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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.
Ladies & Gentlemen, may I present Long Mynd in Shropshire....
ReplyDeleteOh that looks lovely. I was thinking it was somewhere you’d been in Scotland Gary.
ReplyDeleteEv & Archerphile had both mentioned it on the last blog so I had to Google it - looks lovely doesn't it? And I thought it would be nice to share an image of somewhere that wasn't Scotland!
DeleteWhat colours ! Thought at first it was a painting, but I guess it is the light.
DeleteThanks Gary.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask stasia, were you looking at anywhere specific in Scotland to move to? Or was it just in general?
DeleteAm off to London to visit an old friend (93yrs) who is an exceptionally brilliant woman. Although not looking forward to driving through the place.
DeleteHave a good day all.
Safe journey, Stasia, though too much to hope for an entirely stress free one, I suppose.
DeleteHow nice to have a friend in their nineties. Alas, I don't know anyone now of that age. The last, a very intelligent, but unassuming man, died at 98, quite a few years ago now.
Thank you Gary! The Mynd is one of our favourite places and views from the top are spectacular. It runs virtually north-south and marks the border between Wales and England.
ReplyDeleteWe first went there about 30 years ago for Mr A to spend a week at the Midlands Gliding club which is sited on the top of the Mynd. At that time they used bungee launches where a long rubber rope was fixed around the glider, several chaps held onto the ends and ran downhill very fast and the glider was launched, as if from a catapult! It scared me to death.
Nowadays they mainly use aerotow lauches where the glider is pulled up behind a powered aircraft to a certain height and let go.
The views from a glider over the welsh countryside are some of the most amazing I have ever seen and we love going there - usually staying in the lovely little town of Church Stretton at the base of the Mynd.
Your picture looks like a particularly colourful autumn scene but it is just as beautiful in winter, covered in snow. Not very easy towing a glider in a trailer up the steep zig-zag, ice covered road to the top though!
There are a few videos on YouTube that show exactly what you have described Archerphile. It looks terrifying!
DeleteArcherphile - you sound chirpy today. ✔✔
ReplyDeleteI received my energy bill today.
ReplyDeleteIt was as I had hoped, in that I am in credit, so my monthly payments are being reduced, but not by much.
Electric usage is still the same, but my gas (CH + Hot Water only) is a lot lower, which is what I had hoped for.
Lovely sunny + bright early evening here. There is a warning for ice for the morning, though.
My snowdrops are just starting to come into flower.
DeleteThis is, for me, the start of the changing seasons.
Also I have daffodils, narcissi and early tulips, all in bud.
Just wish I could mow the lawn (as grass is so long), but far too wet still.
Very appropriate to have a photograph of Shropshire today Gary.
ReplyDeleteYesterday its County town football team played the team I support and after being two nil down they managed to gain a draw.
The lovely thing about it all is that because they will have a replay at Anfield ,they will make an extra £500,000 in Revenue and the Shrewsbury supporters will visit a Stadium they probably never expected to see.
Also since the Liverpool manager has said (in my opinion quite rightly) that because the replay is to be held when the senior players are on their winter break ,he will be putting out the Youth team which will make it a more even contest.
Sadly the FA Cup is not what it used to be.
Most of you are too young to remember the 1953 Cup Final between Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers (the Stanley Matthews Final) -or maybe were not even born -or the one between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United held just after many of their players were killed in the Munich air crash .
Ah nostalgia-just a thing of the past.
My older sister was born in 1953. I didn't appear until quite a bit later, hence why I am a WASPI and still no SSP. I am lucky though that I am OK, in that not having to continue working or relying on benefits etc.
DeleteSadly, some are not so lucky. I say this, as if they are like me, a single female relying on just one income, times can sometimes be hard.
DeleteMy only problem, is that I still can't afford a holiday, for the 4th year running.
In the scheme of things, this is not important and very minor.
My home + garden, are just lovely, so what is the need to go abroad. I have many family to visit in the UK.
Also my garden, is not very big but neither small and it is not overlooked, It is another ✔ on the "why move" list.
DeleteI do pay some-one to cut the hedges 2-3 x a year though.๐ฅ
Stasia - How Lovely meeting up with a wonderful 93yr old friend in London.
ReplyDeleteWish you both well and an enjoyable time together.
I bet he or she, has wonderful and fascinating memories to talk about, being born in about 1927. What stories could be related, and how a so-called, normal home life, has changed so much. This to me, is now in a detrimental way.
I say this, as to families eating a meal together, at the table, without it being a "take-away", along with 'phones etc. all switched off.
Does it happen?
It does in my family ๐
Whilst waiting for TA, I am listening to "The Unbelievable Truth", a programme which is not familiar to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a laugh! yet fascinating.
Not sure why this is new to me, as it is my sense of silly humour.
Love Susan Calman, for her wit, being so lighthearted + just fun.
A replacement for Sandi in GBBO??
Oh Lord I do hope not! Can't stand the woman!
DeletePersonally I find Susan Calman about as funny as a toothache on a wet weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that Autumnleaves!
Delete✅✅✅
Delete✔️✔️✔️✔️
DeleteThought it was rain falling but no, it is sleet.
ReplyDeleteHope it doesn't turn to snow.
I want to say that I have just watched the most incredibly moving programme on BBC2 that I have watched in many, many years.
ReplyDeleteThe BBC’s Holocaust Memorial Day Service, hosted by Huw Edwards was
beautifully put together and contained many heartbreaking testimonies from concentration camp survivors and other survivors of more recent persรฉcutions
Music by Sheku Kanneh-Mason and a Hebrew prayer sung by a Cantor with an incredibly beautiful voice added to the emotion.
Of course I have always grown up with the knowledge of what happened to many of my parents friends but tonight’s programme suddenly brought years of that knowledge to a head.
The fact that William & Kate and the Prime Minister took active parts was greatly appreciated.
I have been left in floods of tears and totally ashamed of having grumbled about post-operative pain when I think what some of my forebears had to endure.
The BBC deserve nothing but praise for producing such a thought provoking, but beautiful programme.
I haven't watched any television but have listened to all the Holocaust Day broadcasts and interviews today on R4, as well as some other Holocaust memories which have been on throughout the day, from Germany, Holland and the UK.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that the 75 th year is being highlighted as it seems that many young today are ignorant of the facts and we all know that if history is forgotten history will be repeated.
I remember very clearly sitting in the Academy Cinema as a sixteen year old and watching a film about what went on in those concentration camps, and can still shudder with horror at what I saw.
Sadly history is often repeated even when it is not forgotten. The human race is a strange beast.
DeleteI have just watched 'The Windermere Children' on BBC 2. Excellent.
DeleteOn another note, I love Susan Calman, but have only heard her on R4 'I'm sorry I Haven't a Clue' where she shines, imo.
Mistral : I had intended to watch the Windermere Children but was so overcome by the previous programme from the Memorial service I didn’t think I could take any more emotion last night. But we have recorded it and will watch later this week when feeling a little calmer.
DeleteRe earlier comments.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Susan Calman.
Can’t stand Sandi Tosvig
Don’t watch Bake Off..
Burnham Beeches (10.05pm last night), Very true - what strange beasts !
ReplyDeleteRemembrance does not lead to prevention. Must confess that in recent years, I've turned away from our Remembrance Sunday here, viewing it as an empty ceremony, distasteful even, an indulgence of some need for ritual, tradition, hierarchy, but not actually making one iota of difference to the future.
Whilst armies & territorial disputes exist, there will always be war. Whilst wars persist, it appears to follow that episodes of unspeakable mass brutality, such as the Holocaust & like events, will occur. It is as stark as that.
I watched the Windermere Children last night too.
ReplyDeleteVery moving.
Sad to report Nicholas Parsons, familiar to many of us who were brought up listening to the wireless as children has died.
A trooper, working till the end.
From Archie Andrews to Just a Minute.
Thank you Nicholas.
OH NO!
Deletethat is very very sad news. I had thought he would go on for ever!
So many programmes come to mind, as you say Mrs P, from throughout our lives.
No doubt there will be masses of tributes to him on radio and TV today and many re-runs of his most popular programmes.
R.I.P. Nicholas
Oh, that is sad. I thought he was immortal, hearing him steer Just a minute so ably & wittily. Truly, someone of 96 who did excellent work right to the end.
DeletePerhaps strangely, I don't remember him on the wireless at all, but didn't care for him on TV at all as a sidekick to the ghastly, smarmy Hughie Green in some quiz show. If anyone can correct this memory, as I could have muddled up the people, please do !
So sad, thought he was immortal. RIP ๐๐
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of meeting him one day and we spoke for ages. He was an absolute delight - as charming as you would expect.
DeleteAnd he also did the best Glaswegian accent that I have ever heard!
I also called out “Oh no” when I read the news of Nicholas passing. Such a gentleman, Paul Merton will be particularly sadden by the news I know. Who will host “Just a minute” now? I’m thinking Gyles Brandreth who has stood in a couple of times. (Very rarely as Nicholas hated to have to miss a show)
ReplyDeleteMr Parsons you will be greatly missed ๐นRIP
The first memory I have of him was watching a sketch he did with another man ( can’t recall name) in which he played an upper class peripatetic vagrant to the othe lower class vagrant. As I was young I didn’t find it funny. I did love just a minute.
DeleteLondon was extremely wet and cold. The rain was horrendous, not a place to be if the weather is bad.
My friend is now frail, but The brain is still on top form. We had long chats, she is writing another book and continues to translate. Russian is her speciality.
Don’t think I’ll reach ninety three. But it is still a long way off.
I watched some of the Holocaust memorial, but it brought too many memories of my mother and her experiences that I couldn’t watch any longer.
Gary we looked at Hawick as a possible move, closer to visiting my family in Belfast.
I too was very sad to hear about Nicholas Parsons.
ReplyDeleteI was convinced that he would be hosting Just a Minute, very close to his 100th birthday, in a similar way to June Spencer in TA
I wonder if the show will continue with a new host - and if so who?
I do not want Gyles Brandreth, who I know has been a stand-in host previously.
I just don't like him and would put me off listening.
Sorry Lady R. ๐ฅ
DeleteI did not like Gyles, when he was the MP in my area. I must be a bit biased.
DeleteDon’t worry Miriam I only suggested GB because he covered a couple of shows ๐
DeleteI have just heard, that my latest grand-niece has another problem (apart from her deformed foot) as she is tongue-tied.
ReplyDeleteHer Grandma, my older sister, is driving there tomorrow, to help out with driving, as niece had a C-section so can't.
All will be well.
All WILL be well Miriam...
DeleteCoincidentally, my neighbours have just this minute been to the house to show off their 8 day old son! They were so excited - and their son is adorable!
Remembered from when I was very young Nicholas with Arthur Haynes who had a regular comedy show. I have really enjoyed him in “Just a Minute” which has given many a laugh! Just felt he would go on forever.
ReplyDeleteAs I did.
DeleteA sad day.
I have today, been able to start my knitting again.
ReplyDeleteFinger is still "scabby" + slightly sore, but the infection has finally gone.
I cannot believe a burn, could cause such problems.
Minor, I know.
Lovely R4 is broadcasting a Just The Minute episode with Nicholas P.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute.
DeleteStasia, your memory of Nicholas Parsons was I think with Arthur Haines, a great double act.
ReplyDeleteAnd Gary as you say a very good Glasgow accent from his early days in the offices of the shipyards of the Clyde of course.
I imagine the next series of Just a Minute will be co hosted by Paul Merton and Giles Brandreth, both very close friends of Nicholas P.
But will it ever be the same.
I think “Just a minute “ should be let go, I have enjoyed it for many years but so much of it was the interplay between the chair and the panel that made it. I loved tonight’s episode with so many voices now, sadly, no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteMy family thought that there wouldn't be a good enough replacement for Humphrey Littleton on 'I'm Sorry I haven't a clue,' but Jack Dee has been admirable and successful. I'm sure there will be an ideal replacement for Nicholas Parsons somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHe was an excellent after dinner speaker and such a learned gentleman. It was only a couple of years ago that he took the show to India where it is incredibly popular.
I just hope we don't have to have a 'woke' individual who ticks 'boxes,' but at least an educated person.
stasia - (today 4:58)
ReplyDeletere Hawick - I'm actually going to be in that neck of the woods for a few days from Friday. 2 friends have just moved down there and they absolutely love it.
They are both bike mad and say there's loads of brilliant routes to pootle/race along. I shall be trying some of them out for myself!
Oh Stasia you are bringing back happy memories mentioning Hawick.
ReplyDeleteMind you it was during the 1970s and 80s when we did most of our trips to Scotland and I think we covered every area
Another area we visited was Dumfries and Galloway.
A friend decided to move to that region when she retired and loves it.
I always think of “The 39 steps” when I think of that holiday.
The Dumfries and Galloway holiday that is which reminds me of The 39 steps.
ReplyDeleteMemories play tricks on one.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember that Hawick has a square and I also think that there was a lovely bookshop there but gosh ,we are going back getting about 45 years ............
Lanjan: I recently downloaded (from BBCSounds) a serialised reading of The 39 Steps (unabridged) and have been listening to it over the past few days as I recover from my op.
ReplyDeleteIt has been really enjoyable to hear the original story again after having watched various filmed versions, over the years, which often take liberties with the plot.
The Joy of downloading stuff from Sounds is that you don’t need a wi-fi connection to listen, ideal for when on holiday.
Archerphile how are you doing one week on? More so in yourself than discomfort wise as that is par for the course for awhile such a lot of healing to go on inside your knee from the surgery
ReplyDeleteLet us know how your check up goes this week....
I also hope other bloggers who have been having a hard time health wise are improving and able to look forward to Spring๐ท
I am very pleased that the BBC has suspended the red button closure.
ReplyDeleteI use this every morning.
It is such a quick way to get the news headlines + weather, in the time it takes the kettle to boil.
I would miss it, if it finally goes.
Lady R
ReplyDeleteI went for my one week ‘wound check’ and they were very pleased it’s healing very well. Told that next Wed (2 weeks post op) I can actually have a shower (๐ต) and leave the dressing off.
The physio was pleased with progress too and said my ‘kneรฉ bends ’ were very good and gave me more exercises to do
In myself I am very up and down. Still in a lot of pain, specially at night, get dizzy on standing, dreadful sore throat still, from anaesthetic tube, total loss of energy.
But hey, millions of people have had new knees and survived, it’s just taking so much longer and requires much more effort than the hip.
But Mr A (my blessed hero) and I will get there together.
I just can’t imagine how anyone living alone can cope with the after effects and all the practical difficulties and if you did so, Mrs P, you’re my absolute Heroine!
Thanks Archerphile.9:56am.
ReplyDeleteI started to listen to “The 39 steps “ whilst ironing .
I think I have seen all the versions of the film but my absolute favourite is the Robert Donat version made before the 2nd WW and some years before I was born !
Some films in my opinion can not be improved upon and therefore should not be remade like the JennyAgutter version of “The Railway Children” and the Julie Christie version of “Far from the Madding Crowd”.
So glad Archerphile, that you are progressing as planned.
ReplyDeleteKeep cheerful and do the excercises.
You are so lucky with the help + support from Mr. A. You don't know how lucky you are.
๐ค๐
I remember after my 1st + what was, just a very simple cataract op. how I felt the day after, as live on my own. I was very "wobbly"
DeleteGoodness knows how others who live alone, manage after a major op.
I know exactly how lucky I am Miriam and I just can’t imagine how anyone, especially someone elderly, can go home alone after an operation like this which leaves you so immobile . Hopefully the hospital wouldn’t discharge anyone without some help at hand, and that is what is possibly to ‘bed-blocking’ problems In hospitals
DeleteThanks for update AP. Mr R’s surgeon like all others I imagine is insistent that a patient has a capable person with them for the first two weeks and will not operate unless this or some other arrangement is in place. The knee is a very complex joint in relation to the hip where I gather the most frustrating thing is movement restitutions in order not to dislocate.
DeleteThe lack of energy is to be expected after major surgery and all those exercises to do ๐ฑWhen Mr R had his first knee replacement in the early “90’s it was at done at Treloars hospital (and through work privately) and he was in hospital for 2 weeks. Not lazing around much physio and using the pool for extra exercising but also of course routine rests! Pity we lost This facility all the Dr’s in town fought to the bitter end but at least they kept our small Community Hospital ๐ค๐ค๐ค
So do not be too hard on yourself sounds like you are doing very well for only a week in a ⭐️ for you and Mr A too of course ๐๐ป
Still difficult for you, Archerphile, the pain & low energy, but so encouraging at that first check up. You're clearly being disciplined & brave, by keeping at those excercises !
ReplyDeleteI bought myself some Pork Belly slices today. This is definotely not part of my low cholesterol diet, but couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteI do a recipe, from the '50s, passed onto me by my late mother.
Peel + slice an onion, peel+ core a cooking apple, slice carrots + swede. Layer up in many layers, in a deep casserole dish. Add hot stock + herbs. Then place the belly pork slices, covered in stuffing, on top. After time in oven so cooked, turn heat up + take casserole lid off, to crisp the stuffing top.
It is a real, winter comfort food meal + cheap!
OK Cholesterol high, but it's a nice change to be naughty..
Sounds delish Miriam!
ReplyDeleteAP - KBO!
Before TA starts, I have to relate what I witnessed in a supermarket today.
ReplyDeleteIt was a girl, about 3-4yrs old, having a major tantrum, as her Mum wouldn't buy (as was not needed) what she wanted.
Was it chocolate, sweets, crisps or similar - no.
It was a carrot!!
Are times changing?
There was also another young Mum, with her son in the trolley seat, telling him what she was buying + why. It was the ingredrents for the soup she was going home to make.
DeleteIt was lovely.
Oh Archerphile....... thank you for that, yes I did do it alone. A couple of meals from kind neighbours, one visit each from both daughters ( forty minutes only from the eldest ) and the rest just myself. I survived by being in bed for weeks, and since I love tea and toast that was my main source of food.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, like you I could not believe how tired and exhausted I was nor for how long that lasted. Weeks and weeks and weeks. But do you remember I did get in the bath within ten days. Getting out was a challenge but I managed. And it's been difficult again with only one hand.
However I can't agree about not discharging those living alone.
I've come to the conclusion that it's all about personality.
If a patient appears to be dependent and wobbly they get to stay in and be looked after.
On the other hand if like me you show independence and are bright and articulate and appear to have a positive attitude you are deemed ' capable' and get sent home, with the belief that you will cope.
In my old age ( when is that allowed to be nowadays ? ) I would like to learn the skill of being dependant and needy, but doubt that I will.
When I was a young Naval wife with husband at sea one night there was a terrific storm. I learnt next day neighbours had rushed round to another lone wife to see that she was OK but no one bothered with me! I felt at the same time hurt but proud of my independence in contrast to her neediness!!
ReplyDeleteGypsy had her stitches out yesterday so today was bathtime with two applications of shampoo! Normally she is bathed weekly as she has a skin condition and being elderly can be a bit smelly! The three weeks with stitches meant no bath until healing was complete. So now we no longer need to hold our nose!! Considering her age and state of health she has done remarkably well. She has an indomitable spirit and when collected on operation day she strutted out with Donal the vet. He said “look at her!She’s blind, a bit deaf and still happy!” Donal will not medicate her for the Cushings as it can have side effects and he thinks as do we that she has enough problems to cope with. In spite of all she enjoys life especially food!
Archerfile, this is all trivia compared to your op and recovery. I have followed it closely and add my good wishes and admiration to you and Mr A! Keep dancing as Bruce used to say!
Not at all Ev! Your stories of your activities on the Island and dog- doings are just as relevant and everyone’s stories of their days(and dinners, Miriam) are of great interest to me and help take my mind off my current problems.
DeleteWe need all sorts of different posts here to add variety, don’t we?
Thank you for that AF! I sometimes think doggy doings must be a bit boring but for us the dogs have brought a lot of work and at the same time a lot of joy. There were some lovely good wishes for Gyp when she had the op so felt an update would be good. For myself I never feel lonely and if I go out there is always a warm welcome from the dogs when I return! After my husband died one of the hardest things was coming home to a silent house. No fear of that now! The two boys are very loud in their welcome home!! Gyp usually sleeps through it or ambles in just to see what’s going on!
DeleteHospitals have rehab/reablement teams of therapists and carers who go into people’s homes to support folk just out of hospital, if it is felt they can’t manage alone. If really frail there are rehab facilities where people stay for a few weeks and receive physio and preparation for home. However as you say Mrs P, if you present as robust and independent the ward staff/doctors might not think to refer you or make you aware of these options.
ReplyDeleteHad some very uplifting news - a phone call from our son in Dubai last night, to say he has to unexpectedly stand in for a sick colleague and fly to London for an important meeting today.
ReplyDeleteHe’s managed to arrange a 2 - night stop over, will hire a car, and come down to see us late tomorrow!
It’s only a fortnight since we were last together, but then he was pushing me around in a wheelchair. Now I’ll be able to show him I can walk almost the length of the garden on crutches!
It’s going to be a real boost to my morale. ๐
Good news, AF! Enjoy this unexpected treat!!
DeleteWhat joy Archerphile ๐ค so pleased for you and as you say a terrific morale booster!
DeleteThat's fantastic!
DeleteHow lovely to get such an unexpected visit.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Archerphile.
Well done Archerphile for walking the length of the garden.
ReplyDeleteKnee ops are much more complex than hips, not something that many people realise., hence your pain and discomfort.
As Mrs P says those of us who are fiercely independent , manage because we have to.
When I got home from having mine done, the guy who used to look after all my animals when I was away, said he and his wife had dsicussed it and he offered to stay and look after me free of charge. grateful as I was I couldn't wait for him to go so I could have time on my own again. The relief was enourmous.
Cowgirl (12.43), knee operations are more complex, all those small bits of debris, by contrast with hips, simple by comparison, 'cup & ball', a friend told me after she'd been ' done'. Not that recovery is a walk in the park, by any stretch, but the wound heals rather more quickly than a knee wound.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your desire to just get on with the post op phase in your own way rather than having others hover around ! It's not ingratitude, I think, but we all know our own body tolerances, & need to take things at our own pace, without supervision ( where possible, within reason).
An odd thing I discovered recently when I was knocked out by the bad chest infection over 4 weeks ago, & Mr C was in hospital : when son & D.in L came round, & kind of took over that day, cooking, clearing up after, generally looking after me, I really welcomed it, & the bossing around I got ! ๐ค I wouldn't normally like that at all, being an independent 'Don't fuss' sort of person, but it was so nice, such a relief. Now, nothing wrong with my mobility, no problem physically with doing what I had to do for myself ( + cats & hens) but energy levels & appetite were so low, sleep elusive, that it was simply relaxing to just sit, chat & be catered for.....
Cowgirl
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry I didn’t realise that you coped alone after a knee op too.
So that makes you another heroine in my eyes! ๐
I thought of Archerphile + her son, today, but in a different way. The new super "Beluga" flew over, as is now in regular use into Broughton Aerospace. It is a sight to be seen, as I could well see the "smiley face".
ReplyDeleteIn a cold, yet sunny day, I spent quite a fews hours sorting my front garden out. I was spurred on, in that the garden bin gets emptied tomorrow, just as well, as it is quite full.
Now for the back. This is much more difficult, as it still isn't getting any sun, as north facing. This will improve soon.
Sunny day - wow! Rain and completely dreary here in Hampshire Miriam ๐
DeleteThanks Ev, for the update about the sea-eagles. I read about the one that went Awol over Hanpshire.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope the others will stay in situ on the IOW.
Keep me informed. ๐ฆ
I'm off to listen to some live music tonight - the BBC Scottish Symphony are performing 2 of our favourite pieces of that fancy classical stuff tonight on the same bill! Barber - Adagio For Strings & Shostakovich - Symphony No. 5. Should be a lovely evening.
ReplyDeleteAnd then home & straight to bed, as I will be travelling to Galashiels by way of Edinburgh in the morning & then cycling to my friends new house for a weekend of drinking & bikes!
I am not familiar with the Shostakovich, but I love the Adagio for Strings. Sounds Wonderful. ๐ถ
DeleteGary, what's the ratio between the drinking & the biking ? ๐
DeleteGary- I really envy you the hearing the Shostakovich, I love nearly everything he wrote.
DeleteThe Barber, not so much. In fact, listening to even the first few phrases makes me feel incredibly depressed and I rush to the radio to switch off!
It’s strange the effect different music can have on people. What delights some, grates on others.
I hope you enjoyed your evening.
A lot of people aren't comfortable with music in a minor key, AP. I haven't played it for several years (not enough time between my ops and Mr S's cancer treatment to get back up to scratch), but to me it is enormously uplifting and I'm emotionally and physically wrung out when I've finished.
DeleteI have to watch my local news at 6.30pm. My eldest grand niece (8yrs) might, and only might, be on it.
ReplyDelete๐ค๐ค
To add, it is also to do with singing + music. ๐ถ
DeleteHeard in the news just now Miriam that the British people coming home from Wuhan are to be housed in an empty nurses home belonging to a hospital on the Wirral.
ReplyDeleteI hope they get a nice view for their stay.
Gary, I shall be thinking of you and maybe playing the Shostakovich 5th this evening in memory of my youth. One of my greatest passions then. The Adagio is a favourite too.
Enjoy your Evening.
( fancy classical stuff indeed ! )
Ev..... I passed your Eagle news on to my daughter and S in L. If the eagles had arrived before they left the island they would have been looking for them on the telescope.
Niece was not on TV but her school was mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAs to those returning to the UK from China.
They are going to be put in isolation on the Arrowe Park Hospital site (but away from the main hospital) This is Very sensible, as not far from the Liverpool Roysl Infirmary + the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
It seems sensible.
Miriam, I do hope your not too disappointed by not seeing your niece on the news but you did see the school and I hope some of the performances.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally I watched the news on television last night and the London programme after. And there was the first school I ever went to in Sandhurst Road Catford, where a German bomb was dropped on the school. I was there three years later but an older cousin was there at the time and missed the bomb because he went home to lunch.
Gosh, that was lucky Mrs P, a narrow escape!
DeleteSarnia. 10.28 last night.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very interesting post. I actually normally love minor key music. Much Jewish and synagogue music which I heard a lot as a child is written in a minor key.
I love some of Chopin’s minor key pieces and Beethoven’s Pathรฉtique sonata was one of my favourite pieces to play on piano.
Mahler too, has some wonderful minor passages in his symphonies.
But there is just something about the Barber that wrenches deep in my soul and I find it impossible to listen to.
It must be a sign of an incredible piece of composition that it can engender such deep feelings in listeners, and I am glad it was such a comfort and an uplift for you, and for many others who love it.
The concert last night was fantastic. It's me that loves the Adagio & Mr GG that loves the Shostakovich - I had never heard it. I must say it was astonishing! I am a latecomer to classical concerts and the sound of 100 world class musicians in a darkened room never fails to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteLike you Mrs P, Mr GG fell in love with Symphony No. 5 in his teens and has made a point of listening to it at least a couple of times every year since. Think I will be doing the same.
It's funny what you were saying about different reactions Archerphile. I think most people were there to hear the Shostakovich and one another piece (Mahler - Kindertotenlieder, which I think translates as "Songs on the Death of Children"). There were quite a few bored looks on the faces of some who were "forced" to sit through the Adagio! For me, to be honest, the Mahler was as depressing as the title suggests...
Anyway, off to the Scottish Borders and to catch up with a dear old friend! And the ratio, carolyn, between drinking & biking will be an unhealthy one!
Definitely a minor key Parsley. Always loved playing the Barber, adventuring down to the end of the fingerboard..
DeleteI must admit the Mahler songs are not to my taste either Gary because most of them are a bit miserable, especially if you don’t understand German. The only one I enjoy is his Das Liede Von den Erde (not sure of sp.) The Song of the Earth, which is more uplifting.
DeleteCan I recommend that you listen to a recording of Mahler 1st Sympohony sometime.
It is surprisingly tuneful, even comic in places, and includes children’s tunes such as a bit of ‘Frรจre Jacques’! It was the first Mahler Mr A and I ever heard, at a Festival Hall concert, when we were courting, around 1969. It lead to a lifetimes love of his work, though you have to work you way through the 10 symphonies slowly as they get more difficult.
Many people know the Adagio from Symphony 5, which was played in the film ‘Death in Venice’ and is particularly beautiful and moving.
Last night I was laying in bed listening to the Hallรฉ orchestra and chorus play a concert of Beethoven’s works celebrating the 250 years of his birth.
ReplyDeleteThe final piece was No.9 and I was overcome listening to their brilliant rendition of the Ode To Joy.
Heard that is the EU anthem! Does lift the spirit!
ReplyDeleteApparently there is now a crowdfunding website for weddings which fair enough asks for money or contributions in kind instead of presents. However, it’s bad enough having to go to a wedding without having to pay for it! Travel costs mount up too. I have resolved never to go to another one!! Party pooper me!
ReplyDeleteOh lord! Just received a copy of the letter my consultant sent to my GP about my operation.
ReplyDeleteIt says “ we found Mrs A had an Extraordinarily Arthritic knee and I hope she will find some relief after the procedure, which was prolonged “.
He ‘hopes’ I find some relief........so do !
But it helps explain why I had been in such pain beforehand
There is a second page which describes, in horribly gory detail, what was done from initial sterilising of the skin to final closure including all the equipment used. I have not been able to read most of it, I really don’t want to know. But this is the first time I have known a surgeon write a detailed account of an operation and send it to the patient’s GP.
Is this normal practice, I wonder?
I think its ' best practice ' AP.
ReplyDeleteSince you have told us that you have had your knee op in the private sector and you and Lady R have extolled the virtues of your surgeon, the letter shows just what best practice is.
If we had an NHS fit for the purpose of today's health 'needs and desires' , and funded to be so, then your letter would be the norm.
When I had my first consultation for my finger at Gloucester Royal, the doctor I saw, a member of the orthopaedic trauma team was Rumanian. We had a lovely conversation about Lady and he taught me how to correctly pronounce Mioritic. He then went on to discuss my finger, the injury and what procedures could be carried out, why, and the likely results if surgery was or was not carried out.
In all my years of experience of many consultations in many different health disciplines, both in the NHS and the private sector, I have never before come across such clear and explicit explanations given to me the patient.
I feel sure he will be a consultant himself in due course and his patients may well feel as you do now.
That doctor was trained in one of the poorest countries in Europe and is now working in the NHS. What does that tell us ?
I am pleased for you, clearly you are a patient of one of the best.
๐ Indeed Mrs P, everyone should have such wonderful treatment.
DeleteMaybe I have been fortunate so far but recent dealings I have had regarding the NHS have been exemplary.
ReplyDeleteBeing a letter writer I wrote to one NHS Consultant to thank him.
I was surprised when I received a reply from him thanking me for my letter ,
After my excellent experience with the 111 Service regarding a very painful gum abscess recently I emailed the CEO of 111 and had a lovely reply .
I doubt that NHS Consultants do go into such detail as your Consultant did with you Archerphile but in truth it would seem from what you said you would have preferred not to know the details.
Mrs P, in answer to your penultimate sentence,I don’t think it tells us anything.
Yes it is standard practice for a GP to receive a discharge summary from any professional eg physio as well as hospital doctor, explaining their involvement with you. In the NHS it’s often quite slow and copies aren’t usually sent to the patient. That’s a mixed blessing if they’re as detailed as the one you received, AP๐จ
ReplyDeleteMrs P, I was very interested and saddened to read about your school yesterday - I “googled” it after you mentioned it as Sandhurst Road is very close by me.
ReplyDeleteThank God your cousin went home for lunch. I read that a number of children and teachers didn’t survive.
Just catching up with today’s topics.
ReplyDeleteMusic.... I have given up listening to music on the radio apart from pick of the pops on radio 2 ( if the year suits) or jazz fm whilst I’m cooking.
Not into classical music. Give me a bit of pink floyd and dark side of the moon any day.
Nhs v private. Jury is out. My last nhs consultation re thyroid was terrible ....so will favour private for that condition.
But.....have just got my mammogram call up so top marks for nhs for that. I was lucky that I was in the category that started mammograms early so I had my first one at 47.
Feb 12th. Nhs consultation for thyroid eye. We’ll see how that goes. Pun intended!!!
Lanjan. 3.24pm What it tells me is that it cheaper to bring in young medical practitioners than spend large sums training our own. Get some other country to do the the training and then poach them here with enticements.
ReplyDeleteThe largest exporter of medical staff (usually nurses) come from the ๐ต๐ญ Philippines. They deliberately over train in order to export so that money can be sent back back. The NHS has been relying on importing skills for a good many years.
ReplyDeleteI hope that anybody who has been trained in a Country has to work in that Country for a number of years before coming to another Country to earn more money .
It seems wrong if people in poor Countries are not getting the treatment they should because the doctors and nurses are going abroad to work.
I hope Boris means what he says and we will train more Doctors and Nurses in this Country.
I remember watching”The Apprentice” and the winner one year was a Doctor ,an Irish girl who wanted to go into the Botox business.
She had only been a Doctor for a year or too.
I hope she paid back the vast amount it costs to train a Doctor in this Country.
I doubt she had to though.
two not too
DeleteI am not happy with the NHS at the moment - but this is due to two very minor problems.
ReplyDeleteI was put on a statin in Oct.last year and I was told I would be called in for liver blood tests 3 months later. Still not happened, so must chase up.
Also my glaucoma clinic appoint for Feb.5th was cancelled last October. On quereing this, I was told that the clinic I was under, had been dispanded and I would be contacted, when things were sorted. Still no idea what is going on, so more 'phone calls needed.
Very minor, I know, but check-ups, are there for a reason.
This evening we’re having friends visiting for a euro-fest to mark our leaving the EU, long menu featuring food from the first 12 member states, the power went off at 2.30, estimated return 8pm, so lots of candles and working out how most the the food can be finished on the hob ( gas thankfully)
ReplyDeleteKP nuts. What a fab idea.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the food. Sod’s law about the power.
What food are you doing? Could do with some inspiration.
Good to hear of your letter Archerphile and I’m with you regarding the detailed description of your op ๐คฃ
ReplyDeleteIt is 10yrs this year that Mr R has been under the care of his Consultant ( different to AP’S but same hospital) and I have a file of letters received following all his (NHS) checks. He is due to receive a phone call on the 2nd March and we both feel that this will be it but his Consultant did say at one point I will never take you off my books and I feel my calls give you reassurance and he usually updates us on his children and that gives us a laugh. However pressure being what it is we feel he will say just ring my secretary if necessary- which we hope not!
He also wrote a very detailed letter for Mr R when he was applying for his latest Blue Badge as more facts were required this time - and no charge. It also stated that Mr R’S condition would not improve and a disc would always be required. We could not ask for more,
Re the comments about NHS v private starting with Archerphile's (about 2pm)
ReplyDeleteI have found all the medical staff I have had dealings with and most of the 'clerical' staff helpful,polite and professional. The initial treatment beginning with my GP last May. As I got worse I was pushed up the ladder until I saw the consultant in August. This was not anything to do with incompetence but due to the rarity of my condition. In the meantime all was done to relieve pain and help healing. Every time I had an appointment with Dr, hospital or consultant I have had copies of all correspondence,so have quite a thick file!
As to the import of cheap labour that has happened throughout industry for the last century! Just to keep costs down. The NHS is the biggest employer in UK. Pity someone didn't forsee the overloading and overcrowding this would bring!
I so applaud the NHS in how they are trying to minimise the impact, as to the coronavirus.
ReplyDeleteWhy I am I whingeing about 2 missed appointments?
I feel "humbled" + very silly - ๐ญ๐ญ
Ptby..3.52.....I never listen to the radio for music but a few months ago I discovered by accident Tony Blackburn's Sounds of the Sixties early on a Saturday morning. I'm an early riser and by golly that wonderful music gets me groovin through my weekend cleaning.
ReplyDeleteAs for Tony Blackburn. ..he hasn't changed since when he was on radio 1 in the 70's. ..corny jokes and all......AND the same jingles.
Ah nostalgia๐จ๐จ
I also love Pick of the Pops, on a Saturday lunch-time.
DeleteSome years I know well, others not so.
I often, but not always, listen.
I have boogied with the vaccuum cleaner, on many an occasion.
2nd blood test this morning. Bit more difficult as now have blisters under toes so not sure the ' new' treatment with steroids and methodroxate is working as well. However consultant said it may take up to 12 weeks before signs it's working and has been only 4. Hope it doesn't get worse . I'm not sure I can walk on my hands and knees keeping feet off the ground ๐
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all poorly people!
Would some very thick and furry lined slippers help?
DeleteFeet will be warm. Could this help?
Yes I am wearing 2 pairs of fluffy socks ๐ but have to take one pair off when going outdoors!
DeleteWent to shops after bloods and managed to stay on feet for the hour or so. Driving is ok as blisters are not on balls of feet. If they do come up there then middle son will be doing the shopping after work! That will be interesting as he cannot resist anything that's reduced in price ๐
Thanks for the tip Miriam.
KPnuts.4.45pm
ReplyDeleteWe have opened a bottle of Chmpange and have hung flags on the window.
I am feeling very depressed.
Check out the latest Led by Donkeys. White cliffs of Dover.
BTW the cricket club always know when I arrive at the ground as Tony Blackburn or Paul Gamboccini are blaring out of my car radio during the summer!
ReplyDeleteSome of you have been talking about Pick of the Pops...is that the one that used to be hosted by Alan "hello pop pickers" Freeman on a Sunday afternoon around 5. I can still here the jingle......Daah daah daah. .da di daah..dah dah di dum๐๐๐๐
DeleteLanjan ( 3.24pm), personal experience of NHS since Oct. last year in particular, has been excellent, appropriate, efficient, & prompt so couldn't agree more with you. I intend to write my thanks to the busy surgery ( is there any in the country which isn't, in fact !) for the support they gave me.
ReplyDeleteLike PtbY, do have some irritation with the bureaucracy muddle at the hospital, in connection with ENT apts
( meaning ear/hearing problems in my case), it's held things up, as Miriam has also experienced. That said, no problem with the consultant, who has been helpful & clear.
Archerphile, can see why the detailed description from the surgeon might have thrown you somewhat ! On the other hand, on reflection later, you may be glad of the detailed information about arthritis because at least it explains the extreme pain you've been experiencing for quite a while, let alone before, & during,the cruise, then in Dubai. Perhaps a little comfort in that ? And I bet when your knee eventually heals, increased mobility will lessen the pain.
I love a bargain and always look for "el cheapo" goods.
ReplyDeleteToday I had a trip to the Cheshire Oaks Outlet, but came away empty-handed. I then went to the nearby supermarket for a stock-up of groceries/store cupboard items.
I came away with a long-sleeved, "soft touch" top, plus a black blouse with a flower print (to go with black trousers), both for £12. As said, I love cheap buys ๐๐
What a lovely tribute to Nicholas Parsons, at the end of tonights News Quiz.
ReplyDeleteWell, I shan’t be celebrating tonight! I feel more like holding a wake.
ReplyDeleteI’m not a happy bunny regarding the B thing and am delighted thousands of pounds are NOT going to be spent on Big Ben’s Bongs......unless, that is they were going to be rung with muffled bells.
๐ก
But good luck to anyone who will be celebrating and I do hope it all works out well for our country and our people.
It is happening, whether I like it or not.
DeleteI couldn't understand why it is at 11.00pm until I realised, that it is mid-night in Europe.
Autumn leaves, Spicy..... I love tony Blackburn. He knows he’s corny just as we do. I was so disappointed when Paul gambeccini ? took over.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else have a favourite pick of the pops year? Mine is 1979! Some fab tunes.
I can't tell you the exact year PtbY..but I do remember my teenage lovelorn days with 10cc..I'm not in love...Nielson ..without you...Oh th agony of adolescence ๐๐
Delete1956-196i .
ReplyDeleteBest years ever.
Elvis,The Everly Brothers,Frankie Laine, Buddy Holly. etc etc.
And the great Dusty Springfield
ReplyDeleteArcherphile. I’m not celebrating.
ReplyDeleteI’m drinking in despair.
N F and his cohorts have disgraced this country and it’s citizens.
Seasider, I thought you would as I know it's in your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin escaping the carnage that day became of course a family legend.
I recently saw something else that reminded me of it and googled it myself.
One of the stories I read informed me that some children had thought that the plane was British and had waved at the pilot.
That was what I was always told about my cousin, that he had waved, then heard the bomb falling.
I was always told that I could tell a German plane from a British plane at four years old, and I wonder if the two facts are connected, that perhaps I was taught to differentiate because of my cousins experience.
Stasia - thank you for seeing the point I made.
LanJan - I was suggesting that for all our money spent in the NHS, not all our UK trained doctors are as well trained as those from other countries might be.
Of course I would expect you to feel that your doctor son is an exception and I would say there are likely to be many exceptions.
However as many more doctors trained outside of the NHS are employed by the largest employer in Europe, my experience over the last decade has been that many of them (and I have encountered a number ) are superior in knowledge and far better at making connections between medical disciplines, as well as fulfilling best practice.
On the subject of letters. When in London I always received a copy from my GP practice of the letter sent by the department or consultant. I also invariably received a letter directly from the consultant, and always from my Endocrinologist.
Here in Gloucestershire I receive nothing unless I request it.
I think this is to do with the health authority issueing guidelines.
To more mundane things, I have found that hairdressers are better trained abroad and try to have my hair done when on holiday. In Tenerife the place we stay in has a hairdresser and they treat Katy’s scalp with a solution left on for about half an hour and afterwards no trace of psoriasis. Mentioning it to hairdressers here and they have never heard of it. Surely they should be trained to treat scalp conditions! The Tenerife hairdressers also do remarkable work in making you look very glamorous! (If you can at nearly 72!!)Katy on the other hand looks like a model on a hair advert!!
ReplyDeleteAm standing by for fireworks at 11. Dudley will be upset but earlier there were a few and he was not as hysterical as he had been on 5th November.
ReplyDeleteWhilst we weren’t celebrating last night, we did have a very pleasant meal. I’d bought some blue hyacinths & daffodils to mimic the European flag, my daughter explained that beyond the colours, in the language of flowers, hyacinths represent sorrow and daffodils lost love, very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteTen (admittedly small) courses and rather a lot of wine means today might not be very productive.
And why should it be, KP, after all your efforts yesterday ?A day off is called for.
DeleteLove the idea of the flowers representing the colours of the European flag, though, personally, don't care for the dismal meaning, having better hopes for the future. I was on the 'other' side, but don't feel any less European for that a) the fact is we all are, or were born, bred, or have settled on this continent b) I love the countries of Europe, the many I've had the pleasure of visiting, that can't change, even when having to join a different queue at passport control ( I know that's minor, & of course there will be major upheavals, some welcome, some not)
Time will tell, KP. Don’t despair! One small point is that we will not have to put up with massive factory fishing ships being seen near the island. If fishing on this scale goes on there will not be any fish left. Nowadays it’s all for profit with no thought for the future.
ReplyDeleteHaving seen what happened to the Cornish fishing industry I agree Ev. I am waiting to see how B.J. et al sort that one out. Just a pity it couldn't have been sorted before.
DeleteArcherphile. You are in my thoughts today.๐ although I don’t agree with it I do have the right of return. Does that process apply to your status? I hope you don’t mind me asking.
ReplyDeleteNo, it doesn’t affect me Stasia, but will affect my son and his family. He will be returning to Toulouse in either one or two years time. Apparently there are queues of ex-pats at the Capitol in Toulouse, applying for French citizenship and the beaurocracy means it’s taking months to arrange. He has found its quicker to arrange French citizenship in Dubai than in France(!), so he is going to do that before returning.
DeleteMy daughter asked us to mark the day by writing down on a large piece of paper how we voted (we were a divided family and the debates occasionally became somewhat fiery!) and what we now hoped for /despaired of, and she then took a photo of each of us holding our pieces of paper. The idea being that in 5 or so years we will look at the photos and see how they match up with reality.
ReplyDeleteThat should be very interesting Janice!
DeleteI am surprised to find that, as a very staunch remainer who hated last nights celebrations, I have woken up this morning feeling much more optimistic and am actually looking forward to seeing what happens over the next 11 months.
I shall review my feelings next January 1st. ๐ค
Its a beautiful day here albeit the wind is very strong, feeling very virtuous as I have just cut the grass, the only downside being I can clearly see the large amount of damage done by the voles.
ReplyDeleteDid you mean voles CowGirl or Moles ?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that I know what voles are, or what they do !
I'm up for an experiment today.
The lady with the dog from Rumania, ( she has become a friend and been a great help ) is to come and meet us for a walk on the common and then return to my cottage for tea with the dog Misha.
It will be the first time for Lady to have another dog in the house, and I am hoping for acceptance as the two dogs are very happy to be together when on a walk.
It might be a disaster, it might be a success. We must wait and see while testing the water.
Rather like our current political situation.
I'm in the camp of allowing time to reflect on a decision made and accept change which may become success.
I would like to add my hope for the fishing industry of our island country to rise again.
No they are Voles, they burrow just under the roots which they eat apparently. I have hundreds of holes literally and runnels where the burrows have fallen, so it will take a long time to fill them up, as some are quite dangerous when the children are running about.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with Lady and her visitor
Archerphile. I’m not sure I was clear when I asked my earlier question.
ReplyDeleteI was referring to The Law of Return.
I do apologise.
Sorry, Stasia, I was being very thick and assuming you meant the right to live or work in Europe.
DeleteThe Law of Return made around 1950ish by the Israeli government allows all Jews the right to ‘return’ to Israel from wherever they live, to set up home in the country. My parents did have several friends who did exactly that in the 1950s. The nearest I got was to arrange to go to a Kibbutz for 6 months with friends but my father got cold feet at the last moment and wouldn’t let me go.๐ก
I’m not sure what the current ruling is, how Jewish you have to be (I am only 50% by birth)
or if there are any financial restrictions these days. It was diffรฉrent in the 50s when Israel was desperate for people to go and work the land and set up businesses.
My father never considered going because his family could be traced back to the time of Oliver Cromwell who allowed some Sephardic Jews from Spain and Portugal to settle in England. He was as British as you can imagine, a typical British Jew from the East End of London and not one to tear up his roots for the great Zionist cause!
So, no it won’t affect me, and I’m not much one to want to up my roots either!
Janice 11.33. I lived in Cornwall for 12 years and know what happened to the fishing fleet. European countries like Spain overfished and decimated supplies and there was nothing we could do as we had to let them have free access. Similarly when the factory ship was seen near the island we had no authority to exclude it. This happened at the end of last year. Fishing quotas meant dead fish having to be thrown back into the sea which makes no sense at all. Michael Portillo on R4 last night said we have no comeback on the regulators in Europe i.e the European Commission where laws passed in Parliament can be challenged at the next election. It will be interesting going forward what changes we will see after the 47 years and I hope Boris and co will go about things in the best way for our country. We may have a rough ride but only time will tell as to how things turn out for us. I believe we can be proud of being British and of being Europeans in spite of the split from the EU.
ReplyDeleteI'm in total accord with your last sentence, Ev.
DeleteAnd me.
DeleteI am proud to be British.
The UK is still part of Europe, and so it should be.
I don't normally talk politics.
ReplyDeleteWe all voted and put an X in a box, 3yrs ago.
The UK voted and as a result, 11.00pm last night, was the historic moment, the referendum result, became a fact.
It has to be accepted - whether we agree or not.
It is the next 11 months which is of much more concern.
My passport expires in 2021. It might be prudent to renew it sooner, rather than later. Still not sure.
DeletePS My first passport, was a blue one, in the early 1970's when went, with family, on a touring caravan holiday, in Europe. I still have it - but the photo! ๐คฃ
I wish all the very best to my homeland and I'm sure they will prevail..I'm excited about this new era for the UK
DeleteI look at the hierarchy in Brussels and what comes to mind is the losers club..unelected officials who were failures in their own countries....but of course they belong to the the right parties.
Quite, & I imagine many member states feel the same.
DeleteAs the result of a dry, sunny and blustery day, I have managed to wash + dry outside, both bedding + towels.
ReplyDeleteI did have to run outside a few times, to rescue sheets which were blown away + ended up on the lawn.
Still they are fresh + clean.
Now I have to iron the bedding, which is very necessary. I have Egyptian Cotton so has to be ironed, but it is worth it.
DeleteMy iron, is a 20yr+ old steam iron, but does exactly what it should do.
If it ain't broken, why fix it..as the saying goes.
And so it begins.
ReplyDeleteA niece of mine, is a director for a local council in an area near to Manchester. She is Silver Command tonight, and has already been called out!
UK residents in a council owned "tower block" are causing racist havoc, against the non-UK residents who live there. She is off to liase with the Police...and try to help sort the situation out, as she is the Council Voice tonight.
She can do it. ๐ค
Not the quiet evening in, with a lovely meal, she envisaged, along with her partner and their 2 children.
DeleteStill, it is the downside of her job, which she knew.
In accord with the voices earlier regarding our new start in twelve months time.
ReplyDeleteI too am proud that our new parliament have managed to get us to eleven / midnight last night. I believe those new MPs will do their very best to get us moving again in a new direction and am delighted that the nay sayers who have blocked parliamentary business for three years because they did not like what a majority had voted for.
I believe everyone of them and their followers should be ashamed of their lack of democratic responsibility.
I did not celebrate nor am I sad.
I am of a generation who were sold lies, that I doubted were true and so it was shown over forty seven years.
Time will tell whether this decision was right or wrong, as time has shown many that the decision in the seventies was wrong for many of us.
De Gaul had it right. He understood us.
Yes, it was essential that having had a referendum parliament should have abided by it long before now.
DeleteWarning...... dog news
ReplyDeleteI have been delighted this afternoon and so proud of Lady who has taken a massive step forward.
She allowed Misha to come into the house even though she was clearly confused by her doing so. She 'talked' but didn't make any fuss by her body language and settled after about five minutes. Misha made herself comfortable, at one point climbing into Lady's chair, but again no response from Lady. Eventually they were on the same settee as each other curled up separately and the cat was also in the room.
My friend took me to the supermarket and stayed in the car with Lady, who was again desperate that I had left her, but I was able to do a proper shop, the first for months.
On our return Lady did go a little mad and escaped over the wall. The sheep are in the field behind us at the moment and I'm always terrified that she will get in with them, but she came back within a minute or two.
Don't know of course, but wonder if she went looking for Misha who had left with her mum to go home.
This has been a momentous occasion for us and given hope for future steps forward.
Lovely to hear, Mrs P. Glad that Lady has a furry friend! Dudley has his problems but is getting there slowly and it is a delight to see him getting on so well with Buddy! It can be a long haul with these rescue dogs but hopefully we will both get there in the end!
ReplyDeleteMrs P,
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to hear another say what I have said to friends for years!
I have long held a keen interest in politics although not coming from a political family and as far as I know not even voting for the same party! This dating back to the 1960s where at school we were encouraged to follow Current Affairs.
I did read the original articles of Rome and have been aware for over 40 years that governments of all colours have been economical with the truth as to where we would end up.
I am relieved that the taxes I pay will no longer support corrupt Mediterranean governments. I am delighted that all the MPs who have been instrumental in delaying our departure are no longer taking the taxpayers' money and living the life of Riley.
More than anything I am so glad that Democracy has at last prevailed.
Spiceycushion I too have been saying it for years, and I was pleased to have the opportunity of the referendum to put my belief into action of some sort.
ReplyDeleteI did not read or listen to either side, so if we were told lies I did not hear them. Reading them in the seventies, doubting what I heard but believing what we were told for our children's futures I reluctantly voted us in.
I have been accused within my family for voting with my emotions.
Yes I did vote with my emotions that are passionate about our sovereignty but I was not blind or deaf to the economic risks that we may be taking, ( may, because none of us knows how our economy will develop, or not ) but did believe that risk worth taking.
I failed to finish my sentence - nay sayers ....... (should have finished with.). ........have mostly lost their seats.
I have not felt the need to challenge a single remainer, in their anger and frustration and yet find that every one that I have encountered in the last three years have felt the need to be vituperative in their anger that we were the majority however small that majority was, and to do their very best to tell us where, how, and why we were wrong in our thinking. And to make it worse many want to disrupt and disallow the democratic right of that majority.
I am utterly astounded by their arrogance and on more than one occasion was made to feel that I was ignorant and therefore despicable and unworthy of any further contact.
That was appalling Mrs P. Everybody should feel able to express their views without being subjected to ridicule, scorn or anger from ‘the other side’.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said earlier, both Mr A and I have been keen remainers but we would never have had open arguments with family or friends because we accepted that everyone has a right to their own opinion, and nobody’s opinion is more valid than anyone else’s in such an important decision.
I met a man on a river cruise we had shortly after my husband died at dinner. He loudly declared the ones who voted for Brexit were ignorant so I laid out why my husband and I had both voted for leave. We had seen the opulent buildings at Strasbourg to house officials for 3 days every month so that the French could feel the importance of being at the centre of things. We had seen the EU funded motorways hardly used in countries like Portugal and in Malta a fancy aquarium to encourage tourism. We had seen uncontrolled immigration sinking our already crowded homeland. No, not xenophobia just practicalities like medical services stretched too far. I could go on. As Mrs P I did not vote this way because of the campaign but because of the evidence of my own eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe man was at dinner, not my husband dying!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile 11.54 am. 1st.
ReplyDeleteThank you for replying. I do have the right to return because of my mother.Israel is not a country that I would like to live in and the Zionists only want to land grab. Unfortunately many religions profess truths that are essentially myths.
The reason why I asked, (I accept it is a fear coming from my mother’s experience), and having watched The Neo Fascist Nigel Farage and his supporters, it all reminded me of the goose stepping Black Shirts of the 1930s. Hatred of Jews, and others has not gone away and sadly a certain type of Nationalism can become the festering ground for suck hatred.
Germany in 1934 was the crystallisation of a nationalism that culminated In the death of millions of people who did not fit the image of what was desirable.
I do apologise for using this blog to explain myself hence I have made a decision to confine my comments to the other blog.
I hope your new knee is progressing well and I send positive thoughts to all who continue to feel unwell.
No need for apologies Stasia and please continue to post on both blogs - we are an understanding and supportive group here and always interested to hear peoples back stories (as they call them these days) and views.
DeleteSTASIA: PLEASE DONT STOP POSTING HERE!
DeleteI find your stories and comments so interesting and enlightening
I think I know exactly how you mother must have felt and you still feel about the horrors of the past, and why you, like me, are dreading the current rise in ultra right nationalism
M’y parents still lived in the East End of London in 1936 when the Cable Street riots happened. Oswald Moseley and his black shirt thugs smashing Jewish businesses and intimidating and beating up Jewish citizens.
It frightened them so much that they took the huge decision to move right out of London into the anonymity of the countryside in 1938, before the war started the following year.
Having seen what was happening in Germany, Poland etc, they were terrified of what would happen if England was invaded.
So I feel great empathy with you and hope you will continue to put your thoughts on this blog as well as t’other. ๐
I share many of your anxieties, Stasia, albeit for different reasons, and as I am unable to identify with the tide of righteousness expressed above it is clear to me that I no longer have anything to contribute to this part of the blog.
DeleteMrs P 1.19am.
ReplyDeleteI could not have put it better myself. I completely agree.
Funnily enough, when I woke yesterday the world hadn’t ended.....which a lot of remainers would have led you to believe would happen.
A friend of mine was constantly sending texts about Brexit and how no one knew what would happen....all doom and gloom. I gave up answering and just deleted them.
Let’s all just get on with our lives and see what happens.
Hear! Hear! Ptby. I am perturbed at hatred of others and that some have leapt onto the wrong bandwagon and we have incidents such as what Miriam’s relative has had to deal with. My Dad was a Glaswegian Protestant and his brother married a Catholic which meant a family rift for some years as Grandfather would not tolerate her. My father then further disappointed him by marrying an English woman! All complete nonsense to me! Have enjoyed seeing posts on Brexit which has been a friendly discussion rather than a confrontation. Agree with Archerfile that we are all entitled to our opinion and should not ridicule or treat arrogantly the other side.
ReplyDeleteMaybe because the ladies and gentlemen on this blog (and i use that expression in its full meaning), are sensible adults who ACT like sensible adults and respect the opinion of others without " throwing their toys out of the pram" and resorting to hideous and infantile name calling as is seen too often in the media.
DeleteDecency and respect are slowly disappearing. ..though not on this blog, I'm delighted to say.
So happy our 4 legged friends are doing so well..cuddles to all๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Strongly in agreement with much of what has been said here in the last 18 hrs or so.
ReplyDeleteCommunication outlets always offer a simplistic, & therefore misleading & untrue picture of what is going on ( Animal Farm, written 1948, '4 legs good, 2 legs bad' comes to mind). Some fall for the lies, that fit with their biases, others see a far more tangled web, where 'truth' & 'right' are hard to discern, so buried are they beneath centuries of wrong turnings & ignorance.
I know the above is very general, but no point in echoing, in slightly different words, the sentiments & thoughtful views already made.
Where the present moment is concerned, am in accord with what most here feel - a cautious optimism about the future for the UK. Don't know about 'new dawn' & all the hype, sensible surely to expect difficulties & setbacks, but there is opportunity as well, a clearer way ahead.
Whoops ! It was Orwell's 1984 that was written in 1948, Animal Farm earlier.
DeleteI read Animal Farm when still at school and have never forgotten it. It is strange how some ideologies start out as being equality for all and then leaders emerge and put themselves in exalted positions disregarding the plight of the majority poor.
DeleteThat was my point. 1984 takes the grim message of history ( & human nature !) even further.
DeleteI expect most of us read Animal Farm at school. I have since taught it, & it never failed to make an impact & generate worthwhile discussion.
Just like to add that we held our wake last night with several like - minded friends. Foie gras, scallops, Corsican pork & chestnut stew, cheese board. Plenty to drink. Eton Mess to finish.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tasty & varied mix ! A nod to many national cuisines - great planning.
DeleteQuiet day today, until Le Crunch.. ๐๐๐จ๐ต๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
DeleteStasia, I can't imagine any person who reads or contributes to this blog, failing to understand your fears about nationalism. It seems perfectly natural to me that you would have those fears, and the far right groups rising throughout Europe are something to be feared. And it is incumbent on all of us to combat that rise whether part of the EU or out of it.
ReplyDeleteLike others I would not want you to stop contributing here on our friendly and very polite blog, as well as our TA forum.
There is room for all of us, so............
Please, don't go !
Echo that. Please stay, Stasia.
DeleteHi Parsley, great minds think alike, Eton Mess was part of our UK course on our euro-menu. Having a non meat eating gathering (except for couple of younger guests) made food choices challenging. We ended up with a combined German/Belgian course, mussels and frites for oldies, frankfurters and frites for the youngsters, the mussels were served with red cabbage & the frankfurters with brussel sprouts.
ReplyDeleteStasia please don’t feel you need to stop contributing to this blog, many of us are saddened by current events but we must carry on and continue to uphold the values we believe in.
Ditto - always appreciate your posts, Stasia, reste avec nous !
Delete& of course we had Brussels sprouts /choux de Bruxelles !
Stasia (9.56am), may I add to the comments responding to your post ? I doubt if anyone here disagrees with what you say, there is no conceivable reason for you to apologise.
ReplyDeleteYou are surely right to point out how swiftly the far right moves in to capitalise on, say, worries about immigration, & to twist those concerns into a targeted hatred against particular groups, resulting in bullying, persecution, &, ultimately, as you say, to the horror that arose in 1934 in Germany.
There is such a very fine line between objective comment, civilized discussion, & abuse of people who hold different views. Evidently, the fine line is hard to discern, hence the disturbing divisiveness, hysterical protests, & riots since 2016. I sense a change of mood for the better recently, & do hope this isn't just wishful thinking.
I really value your lively posts, Stasia, & the no nonsense, well argued contributions you make, very much including the one you wrote earlier today. As you can see, many others feel the same. Please continue to write on both blogs whenever you feel moved to do so.
Stasia:-
ReplyDelete"YOU cannot be serious!"
Perhaps just a short break away will sort things out, but I bet you will be back, and rightly so.
Normally, this site is just normal chatter, but this week-end, it has related to the recent events.
No-one has been political, but just expressing very veiled fews and ideas.
It has been an historic moment, which has been ackowledged, with other TA bloggers, on this wonderful site.
How lucky we are, to be able to do this, without any nastiness and without being vindictive.
Stay Stasia. ๐
Dear kind and supportive friends, thank you for enabling me to realise that having a wibble wobble about my image of the future is, at the moment, unrealistic. I have, like everyone else, no idea what the repercussions of this political change might bring, economically.
ReplyDeleteBut I remember a few days after BREXIT a poor Polish man being harangued in the street and being told go home as he wasn’t wanted here. That decision also saw a lot of aggression being directed at other Eastern European’s and then the MP Jo Cox was murdered.
My mother spent most of her life living in fear of another 3rd world war and the prospect of constant hunger and beatings. Individuals like myself have had to experience second hand the affects of the cruelty experienced by holocaust victims, and I and my siblings had to have family therapy so that we could understand and learn to grow up as empathetic adults. BTW the Americans have done a fair bit of research into the experiences of the children of holocaust victims.
I know that is what drew me into psychiatry as a profession.
Usually I’m quite laid back and calm but IMO the Europe of Peace that I grew up with is now changing, but as you say carolyn, I do hope it turns out for the better.
So if you all don’t mind putting up with me I will bore the blog with my silliness.
Thank you every much.
I so understand your feelings + thoughts.
DeleteTake Care. ๐ค๐ค
Oh dear Stasia wibble wobble away...that's why we're here.๐๐๐
DeleteTomorrow is the start of a new week, with different thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHope all our four-legged pets/companions, will still give us enjoyment, as usual.
And to All those, with health issues, I wish you well.. ๐ค๐ค๐ป๐ถ๐
Enjoy your evening. MiriamXxx
Katy is going away this week Wednesday to Friday but bless her, she has arranged for the boys, Dud and Bud to go to daycare with the dog minder Wednesday and Friday and to go for walkies with her on Thursday. This is to give me a break when hopefully I will be able to do some painting. She’s going on a course as she has just become a Union Rep at school. I will have Gypsy for company during the day and her walks are relatively short and of course I will have all three of them at night! So a different week which will be followed by her half term holiday. Dogs will be off to the groomers not before time as the boys are getting a bit scruffy! In the afternoon that day we are going to the podiatrist for blissful foot treatment!
ReplyDelete