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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 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Loch Katrine viewed from the summit of Ben A'an. Where I shall be this coming weekend - going to be sailing to one end of the loch along with our bikes then cycling back along the shore to where we will have a fancy schmancy dinner and then off on a bat hunt at dusk organised by the Woodland Trust. Next day will be spent waterfall hunting and having picnics...
ReplyDeleteFrom Spicycushion! Well I seem to have lost my ability to post. It's something I have done to my laptop as it says 'an internal problem has failed to post my comment' or something like that!
ReplyDeleteAnyway two long posts to catch up!
Miriam - Thank you for your concern. I am up and down. Not good going from Sunday to Monday as that is when my dosage reduces so I suppose a bit of 'cold turkey?' I certainly know when the next daily dose is due as I get a bit 'spaced out,' the same feeling when you are very very tired but not sleepy if you know what I mean. Anyway only two or three 'wounds' now so only occasional painkillers.
To all those posters regarding Sir Geoffrey Boycott. I am nailing my colours firmly to the mast that his knighthood is well deserved and a long time overdue! He has been my hero cricketer since the 1960s. I wonder if all those who are criticising the award now are aware of the original case anyway? I know the background and am firmly on the opinion that the 'lady' in question acted with malice aforethought. He wouldn't marry her, she was in financial trouble and the French courts awarded her a token damages payment of about (I think) 1 Franc. She later admitted to a friend that it didn't happen as she told the court. I believe she lives abroad now either in S Africa or the US.
I add that on a personal note and for my own personal reasons I do not hold with domestic violence and or abuse, mental and physical, which is why I stopped listening regularly to TA during the R&H storyline. Some things cannot be put right by advertising a helpline!
Well that worked and I am now back 'in!'
ReplyDeleteSecond point I was reminded of all the trouble poor Sarnia has had regarding winding up her husband's affairs.
My very good friend, and initially a mentor when I first started teaching, has just been widowed. She has two sons who are helping her no end but her wry and dry sense of humour has kept her going. The funeral is on Thursday in the same church where they were married 50 years ago and I am hoping to be well enough to drive to Catford. (Hate it when I start seeing red buses!!!)
Anyway she rang British Gas to get the bills changed to her name now and the helpful, eager, young lady said "Great! Let's get this started!" My friend remarked on this on Twitter and got an apology from BG who said they will instruct their staff to listen a bit more carefully! Although how they picked it up from Twitter I don't know!
Thanks for all good wishes. Life is slowing down now . Just a Presentation Evening next Saturday to finalise the season and of course the last Test Match. Then I'm hoping the steroids which keep giving me an occasional burst of frenetic energy continueso that I can get my house in order now and I can finish off the tiling in my kitchen! It's only been four years since I started!!!
Really good to hear from you, Spicy, even though this horrible condition is up & down & the strong medication has not always welcome effect.
ReplyDeleteDreamy picture, Gary ! Sounds like a fantastic, action packed trip, interspersed with food, drink & laughter !
ReplyDeleteA welcome distraction from ALL the madness...............
DeleteGreat to hear from you Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you are getting better .
Ditto that!
DeletePleased to hear that you are progressing Spiceycushion and still sounding optimistic and positive, and that you have overcome your glitch re your computer.
DeleteWe all hope this will continue in the right direction.
GG - yet another little holiday !
Enjoy, it sounds very comforting to me, there by water, cycling back.
Have a lovely time.
Gary ,I have said it before.....
ReplyDeleteDo the Scottish Tourist Board know about you?
You know how envious I am of all your trips.
I realise there are places I won’t be able to go to when I go on my Bucket List Highland excursion by train -first class - but the views from the train windows will be great.
Have you been to Applecross by road ?
I drove there .
Very scary.
Miriam- if you are still with us, I hope your cataract operation goes well tomorrow and that your new lens gives you a less worrying outlook on life in general.
ReplyDeleteLan Jan, interesting that you say the Applecross road is scary. We stayed in the area some years ago and I was scared to go there because we took a similar trip in Mallorca which terrified me - thought we were going to fall off the road into the sea when the oncoming cars hogged the middle of a very narrow and steep road. I wondered afterwards if I had missed out unnecessarily.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are improving slightly spicy. Don’t go overdoing things though.
ReplyDeleteGary.....sounds like a good trip. Enjoy!
Needless to say I couldn’t give a monkeys about cricket but at least it’s a Yorkshireman that’s got knighted so that ok by me. 👍
Miriam good luck with the cataract operation tomorrow. You will feel great after it's done.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the recipes you put here sometimes, and have tried some of them out. I still use the reply button quite often. Sometimes though I read something a long way back and then think "oh I would have liked to have made a comment on that" and then it is useful to mention it so the person knows to look back and see it, if they want to.
GG, anotner beautiful picture. I hope you enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, good luck with the op. Please have a rethink.
ReplyDeleteSpicy - good news! Fancy tiling a French bathroom?
GG, so love your photos. Have a wonderful w/e. Merci.
I'm one of the bloggers spending most of my time in the wainscoting, but I do enjoy & appreciate scrolling through all your posts, usually too late for a valid comment.
Looking forward to several days R&R now... 🤕
Gary, what a dramatic photo of Loch Katrina - magnificent!
ReplyDeleteRe all the chat about G. Boycot’s Knighthood on the old blog.
I had never heard of the accusations about him before, until BB’s réponse to my post this morning and then by watching news reports during the day.
I was staggered to hear about it and find it very difficult to believe. One news report said it was all part of a clever scheme by the woman to get money out of him to cover her debts but I have no idea who was right and who was wrong.
I only know that he was a great cricketer and that others have been knighted for doing well in the sport. I cannot say which side I believe because I do not have inside knowledge but I should have thought the appropriate authorities would have looked into his suitability for an honour very carefully and would not have awarded it if there was a problem.
Sorry, should have been Katrine - autocorrect thought otherwise!
DeleteMiriam - I hope all goes well with you eye operation tomorrow and that it will give you 20/20 vision very
ReplyDeletesoon.
I can only think that your decision to leave us might have been due to your being a little over-sensitive, due to worry about the operation.
Perhaps when you have recovered you might consider returning to our blogs and just carry on in the way you find most convenient for you.
Archerphile 10.25pm
ReplyDeleteYes as I posted last night I think the award of damages of 1 Franc said a lot. I also forgot to add that the proceedings were all carried out in the French language (as is right and and proper) but no interpreter was provided for GB.
It did later transpire that the woman admitted that it did not happen as she told the court, and he was found guilty by the magistrate on the evidence of one 'expert' clinician and a woman who later who later changed her story.
Sadly in today's mass media the facts of 20 years ago can be ignored or amended. It does worry me that without physical (I mean paper) records being kept, society is held hostage, (exactly as in '1984') that history can (and is) amended, distorted and changed to suit current concerns, pacts, treaties etc.
Wellthat's a sobering thought this morning.
Woke at 5.30am. Got up 6.00. Made a 12" rich fruit cake for my sister's 60th in 2 weeks time. In the oven for 5 hours before my son got up at 7.30am!
Now my first coffee, and to sort out about 20 plastic storage boxes, numerous trays, tablecloths and serving dishes and pack away into the garage till next summer!
Spicy - you are an absolute wonder! Getting up so early to make a birthday cake for your sister, with all you are having to endure at the moment.
ReplyDeleteYou are the person who should be getting a Teresa May Honour - and others like you!
Here it is, with my love
🥇
Spicy, that is not taking it easy. I’m sure you’ll get better quicker if you rest.
ReplyDeleteOn a totally different subject.....has anyone out there had experience of graves desease/thyroid eye desease.
ReplyDeleteI did have a chat with Mrs P at the meet up but wondered if anyone has experienced this. I’m currently going through a bout of inflammation/swelling of my left eye and double vision. Have googled the prob but would appreciate any first hand knowledge. 👁🤕
Thank you, both. I promise that I will sit down after packing away boxes and catch up with Bake Off and then remain seated whilst shredding old self-employment tax records! 😀
ReplyDeleteSpicy how long do you keep your records for? I know we are supposed to keep them for 5 years, but I have got a drawer stuffed full going back to the nineteen nineties. Perhaps I had better take a leaf out of your book. Hope you get better soon.
DeleteHope things go well for you today,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteThe knighthood controversy : AP & Spicy comments, stemming from better information about the GB case certainly gave me pause, & are persuasive. It's all too easy to have a knee jerk reaction when currently emotive words, such as 'abuse', 'racism' etc. come up. Fact is, some lives have been seriously damaged by false accusation.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, your general comments about historical manipulation rang so true. That is chilling, there being so little we can trust absolutely.
Spicycushion you are doing too much.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t matter if you don’t get to sort out all those plastic boxes today.
Relax.
Think about yourself for a change.
I must say though there is something cathartic about shredding old documents .
Enjoy your day and on Thursday take time off from everything to enjoy-hopefully-the Cricket.
Carolyn 9:00 am
ReplyDeleteI do not know Geoff Boycott personally .
Indeed I have only spoken to him a few times.
He is a true Yorkshireman.
I like his blunt way of speaking
I have always thought that what you see is what you get.
He was very seriously ill some years ago and when he was given the news that he was going to get better,I wrote to him.
He sent me a handwritten reply .
I appreciate that doesn’t mean he wasn’t guilty of abuse but I chose to believe him as did ,I am sure ,the woman who became his wife and is the mother of his daughter
Spicycushion. I hereby award you the highest honour in fantasy land. A gold medal 🥇 for courage and perseverance. I can barely make a cup of tea ☕️ fist thing in the morning never mind a 🍰 cake.
ReplyDeletePtbY. Sorry can’t be of any assistance, maybe the medications you’re taking are causing some side effects?
Miriam. In the past I have tried to ween myself off the blog, but in the end couldn’t do so, despite not always agreeing with some of the comments. It’s good that we don’t always agree as it allows us to appreciate a different approach to understanding the views of others. And to accept that we are not all the same in our outlook and background.
The old BBC blog could be vitriolic in content and many contributors made some very intolerant remarks.
That doesn’t happen here because imo, the best joined up with Ruthy. Now Gary has taken on the role of keeping us going in the style we have developed.
I do hope your operation goes well and you can reflect and return to us with twenty twenty vision?
Lanjan(9.17), yes, it does sound more & more as if GB was one of various well known ( as well as many not in the public eye) falsely & maliciously accused.
ReplyDeleteNot only is it appalling for them, but it makes achieving retrospective justice for the true victims of abuse so much harder.
✔️✔️✔️✔️
DeleteOne has to be very wary of what one reads in ‘the news’ these days. And just remember what false accusations have done to the likes of such as Cliff Richard, Paul Gambacini, Leon Brittan et al.
We’re having the lounge redecorated over 4 days, today being day 3. No internet in the house but Katy has separate internet in the garden chalet so have been out there! The back of the house can receive but not the front where the bedrooms are situated. We have been camping out in the sunroom / utility and watching TV on Katy’s laptop! The gloss will be done today, wallpapering of one wall tomorrow and then we can move back! My husband used to say I could have any colour as long as it was Magnolia but I am now going into colour. The lounge is a warm blue, wallpaper has flowers and humming birds and the hall and kitchen which I had done a few months ago is green! I find it much more cheerful! It takes some getting used to being able to make choices without consulting the other half. Would rather have him back and revert to Magnolia but that’s not possible so onwards and upwards!
ReplyDeletePs the dogs are in daycare to keep them away from paint and they are rather disgusted not to be allowed in the lounge in the evening!🐶🐶
Spicy 8.48am I left a question 😊
ReplyDeleteJanice I would save Bank Statements etc for 7 years.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely get rid of anything from the last Century
I found out by accident that I was being taxed at source for a small pension I had and then was being taxed again.
This had been going on for several years but the Inland Revenue said it only goes back (I think ) for six years so I didn’t get back all the money I was owed
However,I had another very tiny pension on which that they found I had never paid tax but I benefited then because they were unable to go back for more than 6 years.
Swings and Roundabouts.
Applaud your spirit & attitude, Ev !
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds very cheerful & enlivening.
Sorry Ev 11.37 today.
DeleteStasia, 9.24 am - what a very nice message to Miriam from you.
ReplyDeleteI do hope she reads it and takes in the message you have tried to give her.
I'm with you about Spiceycushion, I don't know how she does it either.
Some people have so much energy, even when unwell.
LJ feels that I have lots of stamina, but that becomes evident when I am with people, because I am energised by people. But I don't have that stamina or energy when alone.
And it takes me several hours in bed to wake up, then at least two hours to drink my tea and feel normal. And if I can't take this slow progress to start the day, I am dizzy and nauseous for quite some time whilst going about my business.
PtbY - I'm sorry that we didn't have more time to chat about your eye problem.
I should have come over and sat with you.
Please do return to your GP and ask to go back to see your consultant, if you haven't already done so. Anything to do with eyes should be a priority.
I shall check up on you.
Ev, colour is good.
I am pleased that you are able to have your choice to brighten your life now.
Your new decorations sound lovely. Enjoy !
Coming to London with Lady was good. Altogether a positive experience.
ReplyDeleteBut it has changed her dynamic.
For the past few weeks I have been able to leave her in the car when visiting a supermarket as long as she was able to see me go into the building, and I have been able to leave her for longer periods each time.
Yesterday I did a shop and when I returned to the car she had completely destroyed my driving seat having ripped and torn it to shreds.
She must have been terrified and frantic.
I had negotiated with my local leisure centre to park the car in the disabled car park so that Lady could see me go in, and was booked to return to my Tai Chi class on Friday.
I will not be able to do so now.
Not at my wits end. Yet. But I have been close to tears since Tuesday evening.
I don't know what the next stage is. I am despairing.
What a shame, Mrs P. That is a setback indeed, can understand how upsetting & frustrating this is. Could it be just a question of settling back into her routine again ? It's less than a week since returning from the London jaunt.
ReplyDeleteA phonecall to the vet for advice ?
Mrs P, can you leave Lady at home when you shop or are you worried about what she would get up to? Sorry to hear about this latest problem and hope it resolves itself. Dogs aren’t that easy are they? Maybe if you could leave her at home you could confine her to one room with a comfy bed etc. With ours I used to pop out for a short time gradually increasing time away but of course their back story was a lot less complicated than Lady’s. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteMrs P 2.13
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to learn about Lady's distress. I have no magic answers for you. I think that perhaps the best way forward is to go back to the very beginning and go through the stages again, to rebuild her confidence, hopefully this time she will progress quickly.
You were so proud of her, don't let this this slip up destroy you confidence. Frustrating as it is you DO have the ability to come through this with her.
With all good wishes to you both.
Mrs P, so sorry you had that upsetting experience, especially as your dog seems to have behaved so beautifully on her trip to the Barbican, as mentioned by some of the others.
ReplyDeleteAfraid I have no advice to give because I have never had a dog and know absolutely nothing about them (hence my silence when the subject of dogs comes up on here). But I can sympathise with the damage to your car and quandary about what to do next.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEv 11.37
ReplyDeleteYour colour scheme, and especially the wallpaper, sound gorgeous.
Will you be able to offer decorating advice to those of us who think they have chosen paint colours and fabrics well, only to be terribly disappointed with the final effect?!
Not at all! Have got it wrong myself so many times! The green which was for kitchen and hall is really nice in kitchen but when I saw it on the wall it was obviously too dark for the hall. The decorator then suggested getting the same colour in a lighter shade for the hall and it looks good! The surplus darker green was then used up in the conservatory where 2 holes had been drilled by the chaps who had done my wall insulation. The colour looks nice in there as it is so light.
DeleteToday I went to collect my glasses from Specsavers that I left to be repaired arrived home only to find they hadn't been repaired.
ReplyDeleteI phoned up with a view to taking them back when they had the time to repair them without me having to wait.
They instead have come to collect them and will be returning them to me this evening.
We all make mistakes, this I think is exceptional service.
Well done Specsavers.
So sorry to hear about Lady’s behaviour Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteShe was so well behaved when Carolyn and P tbY looked after her at The Barbican.
Iam sure that you probably let her sit on one of your old woolly jumpers when you take her out.
I remember when my mum had to go into hospital the dog had her jumper to sleep on and he accepted that she would be coming back.
You know that she can behave well though .
Perhaps when Lady realises you are not going on another long jaunt and will be staying near to her home for a while she will improve her behaviour.
MrsP 1.52 pm and2.13pm.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do hope a Miriam’s op went well and when her vision improves she will be able to join us again. It is of course her decision, but perhaps a break is as good as a rest as the saying goes.
You have done wonders with Lady. However sometimes it’s one step forward and the same step back. Change takes time and it could have a number of factors that spooked her. People peering into the car talking to her, other dogs barking at her. A car park is a busy place and it doesn’t take much to frighten an already traumatised animal, as I know from my own rescued cats. Who still get spooked at the slightest thing.
Thank you for all the support. And to have come so quickly. It is truly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWriting about it, ( and crying now ) has prompted me to put out two requests,, one on the Next Door site and another on the town dog lovers site.
Ev, NO ! I have not been able to leave her for even one minute since she arrived seven months ago.
She becomes utterly frantic and throws herself against the door. This happened the first day I brought her home.
I have joined a dog separation anxiety Group and have been doing some training.
This consists of leaving the house and shutting the door for a period of 30 SECONDS then returning for 45 seconds, time and time again for ten or fifteen minutes five days a week. The object being to extend the time incrementally by seconds. We did get to four minutes once. You have to understand the dogs base line, the minimum time it can cope, and work forward from that. It is a form of desensitisation.
I had done the same with leaving her in the car, and that has enabled me to shop. Before being able to leave her in the car I was having to find a kind stranger who would be with her outside. But even then she was dreadfully distressed. If tied up alone without supervision she would strangle herself and once distress signals to find me were put out in Waitrose, and when I emerged there were a number of very angry people waiting for me.
The training also recommends putting the dog on tranquillisers but I am very reluctant to even contemplate that as she is such a calm dog ordinarily.
But I should not have left her yesterday. It was foolish and unkind, because she was already giving me evidence that she was frightened of me leaving, clinging and pulling at my clothes.
I chose to be tough with her.
Wrong choice. And I have paid for it.
And so has she !
It is one step forward, and thank you all for the advice to remember that steps back happen too.
Off to give her a long walk across the fields now.
Don't castigate yourself Mrs P, you and Lady have to learn together, we all get things wrong.
DeleteWhen I took Misty for a walk this morning I told her off severely for barking at a gentleman who was walking by. He was very kind and gentle and tried to approach her, she was having nothing of it, which is unusual. She kept looking back after we went our own ways. I can only put it down to me!
Enjoy your evening walk and the start of rebuilding.
Janice 12.16pm today
ReplyDeleteSorry didn't get back! Officially it's 5 years but I haven't had a clear out so at the mo I still have back to 2010 so it's going to take a while.
I operate on 3 different years: academic, fiscal and calendar! So they do overlap a bit.
When I decided to tutor, through an agency and be self employed, I registered with HMRC and they invited me to a symposium, I suppose you'd call it, and handed out booklets and advice about all the regulations and requirements. It was very helpful. Now teaching is only occasional but I still do the returns as the exam marking is taxed at source so my travel allowances etc have to be calculated and I usually get all the tax paid by the exam boards back.
I have sat dowm most of the day but I have mislaid one of my hearing aids, about four days ago, and I think it may have been knocked under a chair! Very difficult looking for a flesh coloured aid on a beige carpet!!!
The cake had turned out beautifully. Grey day today but smell of spiced cake and freshly grated nutmeg has definitey put me in mind of 🎄😆
Thanks Spicy, and the cake sounds lovely. Pity we can't send smells online!
DeleteMrs P, I don’t have experience with dogs but given all the work you have put in with Lady I can understand how upsetting it must have been to find your car in that condition. I suppose we all have good days and bad days and this was a bad day for Lady. Who knows what she saw or heard when you were away from her, as Stasia says, and as you don’t know her full back story, you won’t ever know all her demons to be able to avoid or help her overcome them. Keep going as you should be proud of what you have achieved.
ReplyDeletePtbY, I do hope your doctor is able to help with your eye problems. It sounds really unpleasant and another set back after the success of your op. Hope to hear better news soon. Sorry I don’t know much about the condition but I would have it checked with those visual problems.
Spicy, hope you are able to find some time to rest and recover soon. I feel tired just hearing about all that you do! I suspect you are someone who likes to keep busy, but I hope you don’t run yourself into the ground.
Ev, I hope you enjoy your new sitting room. I am going back to Yorkshire in a couple of weeks and my front bedroom is going pale blue. The ceiling was replaced last month as there had been rain damage. Looking forward to having the use of the room and choosing curtains etc. Something in a warm colour so the pale blue doesn’t feel too chilly.
Miriam I hope today was a success and you make a good recovery. Waiting for treatment is a stressful business. It will be a great relief to put it behind you.
Parsley,
Archerphile and anyone else who’s convalescing, take good care of yourselves.
Gary, have a great weekend and thanks for keeping us all chatting.😊
PtbY
ReplyDeleteReally sorry to hear about your eye problem.
You were on good form on Friday and I didn’t realise how uncomfortable things are for you.
I hope you get things sorted soon.
Mrs P, one thing I learned about leaving a dog who then barked or whined was not to go back into the room but bang on the door and firmly shout NO. If you go back they have achieved their aim of not letting you go. It did work with ours but I do realise Lady has deeper needs. I can’t help thinking the coming and going you describe could be counter productive. Of course you need to ensure she can’t hurt herself or cause huge damage in the place where she is left. I’m no expert so please forgive me if you disagree.
ReplyDeleteLady doesn't whine or bark when left Ev, she paces, and at first panted.
DeleteThe method I described, desensitisation, is a well developed practice for phobias, spiders etc. And has a history of working well.
The objective is to get the dog so used to you opening the door, going out, and closing it, that eventually they go from being afraid, to puzzled, ( what the hell is she up to ?) to ' oh she's going out, ok I can cope with that, 'cos I know she will be back'.
The method does work, but takes patience and time. At the early stages a lot of time to get beyond seconds, then minutes. But once in minutes things speed up until the dog reaches a plateau, but once beyond the plateau time goes in leaps and bounds.
I went to the vets today and have returned with a spray.
Will try it in the car tomorrow.
Hope it works for you! While the dogs were in daycare this week, Buddy who is the ultimate fussy eater was given some food from a firm called Platinum. It is a dry food which doesn’t swell in the stomach, contains lots of nutrients and natural ingredients. Currently he loves it but has a history of going off previously loved food so here’s hoping!
DeleteI am still hovering around, be it in the background (old habits die hard).
ReplyDeletePtby - eye problems - just get them sorted via optician or GP asap. as sight is so very important.
My 2nd cataract op. was done this morning. It was once again very quick, only 15mins. I won't know until Thursday morn, what the result will be but it will be better than it was.
Still not sure whether to return or not...time will tell.
I have a lovely post eye op. excuse to sit, relax and just watch both the next Ashes Test Match alternating with the Solheim Cup from Gleneagles (a golf course + the hotel I know very well) which is the female equivalent to the Ryder Cup. USA vs Europe in Golf.
DeleteHigh Tea in The Gleneagles Hotel is just wonderful and have experienced very many times. Who cares about the cost?
Miriam, my brother (not a golf fan) once took himself off to Gleneagles Hotel a few years back and found himself sat drinking "nice" whisky with the only other chap in the bar about midnight. They had a great time talking about this and that, and after a couple of hours the other guy took himself off to bed. The bar staff then asked my brother how he knew Ernie Els. My brother said he didn't - and then, "who is Ernie Els?"....
DeleteSo glad your op went well!
Thank you all. Deffo be checking it out with the doc.
ReplyDeleteGlad op went well Miriam.
Glad you're still around Miriam and that the op went well 😀
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your enforced rest and the cricket tomorrow.
(I'm afraid all sport passes me by, but I'm learning about cricket and football from reading this blog ⚽🏏🏈)
Oh, and the golf ⛳
DeleteSeasider 4:36pm - merci! a couple of glasses of red certainly help. slow beginnings..!
ReplyDeleteMiriam - so glad to read your post letting us know your cataract op has been safely completed 🤗 Enjoy your planned relaxation for the next few days or so. The Gleneagles high teas sound superb and indeed just my cup of tea! (Pun intended)
ReplyDeleteOnly just catching up with this latest blog, so much has been happening to many of you & pets etc sending wishes for better times to all affected.
Ev enjoy your newly decorated room 🤗 I remember many years ago a friend who lost her very dear husband and then (like you) felt torn when she had some redecoration done as it was all so totally different -for all the reasons you expressed, especially the dusky pink carpet! Himself would have been rendered speechless!!😂
Ditto! He’d have been horrified at the humming bird wallpaper! Also a while ago I bought a duvet set featuring flowers and bees. I’d had to have navy blue and white stripes previously!
DeleteMrs P, you must be exhausted, but can still see things from Lady's point of view. She is a lucky dog indeed. Remembering the proud moments, and the life she lead before will surely keep you going.
ReplyDeleteI have a rescue dog, who was a very bouncy friendly puppy, but she became very jealous over food and attacked my other elderly dog one Christmas, I think it was too busy, food everywhere etc. Since then, I haven;t trusted her around other dogs, especially small ones, and of course she has reacted accordingly. She is ten now and has slowed down, but I am still careful about how and when I take her out. I warn other dog walkers I encounter that she can get frightened/aggressive. I saw a serious dog fight when I was a child which resulted in one dog death, and I never ever want to see such a thing again, which is why I am so careful, but my nervousness has affected her too.
Someone, ?Cowgirl? said her dog wants to be friendly, so does mine, until she doesn't, and I'm not a mind-reader. It is really difficult at times.
Take care, xx
Miriam 6.57pm 11th.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad your operation went well. I do hope you were able to read the positive comments from everyone here. You don’t need to lurk in the background just do your own thing and share with us when you want.
I wish every one a good day and hope all ailments have the benefit of some relief.
I would certainly follow parsley’s advice and indulge in the red stuff, later in the day.
😉🍷
DeleteMrs P. I am sorry Lady has had a blip and damaged your car seat. I expect you know this already but you can get car seat covers from Halfords. They do a nice comfortable padded one too.
ReplyDeleteWhen my house in Yorkshire was returned to me last Autumn from the housing association I couldn’t work out why the window sill in the front bay had so many scratches in the wood. Pretty badly damaged and all in one place. Then Mr S, who had dogs when growing up, worked out that the window is next to the front door with a view down the front path the length of the terrace. Clearly a dog had been living there and jumping up to bark at anyone coming to the front doors and scratched the sill. We also noticed neighbour’s dog was ‘visiting’ my garden (dog has since died) so I don’t suppose the dog at my house liked that much.
ReplyDeleteSeasider - we had that problem too when we moved into our cottage 35 years ago. There were very deep grooves in the wood of the black door, underneath the handle (inside). It looked as though someone had been deliberately gouging lumps out of the door and it had been very inexpertly painted over.
DeleteWe then discovered the previous owners (both teachers) had kept two large dogs that were left along in the house all day and we assume the gouges were scratches from their claws trying to get out. The first time we ventured into the little garden behind the kitchen it was all just rank, knee high grass, nettles and weeds. Within a couple of steps we were treading in dog mess, it was all over the place, and smelling to high heaven. The dogs had just been let into this small area to do their business when the owners came home from work!
It took months of very unpleasant work to clear this area, disinfect it and kill off all the grass and weeds. The disfigured door I had to live with for many years as Mr A said, it’s a door, it works, why change it? Typical man!
The offending patch behind the kitchen is now landscaped with gravel, held back by timber railway sleepers, with a nice path, a herb garden, my beloved green house and a small shed but sometimes I think I can still small dog mess!
How awful! There must have been flies everywhere as well. How cruel to leave dogs on their own and presumably not e en bother to take them for a walk!
DeleteThanks for some positive posts. I am ecstatic today, as I have thrown away my contact lenses, the case + all the solutions.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the clarity + vision in both my eyes, that I now have, after at least 18months. It is so amazing.
I will still need reading glasses + driving glasses as 1st eye is not quite perfect. I am thrilled, and the full result is so much better, than I ever anticipated and expected. I have been very lucky with my consultants + surgeon. I am so grateful to them both. The NHS has done me proud.
PS My 65th birthday is not that far away. I can celebrate it, with wonderful new eye-sight.
DeleteGreat news about your eyes, Miriam! 65th birthday? You are a spring chicken!
DeleteGG. I had a family member who lived for a while in Dollar and for a while in Yetts o'Muckart. I would go + stay, with them, when there was a golf tournament at Gleneagles, usually The Scottish Open. I would go off for several days, with a packed lunch, and watch it for 2/3 days. After it was over, family + self, would go to Crieff, where I spent a lot of time + money, in the Stuart Crystal Factory shop. I might sound like Emma, but I bought (over several years) sets of 6 of each, red,+ white wine glasses, champagne flutes, sherry glasses, brandy balloons, whiskey glasses, decanters etc. The imperfections, as rejects, were minimal and certainly not obvious. These are all still very well used, to this day.
ReplyDeleteThe final day of my hols. with my family, was to partake + enjoy, a Gleneagles afternoon tea, which I paid for to say Thanks.
The decorating is done and the men are returning tomorrow to put final bits back in place. We are back in the lounge tonight and it looks good. Very pleased with the decor! Gypsy and Buddy are particularly pleased to be allowed back in there! What an upheaval but worth it!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how decorating can interfere with daily life, esp. when well loved pets are involved. 😀 🐶 🐶
DeleteGary, ' ramblings' started a new season today, R4 afternoon, and the first walk was in Scotland, on the west coast I think.
DeleteI will listen to the complete programme when in my bath tonight.
Dogs talk
Too many dogs are left alone, and someone I've read about has adopted an elderly dog, who never was walked.
Yes agree, it's wrong, cruel, and should be stopped.
Owners who neglect their dogs should be prosecuted in my opinion.
I used the spray in the car this afternoon, didn't notice any change in Lady, but time will tell. I will not be leaving her in the car again for quite some time before I try again.
Janice.
Thank you. I will go to Halfords.
No I didn't know as I am guilty of deliberately knowing as little as I can get away with about cars.
Deliberately ignorant. By choice.
Archerphile, I have also found some damage on the front door frame. I have also patched it for now as I was told when the new windows and back door were fitted that if they replaced the front door they would have to take out the stained glass above the front door, which I think is original.
ReplyDeleteRe dogs being locked in, the bathroom door bolt had been moved to the outside and very high up on the door. I dreaded to think who or what had been locked in there...
More regarding the dogs that were kept at our house. - our next door neighbours, who had been resident when the dog-owning teachers lived in our cottage, told us that the dogs were never taken for walks, just let out of the kitchen door to defecate and run around the patch of grass there. When their owners were out at work they barked incessantly and our neighbours complained about the noise but the owners denied their dogs barked - of course they never did it when they were back home! You would have thought two professional people would have behaved more responsibly! Why they bothered to keep two dogs I cannot imagine.
DeleteOur neighbours were very relieved when the teachers left and we moved in with one quiet, friendly cat and two well behaved children!
Our dogs were both kept in the house and garden in their first home. Even little dogs like them need walks not just for the exercise but for the opportunity to root around and experience the outside world. My heart goes out to those two dogs and no wonder they barked.
DeleteGreat news Miriam - thrilled for you 👏🏻 👀 🤗
ReplyDeleteVery pleased to hear the good news about your cataract operation Miriam.
ReplyDeleteHope it makes life look brighter for you.
Good news Myriam!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Miriam.
DeleteSo pleased for you Miriam. You have inspired me to try and get my eyes sorted out too, now.
ReplyDeleteJust made an appt. for an interim eyetest as my sight has got a lot worse over the past year, so thank you for the encouragement.
Glad that discomfort has been replaced with good vision, Miriam. I know very occasionally people get infections after the op., but everyone I know has had a good result, though it's not done until the condition has reached a certain stage. Visited a friend yesterday, widowed a few years ago, & last month, she downsized to a ground floor flat in lovely Barnes, a few roads away from the house they lived in for years. It's really attractive, so right in every way. Now, she has the leisure for eye attention ! Finding the glare, that's got worse, is very intrusive & disabling. I know she'll get to grips with the problem soon.
ReplyDeleteLovely Barnes Carolyn.
DeleteI was there on Sunday. Met up with a woman who's dog came on the same transport as Lady and the four of us had a walk.
I've always wished we had bought our first house in Barnes. We did view several and close friends were already there. We bought just over the border in Wandsworth in the end. Barnes is still my favourite Saturday place though.
My sight has also deteriorated to the extent that I have to wear glasses to read the bar nos when rehearsing - hate it! I draw the line at wearing them in performance tho', feel "cut off" from the cello. So the time is coming to get things checked out.
ReplyDeleteI knew I needed glasses when my arms weren’t long enough to hold a book for reading.
Delete😊😊 But not funny at the time, is it, when you realize you do need reading glasses...though it did make me feel kind of grown up ( er, aged 49/50, I think), putting them on, & looking at people over the top, before removing them... ..
DeleteMy worst problem is mid-range sight e.g. reading prices on shelves in shops! I can use the shortsighted eye for reading, even minute print; and the other eye for distance, e.g. driving, bit nothing inbetween! It’s infuriating. 👀
DeleteI have that problem trying to read prices in shops. Will I have the nerve to decline when I read it wrongly and find it is £110 not £10?? I hope so!
DeleteIt was not anything to do with MY eyes when I realised that I needed glasses for reading.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly publishers decided to print the words smaller -pesumably to save paper!
🤣🤣🤣
Deleteunexpected side-effects from Tuesday's forehead carcinoma removal - two lovely black eyes!! 😲😀
ReplyDeleteParsley( 2.17) unexpected ?! At least you don't need Kohl to enhance you sultry beauty for a while... Bet you're glad to have had the pesky thing removed.
ReplyDeleteparsley. Two lovely black eyes 👀. Oh! what a surprise.
DeleteI believe a song was written specially for you,
Now get some steak 🥩 and a bottle of wine,
As you celebrate two lovely black 👀 eyes.
And sing Oh? What a surprise.
prawn stir-fry - but absolutely to the bottle of wine!! 🍷🍷
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete2 lovely black eyes - one of the many songs my Mam used to sing while ironing..
ReplyDeleteDid she know it was political?
DeleteUnlikely.!
DeleteThanks All. It was lovely waking up this morning + seeing everything so clearly for the first time
ReplyDeleteIt's changed my life. This sounds very melodramatic, but it's just the reallity. I hadn't realised just how my vision had altered over quite a time, without me actually realising it.
All I can say is, eye problems + vision can be improved, it's never too late to seek help.
My cataract ops both went quickly (only 15mins each time) and well worth this procedure.
Parsley16. Two "black eyes" is worth it, after your ordeal.
ReplyDeleteTake Care. 🤗
Merci Miriam xx
DeleteDa Nada in spanish. Non ce un problema in Italian.
DeleteSorry, but I can't do French!
de rien !
DeleteThanks. I have learnt something.
DeleteLook after yourself parsley16 and best wishes to your Hubbie also. I hope he is also doing well. 😀🤗
Final comment re eyes. I changed opticians, not by choice but by necessity. I went from a well known high street one, to a more local family firm, as I needed help quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe care and attention I have had and stiil get, is far better. I now think that my problems should have been picked up earlier, but what do I know..
All's well now + that is most important.
End of my eye posts - all is now done + resolved to my delight + satisfaction. In 6 weeks time I will go to my opticians again, just for a proper eye test to get prescription reading glasses + prescription sunglasses, to suit (as eye no1 is not quite perfect, but not far off).
Miriam 9:17 - many thanks, I'm in recovery mode so onwards & upwards, Mr P is still in waiting mode till early October so rather strung out. We keep busy!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased Miriam, that things worked out well for you.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends whose hearing has gradually deteriorated to the extent that they can no longer hear birdsong - they have done nothing about it. Beyond comprehension. 😔
ReplyDeleteQuick note re stupid invalid (Me!!!)
ReplyDeleteStitches out yesterday after a fortnight of discomfort (and hurt!) where 1 cm threads kept catching on clothes and tugging on wounds.
Nothing heard about results of the biopsies, x-rays,bloods, and liver and kidney function tests but I should hear from the consultant next week about a further appointment in two weeks time so continue to try and keep to timetable of medications.
At least nearly all the 'wounds' are healing so not having to change bedclothes etc every morning. Thank goodness for the lovely weather recently!
Skin is very delicate and thin so any scratching still causes bleeding sadly.
My 'giraffe patterned' legs and arms are fading although they get more purple during the day from dark pink in the morning. But there has been a definite improvement even in just two weeks. I am quite confident after sixteen weeks I'll be back to normal, or as normal as I will ever be! 😀
Sleeping, lightheadness and annoying trembling of hands and knees still ongoing and putting me out of sorts occasionally.
Frustrating as my mind is racing, planning all sorts of things I want to do and need to do in the house! Oh well just to take time.
At least MOST of the pain has gone!
Will listen today to cricket and out to Presentation Evening at cricket club tonight. And still looking for lost hearing aid! 😫
Not to be totally self-absorbed! I wish and hope that all the other posters and partners with far more serious illnesses and worries than me are progressing well and coping. Chin up people!😁
ReplyDeleteYes I too wish those who are undergoing medical treatment all the best.
ReplyDeleteI have been most impressed with the NHS recently but I can tell them how they could save money.
Mr LJ was informed by telephone when his hospital appointment would be and this was followed up with a confirmation letter.
Fair enough.
Today he has received two more letters identical to the first one informing him about his next appointment.
Spicy, I reckon you need another pill to add to the chart - a 'slow down' pill ! However, whilst the good humour is evident whenever you write, perhaps that is the best counter measure to all the frustration, pain, & everything else you're suffering, & that is character, not available in natural or conventional pill, liquid or any other physical form !
ReplyDeleteBlimey, ONLY 16 weeks 😘Truly grim, do feel for you. At least you have the incremental signs of healing as time goes on.Hope the test results prove satisfactory.
Spicy 11.46, last night.
ReplyDeleteYou are a truly remarkable woman and an example to us all! I salute your forbearance and good humour (at least on here!) through the terrible times you have been going through.
To wish others well, like myself, who have had medical problems recently is extremely generous - especially in my case as I only had a fairly easily treated little accident which is practically cleared up now. I have not had to endure the weeks of pain and discomfort (and worry) that you have been experiencing.
I am sending you a great big virtual hug (won’t hurt your wounds, I promise) and hope very much to meet you in person at a reunion sometime next year. 💐
Spiceycushion, like others I salute you spirit in your forebearance of your horrible condition.
ReplyDeleteBut as I have experienced some of the treatment that you are being subjected to I would say that the trembling and racing mind are probably a side effect of the medication and will abate as the dosage is reduced.
You are a star !
And we are all looking up to you twinkling away high up in our skies 🌌
Love you lovely people. Can't wait to meet more of you in 2020!!!
ReplyDeleteLanjan Hope the cricket lasts till Monday! Enjoy!
G xx
Spicy.
ReplyDeleteI cannot think what you have, and are still going through.
What a positive attitude you have. I so admire you for this.
I am sure you are getting side-effects from the high dose of steroids you are having to take, but it's one of those situations when, the positives of the medication, far outweighs the negativity.
Onwards + Upwards.
Keep taking those awful pills.
At least your Consultant diagnosed your problem, and will sort things for you.
Take Care.
Miriam 🤗🤗
You are a true inspiration to all.
DeleteThank you. Enjoy your bright new world!
DeleteI wonder how GG is doing today. I am glued to the Solheim Cup golf, from Gleneagles.
ReplyDeleteWhat cold + gale force winds they are experiencing.
It's making for a very good + competative competition though.
I am flicking to the Ashes now + again, where it is sunny + warm.
I am between the two....
Very cold, sunny + windy this morning, but now a calm, warm evening.
Did anyone see that amazing gold, yet small moon last night??
ReplyDeleteIt was so bright!
Yes. I thought I had left a light on!
DeleteMiriam, sadly no, or not the golden harvest moon. I really wish I had known about it. I did look out briefly at bedtime the last three nights and I noticed the moon was bright each night. Wonderful photos on the internet. I particularly like the one of the fisherman at Hartlepool.🌕
ReplyDeleteI only saw it, as I woke up wanting the loo (about 1.30am)!!!
DeleteI ended up in my dressing gown + slippers in my back garden, looking at it.
I am so glad I saw it, along with all the twinkly stars. It was amazing.
I know many of you will want England to win the Test Match in order to draw the series but may I ask you to hope that the Game goes to the final day ?
ReplyDeleteI commented on the blog last week the reason why I want this but deleted the post as I thought it would not be of any interest to anybody else.
Now I have decided to repeat it
My cricket mad grandson who last saw a Test Match live when he came to Old Trafford with us to see the final day of the Test Match against Australia when hundreds of folk were not admitted because generous Lancashire offered tickets at £5 only .
The following year my son and family emigrated to Australia
Forward 13 years.
My grandson’s Company have decided he would benefit from a 6months spell in London .
He should arrive tomorrow.
I ‘phoned The Oval and I have apparently got the very last ticket (a return?) for Monday.
A plum seat by the Dressing Room .
I don’t mind if the Game doesn’t last all day but I would love him to be there for part of the day.
My son and family emigrated to Canada not Australia.!
DeleteWhat a very nice present for your grandson to enjoy from his grandmother LJ.
DeleteVery generous of you.
And luck lent a hand too.
Miriam 6.58. Thanks for the information. I have just popped into the garden to stare at the moon. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteLanjan 7.42
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the cricket on Channel 5 this evening and obviously hope for an England win..... but I will keep everything crossed for a bit of rain tomorrow to delay things, so that play will have to continue on Monday for your grandson. I hope he has a wonderful time and can celebrate an England win. 🏏
Just been catching up on cricket highlights after nail-biting listening, fingers crossed for an exciting finale for all concerned - dig in Jack "the Nut" Leach !! 🏏
ReplyDeleteWonderful tiny but very bright moon last night - stood outside in the yard, cat Merry in attendance, lovely.
I need another dose of BP tabs.....I am channel hopping every 30mins between the golf + the cricket. Both are equally exciting + nail-biting.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that we are not going to lose the Test Match.
ReplyDeleteI can’t see the Australians batting for another 3+ sessions
I just want the Match to continue until tomorrow for the reason mentioned yesterday 7:42 pm.
Yes. My "little Sis" had tickets for the final day at Headingly and it finished on Day 4!
DeleteAnything can still happen....
Back to the Golf...it's getting nerve- wracking..the golf matches are going USA to Europe + vice versa at every hole played.
DeleteFingers crossed, Lanjan !
ReplyDeleteNot hopeful Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile forgot to do her rain dance.
Golf just brilliant. Europe have won back the Solheim Cup from the USA ( the female equivalent of the Ryder Cup).
ReplyDeleteWell Done....
It came down to the final putt in the final match.
Absolutely nail-biting and a wonderful result.
🤞🤞🤞 crossed the cricket has a similar wonderful conclusion.
DeleteInteresting the golfers were wearing bobble hats + fleeces in Scotland due to the temp. However with the cricket, it was hot sunshine, short sleeves, sun hats etc.
ReplyDeleteHow different...
Me, I have had a cloudy + cool day. I almost need thick socks on and/or put the CH or fire on.
LJ How sad your grandson will be missing The Ashes tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the end of the cricket, as I was very concentrated on the golf...
Still two wonderful results.
I can now get my life back to normal.
PS I put Sky Sports onto my internet package at half price, for a minimum of 1 month up to a maximum of 6 months.
I might just keep it on, at £18 a month extra. I certainly have had my moneys worth over the last month, so I might just keep it on. I am so enjoying watching the various golf tournaments.
Mr PtbY says the cricket is over. Thank God!!!!! Bit of a bummer for your grandson though Lanjan.
ReplyDeleteI am so Very, Very Sorry. 😣
ReplyDeleteI have just realised that I have given a "Spoiler" out about the cricket, to those who watch the TV higlights later on CH 5.
I am off to listen to TA, whilst sitting on The Naughty Step.
Again, I apologise profusely.
Plan A has failed.
ReplyDeletePlan B is going to be impossible I think.
How does one get a ticket for a Liverpool game?
Lanjan......go on Liverpool fc website to see if there are any tickets for sale.
ReplyDeleteThanks P tb Y will do.
ReplyDeleteJust checked,P tb Y (8:31pm
ReplyDeleteIf he wants to sit in the gods at Chelsea it will cost from £175
That is daylight robbery
The sea eagles are settling in. They have been exploring the island, having a look at Carisbrooke Castle and the smallest Male has been over to Southampton & Portsmouth reaching heights of over a kilometre.You can read about it online in the County Press if you google Isle of Wight news. They are being fed as well as hunting their own food so hopefully all will be well.
ReplyDeleteCricket - test match result fantastic , thoroughly enjoyed C5 highlights even though I knew we had won from listening to TMS, of course.
ReplyDeleteBut, so sorry for Lanjan’s grandson that he couldn’t be there for the final day. Hope you get a refund LanJan and can use it to give him an alternative treat.
Lan jan 8.48 15/09
ReplyDeleteMy son suggested looking at other matches nearer London where Liverpool might play but looking at prices there (almost double the price quoted to you) it's not at all cheap. And it's only for 90 minutes.At least with cricket you get 6-7 hours!
Sorry just realised that post was no help at all!!!
DeleteThanks for mentioning the eagles again Ev. I've heard from my daughter today that they are going back to the island for a few days on Wednesday. I shall tell her to keep an eye out for them.
ReplyDeleteLanJan’s comments regarding the costs of football tickets strikes a chord.
ReplyDeletePeople say that opera and theatre are expensive but when you compare ticket price they seem good value, similarly if you compare pop/rock concerts. Admittedly opera and theatre gets some state subsidies but I reckon that’s justified.
Thank you ladies for being sympathetic to my wish for the Test Match to continue until today.
ReplyDeleteHad it gone to the fifth day and were only one ball needed to be bowled I would not have got any money back .
Now I should get my money back and will buy Grandson an Oyster card with it.
Re Liverpool tickets.
Why did we have to support the best team in the land?
Thomas Cook do a scheme whereby one can choose a hotel on a date when there is a cricket match and get a package Match ticket +Hotel Room
I went through the fixture list this morning and phone Thos Cook just not check it out
I mean who wants to go and stay in Sheffield or Wolverhampton to watch football?
Apparently everyone.
On the day the fixtures came out,all the venues where Liverpool were playing sold out.
However.
I spoke to a young Scouse Lass this morning at Anfield and there are two avenues my Grandson can explore!
I will tell him about them and then it is up to him to decide.
.
I meant a football match not a cricket match in my 2:51pm post.
ReplyDeleteMy Bro-in-law, bought "cancelled" tickets for himself and his son, for The Ashes at Edgbaston. They were 5 seats away from the boundary, but the cost was awful - £650 for the 2. They had a brilliant time though.
ReplyDeleteI so agree by someone (sorry I cannot acknowledge you) that theatre tickets etc. can be very expensive.
ReplyDeleteThere is a way around this.
I often go into either Liverpool or Manchester, for an afternoon matinee theatre performance + experience, for a top class show.
There are wonderful price concessions for the over '60s.
I often only pay about £25 for a seat in the Circle.
As I have said, these are London Shows which are on tour.
To whoever, is also a BBC "Doctors" viewer -
ReplyDeleteI found todays episode, so very emotional and disturbing.
😭😭
Me too Miriam, and very well acted. (And thankfully nothing much about the shenanigans between Daniel & Becky which is getting on my nerves and brining one of my favourite programmes down to a very tacky level)
DeleteAah its you Archerphile, as the other "Docters" viewer. I knew that there was another one.
DeleteIt's a very different, yet thought provoking, BBC daytime programme. I watch it as part of my lunch-break. Well that's my excuse.
I have watched since the first episode when Christopher Timothy played the part of ‘Mac’ the senior partner. There have been many cast changes over the years, some more likeable than others - and a major change when the surgery moved to new premises at The Mill. Sometimes I get fed up with it and decide to give up watching but always end up staying loyal - just like The Archers!
Delete