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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.
Hopefully this will put a smile on some faces...
ReplyDeleteLove it Gary, definitely raised a smile.
DeleteI hope your throat is responding to treatment.
Love it Gary an ahhh moment to be sure and
Deletea big smile as you kindly intended 🤗
FROM PREVIOUS BLOG...
ReplyDeleteparsley 16March 17, 2020 at 9:27 AM
Woke up to government text message on our mobiles this morning, reiterating Macron's announcements & with a government link.. 😯 very Big Brother...
Went out for a few perishables at our small local alimentation /épicerie, we're fine until we run low on fresh milk, has to be the 'Grande Surface' for that.
Janice March 17, 2020 at 10:28 AM
We are lucky in having a twice weekly milk delivery, but I keep a tin of dried milk in store in case we run out.
Lovely video Gary. It certainly put a smile on my face 😂
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better, and Spicycushion too. As well as all others unwell, isolating and / or anxious about the situation. ❤️
Thanks Zoetrope - I am feeling a lot better! The mega doses of antibiotics seem to be keeping the throat infection at bay thank goodness. The slight downside is that they are making me feel slightly nauseous all the time, but MUCH rather that than horror of the past! Just farting about the house doing "stuff" - the same as everyone else no doubt...
DeletePerfect video, Gary, lambs gambolling, a feeling of light at the end of the tunnel, when we're all rather weighed down, one way or another.
DeleteAnd well done you, ebullient as ever ! Glad the antibiotics are doing the trick, & hopefully you won't feel rough in any way when the course is completed.
Wonderful joys of Spring Gary. Brings back memories of lambs in front the Rayburn! and sums up neatly the reason why my brother who is retiring is still going to keep 30 of his sheep.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't sound like retirement to me Janice!!!
DeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day to the Irish amongst us!☘☘☘
ReplyDeleteForgot about that Janice! Should have found some Irish lambs....
DeleteThanks Gary. It definitely made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteWent against govt. advice this morning to drive to Sainsburys for a shop to keep us going until we can get an online delivery at end of next week.
ReplyDeleteWore disposable plastic gloves, so not touching anything with hands and did self-scanning so no need to interact with checkout staff.
Managed to get chicken, meat, sausages for freezer but no frozen veg at all, no bread, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes or longlife milk.
To add to the difficulties, the store had decided to carry out a major reorganisation and none of the available good were where they should have been, but several aisles away!
My major problem was on the way home when my beloved 21 year old Micra broke down. (For the first time ever) Thank goodness Mr A had come with me to make sure I was OK driving because he had to up the bonnet, fiddle about about a bit, couldn’t find what was wrong, then drive us 6 miles back home, in 1st and 2nd gears, leapfrogging all the way with hazard lights on! I couldn’t have done that on my own and was a nervous wreck when we got in.
We think there is a major fault with the engine which may not be worth repairing due to the age of the car. So my driving days could be over as cannot afford to buy new one. 🚙 😤 😰
What a stressful & frustrating morning, AP ! Sorry to hear this, & hope the car can, in fact, be repaired.
DeleteOh Archerphile so sorry to hear your latest news you are having a frustrating time right now (and over the last few months come to that)
Delete💐
Thought some of you might like to know that those of us who've met before have been pondering another MEETING, in London, &, later on, following up on your idea, Archerphile, in Winchester.
ReplyDeleteWe were aiming for mid June in London, but that is no longer feasible as it stands currently with the corona virus
Postponed, yes, but not forgotten ! Something to look forward to, hoping that some of you may join us whenever it happens, & we will keep you posted.
Oh dear AP, what a nightmare. Sympathies..
ReplyDeleteGrand merci GG- what fun !!
Heard the first hoopoe this morning!
Every day is a school day on here - just Googled the hoopoe! What a fantastic looking bird. Do you get lots of them in your neck of the woods parsley?
DeleteArcherphile, apparently wearing gloves is not a good idea because it gives people a false sense of security -so I have just read .
ReplyDeletePeople still touch their faces when wearing gloves.We went out yesterday and it was very quiet.
Today our local high street was crowded with a queue outside Iceland where we were headed.
They only opened at 10am to allow for extra delivery but when we eventually got in ,most of the shelves and cabinets were empty.
Tomorrow ,only pensioners will be allowed in during the morning.ie from 10-12noon.
There are no slots online for Asda,Sainsbury’s or Morrison.
I have managed to book. Tesco slot for 4th April.
Good to hear that Gary is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteThe video is wonderful and yes, I was smiling throughout.
So very very sorry Archerphile that your Micra has hit the buffers. Perhaps I should not have written about mine yesterday.
Two more offers of help with shopping this morning plus a visit with offers from another. I am blessed.
I rang elder daughter in Cornwall and ' asked' and was not blown out of the water.
She says she had thought of it herself, but they are working hard towards getting the Cottages at least ready for holiday letting, expecting to do photographs this week prior to advertising. So if I went down and stayed in one of the cottages I would have to return home if they got bookings. We have agreed to talk again later in the week, and I am relieved that I was courageous enough to ask and was not rejected.
I was going to say to you to just call her MrsP - I'm so glad that you did!
Delete👍
Delete👏👏
DeleteWell we've downloaded our permits, ready for anything!
ReplyDeleteSurely you're allowed out in a cheese emergency? 😀
DeleteThe only thing my 83 year old neighbour is concerned about is will her hairdressers be staying open! She gets her hair done every Thursday WITHOUT FAIL & will not be a happy woman if she can't continue. Like MrsP, she has had many people offer to do shopping etc for her, but she says she's perfectly happy to toddle down to the shops every day as she has done her entire life.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile..sorry to hear about your micra...we had a goldish yellowy one for 17 years and we loved it..so roomy for a small car and went like a tank. We still see a few around and always say ooh there's a micra.
ReplyDeleteI shed a tear when we finally let her go...it wouldn't have passed its annual inspection and they were offering incentives to scrap old cars for new ones. I stuck with a new micra red with a sunroof but I'll always love the old one and all the journeys we did.
Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteCornwall, with your daughter close by, is such a sensible option.
You + her, can have time together, as much or as little, as you both want.
Your daughter will be happy to have you close-by, and you will have a family, to help, if needed.
PS I wonder if she will get any holiday bookings?
I wonder what is going to happen to small businesses. Many, sadly, will not survive.
To answer a question on the "closed" board......I am a young, 65yrs, with controlled hypertension, and controlled, high eye pressures.
ReplyDeleteI am being cautious, as I live alone (apart from Pusscat). I just don't want to become a "burden" to others. Every-one has to be sensible and protect their own family members.
I went to the final - Ladies who Lunch - event (for quite a while) oday. A country pub was chosen, but I have never seen this place so empty!
The food was great, with lovely service, as there were very few others eating lunch.
I just had, a bowl of very tasty, home-made vegetable soup, with a lovely bread roll + butter.
I hope this place survives..
Off to make a lasagne.
DeleteI am using my food now, and will continue to cook as normal. I will worry later, when supplies get low.
Went to little Tesco and they had filtered milk 2 x 4 pints for £3.20 usually £2.10 each so I bought 2. The end date is 9 April. Katy on getting home from school said she would go to Tesco and I’m not to. That’s me told!😊🤔
ReplyDeleteOur Tenerife holiday will be cancelled but I don’t mind as I would worry about travelling. Better that this virus hadn’t happened but it has so we have to make the best of it.
Holidays planned by family members, up to June, have all been cancelled.
DeleteBig Sis is panicking, as she + Hubbie, have a very expensive trip to The Seychelles, booked over a year ago, for September.
She is thinking the worst, even now.
Lá fhéile Pádraig so a dhuit. Have a good St Patrick’s afternoon on a day when the world seems to be in turmoil.
ReplyDeleteI’m about to pour a whiskey and later have Irish stew for dinner. ☘️☘️
Am I the:only Irish person on this blog?
Stasia.I'm not Irish but I would gladly welcome a little bit of the luck of the Irish to get through this.
DeleteSpecial wishes to our Irish friends.
My Granny was Irish : )
DeleteI forgot, that it is St. Patricks Day, today.
ReplyDeleteI wish Stasia + all other Irish posters, a Good One.
Just, Enjoy + make merry!
I am not Irish, but I will join in - any excuse! ☘☘
🤣🤣🤣 with you there Miriam.
Delete🍀 Stasia 🍀 and any other Irish among us.
New restrictions from Italian government added to the document that you need to leave home..now you have to declare if you are in contact or have been in contact with anyone with the virus....we are anxiously waiting for the peak
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted, as the UK is only about 4 weeks behind.
DeleteAny thoughts + info. will be interesting.
Take Care 🤗🤗
We have Irish, Scottish and English bloggers and I think Welsh as well. Truly a United Kingdom!🇬🇧
ReplyDeleteSo true. ✔✔
DeleteOMG I need to have moan!
ReplyDeleteI was woken up at about 6.30am (or earlier) by neighnours shouting + screaming, yet again.
They have been at it again,for about an hour now..after coming home from work.
I hate the thought, they work start to work from home, or have to self-isolate soon.
With the ongping financial situation, I am just 🤞🤞 that their house sale goes through.
I am not sure, just how much more I can take.
Thanks for my moan...and apologise for it. Xxxx
I feel so angry with your neighbours Miriam. Have you ever told them that you have no option but to be disturbed by their inconsiderate behaviour. When same happened to us we were advised to keep a diary of events and were going to go to court if necessary just prior to them moving as it happens 🤗
DeleteHope you feel better for letting off steam! A miserable time for you Miriam. I hope their house sale goes quickly and smoothly x
ReplyDeleteBon courage, Miriam & Autumnleaves..
ReplyDelete☘️☘️🍀🍀Stasia etc etc !
ReplyDeleteHoopoes are common summer visitors, often seen pecking about on the ground, beautiful & bizarre !
ReplyDeleteFine for an emergency cheese run, accompanied by the obligatory piece of paper.. 😉
ReplyDeleteCatching up....
ReplyDeleteHave googled hoopoes and apparently about 100 of them visit UK each year on migratory route usually in spring and autumn in south or east mainly but can be seen elsewhere. Having seen picture they are very beautiful and will look out for one! Most colourful bird have seen here is the spotted woodpecker!
ReplyDeleteMiriam, those dratted neighbours! Hope they are on their way soon! 😟
ReplyDeleteEsscee, well spotted on the video! I was waiting for someone to point them out - they were the reason I chose that one above the rest I watched this morning! Gold star!!
ReplyDeleteMiriam 8.05 pm - I'm so sorry to hear about your neighbours. I have experienced something similar with some over the road neighbours. They used to have screaming rows, there would be swearing and shouting and then the man would slam doors and leave the house in his car with screeching brakes. This used to happen almost every weekend then another neighbour called the police who paid them a visit. Thankfully their behaviour has stopped, I hope permanently.
ReplyDeleteSpent a large part of this afternoon with my 89 yr old lady that I exercise and her daughter here from Germany.
ReplyDeleteThe mother who has done nothing for herself for most of her life, was still this afternoon making telephone calls to her ' taxi' man to get her to the dental hygienist next week.
Daughter at her wits end with passive aggressive mother refusing to understand the current situation, I took charge, spoke severely and insisted mother watched the PM on the news and firmly told her that she was not going anywhere for the next three months.
Despite a two hour meeting with daughter at my house last night I still had to endure, yet again, daughters hysterical ranting about how she really shouldn't have to be dealing with this.
She has many other problems besides mother but even so her anger at the burdens she has to carry take so much energy. And it is such wasted energy.
I am going on Thursday to re introduce mother to boiling an egg and how to make herself a sandwich. Daughter insists I will be wasting my time.
Finally walked Lady in the dusk, and she had great fun with her head down the many rabbit holes in multiple burrows.
Picked up shopping from kind neighbours and finally home.
I thought I saw a Llama too, but wasn't sure.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely video Gary.
How can you get to 89 and be so useless? How did she manage to bring up daughter? Is daughter her only child? Katy has a colleague whose mother is a nightmare. She has had to tell her that people with arthritis are more susceptible to catching the virus to stop her going out and about contrary to government advice! Oh, Katy, how lucky you are to have me!!!😂😂 She wouldn’t agree of course!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Ev! I would hate to be that useless - where's the dignity in learned helplessness?
DeletePassive aggression produces satisfying results for the practioners, or so they think ( the ones who haven't been killed, of course ..) I've seen it in action - fascinating in a ghastly way.
DeleteWho's going to cater for this person's 'needs' if you depart to Cornwall for a few months, Mrs P ? I'm assuming here she does not have dementia, so savvy enough to have lined up other support by playing the helpless card.
(If she has got dementia, then it's very different, & the above doesn't apply)
Goodness, so many posts to catch up with since yesterday:
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - Yes, I do hope we can arrange a meet up later this year in the Winchester area. I now feel I ‘know’ so many of our fellow bloggers that I should love to meet as many as possible in person and put faces to names!
Obviously we can’t arrange anything yet, but really hope restrictions will be lifted later on this year so that we can organise something.
Have heard that Sainsburys is going to reserve the first hour of opening each day for the over 70s - that would mean getting there at 7am for us! Also they are going to prioritise their home delivery slots for over 70 or those in self-isolation; so I just tried to book a slot and they have absolutely nothing available until mid April and nowhere on the form to say you are in a vulnerable group, so that’s not much help.
Mr A and I both have much needed eye tests booked at Boots today. I had been expecting a call to say they are cancelled due to the virus, but heard nothing. So I rang them and they said it’s fine to go ahead. But surely an eye test is very up-close and personal, to say nothing of using lots of hard-to-sanitise equipment and sitting next to others in the waiting room. Even telling them we are both over 70 didn’t seem to concern them.
Any way, we have decided not to risk it and have now cancelled our appointements.
.
With respect, AP, & I do get your misgivings, must beg to differ. Opticians, along with all other health providers, know what they're doing, how to keep their equipment safe, & it seems a shame that you should both miss appointments. Eyes, ears, teeth, whatever, unless expressly forbidden by the practice/practitioner, need attention, & it's good for personal morale to live as normally as possible, within current limitations, &, no doubt, yet more stringent ones to come.
DeleteArcherphile,
ReplyDeleteI too was trying to get a delivery from Sainsbury’s but couldn’t.
In the end I got one from Tesco.for 4th April.
As you say,, how do Sainsbury’s know if someone online is over 70?
I told two elderly neighbours who are not on the internet that I could do an online order for them. I am dreading them asking me to do so now.
As for Sainsbury’s and Iceland allowing pensioners time to do their shopping when other folk were not around,I can’t see how that can work when we are supposed to be self isolating .
It will be like the unselfish altruistic villagers in Derbyshire who kept the plague in situ .
The elderly will have places to collect their supplies .
They will be called Eyam spots.
We will be given time slots to collect them so we don’t meet other folk.
I wouldn’t go for an eye test either Archerphile.
Mr LJ is concerned about hikes trip to the barber’s
I said I would cut his hair but that hasn’t gone down too well.
Too bad.
He will have to look like an ageing hippy..
I didn’t realise Archerphile until I read your post again,that your eye tests were “much needed”
DeleteI thought they were the routine ones we are told to get annually.
If there is an urgent need for you to see an optician I would agree with Carolyn
Well, I agree with you about the hairdresser & barber, Lanjan ! Hardly vital ( though not so keen on watching the hair grow over 3 months or more....)
DeleteIn reply to my post about my 89 yr old.
ReplyDeleteHow did it happen ?
Born 1930, Mother died in childbirth. Handed to fathers parents to raise. Loved, Indulged but prevented from being independent in fairly wealthy family, even when she learned to drive, was not allowed to do so. Found a man to marry and indulge her again, au pairs, weekly hair dressers, and no responsibilities, and according to daughter no motherly instincts. Left husband taking children with her, but didn't send them to school and father retrieved them. Little boy was three.
Found second husband and indulged again, until his death.
Son has personality disorder lives as hermit in squalid conditions supported by social services and trust fund administered by sister. She has all the responsibilities and resentful brother who rages at her by phone at every opportunity. While mother sits in a recliner chair, helpless. Daughter has lived and worked in Germany throughout her career.
I took on the task of getting her back on her feet, because I felt as Ev, Carolyn and GG (you express precisely my feelings) say.
It took a year of twice weekly visits to exercise her before I found any motivation from her. Her daughter refuses to acknowledge the psychology of her mother, but I use it relentlessly and she does respond to me. ( but then I'm not emotionally involved) but instead am kind but firm.
As Carolyn has noted, this lady's strategy in life has been extremely successful. And she doesn't even have to demand anything. It just falls into her lap as she picks up the telephone.
I have recently discovered that her taxi driver who's she clings to for his ' kindness' charges her £40 Simply to pick up her pension from the local post office, and the same amount to do her weekly shop, however much or little she requires.
Are we not fortunate to have been taught to stand on our own two feet, with or without the support of close family ? ? ?
Absolutely, Mrs P. Re the taxi driver, there will always be those who take advantage and if lady has always relied on others she won’t realise she is being seen off by this individual. You are very kind and patient to carry on supporting this lady and her daughter. The son seems a very sad person too.
ReplyDeleteLanjan / Archerphile if customers have a Nectar card the data base would be able to sort by DOB (?) I have never shopped for food online and of course it is now nigh impossible to do so. Our main local stores are Waitrose (nearest), Sainsbury & M&S near each other far end of town. Also a fair sized Iceland (as it was Woolworths in its previous life)
ReplyDeleteM&S will lose out completely as they do not go live online with Ocado until September and so far unlike other stores no special shop time for older / vulnerable customers of which locally and very near to them there are quite a number IE 3 and about to be 4 McCarthy Stone blocks of apartments plus other older residents in the area, but we shall see!
Archerphile please do not elaborate if you would rather not but I am wondering why your eye test is much needed? Is it just that your sight has changed considerably and you really do need to get your prescriptions changed asap?
I think I must have the bestest GP in the world! Since I saw him on Friday I have been trying to sort out a visit to hospital for the chest x-ray he wanted. Of course trying to convince anyone that it has nothing do do with Corona virus has been nigh impossible.
ReplyDeleteAnyway finally got in touch with consultant and GP surgery to find out how, when and what should be my next move after today when prescription on antibiotics finishes.
GP rang me at 8 pm last night, was on the phone for about 20 mins and took me through everything, step by step.
He did say that when he saw me Friday he wanted to admit me to hospital but felt it would be more dangerous for me in hospital than alone at home. Anyway brother in law came over this morning and took me to Medway Maritime Hospital and 28 mins later I was out having had my chest x-ray.
I have been prescribed an inhaler to help clear the airways and I don't sound quite so bad when breathing. Hardly any 'gurgling' at end of breath either. I can taste things now and do occasionally feel hungry. So getting better I'm sure.
Gary I do hope you're on the mend too!
BTW The hospital wasn't half as busy as when I have to go up for my 6 monthly audiology appointments. Makes you wonder if all the visits during 'normal' times are necessary?
Another email from JS. I have been annoyed that I couldn't book a delivery but look forward to seeing if I can return to them as I do like the taste of their own English butter better than anyone else's.
Sadly I can't take advantage of the special opening hours as I have to stay in. My recent trouble was caused by long standing chest infection and a common cold on top of absolutely no immunity to anything.
Middle son still got stinking cold and is at home. Apparently he is being asked to work from home next week on three days so he's just been out and bought a new computer because his other is not 'up to it!' That will keep him quiet for an hour or two setting it up. 😀
Does anyone else love The Repair Shop? New series starting tonight at 8 pm.
I think the BBC have taken note of Dame Joan Bakewell's plea the other night for the BBC to give us something to smile about instead of all the doom and gloom continuously!
Apologies it's such a long message!😒
DeleteNo need to apologise for the length of the post Spicycushion!
DeleteSo pleased to read your post Spicy and thank goodness for your superb Dr. Thrilled you are fancying some food that will help you a lot.
DeleteThe Repair Shop - ooh yes!! It has gone prime time because of its popularity yay to that 🤗👏🏻
One of my Bro-in-laws (salaried), works 2× a week driving a mini-bus, picking up + taking, people from their homes, to a day care centre and back again. He also delievered their "meals on wheels" service and did the gardens at the centre.
ReplyDeleteAs of today, the centre is now closed for 12 weeks, and this must be happening all over.
I wonder how these people, who have dementia, various medical conditions or other mental problems, will now be cared for and by whom?
The hospital, nearest to me, which is a very busy one, has now cancelled all ops. except emergency ones, all out-patient clinics (a 'phone call or video call will be used if deemed necessary), and are limiting visits to just once a day, staggering visiting times to the wards, with the maximum of 2 visitors per patient.
My neices partner, is having problems, trying to buy suitable food for the children, both for evening meals + packed, school, lunches.
He has not been able to buy milk, for 3 days now.
Big Sis aka Grandma, is driving over, to give them some milk + bread. As she says, the health + well being of her grandkids, are more important than hers + her hubby.
I have just been chatting to a bloke, who lives 3 doors away.
ReplyDeleteHe + his wife, are letting others know, that they are happy to shop + help others, if needed, with shopping and picking up prescriptions from a pharmacy.
I know them quite well, but wanted me to know, as I live on my own, I can ask for help.
What a lovely + friendly gesture...
Lovely Miriam!
DeleteWouldn’t it be good if when this is all over the kindness people are showing continued and that Dr’s and A&E services did not revert to unnecessary visits.
I do wonder whether visits to hospital should be limited to two as it used to be. When my husband was in a ward one of the adjoining beds had a whole huge family around it. Apart from the risk of infection it can be disturbing to other patients. When my dad was in hospital and I was ten I was not allowed to visit and didn’t see him for several weeks. It was disturbing for me but children can carry infection so can see why.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised yesterday that there was plenty of milk at little Tesco. Big Tesco is shutting overnight to allow staff to restock. I hope the current rationing which is still generous will stop the shelves emptying. Crazy stuff as there is plenty in the supply chain.
re Hospital visiting, I believe that if, sadly, someone is "passing away", then there will be no limit as to visitors, and so it should be.
DeleteOn that awful topic, I need to go + re-charge!
Oh yes, perhaps that was the case.
DeleteI went out today to panic buy wine. Went to Tesco even though I don’t normally shop there and packed a lot of bottles into the trolley and headed for the cashier. She looked at the contents and told me I was only allowed 3 bottles. Where was the instruction informing customers of that draconian policy? I asked. Her reply was sorry she couldn’t sell me any more but that was the rule because people weren’t going to the pubs. They had run short of beer.
ReplyDeleteWent on to Waitrose and they were very nice and said I could buy as much as I wanted that the only thing they were rationing was toilet 🚾 roll. Nobody else was in the wine dept.
WR are only putting out loo roll once a day and flour is non existent although I did buy some in the garden centre.
I CANNOT buy cornflour anywhere.
Never mind the cornflour, Stasia, the wine will keep you going...
DeleteMajestic let me have 12 bottles of wine on Sunday but we are lucky to have one just round the corner! I had an e mail from Tesco today setting out their 3 of each item policy but it does seem extraordinary to extend it to wine and beer. Nowadays with driving people do tend to drink at home so would have thought the virus wouldn’t make much difference.
DeleteIt is a nightmare now, but I believe, that in 2 weeks time, things will become more normal. I so hope so.
ReplyDeleteI used 400 gram of mince, last night, to make a lasagne. I made it as normal, but added in a lot of extra veg - such as mushrooms, carrots, celery, chopped swede etc.
ReplyDeleteAs a result, I made 3 × lasagne meals (2 in freezer) and 4 × spag. bol portions (3 in freezer). I admit the portions are smaller than usual, but will still give some tasty meals, with lots of extra veg. + pots.
I think this is the way, I will now cook + shop, as fresh veg. seems readily available (as can't be hoarded). I will be cooking + eating in an almost semi-veggie way now.
It reminds me of how, we as a family, then I as an individual person, shopped + cooked, during the two Foot + Mouth outbreaks. There is, however, one big difference though - it was not contagious to us humans!
DeleteOh well, Keep Calm + Carry On. 🤗🤗
Good news that soaps will not have as many episodes per week. Appreciate that many enjoy them but peak viewing time all week is taken up so there is no alternative. When Corrie and EE only appeared two or three times a week it was surely enough.
ReplyDeleteI just hope that the vacant "slots", will now show some wonderful replacement, but repeated, programmes.
DeleteI need to be kept amused + just "escape" from what is happening.
In answer to questions about our eye tests : Mr A’s was non-urgent, but because he is diabetic he has one once a year (prescription not changed for several years) butalso has retinal photography done yearly at the Doctors Surgery.
ReplyDeleteMine was much needed as I’ve not had a test for 3 years and the specs prescribed then are not much good anymore. In fact, I am now using the specs from the previous prescription which seem much better for one eye. I think my very short sighted eye has actually improved but the long sighted one has got a little worse, so I need balancing up. Anyway, I can wait a few months; my original appointment was for December which Boots messed up, then there was hospital, then my optician was on holiday now there is the virus. Che sera sera!
Just re-arrange your eye appointments and go to opticians soon. You will be safer now, rather than later.
DeleteEye sight is so important for all, but especially for a diabetic.
Eye tests should be done; after 65yrs, every year.
Do not neglect this, and go soon, whilst things are not too bad.
The opticians will be doing every-thing, as per guidlines, and just remember the 3ft distance between others.
Lecture Over!!!
Apologies 😣🤤
DeleteI just know too much, along with, what the consequences might be.
However, every-one, has to decide, what is thought best for themselves.
Miriam, are you still finding fruit and veg in good supply? At the weekend I was a little surprised at how much fresh produce was available in the supermarkets. Understandable on one hand as people were concentrating on non-perishables (and loo roll), but even so...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the past 2 days, I have nipped into the local Co-op on my way home from work, and the shelves are bare of all fresh foods apart from the odd, lonely, white cabbage or a few tomatoes 😩
I bought a good supply of fresh veg on Monday, all that I needed + more. Leeks, carrots, a savoy cabbage, swede, mushrooms, brocolli + a cauli. The delivery was just being put out. It's a good job I have some loo rolls!
DeleteI am just eating + utilising, more veg as I can now get it, so far.
As said I am using more at the moment, to "stretch" my meat and to not use my valuable, tins of pulses + beans, too soon.
The person who shopped for me yesterday ......( I picked up my own bread, some cheese and ham at the deli in town and went to pet shop for dog and cat, myself) ......
ReplyDeleteWent to Tesco but could not get any fresh veg except potatoes. I now have a 2and1/2 K bag of potatoes that I couldn't use in a month of Sundays but frozen green beans and a bag of frozen peas. They were peas and S corn ��, but I can't stand the yellow things so spent quite some time sorting through and discarding the yellow devils and have frozen them for the dog.
Someone else who had offered to go to Aldi as they pass daily, I asked to get me a certain cat food and a rice pudding. She got the cat stuff, limit X4 only, but bought some highly processed individual rice puddings with fruit. I knew I shouldn't, but did, open one, and the smell was disgusting. Not something I would ever have purchased for my children or myself. Took the rest to the food bank today, and they wouldn't take it either. So it will have to go in the food waste bin. ( which is criminal) but don't know any families that would eat them.
Later a nicely written and copied note from a young couple locally offering help to all in a small part of our locality.
Spiceycushion - it's difficult to know how to sympathise with you as it is all beyond awful but it is good to hear that breathing is a little easier.
Gary - are you still on the mend ?
I keep changing my mind about your eye test dilemma.,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteWe are told to self isolate..
Your husband is diabetic and therefore is more at risk than some other men of his age .
How would you feel if he were in contact with someone who had already caught the virus?
I don’t think he will be able to go in the near future either.
I believe it is going to be many months before we will feel safe mixing with others.
Don’t risk it Archerphile
I know it is a kind gesture of Supermarkets allowing people over 70 to go to shop at a certain time but surely that will not be sensible either.
We are supposed to be self isolating.
I think that there should be some method whereby the elderly who are not able to get groceries online can be put in touch with someone who can do it for them.
Perhaps this will happen.
Maybe a helpline will be set up.
Maybe if schools are closed there could be members of staff who could do that.
(Haven’t thought through how payment can be made)
It will be interesting to see the news tomorrow to see just how many people do the 7-8am shop. If indeed a great number do attend it might seem like a bit of an odd though well intentioned offer by JS. I needed to do a final good top up shop today and mid pm went to M&S the whole area was very quiet so hardly any contact and less than tomorrow will possibly be I think at JS. Not been able to get a slot online with any store anyway, plus due to my smaller branch career with M&S as a Supervisor/ Relief Store Manager and Licensee I can still enjoy my 20% discount. As I left school at 15 yrs with no exams behind me I feel so grateful for the very long list of benefits I had over the many years with the firm as it was in those days. Did not even have to pay one penny towards my pension which came with lump sum too.
ReplyDeleteThe Next Door app is setting up community groups to help those who need help, in all its areas. And volunteers are signing up quickly.
ReplyDeleteMany small areas have their own FB groups or ' chat' app on phones.
Been talking to my younger daughter this evening and their small are of Bath has a 'chat group' set up. I was suggesting that the two younger teenagers write a short letter and distribute it in their small area offering to do shopping.
In this town alone there are already five groups forming to be available for those who need to self isolate.
Glad to report that my car might be repairable after all. Apparently there are some temperature sensors not working so replacing them, new air filter, sparking plugs and an oil change might to the trick. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteBut not in time for me to get to Sainsburys by 7am tomorrow morning.
How many 70+ yr olds want to go shopping that early anyway?
Really good news about your Archerphile ,and I’m with you re a 7am shop now a 9-10 pm a different matter except I doubt there would be anything to buy 🤣
DeleteMy son lives in an area where Booth’s is his local store.
ReplyDeleteFor those unfamiliar with the shop, they are a bit like Waitrose and are situated in the north of England .
The one my son shops at is lovely.
There has been no panic buying ,he says.
He took a photograph of a pile of toilet rolls.
I tried to publish my reply to Esscee last night.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I couldn’t do so.
I imagine that I must have pressed “sign out “ instead of “publish” although I don’t think I did.
It is practically unheard of for me to go to bed gone 11pm (I am usually there at 10am) but it was virtually midnight before after trying and failing to get logged in ,I actually gave up.
I can’t tell you how awful that was.
I tried lots of new passwords all of which were rejected.
Google said they would send me an email within 6 to 12 hours
It wasn’t there this morning.
However ,suddenly I can post comments again.
I have not got a clue what my password is though if it happens again.
Gary, do we have to have the “sign out “ option?
I
So glad you got back in Lanjan - we couldn’t possibly afford to loose you!
DeleteLanJan glad you managed to get back in, several times I’ve touched sign out rather than publish, but immediately pressed the symbol for return to previous page ( I think that’s what it is ) and have stayed logged in. This is on an iPad I still can’t comment on my phone, maybe that is a project for while I am home more.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed (and not a little surprised) with our village Parish Council.
ReplyDeleteWithin a couple of days they have compiled a list of 50 local volunteers and made arrangements with our village shop to supply village ‘over 70s’ and self- isolators with a comprehensive food ordering and delivery service.
We can phone the shop between certain hours, or email a list of what we need, and the shop will pack items into bags or boxes. They volunteers will then deliver the bag to the household, leaving it on the doorstep. We are all being supplied with a form on which we can ask for other services, like prescription collection from the nearby town, or just a friendly telephone chat, or for somebody to walk a dog, which we leave out for the volunteer.
This is the first time in 40 years that I have seen such friendly co-operation from the village which has been very cliquey in the past; where you were mostly ignored if you didn’t attend the church, the golf club or had children in the village school. And it’s a lovely feeling to know people are thinking of you.
Oh dear, I really didn’t mean that we leave the dog out for the volunteer - bad phrasing - I meant the form of course! 🤭
DeleteArcherphile I had visions of rows of dogs tied to gates or fences waiting for someone to come & pick them up :-))
DeleteBooths sounds lovely. Maybe in the future they will spread southwards as Morrison’s did. We were first introduced to Morrison’s when Katy was at university in Leeds. Of course they took over Safeway which helped their spread but they were originally just in the North.
ReplyDeleteThanks Archerphile 8:25am
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear about what is happening in your village.
I know there are cons living in a more isolated place than most of us do but that is certainly a plus factor.
How about each day if one or more of us finds a GOOD NEWS story to cheer us all up ?
GOOD NEWS.
No new cases of Coronavirus in Wuhan Province today.
GOOD NEWS
ReplyDeleteAntibiotics seem to have done their job - throat hasn't closed up!
Just about to go on a wee drive to the coast for a walk on the beach since it's such a beautiful day up here.
There doesn't seem to be the same amount of panic buying here as there is in other parts of the world. Long may it continue!!!
Do take care, one and all - and I will see if I can get rid of the sign out button Lanjan...
Glad you are feeling better Gary, and it would be wonderful if you could get rid of that sign out button. A couple of times I have had real bother trying to get back in, and as with Lanjan Google was being obstreperous and declining every password I tried.
DeleteWell I'm not sure if it counts as good news, but at least in this country people not in the special groups can still venture out. In the Philippines quarantine has been stepped up, everyone is supposed to stay at home. My son sent me a whatsapp video of trucks on Masbate island going round with loudspeakers telling people to stay in. They are allowed to go out to buy food and medicines,and grocery shops are staying open, but only one family member can go out at a time and they have to show a pass. The beaches have been closed. Residents from the two little islands close to Masbate are permitted to travel to the mainland for food and medical supplies, but no one is allowed to travel out to them. Sea and air access apart from bringing essential commodities has been stopped. Duterte is obviously trying to prevent the virus spreading from island to island. There is no such thing as online shopping where my son is living so he or his wife have to go out for food shopping, and also for food for the elderly mother who is frail and lives with another daughter. My son is lucky in that he is self employed and works online so his income isn't affected and can support the family. Strange times.
ReplyDeleteIt is all so unreal Janice ☹️
DeleteThanks Gary .
ReplyDeleteAlso, pleased things are looking up for you.
We ,the elderly are supposed to self isolate but are then told that they can shop between certain times.
Surely that is wrong.
Hoards of people in close contact with one another
A new large Lidl opened today less than two miles from where we live.
I bet it is chaos in there.
I have checked every supermarket in our area who deliver groceries and there are none with any delivery slots available even in April.
ReplyDeleteJust heard from our friends who always shop very early at JS every Thursday morning when certainly no more than a dozen cars there - this morning 7am CHAOS also no bread for sale even on opening 🙄 The husband of our couple thought the oldies of which he is one 🤣 were probably worse than some younger people re pushing and shoving!!!!
ReplyDeleteOn the way home they stopped off at what is locally know as The Lasham Garden Centre (Archerphile will know this and Mr A the Gliding place nearby and most likely KP nuts too)
Anyway very quiet there but loads of bread just come in plus other stuff available and recently a butchers opened up there too so seemingly the best bet is to shop anywhere other than the big boys!
So glad I did M&S yesterday pm as I posted here last night the car parks were nearly empty and very few people about
it was obviously the better bet. As LJ has said what about so many self isolators getting together in one go. It was well intentioned I’ve no doubt and not being able to get online, (for those able to attempt it) anywhere to order food can also see why people went.
Gary so glad your antibiotics have worked 👏🏻 and that you are feeling so much better. On a selfish note doubly relieved that our “master of ceremonies “ is safely back at the helm 🤗
👏🏻👏🏻🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteHappy news! Our lovely neighbours are celebrating (well sort of under circumstances) their DIAMOND (60yrs) Anniversary today . Their daughter has arranged a card from The Queen no less ⭐️⭐️⭐️
ReplyDeleteThere are many pupils up and down the Country who will be kicking their heels for the next few months.
ReplyDeleteI would like to suggest that a list be made of all vulnerable and elderly residents and that those pupils could perhaps help with their shopping .
There was a pupil being interviewed at lunchtime on the television.who was actually in self isolation .
Her worry was that she would not be able to go out to places or go on holiday.
How I wish that someone could have suggested to her before the broadcast that she might suggest that pupils like herself could help those unable to shop for themselves.
Booths was featured on ' You and Yours ' today.
ReplyDeleteThe only supermarket to be prepared to appear.
My good news is that a neighbour/ friend who has now been in a similar state to Spiceycushion for over two years, has been to Bristol today to see a pain specialist and will get some help.
Bad news is that yesterday my son in law in Cornwall fell off the motorised mower and is now laid up with a cracked rib.
Re your news Mrs P
Delete1st 👏🏻👏🏻
2nd ☹️☹️
Thank goodness he wasn't trapped under the machine.
DeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteYes thanks Mrs P, so have I
DeleteJust back from the local "grande surface" :eerily quiet, no problem with supplies, the only gaps on the shelves were certain butter & tins of flageolets ! There was a mass exodus of Parisians on Tues morning before the midi cut-off, known as Parigots (!) to their 2nd homes in the country. The Île de Ré is now crawling with them, the cycle tracks & beaches are now closed, as are all bars & restaurants, what will they do!
ReplyDeleteAt least they can buy lots of wine, cheese and perhaps CORNFLOUR. Our little Co-Op is only allowing 2 Of anything per person. At least the French have a cheese for everyday of the year.🍾🥖🧈
DeleteWe have had to cancel our trip to visit my brother who lives in Germany. Euro tunnel have said that the French are not allowing travel and as we would have had to drive thought Belgium and Luxembourg so that’s life at the moment.
I shall be self isolating on the allotment, when it stops ☔️ raining.
Just in case some of you have missed it here is Kitty O'Meara's prose translation of an Italian poem by Irene Vella. Sorry it's long but it is nice.
ReplyDelete"And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened and rested and exercised, and made art, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply.
Some meditated, some prayed, some danced.
Some met their shadows.
And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, and they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and they created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed."
Wonderful Janice thank you 🤗
DeleteThank you Janice.👏
DeleteMerci Janice 😙
DeleteThank you Janice, I found it and shared with my sister.
DeleteThank you Janice.
DeleteThat is beautiful. I think that after all this is over, a 'new normal' will emerge
DeleteDid anyone listen to the Moral Maze yesterday? I didn't, but intend to on catch up. The trailers suggested that it was looking at all this from another angle - the hidden benefits and changes.
I am just popping in, to catch up, and hear how all are doing.
ReplyDeleteI have been curious today, as the police helicopter, has been flying around in low circles, at least 3 times, very often nearly overhead!
It might just be training excercises, as they are based at Hawarden/Broughton in N.Wales (6 miles due west), where the big Aerospace factory is situated.
I have not seen "The Beluga", flying over from Tolouse, for over a week now.
I have also just realised, that there are no Easyjet flights flying overhead, to Liverpool airport, and also very few planes passing over towards Manchester airport.
Janice/Gianna
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely + inspiring post.
I loved it. 💟 ✔✔✔
The Milky Bars are on you!!!!
ReplyDeleteI read today, a post from Dame Vera Lynn, now 102yrs (similar to June Spencer).
ReplyDeleteIt was along the lines of - that this has happened before and all adapted and survived, and it will be done again.
I remember as a youngster, how Mum cooked to provide meals, for a family of 5.
I learnt a lot from her.
Answers to some of the above posts:
ReplyDeleteLady R- I think you are referring to Avenue Nurseries at Lasham, who sell loads of lovely things as well as plants. How interesting they had bread. Mr A will be dispatched there next Thurs. Lasham Gliding Club has imposed many restrictions so he didn’t go today - Thursdays are usually his sacrosanct day for the club so it was very unusual to have him home!
Miriam: no sighting of the Beluga is probably due to Airbus having closed down the factory in Toulouse for 4 days while they put new health and safety measures in place to protect staff against COVID19. Our son in the Dubai office is working alternate weeks at home and in the office to cut down on the number of staff sharing the same space. Which seems sensible.
Esscee : Snap! I received a cheque for £25 from Ernie too, today!
Archerphile - I knew you could inform me about the missing Beluga.
DeleteIt is something I see so often + love to see.
On my last zoo visit, seeing the new baby elephant (again), it flew over.
It was a lovely scenario.
It was the baby elephant, with The Beluga flying low above (as going into land). Sadly I didn't have my camera, as it would have been a memorable photo.
DeleteYes indeed Archerphile it’s just that we have always referred to it as Lasham GC.
DeleteWhen I was just 13yrs old 😱 I had a trip up in a glider from Mr A Club. Funny thing is I enjoyed that but I did not fly conventionally until I was 48yrs and by that time with Mr R. I was not keen and have only done so 4 times Guernsey, Malta, Madeira ( before runway extension) and Ireland. Would not be an option for us now in any case.
Thanks for the poem Janice. I heard on the radio today that the pollution levels are down in several cities. I am on my 11th day of self isolation and doing well. I do miss my daily walks and the weather is perfect for going out. We are going to have a review of thr situation on 3rd April
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t understand ,Esscee and Archerphile why you only got news about your Premium Bonds today.
ReplyDeleteWe don’t have a branch of our Bank nearby so if we win any prizes ,the money automatically gets put into our Bank Account.
On the 3rd (usually) of each month I can check online to see if we have won and if so, how much.
A few days after that we get emails to say”Good news from Ernie” and it tells me what the winnings are as well
Ditto LJ except I check online about 5mins after midnight on the day of the draw (as a night owl) this month is the first month I have not had a win in a long time. It’s surprising how the £25 wins mount up. I like them because even when you don’t win you haven’t lost any money 🤣
DeleteThat was a lovely poem Janice, and just described what I imagined will happen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a crisis for everyone but also an opportunity for the world to review the way it has allowed ' progress ' to get out of hand.
Yes I listened to the Moral Maze as I do regularly.
I shall not be going to Cornwall. My younger daughter told me in no uncertain terms last night why it was not a good idea.
I have also instructed my eldest not to send flowers this Mother's Day as I am acutely aware that they have not had an income for almost a year.
My middle grandchild is very upset. She says she has worked so hard for five years but is now not to take her GCSEs and school for her comes to an abrupt end without being able to do the expected goodbye rituals.
We will all suffer in different ways.
I feel for any-one, who has planned (for a year possibly) + paid for, a wedding in the next few months.
ReplyDeleteWill these happen - and if so, in what way will they have to be changed?
Hotels, Wedding venues etc. might all be closed so soon.
OMiaS is taking one on Saturday.
DeleteChurches are allowed 5 people in attendance: the bride and groom, the vicar and two witnesses. This is the legal minimum for a marriage to take place. It is suggested the service is live-streamed for everyone else to watch.
Hopefully couples have taken out wedding insurance and so will be able to hold their reception at a later date. And perhaps an 'action replay' of the event itself, with full compliment of guests.
A little levity someone put on OMiaS's facebook page:
ReplyDeleteUK Virus Alert
The British are feeling the pinch in relation to the recent virus threat and have therefore raised their threat level from ‘Miffed’ to ‘Peeved’. Soon, though, level may be raised yet again to ‘Irritated’ or even ‘A Bit Cross’.
The British have not been ‘A Bit Cross’ since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out.
The virus has been re-categorized from ‘Tiresome’ to ‘A Bloody Nuisance’. The last time the British issued ‘A Bloody Nuisance’ warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
: )
😂🤣😂
DeleteI love this. It sums up the old fashioned Englishman to a tee.
DeleteWe went on a lovely new isolated dog walk up the forest at lunch time. Beautiful weather. Unfortunately, due to the rough terrain, it was too much for our Hattie. She’s been very lame since. So back to just round the block for her. Our Mabel loved it. All new smells and different tracks through the trees. Will probably take her tomoz too. 🤞 for good weather.
My Lidl morning tomorrow at 8.15. Be interesting to see what’s available. Don’t need much...mainly milk and a few veg. Did a reasonable shop at Sainsbury’s on Monday and have made loads of recipes this last two days to go in the freezer. Even bought a sack of spuds and did a great pan of mash to freeze. Wasn’t like aunt Bessie’s.....mine is always lumpy even though I mashed and beat the living daylights out of it!
This is my strategy in case I get ill. Mr PtbY can’t cook so this way he’ll be able to take a carton from the freezer and just bung it in the oven to heat through.
LanJan, 8.08
ReplyDeleteI opted to have premium bond prizes sent to me in the post as a cheque. This is because I pay them into my Post Office Savings account rather than our joint bank account.
It’s silly, but I enjoy the feeling of actually paying in the prize myself, and the account is for my ‘pin money’ to spend on what I want, without having to use the joint one.
Archerphile...
DeleteI used to feel the same with my premium bond winnings but then it was the hassle of going to the building society. I now have it set up to pay into my building society account. I’m sure you could do the same for the post office.
I use the money as my pin money too.
Like Lanjan I have to have a look online to see if I’ve won as soon as they are drawn.
I think, at the moment, they are a good investment to have. At least you don’t lose your money and you can get your money back within 3 days if you need any. Its not very often that I don’t win £25. In fact this month I won 2 x £25. 🎉
I see I need to get myself some Premium Bonds! Sounds like free money...😉
DeleteI'm not sure it would be worth it Gary unless you have a substantial sum to invest. I have had £100 worth for eleven years with nary a penny in return!😥
DeleteWith low interest rates, Katy and I both put a substantial sum into Premium Bonds in September. So far in the six months we have won £25 each. You either need a goodly sum or really good luck to win every month. Friends invested £40, 000 each on selling their house and before having a lot of work on their new abode and they won nearly every month usually £25 and one win of £100. It is worth investing some money but you can’t sit back and watch the money come rolling in!
DeleteFor the past 10 years, my daughter has had a Tesco online shop delivered every Thursday, usually exactly the same items every week. All the food and household needs for a family of four.
ReplyDeleteTonight her delivery arrived on time but with no fewer than 22 items missing and no substitutes provided! The missing things included the most basic requirements of milk, bread and eggs and cheese.
With 2 vegetarians in the family she is wondering how to feed them over the next few days. So much for there being plenty of foodstuffs available!
As a teacher she has little time to hunt from shop to shop, and next week will be busy volunteering to help keep her school open to the high percentage of vulnerable children who will need to be cared for.
I just wish I could help out with her shopping but being 70+ will not be able to.
Damn this virus!
I am surprised that no substitutes were included. On all my online orders, over many years, whether JS or Tesco, I tick the box to allow substitutes. If they are not suitable/too expensive or whatever I send them back at the door on delivery.
DeleteHowever we'll see what happens tomorrow when I get my first shopping for 10 days! Good job too as I am finding some strange tinned goods at the back of the cupboard. I seem to have accumulated several tins of chick peas so I reckon I'll be okay for falafels for a while.😀
Going back to substitutes my friend insists on 'only' the brands she normally uses. When her order was delivered the driver said 'We have taken the liberty of overriding your instructions. You ordered 1 new potato but we're pretty sure you meant to change the tick box to 1 kg!'😂
Gianna (7.50) - Hang on in there. Sending moral support from Glasgow! X
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary. I am an optimist so know we will get through this.
DeleteI read this yesterday
ReplyDelete"Our parents & grand parents were asked to go and fight in wars - we are being asked to sit on the sofa for 3 months..."
I think there's a lot of truth in it!
Indeed.
DeleteIndeed Gary. I read this morning about 18 year olds complaining that they will have no celebrations for their birthdays and leaving school. My Dad was sitting on a Ack ack gun on his 18th birthday trying to shoot down aeroplanes, intent on dropping bombs on him and his fellow countrymen and women!
DeleteExactly! My dad "celebrated" his 21st in a POW camp in China - I'm pretty sure I can deal with not going out for my 50th.
DeleteI'm inclined to let the 16 & 18 yr. olds have their moment, it is very strange & upsetting for them. A major change. They did not grow up with parents talking about WW2, even grandparents much, because many were either babies, children or as yet unborn at that time. Those grandparents, many of us here being of that generation, were very conscious of it all, as the previous generation lived as adulrs through it & were struggling to rebuild their lives & countries afterwards & talked a great deal to all of us.
ReplyDeleteEverything is relative.
Many of us will survive this crisis but we are thrown by the mobility restrictions, shortages, uncertain future, how can it be otherwise.
Of course, the future is always uncertain, but something like this makes that stark fact very conscious & real. As others have said, & the poem that Janice posted said very eloquently, it is also an opportunity to grow something better in ourselves as individuals & communities which is hopeful, positive for the future as it unfolds.