this post is closed
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Popular posts from this blog
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 ***
ReplyDeleteMiriam April 24, 2020 at 5:38 PM
So much for me, keeping my posts short.
All I wanted to say is:-
I hope you are enjoying this glorious sun-shine and,
Keep Safe + Well. 😀
Tomorrow is another day.
Will it be better?
I wish I knew.
Thinking of you all,
Miriam Xxxx
Miriam April 24, 2020 at 6:11 PM
As someone who lives alone, I am doing remarkably OK, but I am missing company and conversation.
Puss-cat is great though, and is helping a lot. 😺.
MrsP Ambridge April 24, 2020 at 9:32 PM
Yes Miriam it's harder on those of us living alone.
I'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.
Proud to be Yorkshire April 24, 2020 at 9:41 PM
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.
Still going strong with the one good eye.
*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is.......Basia! Enjoy!
Ready and waiting, it's like hitting the jackpot!
DeleteIt's either the artist or a particular song.
ReplyDelete1 JJ Cale - Call me the breeze
2 Francis Cabrel - La cabane du pecheur
3 White flag - Dido
4 I maschi - Gianna Nannini
5 Chan chan - Buena Vista Social Club
6 Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
7 Tina Turner - Simply the best
8 The Beatles - In my life
Book - I Ching
Luxury - earthenware mug from my sister, a souvenir of her special birthday.
Thanks Basia! Damn, that was quick!
DeleteWhat one song would you save above all others? (there's one I'm hoping you choose - I was listening to it on repeat the other night....)
Yes, just realised, too much excitement, I'm taking JJ Cale with me, he's my all time hero, but please tell me which one you were thinking of.
DeleteStasia, it's just the reflection of my life, if you happen to like anything in particular I might think why.
Thanks!
DeleteIt was Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" - one of my dancing about the house drunk songs...
It was released in 2006, I heard it at Christmas in a TV advert in Italy and with just a shot was bowled over, and what is that!? I spent a good few months dancing to it.
DeleteI'm thrilled to have JJ Cale at the top of this blog, thanks.
Wonderful Basia. I shall treat myself to your choices this afternoon. It would be interesting to know how, why, where, when? Apologies if you think I’m being too nosey.
ReplyDeleteWell Basia, you have provided me with a cornucopia of new music to listen to. 🎶
ReplyDeleteApart from the dear old Beatles (definitely my era!) and Tina Turner I have not heard of any of the other artists on your list, so I will be treat myself to a whole new musical experience - this afternoon while working on my current, fiendishly difficult jigsaw. Thank you.
Who doesn't love the Beatles? As for the rest, I'm a bit of an ageing adolescent.
Delete*sticks head above parapet & whispers*
DeleteI don't like The Beatles....
I thought you you might be one, exception proves the rule, more for us to enjoy!
DeleteQuite OK to say that Gary. That is a good one that Basia's chosen though.
DeleteBasia, some good choices. One or two I’ll have to check out that I don’t know.
ReplyDeleteDon’t like the Dido song....another song to slit your wrists to!! Lol
Well, I do get a bit soppy listening to it but towards the end she sings the chorus(?) with a sharp intake of breath and I start laughing.
DeleteGary, I remember you told us some time ago how many people were logging on to this cheerful, comforting blog but forget how many. Do you know the number now?
ReplyDeleteThere appears to be around 40/50 people who post comments Hilary, but there are far more than that popping in just to read. I have no way of knowing how many individuals - but I do know what countries they are looking in from. We sometimes get up to almost 3000 log-ins a day from around the world - most regularly from (deep breath!) the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, the US, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, UAE, Peru and New Zealand... Since the blog started there have been 902,950 visits! Like everyone else, I would LOVE to hear from those people!
DeleteHope some of that answers your question....
Oh, thank you, Gary! That was all exactly what I was curious about! What a huge number of logins and countries too!
DeleteI would LOVE to know who is reading us in places like Azerbaijan or Guatemala!
DeleteThanks Basia! ❤️
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favourite French singer-song writer? Francis Cabrel was my first love but I like the French JJ too.
DeleteOh poo! My plans to listen to listen to Basia’s disc selection whilst doing a jigsaw have been scuppered!
ReplyDeleteRotten Mr A has just unearthed our power washer from the cellar (covered in cobwebs) and announced we are power washing the path around the house, the terrace and patio this afternoon.
It takes two of us, one operating the washer and the other brushing all the water away, and that bit is very strenuous. We’ll never do it all in one go.
So, no quite time for me this afternoon.
Mind you, we didn’t do it last year and the paving stones and block paving are so black with dirt & algae that you can’t tell what colour they are underneath, so it really does need doing. 🙁
Needs must and I know about these kind of jobs, you have to be in the right frame of mind, you'll feel much better after.
DeleteOo...do go for your JJ Calle, Basia ! Could easily listen to that again, & sample others of his.
ReplyDeleteGosh, at the end of this, there'll be a concert medley of music - pieces passed over when originally posted, others to hear again. ( would take hours to go back through all the blogs, listing the choices, but once done, an evening or two on you tube...)
He's my all time favourite so anything goes, glad you like him.
DeleteCan't believe it I liked every one of these songs. Some I had never heard of. Loved the rhythms of JJ Cale and Chan Chan. Liked the creative visuals as well as the voice on the Cabrel one and thought the Gianna Nannina a very expressive powerful singer.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased, Cabrel to me sums up the French popular music and Gianna Italian.
DeleteBasia, thank you. I have only heard of the Beatles and Tina Turner. Like Gary I find the Beatles boring.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite was Chan chan, The Buena Vista Social Club. I find that Cuban style music very laid back and comforting.
J J Cale was also new to me as were the French and Italian singers. I also liked them but I could not connect to the Dido and Crazy was not my style. Thumbs up to no’s 1,2, 4 and 5.
Does the Cuban style of music have a name?
Are you a linguist?
I used to be, but it's not enough to speak a language, it's the ability to communicate.
DeleteYou communicated very well through your choice of music.
DeleteBasia, my favourite also was the Cuban number, and I discovered another by them , El Cuervo de Tula, that had me dancing around the sitting room. I go off at a tangent and listen to other things as I am going through the lists so it takes ages but I really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI am a Beatles fan and I love your choice, love the words. Enjoyed hearing Dido again and the French song put me in mind of Dire Straits and the Eagles. Enjoyed using my rusty French to try to translate. No Italian though. Thanks Basia.
I mean I don’t know any Italian to translate, or only a couple of words.
DeleteThe lyrics are quite nuanced at times but it's the feel good factor that matters, like Chan chan.
DeleteI've listened to the first three so far Basia.
ReplyDeleteHad to stop the first one two thirds through as the repetition did for me. The second was ok and liked the images.
The Dido I quite liked.
I am looking forward to the Buena Vista, like them quite a lot.
More to come.
Gary.... I admire your bravery in saying so !
Another, and unexpected day, of warm, glorious sunshine.
ReplyDeleteI spent it in the garden, mowing lawns, tidying up, plus a pot of "Earl Grey" tea, whilst sitting on a chair, reading my latest book. This is a Donna Leon one, set in Venice.
Aah - How I wish to visit Italy again.
PS I still had some of my Earl Grey tea bread left (still moist + edible), to enjoy at the same time.
DeleteCooking tea - a "full blown" Roast - Pork with all the trimmings!
The washing up, and cleaning the kitchen, will be tomorrow morning, whilst listening to TA omnibus, via my 'phone with "ear buds" in...after a long soak in the jet bath, with foam!!!
DeleteBasia...
ReplyDeleteI only read your DID list, just a short while ago (as only just joined in).
I am so looking forward to delving into it tomorrow. There is so much I need to listen to.
Thank-you for expanding my mind and knowledge. 👏👏
Have spent some time with a local friend in her garden today and she gives me TA related news.
ReplyDeleteHer sons friend, has a girlfriend who's mums new partner.......... etc etc...... is a fairly new member of the TA cast.
But of course she couldn't remember his name or his character !
I will await further information.
Sounds very intrigueing.
DeleteMy neighbours are fine now. What a difference from previous times..
Are they still the original neighbours “calmed down” Miriam or the new buyers? If still the old ones maybe the pressure of their daily work lives has been relieved by lockdown🤔
DeleteThey have not moved yet, but lockdown seems to be working things out. I think, that it is no longer having the seperate "boozy" nights out with "influential" friends.
DeleteAll is fine - apart from the occasional "spat", but this is nothing like on previous occasions.
😁😁😁
So pleased for you Miriam having been there (some years back now) a shame it has taken such awful circumstances for them to become better neighbours 🤞🏼
DeleteMiriam, which Donna Leon are you reading? I've read three, they're all set in Venice, where she lives or used to. I've never visited. I best enjoy the food that Paola prepares.
ReplyDeleteThe book is "Falling In Love".
DeleteI have been to Venice twice, but not recently.
My first trip was in February. It was sunny and cold, but the mist rising off the canals in the evenings, was amazing.
My second was in March, the week before Carnevale.
Again mist + fog, but persons were dressing up ready for the festivities. It was like "Phantom" - water, canals, mist and persons appearing out of the gloom, in costumes. It was quite magical.
With the spring sunshine, I was also able to visit the islands nearby - again just anpther wonderful experience.
I love the film with Audrey Hepburn, when as an american, she holidays in Venice...
"Summertime"...
It is Kathryn Hepburn
DeleteIt is an oldie, but a "goodie". 🎥
I have been to Venice twice. The first time as a nineteen year old on my first package holiday and I swore I would go back with someone I loved. Sure enough I did go back with my husband many years later. It is a magical city, quite spellbinding but almost unreal. Having experienced it, much as I loved it, I wouldn’t go back.
ReplyDeleteI so understand that...not wanting to break that spell + feeling of pure delight, with so many wonderful magical memories.
DeleteI feel exactly the same..
I am not saying or telling, anything more!
DeleteHad a real crisis tonight. Mr A, stupid man, wearing really old holey boots to do gardening, injured his foot. Could hardly put it to the ground. Being insulin-dependant diabetic we have to be very careful about foot-injuries and he has twice had severe cellulitis after such injuries, needing hospitalisation.
ReplyDeleteWhat to do? Ring 111. Answered quite quickly and advised to take him to A&E at Basingstoke Hospital.
Help? Will we be risking CV after all our weeks of careful self-isolation?
Have to go, can’t risk cellulitis again. Drive him to hospital, only second time I have driven since knee op so bit scary! Very strange seeing how much the countryside has changed since I last drove anywhere, the trees are green and gardens have flowers in them. New roadworks on way to hospital too. And a surprising number of cars on the road.
Get to hospital. Have to drop Mr A at entrance where they have a fully kitted up nurse triaging out in the road. I’m told I can’t go in with him and will have to sit in the car, in the car park - probably for an hour at least. Damn, wish I’d gone to loo before leaving home!
Wish I had something to read or nibble. I was just about to make dinner before the injury and haven’t eaten since lunch............don’t know what’s happening or if he will be kept in.
Eventually see Mr A hobbling down the double flight of stairs to the car park. He sees me sitting in car and waves. Apparently he was seen remarkably quickly and A & E was strangely quiet for a Saturday night.
Drove him back home with a bandaged foot and a course of antibiotics and all is now well.
Just hoping he didn’t pick up anything more than antibiotics to bring home.
I have to say I felt very daunted being out driving illegally and expected to be stopped by police at any moment. But we didn’t see police, and it was almost surreal being out at all , our first journey away from home in over two months!
Oh goodness I feel for A P, what an altogether dreadful experience you've had to go through his evening.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry.
But your through it now and safely back home but I'm sure you must be feeling dreadful nevertheless.
We will all hope that he injuries heal well without further difficulties or repercussions of the cellulitis.
And I wish you a gentle nights sleep.
Archerphile, what a worrying time for you and Mr A this evening. You did the right thing, and I'm sure no one would challenge your reason for being out.
ReplyDeleteI'd heard before that A&E departments have been much quieter - fewer cars =fewer accidents, pubs and clubs closed=fewer alcohol related incidents etc etc.
I hope Mr A responds quickly to the antibiotics.
The holey boots in the bin???
I wonder how Spicycushion is doing?
ReplyDeleteOh Archerphile what an unfortunate episode - nightmare even. Understand all of your emotions and so glad Mr A was not kept long (in the old days Saturday A&E would have been just awful)
ReplyDeleteWanting to go to the loo and being hungry not a good combination also going out unexpectedly after 2mths self isolating certainly a surreal experience !
Wishing Mr A a quick and safe recovery (will he require a Dr follow up?) If only you had been allowed to stick with your DID / jig saw afternoon.
How far did the power washing get? or had that been completed and general gardening under way when the unfortunate accident happened. Holey Boots now in bin?
Katy has steel reinforced boots for archaeology. Maybe a pair for Mr A in view of keeping free of foot injury? Agree with Zoe, put holey ones in bin! You did so well in getting him to hospital! We all do stupid things sometimes so try not to be too hard on him! Wishing him a good recovery. Hope you enjoyed your meal and bathroom relief on your return! 😊🥾🥾
ReplyDeleteKaty says you can get boots with plastic reinforcement which might be more comfortable for him
ReplyDeleteWhat on earth is that about at 1:36 this morning??? Definitely not a welcome poster!!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, it sounds like you did exactly the right thing. At the CV briefing yesterday they were emphasising that hospitals were still open for non-Covid treatment where required, and MrA obviously needed prompt treatment to prevent a potentially dangerous condition. I admire you getting behind the wheel again, quite nerve racking when you haven’t driven for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are both feeling better today and enjoy the sunshine.
Thanks one and all for your good wishes/sympathy.
ReplyDeleteWe finished pressure washing around the back of cottage (filthy job and hard work) by about 4pm. Mr A then decided to do more general gardening, digging, weeding etc. That’s when he got something sharp embedded in his foot.
The boots he insists/ed on wearing are about 20 yrs old and the ones he walked the entire length of France in (from The Channel at Calais to the Med. at Marseille) ten years ago! They were split open at the sides, holes in toes and soles but he insisted they were still comfortable!
I wanted to chuck them
out and though he has promised not to wear them again, he won’t throw them away as they are a ‘souvenir’ of his Odyssey and he has a great fondness for them. Men!
Anyway his foot is more comfortable this morning and he is walking OK and the antibiotics should stop cellulitis developing.
But looks like I’ll be carrying on with the pressure washer on my own, later. Still masses to do, but it’s lovely to discover that the block paving is actually a pleasing shade of terracotta with charcoal grey edging instead of uniform black!
What a relief Archerphile. As a diabetic I also worry about my 🦶 feet so it is best to be careful.
DeleteYour courage and determination got you through an emergency in these difficult times.
A virtual medal 🏅 for you is now on your iPad.
Gary a rubbish hacker has invaded our blog. Send them packing please.
ReplyDeleteThey have been sent packing!
DeleteLate to respond, Archerphile, but must add my feelings of alarm & sympathy for the nerve wracking time you & Mr P had yesterday. How horrible, especially 'unfair' after all the hard, gruelling work you both put in with the paving ! ( at least you're rewarded by the attractive appearance of the completed section )
ReplyDeleteI hope it's a much, much calmer day for you & that Mr AP soon gets better with the antibiotics & rest.
Gary it's on the other blog too
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm so hungover this morning that I hadn't noticed either of them... Sat in the garden until 2am with tons of ice cold lager and a blazing fire. That, combined with falling down the rabbit hole that is YouTube, led to a very pleasant evening Indeed!
DeleteAP - I think you're to be congratulated for your driving! Sounds like a pretty hellish experience, but glad that Mr AP got seen so quickly after you got him there. (Our back garden patios and paths need pressure washing too - you have spurred me on to do it this afternoon....)
Good luck with the washing Gary. It’s a job I hate! Because ours paths hadn’t been done for so long, it took ages just to clean a few square feet and I was smothered in black splashes from the tips of my wellingtons to my nose ! Then of course, you have to wash down walls of the house too which are also spattered with bits of black moss and grunge!
DeleteI shall never leave it so long again.
Re driving yesterday - the thing that struck me most was the high number of cars and other vehicles on the roads. I had expected them to be almost empty but there were so many cars and motorbikes, especially on ring-road around the town.
In contrast the hospital carpark was almost empty and there was no charge for parking - something I had worried about having rushed off without any money with money!
The only people I saw going back to cars seemed to be staff going off-duty. I guess normal patient visiting had been banned.
Archerphile. .well done with the driving..there's an Italian expression which says...when the water reaches your neck, you start to swim.
DeleteYou had a family crisis last night and you had to find the courage to resolve it..well done.
Archerphile, you said power washing was a job for two, so why are you attempting it today, whatever you do please stay out of harm's way, you've been physically challenged enough. I can understand MrA's attachment to his his boots after the odyssey but they should have been relegated to a curiosity cabinet a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThe hospitals/surgeries are empty these days and strokes and cancer go unreported everywhere.
It will be easier today Basia, because where I am intending to clean has two manholes I can open for the water to flow down , thus no sweeping is needed. I promise to be careful!
DeleteAnd the boots are to be preserved in aspic (well, bubble plastic in a cardboard box really) along with the journal and photographs of the walk. I can’t make him throw them away.
Mr A has a perfectly good pair of strong leather walking boots that will now be used for gardening, and when shops are open again a brand new pair will be bought for actual walking/hiking.
Just listening to Helen Shapiro on R4 with other 60’s singers in The Reunion.
ReplyDeleteWow, she really did have a great voice! The forerunner to (blast, forgotten her name!) the singer who committed suicide not long ago. Sure you all know who I mean.
Zoetrope, I mentioned Spicy the other day and we haven't heard from Lanjan yet this week-end.
ReplyDeleteFor the Venice lovers posted earlier, check out if you haven't already the books of Michael Dibden with comissario Aurelio Zen. He really captures the real Venice..rainy, damp away from the tourists. Good mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI've read the whole of Aurelio Zen series until Michael Dibdin died.
DeleteIt was serialised for television.
Only then did I move onto Donna Leon, where I liked the food.
Spicy posted on the other blog yesterday, which I noticed because I was wondering how she is. Not sure about LanJan though. I did notice the blog was unusually quiet a day or two ago. Hopefully folk are enjoying their gardens before next week’s rain.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I hope you get a chance to sit down with your jigsaw soon, you have certainly earned it after yesterday. Take care of yourself.🌷
I am around but a wee bit shattered as we have a leak in our pond and are trying to organise somewhere to house our nine goldfish until we can get a new pond.
ReplyDeleteWe have a large tank at the bottom of the garden next to the shed where because there are gutters and a drainpipe the rain water runs in..
However I put comfrey in there to make a magic potion for plants which stinks to high heaven so we had to empty it first.
Then we have half filled it so that hopefully we can add some pond water to it when we have to so that the fish won’t notice too much difference.
I then spent ages trying to find out how we could seal the hole before Mr LJ said we would be better getting a new pond .
Then of course we can’t get one the same size .
I have ordered one online this morning .
They are supposed to have sent me an email but I
haven’t got it!
Hope to get it on Thursday!
We will see.
Meanwhile we keep topping up the water level and hope!
Lots of water lilies and gunge to remove now.
Sympathies for your pond problem Lanjan. It’s very difficult to know what to do with fish when disaster strikes. We had to have our pond completely emptied and repaired last year and we had buckets, washing up bowls and my laundry basket all doing service as mini ponds for a couple of days.
DeleteThe worst time though was at our house in Abingdon when the Thames flooded right through the garden and all the fish escaped. We spent several hours going round the garden, looking for fish and scooping them up in a shrimping net, keeping them in a bucket until the water receded!
I have once chased a guinea pig round the garden but never fish.
DeleteIt must have been stressful at the time Archerphile, but it would make a great comedy sketch : )
I was going to sit down to listen to Basia’s disc choices but no chance yet.
ReplyDeleteMaybe later this afternoon.
Loved the Tony Bennett and Billy Holliday of Autumnleaves list.
Maybe ,later we could say which of the pieces of music that others have chosen ,we hadn’t heard before but that we now love.
I know what mine is -so far.
Back to work
ReplyDeleteThank you all for concerns via blog, email and phone calls. up to about an hour ago I couldn't have responded with anything like ladylike language but have calmed down now.
ReplyDeleteI felt abandoned when treatment stopped on 30th april and within five days spots, rashes and blisters manifested themselves again. Despite writing to Dermatology clinic I had no reply. The antihistamine prescribed by GP wasn't effective 24 hrs which it needed to be, and as the blisters burst I needed paracetamol every 4 hrs day and night.
Anyway due to bullying from sisters and son I rang 111 this morning. No help there. After 30 mins consultation they agreed to get someone from Primary carer to ring me. I explained all I wanted was a stronger pain killer where the maximum dose would last longer than 3 hours and a stronger antihistamine so I wasn't constantly scratching and literally peeling my very thin skin off my arms and legs.
Anyway MEDOC (Medway doctors on call) have just rung and Jon is about to go to the hospital to pick up a prescription for steroids again. I will ring GP in the morning re the antihistamines.
So at least something is again being done about the underlying cause.
Again thank you all you lovely people. I do hope that sometime in the future I can meet more of you!
In the mean time I will stay in bed on same floor as bathroom so it's easier access!
Dear Spicy, I really feel for you. And I am furious with 111 for not being more helpful and considerate, especially after the rapid response Mr A had from 111 last night.
DeleteI know times are difficult for all NHS staff at present but only yesterday, we were told by Government not to neglect other conditions
It seems you are being fobbed off and are really suffering as a consequence.
Hopefully tomorrow’s phone call to your GP will get some positive results.
I just wish I could come to visit and put things right for you, but all I can do is send my love and heartfelt sympathy for the state you have been left in.
It’s not fair and it’s not right.
And from me.
DeleteI'd send vitual hugs Spicy but I don't think you'd want even virtual ones with your poor skin in such a state. I hope the steroids do their job swiftly.
I can only echo Archerphile ‘s eloquent message. My heart goes out to you Spicy. Hoping and praying for light at the end of your tunnel 🌷
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Seasider! (Spicy 💐 🥰)
DeleteSpicy...,I know how bad the constant itching scratching can be. I really sympathise. For it to be going on as long as you’ve had it is simple awful.
ReplyDeleteI really wish they could get you sorted out.
All I can say is that we are all thinking of you and I pray you get some satisfaction very soon. 💐
Spicy + Archerphile..
ReplyDeleteWell Done to you both -
Spicy for finally getting you're steroids back (though you shouldn't have been taken off them, surely), and
Archerphile for getting good advice and driving Mr A to hospital.
You both have had great "out of hours" help.
I too was slightly hungover, this morning.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned last night, I cooked a lovely Roast Pork dinner, with all the trimmings.
This was accompanied by a treat, a wonderful Italian Pinot Grigio from the Trentino region. The problem was, it was very quaffable, and I knew all about it this morning.
It took the entire TA omnibus this morning, to tidy + clean the kitchen, as I left it in such a mess.
PS I now have 3 R.Pork portions (complete with apple sauce, stuffing, and a lovely cider gravy) in the freezer, for future meals.
I didn't add the lovely crisp crackling, as it would go soggy.
DeleteIt is going (crushed up) into the re-cycle bin.
Greetings from Trentino Miriam..glad you enjoyed the wine
ReplyDeleteIt came from (according to the label), from the Cantina Viticotori.
DeleteI bet that this is a massive commercial unit, as I bought it in a supermarket!
Still, I will buy again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for prayers and good wishes. xx
Due to being either sat in an armchair or in bed as I have during the past three days I have been working on my family tree. This is a hobby I have pursued for the past 21 years. Luckily I am Kentish through and through (guessimate - 90% of ancestors were from Kent) and almost all our Parish Registers are online.
Yesterday I found details of another 8 x great grandfather born in 1660 in Pembury, Kent about 3 miles from my 'home' village. I can go back another couple of generations at this particular church except I need a handwriting expert to help!
I have found relatives in US, Canada and Australia and even got a photograph of my great grandfather from a third cousin in Alberta! And so many 'interesting' stories like the distant cousin who served not one term of 10 years in prison for bigamy but TWO! His family thought he had been married 5 times whereas only his first and last marriages were legit! And so many other stories. I thoroughly recommend it as a hobby!
It is wonderful researching about ancestors. I have posted before, as my little Sis, has done so much.
ReplyDeleteShe used several on-line sites, and one day she saw a photo, with the question, does anyone know who this is? This photo was found in a home, after someone had sadly passed away. None of the family, knew who it was.
This was immediately recognised by my sister, who has a copy hanging of the same photo, on a wall in her home. It was my great- grand father in the early 1900's wearing his police uniform, where he was a sargeant.
This led to so much more information being sourced.
It is fascinating to research our family origins.
So pleased to hear from you Spicey, but like others appalled at your treatment.
ReplyDeleteAs Miriam said you probably should not have been taken off the steroids, and should NEVER have been left feeling abandoned.
I would like the PM, so well looked after in his hour of need, to know about others like you, and probably many more, who have been left abandoned in the middle of treatment and essentially forgotten.
My problems are small in comparison but I should have had my B12 injection two weeks ago but have been told by GP to hold out for as long as I can. My symptoms are racking up daily now. And yet we are implored to go to our GP or Aand E in the daily broadcast from the Ministers, telling us that the NHS is now coping.
Well apparently NOT !
Why not ring your surgery/GP. to say that you are now experiencing symptoms. I would think, that there has to be a system at any surgery, to keep individuals, along with the staff + GPs, safe.
DeleteIt is worth a 'phone call just to find out.
Is it Monday tonight in TA, so the night of the secret hen + stag do's?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure.
Wrong page - 😣
DeleteYes Miriam, that's what I did the week before last.
ReplyDeleteI was told that I was required to hold out for as long as possible.
How long is a piece of string ?
It is your health and well being, which is still so important.
DeleteJust do, what you think is best for you.
Please remember your animals, who rely on you, and so also need your wonderful, care and attention.
I might have been too vocal (yet again), so I have to say Sorry and give a 🤗 or two 🤗🤗
All the best Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteI hope this time something will actually be done for you that constitutes progress.
You have had it really rough and I do sympathise with you.
You are doing better than I am with my family tree.
Are you using Ancestry?
What tickles me is that quite a lot of my female ancestors seem to lie about their ages presumably because they were older than the men they married.
You see when they were baptised and then a few years later you realise that it happened before they were born!
I love family history but I haven’t got back much earlier than the census records. What’s the best way to access parish records?
ReplyDeleteParish records are normally kept in county council record offices and it is usually possible to access them online, but you might have to pay a fee, not sure.
DeleteCornwall has a " Caption of Seisin" record dating from the 1300s when technically all land was owned by the Crown but with manorial lands etc leased out . I am not sure whether other counties would have one. I know that my father's family was farming here in the 1300's.
If Gary goes ahead with his "invite people for a meal idea" one of my invites would be the Black Prince because Royalist though I may be I have a bone or two to pick with the Black Prince. Long memories our family has!
Evening meal cooking, ready for 7.00pm and TA.
ReplyDeleteIt is a favourite of mine, which I have mentioned before.
It is the one, using turkey breast steaks, cooked with garlic, a sliced + cored braeburn apple (skin left on), in cider, and the sauce is done with cornflour, double cream, milk and a coarse whole grain mustard.
It is so tasty..🍽
I will be back tomorrow, but in the meantime:-
My thoughts are with you all, in this strange and surreal time, in our lives.
I am sure, with care + attention, we will survive.
MrsP, if your symptoms are worsening then ring again, there’s risk of permanent neurological damage if you let things go too far.
ReplyDeleteThanks to this blog, possibly yourself, Mr Nuts, who also has pernicious anaemia, takes a high dose supplement sub-lingually during the last couple of weeks of his “cycle” which helps with the symptoms as he waits for his next injection.
So sorry ,& appalled, Spicy, that your travails continue. You told us a short while ago that the steriofs, which, at last, had been helping, were stopped with rapid ill effects. Gosh, I hope your GP can sort this out this week, asap. Thoughts are with you, but wish we could be more proactive !
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear "Just a Minute" after TA.
ReplyDeleteWell being a single lady who doesn't drink, smoke or go on holidays my luxury is membership of various family history sites. I am a member of Ancestry ('worldwide' which is the most expensive of the levels) and also does cover some parish records. I am also a member of findmypast which has almost all Kentish records and also a member of the Genealogy Society which allows access to their HQ in London and all Ancestry computer records whilst there.
ReplyDeleteMany relatives emigrated to Canada and the US in the late 1800s so I have to have the worldwide membership.
I stop most of my discoveries at WW1 because there are some alive who will have close connections to people who lived then so I don't want to upset anyone. You have to be careful not to name living people without their permission.
It is so sad to learn of the many men who were literally 'lost' in WW1. Last week one couple who had had 15 (yes 15 ) children lost three sons in WW1. Then a grandson in WW2.
Right son has just come in with a little bit of dinner and now I have to sort out what tablets are to be taken when!
Best wishes to everyone and many thanks.
Spicy.
Spicy.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were solo. I always thought there was a Mr. Spicy lurking around.
I have no idea, how you have been coping up to now.
I am even more appalled about your situation now knowing this...
I see there is to be some slight "relaxing" of the lockdown measures in Italy - hopefully that's a little light at the end of the tunnel for our friends over there.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, it's so good to see you posting again. What an awful time you've been having. I hope the new meds kick in quickly and that any further changes in managing your condition are monitored closely.
ReplyDeleteYour ancestry research sounds fascinating, especially being able to go back so far. 💐
Hope you improve quickly Spicy.
ReplyDeleteYes, Gary! I hardly dare hope that a week today I may be able to hug my grandsons again! 🤞🤞
ReplyDeleteThat will be wonderful Hilary! Enjoy every minute you can spend with them.
DeleteIt’s my youngest grandsons birthday today, in Dubai. I would give anything to give him a huge hug, but will have to be content with a Zoom session instead. And at least I was able to send him an amusing e-greetings card. Thank goodness for the Internet!
Same here. My 10 year old granddaughter is ready making plans to stay.
ReplyDeleteSpicy, I hope you have had a reasonable night. I think part of the reason 111 was of limited help is that your condition is more complex than most of the cases they deal with. Hopefully your GP in conjunction with a specialist will be able to help you. Auto-immune disorders like pemphigoid are often difficult to manage and the symptoms can be extremely debilitating. I think you are remarkable in your attitude and I hope you can access the support you deserve.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for both of you. It won't make much difference to me yet since I don't have to go into town for work. I've been working at home.
ReplyDeleteBut it's little steps and I think that by the 18th when all the shops are open we can really see a breakthrough.
I'm very optimistic now🙆🙆
Got a wee bit tangled up with Kpnuts there. Meant I was happy for Gianna and Hilary.
DeleteBest wishes to Spicy. How you have had to suffer.
Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteI am also appalled at the lack of adequate treatment for you condition. I can only imagine the suffering you have been experiencing. There are avenues you can use to express the disco pet and pain you were left in when your treatment was stopped.
Although when in pain and distress that is a difficult road to go down. I do hope you have a serious conversation with your GP about the alleviation of your symptoms.
Aside from Covid-19 all other hospital specialities are meant to be working normall, so there should be no excuses.
It is very hard to jump up and down when your motivation is low as a consequence of physical and emotional stress.
As you can see we are all rooting for you.💕🌈✊
Second line Despair. You certainly would want to disco the night away.
DeleteI loved the idea of a disco pet stasia!
DeleteCushion, hang on in there - hope you had a good long consultation with your GP this morning and that they have offered practical help & advice. X
It is awful to hear what you have been going through, Spiceycushion, and I sincerely hope you will now continue to be given the treatment you need. I join fellow bloggers in sending you crossed fingers and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteOn here we are sharing joys and sorrows and to feel part of a friendly group means a lot.Thank you, Archerfile and Autumnleaves and everyone! I count my blessings that my younger son lives only one traffic light and a few roundabouts away. My other son and his wife live in Switzerland. He worked abroad a lot much further away so Switzerland is on the doorstep by comparison.
Hopefully the poem below will raise a smile, I don’t think it’s a Pam Ayers original. It is quite long so if it’s not to your taste just skip.
ReplyDeleteTime for us girls
I'm normally a social girl
I love to meet my mates
But lately with the virus here
We can't go out the gates.
You see, we are the 'oldies' now
We need to stay inside
If they haven't seen us for a while
They'll think we've upped and died.
They'll never know the things we did
Before we got this old
There wasn't any Facebook
So not everything was told.
We may seem sweet old ladies
Who would never be uncouth
But we grew up in the 60s -
If you only knew the truth!
There was sex and drugs and rock 'n roll
The pill and miniskirts
We smoked, we drank, we partied
And were quite outrageous flirts.
Then we settled down, got married
And turned into someone's mum,
Somebody's wife, then nana,
Who on earth did we become?
We didn't mind the change of pace
Because our lives were full
But to bury us before we're dead
Is like a red rag to a bull!
So here you find me stuck inside
For 4 weeks, maybe more
I finally found myself again
Then I had to close the door!
It didnt really bother me
I'd while away the hour
I'd bake for all the family
But I've got no flaming flour!
Now Netflix is just wonderful
I like a gutsy thriller
I'm swooning over Idris
Or some random sexy killer.
At least I've got a stash of booze
For when I'm being idle
There's wine and whiskey, even gin
If I'm feeling suicidal!
So let's all drink to lockdown
To recovery and health
And hope this awful virus
Doesn't decimate our wealth.
We'll all get through the crisis
And be back to join our mates
Just hoping I'm not far too wide
To fit through the flaming gates!
Brilliant KP! Sounds very Pam Ayer-ish and expresses my feelings very accurately!
Delete✓✓✓✓✓ Thank you, KP, what a discovery, couldn't be more apt, giving us that welcome chortle we all need FREQUENTLY 😄
DeleteLovely KP...your a star❇❇❇
ReplyDeleteAnd so true
KPnuts 👍👍!!
ReplyDeleteSpicy ❤️
ReplyDeleteSwifts arrived yesterday , heard the 1st golden oriole this morning (as opposed to the resident starlings showing off..)
ReplyDeleteGreat poem KP I had it sent to me and was told it was written by Pam Ayers 🤔 one can certainly hear her voice when reading it!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the poem Kp
DeleteI was really pleased to see Boris, apparently fit and well, back in Downing Street this morning.
ReplyDeleteProof that there is a way back from CV with good care, and some luck, I should think.
The fact that he has experienced the virus and knows, only too well, the impact it could have had makes me more hopeful that he will continue to do ‘the right thing’ for us all.
Personally I am glad he is back in charge.
(This is a completely non party-political comment, by the way)
✔️ 👍
DeleteAgree
DeleteI read that poem in a Pam Ayers voice and loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks KP.
Spicey, at the beginning of another week I do hope you have set in motion a virtual meeting with your GP and your consultant for this week, and that it brings some relief and the continuation of treatment.
I also believe that you should bring to the attention of your practice manager the appalling lack of attention paid to your ongoing treatment, as well as possibly writing an account of your treatment so far to the PALS department at your consultants hospital, acknowledging the good and the bad.
Fab poem.
ReplyDeleteBit of a cooler, cloudier day. I’ve finally managed to get my summer house roof mended this morning. Nice to view the garden whilst sitting on the roof. Got the decking finished on Saturday. Only taken 3 flaming weeks to strip it all back and reseal with oil instead of stain this time. Hopefully will never have to strip it right back again now.
So, swing seat on deck, book, beer and lounging are now calling. Course weather due to change later in the week....typical.
Well done ptby 👏🏻
DeleteWeather wise I’m afraid you are right the south in particular due to get an all day dousing tomorrow and a certain amount also on Wednesday! (Gary you will be basking in sunshine!)
The gardens will enjoy - but please no flooding 🤞🏼
Weather already changed here, from 25° & BBQ yesterday to chilly drizzle today..
ReplyDeleteThat brilliant Pam Ayres poem (posted by KP Nuts), is one I have seen before.
ReplyDeleteThis was in a chat, between my 2 sisters + self.
We deciced that it was definitely us - particularly with the wide gates!
It is so topical + entertaing, but also true. 😂
It is an original Pam Ayres - of that I am sure.
ReplyDeleteThis was shared with me about 2 weeks ago and was attributed to Pam Ayres - which I believe.
DeleteLike the poem although I don't swoon over Idris.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and warm afternoon and definitely, not as expected.
ReplyDeleteMy bedding has dried outside...so lovely and fresh.
This will sadly change soon.
PS It is warm enough to sit out, on a chair, reading my book. 😁📖
Just caught up with everyone's news. So sorry to hear of ongoing difficulties & discomfort for Spicy, a mad hospital dash for Archerphile and Mrs P being told to hang on in there - easy for them to say! I hope a new week brings better news. Still warm here in Essex though while sitting with my Mum in her communal garden earlier we felt a few spots of rain. I fear there is more to come for a couple of days, not helpful in a lock down! The garden will be ready for it though !! :))
ReplyDeleteThe poem is by Jan Beaumont from the "starts at 60" website who lives in New Zealand - on Pam Ayres official Twitter account it specifically states that Pam is NOT the author of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, for clearing this up Gary.
DeleteI don't do twitter or f/book. The link I was given - attributed it to Pam Ayres.
Still, whoever wrote it, does it actually matter?
The answer is no.
It is the sentiment + topic, which makes it so meaningful.
I thought KP wrote it. And why not its been shown in the past that we have some very talented bloggers...anyway thanks KP for publishing it and giving us a smile💟
DeleteMrs P thank you for usual good advice. I am certainly thinking of chasing this up.
ReplyDeleteI rang surgery and explained what happened over weekend and the receptionist said that they had already received notification from Medoc and Doc will ring me tomorrow morning to discuss ongoing treatment.
The MEDOC doc prescribed prednisone 20 mg per day. I'm pretty sure Doc will increase that tomorrow. When Jon got prescription from hospital it was too late to take to Boots. Luckily I still have a couple of packets left from the winter when consultant's and GP's prescriptions overlapped so I took them yesterday afternoon and again this morning and already (maybe psychologically only) feeling better. Right foot's two 'wounds' are healing and not so sore so slightly easier walking. Left foot two broken blisters sore. Also this morning large blister on arm burst .
So - just about to have a shower , get fresh clothes on and maybe try the stairs.
Jon has just brought up to bedroom a cup of tea. a cheese and tomato sandwich and the clingfilm to wrap arm and foot in so I don't scream with pain when showering!
I am so grateful to my middle son for waiting on me through the past two weeks, just as he did when I had bad flu three years ago.
I am embarrassed that he had to deal with all sorts of washing of bedclothes, pyjamas and underclothes.(Not a pleasant job at all.)
His reply was "I've got disposable gloves and it's got to be done!" I am sure any of the other three would have stepped up to the mark too.
Well-shower with cling film now. There's something new!
I did the washing for my "late" Dad. He felt the same as you are now doing, but it isn't a problem. I am sure your son, feels the same as I did, and that is just so happy, to be able to help out and make a difference.
DeleteSpicy - so sorry to read of all your problems. What a lovely son you have. Bless him.
DeleteWhen I can finally sort out my new gates - I will keep them wide! I think I will need them.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a sweet tooth as such, but how I am loving my dark chocolate treats, along with the snacks of, crisps + dry-roast peanuts... plus the cooking I now am doing. My meals are still just as tasty, but not as healthy as they once were.
TBH - I don't care, at this moment in time.
Spicy.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased, that you have so much help + support.
Thanks for the update.
My thoughts are with definitely with you and I wish you so well.
Keep taking those pills....
I need to go + pick up a prescription tomorrow.
DeleteThis is one occasion when I get anxious - waiting in line in the pharmacy....but it has to be done.
Can your pharmacy not deliver Miriam? Ours does it for free.
DeleteKPnuts. Thanks for the poem, I also read it in a P Ayers style of delivery. I do admire your accuracy and stamina in typing it for us.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of my youth.
I think Pam Ayers has also written a similar poem.
Spicy- your Jon sounds like an angel and I am so glad he is looking after you and prepared to do the grotty jobs as well as the easier ones.
ReplyDeleteYou are very blessed to have him nearby (?) enough and willing to look after his very precious Mum.
I hereby award him a medal . 🏅
✔✔ .. plus 🌟🌟 for Jon, who is a real star, helping Spicy out, in this difficult time.
DeleteI am still having many problems finding this brilliant blog. I have never logged out.
ReplyDeleteMy PC gives my real name, so I can't use it. My android 'phone only shows a site from March 14th. As such, I have to find a way in - which I can do obviously.
I cannot sort the problem out, even after logging out and then back in again. It comes out the same.
I can still find you all..though it is not as quick + easy.
Sorry - I'm still here 🤣
DeleteBetter news today, Spicy, very glad to hear, & that your leftover meds made a difference so soon. Hope the Dr. does what you believe you need, & increases the dosage, given the setback you're suffering.
ReplyDeleteYour son sounds admirably sensible & practical !
The fish and chip shop in the village is still open but the patrons have to queue outside keeping social distance. We went past on our way back from Quarr Abbey. We take the dogs there for a walk as it is near and very quiet. Gypsy did well today and nearly made it back to the car park but as the last bit is uphill she did give in when half way up and then put her in her pram! She sits in it like the Queen of Sheba or that memorable Queen of Tonga at the coronation!
ReplyDeleteI do hope Spicey that the call from your GP does happen tomorrow and that you will be back in the system. He will probably feel pretty upset that you have fallen through a gap in the system, but may not be able to follow that through for investigation due to pressure of work. Which is why I think you should contact the practice manager who will have ( should have) the resources to do so.
ReplyDeleteLikewise PALS.
A conversation can go a long way.
Briefly, I was treated very badly in a hospital admission a few years ago.
I thought for a long time about following through, but eventually had a phone conversation outlining my experience to the person I happened to speak to.
When I had said my piece, clearly and without anger she told me to please put my concerns in writing. She, she said, was the person who examined and made decisions about such cases, and she assured me, that what I had told her convinced her that I had a case for concern and would certainly take it forward with the department involved.
In the event, after discussion with my very understanding GP I decided not to do so.
But the fact that my concerns had been brought to the attention of the Patient Liaison Department informally would have added to the understanding of how patients feel when they are not treated with the respect they deserve, even though not formally investigated.
This could be the case for you. It doesn't have to be a formal complaint, which in itself would be arduous and stressful. And I would not advocate you going down that road.
So pleased for you that your son is more than stepping up to the mark.
You obviously did well as a mother.
You've got a good lad there Spicy.
DeleteThis is controversial - and I am sure many others, will not like my following post.
ReplyDeleteThis is to do to with the 1 minute silence, (11.00am tomorrow) and the 60K pay out for the families, who have lost a loved one, whilst working in the NHS.. This I have absolutely no problem with.
My thoughts, though, are with the so many other public service workers and their familes, who also have suffered in a similar way.
I refer to the many bus drivers, the tube-train staff etc, who have succumbed and passed away, and others who are now still working, providing a necessary transport service.
There are so many others, who also need to be remembered, not just the NHS.
To me - these are the forgotten many and need to be remembered.
As I said, very controversial...
Could add, Miriam, postal & all manner of delivery services, assistants in pharmacies & supermarkets, teachers still attending to the few children who need to continue going to school. Not controversial at all, I think. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have those people firmly in mind, & any others we can think of, when we next do our clapping on Thursday.
DeleteI agree 👏🏻 and have been doing this myself for a while now ( from the required distance of course) personally thanking the post person, bin men (old title) parcel delivery staff and my window man plus before formal lockdown shop staff and pharmacist. Most have been taken aback but so pleased I guess it is a case of “ little things mean a lot” ❤️
DeleteAgree. M youngest hasn't missed a day at Sainsbury's all the way through. (Actually he has certificates for many years where he hasn't had sick leave in 20 years!)
DeleteHe is a trained butcher and fishmonger but since fresh counters were closed he has been on check-outs, shelf-filled, got up at 4am to do bakery and last I heard was doing online orders which have increased 6 fold.
BTW Jon is my boomerang child. Went to Lampeter Uni then came home and stayed. Never mind we have spare kettle, iron, microwave, all sorts of kitchenware, cutlery etc etc in the garage when needed!
On a happier note - my 8yr old grand niece, has had her story accepted into the next round of the 500 word story competion.
ReplyDeleteIt is still a single one, amongst 5,000 other entries.
She has done well, to get this far, and I am proud.
Yes, Miriam. Have been watching a programme where lorry drivers were not allowed to use toilets on their journey for fear of spreading the virus and yet we are so dependent on them for delivering our food. NH S staff are doing a wonderful job but so are many others.
ReplyDeleteI have been sellotaping a big ‘thank you ‘ sign with a rainbow onto our wheelie bins on bin day; stuck one above the letterbox on the front door for our postie and putting one out for the Sainsburys driver when we are expecting a delivery. It seems such a little thing to do, to show our gratitude for these people who are helping us to survive in this lockdown.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered extra food for my daughters family to be delivered with mine this week. She has been volunteering all though the Easter ‘holidays’, and since, to provide schooling for the vulnerable children at her school - with precious few thanks from either the parents, or the children who really don’t want to be there and make the teachers lives very difficult!
What a lovely gesture Archerphile 🤗
ReplyDeleteSending your daughter her very own 🌈 and shame on the parents not showing their appreciation (the children’s reaction I can forgive to a certain extent 😉)