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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.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeletestasia April 21, 2020 at 9:29 AM
OWiAS. Re Otis In the background. I don’t think he would have been allowed to play. The Americans can’t spell.
When I was 7yrs old my lovely teacher Miss Bell took myself and school friend to afternoon tea in the city. Lots of frilly aprons and posh tables. The tea was wonderful, cream buns, sandwiches, toasted pancakes and scones. All layered up, it was heaven. I continued this with my sisters but not today, it’s not the same quality. Have been to Betty’s and thought it was overrated and over priced. The tea was awful and I pointed this out to the waitress.
stasia April 21, 2020 at 9:33 AM
Annieveggie. Soup glorious soup. As a veg grower I make lots of soup. Leek, tomato ๐ cauliflower, squash, onion, all with fresh bread. What could be better even at a dinner party.
ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWe went to Betty's in York & it was a wee bit rubbish. It was too busy, the staff were too frantic & they didn't have half the things we initially ordered. I think several people on here had recommended the "Fat Rascals" or something & they didn't have any left.
DeleteStasia 9.33 am - Yes, I couldn't agree more and why not at a dinner party.
Delete*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is......Autumnleaves! Enjoy!
Yippeee!!!!!
DeleteLove the tea chart Gary.
ReplyDeleteI’m definitely Tannin Salon!
Not that I’d ever go to one.
✔️ With you on both counts Archerphile ☕️
DeleteI have heard that her Majesty likes “builders”tea ๐ค
Like it Gary. Water bewitched for me, as Gran used to call it, and definitely no baby’s food in sight. Can’t stand the smell even. Or maybe I will just have coffee.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I drink more coffee than tea but often a job to get a really tasty cup when out and about as I like it strong and definitely not made with boiling water ๐ก
DeleteNow so many of us have coffee pod / bean machines at home one has standards ๐คฃ
Werther's originals for me, both in tea and sweets.
ReplyDeleteWerther’s originals for me too,Janice but only for the tea not the sweets.
ReplyDeleteWell here goes...
ReplyDelete1) Introduction and Allegro for Strings...Elgar
Yes another Elgar piece. I played this at the Glasgow Proms in 1976 when I was in the National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland. What a thrill and what a piece. My dad sat in the audience with our old cassette recorder. I still have the cassette of the performance.
It's a piece that gives me goosebumps.
2) Mcarthur Park (long version)...Donna Summer
loved everything she did.
3) Besame Mucho.....Cesaria Evora
A voice like velvet.
4)What'd I Say.......Ray Charles
Anything he did was genius....with lyrics like:
She's the gal with the diamond ring
She knows how to shake that thing
I rest my case!
5) How Do You Keep The Music Playing...Tony Bennett
Music..Michel Legrand + lyrics Alan and Marilyn Bergman+ voice Tony Bennett = perfection
6) Autumn Leaves .....The Richard Galliano Tangaria Quartet.
Now you don't honestly think I wouldn't include this, do you?
Love this arrangement.
7) Il Cielo in Una Stanza...Mina
Recorded in1960 when it really was La dolce vita.
8) La Mia Storia tra le Dita......Gianluca Grignani
This song reminds me of the summer of 1996 when I was expecting my 2nd child and I spent the summer in the mountains.
I remember thinking at the time that life didn't get much better than this...and looking back now, I was right.
Choosing which disc to save was the hardest part, but I'm going with Tony Bennett.
As for books, I'd like a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. That way I would become the world's greatest expert on absolutely everything and if I was ever rescued from my island , they'd take me back because I would have become such an insufferable know-it-all๐๐
My luxury would be a fertile piece of ground with some basic gardening tools and an endless supply of seeds. I could always have an abundance of fresh veggies and herbs.
Well, there you go.
I hope you enjoy my selection as much as I've enjoyed putting it together and listening to all of your lovely contributions.
Happy Listening๐๐๐
Love, love, love the Elgar Introduction & Allegro. Have specified I want it at my funeral, but it will have to be played on some sort of device because it’s going to be a Woodland burial.
DeleteThank you Autumnleaves!
ReplyDeleteI may too have a Donna Summer song - we'll see...
Love the stories behind #1 & #8 - *wipes tear from eye*
Will investigate all as usual.
๐๐Thanks so much for the Elgar, so close to making it onto my list.. un grand merci ๐๐
ReplyDeleteWell I had to listen to the Autumn Leaves, a gentle treat.
ReplyDeleteWhat's all this about a chart at the beginning of this thread ?
ReplyDeleteAm I correct in thinking that you had something other than Tony Bennet as a heading ?
Please do explain.
Ahhh! It was all about tea strengths done in the style of a paint chart with comedy names for each cuppa!
DeleteSometimes (especially now) I change the heading images & I can only apologise if people get confused.
I will enjoy listening to Autumn Leaves selection of what sounds like very romantic music.
ReplyDeleteThank you A L
Builder's tea for me.
ReplyDelete& me ! ( He-man on the chart it was, I think)
DeleteCan you post it again for half a day Gary ?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds interesting and fun. I'd like to see it.
Not up early enough today obviously !
Will put it up for an hour or two right now MrsP!
Delete(As the vicar said to the showgirl......)
Snigger, snigger ๐
DeleteSo far, the Besame Mucho was dreamy for me - conjuring up warm, Italian evenings, a little breeze, already well fed, but still sipping chianti....voice like velvet, as you say, Autumnleaves.
ReplyDeleteWill skip Tony Bennett & Ray Charles, but listen to all else + loads from others yet to be sampled...
Autumnleaves Thank-you so much for your choices.
ReplyDeleteI just love reading all about, what music others love to hear + enjoy, plus the book choice.
...forgot to say... "then listening to, and so understanding why, these are favourites".
DeleteI am veering between He Man and Tannin Saloon. Anything stronger and I’d be swing trom the trees. I am a bit of a tea snob.
ReplyDeleteAutumnleaves I could give you some juicy information about Tony Bennett but he might read this and sue me! Is he still alive?
As far as I know Stasia..I'll check Dr.Google
ReplyDeleteYes he's still going strong at 93.
DeleteTea - Earl Grey is my favourite, and what I drink most of the time - interpersed with S/bury's red label. Total opposites.
ReplyDeleteI did my weekly supermarket shop at 8.30am this morning (but I do live not far away).
ReplyDeleteIt was quiet, fully stocked (apart from normal flour + yeast), it even had tuna + baked beans.
What annoyed me, were the very, very few, who were just not prepared to wait behind the floor markers, so just barged past.
Many were wearing masks + gloves- but surely these would have been better, to have been kept in the supply chain, for the needs of the NHS wonderful workers.
Autumnleaves, now I know how you got your name. You music is very sensual and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing accordion reminded me of the one my mother bought me when I was about 10 yrs old but is was a simple small thing. I wanted to learn to play Irish music.
The only pieces I passed over after a few minutes were the two crooners. If that is the right term.
You have now left me with an image of Gina Lollabrigida. Is that you swaying to the rhythm.
I have just watched a post on Facebook which had me in tears. It was from a British association of fireman to their comrades in Italy and at the end they sang a very famous Italian song Bella Ciao. It was a song my late husband often sang.
ReplyDeleteOur mayor, who gives us an update of the current situation, has just suggested we all go to our windows or balconies on 25th April (liberation day 1945) and sing Bella Ciao.. As I might scare the pigeons away if I sing, I'll just go and listen.
ReplyDeleteJust go out and sing it with gusto.
DeleteYou will feel proud for doing so. ๐ค๐ค
I feel silly going out and banging a saucepan with a spoon (Thursday evening at 8.00pm for the NHS workers), but then we all are doing it, and I am so pleased I joined in.
Belt it out Gianna!
DeleteThanks Gary for putting up the chart again.
ReplyDeleteI need different strengths at different times of day, and move from and between Werthers original and he-man or builders.
I like the idea that the Queen prefers builders. I hope it's true, even if it's not important.
I heard the tune of Bella ciao during the evening homage to the medical staff, I was too far to join in it's very catchy even if sad.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada they clap for the medical staff at 7pm every evening.
ReplyDeleteMy tea is Rooibos, black, no sugar. Have been drinking it for 17 years or so now. Can't do builders - yeuch!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and our son and d.i.l. love Rooibos tea but I can’t bear the smell of it, I’m afraid.
DeleteYes, I've had people say to me that they don't like smell but I can't smell it!? Strange. For a while I drank too much coffee because when I visited friends I couldn't drink builders so I opted for coffee. So I started carrying the t-bags around with me. I start every day with a coffee though.
DeleteI enjoy Yorkshire,, also Earl Grey.
ReplyDeleteAlso partial to green tea +mint, & 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Had that in my thermos (safety blanket) that accompanied me on the daily round of cello lessons.
ReplyDeleteexcept for morning rehearsals, when it just had to be really strong black coffee...
DeleteSupermarkets own brand decaf tea does me.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe there's not more love for Tony Bennett on here! And stasia, spill the beans!!!!
ReplyDeleteGary, I grew up with somebody who became quite famous, she was a few years older than me but became very close friends with my mother. She left home just after school and became a singer and returned home with a gift she says Tony Bennett gave her, in the bodily sense.
DeleteShe sadly died on St Patrick’s day. I liked her, but lost touch when I moved away.
If we ever meet, I’m sure we shall, I’ll give you the real low down. Slรกinta
Sorry to hear about your old friend stasia.
DeleteI look forward to getting that gossip!
I wasn't going to mention this, but thinking about stasia's friend in the post above I have decided to share something that's happening today...
ReplyDeleteMy oldest & dearest friend's mother passed away after a long illness last week. It's the funeral today and obviously I am unable to attend it. Her mum was basically like my second mum - there are photo's of my friend, her sister & I from when she was a few months old & I was 3!
Only 10 people are permitted to attend the funeral, there will be a 5 minute service at the graveside & everyone will have to stand 2 metres apart. I would so love to be there to give my friends a hug and a kiss, but like thousands of other people in the same situation it's simply not possible. She has to drive up from the Borders to Glasgow today & then go straight back home after seeing her 5 sisters at the cemetery, not being able to comfort each other they way that they should. My heart is heavy this morning - please forgive me for being a little bit depressing on this beautiful day...
That is very sad, Gary. I'm sure you'll be thinking about your friend, & her family a great deal today. Thoughts & feelings travel, as well as texts & so on, & knowing you are with her in spirit will bring some comfort, I'm convinced.
DeleteGlad you decided to share this with us here, Gary.
Gary that is awful for you and your friends family. It seems almost medieval to me that funerals have to be conducted in this way. Surely there is some way the powers that be could arrange things in a little more humane way.
DeleteGG so sorry, je t'embrasse ๐ข๐๐น
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry,Gary but sure the sisters know you will be with them in spirit. It is very tough time in not being able to offer comfort.
ReplyDeleteMy older brother has just been diagnosed with cancer as he found a lump on his neck, after investigations they have found this comes from the back of his tongue. He will shortly get an appointment for Christy’s in Manchester, a major cancer hospital but of course has to get there. Transport should be provided but his son wants to go with him only that may not be possible. Brother is upbeat and has been cheered by my sending him via Amazon a pushchair for his elderly Shih Tzu, Reggie who can’t walk far and has had to be carried for part of his daily walk!
Gary, we can feel so useless with this lockdown but thoughts and good wishes are so important to those we love.
Also, of course, sorry to hear about your brother, Ev.The cancer diagnosis is a blow enough without the distance AND compulsory distancing. Your gift of a push chair for his elderly,.much loved Shih Tzu was inspired, & your brother sounds a splendidly positive person !
DeleteBereavement is very very difficult to cope with at any time but now it has become sterile. When we once could console each other with words and memories.. we are now reduced to regulations that have left us devoid of any sense of humanity. It's what's in your heart that's important and that will transcend any rules and laws..and your loved ones will know it.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put AL ๐๐ผ
DeleteI too am so very sorry Gary, for the loss of your friends mother who meant so much to you as well as her and her sisters, but also for not being able to attend the funeral.
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe I can understand how you feel about not being there today.
Five years ago the friend who was my landlady when I met and married in the sixties, was diagnosed with cancer. I visited her at least once each year and for the final two years when she was in a nursing home. The last time I visited we said our final goodbyes as she felt that she did not want to cope with any further visits although we were able to speak on the phone, until that too was stopped by her.
When she died last year I was unable to attend her funeral because I had Lady and her separation anxiety prevented me from being away overnight.
It is now almost a year since then and I am still very engaged by a sense of loss at not being able to say a formal respectful goodbye to one of the oldest of my friendships at her funeral.
Those who are now in a similar situation because of the current restrictions will I think find it very difficult to come to terms with the lack of a formal farewell as I find myself.
You have my sincere thoughts GG.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Gary. Also to Ev not being able to.be with your brother in these difficult times for him.
ReplyDeleteGary and Ev, such difficult situations in these testing times. Thinking of you. It’s good to be able to share. It’s not possible to sing and smile all the time, it’s not natural.
ReplyDeleteLast week I learned of the death of a woman I know from one of my circle dancing groups. Covid 19. We were knocked for six. Challenging times we live in.๐
Your last sentence in first paragraph is such a crucial point, Seasider, I think. Accepting one's own sadness &, just as importantly, accepting the moods & downs of everyone else is real & kind.
DeleteBanish guilt ! It never goes anywhere remotely useful.
Gary and Ev, you can be certain that everyone on here will be sending you their best wishes in these difficult circumstances.
ReplyDeleteGary, My deepest thoughts are with you and your friend. Sadly in the present circumstances we are forced to go against our desire to reach out and console each other. I suspect you and your friend shall find a way to celebrate the love you have for each other and for the loss of a beloved.
ReplyDeleteEv. I do hope your brother receives immediate treatment, be assured Christy’s is a very good hospital.
It is so hard in ‘normal’ circumstances to be supportive when our loved ones are so far away but your gift for his little companion will certainly be appreciated. You and especially his son will have to put your trust in the professionals to care for him.
Lots of heartfelt thoughts from me.๐
Gary and Ev, thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteAlso Spicycushion and Sarnia.
It must be one of those days. In February 2019 my Mum was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. I have taken her to each & every appointment at the hospital and to all of her chemo sessions which lasted for six months. She has had a couple of months off but today had to go for a CT Scan, all alone and to a different and new to us hospital which she had to find on her Tom Tom. I felt terrible that I couldn't go with her.
ReplyDeleteNot to be compared with being unable to attend a funeral of course but, oh hard times for us all in many ways.
Oh, Unders, this is a difficult situation, heart breaking & worrying. I hope you hear soon from your mother about how she coped today.
DeleteStrangely, I noticed your doggie profile pic for the first time this morning - he/she looks totally cute, & I hope is a comfort through these bad times, especially the ongoing concerns about your mother.
Unders, it is hard to stand back when your emotions are telling you what should do to support the one you ๐ love.
DeleteUnders - today must have been so hard for you and for your mother.
ReplyDeleteTo have to wait at home and not be present as a support for her and for her to have to find her own way to a different hospital would have challenged you both.
I do hope that in your phone conversation this evening she is able to reassure you that she managed, and that you will be able to cope with listening to how she did so without feeling guilty.
Ev, I'm sorry, I seem to have managed to miss your earlier post about your brother.
I do hope his son is able to go with him for his appointment, and your present will help him to cope in the meantime.
And Gary, I hope for you that one bright thought or action has given you a break from your sadness today.
All I can say is:-
ReplyDeleteMy Thoughts Are With You All.
๐ค๐ค๐๐
I would like to echo what Miriam says at 6.12 pm.
DeleteSo sorry for the sadnesses expressed today.
Thank you everyone, and thank you Ev & Unders for putting it in a bit more perspective.
ReplyDeleteMrsP, I went for a long walk along our "secret" riverside, climbed a wee hill and had a picnic while looking down on the Clyde Valley with Ben Lomond in the distance and the Highlands starting to rise behind that, and counted my blessings.
Of which there are many I'm pleased to report!
Thank you all for kind thoughts, so kind. I have spoken to Mum & she was very well looked after and made it home - with a slight detour!! Just the nail biting 2 week wait for result.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, yes Aussie is a sweet soul, if fragrant!!!
Glad to hear the latest, Unders, glad your mother got through the day, despite you, her, & others attached, have to endure the wait for the scan result. So we have a name for the canine friend - hello Aussie !
DeleteThank you everyone. I think when life throws things at you there is no choice but to get through it! Unders, like you waiting for results. Sometimes good or bad it is a relief to know! My brother is doing well in spite of all this. Manchester is about 35 miles from Crewe so not a massive journey and we just have to wait and see now. We are upbeat in spite of it all!
ReplyDeleteYou're surely right, Ev. I do hope, before too many weeks (months?) have past, you may be able to see your brother. Your 'upbeat-ness' comes across, the human spirit so often shines through ! LTo add, phoned someone well over 80 yrs. old today, a little hesitantly as she might not have wanted to talk, whom I don't know intimately but quite well, whose partner died before lockdown, & whose brother has died since, & she's coping so valiantly- my goodness, we even had a laugh ! She thanked me, was happy to talk, yet I felt the beneficiary of our exchange.
DeleteGary, Ev,Seasider & Unders sending virtual hugs and ๐ฅฐ to you all in your time of sadness and worries. So glad you have all shared your innermost feelings that is what friends virtual or otherwise are for. Sadly life can’t always be happy.
ReplyDeleteMrs P I remember you losing your friend and being unable to attend the funeral very hard indeed and now almost a year!!
ReplyDeleteGary, glad you had some quiet reflective times in your beautiful surroundings today. Lots of hugs, C. x
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you were able to find peace, quiet and reflection in your special place Gary. And your childhood friend will know you were with her in spirit.
ReplyDeleteAnd pleased to hear Ev's brother is coping with spirit, and that Unders mum managed her day well. And what's a little detour along a journey but a different kind of excitement.
And I'm not normally a hugger Esscee, but I bloody well make exceptions sometimes!
ReplyDeleteThe Repair Shop was billed as a new series but did they change tonight’s episode I’m sure I’ve seen it before definitely the ceramic plate. Mr R could not recall ๐ค
ReplyDeleteAlways worth a second watch though such stunning workmanship.
Oh dear, oh lor', what times.
ReplyDelete๐๐๐to all.
Just watching “News at Ten” and agree parsley such unreal & terrible terrible (worldwide) times ☹️
DeleteToday has been a dreadful day for many of our friends on this blog. I am logging in late and have been shocked and very moved by some of the posts I have just caught up with.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with all of you who have had very sad news and expรฉriences. This is a very cruel time we are living in and there seems to be no end in sight.
Personally, I’m not fearful of the future for myself, I have led a long and mainly very happy life, a good marriage, lovely home, two children to be proud of and five grandchildren I adore. If I had to leave this earth tomorrow I should not feel sad. But I am very fearful for my children, and especially grandchildren’s future.
What is going to be left for them when this pandemic has passed?
What sort of future will there be?
Sorry to express such bleak thoughts but having just heard we could still be having to conduct social distancing for another year has been very depressing.
But the sun will come out tomorrow, as Captain Tom said, so there is hope.
Lots of sympathy to all of you going through hard times at present. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear of your loss, Gary, and about your brother’s illness, Ev. I send virtual hugs and sympathy to you both and to our other blogfriends who are going through difficult times.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with all who had different and difficult reasons for having a hard time yesterday. x๐
ReplyDeleteBonjour from Parsleyland.. ๐๐Waiting for the baker's van, a bit grey & overcast, promising to clear up later. Walk necessary (no longer than 1hr, no farther than 1km from home..) to clear thoughts & put things in perspective. New day today.. ๐
ReplyDeleteI planted a clematis from Sainsbury's.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I had a goldfinch in the garden yesterday. First one for years. The herons in the park were feeding their young - saw them at 7am when hardly anyone was about.
DeleteI was gardening yesterday when I heard a strange call.. a solitary stork, flying overhead & calling, carried on out of sight..
Deleteparsley I would love to be watching birds in parsleyland or any other land. We do have a lot of birds in our garden. The most exotic so far are Long Tailed Tits. My favourite teaspoon.
DeleteI’m waiting for the cuckoo. Nothing yet.
Heard our first cuckoo 3 days ago, and the first swallow arrived yesterday (late for here). My cousin in the outskirts of Wantage is over the moon because she has 2 red kites nesting in a tree at the bottom of her garden.
DeleteWhen I was a child a stork arrived and stayed for a while on the roof of a house. It must have been blown off course. The whole village turned out to look at it because we had never seen one before. Lovely bird.
I nearly forgot! Happy St George’s Day everyone, well almost everyone! ๐๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
ReplyDeleteNot that many people in England bother to celebrate the day, much less this year.
I have always envied the Scots, Welsh and Irish who really do make a thing of their Saints Days and have National Costumes and parties and fly flags and are very proud of their heritage.
Often wish I was born in one of those Countries rather than boring England.
Apart from loving our beautiful and very varied scenery, I’m afraid I am not very patriotic about being English. Shame on me, I suppose. ๐คญ
We normally fly the flag on our local church tower, but don't know if the lad that normally raises it will do it this year as the church which is normally open day and night nowadays is shut at present. Think I'll get the binoculars and go up the slope of the field and see if I can see it flying down on the cliffs.
DeleteTabitha a lovely past cat who lived to 18, the prettiest ever tabby with a white chest, had her birthday on St. George's day so we always remembered the day and gave her a special treat for tea.
We tried to get our government to let the Cornish have St Piran's day recognised as a holiday but they weren't wearing it! I guess a saint who fought a dragon is one worth celebrating. ๐
DeleteI’m just back from a walk with Aussie to our local forest. I was, at one point, totally surrounded by bluebells. It was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to interrupt but I seem to remember that one of our bloggers is celebrating a birthday today but I can't remember who I've been scrolling down the blogs that I'm cross .eyed .
ReplyDeleteReveal yourself birthday blogger๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐๐
T’is I AL! Enjoying birthday in lockdown but we are having a takeaway Italian tonight!๐ฅ
DeleteOf course it is today Ev ๐ ๐ ๐ I noted it in my head at the time of Mrs P’s but the days merge ๐ณ I shall sing Happy Birthday to you many times today when washing my hands!
DeleteEnjoy your treat tonight ๐ฅฐ
Happy Birthday Ev! Enjoy! Hope you've got some Prosecco to go with your Italian?
DeleteArcherphile. .I think sometimes we are too hard on ourselves and see only the negative...to quote Robert Burns:
ReplyDeleteO wad some Pow'r the gift tae gie us
Tae see ourselves as others see us.
I know here in Italy the English and British in general are extremely admired.. I think and hope that Gianna and Hillary will agree with me.
Happy St George's Day everyone .
DeleteFrom a friendly Scot ๐๐
Yes I agree with you Autumnleaves the Italians do seem to respect and admire the British.
DeleteAnother bit of Burns from memory!
ReplyDeleteSome hae meat and canna eat
And some wad eat who want it
But we hae meat and we can eat
And sae the Lord be thankit!
A swift reminder to count our blessings!xxx
Ev ...it's you ...born in Scotland on st George's day....
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday๐๐๐
Happy Birthday, Ev! Many happy returns!
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy St George’s Day to everyone!
It is certainly true, Autumnleaves, that Britain has always been held in high esteem by the Italians.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to EV
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and very very best wishes for your birthday Ev.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a bit different to other birthdays but hopefully, just as enjoyable. ๐๐๐ฅ
Ev. You lucky person, happy birthday and enjoy the MEAL. ☀️๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐พ๐ด๐๐
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Ev๐ฅณ๐
ReplyDeleteI remember a book I read as a child called the Wheel on the School that mentions storks nesting. Think it was set in the Netherlands. Anyone else know what I am talking about?
Janice re St Piran he was an Irish monk along with other religious Irish game their names to many places in Cornwall. Am I right in saying that Cornwall has more Saints then any where in the Uk?
ReplyDeleteBreage has a wonderful church.
Yes indeed Stasia, we have an awful lot of saints ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ perhaps because when the Devil got as far as the Tamar they threatened to use him to make a pasty and he retreated. Apparently St. Piran sailed all the way from Ireland on a leaf ( a coracle perhaps ?).
DeleteOur chorale exchange was with the Perraners from Perranporth.
ReplyDeletealways known to us as the Piranhas.. ๐ก๐ก
DeleteJoyeux anniversaire Ev ! Have a wonderful day ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Ev!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Ev. Enjoy the sunshine and meal. ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Ev ! Have the sense it will be, especially with 'an Italuan', as you put it.... does that mean you get an amorous Italian opera star, along with the meal ?๐
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, I find Italian nosh the absolute tastiest, at least of all the national cusines I've tried, either here or in country of origin.
Line 3, 'Italian', of course....
DeleteYes but he has to stay two metres away! How sad is that?!! Thank you all for the greetings. What a lovely lot you are!๐
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHappy Birthday Ev! Happy St. George's Day!
ReplyDeleteSitting outside my cottage reading this blog, a man with two little boys has just walked by explaining to his boys that we have two flags.
ReplyDeleteSo at least two youngsters are asking questions and learning about our heritage.
Happy Birthday Ev! Enjoy your Italian! ๐๐๐
ReplyDeleteHad I been able to choose my birthdate I would have chosen 23rd April.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my mum and dad got it wrong by six months.
Happy Birthday , Ev .
Seasider ,you mentioned goldfinches.
I was told about a goldfinch bird feeder that cost about£2 from Wilkos.
I bought some Niger seeds and after a few days the clever little birds had found it .
I then bought another one which is sited nearer to the house.
They only use that though when the other one needs refilling.
We were talking about tea recently .
Yesterday I had a present of some Earl Grey,Assam and RoyalBlend teas.
Today I have been sent some gin and tonic tea in silky tea bags which I will try this evening.
It says the tea should be served without milk!
Katy has given me a bottle of rhubarb and ginger gin so looking forward to trying it when the sun is over the yardarm!
ReplyDeleteLanjan, it must have been a hot summer in 1947!,! .....I’m glad I missed that winter though!
ReplyDeletea "charm" of goldfinches..๐
ReplyDeleteLanJan I used to have one of those feeders then all of a sudden the goldfinches stopped coming. The niger seed went to waste. That’s why I was so pleased to see the little bird yesterday and it was happy eating sunflower hearts.
ReplyDeleteA charm of goldfinches is about right, Parsley, whoever coined that.
Incidentally I found a solitary bag of strong white bread flour in the shop the other day. I hugged it and brought it home. I still don’t have any wholemeal, granary or anything else to mix with it. I spotted one a couple of weeks ago but I was on foot and needed so much else I couldn’t carry it. Wish I had now.๐dreams...
Seasider, I made a tomato tart the other day using 1/3 plain white flour, 1/3 oatmeal & 1/3 butter for the pastry. It was delicious! (The recipe actually uses 2 tins of tinned tomatoes - was surprised at how tasty it was!)
DeleteI am just about to sample my gin and tonic tea.
ReplyDelete1947? Ev .
Talking about parents timing it for April! Conception in July!๐๐
DeleteHappy birthday Ev and enjoy your meal.
ReplyDeleteI do not like it much!
ReplyDelete"Tante aguiari a te" Ev.๐พ๐
ReplyDeleteI hope you have had a good birthday, under these different and difficult, circumstances.
As I said last night:-
My thoughts are with you all....
my true and lovely "virtual" friends, who mean such a lot to me.
I am keeping my posts short, as I don't want to start to "waffle" on, with thoughts which are usually, so inane + senseless, and not suitable.
To add, I saw a comment "on-line", from someone about retirement. This was along the lines of - and not a quote -
"When I retired, I was told I had to keep active and join in with things. So it was yoga, going swimming, lunches out with friends, visiting NT properties etc. Now I am in Lockdown, I now know what true retirement is. This is enjoying working and sitting in, my garden - sorting out cupboards, de-cluttering and so on, plus doing what I want to do. I now understand retirement".
This just struck a chord, with me. ๐
So much for a short post. ๐ข
DeleteMy saucepan + spoon, are already ready for 8.00pm tonight.
ReplyDeleteI will join in...
I'm starting to miss wall-to-wall Brexit.
ReplyDeleteBrexit? What’s Brexit OWiaS?
DeleteYes. Brexit was at least, not as threatening to life + death.
DeleteChanges will happen, yes, but not in the same way, as to what is happening to us all, worldwide now....and in the many months to come.
Still - Keep Calm and Carry On. ๐
Brexit archerphile? ..that was when some people didn't think things could get any worse and all of a sudden
DeleteThings did!!!
And where as Brexit had divided so many, the present situation has brought many much closer.
DeleteI hope not, MrsP - 2 metres apart please! ; )
DeleteWhat a lot of people don't understand, is that after all that fuss about 'taking back our borders', at the very time when the borders should have been closed, they weren't. New Zealand did exactly that: the only people allowed into the country by air or sea, were residents returning from abroad, and they were quarantined for a fortnight and all their contacts traced. Otherwise, the only incoming movements were freight and mail, which were rigorously checked. The end result was a total of cases in three figures over both islands and the eight deaths were all residents in care homes over the age of eighty who were already in very poor health.
DeleteI am ready, with my saucepan + spoon, to go out soon, to show my appreciation to not only the NHS, but all the people who are still serving the public.
ReplyDeleteThese include the staff working in the many food stores, the postal workers, the "bin-men", those who deliver our internet purchases, the Police, the Fire Brigade etc. etc. and all the volunteers working in food banks, carers.
Too many to mention, but I admire them all.
They are all, just wonderful.
...and dedicated.
DeleteI was questioning the year Ev.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were much younger than that!
(I was referring to gin and tonic tea whenI said Ididn’t like it much!
Replied to this but must have lost it! Yes am 72, Lanjan but just don’t accept it! Katy reckons I am her “vulnerable adult!๐ค. Sorry you didn’t like the tea. So often these things are a disappointment!
DeleteHow lovely to see on TV, a certain family, starting the weekly applause.
ReplyDeleteIt was better (and louder) than ever tonight, well near to me.
We were out in our lay-by again Miriam, me banging a metal bowl with a soup ladle this week & our neighbours ringing a very loud old school bell! Sadly only one car drove past but it did flash it’s lights!
DeleteBut just as we were about to start we heard what sounded like a rocket being launched down in the village at exactly 8pm and we guess someone had set off a firework to start things off.
Happy birthday to you
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Ev
Happy birthday to you
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Hope you’ve had a lovely Italian!!
And are not too sloshed ๐ฐ๐ธ
I hope you have had a happy birthday Ev. ๐๐
ReplyDeleteVery happy, Zoe and had pleasant drinks but not sloshed ptby as I know I would have an almighty hangover! Just can’t take it nowadays!!๐
DeleteItalian was delicious accompanied by a bottle of chilled prosecco Katy had ordered as a surprise! Lovely not to have to cook! ๐ง๐ป๐ณ
DeleteSo glad you had a lovely birthday meal Ev ๐ค
DeleteCould not agree more with your last line - Miriam and others are so lucky to enjoy doing so. I am missing our lovely country pub (S) and our dear friends.
Not to mention a ๐Hinton Ampner trip Archerphile !
Pleased you enjoyed it Ev, despite the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteGary, the tomato tart sounds really good - tinned tomatoes are still in short supply here but I like the tip about oatmeal to mix with white flour, reckon I will give it a try.
Agree with you Seasider that Gary's tomato tart sounds delicious.
DeleteA message for Shula, who is feeling Proud.
ReplyDeleteProverbs16:18 in the KJB will, as YOU know dear Shula, tell you that, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”.
She is as high as a kite on her own perceived brilliance.
Will she or won’t she be the next vicar of Dumblydoambridge?
Wrong blog, just pretend you are in ‘life in Ambridge’. If that concept is not too horrible to contemplate. ๐คจ๐ฎ
DeleteI would transfer digitally to the other blog, if I knew how to, can’t be bothered retyping. My brain works faster than my fingers which are becoming very tired already.
DeleteTo the allotment I must go for some exercise and sum.
Donald Trump told me that sunlight and an injection of disinfectant will kill the virus. What a ๐ดman, a fountain of brilliance.
At the end of the clapping last night one of our neighbours played We Shall Overcome on a violin.
ReplyDeleteOn a different subject I have just realised that I have a bag of oat bran in my cereal cupboard. I was going to make porridge this morning then realised I can use it for my bread. Wouldn’t have thought if you hadn’t mentioned it yesterday, Gary. ๐
PTBY
ReplyDeleteHow are your eyes doing, with the "prism"?
Oats are also a great ingredient, in "drop scones".
ReplyDeleteI also use oats in :- meatballs, in a recipe which is a light "spag. bol" with mince, a home-made muesli type cereal with apricots, a pasta sauce made with spicy sausages and peppers.
Oats are so healthy + versatile (and cost effective).
So much for me, keeping my posts short.
ReplyDeleteAll I wanted to say is:-
I hope you are enjoying this glorious sun-shine and,
Keep Safe + Well. ๐
Tomorrow is another day.
Will it be better?
I wish I knew.
Thinking of you all,
Miriam Xxxx
As someone who lives alone, I am doing remarkably OK, but I am missing company and conversation.
DeletePuss-cat is great though, and is helping a lot. ๐บ.
Yes Miriam it's harder on those of us living alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too bad as much footfall past my cottage to say hello or to have a brief, at distance, chat.
If, as I imagine, you live in a 'formal' house on an estate with front and back gardens then I can understand that it must be quite isolating. Are your difficult neighbours still in situ ?
I also of course have a dog to walk so at least see people whenout, even though we are keeping our distance.
Miriam......got used to prism and I’m back to the eye patch. Supposed to be going to thyroid eye clinic on May 28th. On consultants list for Botox for it but this is not being done at the mo due to corona.
ReplyDeleteStill going strong with the one good eye.