seems terribly old fashioned to me now!
Archerphile - I agree so much with you, which are my thoughts also. I am in a dilemma though, as to whom am I voting for + why. Only time will tell what I decide. No more posts re elections from me.
Gary I have to say that I hadn’t heard of the D’honde formula before. To be honest I found it fascinating. Not surprised that the Scots are already practicing something similar. First past the post has never seemed fair to me.
I will have to google the D'honde formula and see what it is. I can understand: first past the post, single transferable vote, preferential vote and proportional vote! When I lived in Australia for three years I did not have a vote as you have to be an Australian citizen and for that you had to have lived in Aus for five years. I only made it to 3 years, 3 months! Anyway there was quite a lot of grouching about where the candidates' names were on the ballot paper! This was to gain maximum advantage of 'the donkey vote.' The Aus name for the voters who went into the booth and placed the numbers 1-8 (or however many candidates there were, from top to bottom, down the list of names! It could make quite a difference apparently! π
The D'Hondt system was used in 2009. (In Scotland anyway) I explained it in the entrance of the polling-place on that occasion, to a woman looking in bewilderment at the large-scale ballot-paper and instructions on the notice-board. My poll card says to follow instructions on the ballot-paper; some people might be in the poling-booth for some time; probably just as well there won't be a queue. European election in Northern Ireland will be conducted using a different system. The only elections in Scotland which operate 'first past the post' are general elections. I once made a mistake with numbering candidates in a local election and had to take my ballot-paper back to the polling clerk. π 16 year-olds can vote in some elections in Scotland. One of my grandmothers didn't have the vote in 1918 although she was a wife & mother; she was too young, in her early 20s. Her husband, my granddad, wasn't eligible to vote for the government which sent him to war, because he wasn't a householder, lodging with his aunt before the marriage and parents-in-law after it. He was 28 the first time he voted at a general election.
Just like my Mum, Hedgehog. In 1918 when the first women got the vote she was only18. She still could not vote when she reached 21 because she wasn’t a property owner and had to wait until she was 28 when everyone over the age of 21 was entitled to vote. It seems incredible these days when even16 yr olds can vote in some places and it is being discussed for all elections. Women truly were second class citizens in the early 20th Century.
Poor Ruthy. I am sure that she has only put a new "off topic" post up, for simple thoughts on our daily lives and nothing more. I will respect this. My comments from now on will be about my family, my own life, my pusscat, my garden and a few simple extras.
To add. My niece in OZ, has confirmed today, that she is having a C-section on May 22nd. A new Grand Nephew will then join our wonderful family Another Grand Nephew is also due in July also by C-section, but date not yet known. Exciting times. π
Future dil has had an election leaflet from the Brexit party and she only moved in 18 months ago! My two sons and I have not received anything yet from anyone. We've lived here for 32 years! I too did not vote last week and frankly I am so disgusted with Parliament as a whole I'm not sure I will whenever the next elections are. That is the first time I have not voted in over 50 years. What I should have done was what a few thousand did who wrote on their ballot papers 'None of the above!' not just because of the failure to deliver democracy (no matter whether it was leave or remain! It was the will of the people! ) Added to that insult is the fact that the MPs are still abusing the expenses allowable in Parliament! I promise now to 'leave it!' I just wish it was 'Sorted!' π
Feel much as you do Spicy, and may well write none of the above and might even add 'for failing to respect democratic rights'. And also feel very much as Archerphile about a woman's vote, under an circumstances and totally agree with GG, a heavy fine for not voting as every citizen should.
The Townswomen’s Guild had its roots in the suffragist movement. They were less militant than the suffragettes but of course had the same aim. I have always felt I owe it to those women who fought so hard to exercise my right to vote but agree that often we are not provided with enough information and you need to know who is the best candidate to represent local interests. I too am appalled that Parliament is in such a state that they can’t deliver on what was a democratic vote. It seems that those who are against Brexit have used every means in their power to stop it happening. The resultant uncertainty is to the detriment of our country.
I have never understood why voters at local elections are so influenced by national politics. Most candidates in local elections are just local people who want to do something for their district. Unfortunately the number of electors voting at local elections is low, worst in areas of most need.
When I moved into my last house it was just before the local elections. A candidate walked nearly a mile to my house. His opening statement was I know you have just moved in and haven't a vote, but I thought I would come and see you. To his surprise I told him I had a vote. You can guess who I voted for. No one else bothered.
Sorry Miriam I am with you Hedgehog at Hollowtree re local elections
You all probably all know this anyway When voting in a General or local election one knows which candidate ((s) one is voting for and in a local election if there are three places to be filled one could vote for three different Parties In the latest MEP elections one votes for the Party and there is no information (except for the names) about the candidates. What a farce.
I hope I am not offending anyone, but I do think it is quite acceptable to discuss things like voting arrangements etc on here. The current situation in our country is of major concern to us all and it feels very important to me to be able to discuss it, in a friendly way.
I did not think this second Ruthy blog was to be entirely devoted to domestic doings, holidays, pets or the weather. I welcome having something a bit more edgy to discuss *occasionally*. I don’t want to be banned from mentioning what is happening worldwide or at home. I am not asking for full-on discussions about Brexit - that would be too divisive - but hope we can discuss and inform each other about British and World affairs in general, without upsetting anyone.
In my own case, living in a rather isolated rural location, with no friends or family close at hand and only Mr A to chew things over with, I actually welcome online chat with my virtual friends on any topic and these blogs are a bit of a lifeline. Just as long as as we don’t contaminate the Archers blog with non-Ambridge subjects!
✓✓✓ Completely reasonable, imo, Archerphile. I understand this blog to be open to any subject, the only prohibition being to eschew anything sneery, personally offensive. Sadly, talking about Brexit in any detail, perhaps any strongly held political views, leads to attack & assumptions. Civilization is shallow in practice !
Archerphile. I am in agreement with your comment, this blog was set up by Ruthy to discuss all things not relatable to The Archers. Ruthy did not make rules on topics for discussion, so as a group we gradually, and somehow came to the conclusion that comments would not be offensive. If I find a topic boring/tedious I can say so, or Remain silent. I am a European and believe that had the EU existed in the1940s my mother would not have been removed by the Nazis at a very young age. One of the purposes of the EU in morern times is to maintain peace in Europe, along with the original economic agreement. I find it interesting that the majority of those who voted to leave are of an older generation and will have been around when the war ended. The children of survivors, like myself, are still by association, being subjected to the trauma experienced by our parents. Psychotherapists in the US and here in The UK have undertaken a lot of research on survivors and their families. Many of these researchers are themselves the children of victims of the extermination’s camps. I have a Polish mother and Irish father, both from different cultures and religious backgrounds. So for me voting in the EU elections is important, the fascists haven’t gone away. I don’t want to feel that I can’t discuss things that important to me. Sharing and supporting each other is one of the good aspects of this blog, especially when someone is feeling low or going through a difficult time. A benign blog dictated by certain topics would definitely be boring.
Agree, one only has to take a look at what's happening across Europe (&further afield) to feel extremely concerned. I shall definitely be exercising my right to vote while I am able.
Stasia, agree with every word of your post above. I was very cross when, after the referendum , it was we, the older generation, who were accused of selfishly voting for Brexit and ruining our children’s futures. I am happy to state that Mr A and I both voted to remain in Europe precisely * because* of our children and grandchildren’s futures and to hopefully maintain peace throughout the continent. Now that is said, I shall refrain from commenting on the Brexit result further as I know it could engender bitter argument but I was keen to state my case. No need for anyone to reply!
I agree with Archerfile about topics on here. My husband and I are close friends with a couple who are on the opposite side of the Brexit debate to us but we have managed to have discussions about it while still remaining friends. I'm sure that the group of people on this blog is able to do the same.
Well said Archerphile and others. I did wonder when ! posted the piece about the MEP voting paper whether I should have done but I am pleased now to have done so.
To change the subject I have just seen a sparrow drinking out of a puddle (we had wonderful rain yesterday) . I haven’t seen a sparrow close to for ages.
Like you LJ I rarely saw sparrows in London in recent years, ( with the exception of the hedge around the cafe on Wimbledon Common, where they were prolific but isolated) but have been pleased to see many here away from London. Certainly there are less of them but they are still around.
We have lots of sparrows visiting our garden especially at this time of year when they have young to feed. I spent quite a bit of time this morning just watching a pair of starlings around our bird table feeding three youngsters.
It's Marking Day this coming weekend and the cows come out on the common, Rodborough and Minchinhampton. No cows on Selsey Common last year. I do hope we see them return this year.
I may have mentioned that I bought a goldfinch bird feeder and niger seeds and was thrilled when the clever little birds discovered it. It is on a tree quite a way down the garden so Mr LJ decided to screw a plastic bowl onto a pole and fill it with niger seeds and put the pole nearer to the house and they have now discovered that too.
In response to discussions re the B word, we were unable to vote in the referendum having been here over 15 years. We watched it all unfold in horror. Have much enjoyed the 2 part documentary following events from the EU point of view..! ☺️
Some of you might find this interesting. I did. This afternoon I decided to check up to see if I could find out anything about any of the eleven Independent candidates who are standing in the European elections for this area and found out that they are not really independent but most of them are members of the Extinction Rebellion Party who although are no doubt sincere in their beliefs ,caused so much disruption in London recently.
For the first time in many years, I am also seeing common sparrows in my garden. These are along with all the usual tits, robins, blackbirds, goldfinches, redwings, thrushes, lapwings along with ducks + geese flying over. I still find it strange to see ducks, sitting atop ridge tiles, on house roofs - it jusn't seem natural.
I must add, there are very few magpies around this year. Also the many squirrels are constantly digging holes in my back lawn, window box, front flower beds, looking for previously buried nuts. At least lawn is being aerated in a natural way.
Hello Miriam. I had a good overhaul including echocardiogram again, but was told that once the cardiac team had reviewed the findings a report would be sent to my doctor and to see him next week. I did phone the cardiac nurse at the community hospital today as she had told me she could access the results quicker than the doctor. She was away ill, but the lady in charge of admin had a peek on the computer and although she didn't understand the technical stuff she was able to tell me it said "much improvement" so that sounds really positive. I am just so pleased. All that resting is paying dividends. Thank you so much for all the kindness and support and advice given to me here on this blog.
Good to hear that news Janice. And proof for you that doing the 'right thing' has benefited you.
I hope you know that communication from Hospital Consultants can be sent directly to you as well as your GP if you request it. Not routinely done by all health authorities, but personally I believe we should each keep our own records. This has been underlined for me, by the fact that my last health authority, took the decision, without consulting me, to destroy all my records from before the nineties. Since I have had various auto immune conditions since the age of six or seven, as well as mental health incidents from my early teens, and improving research shows more and more, that childhood health impacts on ageing conditions, I am pretty annoyed, and powerless to do anything about this.
I am busy thinking, and writing a shopping list. I have friends coming for dinner tomorrow night, so planning menu. Thoughts:- a smoked salmon + advocado on crostini as a starter, a rich pork casserole with mushrooms, peppers, red wine with basil along with mashed pots. + veg, followed by a simple fresh fruit pavlova, all home made of course. I might change my mind - but these are all simple to prepare + cook and won't spoil if late in dishing up.
Cheshire Cheese- The starlings nesting in a leylandi in next door but one's garden have spread the word and for the past four days I have had at least four families in the garden and perched on the fence! I counted at least twenty four birds and most were fledglings. The noise was incredible! When I returned said neighbour's daughter after her 'lesson' with me I mentioned the birds to her. 'OMG' she said, 'They are doing my head in!' I did tell her they will be gone soon. I hope they are! The robins and blue tits visit in the morning, blackbirds feed off the ground throughout the day and starlings, wood pigeons and collared doves come about 4 pm. The squirrels come when they want something to do, take the peanuts from the squirrel feeder and bury them in my potato gro-bags, between the strawberries (in bags) and round my camelias and standard roses in pots!
Alas, our Katya Cat caught & killed a young collared dove a few weeks ago. A triumph for her, but we were sad, wishing we'd been in time. ( in the past, we have saved a few birds)
Pi, our beloved hairy killing machine, can't really go more than 48 hours without dragging a corpse through the catflap. His main nemeses* seems to be magpies. He cannot stand them it seems! But frogs, pigeons, robins and even squirrels - he's kinda happy to slaughter them all...
*I went to the trouble of looking up the plural of nemesis!!!
One of my cats, many years ago, obviously felt sorry for creatures in the rain and often we found worms and one morning, after a very wet night, three frogs hopping around our sitting room! William, a large but sleek ginger used to wait for it to rain, then came in with all sorts of creatures. We assumed the noise of the rain drowned out his prowling! He would come in looking like a drowned, dark brown rat with 'gift' in his mouth!
Bobby Brewster, a Tabby Main Coon rescued from Battersea dogs home, from behaviours observed had probably lived in a high rise and somehow escaped, so we thought had never been out in the world before we got him. But in the first few weeks before being allowed out, would sit in an upstairs window watching birds. When he did go out for the first time, he brought home a large nest and wrestled it through the cat flap with great difficulty. His first ' catch' The next day he brought home his second catch. A very large pigeon. Too large to get through the cat flap.
I have just watched Lancashire play Middlesex at Lord’s In a one day match which Lancashire actually won although they nearly threw it away. I am hoping that will be the start of a good weekend of sport but I fear that this time tomorrow I will not feel quite as cheerful. However if City win tomorrow thereby coming top of the Premier League as I expect them to ,I am still extremely proud of Liverpool the team I support and who have given many thousands of people such enormous pleasure this year.
Walking the dog on the canal this evening, I first saw three very tiny cygnets swimming without parents. I then spotted parents in the reeds. I watched for ten minutes while father selected then pulled at growing reeds, threw them over his back, mother took each one as it landed and herself threw that fresh reed into a new pile. They were clearly refreshing or rebuilding their nest. They had three other signets with them. The three I had originally seen were still ' swanning' about without mum and dad.
I’m hoping to see cygnets soon down at the creek. Mr Swan has been swimming around on his own and a lady who lives down there said she had seen them mating a few weeks back after driving off the seven fully grown offspring from last year. Mrs Swan does do most of the work bringing them up and he just swans around!
Our swan couple in the park are nesting on the little island. I’m selfishly hoping they hatch before my next trip up north. I wonder where the three cygnets went that were born last year. One left in the autumn and the other two only recently. The Egyptian geese were grazing on the park lawn the other day. They’re pretty big already.
We have a flock of sparrows visiting our garden every year so no lack of them here. I miss the greenfinches though.
I am sorry Janice, I meant to say first how pleased I am to hear you are on the mend. I hope you enjoyed the enforced reading.
I read “Rebecca” last week before watching the film again, and Summer in February about the Cornish artists in Lamorna, also before watching the film. Good wet weather/ convalescence material.
Seasider “ Rebecca” ah a favourite film of mine - for me must be the black & white version though! Also love “Barefoot in the park” J.Fonda & R. Redford / Brief Encounter b/w Finally “ Guess who’s coming to dinner” S. Tracey/ K Hepburn & the gorgeous S Poitier - the subject of which 50 yrs + is still sadly very relevant, however does have some hilarious moments in it as well. Off to our friends shortly for the husbands birthday π΄his wife is superb cook and garden produces a lot of their food! 6 of us getting together to catch up - lovely π π π· Wishing everyone a pleasant day too π€
Yes, the original Laurence Olivier Rebecca film for me too, and the book by Daphne du Maurier was the first ‘adult’ book I read as a teenager and has remained my all-time favourite novel.
I am sure that somebody mentioned having a badedas bath. Was it Archerphile? It sounds wonderful. We only have a shower in our bungalow. I would love to have a bath but it had been taken out before I came here and a large shower unit was put in. It is great but the thought of soaking in a scented bath with a g and t on the side and soft music playing in the background sounds like bliss. I am so envious.
LanJan, it sounds like you need a night at a hotel with a lovely bathroom πππΉ
Lady R, enjoy your meal - sounds wonderful. Re Rebecca, we watched the Charles Dance/ Emilia Fox version with Diana Rigg as an excellent Mrs Danvers. Tonight it’s the Hitchcock.
all this bath talk ..... 1st M-i-L (80's) always used Badedas, I'd forgotten how wondeful it is, now on my shopping list once again..ππ₯but no music!
It was me ending my rant about last night's episode on the other blog ! I adore the smell of Badedas! Should have been here but just tagged at end of Archers' post
I recently unpacked a ' bathroom ' box, and found two half used Badedas containers, so I too have been re enjoying what used to be a regular treat, but forgotten about over recent years.
L J - my thoughts like Seasider. You need a night in a hotel. With a bath.
More about Badedas ..... I bought a bottle of (then very expensive) Badedas to take on our honeymoon in the Lake District in 1970. The very scent of it these days brings back special memories of the ideal location of our hotel on the shores of Ullswater - we went back a few years ago hoping to celebrate our 45th anniversary, only to find the hotel had been converted into a private home. Such a disappointment but we still had an enjoyable stay (with a bottle of Badedas) at a hotel in Glenridding at the far end of the Lake!
The point about the bath is that I need it when I have just come in from the garden.but I must say I fancy one of those pamper weekends at a posh hotel as well.
Many years ago enjoyed rum butter teas in the Lake District and a few years ago went up there with my husband only to find the cafes had never heard of it! We finally tracked down some rum butter to take home but it tasted like rum margarine! Oh, well things move on unfortunately!
Tonight we will be watching the third Lord of the Rings movie. Have spent the last two nights watching the first two - MrGG had never seen them. I, on the other hand, have seen them about half a dozen times at least. I can easily watch a film multiple times.
Parsley, I must say I do like the sound of the Frenchman's creek....π
There’s a cottage in Cornwall, rented out by the Landmark Trust, which is supposed to have inspired it. I haven’t stayed but I walked past. Too remote for Mr S . I rather fancy it.
I had three sons living with me the Christmas when 'Fellowship' was released and they, having read and loved the books, dragged myself and dil along to the cinema on Boxing Day. I was hooked and we returned eight days later to watch again. This happened three years running and I was bereft that there was 'nothing ' on the fourth year so we had a LOR marathon on that Boxing Day at home with our box set, with toilet breaks and for food! It went on from about midday to middnight! Since then though, our family, (comprising one, two or three sons and relevant partners) have gone to the cinema on Boxing Day, until two years ago when I was too in with flu in 2017 and then in 2018, bit ropey again and all there was were Comic book Disney films so sons went alone. Watching LOR Fellowship film though did encourage me to give the book another go (between the release of Fellowship and Two Towers) and I quite enjoyed it. Still wept at the ending of Return of the King though. Then again years ago I left the cinema in tears after watching 'The Greatest Story Ever Told!' Flatmate was puzzled "But you knew how it was going to end!" π
Have you ever seen "Cinema Paradiso" Spicycushion? Talk about crying at the end!! I am planning on showing it in my garden for our film club night next month - going to festoon the trees in lights and have dozens of candles dotted about. And a packet of Kleenex for each and every person...ππ’π
One of the things my son did to help me keep resting was to download the extended versions of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. We watched them over six evenings, but once again I had to bury my head in a cushion when that dreadful spider appeared! I have a dear God-daughter whose wish list for the ideal man is: 1. He should enjoy spending a whole day watching the above films one after another with her. 2. He should be a person who would genuinely enjoy spending the whole day shopping with her - without any grumbling! Hmmm!
Prompted by discussion on the Archer's blog, but properly belonging here, have been pondering ( honestly, of all things !) the use of 'ain't'. Whilst obviously not standard English, it makes sense, no confusion of meaning. It's a sort of conflation of the verb'to be' : ' I ain't laughing' = 'I'm not laughing; ' He ain't funny' = 'He isn't funny'. By contrast, the wrong usage of 'could of' instead of 'could've', both in speech & in writing, doesn't make any sense whatsoever & is just irritatingly sloppy & thoughtless. Anyway, back to birds, specifically magpies, who are numerous hereabouts, beautiful, & not the slightest bothered by cats, who are wary of them - once saw a cat being attacked by a couple of them. A former cat of ours, watched by a very impatient noisy magpie while he played with a mouse kill, became bored after a while & settled down a few feet away. Instantly, the bird got the mouse & flew off with it. I have a voice for the Magpie - he's loud, dead common, aggressive & swears like a trooper. Gosh, didn't intent to write an essay. Thanks if you've read to the end...
Cats - our late lamented Tigger's (female, long-haired tortie ) speciality were squirrels π’(reds only here ) & rabbits - arrived home to the scene of her 1/2 way through devouring the head of one, no 2 waiting, no 3 on the doorstep for us! The kittens Merry & Pippin looked on in awe..
A couple of weeks ago Pi sat in the middle of the day room crunching his way through a largeish mouse, keeping the head til last. He didn't take his eyes off me the entire time. I genuinely think I was too horrified to move! I love him, but sometimes, just sometimes, he is too disgusting for words.
Now can't stop thinking about "Cinema Paradiso"! Going to blast out some happy happy music to stop me slipping into a melancholic reverie...☺
Overdue, but reading back, glad that you're doing well, Janice. So encouraging, glad also you accessed early indications of improvement. Must say, can think of worst ways of regaining health. Enforced rest( no guilt attached therefore) reclining with lots of delightful books. Rebecca, fearfully readable, but a load of nonsense; Frenchmen's Creek, much better, with some truly chilling moments....
Me too Janice. Only just caught up with today’s posts on this blog (sometimes only have time for the main Archers blog) and am delighted to read that your health is improving. Going by the other posts on here I recommend having a nice long soak in a Badedas bath followed by a tasty and nourishing supper in front of the TV watching Rebecca ( the Laurence Olivier version, of course). My very best wishes to you.
Just a quick look in and catch up. Janice, that sounds so positive and I tend to think that to go to the GP for results, sounds good news to me, as surely otherwise another hosp. appt would have been made? Films, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, always reduces me to tears, due to the realistic interaction between Audrey Hepburn + Spencer Tracy, their last together and they knew it. I have to watch the film Paddington tomorrow, which I have borrowed from my grand niece, who wants it back! Baths, I just love a soak with bubbles, but I have to be careful as I have a jet bath. This is lovely, but I have to be wary as to, too many bubbles. My favourite is Sanctuary cream bath, with their bath wash or Dove cream wash.
Have a great evening everyone. I know that I will. π₯π·π₯π΄π΄
To add, I have listened to an hour long drama, which I downloaded from R4ex yesterday, which I enjoyed. It was called - A Place of Justice. I just thought to mention it, in case others might be interested or not.It had a good cast - Barbara Flynn + Rosemary Leach.
Thank you for the recommendation Miriam, I am a great fan of listening to Drama on BBC iPlayer catch up. I spend an hour or so most afternoons doing a jigsaw whilst listening to a play or episodes of a serial. One of the reasons I dread iPlayer being switched off is that it is so easy to find interesting Drama there whereas on BBC Sounds you have to know the exact name of a production to locate it. I dread being without iPlayer and keep hoping the BBC decide to keep it after all.
Isn’t it time they went their separate ways or do they enjoy fighting? I’m glad your guest confronted them though! Your menu sounded yummy and I bet they all enjoyed the meal!
Mother’s Day in the US. I had planned the do planting but it is miserably cold and very wet and besides I have work to do. ELO have a concert in NJ in July and my son is planned to see it with me. That will be my Mother’s Day gift. Also my son has earned his college degree.
Ruthy ππ»ππ» to your son (and what a treat you have to look forward to for your MD gift!) We are having a glorious Spring weather day here in Hampshire. I took my neighbour to a country garden centre the ride was most enjoyable and then we sat outside with our drinks π€
My daughter's birthday today. Actually as she's in Melbourne it's probably justfinished. I have a very difficult email to send to her concerning a family matter (not criminal or life threatening!) and it's something I've been putting off for about two months! Cannot make up my mind whether to do it today or just send usual greetings and keep on thinking about what I am going to say! I am a procrastinator of the first degree! Otherwise many things to do today, a beautiful blue sky, sunny day. Planting, tidying garden, putting stuff in car to take to the tip tomorrow, take cakes I made for yesterday's rained off match to club house for today's match, read and study exam papers which I am to start marking in 10 days time plus usual cooking, cleaning and ironing. Trouble is I have so many excuses to avoid doing things I don't want to! π
I know it's not a competition Spiceycushion, but I think I probably beat you at procrastination, particularly since I have very few 'real' responsibilities.
However I did have a real one this morning. I let the cat out first, then took dog to garden for her morning pee. Some time later I saw through the frosted glass side door that the cat was outside so opened it to let him in. He didn't want too but the dog hopped up the step and immediately started sniffing in true hunting style. As she lunged towards it, I saw it. A freshly killed squirrel ! I grabbed her by the scruff just in time but she struggled with me for some moments, but I won. Then I had to get outside to wrap and clear the 'prey' with cat looking on and dog inside scrabbling to get out. When it was all over I resumed my tea making and drinking while dog nosed around outside. Then I realised she was no longer there. With a long shared garden path, neighbour and I have a series of gates to barricade the two dogs, and I realised that all barricades had been broken through and no sign of dog, who had clearly escaped. She hadn't gone far, but was marauding around nearest large garden, and when I found where she was, was running hell for leather chasing the smell presumably left by cat dragging the captured squirrel. She ran back to the house twice but didn't run into the road, (cars flying by of course) before eventually coming to me and submitting to lead.
What was it somebody said recently about blood pressure ! And now I've just discovered a tick on her neck. Clearly caught this morning when I suspect she actually got into the nearby field. Fortunately it had not attached yet and I was able to remove it. At some point after her walk I must look for more.
If you have been, thank you for reading, and forgive my long story. I needed to release it from my inner fears.
Who’d have dogs Mrs P? Well done for catching her but Sunday should be more restful!! Buddy is in a no eating mode today but we took them to Quarr Abbey and a very kind lady gave him two treats, gravy bones which he wolfed down! We think his aversion to good food at home is down to attention seeking!
Gypsy ate his breakfast. Although blind she can smell food a mile off and a moment’s inattention on our part results in her latest guzzling episode! One won’t eat and the other one never stops eating!
Uninterrupted blue sky here today, spent the morning pruning shrubs. Had lunch in the conservatory and now sitting wirh a cup of coffee watching the blue tits flying between our bird feeder and nest box.
I have found out that my puss cat loves salad cream! I ate my lunch of turkey, rocket, toms with low-fat salad cream. I put my plate on the floor, and yes, pusscat thought it was for her, but soon taken away. As to last night, I had thought left-overs for tonight - but all that is left is a small pavlova portion + 1/2 bottle of wine. Yes I was late out of bed, and cleared up with TA omnibus to help me along. ππ As I expected, my friends confrontation last night with my neighbours, as backfired, as I thought it would, even though he was very civil and courteous, as he always is. Today in my back garden, she (neighbour) was rude and nasty to me. Her rant at me, was that what goes on in their home, is up to them and nobody else's business. It was upsetting, as you can imagine. I have lived in my home for nearly 33yrs, I own it outright, I have done a lot of expensive changes in the the recent years. Suddenly after less than 2 years, my home is not the quiet, relaxing place, it once was, even as a long term rental. Still, I can't think the inhabitants next door will be neighbours long-term. It is getting to me - and how sad.
To explain - next door was a long term rental property, and I never had any problems, with noise etc. and I had many wonderful neighbours. What has upset me today, is the way I have been spoken to. I am older than her mother, (I know) and she would not like anyone speaking in that way to her Mum, so why do it to me?
Let’s hope these neighbours will not indeed be long term Miriam! From past experience I know exactly how you are suffering π‘ and I really really feel for you π₯° Sounds like you’re friends were as spoilt as we were at a friends yesterday - with lovely homemade food. Not my forte to produce it but I am a most appreciative guest π
As a matter of fact what goes on in her home is somebody else's business if it affects them in an anti social manner as it does you.
You have reported on here about their behaviour a couple of times, so you have dates that you could report to your local council. That councils anti social guidelines would be worth your reading, and acting upon, and since the house is a rental property you could copy your complaint to the landlord, pointing out that long term tenants in the past have been good neighbours who did not disturb the peace of the neighbourhood.
We live in a civilised country and we should all be responsible towards each other to keep it that way.
Miriam ,I think I know how you feel. I have never done my ;neighbour any harm as far as I know but when I offered to help her with something ,she said that she would rather walk down the street and ask a stranger for help than ask help from me. When I said that I had never knowingly done her any harm she told me that I might not but that I was married to a bully! Amazingly I have never noticed this. I am a bit slow on the uptake though because before I offered help I had sent her a home made (and though I says it myself as shouldn’t ) rather attractive card on her birthday and she pushed it back through our letter box saying that she didn’t want it. Then at Christmas I foolishly popped a Christmas card through her letter box. After all she goes to Church every Sunday.so presumably is Christian. It wasn’t returned but we didn’t get one from her I think I have got the message now. It will be difficult to ignore your neighbours I know but at least you know that you are not alone.
In my case several years ago when she WAS speaking she “jokingly “ suggested that when I had finished with Mr LJ I could pass him over to her. I told her then there was no chance......
I am sorry that you feel that you have no power to do anything about your anti social neighbours Miriam. You do, through your local council, but it would seem you feel that you have to live with it. I find that so sad.
Miriam please do as Mrs P suggests and complain to the council, they will act, it might also give the couple a wake up call. Your friends are also a witness, so you are not alone. Make sure you record all noise and interventions immediately after they happen, with a note of time and date, it is very powerful evidence and one they would find hard to refute.
They may be buying their house, but it doesn't give them the right to make life unpleasant for others. Take your courage in both hands and do it, I am sure others will be grateful that you have. We will be with you all the way.
Does anyone know what age Molly Piper is, (who plays Mia)? I cannot find this out. I am intrigued as to this, as she was so brilliant - giving so many recent, heartfelt and meaningful performances.
Can only find out that she has been acting since 2012 starting off with the RSC! There is a web page from her agency/managers with a list of about a dozen stage plays and a couple of films. The most recent notice states she has been playing Mia for the past two years. Her age is only given as 16-23 years old.
Yes it was Ruthy, but we made up for it by having a quiet afternoon walking across the Common to take in all the National Trust info attached to Marking Day. Though the cows don't actually arrive on the common until tomorrow the 13th. We sat in the garden of The Old Lodge enjoying the sun. Lady was quite subdued after her mornings adventure.
Incidentally I learned during talking with the NT people that the reason that they use Belted Galloways- Belties - is because they will eat anything so are good for helping to clear scrub.
Just catching up Mrs P, sorry to hear of Ladys escapade , but glad it ended well, sounds like she is bonding well and hopefully learning by her mistakes!
A number of rare breeds are used for conservation work up and down the country, like the Belties they eat what others wont, but more importantly they don't damage the environment.
Have just heard of the death of Brian Waldron. I was always interested in politics but it was Brian Waldron who changed my interest into a passion. So far, in my opinion there has not been another commentator to match his calm but forensic interviewing techniques.
I remember him coming on the telly on a Sunday, early afternoon I think, when I was a child. He had a very distinctive voice. I am surprised he hasn’t been dead for years.....seemed old then when I was young!
Ditto PtbY! I remember doing impersonations of him when I was a child in the 70's. What a strange little thing I must have been...
Off out on an adventure on my trusty steed* today. Going to go to the little village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Some of you may remember a truly dreadful (therefore hypnotic!) soap many years ago called "Take the High Road" - it was filmed there. And this time I am coated in factor 50 from head to toe...!!!
So today I have a parcel being delivered by UPS that requires signing for. I am going out at lunch time and have roped in a friend to come and wait if it has not arrived by then. So, thinking I’d be on the ball, I joined the UPS App to track my parcel so I could keep my friend informed. After faffing for a good 20 mins to join, set up user name, passwords, address to see if UPS operate in my area (fgs!!!!) I got logged in to be told “. MY DELIVERY WILL BE WITH ME BY THE END OF THE DAY!!!! Words eventually failed me. π€¬π€¬π€¬
I had several deliveries today as usual because daughter is always ordering something usually for the dogs! I am given 1 hour slots and today it was Trev who delivered. We are becoming good friends!
I am very "good" friends with my regular postman of many years. He always looks through the lounge window and if he sees me, knocks on the window for a quick chat.
Re deliveries: On 5th April we went to look for a new gas cooker and found one we liked & was the right size for gap in our kitchen, but were told it was out of stock until 19th April & then would be allocated to those who had waited the longest. Bank holiday monday [6th May] at 7am I received a text message to say cooker will be delivered on 15th May, lunch time today another text informing me it will be delivered between 7am and 10:59!!! Will they dare to wait until 11 on the dot??
I measured it Miriam so am sure it will fit. They will deliver, connect & take away the old one too. All additional charges of course but to have it all over & done without having to find someone to fit it & pay the council to take the old [and wait 3-4 weeks for them to do it!] it seemed better to get it all over & done with....can't wait. Thanks for asking.
I am sad to hear that Doris Day has died, at the great age of 97. I loved all her films, apart from Calamanity Jane - not sure why though! Perhaps it was just too much Hollywood and umrealistic. I have had a day out at Cheshire Oaks. Big Sis had to take her 4×4 to the nearby main dealer for a service, so I picked her up, for a jaunt out. We had lunch admist shopping. I was very good, as I only bought one thing. As I have said I will have a new grand nephew in 10days time, purchase was a 0-3 sleepsuit with a hat and embroidered on front with "Born in 2019". Silly I know, but just a bit of fun. I left Sis at the garage late afternoon, as due to a 'phone call, things were taking much longer. This is down to the need of new brake discs + pads, an extra cost of £778! It wasn't a con. as sent a video showing why, not that we understood it.
Doris Day, much loved by those of us allowed to the cinema in the fifties. Wonderful Annie Oakley ( I will still sing ' whip crack away whip crack away when happy) And for some reason I was reading something on line about her yesterday.
I am so pleased that in her later decades she did find happiness and contentment with her animals after so much personal unhappiness in her younger years.
Are you home yet Gary? Madly envious. I still have my bike but haven’t ridden it for about a year now as down here the roads are not safe for cyclists. It doesn’t owe me a penny though because it is nearly 50 years old. My previous bike which I saved up for was stolen from outside the house in the days when you didn’t think you needed to lock up your bike or add it to your house Insurance policy...
Hey Lanjan! Home safe & sound - it was a PERFECT day for cycling. Really lucky up here - canal tow paths and old railway lines have all been converted to cycle/walk ways. Even a few old roads. l can cycle all day and never encounter any traffic whatsoever. I have went from one side of the country to the other never having to worry about it. Routes like the Great Glen Way are amazing to do by bike. I hope you get back on YOUR bike before too long. Maybe you could take it by train to join a route with no traffic?
The wonderful Charles parish is back on radio 4 extra. I love Bill Nighy in anything even though he always sounds the same and has the same mannerisms. π
Thank you Ruthy, but please make sure you have some time for relaxation.
ReplyDeleteHow about that then LanJan!!
ReplyDeleteRuthy, any sign of your hummingbirds yet?
Total new subject and a plea for advice..... are there any hairdressers or ex- hairdressers in our little group. (Sorry, Gary, you can scroll past this topic if you like!)
ReplyDeleteI have a problem with my hair which I can’t seem to cure. After having fine, soft, silky, blonde hair all my life it has now gone almost totally grey and become coarse and bushy.
It feels horrible, like chicken wire, and won’t stay in the short, pixie style I have. It sticks out all over the place and I look like the wreck of the Hesperus, as my dear Mum would have said!
No amount of conditioner or hairspray seems to work; all the shampoo, conditioner and setting stuff I use is for silver hair but Im stuck with this horrid rough, shaggy, sticky-out, mess on my head!
My hairdresser just said hair changes texture when it goes grey, use conditioner, but it doesn’t help. Do any of you know of a cream, (like Vitapointe in years of yore), spray or anything that might help?
I’m fed up with looking like a 73 year old, pulled through a hedge backwards, grey pixie!! π₯΄
Hmm...I'm not sure I have the answer to this, but I do find all the products in the 'Aussie' range very good. Alternatively, getting a range of quirky little hats esp. tin he 1920s style can work wonders---whenever my ageing, thinning hair looks awful (most of the time!), I pop on a hat and try to look bohemian.
DeleteHmm....... should I reply to the above ? ? ?
DeleteI had fine, soft, silky hair and it did not change when I turned grey.
Then it all fell out.
I preferred the years of being totally bald to the fine fluffy, not proper hair, that I have now.
I did get some cream, natural and organic, that does help when I remember to use it.
I will pop upstairs later and post the name of it Archerphile.
You say you have a short pixie haircut ,Archerphile,but is your hair actually all the same length
Deleteor layered so that the length of. your hair overall is very short like about one and a half to two inches long?
For years I had a bob.My hair was thick and straight but when I had my hair cut short and layered it went wavy and doesn’t stick out.
It sort of sticks close to my head if you know what I mean
My hair has always been coarse and wavy and have tried different styles. Currently it’s short at sides and back and a bit longer on top so that the weight stops it sticking out! It was very thick when I was younger but glad of that now as it has thinned out but still have it! I can’t let it dry naturally and have to blow dry to stop frizziness so you may need to do that Archerfile.
DeleteArcherphile - the product I mentioned is -
DeleteOrganic ColourSystems
Control
Define
Firm hold for definition
Manufacturers -
Organic Colour Systems Ltd Hampshire, SO41 8JX, UK
Says - ideal for short, dry, or frizzy hair
Then again, when I had very very short pixie cut when young in the late fifties, we didn't have ' products' except brylcreem, I used Vaseline.
DeleteIt worked well enough and gave a great shine !
And what's more I can still see that shine in my favourite photograph of me.
Thank all of you for your hairy thoughts and especially Mrs P for the recommendation of the product made - here in Hampshire! I will try some.
DeleteFor the record, my style is layered about 1 - 2 inches on top, graduating down the sides and into the back of my neck. It’s the bits in front of my ears and around the back that stick out at all angles - they never used to. I have even tried sticking them flat with sellotape whilst blow drying ! Perhaps I’ll just have to accept it’s one of those unfortunate symptoms of advancing years.
I noticed at PMs Question Time today that the MPs were wearing white roses.I think that Yorkshire Day is 1st August
ReplyDeleteWas it anything to do with remembering Jo Cox the Yorkshire MP who was murdered?
Come on you Yorkshire lasses .
What do you know?
Apparently the white roses are to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day.
DeleteGary I believe baby Sussex is to be called Divock Trent after two of last night’s heroes but they may just use part of one of the player’s surnames and call him Alexander
ReplyDeleteSurely JΓΌrgen would be more apt given the family tree...π
Deleteπ
DeleteStill no sign of my hummingbirds. This weekend will move all my plants outdoors and will pot new flowers which I am hopeful will attract them back to my deck. Still have my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThey have called baby Sussex ,Archie!
ReplyDeleteWell it is obvious they never listened to the radio in the 1950s when Peter Brough,a ventriloquist had a dummy called Archie.
The programme was called Educating Archie and Max Bygraves and Julie Andrews were also members of the cast.
I think maybe Meghan listens to The Archers because his second name is Harrison.
DeleteThen they have added Mountbatten before Windsor.
Well it is different .The bookies will have benefited no doubt .
Well, I take it that Archie is a nod to the Archers as well :-)
DeleteI thought of Archie the dummy as well. As Julie Andrews is still around, she can be fairy-godmother. I don't like Archie; it's old-fashioned to me and not in a good way. Neither do I like diminutive names. I knew a dog called Archie. I prefer the suggestion Aethelraed. Aethel means noble. Aethelflaed daughter of King Alfred and Lady of the Mercians, who was married to an Aethelraed, was the subject of a 'Great Lives' programme in the current series. Aethelraed or even better, Aethelstan are vintage royal names. It's time the name Ethel made a comeback. π
DeletePerhaps Meghan has been listening to TA to educate herself about English rural culture. She'll now know the rules of cricket and that pigs are not 'hogs'.
I loved Archie and he did appear on TV as well as on the radio. He seemed to be person sized but as a surprise my parents took me to see him on the stage in Hanley I think. What appeared was a small dummy with tiny legs draped over the ventriloquist’s arm. I was so disappointed! I think the ventriloquist was Peter Brough and he would have done well to stick to the radio as he was not that good! I was very surprised that Archie had been chosen for the royal. I can see Harrison as he is Harry’s son! I agree H at H. Don’t like it. Neither do I like Alfie which is also popular. My nephew was going to give that name to their baby but thankfully it was a girl and she is Emily Rose!
DeleteI did not like Archie Andrews, and still think that he was incredibly ugly.
DeleteAnd I hated that voice.
I never liked the name Archibald either, but am quite comfortable with ARCHIE.
Yes I am not keen now but as a child somehow loved him! We used to listen to Educating Archie on the radio, later saw him on TV. There is something sinister about him but maybe influenced by a film about a ventriloquist dummy who dominated his” partner. “Can’t remember what it was called but think the dummy was called Charlie Something.
DeleteI am loving the name for Baby Sussex. It is different, but somehow suitable for such a couple, who seem as much celebrity as Royal.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder if this was their first choice though. At least HM Elizabeth II will have approved it.
DeleteIn reply to the hair question.
ReplyDeleteSorry a bit late as to my thoughts.
I have short, wavy hair, which on waking up always sticks up. I brush it with a cheap, plastic rotary brush, which smooths it down.
I use a purple shampoo which I buy from my hairdresser - expensive at £37, It is luxorious, rinses out well so there is no residue and as it has a pump dispenser, it lasts a year.
I never use conditioner nor hairspray, (as hair then gets too heavy + dry) and I only dry my hair on a cool, slow setting on my hairdryer.
This works for me, so far, but this could well change.
I find that using minimal products suit me, along with a regular cut + style, every 6 weeks, to keep my haircut, as I like.
Thank you Miriam - I thanked my other advisors a little way above. I shall try all of the recommendations to see which work best.
DeletePS I wash my hair every 2/3 days, as it only takes 10/15 mins to do. My hair is still soft + silky, but it won't be long now before I am totally "silver".
DeleteI am glad I have decided to go "au naturel" as this can be a very lovely natural look. It will be far better, and cheaper, than added colours, which can look so false.
I am loving the early epidodes of "A Time Goes By" showing on the Drama channel, just before TA.
ReplyDeleteJudi Dench is so wonderful.
Lanjan, I've ALWAYS loved Spurs....π
ReplyDeleteWhat a final in prospect..!! ⚽π
DeleteI hope Salah, Firmino & Kane will be firing on all cylinders by then. Not that it really makes much difference to either team when they don't have their "best" players available.... In fact, Spurs probably play better!!!
Deleteand why not Gary?
ReplyDeleteThey are an attractive team.
The worst that can happen to Liverpool is that they will be runners up in two competitions which can’t be bad.
MEETING ALERT
ReplyDeleteThose of us who met at Waterloo are now planning another get together in early September & hope that others might like/would to able to join us. Plenty of time to consider the idea !
This time it will be at The Barbican Centre, in front of the main theatre entrance, outdoor space with fountain playing & London views, large waterside restaurant. We aim for 11am,
but people will arrive when they can, given varied travelling distances. The nearest tubes are Moorgate & The Barbican, whichever is most convenient.
The date choices are Sept. 5th, 6th, 9th or 11th, so if any of you are interested in meeting, please let us know preferences.
We had such fun last time, & as you know, other meetings here & in the States have been enjoyable, too. We do hope others will want to join us in September.
Sadly, I wont be joining you all. I just hate using the underground, and can't overcome my thoughts + fears. I was the same as a young child and always threw a tantrum (so I was told) of going underground. I do use it to Liverpool, which is quick, simple + easy It only lasts 30 mins and is the same overground train, which just goes under the Mersey, and never crowded.
DeleteYou don’t have to use the tube trains Miriam.
DeleteI plan to go by bus.
Or you can walk through some of old London to new London.
DeleteDo you know London at all Miriam ?
Carolyn..... I'm very interested in meeting up and have no preference as to date Any would be fine .
DeleteI’d love to join you but the only day I can easily manage is the 6th,
Delete
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else received the voting papers for the European Elections?
If so ,did you know that the D’honde formula is used to decide how the candidates are chosen?
More to the point.
Do you care?
I have my Poll Card - but will I vote - not sure yet. I need to know who is standing + why. Only then will I decide! I hate not utilising my right to vote, which I did for the first time a few weeks ago. Will I make it 2 in a row, not sure yet.
DeleteBut I am not on this site to discuss politics, so sorry π―
Don’t be sorry,Miriam
DeleteMiriam and anybody else who isn’t interested please ignore
I was keen to know how the MEPs were chosen as the ballot paper to me wasn’t explicit enough in my opinion.
I made a telephone call to find out.
It is not a straightforward system apparently like in the General Election and one can’t vote for a particular individual in a Party .
There is a pecking order for that.
Now I know how the system works I will be happy to vote .
I
Ie not first past the post for MEPs.
DeleteWe have our polling cards but do not yet know who will be standing in our area.
DeleteI shall definitely vote as I have never missed a poll in my entire life - and have always arranged a postal vote if I know I shall be away.
I just feel I owe it to Mrs Pankhurst et al to execute my right to vote! My Mum could not vote until she was 28 and drummed into me what a privilege it was. Some of her relatives had been suffragists.
Lanjan, we in Scotland have had that voting system (with a tweak or two) for almost 20 years. "First past the post" now seems terribly old fashioned to me now!
DeleteAnd, like in Australia, I think you should be fined if you don't use your vote...
DeleteArcherphile - I agree so much with you, which are my thoughts also. I am in a dilemma though, as to whom am I voting for + why. Only time will tell what I decide.
DeleteNo more posts re elections from me.
Gary I have to say that I hadn’t heard of the D’honde formula before.
DeleteTo be honest I found it fascinating.
Not surprised that the Scots are already practicing something similar.
First past the post has never seemed fair to me.
I will have to google the D'honde formula and see what it is. I can understand: first past the post, single transferable vote, preferential vote and proportional vote!
DeleteWhen I lived in Australia for three years I did not have a vote as you have to be an Australian citizen and for that you had to have lived in Aus for five years. I only made it to 3 years, 3 months!
Anyway there was quite a lot of grouching about where the candidates' names were on the ballot paper! This was to gain maximum advantage of 'the donkey vote.' The Aus name for the voters who went into the booth and placed the numbers 1-8 (or however many candidates there were, from top to bottom, down the list of names!
It could make quite a difference apparently! π
The D'Hondt system was used in 2009. (In Scotland anyway) I explained it in the entrance of the polling-place on that occasion, to a woman looking in bewilderment at the large-scale ballot-paper and instructions on the notice-board. My poll card says to follow instructions on the ballot-paper; some people might be in the poling-booth for some time; probably just as well there won't be a queue. European election in Northern Ireland will be conducted using a different system.
DeleteThe only elections in Scotland which operate 'first past the post' are general elections.
I once made a mistake with numbering candidates in a local election and had to take my ballot-paper back to the polling clerk. π
16 year-olds can vote in some elections in Scotland.
One of my grandmothers didn't have the vote in 1918 although she was a wife & mother; she was too young, in her early 20s. Her husband, my granddad, wasn't eligible to vote for the government which sent him to war, because he wasn't a householder, lodging with his aunt before the marriage and parents-in-law after it. He was 28 the first time he voted at a general election.
Just like my Mum, Hedgehog. In 1918 when the first women got the vote she was only18. She still could not vote when she reached 21 because she wasn’t a property owner and had to wait until she was 28 when everyone over the age of 21 was entitled to vote.
DeleteIt seems incredible these days when even16 yr olds can vote in some places and it is being discussed for all elections. Women truly were second class citizens in the early 20th Century.
I did a Ladies who Lunch jaunt out today, in N.Wales but didn't spot either Natsha or Tom.
ReplyDeletePoor Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that she has only put a new "off topic" post up, for simple thoughts on our daily lives and nothing more.
I will respect this.
My comments from now on will be about my family, my own life, my pusscat, my garden and a few simple extras.
To add. My niece in OZ, has confirmed today, that she is having a C-section on May 22nd. A new Grand Nephew will then join our wonderful family
DeleteAnother Grand Nephew is also due in July also by C-section, but date not yet known. Exciting times. π
Miriam.....hope you can sort a bus route out by September and join us.
ReplyDeleteFuture dil has had an election leaflet from the Brexit party and she only moved in 18 months ago! My two sons and I have not received anything yet from anyone. We've lived here for 32 years!
ReplyDeleteI too did not vote last week and frankly I am so disgusted with Parliament as a whole I'm not sure I will whenever the next elections are.
That is the first time I have not voted in over 50 years. What I should have done was what a few thousand did who wrote on their ballot papers 'None of the above!' not just because of the failure to deliver democracy (no matter whether it was leave or remain! It was the will of the people! ) Added to that insult is the fact that the MPs are still abusing the expenses allowable in Parliament!
I promise now to 'leave it!' I just wish it was 'Sorted!' π
Feel much as you do Spicy, and may well write none of the above and might even add 'for failing to respect democratic rights'.
ReplyDeleteAnd also feel very much as Archerphile about a woman's vote, under an circumstances and totally agree with GG, a heavy fine for not voting as every citizen should.
The Townswomen’s Guild had its roots in the suffragist movement. They were less militant than the suffragettes but of course had the same aim. I have always felt I owe it to those women who fought so hard to exercise my right to vote but agree that often we are not provided with enough information and you need to know who is the best candidate to represent local interests. I too am appalled that Parliament is in such a state that they can’t deliver on what was a democratic vote. It seems that those who are against Brexit have used every means in their power to stop it happening. The resultant uncertainty is to the detriment of our country.
ReplyDelete✔✔
DeleteI have never understood why voters at local elections are so influenced by national politics. Most candidates in local elections are just local people who want to do something for their district. Unfortunately the number of electors voting at local elections is low, worst in areas of most need.
DeleteWhen I moved into my last house it was just before the local elections. A candidate walked nearly a mile to my house. His opening statement was I know you have just moved in and haven't a vote, but I thought I would come and see you. To his surprise I told him I had a vote. You can guess who I voted for. No one else bothered.
DeleteSorry Miriam
DeleteI am with you Hedgehog at Hollowtree re local elections
You all probably all know this anyway
When voting in a General or local election one knows which candidate ((s) one is voting for and in a local election if there are three places to be filled one could vote for three different Parties
In the latest MEP elections one votes for the Party and there is no information (except for the names) about the candidates.
What a farce.
LanJan and GG what a night and week for you both ⚽️ π€
ReplyDeleteAnd still got all the excitement and drama of Sunday to come Lady R!
DeleteWhat a feel good factor the football is
DeleteFour English Clubs in European Finals.
Wonderful!
Ditto!!
DeleteI hope I am not offending anyone, but I do think it is quite acceptable to discuss things like voting arrangements etc on here. The current situation in our country is of major concern to us all and it feels very important to me to be able to discuss it, in a friendly way.
ReplyDeleteI did not think this second Ruthy blog was to be entirely devoted to domestic doings, holidays, pets or the weather. I welcome having something a bit more edgy to discuss *occasionally*.
I don’t want to be banned from mentioning what is happening worldwide or at home. I am not asking for full-on discussions about Brexit - that would be too divisive - but hope we can discuss and inform each other about British and World affairs in general, without upsetting anyone.
In my own case, living in a rather isolated rural location, with no friends or family close at hand and only Mr A to chew things over with, I actually welcome online chat with my virtual friends on any topic and these blogs are a bit of a lifeline. Just as long as as we don’t contaminate the Archers blog with non-Ambridge subjects!
✓✓✓ Completely reasonable, imo, Archerphile. I understand this blog to be open to any subject, the only prohibition being to eschew anything sneery, personally offensive. Sadly, talking about Brexit in any detail, perhaps any strongly held political views, leads to attack & assumptions.
DeleteCivilization is shallow in practice !
Archerphile. I am in agreement with your comment, this blog was set up by Ruthy to discuss all things not relatable to The Archers. Ruthy did not make rules on topics for discussion, so as a group we gradually, and somehow came to the conclusion that comments would not be offensive.
DeleteIf I find a topic boring/tedious I can say so, or Remain silent.
I am a European and believe that had the EU existed in the1940s my mother would not have been removed by the Nazis at a very young age. One of the purposes of the EU in morern times is to maintain peace in Europe, along with the original economic agreement.
I find it interesting that the majority of those who voted to leave are of an older generation and will have been around when the war ended.
The children of survivors, like myself, are still by association, being subjected to the trauma experienced by our parents. Psychotherapists in the US and here in The UK have undertaken a lot of research on survivors and their families. Many of these researchers are themselves the children of victims of the extermination’s camps.
I have a Polish mother and Irish father, both from different cultures and religious backgrounds. So for me voting in the EU elections is important, the fascists haven’t gone away.
I don’t want to feel that I can’t discuss things that important to me. Sharing and supporting each other is one of the good aspects of this blog, especially when someone is feeling low or going through a difficult time. A benign blog dictated by certain topics would definitely be boring.
Agree, one only has to take a look at what's happening across Europe (&further afield) to feel extremely concerned. I shall definitely be exercising my right to vote while I am able.
DeleteStasia, agree with every word of your post above. I was very cross when, after the referendum , it was we, the older generation, who were accused of selfishly voting for Brexit and ruining our children’s futures. I am happy to state that Mr A and I both voted to remain in Europe precisely * because* of our children and grandchildren’s futures and to hopefully maintain peace throughout the continent. Now that is said, I shall refrain from commenting on the Brexit result further as I know it could engender bitter argument but I was keen to state my case. No need for anyone to reply!
DeleteππΏ
DeleteHere in France - at the moment, as things stand - we are able to vote in the municipal & europΓ©en Γ©lections, nothing in between. Mr P has done his time on the local council, not an easy ride in a commune of 145.. Lots of stuff in the news in the run up to the europΓ©ens but no bumph in the postbox as yet..
ReplyDeleteI agree with Archerfile about topics on here. My husband and I are close friends with a couple who are on the opposite side of the Brexit debate to us but we have managed to have discussions about it while still remaining friends. I'm sure that the group of people on this blog is able to do the same.
ReplyDelete✔️ ππ» π
DeleteWell said Archerphile and others.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder when ! posted the piece about the MEP voting paper whether I should have done but I am pleased now to have done so.
To change the subject
I have just seen a sparrow drinking out of a puddle (we had wonderful rain yesterday) .
I haven’t seen a sparrow close to for ages.
Like you LJ I rarely saw sparrows in London in recent years, ( with the exception of the hedge around the cafe on Wimbledon Common, where they were prolific but isolated) but have been pleased to see many here away from London.
DeleteCertainly there are less of them but they are still around.
We have lots of sparrows visiting our garden especially at this time of year when they have young to feed. I spent quite a bit of time this morning just watching a pair of starlings around our bird table feeding three youngsters.
DeleteIt's Marking Day this coming weekend and the cows come out on the common, Rodborough and Minchinhampton.
ReplyDeleteNo cows on Selsey Common last year. I do hope we see them return this year.
I may have mentioned that I bought a goldfinch bird feeder and niger seeds and was thrilled when the clever little birds discovered it.
ReplyDeleteIt is on a tree quite a way down the garden so Mr LJ decided to screw a plastic bowl onto a pole and fill it with niger seeds and put the pole nearer to the house and they have now discovered that too.
We have the 'North side' & 'South side' gangs of sparrows, also the 'left hand side' & 'right hand side' swallows!
ReplyDeleteIn response to discussions re the B word, we were unable to vote in the referendum having been here over 15 years. We watched it all unfold in horror. Have much enjoyed the 2 part documentary following events from the EU point of view..! ☺️
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to watching that Parsley. We have it recorded to watch on Saturday night when there is never anything else on that we want to see.
DeleteBe prepared for some robust & colourful language!
DeleteSome of you might find this interesting.
ReplyDeleteI did.
This afternoon I decided to check up to see if I could find out anything about any of the eleven Independent candidates who are standing in the European elections for this area and found out that they are not really independent but most of them are members of the Extinction Rebellion Party who although are no doubt sincere in their beliefs ,caused so much disruption in London recently.
the Extinction Rebellion Party originate here in Stroud
DeleteWould you like to take them all back please?
DeleteFor the first time in many years, I am also seeing common sparrows in my garden. These are along with all the usual tits, robins, blackbirds, goldfinches, redwings, thrushes, lapwings along with ducks + geese flying over. I still find it strange to see ducks, sitting atop ridge tiles, on house roofs - it jusn't seem natural.
ReplyDeleteI must add, there are very few magpies around this year. Also the many squirrels are constantly digging holes in my back lawn, window box, front flower beds, looking for previously buried nuts. At least lawn is being aerated in a natural way.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHave I missed Janice?
ReplyDeleteI wonder how her latest hosp. appointment went.
Let me know, anyone.
Hello Miriam. I had a good overhaul including echocardiogram again, but was told that once the cardiac team had reviewed the findings a report would be sent to my doctor and to see him next week. I did phone the cardiac nurse at the community hospital today as she had told me she could access the results quicker than the doctor. She was away ill, but the lady in charge of admin had a peek on the computer and although she didn't understand the technical stuff she was able to tell me it said "much improvement" so that sounds really positive. I am just so pleased. All that resting is paying dividends.
DeleteThank you so much for all the kindness and support and advice given to me here on this blog.
Fantastic news Janice! Keep up the good work...
DeleteJanice π€ great piece of news and well done for ensuring you did follow orders to rest!
DeleteI’m pleased for you Janice. All that hard work (restingπ) has deffo worked.
DeleteGreat news.
DeleteCarry on resting ,Janice.
Well done Janice, I know how hard it has been, keep up thr goodwork.
DeleteGood to hear that news Janice.
DeleteAnd proof for you that doing the 'right thing' has benefited you.
I hope you know that communication from Hospital Consultants can be sent directly to you as well as your GP if you request it.
Not routinely done by all health authorities, but personally I believe we should each keep our own records.
This has been underlined for me, by the fact that my last health authority, took the decision, without consulting me, to destroy all my records from before the nineties.
Since I have had various auto immune conditions since the age of six or seven, as well as mental health incidents from my early teens, and improving research shows more and more, that childhood health impacts on ageing conditions, I am pretty annoyed, and powerless to do anything about this.
I am busy thinking, and writing a shopping list. I have friends coming for dinner tomorrow night, so planning menu.
ReplyDeleteThoughts:- a smoked salmon + advocado on crostini as a starter, a rich pork casserole with mushrooms, peppers, red wine with basil along with mashed pots. + veg, followed by a simple fresh fruit pavlova, all home made of course.
I might change my mind - but these are all simple to prepare + cook and won't spoil if late in dishing up.
Cheshire Cheese- The starlings nesting in a leylandi in next door but one's garden have spread the word and for the past four days I have had at least four families in the garden and perched on the fence! I counted at least twenty four birds and most were fledglings. The noise was incredible!
ReplyDeleteWhen I returned said neighbour's daughter after her 'lesson' with me I mentioned the birds to her.
'OMG' she said, 'They are doing my head in!'
I did tell her they will be gone soon. I hope they are!
The robins and blue tits visit in the morning, blackbirds feed off the ground throughout the day and starlings, wood pigeons and collared doves come about 4 pm.
The squirrels come when they want something to do, take the peanuts from the squirrel feeder and bury them in my potato gro-bags, between the strawberries (in bags) and round my camelias and standard roses in pots!
Your garden sounds as busybas mine. I've spent a lot of today chasing next door's cat away from stalking the birds.
DeleteAlas, our Katya Cat caught & killed a young collared dove a few weeks ago. A triumph for her, but we were sad, wishing we'd been in time. ( in the past, we have saved a few birds)
DeletePi, our beloved hairy killing machine, can't really go more than 48 hours without dragging a corpse through the catflap. His main nemeses* seems to be magpies. He cannot stand them it seems! But frogs, pigeons, robins and even squirrels - he's kinda happy to slaughter them all...
Delete*I went to the trouble of looking up the plural of nemesis!!!
One of my cats, many years ago, obviously felt sorry for creatures in the rain and often we found worms and one morning, after a very wet night, three frogs hopping around our sitting room!
DeleteWilliam, a large but sleek ginger used to wait for it to rain, then came in with all sorts of creatures. We assumed the noise of the rain drowned out his prowling! He would come in looking like a drowned, dark brown rat with 'gift' in his mouth!
Bobby Brewster, a Tabby Main Coon rescued from Battersea dogs home, from behaviours observed had probably lived in a high rise and somehow escaped, so we thought had never been out in the world before we got him. But in the first few weeks before being allowed out, would sit in an upstairs window watching birds.
DeleteWhen he did go out for the first time, he brought home a large nest and wrestled it through the cat flap with great difficulty.
His first ' catch'
The next day he brought home his second catch.
A very large pigeon.
Too large to get through the cat flap.
I have just watched Lancashire play Middlesex at Lord’s In a one day match which Lancashire actually won although they nearly threw it away.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that will be the start of a good weekend of sport but I fear that this time tomorrow I will not feel quite as cheerful.
However if City win tomorrow thereby coming top of the Premier League as I expect them to ,I am still extremely proud of Liverpool the team I support and who have given many thousands of people such enormous pleasure this year.
Walking the dog on the canal this evening, I first saw three very tiny cygnets swimming without parents. I then spotted parents in the reeds. I watched for ten minutes while father selected then pulled at growing reeds, threw them over his back, mother took each one as it landed and herself threw that fresh reed into a new pile. They were clearly refreshing or rebuilding their nest. They had three other signets with them. The three I had originally seen were still ' swanning' about without mum and dad.
ReplyDeleteI’m hoping to see cygnets soon down at the creek. Mr Swan has been swimming around on his own and a lady who lives down there said she had seen them mating a few weeks back after driving off the seven fully grown offspring from last year. Mrs Swan does do most of the work bringing them up and he just swans around!
DeleteOur swan couple in the park are nesting on the little island. I’m selfishly hoping they hatch before my next trip up north. I wonder where the three cygnets went that were born last year. One left in the autumn and the other two only recently. The Egyptian geese were grazing on the park lawn the other day. They’re pretty big already.
DeleteWe have a flock of sparrows visiting our garden every year so no lack of them here. I miss the greenfinches though.
I am sorry Janice, I meant to say first how pleased I am to hear you are on the mend. I hope you enjoyed the enforced reading.
DeleteI read “Rebecca” last week before watching the film again, and Summer in February about the Cornish artists in Lamorna, also before watching the film. Good wet weather/ convalescence material.
Seasider “ Rebecca” ah a favourite film of mine - for me must be the black & white version though!
DeleteAlso love “Barefoot in the park” J.Fonda & R. Redford / Brief Encounter b/w
Finally “ Guess who’s coming to dinner” S. Tracey/ K Hepburn & the gorgeous S Poitier - the subject of which 50 yrs + is still sadly very relevant, however does have some hilarious moments in it as well.
Off to our friends shortly for the husbands birthday π΄his wife is superb cook and garden produces a lot of their food! 6 of us getting together to catch up - lovely π π π· Wishing everyone a pleasant day too π€
Meant to add - no spoilers from me but no happiness due in Ambridge next week (yet again)! π±
Deleteoh definitely Rebecca! also Frenchman's creek.
Deletebest wishes Janice, bonne lecture! ππ
Yes, the original Laurence Olivier Rebecca film for me too, and the book by Daphne du Maurier was the first ‘adult’ book I read as a teenager and has remained my all-time favourite novel.
DeleteJamaica Inn and those already mentioned.
DeleteI am sure that somebody mentioned having a badedas bath.
ReplyDeleteWas it Archerphile?
It sounds wonderful.
We only have a shower in our bungalow.
I would love to have a bath but it had been taken out before I came here and a large shower unit was put in.
It is great but the thought of soaking in a scented bath with a g and t on the side and soft music playing in the background sounds like bliss.
I am so envious.
LanJan, it sounds like you need a night at a hotel with a lovely bathroom πππΉ
DeleteLady R, enjoy your meal - sounds wonderful. Re Rebecca, we watched the Charles Dance/ Emilia Fox version with Diana Rigg as an excellent Mrs Danvers. Tonight it’s the Hitchcock.
all this bath talk ..... 1st M-i-L (80's) always used Badedas, I'd forgotten how wondeful it is, now on my shopping list once again..ππ₯but no music!
DeleteIt was me ending my rant about last night's episode on the other blog ! I adore the smell of Badedas! Should have been here but just tagged at end of Archers' post
DeleteI recently unpacked a ' bathroom ' box, and found two half used Badedas containers, so I too have been re enjoying what used to be a regular treat, but forgotten about over recent years.
DeleteL J - my thoughts like Seasider.
You need a night in a hotel.
With a bath.
More about Badedas ..... I bought a bottle of (then very expensive) Badedas to take on our honeymoon in the Lake District in 1970. The very scent of it these days brings back special memories of the ideal location of our hotel on the shores of Ullswater - we went back a few years ago hoping to celebrate our 45th anniversary, only to find the hotel had been converted into a private home. Such a disappointment but we still had an enjoyable stay (with a bottle of Badedas) at a hotel in Glenridding at the far end of the Lake!
DeleteThe point about the bath is that I need it when I have just come in from the garden.but I must say I fancy one of those pamper weekends at a posh hotel as well.
DeleteMany years ago enjoyed rum butter teas in the Lake District and a few years ago went up there with my husband only to find the cafes had never heard of it! We finally tracked down some rum butter to take home but it tasted like rum margarine! Oh, well things move on unfortunately!
DeleteTonight we will be watching the third Lord of the Rings movie. Have spent the last two nights watching the first two - MrGG had never seen them. I, on the other hand, have seen them about half a dozen times at least. I can easily watch a film multiple times.
ReplyDeleteParsley, I must say I do like the sound of the Frenchman's creek....π
There’s a cottage in Cornwall, rented out by the Landmark Trust, which is supposed to have inspired it. I haven’t stayed but I walked past. Too remote for Mr S . I rather fancy it.
Deletenow then GG π
DeleteLotR is regular winter nights' viewing for us - sister & BiL were in NZ on the tour when the shootings took place in Christchurch.
DeleteI had three sons living with me the Christmas when 'Fellowship' was released and they, having read and loved the books, dragged myself and dil along to the cinema on Boxing Day. I was hooked and we returned eight days later to watch again.
DeleteThis happened three years running and I was bereft that there was 'nothing ' on the fourth year so we had a LOR marathon on that Boxing Day at home with our box set, with toilet breaks and for food! It went on from about midday to middnight!
Since then though, our family, (comprising one, two or three sons and relevant partners) have gone to the cinema on Boxing Day, until two years ago when I was too in with flu in 2017 and then in 2018, bit ropey again and all there was were Comic book Disney films so sons went alone.
Watching LOR Fellowship film though did encourage me to give the book another go (between the release of Fellowship and Two Towers) and I quite enjoyed it. Still wept at the ending of Return of the King though.
Then again years ago I left the cinema in tears after watching 'The Greatest Story Ever Told!' Flatmate was puzzled "But you knew how it was going to end!" π
Have you ever seen "Cinema Paradiso" Spicycushion? Talk about crying at the end!! I am planning on showing it in my garden for our film club night next month - going to festoon the trees in lights and have dozens of candles dotted about. And a packet of Kleenex for each and every person...ππ’π
Deleteπ’π’
DeleteNo I haven't. Heard of the film but no idea what it about. Will look it up!
DeleteOne of the things my son did to help me keep resting was to download the extended versions of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. We watched them over six
Deleteevenings, but once again I had to bury my head in a cushion when that dreadful spider appeared!
I have a dear God-daughter whose wish list for the ideal man is:
1. He should enjoy spending a whole day watching the above films one after another with her.
2. He should be a person who would genuinely enjoy spending the whole day shopping with her - without any grumbling!
Hmmm!
Prompted by discussion on the Archer's blog, but properly belonging here, have been pondering ( honestly, of all things !) the use of 'ain't'. Whilst obviously not standard English, it makes sense, no confusion of meaning. It's a sort of conflation of the verb'to be' : ' I ain't laughing' = 'I'm not laughing; ' He ain't funny' = 'He isn't funny'.
ReplyDeleteBy contrast, the wrong usage of 'could of' instead of 'could've', both in speech & in writing, doesn't make any sense whatsoever & is just irritatingly sloppy & thoughtless.
Anyway, back to birds, specifically magpies, who are numerous hereabouts, beautiful, & not the slightest bothered by cats, who are wary of them - once saw a cat being attacked by a couple of them. A former cat of ours, watched by a very impatient noisy magpie while he played with a mouse kill, became bored after a while & settled down a few feet away. Instantly, the bird got the mouse & flew off with it. I have a voice for the Magpie - he's loud, dead common, aggressive & swears like a trooper.
Gosh, didn't intent to write an essay. Thanks if you've read to the end...
Last week there were 7 magpies in the neighbour's tree..
Delete7 for a secret never to be told!
DeleteπΆ
DeleteCats - our late lamented Tigger's (female, long-haired tortie ) speciality were squirrels π’(reds only here ) & rabbits - arrived home to the scene of her 1/2 way through devouring the head of one, no 2 waiting, no 3 on the doorstep for us! The kittens Merry & Pippin looked on in awe..
ReplyDeleteA couple of weeks ago Pi sat in the middle of the day room crunching his way through a largeish mouse, keeping the head til last. He didn't take his eyes off me the entire time. I genuinely think I was too horrified to move! I love him, but sometimes, just sometimes, he is too disgusting for words.
DeleteNow can't stop thinking about "Cinema Paradiso"! Going to blast out some happy happy music to stop me slipping into a melancholic reverie...☺
Overdue, but reading back, glad that you're doing well, Janice. So encouraging, glad also you accessed early indications of improvement.
ReplyDeleteMust say, can think of worst ways of regaining health. Enforced rest( no guilt attached therefore) reclining with lots of delightful books.
Rebecca, fearfully readable, but a load of nonsense; Frenchmen's Creek, much better, with some truly chilling moments....
Me too Janice. Only just caught up with today’s posts on this blog (sometimes only have time for the main Archers blog) and am delighted to read that your health is improving. Going by the other posts on here I recommend having a nice long soak in a Badedas bath followed by a tasty and nourishing supper in front of the TV watching Rebecca ( the Laurence Olivier version, of course). My very best wishes to you.
DeleteShortly changing allegiance from the TMS team to Leinster v Sarries. Partial to a bit of thigh.
ReplyDeleteparsley16!!!
Deleteπ€«π
DeleteI’m not really into sport but prefer rugged rugby players to footballers especially the lovely bottoms in a scrum!
DeleteEv!!!
Delete☺️π€£ππππ₯³
DeleteJust a quick look in and catch up.
ReplyDeleteJanice, that sounds so positive and I tend to think that to go to the GP for results, sounds good news to me, as surely otherwise another hosp. appt would have been made?
Films, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, always reduces me to tears, due to the realistic interaction between Audrey Hepburn + Spencer Tracy, their last together and they knew it.
I have to watch the film Paddington tomorrow, which I have borrowed from my grand niece, who wants it back!
Baths, I just love a soak with bubbles, but I have to be careful as I have a jet bath. This is lovely, but I have to be wary as to, too many bubbles. My favourite is Sanctuary cream bath, with their bath wash or Dove cream wash.
Have a great evening everyone.
I know that I will. π₯π·π₯π΄π΄
To add, I have listened to an hour long drama, which I downloaded from R4ex yesterday, which I enjoyed. It was called - A Place of Justice. I just thought to mention it, in case others might be interested or not.It had a good cast - Barbara Flynn + Rosemary Leach.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendation Miriam, I am a great fan of listening to Drama on BBC iPlayer catch up. I spend an hour or so most afternoons doing a jigsaw whilst listening to a play or episodes of a serial. One of the reasons I dread iPlayer being switched off is that it is so easy to find interesting Drama there whereas on BBC Sounds you have to know the exact name of a production to locate it. I dread being without iPlayer and keep hoping the BBC decide to keep it after all.
DeleteWell done Sarries - phew, what a match. Back to the last few nail-biting overs of the ODI, before F1 qualifying... exhausting!!
ReplyDeleteMy dinner guests arrived, just as my young neighbours kicked off, yet again, shouting + screaming at each other. One of my guests, went and confronted them, saying how we all could hear what was being said, and that he and us all, just wanted a nice meal together, without such a disturbance of that sort. He was far braver than I have been over the last few months, but then I have to live next door to them.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it will make a difference, though.π©
Wine now flowing , and set to start munching very soon.
Isn’t it time they went their separate ways or do they enjoy fighting? I’m glad your guest confronted them though! Your menu sounded yummy and I bet they all enjoyed the meal!
DeleteI heard on BH today that Prince Harry knew a Tom Archer in the army who went by the name of Archie - if true, definitely a nod to the Archers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear the ' Tom' bit but did hear of a Brigadier Archer who was called 'Archie' -
DeleteHe obviously held this officer in high esteem.
Mother’s Day in the US. I had planned the do planting but it is miserably cold and very wet and besides I have work to do. ELO have a concert in NJ in July and my son is planned to see it with me. That will be my Mother’s Day gift. Also my son has earned his college degree.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son Ruthy. You must be very proud.
DeleteOh that’s nice Ruthy. Happy mother’s day to you.
DeleteWell done to your son.
Ruthy ππ»ππ» to your son (and what a treat you have to look forward to for your MD gift!)
DeleteWe are having a glorious Spring weather day here in Hampshire. I took my neighbour to a country garden centre the ride was most enjoyable and then we sat outside with our drinks π€
My daughter's birthday today. Actually as she's in Melbourne it's probably justfinished. I have a very difficult email to send to her concerning a family matter (not criminal or life threatening!) and it's something I've been putting off for about two months! Cannot make up my mind whether to do it today or just send usual greetings and keep on thinking about what I am going to say!
ReplyDeleteI am a procrastinator of the first degree!
Otherwise many things to do today, a beautiful blue sky, sunny day. Planting, tidying garden, putting stuff in car to take to the tip tomorrow, take cakes I made for yesterday's rained off match to club house for today's match, read and study exam papers which I am to start marking in 10 days time plus usual cooking, cleaning and ironing.
Trouble is I have so many excuses to avoid doing things I don't want to! π
I know it's not a competition Spiceycushion, but I think I probably beat you at procrastination, particularly since I have very few 'real' responsibilities.
DeleteHowever I did have a real one this morning.
I let the cat out first, then took dog to garden for her morning pee.
Some time later I saw through the frosted glass side door that the cat was outside so opened it to let him in. He didn't want too but the dog hopped up the step and immediately started sniffing in true hunting style. As she lunged towards it, I saw it. A freshly killed squirrel ! I grabbed her by the scruff just in time but she struggled with me for some moments, but I won.
Then I had to get outside to wrap and clear the 'prey' with cat looking on and dog inside scrabbling to get out.
When it was all over I resumed my tea making and drinking while dog nosed around outside.
Then I realised she was no longer there.
With a long shared garden path, neighbour and I have a series of gates to barricade the two dogs, and I realised that all barricades had been broken through and no sign of dog, who had clearly escaped.
She hadn't gone far, but was marauding around nearest large garden, and when I found where she was, was running hell for leather chasing the smell presumably left by cat dragging the captured squirrel.
She ran back to the house twice but didn't run into the road, (cars flying by of course) before eventually coming to me and submitting to lead.
What was it somebody said recently about blood pressure !
And now I've just discovered a tick on her neck. Clearly caught this morning when I suspect she actually got into the nearby field. Fortunately it had not attached yet and I was able to remove it.
At some point after her walk I must look for more.
If you have been, thank you for reading, and forgive my long story.
I needed to release it from my inner fears.
MrsP
Who’d have dogs Mrs P? Well done for catching her but Sunday should be more restful!! Buddy is in a no eating mode today but we took them to Quarr Abbey and a very kind lady gave him two treats, gravy bones which he wolfed down! We think his aversion to good food at home is down to attention seeking!
DeleteGypsy ate his breakfast. Although blind she can smell food a mile off and a moment’s inattention on our part results in her latest guzzling episode! One won’t eat and the other one never stops eating!
DeleteUninterrupted blue sky here today, spent the morning pruning shrubs. Had lunch in the conservatory and now sitting wirh a cup of coffee watching the blue tits flying between our bird feeder and nest box.
ReplyDeleteI have found out that my puss cat loves salad cream!
ReplyDeleteI ate my lunch of turkey, rocket, toms with low-fat salad cream.
I put my plate on the floor, and yes, pusscat thought it was for her, but soon taken away.
As to last night, I had thought left-overs for tonight - but all that is left is a small pavlova portion + 1/2 bottle of wine.
Yes I was late out of bed, and cleared up with TA omnibus to help me along. ππ
As I expected, my friends confrontation last night with my neighbours, as backfired, as I thought it would, even though he was very civil and courteous, as he always is.
Today in my back garden, she (neighbour) was rude and nasty to me. Her rant at me, was that what goes on in their home, is up to them and nobody else's business. It was upsetting, as you can imagine.
I have lived in my home for nearly 33yrs, I own it outright, I have done a lot of expensive changes in the the recent years. Suddenly after less than 2 years, my home is not the quiet, relaxing place, it once was, even as a long term rental.
Still, I can't think the inhabitants next door will be neighbours long-term.
It is getting to me - and how sad.
To explain - next door was a long term rental property, and I never had any problems, with noise etc. and I had many wonderful neighbours.
DeleteWhat has upset me today, is the way I have been spoken to. I am older than her mother, (I know) and she would not like anyone speaking in that way to her Mum, so why do it to me?
Let’s hope these neighbours will not indeed be long term Miriam! From past experience I know exactly how you are suffering π‘ and I really really feel for you π₯°
DeleteSounds like you’re friends were as spoilt as we were at a friends yesterday - with lovely homemade food. Not my forte to produce it but I am a most appreciative guest π
Likely to be ignorance and guilt Miriam.
DeleteAs a matter of fact what goes on in her home is somebody else's business if it affects them in an anti social manner as it does you.
You have reported on here about their behaviour a couple of times, so you have dates that you could report to your local council.
That councils anti social guidelines would be worth your reading, and acting upon, and since the house is a rental property you could copy your complaint to the landlord, pointing out that long term tenants in the past have been good neighbours who did not disturb the peace of the neighbourhood.
We live in a civilised country and we should all be responsible towards each other to keep it that way.
It is no longer a rental property, as it was sold 20 months ago - so there is nothing I can now do.
DeleteI just have to live with it, sadly. π
Miriam ,I think I know how you feel.
DeleteI have never done my ;neighbour any harm as far as I know but when I offered to help her with something ,she said that she would rather walk down the street and ask a stranger for help than ask help from me.
When I said that I had never knowingly done her any harm she told me that I might not but that I was married to a bully!
Amazingly I have never noticed this.
I am a bit slow on the uptake though because before I offered help I had sent her a home made (and though I says it myself as shouldn’t ) rather attractive card on her birthday and she pushed it back through our letter box saying that she didn’t want it.
Then at Christmas I foolishly popped a Christmas card through her letter box.
After all she goes to Church every Sunday.so presumably is Christian.
It wasn’t returned but we didn’t get one from her
I think I have got the message now.
It will be difficult to ignore your neighbours I know but at least you know that you are not alone.
In my case several years ago when she WAS speaking she “jokingly “ suggested that when I had finished with Mr LJ I could pass him over to her.
I told her then there was no chance......
I am sorry that you feel that you have no power to do anything about your anti social neighbours Miriam.
DeleteYou do, through your local council, but it would seem you feel that you have to live with it.
I find that so sad.
Miriam please do as Mrs P suggests and complain to the council, they will act, it might also give the couple a wake up call.
DeleteYour friends are also a witness, so you are not alone.
Make sure you record all noise and interventions immediately after they happen, with a note of time and date, it is very powerful evidence and one they would find hard to refute.
They may be buying their house, but it doesn't give them the right to make life unpleasant for others. Take your courage in both hands and do it, I am sure others will be grateful that you have. We will be with you all the way.
✔️✔️✔️
DeleteDoes anyone know what age Molly Piper is, (who plays Mia)? I cannot find this out.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued as to this, as she was so brilliant - giving so many recent, heartfelt and meaningful performances.
Can only find out that she has been acting since 2012 starting off with the RSC! There is a web page from her agency/managers with a list of about a dozen stage plays and a couple of films. The most recent notice states she has been playing Mia for the past two years. Her age is only given as 16-23 years old.
DeleteMrsP - what an adventure you had today!
ReplyDeleteYes it was Ruthy, but we made up for it by having a quiet afternoon walking across the Common to take in all the National Trust info attached to Marking Day. Though the cows don't actually arrive on the common until tomorrow the 13th.
DeleteWe sat in the garden of The Old Lodge enjoying the sun. Lady was quite subdued after her mornings adventure.
Incidentally I learned during talking with the NT people that the reason that they use Belted Galloways- Belties - is because they will eat anything so are good for helping to clear scrub.
Just catching up Mrs P, sorry to hear of Ladys escapade , but glad it ended well, sounds like she is bonding well and hopefully learning by her mistakes!
DeleteA number of rare breeds are used for conservation work up and down the country, like the Belties they eat what others wont, but more importantly they don't damage the environment.
Have just heard of the death of Brian Waldron.
ReplyDeleteI was always interested in politics but it was Brian Waldron who changed my interest into a passion.
So far, in my opinion there has not been another commentator to match his calm but forensic interviewing techniques.
I remember him coming on the telly on a Sunday, early afternoon I think, when I was a child. He had a very distinctive voice. I am surprised he hasn’t been dead for years.....seemed old then when I was young!
DeleteDitto PtbY! I remember doing impersonations of him when I was a child in the 70's. What a strange little thing I must have been...
DeleteOff out on an adventure on my trusty steed* today. Going to go to the little village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Some of you may remember a truly dreadful (therefore hypnotic!) soap many years ago called "Take the High Road" - it was filmed there. And this time I am coated in factor 50 from head to toe...!!!
* rusty bike
& I'd always believed that a suntan turned a Scot from blue to white ☺️ - you must be the exception that proves the rule GG!
DeleteSome sense at last GG. Well done enjoy your trip
DeleteHave a good bike ride Gary. I remember doing impersonations of Brian Waldron too. Thought it was just me that was odd as a child. π€ͺ
DeleteSo today I have a parcel being delivered by UPS that requires signing for. I am going out at lunch time and have roped in a friend to come and wait if it has not arrived by then. So, thinking I’d be on the ball, I joined the UPS App to track my parcel so I could keep my friend informed. After faffing for a good 20 mins to join, set up user name, passwords, address to see if UPS operate in my area (fgs!!!!) I got logged in to be told “. MY DELIVERY WILL BE WITH ME BY THE END OF THE DAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteWords eventually failed me. π€¬π€¬π€¬
I had several deliveries today as usual because daughter is always ordering something usually for the dogs! I am given 1 hour slots and today it was Trev who delivered. We are becoming good friends!
ReplyDeleteI am very "good" friends with my regular postman of many years. He always looks through the lounge window and if he sees me, knocks on the window for a quick chat.
DeleteRe deliveries: On 5th April we went to look for a new gas cooker and found one we liked & was the right size for gap in our kitchen, but were told it was out of stock until 19th April & then would be allocated to those who had waited the longest. Bank holiday monday [6th May] at 7am I received a text message to say cooker will be delivered on 15th May, lunch time today another text informing me it will be delivered between 7am and 10:59!!! Will they dare to wait until 11 on the dot??
ReplyDeleteI just hope it fits after your long wait. Are they fitting it for you?
DeleteI measured it Miriam so am sure it will fit. They will deliver, connect & take away the old one too. All additional charges of course but to have it all over & done without having to find someone to fit it & pay the council to take the old [and wait 3-4 weeks for them to do it!] it seemed better to get it all over & done with....can't wait. Thanks for asking.
DeleteI am sad to hear that Doris Day has died, at the great age of 97.
ReplyDeleteI loved all her films, apart from Calamanity Jane - not sure why though! Perhaps it was just too much Hollywood and umrealistic.
I have had a day out at Cheshire Oaks. Big Sis had to take her 4×4 to the nearby main dealer for a service, so I picked her up, for a jaunt out.
We had lunch admist shopping. I was very good, as I only bought one thing. As I have said I will have a new grand nephew in 10days time, purchase was a 0-3 sleepsuit with a hat and embroidered on front with "Born in 2019". Silly I know, but just a bit of fun.
I left Sis at the garage late afternoon, as due to a 'phone call, things were taking much longer. This is down to the need of new brake discs + pads, an extra cost of £778!
It wasn't a con. as sent a video showing why, not that we understood it.
πΆ ah to gift purchase Miriam and π± to big sis car service bill!
DeleteDoris Day, much loved by those of us allowed to the cinema in the fifties.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Annie Oakley ( I will still sing ' whip crack away whip crack away when happy)
And for some reason I was reading something on line about her yesterday.
I am so pleased that in her later decades she did find happiness and contentment with her animals after so much personal unhappiness in her younger years.
✔️ π½ π π RIP Doris π¦
DeleteAre you home yet Gary?
ReplyDeleteMadly envious.
I still have my bike but haven’t ridden it for about a year now as down here the roads are not safe for cyclists.
It doesn’t owe me a penny though because it is nearly 50 years old.
My previous bike which I saved up for was stolen from outside the house in the days when you didn’t think you needed to lock up your bike or add it to your house Insurance policy...
Hey Lanjan! Home safe & sound - it was a PERFECT day for cycling.
DeleteReally lucky up here - canal tow paths and old railway lines have all been converted to cycle/walk ways. Even a few old roads. l can cycle all day and never encounter any traffic whatsoever. I have went from one side of the country to the other never having to worry about it. Routes like the Great Glen Way are amazing to do by bike. I hope you get back on YOUR bike before too long. Maybe you could take it by train to join a route with no traffic?
The wonderful Charles parish is back on radio 4 extra. I love Bill Nighy in anything even though he always sounds the same and has the same mannerisms. π
ReplyDelete