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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Beautiful Gary, and so appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely thought Gary.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Well done Gary. Gave me a shock when the flame actually moved. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, when I was having severe itching at night due to thyroid meds the doctor gave me some powerful anti-histamines with a sedative in. 2 of those work, 1 doesn’t send me to sleep. Maybe something to think about if you are struggling to sleep.
I had some news today. Niece No3 and hubbie were called back to hosp. after her 20 week scan, on Tuesday. They have learnt that their little girl has a problem with ligaments and/or ankle joint on one foot, so her ankle will not work properly.
ReplyDeleteAt least they both + the medics know about it, and things will be put into place, soon after the birth.
It is sad to hear, but is relatively minor, and easily resolved, but this will take time.
As neice says, babe will need a lot of TLC and hosp. visits.
DeletePS It is amazing what these days; can be seen on a scan at just 20 weeks gestation. How things have progressed.
DeleteI am still surprised that the babe in OZ, with his heart + blood supply problems, weren't spotted, but he could have just been in the wrong position, at that time.
Indeed Miriam thank goodness we live in the (medical) times that we do. Even so I feel for your two nieces and the added complications they are both having to face both now in Oz and to come for niece no3. Thankfully they have lovely family to support them 🤗
DeleteGG your beautiful candle - such a thoughtful and kind gesture in memory of Sarnia’s Mr S.
ReplyDelete(It brought a tear to my eye 😥as no doubt it will to hers).
Thank you 🧚♀️
Yes it was a lovely idea ,Gary.
DeleteVery thoughtful of you.
Yes, & it gives a kind of substance to what many of us wrote, that we are thinking of you, Sarnia. We've all gone about our business today, & I feel sure that it has been coloured by the sad news, & given us all pause about what one of our companions here is going through.Your candle says it, Gary.
DeleteGary, it's wonderful. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs P, re flowers. It would be a beautiful, tangible gesture to be able to receive real flowers from you. Perhaps when the funeral date has been fixed and I know what their travel arrangements will be, you could sneak by and leave some on the roof of the car with a message, without being seen!
ReplyDeleteYes Sarnia, I could do that. Gladly !
DeleteThere is a lovely florist in N....w...th
Sarnia, may I add my thoughts and condolences to all those above.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you will be playing the organ for your husband when you have played for so many others before.
Take care of yourself.x
Just looked in and I am so sorry to read news of the difficult time for some. Adding my thoughts and prayers to you Sarnia and what a beautiful tribute to play for your dear husband.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile I wish you a speedy recovery - what a horrible shock and on your birthday, my goodness.
Spicy, I do hope you are starting to feel better. Sounds horrible.
Warm greetings to others and hope all stay safe and well.
Also want to say how beautiful Gary to find the flickering candle. I have been a little preoccupied with thoughts of a friend who died a year ago this week. Candles and flames reach something deep inside and touch where words are inadequate.
DeleteBeautifully put Seasider 🌹
DeleteThe candle intrigued me as I don't often check this blog, but just want to say I'm so sorry Sarnia for your loss. Also thoughts to others with sad/difficult news to cope with.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile & Miriam how are you both doing?
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say that thoughts of you both and of course Sarnia are in the back of minds right now no matter what we (your blogger friends) are doing during our days.
🥰🌹
Lady R, thanks for your kind thoughts. Not doing too badly considering. Still too painful to put foot to ground but I think swelling may have gone down a little. Painkillers are a great help and help with sleep too. Thumb is very inconvenient , but thankfully left thumb, so I can still type and eat with t’other one. But getting dressed is another matter, especially (excuse me Gary and Sir Ron) doing up bra! Scrapes and bruises will heal with time and at least it wasn’t as serious as breaking an ankle, leg or arm, so I am very thankful for that.
ReplyDelete🤗 pleased you are coping pretty well AP be sure to keep resting that leg though!
DeleteI need a bit of a moan, if you will all excuse me.....
ReplyDeleteAnd do feel free to pass on by if you don't want to read.
The lady 89, that I am a P/T carer for, daughter lives in Germany, has needed to go into hospital this week for a colonoscopy. I was to take her and collect her and all was arranged. But the night before she called me to tell me that the man who gets her shopping, taxi driver, was going to take her instead of me.
All the arrangements I have needed to change and re arrangements to organise have been for nothing, on top of the endless emails and phone calls with daughter in G, ( who is furious at how her mother is behaving) plus keeping the lady's next door neighbour and another P/T carer in the picture, as well as trying to keep abreast of the hospital side of events ( she has been required to stay in another night), has taken the bulk of my time over the last four days.
None of which she will think to pay me for. She will bat her eyelids and tell me how kind I am and how kind everyone has been to her.
She is a woman who came from a well heeled family, indulged as a child, married twice to men who did everything for her, and has continued to have everyone dancing attendance on her all of her life.
While she sits in a recliner chair and loses all physical ability.
Please forgive/ understand if I appear harsh.
Moan over.....
Totally understandable ! 😎 So easy to murmur gracious thanks &. 'how kinds', but breathtaking unawareness of the fact that others have lives, needs & plans. It's like they're stuck in early childhood where they were, naturally, the centre of their universe.
Delete( It's not only the ultra privileged or spoilt, who behave like this, I might add, darkly...)
I understand perfectly Mrs P. My late brother was exactly the same, expecting me to drive a 60 mile round trip every time he wanted something done. Even persuaded me to order big sacks of wild bird food to be delivered to him, at quite some expense, which was never repaid.
DeleteIn the end I found it just makes you very resentful.
I think it might be an age thing too .
ReplyDeleteMy lovely 97 year old neighbour called me when I was getting a meal because her drain was blocked and I have been sent for when the radiator can’t be adjusted ,the window can’t be closed and the television won’t work.
I don’t know why ,but these things must be attended to immediately.
Be careful Mrs P & Lanjan we will be starting a waiting list for your very kind services 😂
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note I understand your frustrations. The other side of the coin is when people who should - will not ask for help!
Where is the happy medium 🙄
I have only just caught up with Sarnia's so sad news. My thoughts are with her.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is expected, it is still a massive shock, when it actually happens - You think you are prepared, but the reallity is totally different.
I was called to hosp. at 11.00pm with Mum. Little Sis. drove from Norfolk, a 4.5 hrs drive, how she did this, I do not know!.
DeleteWe sat with Mum until the end (7.00am). After I sat in the hospital corrider, sobbing my heart out - as I found it hard to accept it, even though I knew it would happen, and I was prepared, so I thought!
What angered me later, was that we all had to pay £8 overnight car parking charges - £32 in total.
I remember felling exactly the same Miriam, my mum was in care and I spent the last few days / nights with her and at the time she died one other sister. Also 7am I believe this is one of 2(?) times that death mostly occurs.......
DeleteHaving spent all of my life near to her I was so glad to be with her, much as it hurt.
For 7of her 11yrs in care Mr R and I were able to take her out virtually daily which she loved and I was so lucky to have been able to take early retirement and therefore was free to to this. Which is why I feel your indignation at your retirement age being increased 😡
Lady R I have taken early retirement (at the age of 60) - which is being financed from personal pensions + investments (thanks to early advice, which I took). My indigation, is the wait for my SSP, originally due 5 years ago and still not due due for another 12 months. I now come under the new pension scheme, by a few months, but it seems that this is not going to be detrimental.
DeleteIt seems strange Miriam that you have only just ' caught up ' with the news that everyone else responded to two days ago, and that at the beginning of this blog was commented upon with such clarity - I'm referring to the candle that Gary so thoughtfully provided.
DeleteEven stranger is the fact that in the middle of all the messages about the candle, you wrote three posts.
Perhaps you don't read the posts from the rest of us, or perhaps you ' catch up ' with them on a Friday only.
Maybe some of us don’t read back.
DeleteI do pop in here from time to time to catch up and offer my little bit of support. Yesterday I responded to a comment Miriam made earlier, which upset me. I sort of expected her ask me about it. But maybe I was too obtuse in the words I used.
No, quite clear, Stasia. A touch abstruse, maybe, but that's no bad thing.
DeleteThanks for accepting my moan earlier today.
ReplyDeleteThe collection from hospital went well, and although I had to leave the car on the ground floor of a multi storey car park, at least it was in the shade. And I could hear Lady crying as I left, which was very difficult but she was relatively calm when we returned.
All moans are welcome MrsP! Sometimes I love a good moan. Moaning is healthy. Much better surely than pretending that everything is wonderful all of the time and then exploding with years of built up repressed fury!
DeleteNot too sure I would last too long in your shoes when it comes to that particular lady tho'....
She is jolly lucky having you to help her.
DeleteMoaning is acceptable. I have made one earlier. It would be better if the moan could be directed at the individual concerned, however for one reason or another some people can’t hear the message. Like your elderly lady behaviour too ingrained.
Delete✔️✔️
DeleteCan’t beat a good moan!! Makes you feel better to get it off your chest.
ReplyDeleteSo, I say, feel free to moan away.
Gary and P tbY are right ,Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteYou have done more than your share to help Mrs Unappreciative .
She is not your responsibility
I think sometimes older people think that the world owes them a living and that they are entitled to get what they want ,when they want it.
Next time it happens politely say that you are unavailable and do not feel guilty .
You are allowed to say “no”.
Good morning all. Just an update and once again a thank you for your good wishes.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I had very sore arms with big raw patches where blisters had burst. I was concerned so went to the doctor's surgery at 11am to see if the nurse there could put dressings on them before I did shopping and started to prepare cricket tea for today.
The receptionist said they did not keep dressings there but if I wanted to go to chemist, get some, and return the nurse will surely help me. So I did,. Nurse was appalled and called the doc in between patients who wrote a letter to hospital and booked me an appointment at MEDOC for 3 pm. Be prepared for admittance!
I was at hospital in MEDOC, A&E, and Lister Ward until 11pm!
I saw in total 4 doctors (one who was a 'sightseeer!' who hadn't seen such a severe case before ), had bloods done for thyroid activity,and infection and something else (3 tubes taken), urine test, had a chest x-ray (why I don't know!) and an intravenous drip of paracetemol. Finally was told there was no infection but I had was a condition called bullosa pemphigoid., a not very common disease where the auto-immune system goes into overdrive! Quite the opposite to what was previously expected.
I am now on oral steroids, 8 tabs a day reducing by one every week till 0. Also still to use painkillers and anti-histamine as and when I feel I need them and finally have massive dressings from wrist to elbow to cover up all the raw patches and stop others' stomachs turning over when they catch sight! Have to find where the nearest 'Dressing Station 'is to have bandages changed every couple of days.
Got home at 11.30 pm, very tired and hungry. (Car park charge £8.00)
Sorry for long post but just to let you know I fully intend to be there at the Barbican. The only proviso is that some spots have appeared on my back so hopefully steroids will prevent them from developing into blisters but if not, it may be too painful to be out all day. Fingers crossed!
Oh dear Spicy! You really are going through the mill! What an awful day you have had. I can’t believe they don’t keep dressings at a doctors surgery and you had to go out to buy some.....that is incredible.
DeleteAnd having to go to hospital to get sorted out and a diagnosis made, still at least you now seem to be on a regime that should help.
You are incredibly brave, I admire you enormously and all my thoughts are for your rapid recovery, though it sounds as though those arm patches will take a while to heal
I do hope your family are giving you all the support you need, even though busy with their move etc.
Sending my love and a big bunch of flowers - 💐x100
Archerphile I hope your pain and discomfort is diminishing too!
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from Seasider and looking forward to meeting again.
Lanjan - I expect, like me , you are appallled at the Test Match debacle. Joe Denley is a great nephew of a dear friend of mine so she always posts clips and comments on fb. What about that catch in the firt innings? Incredible!
Mrs P I hope you do get chance to say 'Sorry but I can't' next time you are expected to do something.
Looking forward again to meeting up with all and yes I will remember the baking!
We were typing at the same time, so please read my little piece above.
DeleteI feel a bit of a fraud, eliciting your kind sympathy, because my predicament is nothing like yours. Much more localised and painfully restricting movement, but at least I know exactly what is causing it and that it is just a matter of time and rest to cure.
Still cannot put foot to ground but just about managing around house on crutches. The most painful bit is my thumb which is causing a lot of problems as I already had arthritis in the joint and advancing Dupytrens syndrome in that hand too. But hey, ho, I am very lucky compared with you so I am NOT grumbling!
I wouldn't say lucky at all, AP !! I do love your spirited attitude. Applause for that, & here's hoping your recovery won't drag on for too long.
DeleteSpicy, this is appalling. What a ghastly time you are having, even though, through all the hassle yesterday, you now have a diagnosis of a rare condition, with the consequence of appropriate treatment. I also admire your fortitude greatly, & hope very much you will feel fit enough to join us on the 6th.
ReplyDeleteMeantine, please take great care of yourself.
Spicycushion,like everyone else I am appalled by what you are going through.
ReplyDeletePlease do not even think of doing the cricket teas.
Let the wives and girlfriends of the players make the sandwiches and cakes.
It is time to think about yourself.
If you can bear it watch the Test Match !
(Just watched Bairstow drop a catch .If you like you can blame me for what is going on.
I actually said that we should easily win this match as although the Australians have some good bowlers without Steve Smith they have no batsmen.
I even said I was sorry for Warner and wanted him to get a few runs.
I did not say I wanted him to do a load of catches though.)
Archerphile you have nearly a fortnight to sort out your crutches.
Good Luck
Root has just made a catch.
DeleteGosh I bet the Aussies are shaking in their boots.
Lanjan - yesterday, listening to TMS was very depressing and watching the highlights on Channel 5 even more so! Mr A and I are glued to the radio again today, so at least the foot, knee and thumb will get a rest.
DeleteBut coming up to London for the meeting will have to wait until next year (presuming there will be one). I have to return to hospital in two weeks for more Xrays and assessment and I daren’t risk travelling by public transport until I get the go-ahead. It is only 1small bone in the foot (and the adjacent one is cracked) but disproportionately painful. Hopefully, by next year I shall have a completely mended hand, foot, and a new knee to frolic about on.
SPICEYCUSHION and ARCHERPHILE
DeleteYou both deserve medals for your stoicism.
Spiceycushion- such a rare condition, you must be very careful.
When I had the high dose ( reducing) of steroids that they have given you I had to report to the GP every week. Such high doses are very dangerous and must be monitored, but even when finished, consequences can occur.
I do not want to alarm anyone with my tale, but do want to warn you.
And.... as others have said, let someone else at least do the cricket teas, please. Have some rest for goodness sake woman !
Am so very very sorry that you are having such a horrible time, but like you I do hope you can make it on the 6th.
Archerphile - your foot must be very painful, I'm glad that you will be able to rest it today at least while listening to the cricket. ( that's the brave part as far as I'm concerned ! ) and along with all others I'm sure we will be sorry that you will not be with us at the Barbican.
But completely understandable. Next year though.
I suffer with my hands being very difficult so understand how awkward life can be and painful too.
As Carolyn says your spirited attitude must enable you to get through albeit not with ease.
Thank you to all for your sympathetic responses to my moan yesterday. I do feel the need to say however, that the lady concerned and her daughter are actually most appreciative of all that I do.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is ' a job' which when accepting I made clear That I expected greater responsibility as time passed.
Like her daughter, I find the greatest frustration in her deep reluctance to take any responsibility for herself. But as it is clear to me that she has lead a life where she rarely or never had too, this is deeply engrained.
Once safely in the car and before we left the car park yesterday, I did put it to her firmly but without rancour, the difficulties that she had caused by changing the arrangements.
But because I understood that she had done so because she was thinking of the dog, (she has become very fond of Lady ) it would have been unkind to labour the point.
She did understand and will not change arrangements again.
Fortunately we do get on together, despite my understanding that if I had met her socially I would not have chosen her as a friend.
And most importantly, I am able to be a buffer between her and the bullying daughter, even though I can also see and sympathise with her side of the situation, which is not easy.
On a lighter note, its enlightening to encounter a far more dysfunctional family than ones own !
You should polish up you halo Mrs P for being so forebearing and understanding. They are very lucky to have you on hand.
ReplyDeletecarolyn. Abstruse, obtuse, puzzling, arcane, cryptic maybe I was being just being a bit too sensitive.
ReplyDeleteLike MrsP it was just a bit of a moan.
I think many of us are feeling ready to 'bite' Stasia.
DeleteBut as you said, some behaviours are too embedded to change or perhaps to even notice any subtle criticisms.
Spicycushion. What an ordeal you are experiencing. My heart goes out to you. Let’s hope the medication will alleviate the pain and discomfort and the healing begins.
ReplyDeleteDo try and make yourself comfortable, I realise that may be difficult, but please think of yourself. Cricket is only a game (I can already the grumbles) so let them make their own tea and lemon drizzle 🍰 cake.
Spicy just checking in and appalled to read of your latest health development. Sending many good wishes for your recovery and as others have said make yourself a priority right now!🥰
ReplyDeleteArcherphile I feel your pain and glad you have the cricket to distract you!
ReplyDeleteWhich hospital did you attend - Basingstoke or were you not in that area?
When will you be seen regarding your knee is anything in the pipeline or not yet as you (understandably) want to go on your excursions first. Are you likely to have Mr Stranks again?
No, Lady R, the nearest hospital was Newbury but they don’t have an A&E dept there so had to go to the Royal Berks at Reading. It has changed and grown enormously since I had an eye operation there as a child in the 50’s!
DeleteYes, when I have my knee done it will be Mr Stranks again. I am still on his list, just have to contact him when I feel ready to go ahead with the op, so I want to time it to avoid our booked holidays if possible - hoping to hold on until after April.
Interesting AP I take it you have to go back to the same hospital for your follow up then? Maybe just as well Basingstoke Fracture Clinic is undergoing great works for some months now to be extended, and the parking / drop off outside the hospital is a little awkward too.
DeleteGood to know you are to have same surgeon will make things more relaxed for you 🤗
Phew another hot day today, I will be hiding in the shade and drinking plenty (water that is 😂 ) during the day anyway.....
Spicycushion, I'm so sorry to read of your continuing health problems. I hope that now you have a diagnosis ( awful as it is), that you are having the correct treatment and will soon be on the mend. Please take it easy to allow yourself to heal.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile, I hope you get better and fully mobile soon.
A bouquet of flowers to you both ( I cant find a bunch or bouquet on my tablet)
There you go Zoetrope I'll find them for you! 💐💐
DeleteAnd some from me as well!🌻🌷🌻🌷
DeleteIt's the end of the day and we haven't heard anything from Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if all is ok or perhaps the neighbours have been so noisy, Miriam has given up and moved out.
I think she is worried about her little great nephews.
DeleteI've just looked up and seen a massive spider on the wall. I would guess four inches from tip of leg to other.
ReplyDeleteI am going upstairs to my bath and expect him to be gone by the morning.
I wouldn't be able to sleep, until it was out of the house! Fortunately my daughter is much braver than me!
DeleteI'm a wimp, too, Janice. 4 inches ! What cool courage, MrsP....
DeleteHe's gone this morning.
DeleteMaybe so - but gone where 😱 likely to appear again!
DeleteA couple of weeks ago we had the same splayed on one of the bedroom curtains and as a pale gold colour the black plus as you say the size really stood out. Mr R managed to remove with his grabber tool but I’m afraid the spider did not survive. If on the floor can usually manage to retrieve and take outside.
What a cricket match.
ReplyDeleteI hope you all managed to watch it .
Unbelievable.
You won't be surprised to learn, Lanjan, that I managed to miss it ...but glad you enjoyed this oh-so-hot afternoon. ( I did a wee bit of shopping, walking in whatever patches of shade I saw, which included an Isaac Asimov sci fi for Mr C. He's read it, apparently, ages ago, but hopefully won't remember a thing about it...)
DeleteNot watch, but we were glued to the radio. Cheering and clapping every time Ben Stokes scored a 6 or 4.👏👏👏👏
DeleteI never thought I’d say this about Stokes after his indiscretions, but he was a real hero today and has our admiration.
It reminded us of the famous test match won by Ian Botham against all the odds.
Can’t wait for the highlights on Chanel 5 tonight, am going to have to rearrange our roast dinner around the programme!
32degrees here Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI dare say it is the same with you.
Fan on
Patio Doors open.
Haven’t moved from the TV set all afternoon .
Boys Own Stuff.
It will be headlines in tomorrow’s papers.
Brilliant.
Lanjan, do I take it you have Sky? Would be worth taking out a subscription for today alone I should think.
DeleteNeedless to say ( so why say it ? ) I did miss it.
DeleteDon't have television or radio at the moment.
But pleased that cricket gives pleasure to many.
And at least the sound isn't as disturbing as football.
Well done England 🏏🏏
ReplyDeleteI don't have Sky so couldn't watch. I however can suscribe to Sky Sports, via my internet provider, for a minimum of just one month at a time. There is a special offer for this at the moment, so I am very tempted to watch the next test match.
My little Sis is in Yorkshire at the moment, and she + hubbie had tickets for Headingly tomorrow. It is mixed emotions - no day out at the cricket but delighted why. They get a full refund of ticket costs - so not too bad.
Yes Archerphile we have Sky.
ReplyDeleteWe don’t watch much television at all apart from sport.
Yesterday Liverpool won
Today England did as you know.
I think today I saw the best afternoon’s cricket ever and I was at Headingley in 1981,at Old Trafford in 2005 for a Test Matches and at Lord’s lots of times when Lancashire were in various finals.
You really are a lifelong avid fan, aren't you, Lanjan ! ( Please remind me to tell you of my one & only cricket match on the 6th...)
DeleteWe can remember exactly where we were when watching the fantastic match in 1981. I can see us now, sitting at our dining table, unable to take our eyes off the TV and me phoning a neighbour to ask if she could pick my daughter up from school, with hers, because I didn’t want to miss a minute !(dreadful mother but avid cricket fan)
DeleteToday’s was the best Test ever, since that one on 1981 and Stokes is the new Botham (in my eyes!)
I certainly will,Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteFuneral - Wednesday, September 4th at 12.15.
ReplyDeleteWhen my every 🦋 thought will be with you Sarnia. I shall sit quietly at that time and in my head I will say prayer for you especially - and all your family and friends who will be supporting you.
DeleteI do so love a church organ and am in awe of you being able to play this instrument and to do so for Mr S at his funeral will be very special 💕
Sarnia,
DeleteI was writing my 8:08 pm comment when you were posting the date and time of your husband’s funeral.
Thank you for telling us so that we will be able to think of you particularly at that time.
If I am not being too personal, please could you let us know what music you have chosen?
I know you said you will be playing the organ.
I shall be with you, in my thoughts, on that day and time Sarnia.
DeleteI’m sure we all will.
Keep strong and play your heart out on the day. Your music will be especially beautiful, I am sure.
Maryellen,I think I have a better analogy for you .
ReplyDeleteOnce a month I attend a Reading Group meeting.
It usually lasts about two hours.
There are 10 of us- one man (who has never missed a meeting) and nine women.
We discus the month’s book -( the Library has a set of books for the Borough’s Reading Groups)
We rate the book on literary merit,readability,characterisation and plot.
However, of the nine women two of the most regular attendees rarely read the books
They actually admit that they really only come for a chat.
I have to admit we do go off the subject quite a lot and when we get a book nobody likes we spend a lot of time talking about other things.
Is that a little bit like some people who perhaps may have given up listening to The Archers but for this blog?
A better analogy than a Health Club?
Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteI also will have a quiet and thoughtful moment, for you and all your family, on that date + time.
How lovely to play the church organ with music, i know he must have enjoyed + loved.
You are very brave to able to do this calmly. You will do him proud, in a wonderful and very personal way.
Sarnia, thank you for date and time.
ReplyDeleteAre family traveling on the day or before.
Would like to legitimately leave flowers at house.
If on car then Reg No ?
My memory is that your affiliation on here is known.
Would there be a problem ?
Local code plus 751 041
Our thoughts will be with you.
Thinking of you this week, Sarnia, especially noon on Wednesday of course. The organ being played by yourself will move everyone, & I hope you find it uplifting & somehow a comfort in your sadness.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs P. Will do.
ReplyDeleteAs I have to process in and out behind the coffin as chief mourner, I'm only playing the two hymns at beginning and end, and in the middle on piano, a harvest song about cauliflowers and broad beans to illustrate a family joke told by my son. Entry and exit music will be specially chosen recordings - not easy because Mr S wasn't particularly into music. With two musical children as well as me I thing he got sick of the sound of it!
Finally arrived here after catching up with all your news - away in the Corrèze with no wifi.
ReplyDeleteSarnia 🕯️🕯️condoléances xx
& bon courage to all the various suffering bloggers!
Chez Parsley it's jolly old prostate cancer (M.) & carcinoma removal (Mme.)
Never mind, we were cheering Stokes' every shot & Leach's every wipe of his specs!
Oh goodness Parsley, not more suffering Archers bloggers! So many of us seem to be in the wars at the moment don’t we?
DeleteI do hope you and Monsieur P will be OK and treatment will go well and not be too gruelling.
Are you able to take advantage of the excellent health system in France? I have attended a couple of hospitals there and found their services far superior to ours.
Glad you enjoyed the cricket. It was magnifique!
Bon chance mes amies.
Good to see you back with us Parsley, and hope you have both caught things early and consequently have positive outcomes on the treatment regime.
DeleteSo sorry about your health troubles, Parsley. How rotten. J'espere you & Monsieur do well with good treatment & in high spirits. Take care.
DeleteSending you both positive energy from Ecosse...
DeleteParsley16.
ReplyDeleteJust remember about this wonderful blog with "virtual" friends.
It is a place that many can give vent to their frustrations + worries, whatever they are.
We are all here to listen + understand. It helps...🤗
Ma pauvre Parsley. Vraiment je sais que ce n'est pas 'joyeux'. Pas du tout!
ReplyDelete😔
DeleteOn a totally different subject - I have a suspicion, that my wonderful + lovely "puss cat" is starting to lose her hearing. I am monitoring it at the moment, but the signs are there. I know what to look out for, and how to assess the situation.
ReplyDeleteIt's not urgent, far from it. It just needs looking out for. 😺😸👂
Parsley thoughts and many good wishes to you and Mr P. Yes we are all here to cheer on / support in anyway that may help 😘
ReplyDeleteHope things go well for you both Parsley. 🤞🤞🙏🙏💕
ReplyDeleteI have just spotted BBC1 at 7.00pm - Highlights of the Edinburgh Tatoo.
ReplyDeleteI know that some-one was going, and their S-I-L would be playing the bagpipes - sadly I can't recall who? Cheshire Cheese?
Sincere apologies to whoever that is, as I just can't remember, whom 😭😭
Oh, many thanks to you all... brave face & all that for M'sieur. MRI this am, RV with the consultant weds. Found a 2nd dodgy area we didn't expect, bof. It's in the family, 4 out of 5 brothers now. A l'attaque !
ReplyDeleteParsley,Mr LJ had the same thing happen to him in 2003 .
ReplyDeleteWe had been married for less than 3years .
It was a shock at first but the treatment he received was amazing and I dare say that things have improved even more since then.
Most people were unaware that there was anything the matter with him.
We cannot praise the wonderful consultant and staff at Charing Cross hospital enough.
My best wishes to you.
As for Stokes and the lovely bespectacled Leach
What heroes.
How lovely it was that on the news last night it was the main story.
Sorry Parsley 16,I didn’t read your post properly.
DeleteMy best wishes to you also of course.
I hope you are soon both back to normal.
They seem to be on the ball, psa was only a little élevé, that was enough for biopsy + MRI - we'll see what's what wed am. As for me I'll just have another scar to add to the collection..!
DeleteDoes 'un peu eleve' mean above 11, same as the UK?
DeletePSA was up to 6.2 in May from 4.2 last year, due to family history Dr. made the referral appt himself directly with the consultant. Gleason 6.
DeleteAh. by UK standards a PSA of 6.2 is low indeed, but the family history and the fact that it's rising would be enough to alert the consultant. I'm glad to see that he's being monitored so carefully. You will both be much in my thoughts as this is a subject I wish I didn't know so much about.
DeleteThank you Sarnia. ❤️
DeleteBon courage Mme et Monsieur Parsley. Thinking of you 🌷et pardon my Francais est tres rusty.🤗
ReplyDeletemerci !
DeleteGG - keep sending those positive waves..!
ReplyDeleteParsley - at least all our various attempts at French must be keeping you amused! I wonder what the French for ‘keep your pecker up’ is?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my sincere good wishes to you both and crossed fingers for your husband tomorrow 🤞
😄Translation of these idiomatic phrases is a nightmare, French equivalent can be direct & a little dull , eg here "garde la morale"...
DeleteMore fun are "avoir la pêche" to be on top form, "avoir la patate" to be fired up!
Parsley, I have no French, so will simply say in English, that I hope all goes well with you and your next ' removal' and that MrPs elevation is soon reduced.
DeleteAlso, I used magnesium oil on my scar ( knee) once it had healed over, and the scar is now very feint (faint ? No !). You may already use it, but worth mentioning.
Thanks Mrs P, didn't know about magnesium oil, will investigate.
DeleteI'm not sure you will find any references to scars. My daughter simply ' told' me that I should be using it. I used it anyway for cramps so started to rub it into the scar/ wound after my bath each night.
DeleteSix weeks later my surgeon said he had never seen anything like it.
It continued to heal and fade. I have a very thin white line.
Good luck.
Bonjour parsley. I’m pleased the cricket has been a bonus for both you and M.p. Keep on with your positive thinking.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure a regular glass of wine 🍷 will keep the ‘spirits’ up. Treat yourselves to another little holiday by booking Room 13 at Grey Gables, Tracy will ensure that you recuperate with tales of ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
I hear that the soufflés are super high and 😋 delicious.
My best wishes.💕🎼
😁👻no problem on the wine front...! 🍷anniversary meal tomorrow...🎂🍾
ReplyDeleteJust back from our cruise. We explored independently and in Antwerp went to the Red Star line museum. Displaced people travelled to Antwerp from all over Europe by train and then by the Red Star to America and Canada. As the depression approached America put the brakes on immigration and the last ships went in 1934. The museum tells their individual stories and it makes you realise how lucky we are to live securely in our country. We then went on to the Cathedral which is magnificent and full of light from the large windows. Near there we had a look in two shops, one selling lace which is very reminiscent of Honiton lace. I bought a small piece which depicts a basket of flowers for about €6 - great value! The other shop was of course a chocolate shop and we are well stocked!
ReplyDeleteIn Amsterdam we braved the trams to get to the museum quarter. Once you get into the system it is relatively easy and they run very regularly. We bought a €8 ticket each which lasts 24 hours and you have to remember to tap it on and off. If you forget off you can’t get on the next one! The stops are frequent and there is a screen which tells you the sequence and the time of arrival at each. All very efficient! The Van Gogh museum was in a huge modern building and despite timed entrances was rather crowded. I couldn’t help thinking Vincent wouldn’t have approved! I was a bit disappointed. We did see the Potato eaters and one or two of his primary works. The Rijksmuseum was in a beautiful older building and within easy walking distance. I was a bit tired by then but enjoyed the range of paintings. They are restoring the Night Watch but it is still on display with the materials they use next to it. Being a Sunday the restorers weren’t there but people can watch them at work.
As always the ship we travelled on, the Braemar of Fred Olsen, was a delight. The food was excellent, 5 courses every night and their all inclusive drinks now include cocktail of the day so we had fun sampling them! We had a very lively deck party leaving Antwerp and had a good boogie and a Bellini cocktail! Recommend Fred if you fancy a cruise. The ships are small and very friendly crew.
After all my chatter, thoughts again with Sarnia and so sorry about your loss. You never do get over it but it does get easier as time goes on. So wonderful you will be playing the organ for him. At my husband’s funeral, his brother who is a lay preacher presided, his sister delivered a eulogy and Katy read a poem. The Padre of the HMS Protector association read a Naval prayer. It is all so comforting and family and friends are so important. My best wishes to you and will be thinking of you on the day. Best wishes too to all with health issues at the moment. Stay as strong as you can!
Ev. As always, a lovely post. ✔✔
DeleteMy late Mum + Dad, loved "The Breammar", for all the same reasons.
DeleteLovely & interesting post Ev, thank you. xx
DeleteStayed in a chambre d'hôte on the Lot a few years ago, prided themselves on their use of home grown fruit /veg - bellinis far too heavy on the peaches!
DeleteThanks very much, Ev, but I'll survive. I watched my father die the same way, albeit over a much shorter space of time, when I was a little girl, observing everything, being told nothing and shut out from the funeral and mourning process. That coloured my attitudes to, and ways of dealing with, crises my whole life; nothing will ever be as awful as that. I knew when I agreed to marry that I was signing up for potential widowhood. It happens. It's how you choose to deal with it that matters.
DeleteMy husband was nearly 11 years older so I suppose widowhood for me was very much on the cards. It isn’t easy but yes, you have to deal with it.Esther Rantzen said that you have to realise that his life is over but yours isn’t . As he would wish I have carried on with my life and enjoy it with my daughter and the dogs and also have taken up my painting again. In time I wish you happiness, Sarnia and every blessing.
DeleteI came across a new quiz show yesterday (BBC1). I watched it again,today and I enjoyed it once again. The name - Impossible - I have never seen nor heard about it before.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I enjoyed it, as it is my level of general knowledge - mediocre but not great.
DeleteI am off to indulge myself in one of my favourite TV shows - the GBBO.
ReplyDeleteIt is love or hate - me I love it.
sorry Myriam! Parsley household not known for a sweet tooth...😉
DeleteI love it Miriam even though unlike you I am not in love with cooking myself!
DeleteI can appreciate others skill and moments of disappointment. I also enjoy getting to know the characters!
Ev - so glad to read of your experience on board the Breamar - that is the ship we are cruising on next April to celebrate our Golden Wedding, complète with special celebration package supplied by Fred. Going around Iberian peninsular to Cadiz, then up the river to Seville, where there is to be a huge firework display we shall be able to view from the ship.
ReplyDeleteIn November we shall be on board the Balmoral, the largest Fred Olsen ship which we know very well and love. So it is particularly good to hear that Braemar is good too. Thank you.
Braemar is the next biggest ship and quite similar to Balmoral so you will enjoy!
DeleteIf you want an all inclusive drinks package and haven’t booked it yet do that before the cruise. It’s £19 pp per night but when booked on the cruise is £45 pp. You’d have to go some to justify that! The £19 is just about worth it if you like to sample the cocktail of the day! Other cocktails are half price under the package. It does mean you pay in advance and don’t need to worry about the final bill on the cruise. Expect you know all this but the £19 latest charge and the cocktail took me by surprise! As I had paid the former £15 at time of booking though that was honoured! Good old Fred!
DeleteLovely to read about your interesting trip Ev.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you and Katy had a wonderful holiday together.
Nice too that mum and daughter are very happy to holiday together.
Yes indeed Mrs P. I have come to love cruising, (though very late to try it out) and hope very much that should I be left on my own, one of my children, or even grandchildren, would accompany me. Though I do notice quite a few single passengers, who always seem to team up with others and have a good time making new friendships.
DeleteSingletons are well.catered for but for myself like someone to share it with!
DeleteThat big spider is still around and becoming a bit of a terror.
ReplyDeleteLast night I was in my bath and the cat who likes to be on the box which sits at the side of the bath started flicking or digging at something. When I looked it was the spider, yes the same one, running over my bath towel.
The cat lost it.
I gave my towel a good looking over before I dried myself.
Now just sitting writing about Eva trip there the bugger was on the arm of the chair I was sitting in.
I admit to yelling !
He's gone again and the cat is not in the house at the moment.
He really is enormous, and I am now in a different chair.
I feel for you, Mrs P ! 😚 This is horrible, being terrorised by an 8 legged monster. Don't let anyone tell you, in the superior way I remember from the past, ''It's more frightened of you than you of it' Really ? Why does it keep appearing then? Besides phobias aren'tra
Delete...aren't rational, we all know that
DeleteI think it’s the way they scuttle. When newly married I had a spider in the kitchen. I called him Cuthbert and we got along well as he stayed tucked up in his web! When we lived in HK we had a chit chat, a small but cute lizard on the bedroom ceiling. His name was Coolie! Your spider, Mrs P sounds too malevolent and big to make friends with. Hope the cat catches him!
DeleteMuch sympathy Mrs P. Autumn must be coming. I noticed our first one of the Winter shortly after you mentioned yours and was not a happy bunny. Too high up on the bathroom wall to get a plastic mug over it, and of course it has now hidden itself away somewhere. I was at a festival once where there was a talk and demonstration by a hypnotist, and I volunteered to be worked on re the 8 legged horrors. Most strange experience. I did feel the hypnotist put me into a different state of consciousness, but the effects only lasted about a fortnight. I guess it would take more than a short demonstration session to be really effective, but an interesting experience nonetheless.
Delete😱 Mrs P and there was me thinking he had made his way to Hampshire and was on my passage floor the night before last 😂 (but in truth probably related to the one on our bedroom curtains a few nights before that.) How can you bear to go to bed not knowing where he is! (Or she? - sexist.....) 😉
ReplyDeleteMrs P, I find a good thump with a size 5 shoe puts an end to MY suffering with them. I got sick of mr PtbY trying to catch them and put them out only to hear him shout “ I dropped it and can’t find it now”. So I semi conquered my fear and now hit em, and hit em hard!!! 🕷👟
ReplyDeleteParsley.....🤞 for you and mr parsley. Xx
ReplyDeleteTout mes pensées sont avec toi et ton mari, aujourd’hui Parsley (or should I call you Persil when writing in French?). J’espère que tout va bien.
DeletePositive thoughts winging their way towards you, Parsley.
DeleteSurgery for Mr P 7th Oct. As we thought. Bon voilà ! Many thanks for all your positive thoughts. xx
DeleteWhat a great trip, Ev. I loved the Van Gogh museum, but crowds can marr the experience. Went to a V G at Tate Britain a few months ago ( sorry if I've already written about this) & it was a fascinating look at the artistic influences on him during his stay here, & his influence on all manner of artists since his death, BUT it was heaving & so frustrating. Ironic, of course, as he was unappreciated in his lifetime.
ReplyDeleteSarnia. Please my thoughts for you and your family. 🎹🕯
ReplyDeleteAccept.
DeleteThinking of you & yours, Sarnia, now, noon & beyond. The candle is the best image, better than words.
DeleteThanks, People, but it's next Wednesday at 12.15. This morning I'm seeing the undertaker and the clergy this afternoon to put the funeral service together.
DeleteMrs P I know you don’t Have a TV set and were it not for Sport on the television, we would not have one either.
ReplyDeleteI was looking to see what is on this evening
If you want to watch Channel 5 for example you can have 5 hours of -
GP - behind closed doors and then Casualty 24/7 followed by two hours about the death of Diana and then to finish off you could watch a bit of Kate V Megan -Princesses at War.
I was going to ask who on earth watches these programmes but the answer may come back
“Everyone but you”
Miriam, you will be pleased to hear that Boris has taken up your cause and is having a go at the BBC for stopping the free licences for the over 75s.
You are not the only one. I don’t watch these programmes, my favourite at the moment is The Repair Shop. I’m just soppy about some of the stories that come with the distress item.
DeleteI have missed a great deal of good drama on television over recent years, but I am always ambivalent about watching V wasting time.
DeleteI have made time recently to watch Gentleman Jack and Poldark and managed to keep up to date with both.
I've never seen Downton, although I have watched the odd episode when visiting a daughter both of whom are huge Downton fans.
The BBC are now showing Peaky Blinders from series one so I am allowing myself to watch from the beginning.
I must see if I can get The Repair Shop on IPlayer.
Normally I wouldn’t watch period dramas but I thought Gentleman Jack was fantastic. I don’t usually watch anything other than political and documentary programmes, and this means mainly BBCTV.
DeleteA few months ago I watched a farming programme that also appealed because it had a feel good approach. It focused on small farmers and growers whose livelihoods depended on Shows and Farmers Markets. These appeal to the sentimentalists in me.
MrsP you would enjoy the Repair Shop and the skills employed by the specialists are amazing.
I watched about about 30 minutes of the first Downton Abbey and was looking forwrd to it as I like'period drama.'
DeleteI turned it off after having the scene set in 1912 by the writer/director/producer/uncle Tom Cobley and all when a stroppy kitchen maid took exception to being given orders by one of the 'gentry', and as soon as his back was turned, muttered 'bleedin' Nazi!' 😫
Does Uncle Tom Cobley (an all) also write for The Archers? 🏹🤗😁
Delete🤣🤣
DeleteFlowers with a message ' from all your friends on the Archers Blog ' will be delivered to Sarnia today/ tomorrow, along with a card in the post today.
ReplyDeleteA card handmade by LanJan, again sent from all contributors to this blog.
Thank you.💐
Delete🕯️💐
DeleteThank you so much MrsP & LanJan - both truly wonderful gestures.
DeleteYour very welcome.
DeleteMrs P and Lan Jan thank you for your efforts, that’s lovely to know you have been able to do this.
DeleteHow absolutley lovely, and well done to all those who have arranged this. Thanks.
DeleteAs a non-contributer, I will put a donation into a charity box.
That is so thoughtful of you Mrs P. I wouldn’t have known how to send my good wishes except on here so I am very grateful for your efforts on our behalf. 💐 (sorry, Lanjan too, of course)
DeleteMy donation will go to Claire House Hospice, quite local to me. This is for terminally ill + severely disabled children. It has no NHS/government funding, yet provides wonderful care, along with family rooms, where parents + siblings can stay, close to a loved one. They benefit + survive, thanks to donations + Children in Need, who provide a massive input of money.
DeleteI hope that this is suitable.
This morning I went through all the funeral arrangements with the undertaker; this afternoon the two ministers visited and we put together the order of service dovetailing in their official bits with the family contributions, which has all come together very well.
ReplyDeleteI'm now quite tired from all that thinking, but have just received a HUGE bouquet delivered by a lady called Dawn. The flowers are beautiful, yes, Gary, a truly wonderful gesture, and I'm overwhelmed. Thank you all so much.
Thank you Mrs P and Lanjan for organising this for Sarnia. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI’m so pleased you like them Sarnia, we are all thinking of you at this time. 💐
I add my heartfelt thanks Mrs P & Lanjan for your lovely 🌹kind & thoughtful gesture on behalf of us all and like many others here on our blog I truly appreciated it 🦋
DeleteMany thanks, Mrs P & Lanjan, really appreciate what you did on behalf of us all, & glad you were happy to receive them today, Sarnia. I'm sure you're tired, but I expect there's some satisfaction that the funeral arrangements have been made for NEXT Wednesday. We'll be tuned in...
ReplyDelete✅✅
DeleteThank you Lanjan and Mrs P for including us all in your card and flowers for Sarnia
ReplyDeleteYes. How wonderful as to what they have done, on behalf of us all, and which we all are in total agreement with.
DeleteYes, thank you Lan Jan and Mrs P. The flowers and card will have meant a lot to Sarnia.
DeleteThank you for your kind words
ReplyDeleteIt was Mrs P who had the thoughtful idea as she knew a way to get the flowers to Sarnia . .
Mrs P, your spider came over on the ferry and was scuttling round our lounge tonight! However, Buddy using his Yorkshire terrier side was in hot pursuit and killed it! It made his day and he is still searching for more! For anyone wanting his services his hourly rate is very reasonable based on your level of fear! Just shows even when crossed with a Shih Tzu, Yorkies are formidable and plucky! Our hero!
ReplyDeleteOh Ev, what a lovely laugh you've given me to close my evening with.
DeleteThank you.
Or anyone is welcome to call me to extricate their spiders - they don’t worry me one bit!
DeleteI have to add that our full blown Shih Tzu lay undisturbed as the spider ran riot around her!
DeleteSarnia, your post this morning at 00:07 - I have a feeling that quite a few of us on here are cut from the same cloth as you...sleep tight xx
ReplyDelete