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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.
Spring has sprunged! Hopefully we will all get to see and appreciate something like the above very, very soon....
ReplyDeleteGlad it all went well in Reading Gary. Very many thanks for taking such good care of our blog.
ReplyDelete👏👏👏
What a beautiful and uplifting photo Gary.
ReplyDelete“The spring has sprung
The grass has ris
I wonder where the birdies is?
The birdies they are on the wing
But that’s absurd
I thought the wing was on the bird!”
As oft quoted by my other half at this time of year.
I picked a bunch of mixed daffodils from my garden yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAnd today, yesterday's very strong winds seemed to have died, and with lovely sunshine it feels warm.
But I am still thinking of those with high water levels and flooded homes to put to rights.
Stasia, are you able to get out again now.
Hope you can use the good weather on the allotment.
I also saw, this morning a mass of spawn on top of earth, in a pot at a front door. The waterlogged tub nearby had no spawn. Could not tell at this stage whether frog or toad, but suspect the latter.
The daffodils nearby, are magnificent this year - be these on roundabouts, the central reservation on a dual carriageway, in the pots at the beginning of each village, in gardens (and that includes mine) plus in the normal roadside kerbs.
ReplyDeleteSpring has sprung
ReplyDeleteThe Grass is riz🌱
I wonder where the birdie is?🐦
There he is up in the sky,
He’s dropping crap right in my eye.👀
I’m so glad that pigs can’t fly.🐖🐖
Prefer my version Stasia 😉
DeleteMrsP. Went to the allotment properly for the first time this morning and did some digging.
ReplyDeleteThe soil is extremely heavy with moisture and after a while it became difficult to continue. But it was great to get some fresh air.
The fields remain water logged and one of the main roads is inaccessible, but we can get to Tewkesbury and Cheltenham.
We have been told that another storm is on the way over the weekend, so we mustn’t think the severe warnings are finished.
All the fields on the Severn look like a vast sea and I feel most sorry for the farmers.
Please be careful as I’m sure you now know the Coronavirus is in parts of Glos.
Hope cat and dog are behaving?
Being on the train from Birmingham to Reading via Oxford was crazy stasia - both sides of the tracks looked like paddy fields for miles. I can't even begin to think what it would be to like to farm arable land or keep livestock in these kinds of conditions.
DeleteI am glad that all is OK with you. I know what you mean, about the fields. When I last went the country route to family, it was past a vast lake with swans on. But, NO, it is flooded farmland.
DeleteOn shopping in the supermarket today, there were two very empty sections, which I spotted.
ReplyDeletea) Hand washes.
b) UHT milk. (who actually drinks this stuff?)
Also, in the pharmacy (I needed to pick up some meds), there was a notice to the effect - no masks or hand gel are available in the near future, due to no supplies available.
People seem to be panic buying!!
I admit, I have stocked up my freezer, today.
DeleteIt was getting quite empty though, after Christmas, along with the need to then defrost it, which has been done.
I now have some welsh lambs liver, welsh hill lamb chops, scottish highland beef braising steak + some cumberland sausages, a pack of turkey mince, a
Deletepack of mixed special veg.and a pack of frozen mixed peppers, all frozen down.
I won't starve as I have so many meal options available to create + cook.
Ok so now we all know where to head for now Miriam - all sounds yum to me 🤗
DeleteI have listened earlier today, to a programme, which I downloaded from R4ex.
ReplyDeleteIt is 1.5hrs long and called "Black Dog".
I enjoyed it, as is a very simple story yet entertaining.
It might to all tastes.
Last sentence should read:-
DeleteIt might not be to all tastes.
Coronavirus is now in a nearby town, Tetbury, but the two individuals known to each other have recently returned from holiday in northern Italy I understand. And I expect that it is therefore contained. One primary school has been closed as a result.
ReplyDeleteI do have to go to my local surgery for my B12 jab this week but I am not unduly worried.
Pleased Stasia that you at least got a start on the digging, but perhaps better to wait until the ground has dried out before you do more.
Have you ever tried the no dig method ?
I can't imagine my dad would have taken to it.
Lady has been unwell over the weekend, very subdued and lethargic but no actual vomiting. I have learned today that there is a serious virus amongst our canine population and that local vets are advising that ' it's rife on the common'.
We have been up there over the weekend but fasting then egg and rice and tonight a little fish and she seems much brighter today I'm glad to report.
We sometimes get a day like that with Buddy and then the next day he is really lively. He is a very small dog and think he just gets tired. Hope nothing too bad with Lady and that her brightness continues! Gypsy being older is permanently tired and Dudley goes nowhere fast! A good sign that Lady hasn’t been sick or had the runs!
ReplyDeleteMiriam 4.55
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question ‘who drinks this stuff’ about UHT milk - I do!
Well, not actually drink it in tea, coffee etc but use it weekly to make my own home made yogurt.
It makes much better, creamier and thicker yogurt than normal milk and I make a batch of 7 jars every week .
One litre long life whole milk + 1 small pot plain Yeo Valley yogurt, whisked together and warmed in a yogurt machine for 8 hrs and you have a weeks supply of the most delicious yogurt.
I have it with blueberries or raspberries or with a little honey or maple syrup stirred in. Fantastic, easy dessert!
Pecca Hen not back on form yet, but demonstrably improving, responding to treatment. Very sadly, however, Polly Hen died suddenly on Sunday morning, having been a bit off colour the day before. We are watching Prue Hen, who seems absolutely fine, so far
ReplyDeleteIt can happen very quickly with hens, so we were lucky with Pecca that her symptoms were more obvious, which allowed time to take her to the specialist vet.
Very sorry about Polly, who was a lovely bird, calm & beautiful. We miss her.
Hope Lady continues to show signs of recovery, & that the other dogs afflicted rally likewise from the virus.
Carolyn , sorry to hear of your hen problems. 🤞 for the other 2.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, hope lady is much improved tomorrow.
Our 2 are lazy in this cold weather. Much prefer to be laid on sofa snoozing than going out for a walk. Mind you they are both 10 years old so I don’t blame them.
I got shopped up ready for Armageddon. 24 toilet rolls and 3 tubes of toothpaste! 14 days of self isolation sounds like a holiday to me.....books and binge watching tv with no guilty feelings!!!
Going to cinema tomorrow to see “dark water”. Will report back if it’s any good or not.
Carolyn I am sorry to hear about Polly and hope that Pecca Hen continues to perk up..
ReplyDeleteSame goes for Lady ,Mrs P.
So sorry to hear that you have lost Polly Hen Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteSo now down to two, I do hope that they both continue to be well now that Pecca has improved.
Less eggs though I suppose.
Will you keep a few feathers ?
My collection of Puss's whiskas must amount to about a dozen now, and he has only been with me for less than two years.
Lady has had a touch of the runs but not much.
I suspect she had caught ' the bug ' but given her rough start in life on the run in Rumania and probably having to eat all sorts of rubbish to survive, I think she probably has a pretty strong constitution.
Miriam - like Archerphile we buy UHT milk to make yoghurt too! (Archerphile, MrGG says that if you stir 3 tablespoons of dried milk into the mixture before dividing it into the 7 little pots it tastes even better!)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about poor Polly Hen carolyn and hope that Pecca continues on her upward trajectory... Same with Lady & Buddy too!
Mr GG - I have heard that tip before and actually tried it for the first time this week. Maybe I didn’t whisk sufficiently to dissolve the powder first but I found it had settled a bit at the bottom of each jar making it very thick and I didn’t notice any change in flavour.
DeleteI have tried using long life semi-skimmed milk (to save a few calories) but the results were disappointing. Yogurt was thinner and a bit watery. Perhaps the powder would help when using semi-skim?
Just consulted the oracle (MrGG!) and he says that he does indeed use semi-skimmed UHT. He puts an inch or so in the jug, adds the dried milk powder & thoroughly mixes it. He then adds the little bought yoghurt and gives it a stir and finally the remainder of the UHT and mixes well again. Pops in the microwave (800w for 3mins) and then divides amongst the pots and into the machine they go...
DeleteGet well soon Pecca and Lady, RIP Polly.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips about the yogurt - I had a yogurt maker years ago but might reinvest now I know what I was doing wrong.
Gary, thanks for sharing your brilliant poster pictures of Kate and Pip. I saw a photo of your conference poster on line and it looked great. I couldn’t read all the details as it wouldn’t enlarge clearly on my phone so hoping we can have a look at the other Archers characters as well?
Seasider, if you decide to get a yogurt machine again, may I suggest you consider one that I bought from Amazon (sure its available elsewhere too). It’s called a ‘Severin’ and just has on/off switch. Apparently the ones that have built-in timers and digital displays are much more likely to develop faults.
DeleteMine came with a free extra set of seven jars, so you don’t have to wait until you’ve eaten all the yogurt to start again. I just use an ordinary kitchen timer to mark the 8 hours.
So sorry about Polly Hen, Carolyn. We had a similar experience with Gertie, off-colour for a couple of days, then we found her in the morning. They hide things so well. 🤞for Pecca & Prue.
ReplyDeletecarolyn. 😥😪😢
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Greek yogurt for breakfast, but I've never considered making it myself..I don't think it would be worth it since it's just me that eats it.
ReplyDeleteHowever I couldn't live without my bread machine. A few years ago we decided to try to cut carbs and we were also concerned about the additives in commercially bought bread.
We buy wholemeal flour for black bread...Mr 🍁🍁 is the breadmaker...he makes the dough in the machine then bakes it in the oven for 35 minutes...when he takes it out he brushes it with a little olive oil to give it a glaze........sooo good.
Much healthier and cheaper too! You can't lose.
Thanks for commiserations -you are all so kind.
ReplyDeleteThey were rescue hens, so after their cruel start in life, where nature was forced unnaturally, anything can go wrong in their systems. They haven't laid for months, except for misshapen or broken eggs. Maybe the 2 Ps will resume in the Spring, but it doesn't matter if they don't, so long as they're happy !
Archerphile, thank you, it’s always useful to know how other people have got on with different styles and features before you spend money and are disappointed. I managed to use my convection oven once or twice over Christmas (for which you gave me lots of helpful advice) and need more practice yet to try other things as the new kitchen for Yorkshire is a little way off - damp proofing still to sort first.
ReplyDeleteI love making bread but still do it by hand - very therapeutic. We have got into slow cooking - something else I did years ago then stopped. As I am a morning person I love getting a casserole ready first thing then there’s not much cooking left for the evening.
Autumnleaves I would appreciate any other tips for bread making. I went on and on about home made bread and youngest son bought me a breadmaker for Christmas four or five years ago. I have made loaves several times (and eaten most of the results) but the loaves always seem a bit 'cakey' if you can imagine what I mean. Not breadlike at all really.
ReplyDeleteThey do not rise enough either. I have tried using room temperature milk/water or milk from the fridge or powered milk made with warm/cold water as per instruction booklet but nothing really succeeds. Other than that ingredient there is nothing which can be altered.
On Saturday evening I made a lovely macoroni cheese for our dinner. Saturday morning son put in the oven his sausages for his weekend treat of sausage sandwich and no heat in the oven!
I do have a 'combi' microwave so can bake things there and the top oven on the cooker (not fan unfortunately) plus still have the glass hob so can manage for a while but it's a blooming nuisance!
Both of the ovens I have left are quite small. However still haven't decided if I have strength or energy to do cricket teas this summer so there's another thing to worry about!
Took Cubs last night to our Kent HQ for Scouts where they did all sorts of activities for the badge 'Disability Awareness'; learning how to push a wheelchair correctly, guiding a blind person with verbal instructions, some simple signing, using one hand only for simple tasks.
Good evening with a beatiful clear sky. Venus was dazzling! Frost on the car needless to say this morning and forecast for tonight as well. I have not seen any daffs out yet. The long road leading to mine has banks and banks of daffs but no sign of any yellow flowers yet.
Right now to test one or other of the ovens on a cake recipe! Apple and Cinnamon Sponge cake I think!😁
I hope you will all forgive me a little boast - but I am so thrilled, I have to share with my friends who supported me so brilliantly throughout the knee business.
ReplyDeleteI have just managed to use my exercise bike for the first time since last October
I have been trying getting on and off it for a few days now but couldn’t managed to do a full rotation of the pedals. Just too painful to bring new knee right up and ‘over the top’, if you know what I mean. The physio said its due to stretching scar tissue around the operation site.
But today I managed it! And went on to cycle for 5 whole minutes before I’d had enough. Believe it or not that’s a major breakthrough for me! So now I’ll be cycling every day and hoping to build up to a full 30 minutes as I used to do. 😃 🚴♀️
Watching old repeats of Four in a Bed on iPad lodged on the handlebars.😂
That's a huge breakthrough and not only physically. Little steps and gradually there's light at the end of the tunnel.
DeleteWell done🎉🎉
That is stunning, AP -from not being able to do a single rotation yesterday to pedalling for 5 minutes today 😃 Such a morale booster, too, not long after a painful visit to the supermarket.
DeleteWell done indeed !
👏🏻👏🏻 Well done Archerphile and quite right to boast! Yes scar tissue will be an issue during recovery but all went well so after total healing you will be entering “The Tour de France” I’m sure 🤣
DeleteMr R’s surgeon rang for a 6 monthly catch up yesterday (we wished him a “Happy Anniversary” as Mr R has been with him for 10yrs now) he likes to keep in touch he says and if Mr R feels he needs an X-ray at anytime just ring and he will arrange it and book him into clinic. As no more ops would be an option he will continue as is but a kind offer. It is just such a shame that sepsis happened for Mr R (it was nothing to do with his knee revision op) but overall now that knee has had many a major op on it. However he is a strong willed and chirpy man and he is here with us all and that is certainly the main thing 🥰
What a wonderful surgeon Mr R has, to still keep in touch after all that time. It must be very comforting to know he is always there, if needed.
DeleteI think I am in Mr Stranks good books, going by the letter he sent to my GP saying I was doing ‘fantastically well’. It must be very pleasing to a surgeon when a patient actually follows all their advice about exercising etc and makes a good recovery. According to his PA, some patients refuse to do the physio when they find it hurts and therefore they are not getting the full benefit of the surgeons care and skills.
Absolutely right says Mr R his surgeon says the same and all credit to you because Mr R ‘s man says unfortunately it is often ladies that it happens too.
DeleteAlso as you say AP your commitment to recovery is of great satisfaction for Mr Stranks (and of course very good use of your savings 👏🏻)
Delete👍AP!
ReplyDelete🦵👍👍🇫🇷
DeleteWell done that AP!!!! Long may you continue to improve...
DeleteHere is our recipe for black wholegrain bread.
ReplyDelete1/2 kilo of flour
1 portion of yeast
Salt
280 ml of warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
Put in machine to make dough for 15 minutes.
Let it rest for 1 hour...still in machine
After an hour knock it down
Bake in oven at 200 c Without Preheating for 28 minutes on lower part of oven
Take out and brush with olive oil.
This is what works for us with the ingredients we have we had a lot of trial and error at the beginning but it paid off.
Good luck let me know how it turns out.
What a lot of news, I've just read.
ReplyDeleteSad though some is (poor Polly hen), but others so good.
I think Archerphile should be entered into the Tour de France 2021. 🚴♀️🚴♀️
I used to have a breadmaker and the loaves, I made,were lovely, when freshly baked. They went stale so quickly though, the birds ate more than I did.
ReplyDeleteI tried slicing it, and freezing in packs of 2 slices, but after freezing, it was just not the same.
These days, I buy bread from the supermarket bakery counter, (baked that day), which I then get sliced. Half is then frozen.
I also buy bread mixes, to make myself, if I am in the mood, but I can't slice straight!
I am now classing myself, as a very, very sad person.
ReplyDeleteI have just watched Ready, Steady, Cook.
I really enjoyed it, and to me, it appears that Rylan Clarke-Neale is a wonderful presenter.
I cannot believe that, I have just said that!
I do like all cooking shows, and this is now, no exception.
Off to create + prepare my own meal, but no-where near as innovative.
I used to love RSC when it was on years ago, especially with Ainsley Harriot and that lovely Irish Chef, Paul Rankin. But not at all keen on this Rylan chap with his impossibly white teeth so think I’ll give it a miss second time around!
DeleteWent to see dark waters at the cinema this aft. It is a must see. Absolutely fab. All about DuPont in America and the use of poisoning chemicals. It’s riveting.
ReplyDeleteI’ll never look at a Teflon non stick pan the same ever!!!!
Highly, highly recommend.
Duly noted, PtbY !
DeleteI'll take your word for it PbtY and go and see it.
DeleteI think I’ll go to see it. Went to the cinema couple weeks ago and saw Parasite. I would only recommend it, if you are interest in sitting in the dark, reading subtitles for nearly two hours.
DeleteI actually enjoyed it, but maybe I’m a masochist.
Not seen Parasite yet - it's on my list!
DeleteI am hoping to go to The Zoo tomorrow, to see the week old new baby elephant. She has been named Riva, meaning Star. A lovely name.
ReplyDeleteIt looks that it will be cold, but dry, but things can change.
I must be a very strange person, (that is often so obvious) as I do not like going to the cinema.
ReplyDeleteI find the surround sound + its effects, far too loud. Plus I do not like the smell + munching of popcorn.
I much prefer the theatre, to see a play or a musical.
I do love the film recommendations, from others though.I now know, what I am missing and what to look out for, on various streaming systems.
Archerphile + Others.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion of Rylan Clarke-Neale, has dramatically changed (which used to be very poor), after todays RSC.
The contestants were 2 cousins, who both had vision problems. One underwent a unique treatment, and can now see again. Sadly, his cousin was not as lucky, so is nearly, but not quite, totally blind.
Rylan was so empathetic towards them both, talking about their lives and how they have adapted.
It was also, very interesting to see the aids for the blind/partially sighted, which were used.
I enjoyed it, on so many varying levels.
PS Rylan's "teeth" did not appear, neither too dazzling, nor too prominent. 😁
I am now "hooked" 😉
PS It was lovely, that one of the contestant had his guide dog in the audience.
DeleteAs I have said, on very many other occasions...
DeleteI am intrigued, as to how well Ambridge is suitable, for a disabled person.
To date, there has not been one, be it a blind, deaf, or a wheelchair bound, resident.
So far, there has been none. I am not wishing this on anybody, and far from it.
It is just something, which hasn't arisen?
well yet.
This would have been better, posted on the other "Life in.." page.
Sorry. 🤤
I found things hard, when my late father, had to use a zimmer frame and mostly, a wheelchair.
DeleteI then realised, just how difficult disability access could be.
Not only parking, but so much more, but that's not relevant now, sadly.
So today I went to see “Judy” at our local pop up cinema. Fabulous. I would urge anyone to go see it. Renee zellweger is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteYou're on a cinema roll PbtY! I'm jealous!!
DeleteYeah but that’ll be it till James Bond!!!
ReplyDeleteWhich is now delayed for 7 months y'know?
DeleteNo!!!!
DeleteSorry!
DeleteWe saw Judy at the weekend on amazon and yes it was brilliant. Renee Zellweger is a wonderful actor when you contrast this with Bridget Jones. She really did get across Judy’s vulnerability and yet her zest for performing. This is one film I really recommend!
DeleteYup. Looking forward to "The mirror & the light", pre-ordered.. 😉
ReplyDeleteBet she gets the Booker again!
ReplyDelete900 odd pages this time !
ReplyDeleteEven Hilary admitted it was a very difficult read, when she was being interviewd the other day. Think I’d rather attempt getting through War and Peace ...again.
DeleteHaving waited 8 yrs. - not complaining, it truly is her magnum opus - I'll try to contain myself until the paper back comes out !
ReplyDeleteI shall be buying a copy on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteWell ladies ,I take my hat off to you.
ReplyDeleteI would not wish to attempt to read a book of 900 pages and although it is possibly sacrilege to say so I tried to read one of HM ‘s books but didn’t finish it.
Having said that, I read “Gone with the wind “when I was in my teens and I have just checked and there are 798 pages in my copy and the print is very small.
Lanjan. I’m not buying it for me, I’ll wait until the BBC bring it to screen with M Rylance.
DeleteI live with an historian who loves to read big thick books, the bigger the better.
I have read some big thick books, usually they are political in content. I recommended one for carolyn yesterday but she declined.
Sitting at St Pancras waiting for my train to Brussels. Visiting sister & admiring her new granddaughter, beats being at work.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely time KP! Have you got any mini-adventures planned or are you just going to relax?
DeleteHave an enjoyable time in Brussels KPNUTS.
DeleteRe the Mantel opus that almost everyone in the media and Arts world is praising to high heaven.
ReplyDeleteHaving been an English and History teacher for over thirty years and having taught pupils from 8-18 years old I can honestly say she is a dreadful writer of English and history!
The BBC mentioned in a review her 'quirky' style and in an online review mention was also made of her peculiar style of writing. One critic has said that parts of the book read like Wikipedea entries for several characters and events.
Quite simple it is grammatically incorrect much of the time!
Add to that I heard her delivering the Reith Lecture a couple of years ago and she can't even speak grammatically correct!
Whether the history is a cracking good yarn or not I can't say because even though I tried, three times, to read Wolf Hall it was sent to the charity shop 80% unread! The poor writing irks me and the deviation from fact to fiction pretending to be fact also annoys me too much!
It's a pity the author had to invent some 'history' to make the plot flow or add interest.
I compare Mantel to Rowling in that they wrote when they had to , to earn money but are not completely 'natural' writers. It has taken Mantel eight years to complete this novel. I think she had 'writer's block' for some of that time. However, both authors are very successful and have made oodles of money so Good Luck to them!
C J Sansome, Alexander Kent and Susanna Gregory are far more readable imho!
I hope that Mantel now though keeps her political opinions to herself and just sticks to the 'literary' world!
Could this be the most controversial post that has ever been written on this blog? I've not read any of her writing so I have no opinion - but looking forward to the argument...!
DeleteI've read both her books and really enjoyed them but I was so disappointed with the casting of the actor in the dramatization that I couldn't watch it....I imagined Cromwell as being a bit of a rough diamond.. Sean Bean was who I imagined while I was reading it ..the one who played him was just wet.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite historical novel was The Name of the Rose..a masterpiece, although the rest of Eco's books were for me unreadable.
I loved "The Name of the Rose" too Autumnleaves, but one of my favourite books of all time is "Foucault's Pendulum" by Eco. Each to their own!
DeleteMaybe it wasn't the right time for me when I tried to read it Gary, maybe I'll give it another go one of these days.
DeleteFor some reason, years ago, I didn't get along with ' Name of the Rose' at all, & don't give up on books easily. Autumnleaves & Gary, you have made me think I should have another go !
DeleteOh, Autumnleaves, I actually thought Mark Rylance was brilliant as Cromwell in the TV adaptation. A rough diamond, yes, not a courtier given his background, but a quick learner, with a very sharp mind, superbly subtle. That's how Mantel depicts him & that's how he was portrayed. ( all 'imo', of course)
DeleteOn a more serious note , Italy has closed all schools and universities nationwide until at least March 15th😷😷😷
ReplyDeleteWhat will people do for childcare? They can't ALL be handed over to Pat or Ruth....
DeleteIt's grim, A.leaves, the virus affecting so much of a nation's life, apart from health. Very sorry to hear this, no country is immune, but right now, Italy is the worst affected in Europe. Thoughts are with you.
DeleteLet's put it this way, it's an inconvenience but hopefully in this way it will be contained and will reach its peak very soon. Then the economic fallout will have to be addressed.
DeleteYour health is the most precious thing you have ..when you have that then you can face anything and overcome it .
Sorry the last part sounds like a cliche .. anche questa passera'......we'll get through it.
DeleteVery very true though Autumnleaves 👍
DeleteI'm stunned by your condemnation of Mantel, Spicy. I also taught English, & have a strong interest in History, but I can't fault her writing, very individual as it is, it doesn't grate at all on me.
ReplyDeleteI admire Sansom's Shardkake series ( haven't read the other 2 you name) but his aims are different - history is the background, & he recreates the the mid (16 so convincingly, but the driving force is the fictional lawyer/detective,
operating in the traditional thriller format. He is not concerned with questioning academic history, though he might alter dates of real events now & then to suit his story.
Mantel is boldly re addressing real events & significant movers & shakers from those times. It's a hugely ambitious project, & does challenge traditional historical interpretations, no bad thing, & not all historians condemn her. There are so many gaps in our knowledge, 'facts'are not that solid, & much learnt history is interpretation, anyway.
Well, I really enjoy Hilary Mantel's style, but then I REALLY hate Marmite..! Also a fan of Mark Rylance's performance, although Claire Foy set my teeth on edge.
ReplyDeleteNot as much as Olivia Coleman, parsley😬😬
DeleteI cannot let that attack on a beautiful, defenceless creature pass without comment - I have two slices of toast every lunchtime with tons of butter, Marmite & honey. Mmmmm!!!
DeleteYeuchhh 😝😝😙
DeleteMr P loves the stuff..
DeleteHe is a man of exquisite taste then Parsley! Obvs....
DeleteObviously!! I forgive him..
DeleteYum, yum, marmite ! 😋
DeleteMarmite with peanut butter on toast is nice, plus some slices of cucumber on top.
DeleteHave a lovely time KP, let's keep washing our hands..!! 😷
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to read Wolf Hall or Bodies and fine H M a difficult person, and I have met her several times.
ReplyDeleteMy parish Church in Putney is significant in that ' The Putney Debates ' were held there, and the home of T Cromwell was round the corner.
Many meetings and events have been held in recent times to celebrate these events, with H M and members of the BBC production, ( but not Mark Rylance) plus members of the RSC attending our Putney Society meetings in the Church.
The PS also commissioned and organised a commemorative plaque which HM unveiled on the present building on the site of Cromwells home, which I attended.
I find HM voice difficult to hear and her delivery and way of speaking even worse. I have sat through at least one of her talks that she delivered to the PS. I find her written work just as difficult to read. On the other hand I am very interested in the history and wish that I could find her work readable.
KP, hope you enjoy your trip to Brussels. You could combine a little sight seeing with giving your great niece her first sex education lesson - isn't the famous sculpture of the baby boy as a fountain, peeing into the water, somewhere in the centre ?!
ReplyDeleteReally interested in book debate (and it’s world book day, whatever that means), as I haven’t read HM although on my shelf for years. Trying to think of book presents for Mum’s birthday next month as she loves reading but doesn’t like anything too dark, or raunchy for that matter.
ReplyDeleteWe are off to a cottage in the New Forest tomorrow and I’m taking some Hardy and Children of the New Forest which I bought there a while ago. Maybe HM will go as well. Weather not looking great but there are two log burners and a view of the heath and ponies.
KP, enjoy your trip and stay safe.
Mrs P Thank goodness I'm not out on a limb all alone!
ReplyDeleteThere is a long tradition of authors and playwrights changing dates and meetings, right back to Shakespeare and probably earlier although I don't know of them. However one critic said of the HM books that Mantel had invented a daughter for Cromwell (?) when he did not have one. Bit of a cop out to invent a character I would have thought?
Carolyn -The trouble is I am such a pedant over correct use of English grammar. To be honest I don't think HM is very well educated but that's my personal opinion.
Gary - Marmite and honey? !! How could you? 😲😲
I forgot (How could I?) to add to the authors that I like my absolutest favourite historical novel author--Bernard Cornwell. He who wrote the Sharpe books and The Last Kingdom series about King Alfred ( both series have been televised) plus many others odds and ends. He always explains at the end of his books any changes he has made to facts and why.
BTW A bit of trivia - Cornwell's 'go to' man, when writing about medieaval warfare was Robert Hardy the actor, who played Siedfreid in All Creatures Great and Small. Hardy was recognised as the foremost expert on the English longbow in the UK!
Absolutely. Miss archery on a Sat. am.
DeleteLove the Sharpe books,
shame Sean Bean isn't a dark-haired refugee from the rookeries of London.
Thomas Cromwell and his wife had a son who grew to manhood and two little daughters who died the same year as their mother. It’s the same scenario in Wolf Hall. He also had an illegitimate daughter called Jane, mother unknown. Having listened to Hilary Mantel on the radio, talking about the role of the historical novelist vis a vis the historian, I trust her to have made inspired decisions and informed guesses.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you on this side of the blog maryellen!
DeleteOliver Cromwell was descended from Thomas Cromwell's sister. I wonder if there is such a thing as a leadership gene, or is it simply that having a powerful ancestor inspires younger generations to be the same.
DeletePtbY....just watched Dark Waters...you were right it was riveting...thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteNot a glimmer of Dark Waters anywhere near us yet... things take their time.
DeleteWe do have The Gentlemen & Le Cas Richard Jewell/The Suspect at the mo.
Also Judy's coming back round.
Richard Jewell is good...I remember that incident when I lived in Washington.
DeleteI'm always irritated by people who say ..if you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear.
Watch this film and you'll realise it's just not so.
Autumn leaves....glad you enjoyed it. I think everyone should watch it!!!
ReplyDeleteSeasider.....your mothers reading....how about a milly Johnson book. Light reading, not raunchy and set around Barnsley area. Full of Yorkshire humour.
Reading subject...,,I hate historical books. I love a thriller, reading through all lee child books at the mo. To lower the tone even further..... my desert island discs book would be “Polo” by jilly Cooper!!!
Have a lovely time in Brussels KP.
Goodness, I have been missing out on lots of chat today - how do you all get the time to keep posting!
ReplyDeleteRe Hilary Mantel: I have only read one of her books, several years ago, and really enjoyed it.
It was called (something like) Six Months on Ghazzah Street. It was about the experience of an ex-pat wife who went to Saudi Arabia to join her husband who was working there. It gave a brilliant description of the cultural shock she had and how she coped with all the restrictions and the effect they had on the native women.
I have no wish to plunge into her Cromwell trilogy and didn’t watch the TV adaptations either.
There are dozens of other books I want to read when I have time.
Marmite - love it on hot buttered toast (when not dieting) and recently saw you can buy Marmite flavoured peanut butter, which sounds very odd to me, but not as odd as combining it with honey, Gary!
The salty sweetness is amazing AP - give it a whirl!
DeleteAha funny you should say that Archerfile, a few posts back I said how nice marmite spread on toast with peanut butter on top is.
DeleteI love thick history books - the thicker the better - and books that spark informed debate are, to my mind, fascinating. I’ve read Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, albeit a while ago, and will probably refresh my memory of them before tacking Mantel’s latest. By training and profession I’m an historian but also have a keen interest in language and I don’t personally recall being so irritated by Mantel’s style that I had to give up on her, though of course that’s a matter of personal choice.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t bending the facts of history somewhat (and yes, the facts themselves aren’t always set in stone) something we have to take for granted with historical novels? It’s a long time since I taught this period but remember enough not to have felt affronted by some unrecognisable parody of the characters or details of their personal lives. I have to say that, as a great fan of St. Thomas More, I profoundly disagree with some aspects of Mantel’s portrayal of him but it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have one’s preconceptions challenged - it just makes for livelier debate.
I fully accept that Mantel isn’t an historian as such, but if she were as awful as some criticism seems to suggest I doubt that professional historians would be willing to engage with her (if anyone here reads the BBC History magazine she/he will know what I’m referring to).
Goodness what a lot of discussion. I had to resort to the only historian I know who gave me the above version of her understanding. In her words which I have repeated here.
My level of interest is mainly geared towards modern politics. But I have watched Lucy Worsley and the manipulation of facts, she referred to fibs/lies that are then taught as fact.
Don’t believe what people tell you. It’s only their version.
At the moment I am re-reading The Mars trilogy of books by Kim Stanley Robinson - 2254 pages in total. And loving every darned page!
ReplyDeleteI also adore "The Great Gatsby" & that's very short. I re-read that every couple of years or so.
DeleteI'm reading 'Crime & Punishment' ( book club), glad to have a prompt to read again, only the barest outline remembered from age 21, when I was given a number of Russian (19 novels, by a group of friends, because I was really into them at that time.
DeleteIt's proving to be very demanding on the nerves & emotions ! Maybe I was made of sterner stuff all those years ago....
My favourite subject at school was history and I'll never forget finding a book in the library called The Story of Scotland..it was like an encyclopaedia...I read it cover to cover.
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing Autumnleaves? I hope all is still OK with you + your family.
ReplyDeleteI have just had a difficult 15mins. I couldn't find my perfect vegetable peeler!.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so very silly, but it is one that I have had, for very many years. It just suits me.
I eventually found it, in the food recycling bin, which had already been put on the pavement, ready for emptying tomorrow.
I must have looked ridiculous, delving into the bin with "Marigolds" on, along with a thick furry boots, a jacket + a bobble hat.
My neighbours, have yet another example, of this silly single woman, who lives nearby. 😣😉
Just fine thanks Miriam💕
DeletePS The peeler was bought in Timothy Whites - this shows the age. It is a utensil, which still does, exactly what it's meant to do, and it does what I like, easily + simply.
DeleteDo anyone else, have something similar?
We are on the verge of having to buy another small, very sharp knife - if we can't get the EXACT SAME knife we will be furious! It's been sharpened away almost to nothing but, by God, it's a dream to chop veg with! It's the perfect size & weight.
DeleteArcherphile - My contributions are because I'm stuck in my sitting room with only day time TV, radio and the net, every day! 😥 My day goes: breakfast; surf the internet, doze for half an hour; shower; dress; shop/iron/cook/hoover or other housework for an hour or so. Then quick lunch with TV on for midday news and 'Doctors!' Then internet again and an afternoon sleep. If it's not tutoring night or Cubs it's back to the computer till time to cook dinner. This has been going on since last summer so it's all very boring and mind-numbing!
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember there were complaints about the TV adaptation of Wolf Hall because of the lighting and mumbling sound track. I tried watching that but it didn't attract me I'm afraid.
Stasia - I like large books and the Sansome books set at the same time as HM's trilogy are very large tomes and often reading in bed I dropped them onto my face! I have two ebooks but both are not working at the moment. (One hasn't worked properly since I dropped it while reading in the bath, the other's screen has frozen! 😆)
I find Lucy Worsley very distracting when she's dressing up and pretending to be involved in the scenes.
I had read that Mantel absolutely destroys More , a favourite of mine following teaching 'A Man for All Seasons' several times! And, who has been usually seen as a ' kindly' person; a good man brought down by the wicked Richard Rich so it would be interesting to see hear the other side of the coin. I'll think on't! 😄
Gary - Don't like The Great Gatsby since it was one of the 'set' texts on my degree course!
Sorry if I was too controversial at the start but hopefully now I've got a few more authors to investigate! 💗💗
I am another "Doctors" viewer, which I enjoy.
DeleteOh Spicy, you still seem to be suffering.
What is the latest news?
Thank you Miriam. Only four more weeks on this second lot of steroids and backed up with an increasing dosage of methodrexate (?) then another visit to consultant.
DeleteHad a very bad day yesterday and then in the evening found I had forgotten to take the morning 6 tablets! Better today but nothing done at all today. Whoops!
Marks fading and no more blisters, itching gone. Just have reduced strength in my legs and back muscles and get out of puff after three or four steps. Seeing the GP next week about that. Will keep you posted. 😀
Spicy 🤗🤗 +🤞
DeleteI like Sansom too. It is just sad that he is ill now and may not be able to carry on writing. I think that Shardlake working for Elizabeth would have been intriguing.
DeleteHope you get better soon Spicycushion, and being controversial set off a very interesting debate.
Thank you Janice 😀
DeleteIt’s been a day of continuous rain today so for those not needing or wanting to go out probably accounts for more posts🤪
ReplyDeleteWonderful sunny day here. I put of my zoo visit until Friday, as needed to catch up on ironing + household chores..I am not sure that I made the right decision, though.
DeleteSeaside can I recommend one of my all time favourite books for your mum. A Man Called Ove...the film is a winner too.
ReplyDeleteA book I came across in my teens, and really enjoyed, was
DeleteThe Far Pavillions by M.M.Kaye
This has been serialised on R4ex recently,
If anyone, is suffering with a very dry skin condition, I can reccomend a good skin lotion.
ReplyDeleteThis is in the Aveeno range, and is the Skin Relief for "Very Dry Skin".
I have used it daily for 4 weeks now. The awful irritating, dry and flaking "discoid" eczema I was suffering from, has now gone!
Spicycushion. That is the wonderful thing about this blog.
ReplyDeleteWe can engage in dialogue, have different points of view and still continue to talk to each other.
Long may we continue.🥰
Spicy - I do feel for you being tied (most of the time) to the house, tv, etc etc. I know how you feel and how boring it can be. So I’m glad these blogs give you people to ‘chat’ to and discuss things with.
ReplyDeleteI’ve also been tied to the sofa a lot with my knee and only been out to the hospital and one experimental visit to the supermarket.
I bless daytime TV, especially Doctors (and, shh, Neighbours!) and also Countdown with Mr A every afternoon. I use my iPad a lot too, surfing and playing one or too intriguing games which keep the little grey cells working.
I seem to have a terribly itchy knee and leg because of the damage done to the nerve cells during the operation. I am using loads of the oil suggested and also moisturiser because of very flaky skin around the scar.
I hope your skin condition will improve very soon so you can be more mobile again and do things you love, and must be missing.
Prickly pear seed oil works wonders on a myriad of things I find Archerphile.
DeleteWhere would I get some of that please, Gary?
Delete"Garden of Wisdom" Prickly Pear Seed Oil - I get it online from Victoria Health. I use it for just about everything! It's a small bottle, but one drop goes a long way. Apparently it's Nigella Lawson's secret of eternal youth too.....
DeleteThanks to all for best wishes. Onwards and upwards as always! 😀
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteI read and loved Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. I also loved the tv adaptation and Mark Rylance's performance. I will wait for the paperback of The Mirror & the Light and look forward to reading it. However, I do not wish to hear Hilary Mantel's political opinions and wish she'd just keep to the writing.
ReplyDelete✓✓✓ My position as well, Anneveggie, except the last sentence ! I take notice of her opinions as she's someone who thinks for herself rather than lazily latching on to some standard opinion. Also she expresses herself in an original, arresting manner, just as she does in her writing.
DeleteI haven’t read any of H M’s books but having studied the Tudors for A level I admire them to an extent but find the dark side of off with his/her head or let’s burn him on the stake if we don’t believe the same thing very depressing! I don’t read historical novels as I usually know the ending! I had a look at her website and presume from that she is a left wing anti monarchist. It isn’t really her place to express her personal views although thank goodness we live in a free society where we can do just that. Personally I abhor the gap between rich and poor but in all my years have never discovered how to bridge that gap. I was appalled this morning that Meghan sported a Victoria Beckham dress costing £900 which actually did little for her as it clings too tightly and is quite a plain number. She would have done better in a High Street or online!!
ReplyDeleteThe thing that put me right off Ms Mantel and wanting to join in the seemingly universal phrase for her was watching an interview when she made some very nasty and sarcastic remarks about Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. They were about her role in the Royal family and particularly the way she dressed (which I personally admire, especially that she often chooses inexpensive outfits and wears them several times - unlike her extravagant sister-in-law)
DeleteI think Kate makes a good job supporting her husband and being caring. I did see the other day she was wearing some very inexpensive trainers and agree she always looks good in clothes that suit her. She is a breath of fresh air. We will never know the true ins and outs of royalty and the press twists things but from what I can gather Kate is worth watching. I greatly admire Charles too and he has suffered from bad press but has prevailed in spite of that. I am disappointed that Harry hasn’t followed suit and that he has now turned his back on Queen and country.
DeleteShe made those remarks against the rigid rules set for royal behaviour & appearance, rather against Kate personally ( totally agree, she dresses with style & panache)
DeleteWhat I do dislike is the way the two duchesses are named with their old surnames, now redundant. Who else, unless by choice, is named like this, once married ?
That was in response to Archerphile (9.12am)
DeleteBit harsh Ev! Maybe Harry & Meghan are just trying not to be part of a culture where what trainers you wear somehow constitutes "news".
Deletecarolyn, I too thought that Hillary Mantel was speaking about the role of the female in Royal families rather than a specific individual.
DeleteAs an exceptionally bright & creative person, I reckon she has more right to express her views on politics or anything else than most 'celebs', social media, tabloid types, on the grounds that her views are likely to be more thought provoking & better informed.
ReplyDeleteThere's also the little matter of freedom of speech.....we allow all sorts of nonsense, barring incitement to hatred & violence, though even some of that slips through the net.
Above in response to Ev( 8.58am)
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree, I dislike lots of nasty speech, up if we don’t speak up against the people who’s express such ideas then we are doomed. Dietrich Bonhoeffer set us an example when he Spoke out against fascism.
DeleteMartin Niemõller wrote a very moving poem, about what happens when we don’t speak out! Freedom of speech is an inalienable right.
I’m not a monarchist and have worked hard to try and support those who experience alienation. I:have tried to practice what I preach.
H. Mantel has the right to express her views, just as we do on this blog.
Archerphile, have answered above about prickly pear seed oil!
ReplyDeleteMe. 941.am.
ReplyDeleteHave not expressed myself very well.
What I intended to say was that one can engage in society without doing it for the Monarchy.
I have listened to the weirdest of ideas and beliefs in my professional capacity and always accepted that the individual has the right to express their version of reality.