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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
Loch Lomond, where I spend a lot of my time cycling, walking and thinking. Mostly thinking about nothing, but still...
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and very romantic combined with a wild side I imagine Gary.
ReplyDeleteAn empty mind is a gift in this world we live in now.
That's beautiful Gary.
ReplyDeleteOh such lovely memories Gary, how I adored the holidays I spent in your very own beautiful Scotland.🤗 Such stunning scenery and even in stormy weather so atmospheric!
ReplyDeleteI can feel peace of mind coming over me just looking at your picture 🦋 (which is so welcome as our dear friend Ray is now down to days) so thank you 🙏🏼
Lady R - you are, as always, more than welcome...
DeleteJust read today’s comments on the old blog GG, Sarnia at 00.07am ? I could not see that post only your reply 🤔
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by this, but like Lady R could not find it.
DeleteHas it been deleted ?
Oops - I should have typed 12:09am. My apologies.
DeleteI can only see a post from Sarnia at 5.41pm. Still puzzled.🤗
DeleteSuch a peaceful and beautiful photograph Gary. Thank you, I think we all need it after the sadness of the last couple of weeks news in our posts. How I should love to be there now!
ReplyDeletePerfect. I thought at first glance it was Norway where I have had some fantastic holidays in the past. Nothing like a beautiful view and a peaceful open space to allow for a time of breathing out, recentering(?).
ReplyDeleteJust returned south from a couple of months fretting over (and enjoying) my house in Yorkshire and my mother’s crumbling house and slightly fading memory. In the midst of the last hot weekend I stopped off half way at a wonderful retreat house, wandered the gardens, watched the house martins circling, haymaking into the dark, sheep walking in line down the lane at dawn to graze outside my window, sunsets outside my window and a misty sunrise on leaving to drive home before the heat of the day caught up with me. Whenever I can afford to break my journey there, I will do so.
Sounds lovely.
DeleteI haven't been on retreat for such a long time.
Hope you can make it again soon S S der
Lovely picture Gary. I worked in Kilmarnock for a year, and Loch Lomond was one of the places I managed to visit.
ReplyDeleteEv 28th 10.03 Would 3 juicy bones and a bouncy ball be okay!😉
Janice, if I was in the house on my own, I would imagine Buddy would be able to haggle me up to a lifetimes supply of bones, 10 bouncy balls and an 18hr tummy rub....
DeleteHe’s not easily bought having little interest in dog food unlike Gypsy. However a side of bacon and a pizza might do it as he is not allowed apart from snippets at home! Tummy rubs are special treats, for him not me, Gary I hasten to add!!
DeleteOkay. It's a deal. 😉
DeleteGG What a lovely photo - how I need to visit Bonnie Scotland again.
ReplyDeleteI reminds me so much of Tarn Hows, in the Lake District. Another beautiful spot. I have strong memories of frying bacon there! 🥓🥓🍳
LanJan, your card is amazing, beautifully crafted to a professional standard! I love the rich green of the leaves on the tree- symbolic of the fact that once the release of Mr S from all his pain and suffering in that dreadful, emaciated body has been fully assimilated, there will be new green shoots for me in a different kind of life.
ReplyDeleteNo mystery, ladies: Gary was responding to my post at 12.09am in reply to a sympathetic comment from Ev further back, at the end of her travelogue.
Sarnia, it is uplifting, & moving that you can look at Lsnjan's lovely card & see it that way.
DeleteLife has changed for you utterly, but, as you say, there are the green shoots of possibility waiting.
I am having a "whinge"
ReplyDeleteI am now into my 3rd week of being "one-eyed" before getting the neccesary measurements are done, to determine the replacement lens strength, for my 2nd cataract op.
Sadly, I have still no date for the actual op.
I am just fed up with this delay - esp as the 1st eye was done in March! It is very, very minor, I know, but I am just getting impatient, as I can't plan anything for the next 1 or 2 months. 😢
I was referred to the eye clinic in June 2018. Nearly 18 months later, there is still no end in sight - pun intended!
DeleteCan understand your frustration Miriam - it is the not knowing and therefore the inability to plan.
DeleteGG, what a beautiful and relaxing scene. Just what I need after a stressful week at work as we enter the 21st century with electronic records. I have found the process very difficult ... and now have a week off, so will have forgotten everything when I return.😯
ReplyDeleteSarnia, what lovely sentiments you are expressing. As Carolyn says, it is uplifting and moving that you see the future in that light.. My thoughts are with you.
Enjoy your week off Zoetrope! Any plans? Or just ANYTHING that doesn't involve digitising or staring at computer screens...? 😋
DeleteOf course, my work related stresses are nothing compared to the personal stresses that fellow bloggers are enduring - Spicy, Archerphile and Sarnia
DeleteThank you, Zoe
ReplyDeleteI wish we could all see the card that LanJan made for you Sarnia. It sounds beautiful and I am so glad it has symbolic meaning for you.
ReplyDeleteI have specified a woodland burial for when my time comes and I’d like an Oak tree to be planted over, or near my grave.
I grew an oak sapling from an acorn found in our garden years ago and Mr A and our (then) only grandchild planted it on New Years Day 2000. It is our family Millennium Oak and is now a fully grown tree, 30ft tall and wide and bearing acorns of its own. I should like to pave the way for another. 🌳
Oh my goodness, AP, Sarnia, GG, toutes mes remerciements for your posts. . at risk of getting soppy now..
ReplyDeleteZoetrope......how about a holiday jaunt to the Barbican centre on Friday the 6th!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I have been wondering about joining you all...
DeleteI'll let you know 😊
Thank you Sarnia
DeleteWhat a lovely way you have with words.
I have written down what you wrote in my “Woman’s Illustrated Notebook.”
My return visit to hospital after on Wednesday resulted in different tablets, new instructions and off antibiotics as there were no infections.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the care taken by the doctors even though they are vastly understaffed and overworked.
On Tuesday the Chief Registrar of the Acute Care Department, the lovely young Chinese gentleman who saw me on Friday rang me at home to see how I was coping. My GP surgery rang me to collect a form with reference number for an appointment with a consultant dermatologist.
On Wednesday, at hospital, the Doctor thought that wounds on arms were getting better, as did I, but concerned that new lesions were still appearing even though I'd been on steroids for nearly a week, to suppress the immune system and stop it from attacking the skin.
He also said that my GP has been 'aggressively' dealing with my case with consultant's department to get me seen soon , and was in constant touch with the hospital doctor.
GP also rang me yesterday morning (twice) saying he had got me an appointment on Saturday and new instructions regarding treatment. (Photos of my arms and legs had been taken and emailed to relevant persons! 😲)So now back on antibiotics (which I jokingly have said have turned me into a vampire as I am to avoid sunlight!😀) calcium and Vit D to make up for what all these others are taking away, steroids upped to 60mg per day but sadly nothing is stopping effectively the itching.
My sister has threatened to knit me anti-scratch mittens and middle son said he'd provide the duct tape to fasten!
It does seem that I am a rare case! You never know I may end up in a text book somewhere!
Trouble is I have a lot of energy (maybe the steroids?) and sitting around just emphasises how itchy I am.
Today I am leaving off dressings on the arms to get some fresh air to them to help dry them up but will have to wear long sleeves when I go shopping.
Will have to see what dermatologist says tomorrow.
Hope not too much about me and not TMI! 😀
Archerphile -Hope you're getting on better with crutches etc.
And I do hope that all other Archer bloggers are finding comfort in this sharing 'community.'
Spicy - how timely I have just logged on to ask for updates from yourself and Archerphile and of course found you had beaten me to it.
ReplyDeleteFantastic NHS service (as Mr R received in 2014/15) and I am so pleased for you but still a lot for you to cope with, as for the itching part of your condition 😱 so annoying and I have now come out in sympathy just reading about it similar to seeing someone near you yawning. Wishing you well for tomorrow and will look in for your post.
Not sure whether applicable In your case but Katy has itching with her psoriasis and antihistamines help.
DeleteSorry you are still having problems Spicy. If you have had a lot of antibiotics it might be worth your while trying the kefir yoghurt that Yeo's have recently brought out, or a probiotic supplement, to get the beneficial bacteria back in your tummy.
ReplyDeleteAlso hope you are progressing well Archerfile.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, you certainly are a rare case, I have never heard of anyone suffering as you are doing at the moment. But at least the medics do seem to be pulling all the stops out for you and trying to get to the bottom of your problems, rather than keep you on an endless waiting list.
ReplyDeleteTo those who have asked, I’m not getting on too badly, many thanks. Bruising and swelling has more or less gone down now and I’m getting on OK around the house with either crutches, sticks or a combination of both! Fortunately our cottage is very small so there is not far to walk anyway.
I’ve ventured out into the garden a few times and it’s very frustrating not to be able to do thinks like pluck out weeds or tie in straggly climbers, but it can all wait.
I am occasionally putting foot to floor now, but trying not to put much weight on it to avoid causing more damage and prolonging recovery. Tried knitting yesterday but impossible with thumb!! 👎🏼. Got to be fully mobile by Nov 15th - I think I should manage that! 🦶🏼
Archerphile many thanks for letting us know how your recovery is progressing and glad to read that at least your outward bruising (and swelling) are both much improved. Foot wise it will be the internal injury that will take time to fully recover but taking it steady - as you plan to do I’m sure you will be fine for your Nov trip👍
DeleteSpicycushion,
ReplyDeleteJanice mentions probiotics
I bought some acidophilus tablets which I keep in the fridge .
I can’t remember why I did but I do know that they are excellent if one ever has diarrhoea
If you want to try them out I could bring you some next Friday all being well.
Archerphile ,we want you to be fully mobile by 6th September !
A few years ago we went to India on a trip with 11 others. All but two of us came down with the inevitable. The two who escaped were taking acidophilus on the advice of their daughter who was a nurse. As Gypsy is prone to colitis Katy buys kefir and blends it with blueberries then freezes it in ice cubes. She gets one after her evening meal and of course Buddy has to have one too as he doesn’t like her getting more than him! It has solved her problem and doesn’t do him any harm! Gypsy will not do without her ice pudding!
DeleteSorry, Lanjan, 6th Sept definitely not on. Hopefully 15th Nov will be!
DeleteIn entirely unconnected news - I have just this minute sent off my abstract for the 2020 Archers Academic Conference. (Apparently an abstract is a little synopsis of the talk I would like to give.) Wish me luck...!
ReplyDelete😄 .😉 Wow ! That's an exciting thing to do ! You don't need luck, Gary, just a decent panel who can recognize an erudite wit when they scan your 'abstract'....
DeleteGary, that’s brilliant! When will you know if it’s been accepted and where is next year’s conference?
DeleteOn another subject, any news from Ruthy recently? Hope she is well and not still snowed under.
I will know mid October Seasider. Fingers crossed... It's being held at the University of Reading just beside the Museum of English Rural life where there will be an Archers exhibition event too.
DeleteHave just sent Ruthy another email - had sent one a couple of weeks ago and have yet have had no reply. Ruthy, are you there?
Oh, Gary, that’s where my daughter did her degree in Rural Land Management! I shall have to pop along to some of the lectures, it’s only 30 mins drive away
Deletewww.academicarchers.net
DeleteThanks Gary, and good luck! I could certainly get along to Reading from here, and as you are going to be presenting a paper ( of course it’s going to be accepted) and there’s a chance for a meet up, with Archerphile and your good self and maybe one or two others, sounds like the perfect day out.🤗👩🏻🎓
DeleteYes I can get to Reading easily.
DeleteAnd if GG presents a paper, we can use it as an opportunity to have a meetup and a visit to the museum.
Excellent news Gary. And yes, exciting. Well done.
Might we have a peek at your paper, or a synopsis on here ?
No pressure though.
If (and it's a mighty big if!) my paper gets accepted you will be the first to know the details...
DeleteA meet up in Reading would be in order then, wouldn't it?
I have no idea how to get to Reading but count me in!!! 👍
ReplyDeleteYou will always be counted in PtbY
DeleteWould love to be there! We shall see. Gary, best of luck!
DeleteImpressive, GG!
ReplyDeleteYes, folks, I’m definitely on for Reading (as long as it’s not during one of our booked holidays!)
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to visit Michelle’s University again, she might even come with me if it is not in term time.
Reading is on the Great Western Line from Paddington, and there is a direct line from Gatwick Airport too, via Guildford. The M4 goes close to the University Campus, just leave at Junction 11, so travelling shouldn’t be too bad.
I should like to go even if Gary’s lecture isn’t picked - but how wonderful it would be to hear him lecture! 👨🏻🎓 🤩
Looks like we are already building for *next years meetup.
Delete* Insert ' one of '
I have been thinking over recent days.
ReplyDeleteEv - IOW
Sarnia - Southampton
Archerphile/ Lady R - Hampshire
Who else in that region ?
Equals meet up - Portsmouth or Southampton
Or Winchester, in the shadow of King Alfred’s Statue and the Round Table of King Arthur!
DeleteYes, please!
DeleteBuddy woke me up barking to go out. Katy hadn’t stirred. He has the urge for a pee in the night sometimes!
DeleteYes, I did wonder if I should include Winchester.
DeleteWinchester would be quite easy for me.😊
DeleteSo I didn’t get to sleep til well after 2 am. From 12.00 - 1.00 am I was planning my trip to Reading!!!
ReplyDelete28th Feb - 1st March.
Reading
ReplyDeleteThe mind is willing but the body is weak!
Sadly there is no way I could sit through several hours of talks nowadays even for Gary but if there is going to be a lunchtime Break and I could meet briefly those of you who will be going to the Conference I would love to come
Plenty of time yet to sort that one out.
Meanwhile Good Luck Gary .
I am confident you will be one of the Speakers.
I could get to Reading easily from Bristol. Good luck Gary.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea - am definitely tickled by it !
ReplyDeleteLan Jan, I don’t think I will want to sit through a whole day of lectures either but would be selective. I think you do have to pay for the day and if I have read correctly it is £90 for Saturday and Sunday with a limited amount of Saturday tickets at £75.
ReplyDeleteI would think it entirely possible to arrange a lunch meet up and then folk can dip in and out of events as they wish.
Mr PtbY has already checked the football fixtures and has informed me he will be coming too......and go to Oxford v Barnsley!
ReplyDeleteBang goes my independent weekend away. 😩
😁🥳
DeleteAha! Oxford is Mr A’s preferred football team (not that he ever goes to matches).
DeleteSeeing the prices above I think I would only pay to go to the lectures if Gary is one of the speakers. But would certainly be there for a meet-up, whether attending lectures or not.
(To make up for missing next week)
Having just read the archersacademics website I see the lectures are to be given in The Great Hall at the London Road part of the campus (the original University before it expanded onto the Whiteknights Campus.
DeleteThat would be very nostalgic for me because The Great Hall is where our daughter received her degree from Lord Carrington (then Chancellor) at her graduation ceremony. We managed to find seats in the second row and were ridiculously proud! The first person in either of our families to go to University and a first class honours degree to boot! 😊
That is quite special, AP !
DeleteI wish they were not called Archers Academics.
ReplyDeleteI think the name smacks of elitism
I did listen to one or two of the lectures a couple of years ago but I have to admit some were beyond me.
Gary ,I think you will be a breath of fresh air in Reading.
You know, Lanjan, I think that title is used ironically !
DeleteTo add
ReplyDeleteI think Jim would approve of the title Archers Academics though.
Well some of the lectures were beyond me,Carolyn.
DeleteGary. Have you written your synopsis? Must be submitted by Sunday. Having read some of the blurb looks like the theme is Family.
ReplyDeleteI would present a paper exploring a ‘Jungian analysis of St Shula of the Martyrs and seeking absolution through penance’.
Here is a challenge, what would you title your paper?
Think mine would be titled......”is there actually a normal family in ambridge?”
ReplyDeleteMine might be ' the parenting skills of Edward and Clarice Grundy, including the influences imposed by grandfather Joseph '
DeleteTwo excellent ideas P tbY and Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI won’t be able to get to sleep now because I will be trying to think of what my lecture would be about.
Sorry Stasia
ReplyDeleteDidn’t scroll back far enough.
Liked your idea too.
Thanks Stasia!
ReplyDeleteI knew it I would not get to sleep for ages thinking about what the title of my Paper would be.
About two years ago I remember actually thinking about it and having an idea .
That was when Nemo went to the Conference and I think maybe Maryellen and others too were thinking about it and maybe also went.
My new idea is
“Diversification in Ambridge with particular reference to Brookfield Farm relating to it becoming a Wedding Venue “
(Title needs tidying up)
Good thinking Lanjan. Perhaps an insert about mother and daughter in conflict. Might give it a more family emphasis.
DeleteI might have to change mine to, Sainthood and it’s impact on family dynamics. With particular reference to marriage breakups.
The 1st September. A very significant day. 😥😥
ReplyDeleteHaven't caught on !
DeleteMe neither...😐
DeleteAll these themes seem relevant to TA, & fascinating to read. Ok, titles to be tinkered with for the sake of clarity & brevity, but show, to my mind, how 'Archerfans' are quite as much on the ball as any of the official Archer Academics' !
ReplyDeleteWhat popped into mind this a.m is 'The Straightjacket of Stereotyping in The Archers'.
The start of the Second World War. The end of my mother’s childhood. 😥
Delete😢My mother was evacuated to family in Howden Dyke, along with her younger sister who 's funeral we attended in July.
DeleteSorry to be pedantic Stasia but wasn’t the start of WW2 on Sunday 3rd September?
ReplyDeleteLanjan. Germany invaded Poland at dawn on this day. It is the day Poland commemorates.
DeleteEvacuation in the UK started on 1st September. My mother was sent home from her Uncle’s farm after they saw evacuated children passing the fields on the train. When she got home there were three evacuee children at her house, moved out from Gateshead.
DeleteRe Archers academics I think my paper would be about the recent rise in rural crime in the village and possible links with displacement of families, (folk unwillingly having to move), or something about attachment theory and the high incidence of young people remaining in the village despite the lack of career opportunities. Probably a bit of contradiction there. I am sure Gary’s paper is more clearly thought out.🤔
I apologise to you Stasia
ReplyDeleteI am sorry.
I did know that your mother was born in Poland but did not realise that 1st September was the day the invasion happened in Poland.
Stasia,
ReplyDeleteI think I may have mentioned this on the BBC blog but an excellent book about Poland during the Second World War is called”No Price for Freedom” by Phillip Gibbs.
I first read it as a teenager and have a copy here which I reread from time to time..
It is very moving.
It will be out of print but can be obtained online.
By reading the book I learned about ska (female ending to surnames and ski (male endings)
I remember a book called “The Silver Sword” which I think was about Poland in WW2. It was made into a children’s serial on BBC and starred Frazier Hines. A longtime ago so I might have some things wrong but it did make a strong impression.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed on R4 the series of plays after TA in the afternoon called “The Interrogation”. They are interviews with various characters between them and two policemen. The interaction between the two is very believable and really good acting. You can get it on the I player.
Ev, "The Silver Sword" was the book we studied in class when I was about 10 years old!
DeleteCountryfile tonight features stories of WW2 evacuation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Seasider, may get to watch it.
DeleteI wasn't evacuated.
Instead I have memories of being under tables and in Anderson shelters, during raids. And being able to identify the difference between British and German planes. And a frantic frightened mother.
When I think of my mother, I still see in my minds eye the young 27yr old wth shoulder length hair tied with a narrow ribbon and a bow. And a pretty dress.
She lived to 82 but that version of her when I was about two is the one I carry in my head.
As a result of those experiences I don't enjoy being in enclosed small rooms with party poppers going off. I do get very close to panic.
That’s understandable Mrs P. These experiences become ingrained in our subconscious. I can’t quite imagine what it is like to live through a war. I felt quite frightened just hearing my mother talk about it when I was a child; about the air raids and places in the village where bombs fell (not the best place for evacuees to come) and how the beach was cordoned off with barbed wire.
DeleteI normally listen to R4ex when in bed, be it at night or early "wake-up" mornings.There are quizzes, plays + series. I am enjoying Cooking in a Bedsitter at the moment - not that I ever lived in one. It reminds me of my student days, when I lived in digs with an included breakfast. For other meals, us 6 students shared a kitchenette, with a Baby Belling cooker, so I was slightly better off (plus we had a 'fridge + cupboards). I had problems with fellow residents, though, who were also friends, eating my food. I often made an apple pie and a shephers pie, to feed me for a few days, only to find others had eaten it all! I often had to dash out to get something else to eat! It took a while and courage, to talk to the others in nice way, so as to not cause any ill-feelings.
ReplyDeleteAh those cooking skills irresistible even then Miriam
DeleteI am enjoying Cooking in a Bedsitter. I remember those college days. No point in using the fridge in halls as it would be emptied every night by students on the way back from the bar. Milk was stored in a bag hanging out of the window in winter. In summer you just had to share and drink it quickly.
DeleteWell others appreciated it, even though I didn't get to eat it myself!! I often used my well loved pressure cooker - something I still use today, but it in an up-graded model.
DeleteSeasider I know what you said. I soon learnt to drink black coffee + tea with no milk!
DeleteIt was fun though!
Spicy how did your hospital visit go yesterday? I have been thinking of you and hoping that soon your condition will ease if only a bit at a time...
ReplyDeleteTake care 😘
Thank you Lady R. I saw the consultant dermatologist who was a very confident young man but I didnt take to him much. He criticised my GP and the hospital doctor for not recognising the problem straight away! and the hospital management for 'losing' the dermatology department due to mis-management. Medway hospital,like many others was put into 'special measures a while back, but I think recently came out of them.
DeleteAnyway consultant ditched all previous medications and instructions and told me in no uncertain terms to follow his and only his orders!
I tried to collect the third prescription in 8 days (which Boots couldn't fulfill because they did not have the higher strength Prednisolone which he prescribed) to begin the new regime. However he omitted to state the strength of the Vit D and Calcium tab he wants me to take so I couldn't collect it. I am on an amazing 80mgs per day because blisters are still appearing! One of the earlier prescriptions gave me about 60 5mgs tablets so I had to take 16 of them this morning!
First thing tomorrow it is more bloods done for about 6 different things so it might be 'an armful' taken (shades of Tony Hancock, if anyone remembers 'The Blood Donor?')
We'll see how the extra strength doses pan out this week.
Prognosis was might have to stay on anti suppressants for a long time.
At least now the 'wounds' are healing I am not in pain and haven't had to take painkillers since Thursday. But where skin is drying up I am sloughing my skin like a snake!
I also had one of the blisters drained and another 'excised whole (?)' by the minor surgery doctor for biopsy so have stitches in my arm for next 2 weeks.
Back to tutoring this week (only 3 lessons) and the final cricket match on Saturday. At the moment am still planning London trip but will see if I feel okay with any side effects.
Hope to see many of you soon. 😀
OMG Spicy. You are certainly being messed about with so many different ideas + meds. which you still can't start.
DeleteWe are all routing for you, of that I am sure.
Spicy, that sounds really grim. How annoying to have a complete change of meds - I do hope it does the trick and doesn’t cause you any problems. Really hope you will be well enough to come on Friday but I know if it was me I wouldn’t manage, but then I clearly don’t have your stamina!
DeleteGosh, I feel much the same, Seasider. You take everything on the chin, Spicy, one setback after another, & numerous changes of medication. It so frustrating, especially as you're still suffering, & new blisters appearing.
DeleteVery much hope we will see you on Friday, but, more importantly, that you will be making a better recovery over the next few days.
Spicy thank you so much for taking the time to share all that happened to you yesterday. You must be dizzy with all the visits you have had to make recently combined with changes of drugs and medical opinions, well done you ⭐️ (and as others have already said) sending you very best wishes!
DeleteSpicey, no wonder you didn't take to him. So sorry to hear of your troubles, hope you recover soon and the consultant is right !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much ! 🧡🧡🧡
ReplyDeletePtbY I hope you don't mind but I passed part of your email to middle son so he is aware if any strange behaviour (or stranger! ) manifests itself! Obviously I wouldn't be aware!
Spiceycushion you are doing so well, even if only keeping in touch with us, and I know very well that that is not the case.
DeleteNot surprised you didn't take to him, but as LJ says, he's probably the one to give the best of diagnosis and treatment.
My experience is that dermatologists are a dour lot.
Something about the discipline I would think.
I think skin sloughing off is probably good, I think it means that layers beneath are rejuvenating and at least you know your skin ( our biggest organ ) is still alive.
Your note to PtbY. Was it my email that you meant ? If so, no, don't mind, glad you did.
I do hope you feel up to coming on Friday, but we will all understand if you can't.
lol. Thought I was having a senior moment re my email to you spicy.
DeleteYou are really going through the mill with it at the mo. Hope the meds kick in and you are able to come on Friday. I’m sure we all understand if you are unable to. Take things easy, for a change by the sound of it.
Spicycushion,
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else I am sorry to hear about your problems.
You are going through a terrible time but still retain your sense of humour.
Well done you for that.
To be fair to your Consultant , he will be the one with the knowledge of your particular complaint and I assume and hope that now things will improve very quickly since he has become involved.
Mr LJ had a Consultant who everyone was petrified of but he was the one with the best idea of what should be done and 15 years ago I threw my arms round him to thank him I was so grateful.
I bet you will feel the same with your Consultant.
I do hope so.
Mrs P Yes it was you. I am so sorry I muddled your names!
ReplyDeleteHope it's not a sign that mind is wandering! 🙄😊
It's the P isn't it ?
DeleteAlls fine, your not wandering.
I really wish Spicycushion that I could send you the lovely medieval physician Matthew Bartholomew updated with all the skills and technology of today's specialists, but I would guess that your new confident consultant knows what he is doing. I have great respect for prednisolone as I had to take it when young and it was very helpful.
ReplyDeleteLate to post today, due to having visitors for the whole day. Pretty exhausted now at 12. 20 am, but at least we had a lovely day to sit in the garden and have a good old chat, interspersed with meals, tea etc
ReplyDeleteSo I am late to send my love to Spicy and my thoughts about your awful ongoing problems - you really are a star, sounding so positive and outgoing when under such strain.
Even if you didn’t like the new chap much I hope he has hit on the right regime for you now and that recovery and progress will be rapid.
You are a tremendous example to us all of feminine spirit and fortitude. Keep it up and my heartfelt good wishes to you. 😘
And from me xx👍
DeleteMay I make a suggestion?
ReplyDeleteIt may seem a bit pernickety
On our blog we have the facility to reply to a comment by going back to the original post to reply means that earlier replies to that post are often beneath it if you see what I mean so a 8:04 pm is followed by a 6:35 pm followed by a 3:08 pm which means the posts are out of sinc
This means that when somebody refers back to a post of 9 :06 am it could be anywhere.
Therefore what I suggest is that we ignore the orange REPLY and just write a comment saying to which post we are referring by name and time.
I think some posts may not be read because people know how far back they have read and when they reach that point they do not scroll back any further but someone might have written a pertinent reply at a later time by pressing the orange REPLY
.
Thank you all.
ReplyDeletexx
Just to warn you. I had yesterday an email purporting to come from the BBC asking me to renew my TV licence with a link to follow.
I pay my licence by quarterly DD and it is usually renewed automatically.
I went to the BBC site (not clicking the link given) and found out that is still the case and it will be automatically renewed on Nov 1 with the next instalment.
I don't know whether the link would have taken me to another site to transfer money to or whether it would have planted a virus. I just deleted it.
BTW The email had asked for £150.50 but the current licence I pay for in total is 155.50.
So just beware!! 😀
Today's programme of action:- GP surgery to get new prescription written out correctly; blood tests then to Boots to get the new tablets and cream.
At home to bag up all paper. packing and general rubbish for bin men tomorrow and thoroughly vacuum ex-bedromm of R & K.
Last week K asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her just a bunch of flowers. R added "But we're giving Mum a great present! We're giving her a study again!" 😀
I am going to have so much fun minimalising!
Lanjan 8.08
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Will endeavour to remember every time!!! 😀
Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like minimalising to make you feel better.
Good Luck.
Lanjan 8.08am
ReplyDeleteExcellent Idea. I have sometimes wondered if my brilliantly composed, witty and relevant replies to posts get lost in the plethora of new posts ! 😉
No, seriously, it will be good not to have to keep scrolling back to see ‘replies’ and though it takes a few seconds longer to put name and time it will be a great help.
I have already started with a reply to Maryellen on the other blog.
Spicycushion, 8.16
ReplyDeleteThank you for the warning. We also pay for our license by direct debit and since Mr A reached his 75th Birthday in July we ave been waiting to see whether the payments will stop.......until the new rule comes in next year. We might be lucky enough to get a few months of free viewing at least.
Archerphile 9:08am
ReplyDeleteOh I am pleased that you and a Spicycushion have understood what I meant and have agreed with me.
Hopefully others will too.
It just seemed logical to me and saves scrolling back too far or missing relevant posts.
I also agree Lanjan.
DeleteSpicycushion. I can’t imagine what you must be going through at the moment. Let’s hope the new consultant is on the right track and the medication kicks in quickly to offer relief.
ReplyDeleteYou strength and attitude are amazing. 🤗
Lanjan, 8.08am today, that does make sense, in fact, sometimes it takes longer to sort out who is replying to who about what, than just doing this ! Can't promise I'll always remember but will try to stick to your idea.
ReplyDeleteAlready 😙 2nd who should be whom...
DeleteYes LJs suggestion is sound.
DeleteI will do it.
I do spend time scrolling back to see if there are any replies that I might have missed, but recognise that others may not always do this.
Well done LanJan for the suggestion.
Archerphile 9.14am
ReplyDeleteReTV licence as far as I can remember I phoned to TV licence dept in advance for Mr R to check if he had to apply but l can’t remember their reply now 🙄 (so long ago😂) maybe it happens automatically if you pay by DD, we were paying yearly up to that point will be interest to hear how you fare. Good warning from Spicy though!
Spicy 8.16am.
ReplyDeleteHope your day goes / has gone well for you today 🤞🥰
I was so pleaaed, to see my 3rd favourite "serial drama" return today.
ReplyDeleteNo#1 The Archers
No#2 Coronation Street
No#3 Doctors
How lovely the 3rd is back!
This shows my mentality 🤣
...and certainly shows, how + why, I was not able to discuss an Archers Academic lecture topic.
DeleteMiriam 4.25pm
ReplyDeleteNot at all, we must all enjoy our pleasures whatever form they take. After all if it were not for TA we would not all be here “ chatting”.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
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DeleteMiriam this is not a new directive.
ReplyDeleteIt was my idea but I didn’t make things clear.
Everyone can post comments as and when they chose.
I just thought when one is replying to a comment that somebody made a while back it is easier if we knew which comment was being referred to especially if someone has posted more than one comment.
For example if I wanted to agree with P tbY when she was saying about Spicycushion taking it easy I could say something like
Do what ,PtbY says Spicycushion 1st September 9:54 pm
Most of the time it isn’t necessary .
My point which I didn’t make clear was that when people press the orange REPLY button often the posts are not then in correct time order so it is probably better when making a comment not to use hat button and just use the “Comment as “ button.
The other point is that if one wants to give ✔️✔️✔️✔️ to a point made by someone who has posted several comments, by putting the time that the comment was posted for example Seasider
4:10 pm 1st September .
Miriam.
ReplyDeleteA suggestion made and agreed by several others as " a good idea" is just that, a good idea, and agreed by others as a good idea.
It is not a ' directive '.
If you don't wish to adopt the idea suggested, then don't.
If its your choice not to do so, nobody is going to put you on the naughty step.
There really is no reason to make a fuss, or a mountain out of a mole heap or whatever the expression is.
Mrs. P 7.01
ReplyDeleteMole Hill.
I think we agreed on this at the very beginning, I agree too.
Thank you Mistral.
DeleteI must have missed that class.
I will try to remember... mountain and mole hill ! Mohamed and Mountain !
Miriam, I have read your final post of six between 4.51 pm this afternoon and 5.27 pm, again, and I see that you are saying that it would be far easier for you, ( if we all agree to adopt this suggestion ) for you NOT to receive a reply.
ReplyDeleteI apologise if I didn't understand when I read it the first time.
Can we get it clear from you then, Miriam, would you prefer that none of us replies or responds to your posts from now on ?
Do please let us know so that we can get this blog working well for you.
Janice, 11.23, closed blog.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have alpaca wool socks. I have llama ones from a company called Black Yak, they last for years,
Yes, I make sloe gin and raspberry gin. This year I am making festive cakes, ginger curd, preserved lemons, chutney, piccalily, flavoured vinegar, probably chocolate truffles, shortbread, a great big cloth bag, lino cut pictures of all the family pets, and printed brown wrapping paper.
Plenty to keep me busy........ :)
I had intended to keep everything home-made this year, but today bought a huge and utterly gorgeous stone planter as a gift. However, it is very rustic looking and probably made by hand (by someone else!)
It all sounds absolutely lovely Mistral. I am going to tell my daughter about the ginger curd as we have never had it and she loves cooking and experimenting.
DeleteI sound like Ratty at his picnic.
ReplyDeleteGood god Mistral, you are going to be busy. I started Christmas shopping yesterday, got a personalised beer top bottle opener for son as a stocking filler!
ReplyDeleteI used to make a lot more homemade things (food wise) but over the years I got to the point where I just couldn’t be bothered. I think your list might just inspire me to start again.
I have a fab piccalilli recipe but just love eating it too much!!
Always made my own Christmas puddings up until about 5 years ago but then I couldn’t find a time when I had 8 hours straight to boil them. So bought a Lidl one and found that it was better than mine anyway and much cheaper.
Janice ,I really fancy some alpaca wool socks.
ReplyDeleteI knitted an alpaca wool cardigan over 40 years ago .
I am still wearing it
Good for you,Mistral.
Love home made items.
In the past for me it was crab apple jelly in little pots with Laura Ashley material circles put round the top and home made petit fours in fancy boxes which I actually sold to my local delicatessen.
Now I stick to card making although I have just made a couple of lavender and hop flower pillows- one for me and one for a good friend who may wonder if she will smell like a brewery after her hopefully good night’s sleep.
Lan Jan 2 September 8.08 am: I am glad you suggested we post chronologically. I think Ruthy suggested it some time ago but we all got carried away with the reply button and it does become a bit confusing sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI don’t like to think I have missed out on posts and I don’t tend to scroll back beyond the last time I read, so I welcome the suggestion.
Thanks Seasider
ReplyDeleteYou have put things so much more concisely than I did.
As you say- ,just ignore the REPLY button .
Archerphile/Spicy today 8.08.8.16
ReplyDeleteLast week I had a most unpleasant letter from the TV Licensing Authority, threatening me with prosecution. Mr S was over 75 and had a free licence, which was transferred with him to the nursing home, leaving me without cover. I was well aware of this and intended to write to them, but as at the time it was hardly at the top of my list of priorities I left it for later.
I rang them immediately and the poor man in receipt of the call was most embarrassed and
apologetic. These letters are generated automatically without enquiring into the circumstances
and the staff have to field the fallout. I now have a licence in my own name, paid for by DD (although I note that it hasn't arrived yet); I asked if I would now be prosecuted for my illicit TV watching while my husband was dying and he assured me that this is not the case.
Yesterday I had a final demand for payment of the final gas bill in my husband's name, dated the day before he died, which I had already paid on Aug 20th. The tone was a bit 'Eastenders' if you know what I mean: if I didn't pay up before Sept 11th they would send their heavies rand my 'arse' to sawt me art. More grovelling and apologies for an electronically generated letter sent the day before my payment (which had taken 9 days to get there!) had arrived.
What with that and the one threatening him with removal from the Register of Electors for not informing them in writing that he had moved to the nursing home in order to die - I would scream, but I'm too tired!
Sarnia, so sorry to hear about these difficulties. Really upsetting and needless. So much for the wonderful world of technology. I remember having to deal with similar incidents when I was executor for my father and it is really exhausting on top of everything else. Thinking of you, particularly for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat is the last kind of thing you want at this time Sarnia. The T.V. licensing authority do I think send out particularly heavy letters. I don't have a television and for many years I would get threatening letters demanding payment for a licence. I got fed up contacting them to explain we did not have a television, and in the end would redirect the letters back to them with a message in large letters on the outside for all the world to see saying that, believe it or not, not everyone has a T.V. and that their threatening letters constituted harrassment.
ReplyDeleteNowadays I occasionally watch something on the computer Iplayer, and so do pay a licence, although I think it unfair that someone who only watches very occasionally should have to pay a full licence
Sorry no time to read posts yet today.
ReplyDeleteBut I have posted a message on the ' meet up' blog for those intending to come on Friday.
Mistral, Today, 2.44 am
ReplyDeletePlease, please, pretty please, can you put me on your Christmas List ! 🎄
How absolutely disgraceful,Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you have had had to put up with those upsetting communications .
I am sad to say though that I am not surprised.
Sarnia - so sorry that you have had such aggression from the world of computers.
ReplyDeleteAnd this week of all weeks.
Must make you feel so ' got at'
Well done for having the energy to sort it out by phone. The best way IMO.
Talk to someone and get it done.
With various items not due to arrive in time for tomorrow and a daughter who has overdone the garden tidying and is now unwell as a result, it's true that I have better things to do.
ReplyDeleteSarnia - there must be light at the end of the tunnel for you, even if you can’t quite see it yet.
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes as planned tomorrow, you have a peaceful and harmonious send-off for dear Mr S and can start to think of yourself and the future.
My thoughts will be with you and your family tomorrow.
(Posting these sentiments today as I expect you will be much to occupied to log in tomorrow morning)
Sarnia, 2.21pm. You sound wistful & tired. Like others, I'm so sorry you've been hit by tiresome & upsetting things, & hope that all does go to plan tomorrow, that your daughter is better, & that Mr S.'s funeral, alongside the sadness, is moving & uplifting for you & everyone else.
ReplyDeleteWhen I registered my late fathers death, I booked a "one-stop" appointment. I had to take his blue badge, passport, driving licence etc to the registrar. These were cancelled at the same time, (which I was offered these back but declined this) as well as all other local goverment aspects.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great help, and as his property was then empty, it made managing the council tax etc.
Sarnia, I wish You and all your family, every good wish for tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePlay that organ proudly, as it is such a personal and touching part of the service.
You are so brave, to be able to do this.
Sarnia, I agree with all the sentiments expressed here with regards to tomorrow. I will be thinking of you & yours....
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ReplyDeleteMiriam sept 3 4,46.
DeleteYou are as young as you feel, I can give you another 10 years and have spent the day hauling wood, ready to cut for next winters fuel. There is no way I am going to give in to old age. To morrow I shall finish the job, ready to start on the next trees (7) when they are cut down.
You have your health, annoying it my be to have to wait, but in view of the troubles some of our virtual friends are having , you are by comparison lucky, I may sound harsh, but please stop feeling sorry for yourself and enjoy your life.
Not harsh CowGirl.
DeleteWell said !
But will it be heard ?
I don't feel a day over 34 inside, although my body rather let me down in the Spring! I shall use you as my inspiration Cowgirl, although I have bought in some logs for this Winter. I am steadily improving, and am at a stage when my daughter ticks me off for doing what she considers to be too much, so I thought I would shift some bags of compost while she was at work and lo and behold our neighbour-with-the-chickens appeared out of nowhere and ticked me off! She did kindly offer to carry them herself but as a puff of wind would blow her away I declined and promised I would only take a little bit at a time in a bucket. 😣
DeleteP.s. had a whatts app video from son of a water buffalo being used to plough along the edge of the rice paddies. They can be used to haul logs as well. Emerald???
DeleteSarnia I am sure things will go well with you tomorrow, as it has not been right today.
ReplyDeleteI shall be thinking of you at 12.15, playing the organ and saying your final goodbyes.
The start of your new life, will I hope be full of happy memories for you and your family.
Yes Sarnia we will all be with you (and your loved ones) in spirit tomorrow 🙏🏼
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Sarnia and will think of you tomorrow. It is the last goodbye dreaded but so necessary as the first step to moving on with your life.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, we were able to take passport, driving licence, blue badge and so on to the registrar when registering his death and it did make things easier. It’s also a good idea to get several copies of the death certificate as these are needed for notifying pension people etc. It is very difficult to think of all this in the wake of bereavement. Even now after two years things crop up like when booking a taxi to take Katy and me to the Red Jet I am asked whether we will be taking the mobility scooter. They keep all these details and recognise you from your phone number. Modern technology! I still have the mobility scooter and am not sure what to do with it. Maybe I will need it one day!
I sold Dad's mobility scooter (in perfect working order) easily. I put it on a local web-site + a card in his local village PO. It went in 48hrs as it was so cheap (£100). A bargain.
DeleteSarnia. Nobody needs or should have all this stress, especially at this precious time. I wish you and your family best wishes for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI along with all the others will be with you in spirit tomorrow Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that all your love of the years you had together prior to the loss of your husband when he became ill, will be poured into the pieces you play at his funeral tomorrow.
I hope whatever is expected does arrive in time, or will be found to be not needed.
And your daughter will have rested enough to be able to sufficiently support you on this difficult day.
And on Friday a group of us will be toasting your future on your behalf.
Like everybody else I will be thinking of you tomorrow Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteThank you all. The second basket arrived in the nick of time, both are completed and look magnificent. Daughter seems to have recovered after a morning in bed. Hymns brushed up this morning. Ready to go, I think.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel able at a later date ,Sarnia would you kindly let us know the hymns and music you have chosen?
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Sarnia, I will also be thinking of you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBe thinking of you and your family Sarnia. 🙏💐
ReplyDeleteSarnia - My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow. I remember before my parents' funerals, (just 14 months apart) in the mornings there was dreadful anticipation, during he service a calm peace and afterwards sort of a strange relief. Not in a nasty way but a job completed.
ReplyDeleteIt still does take ages (months, even years) to stop thinking 'I must tell......' I'm probably not expessing it well but I have a deep faith that
“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” XXX
Sarnia, will be thinking of you tomorrow. 🎼🎹❤️
ReplyDeleteMiriam.....looked up “cooking in a bed sitter” after you mentioned it. Really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI was a great fan of Katherine Whitehorn as a young woman.
ReplyDeleteI bought and used ' cooking in a bed sitter ' ( still have my copy) and now in my late seventies I live alone again and am now using some of the methods I learned then, such as cooking kippers in a jug of boiled water.
I too am enjoying listening to it, and it is bringing back memories of my days in a bed sitter in Notting Hill.
MEET UP PEOPLE
ReplyDeletePlease read final post on meet up blog.