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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 ***
ReplyDeleteArcherphileApril 27, 2020 at 9:48 PM
I 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.
I 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!
Lady R April 28, 2020 at 12:19 AM
What a lovely gesture Archerphile 🤗
Sending 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 😉)
*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is.....Ev! Enjoy!
Rain glorious rain.
ReplyDeleteIt is sheeting down here.
Hope to catch up with Basia’s Desert island Disc choices whilst doing the ironing..
Yes Lanjan, ☔️ RAIN marvellous! Wonderful no need for constant watering. On days like this I would take myself to the health club do some aqua work in the pool and then flit between the steam room and sauna. Now I can only dream and do some housework and a jigsaw. I hate domestics and have to force myself. 😖
DeleteYikes!! Well, here is my list.
ReplyDelete1. Dancing in the Street - Mick Jagger and David Bowie
I’m not a big fan of either but together they are Dynamite!
2. Nessen Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti
What a voice! I never fail to be moved especially the final tremendous note!
3. Piano Concerto no. 2 - Rachmaninov from the film score
Yes, Brief Encounter, my favourite film. The mood of the music so well reflects the dilemma of this great wave of love for another outside her marriage engulfs her and dear old Fred who we thought was oblivious shows that he knew all along that something had shifted. They will celebrate their golden wedding but she will never forget Alec.!
4. Nobody does it Better - Carly Simon
A reminder of heady days of romance! Enough said!
5. I know him so well - Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson
Two beautiful voices perfectly blended
6. When I fall in love - Nat King Cole
My sentiments exactly! Have always loved his voice and the sheer relaxation it invokes.
7. In the Mood - Glen Miller
My Dad loved big band music and I remember being taken to see “The Glen Miller Story” with Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson. This type of music never fades away and is still as refreshing all these years later.
8 Rhapsody in Blue - Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra
This has been seen before on our DID but decided to include it again as I have always loved it. It puts me in mind of bustling city streets and now and again a focus on one person going about their daily business. As an artistic type I always see pictures in music!
Although not my favourite I would have to save Dancing in the Street as it would keep me cheerful after being bereft at losing all the others!
My luxury is a solar powered freezer filled to the brim with Italian ice cream!
My book is the manuscript of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. I first heard this read by Richard Burton when I was at school. Thomas was a scunner but he sure had a way with words. I love the description of the dark night as being Bible Black!
Thank you for asking me to trawl through my memories and hope you will enjoy at least some of my choices! 😊
Thank you so much Ev!
DeleteI love Carly Simon - no argument from me there! I have very fond memories of the Glen Miller too.
Under Milk Wood I vaguely recall from school. Less said the better....
Know all of your choices Ev and they are all wonderful 👏🏻
DeleteEv, great choices - I reckon I love all of these so I am really looking forward to listening this afternoon. I agree about Dylan Thomas’ poetry. I had to look up “scunner” and understand why Gary didn’t remark. Great word. I listened to a radio programme the other day presented by Cerys Matthews. Apparently her uncle interviewed many people who knew Dylan Thomas. Mixed opinions about him. Very interesting. Now to the music. Thanks.🎵🎶
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for Dancing in the Street, Ev that's a real winner and with 2 legends to boot. Was it the Sherrelles who did the original?
ReplyDeleteI also love Carly Simon..timeless music. I would have loved to have included her contemporary Carol King in my list.
Ev....love all your choices.
ReplyDeleteI love brief encounter too.
Will play them whilst having a cooking afternoon.
Ev, I agree about the two icons Bowie and Jagger and they look so young and dynamic.
ReplyDeleteI also like Carly Simon, though my favourite is probably You're so vain, the first one I knew any way.
Ev, lovely lovely choices. I also chose the Rachmaninov and very nearly, In the Mood, Rhapsody in Blue and I love Nat King Cole. The last three definitely being my era!
ReplyDeleteI received two more masks in the post today, with an African motif. My sister makes them for family and friends. She has a banner on her balcony thanking all who carry on working. Her son has been volunteering on an organic farm from where they receive their veg baskets and a psychologist dil counsels medical staff, so I clap for them all and do my bit by staying out of harm's way.
ReplyDeleteInteresting choices Ev. I also love Brief Encounter and the Rachmaninov. I've watched it so many times and it never gets old (although it is old!). Nessun Dorma also wonderful. Although I love Jagger and Bowie, I prefer Martha and the Vandellas version which IMHO is way better.
ReplyDeleteThe Rachmaninov for me too.
ReplyDeleteIt was nearly on my list
That is the only one I have heard of yours so far Ev .
Started the ironing listening to Basia’s ( had Francis Cabrel been around when I did my “O” levels I might have passed French) and finished it listening to the Brief Encounter music.
Celia made a mistake though ;she should have gone off with Alec .
It was the same with Francesca in “The Bridges of Madison County”.
I bet both women regretted what they didn’t do!
EV ✔✔🤗🤗
ReplyDeleteI know all your wonderful DID choices.
They are just brilliant.
I remember "In The Mood" from my late parents.
Thank-you so much, for another wonderful, memory.
Does anyone remember the song All By Myself by Eric Carmen? It’s based on the second movement of the Rachmaninov and I loved it when I was a teenager. Mr S tells me Celine Dion did a version as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Nat King Cole, I remember the Donny Osmond ♥️ version.
DeleteI remember 'All by Myself'. I loved it, but it was only fairly recently that I realised it was based on the Rachmaninov, and could recognise it.
DeleteMy weekly shop was done today.
ReplyDeleteHow easy it was, but I was there at 8.20am!
That's shopping done, with meals planned for another 7 days (as I am home alone). My prescription was also picked up, with no queue.
I was so glad to return home, to then eat breakfast and get another coffee/caffeine fix.
I am such a control freak, these days - but better Safe than Sorry.
I don't know if you saw on the last blog Miriam, but can't you get your prescription delivered to your home?
DeleteI could, but why give another key worker, more work to do. They are so very busy, serving the many more, and very needy, persons, for this service, which is not me...
DeleteKey worker in a shop, key worker dropping something on your doorstep - six of one, half a dozen of the other surely?
DeleteMeant to further add to my DID that I hope before too long we will be dancing in the streets with the pandemic behind us! It will be a good while but worth looking forward to! Sorry I misspelt Nessun Dorma!
ReplyDeleteWell said Miriam, if your pharmacy is inside the supermarket as many are, it is not exactly difficult if your going to do a shop anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe deli I am getting some of my shopping from would deliver, but it's just as easy for me to drive down, park outside and pick up my order myself. It's more than enough that others are doing my main shop for me, for which I am most grateful.
There are many volunteers who check in each day to find that they are not needed.
ReplyDeleteThey are officially “on duty” but have no work to do.
Miriam & Mrs P. Don’t forget to wash your hands when you get home. Shops can be hotbeds of viruses etc by handling goods. Better to use contactless payment too. So sorry if teaching my granny to suck eggs!
ReplyDeleteWe are having Isle of Wight asparagus tonight with chicken. I was surprised it is available so early. Evesham asparagus used to be from June if I remember correctly. I suppose our southern climate makes the season start earlier.
I have been enjoying listening to Curious Under the Stars again - see BBC sounds.
ReplyDeleteFor those who haven't discovered it, it's a couple who buy and run a pub in Wales. A nice mix of day to day hassles and magic realism, held together with gentle comedy.
The narrator is Emlyn, an elderly 'character' in the village.
It is clearly reminiscent of Under Milkwood, with Emlyn taking the part of Captain Cat.
Sadly, no 'Bible black', nor much alliteration in general, but well worth a listen : )
Just as well we all have different tastes, and R4 can cater for many OwiaS.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand curious Under The Stars. Drives me to distraction I'm afraid. One programme I switch off.
But I'm pleased you enjoy it.
I too enjoy Curious under the stars and also always listen to the afternoon play. I don't know what I'd do without Radio 4.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing my family again next week when our lockdown eases a bit.
I bet you are Gianna!
DeleteMe too Gianna. Radio 4, and especially Radio 4 Extra are my lifelines at all times, not just in the lockdown. The plays are my daily afternoon accompaniment to a jigsaw session. If I don’t care for the play being broadcast I can always find one on Sounds.
DeleteEv. Thank you for your DID choices. I love the Glen Miller, ‘In the mood’ and of course the Rachmaninov. Pavarotti had a great voice but visually I found him unpalatable.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked Dancing in the street. Didn’t think I would.
Thank you
I’m copying this for you delectation and entertainment.
ReplyDeleteA bit of fun from Pam Ayres.
At last we have a cure for all,
Ailments large, and ailments small,
Good health is not beyond my reach,
If I inject myself with bleach.
Radiant I’ll prance along every trace of limescale gone,
With disinfectant as my friend,
Like him,
I’m clean around the bend.
Ha! I actually read that the other day stasia when I was trying to track down the author of that other poem that KP posted!
DeleteAutumnleaves - bet you're looking forward to NOT shopping in your local little store, with it's over-priced rubber carrots....
ReplyDeleteNot really Gary we still can't leave the village unless under very strict circumstances that don't apply to me.
DeleteAt least I've acquired a taste for rubber carrots...I just can't seem to stop them bouncing off the plate😁😁😁
That's a shame - I thought you were getting a wee bit more freedom to leave your village Autumnleaves.
DeleteI didn't realise the baby was due so soon, I wish him a good life.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realise the baby was due either Basia.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted for them..
I think he was a bit early. Good news for Boris after his ordeal!
DeleteCooked a chicken yesterday and found on carving it had giblets inside in a plastic bag which was intact. I have become so used to no giblets but mea culpa. The breast was OK but have thrown the rest away to be safe. Will always have a close inspect in future!
Gary thank you for the video! Jagger and Bowie were such movers! No Dad dancing here! I love the Pam Eyres poem. I have come to the conclusion that a certain person is as mad as a hatter!
Like you Ev I first heard Under Milkwood read by Richard Burton, and I thought the combination of D.T 's way with words and R. B.'s voice was terrific. Will listen to the music later.
ReplyDeleteHad some news yesterday, my step granddaughter is expecting twins in November! My sister in law reminded me that there had been twins in the family and they are recorded in an enormous family bible which we have. They were older brothers of my mother in law’s mother so great uncles to my husband. They were born in 1885 so a long way back. Mike always used to joke about ginger twins in the family and we thought it was a joke but apparently not! They were called Albert Edward and Edward Albert so very economical on names! The family was huge and Mike’s grandmother was the youngest.
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations Ev!
DeleteThat's lovely Ev. Isn't it funny how families named their children. I always remember a lovely old Italian woman who lived near us in Glasgow .her name was Quinta pronounced Queenta..I thought it was beautiful name ..very regal until i discovered that it meant 5th..she was the fifth child. Apparently it was quite common in Italian families at the beginning of the century to give a numerical names to their children ..I've met a few primos. And sestos.
DeleteThey're all very elderly now and that tradition doesn't happen today. I suppose it was in the days of numerous children.
Reminds me though of the American habit of naming their children initials..e.g. J.R😁😁
Primo Levi comes to mind, I never made the connection, but if you then have a secondo that's your meal done, quinta to me still sounds exotic. I knew someone who came from an alphabetical family, her name was Dominique. Some children are given mother's maiden name?
DeleteMy life is structured by Radio 4, at least on week days. I invariably listen to the Book of the week and often end up buying it later, followed by Woman's Hour but rarely the drama.
ReplyDeleteAlways PM, the Archers and sometimes Front Row. Programmes in between like Good Read, Great Lives, Thinking Allowed, Inside Science, Friday night comedy.
I wish the baby well. But couldn’t give a toss about BoJo. Doesn’t practice what he and his party preach.
ReplyDeleteThis is a quick look in.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who likes the music of Abba - there is a lovely video now on
You Tuhe It is by The Starlets, with an Abba Medley.
It is an Abba parody, as the words have been changed, to fit in with the current situation.
I really enjoyed it, as it is so well done and true.
I will be back later, as need to start to sort out my evening meal.
DeleteIt is a simple one tonight.
Mince, cooked with onions, mushrooms, chopped swede, carrots, herbs, stock etc. to then be made into a cottage pie.
Simple but hopefully, will be tasty.
I 'll be right over.
DeleteI'm making a stir fry! Chicken satay & tons of fresh veg. The house smells amazing!
DeleteOne of my favourites tonight...cotolette alla milanese..veal cutlets...with rubber carrots😀😀
DeleteWell you can't have everything!,
Nigella’s chicken curry and rice for us tonight that I made yesterday.
DeleteLuckily I bought toilet rolls last week so we are ready for the morning after. 😆
TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!
DeleteAutumnleaves.
DeleteI love veal, but it is hardly available in the UK.
This is something I so enjoy eating, when in Italy.
I also love "Venetion Fegato" , but as I can't source veal livers, I have to use lamb (young welsh, of course).
It is not as good, but it works out the best I can do.
Oh Miriam I use turkey ..but don't tell anyone.
DeleteI won't touch liver or tripe which is another specialty
My thoughts about a name for the new baby boy, is:-
ReplyDeleteCorey.
I expect others will think that this is in poor taste, and this I understand.
To me it reflects the current situation, and a reflection of April 2020.
I think that Boris and Carrie could name their new son Tom.
ReplyDeleteThe ultimate honour to Capt Tom Moore who will be 100 tomorrow and has proved to be such an inspiration to the whole country.
Or at the very least use Tom as a second name
👶🏼
Good suggestion Archerphile.
DeleteBrilliant idea Archerphile.
DeleteWhat an excellent idea.
DeleteHope Boris or Carrie is one of our silent followers.
Basia, me too to far too much structure re R4.
ReplyDeleteSince my body has changed from the norm of day and night, apart from the Today programme all else I listen to. Like you I do not listen now to the afternoon play, which I used to enjoy, but find most of the dramas now to be unpalatable.
But every news and current affairs, all political output, science medical and sociology programmes, and the Friday comedy before Front Row, but generally dislike almost all other comedy in the 6.30 slot.
If I miss something I jot a note to remind me to listen again.
I didn't actually ask for it, by my real DID luxury would be 24 hours R4, including Sailing By.
I love R4ex.
DeleteSome broadcasts are quite old, but l really enjoy listening to these episodes. This was when life was so very different, when there were no mobile phones, computers etc. I do remember this.
How I love this technology now, to keep in contact with all, I know + love.
I still love the older broadcasts, when a person has to find a red phone box in order to get help.
Autumn leaves 3.21 ish
ReplyDeleteThat's the first time I've seen someone else with my first name - Quinta!
I am the 5th, but we have no Italian connection. It was my father's idea - he studied Latin and Greek, Zoe meaning life and is my middle name.
The first syllable for my name rhymes with win.
Well I bet there are not many people whose first two initials are Q Z ,Zoetrope..
DeleteThanks Ev.
ReplyDeleteUnlike me I spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen and after listening to your choices -very enjoyable - I tried out all the versions I could find of “Time after Time “ and “The Way you look tonight”
Don’t ask me why
I was just “In the mood” !
Mary Berry is very pleased people are cooking more! If I have culinary success it pleases me very much. It’s just sometimes you can spend ages cooking something and then it turns out badly! On the whole though it is satisfying. Glad you liked my choices, Lanjan. I was a bit worried as others seem to be so much more knowledge able!
DeleteZoetrope- what a beautiful name.
ReplyDeleteQuinta.
Lucky you !
And I bet you were the only girl in school who didn't share her name with anyone else.
I just love the name Quinta.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI was teased a lot at school, so wasn't too keen on the name then. Squinta was the most popular nickname.
DeleteThank you for the lovely comments.
What a pretty & unusual name, Zoetrope ! (but a good thing you weren't sixth in the family....)
DeleteMy thoughts exactly! 😱🤣
DeleteI think the betting is for Boris' boy to be Winston or Wilfred after his grandfather. Good luck to the little one.
ReplyDeleteTalking of boys, thought it might give you all a chuckle this morning to see mine. A drop of rain & look what happens while I’m watching TV with glass of wine..... should never allow hair dye in the house. 🙄
ReplyDeleteOops! Are they fixable Unders? Or are you just going to go with the flow?
DeleteOh, Unders 😆 Got to hand it to him for inventiveness !
Delete( a boring thought - is it a wash out dye or the permanent kind, that will have to grow out ? If the latter, could be very entertaining for months...)
Gosh, similar thinking there, Gary...
DeleteAlways with the flow GG, too late to do anything else really! It fades Carolyn & already has slightly, but to make them pink they were bleached first 😬 so he will probably look even weirder. I can’t look at him without laughing, particularly when he’s being serious!!
DeleteI never saw my natural hair colour from the age of 14 to about 30!
DeleteI made a comment on the other blog. Didn’t check in here first. Pink is my favourite colour.
DeleteThe only place for pink is in the garden.
DeleteOr perhaps in a glass. 🍸Can't find the right emoji.
DeleteGrumpy lion today.
Most definitely in a glass.... is it 6pm yet?? 🥂
DeleteHappy 100th Birthday to Colonel Tom Moore
ReplyDeleteA truly inspiring man.
I just hope HM The Queen wrote something special in his birthday card and not just the usual standard signature. And that it didn’t get lost amongst the 140,000 other cards he has received!
Lanjan, how are your goldfish, in their new pond?
ReplyDeleteparsley. All depends on the colour of pink and what the object is. Shocking Pink is not okay 👌.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Col. Tom Moore! Bless you.
ReplyDeleteStasia, shocking Pink is the ONLY Pink IMO.
ReplyDeleteI;have just had a frantic five minute. Somehow got myself signed out. Discovered that the ...at top right highlight some categories so I went into history and it displayed my blogging dates. Tapped on yesterday and wallah here I am. Sorry to disappoint.
ReplyDeleteMrsP I now feeling in the PINK.
Basia ,no pond yet!
ReplyDeleteFish are still there I think .
Keep topping the pond up.
The tank is 3/4 full so that is where they will go to self isolate when the time comes.
I loathe shocking pink(cerise ).
ReplyDeleteFor me the only pink I like is a salmon or coral tone
Being an Autumn(Colour me beautiful) I don’t do blue or blue tones although I can get away with maroon or purple.
Favourite colour-green.
I am talking about clothes not hair or eyebrows.
Sorry, Lanjan, I'm with MrsP on the pink. (Actually, I quite like various pinks, but shocking pink is one of the best.)
DeleteI probably like green more though. My Mini was British Racing Green. When the workman was standing in front of it painting my front door and windowsills green, I handed him his cup of tea in a green mug. I think he thought I'd gone green around the gills!
(Come the repaint, the next workman bought the wrong paint. OMiaS said it was fine. I told myself I could live with it... I *would* live with it... Then I went outside. As soon as he saw me, the workman said, 'You don't like it, do you?' Fortunately he hadn't got far so there wasn't too much to repaint!
A friend summed up the incorrect colour as 'It's the colour you'd get if you walked into a shop and said "green".')
Green eyebrows, you could start a fashion there ; )
I was touched today, seeing a Hurricane + Spitfire, doing a fly pass, over Captain (or is it Colonel) Tom, on his 100th Birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a true + wonderful gentleman he his, who has so inspired this wonderful country, where we live.
He has shown the true fighting spirit, and I will be even more noisy, at 8.00pm tonight.
The pan + spoon are ready for the weekly action, be it raining or not.
I will be outside, giving my all, but more so tonight.
100years old - such a memorable day.
Agree and have my school bell to hand and boy does it go 🛎
DeleteNo no LanJan - shocking pink is NOT cerise.
ReplyDeleteCerise is much darker.
I watched some television news last night, don't do that often, and a female reporter was wearing a cerise dress, and it looked like a crepe fabric. It took me back a long way, knowing that I had a dress in that colour and that fabric, but couldn't remember when exactly. Sometime in the fifties I think.
Shocking pink is far more vivid and originally called Schiaparelli Pink after the designer.
See how we are all different. I would never wear salmon pink though a bright coral I do like, particularly when with a heavy turquoise.
My picture skirt in the fifties was a Mediterranean village scene in turquoise and coral. I loved it and wore it with a pale turquoise jacket.
Gosh, we were stunning weren't we !
Hope the fish are OK today.
My local friend who went for a six week stay with her son in NZ in early February and has been stuck there since is at last on her way home. She left last night and should be on the second leg of the journey from Hong Kong within the next hour.
I think I would have stayed in NZ. It is now almost CV free, but on returning to the UK there could be more exposure, along with the risks on the flights + in airports.
DeleteI can so understand though, the desire to return Home.
Testing, testing, I’m testing.
ReplyDeleteHurrah 😁.
DeleteOwiaS - with you on the green too. And it has to be exactly the right green.
ReplyDeleteUntil recent years I always had a green kitchen. Originally Caso Pupo tile paper and matching green paintwork. Later an Osborne and Little trellis paper and the ' correct' green paintwork. And always with white. I still have some of my original green plastic kitchenware from the sixties too.
What bad days we are all having, at times, but it is not surprising.
ReplyDeleteI know, I have these, as I feel I am climbing up the walls, with cabin fever.
It is not surprising though, is it!
My thought, is to be better Safe than Sorry.
I so want to meet up with family/friends, for a lovely social occasion, but I know I have to be patient for quite a while yet.
I hope my patience, will be worth it, in the long run.
PS My colours are:-
Red, Black, Blue, and a very bright yellow.
I do not do - green, pink, lilac, cerise, lemon, and all pastel colours...
How different, we are.
It is fun though.
I was ‘Colour Me Beautiful-ed’ at a WI meeting some time ago. I knew exactly what colours I could and couldn’t wear before they even started.
ReplyDeleteThey said I was Winter - ie, Navy, Purples, Pinks (bluey tones, not peachy) and cobalt blues.
Nothing with any brownish, orangey or yellowish tones so the only green I can wear is jade, not olive.
Strangely my daughter is the complete opposite and wears browns, oranges & greens and can’t abide pink in any form. Can she she really my daughter?
I'm Winter too, AP, & with you on the colours. It's to do with skin tone, not hair colour. Eye colour is indicative, too, I think, but can't remember, having been 'done' so long ago ! Green is my favourite colour, love certain greens with certain pinks, to wear or on walls( Never salmon or lime, which work fine with Spring & Autumn people)
DeleteEmerald, bottle green, & some pale greens, with blue tone rather than yellow, same goes for the pinks.
How is Spicy, Mr. A plus all those with medical problems doing??
ReplyDeleteI would love an up-date, in this difficult time.
PS I had a message from "Big Sis" today, as she was excited on being able to buy, a jar of Branston pickle (she lives in Wales and is only shopping locally).
How times have changed - as I also got ecstatic last week, buying a tin of tuna..🤣
Thanks for asking Miriam. Mr A’s foot is fine now, still has a dressing on it but perfectly comfortable to walk on. And no sign if cellulitis, thank goodness.
DeleteI had my latest 3 month financial report today....(Jan-March).
ReplyDeleteIt was worse than I had expected. The final value, was 10% less than the start value.
Strangely, I am not in the least worried, as it not due to negligence, nor mis-management, but a situation which is out of every-one's control.
I feel for those, who are not now working, have no income and are having problems about putting food on the table to feed the family, paying the utility bills and the mortgage.
I count myself lucky...
I love a bright pink, and navy. Go lovely and suit me I think. My colours now are grey, brown, navy, pink, purple, cream and white. Black is too harsh as you get older I think.
ReplyDeleteI’m a sucker for a mad large floral shirt or frock though.
Don't think black is ageist, actually, PtbY, quite the reverse, & I'm loads older than you ! It happens to be a Winter colour. Charcoalbworks well for me, too, always has, but whereas I can see you in cream, which you mentioned, I'd be death NOT warmed up, in that colour !
DeleteI love black tailored trousers, with a vibrant red top, or a vibrant yellow one.
DeleteThen there are the wonderful navy trousers,(M+S) with tops of blue + cream (phase 8).
Stylish, smart yet comfortable.
PtbY - back in the day, when I used to make all my own clothes, I made a Chanel style suit in navy blue with pink binding around the edges of the jacket and pink buttons.
DeleteIt was one of my favourite things to wear. And I had a bright pink straw Bretton style hat to go with it for weddings etc. Another favourite combination was navy with yellow trimmings.
Somehow I feel more optimistic when Boris does a speech. Feels like the end of the world when Raab and Hancock do it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m not political at all.
I saw this also. 😁😁
DeleteIt gave me, at least, some hope.
I am also not political, nor will I never be.
Miriam, my problems are very small beer in comparison to Spicey and Mr As foot, but since you ask, my symptoms are increasing by the day. Breathless after any exertion, just walking the dog up a steepish path or even climbing the path to my garden, and fingers and arms tngling with pins and needles when I wake in the morning.
ReplyDeleteBut then I carried on with these symptoms being very much worse before it was acknowledged that I had PA, so I suppose I shall have to continue yet.
I'm not complaining, just stating. I live in a beautiful part of the country and am surrounded by stunning countryside whenever I go out and have space and long views to feast my eyes upon. There are many in high rise flats with nothing but a balcony and an urban landscape to look out onto.
Mrs P. Have you talked to your surgery, about your B12 injection, yet?
DeleteIf not, do it...
And that reminds me, are you still progressing Janice ?
ReplyDeleteMore exercise and for longer periods, getting closer to normal ?
When I think about what Spicy has been enduring I consider myself lucky thank you Mrs P. and you take care of yourself too. Do what Miriam says and really push for that Vitamin B injection.
DeleteThe recent last echocardiogram showed a good improvement in my heart function. I have been left with Mitral valve damage which according to the echocardiologist is causing a bit of back flow or something but it is not serious enough for an operation and it can be lived with. I haven't had the usual follow up discussion with the doc yet because of the lockdown but the echocardiologist explained things pretty thoroughly. I still need to pace myself but I am out gardening and pushing a wheelbarrow again and planting veg seeds in the raised borders, and there is a seat in the garden that I can rest on when I get tired. So all in all I consider myself very lucky.
I do so agree with you P tbY.
ReplyDeleteBoris is such an optimist that somehow when he starts speaking I feel we will get through this terrible time.
The “R “ figure is less than 1 now which is a hopeful sign.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Maybe things could have been done better but maybe not -who knows .
It has been a horrible new experience for all of us but
I am full of praise for everyone concerned with trying to sort out this dreadful disease.
They have all done their best.
You can’t ask for more than that.
Exactly LJ 👍🏻
DeleteThey have all done their best, and you can't ask for more than that......
DeleteWell apparently LanJan you can and should ask for more than that......
I am in agreement with you. I have felt all along over these last few weeks and have said so to any naysayers crossing my path, that I do not believe that our politicians would NOT do what they believed to be the best for us all. Rather like parents who are criticised. All parents do the best they can for their children, the best they know at the time.
As you say... hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I believe our current crop are doing their best in a situation that is new to everyone.
It seems clear to me that the results and recommendations emerging from a review for a pandemic some few years ago, were not acted upon, and that was extremely short sighted, but you can't blame the today's politicians for that.
And what's done is done. None of us will know what the outcome would have been if things had been done differently. Dealing with the now is what is important IMO.
But of course not everyone would agree.
I do agree. ✔
DeleteWho knew, that this current pandemic, would be so devastating to both life + lives.
DeleteMe too Mrs P and Miriam, and Lanjan. 👍
DeleteWhat another wonderful Thursday 8.00pm time of clapping, banging of pans and cheering nearby.
ReplyDeleteI got quite emotional...
It is so little, but means so much.
I’m with you Miriam 🌈 👏🏻 🛎 🩺
DeleteJanice.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely you are doing so well. You sound far more active, than I am!.
As you have so well said, we all have so many things to be grateful about.
I have had a few bad days recently, but this is due to the change in weather.
DeleteNo sun, just cool, rain + strong winds, so I feel house-bound and lethargic.
There is only so much cleaning and chores, I want to do in a day.
How I want those lovely, sunny days again so to spend time in the garden.
I often get a wobble in the mornings that dissipates as the day progresses. Weather wise I’m ok right now as I’m more of an Autumn person anyway when I feel totally relaxed. I do enjoy pleasant sun of course but too much of it consistently wears me down 🤣 which makes me very much in the minority I’m sure but it’s quite alright for us to differ - we all win at some point.
DeleteI heard my first Cuckoo of this year today. Five days earlier than last year. I believe someone on the blog heard one a week or so ago.🐦
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased to hear one this year because there have been a couple of years recently when I haven't heard one at all. The swallows were about 3 weeks late arriving but they are here now. Summer without swallows twittering in the barn and garage wouldn't be summer.
DeleteOne day Sweden is praised to have got dealing with CV19 right, the next - no they haven't! and they've paid the price. No one knows/knew how to deal with this unprecedented illness.
ReplyDeleteNice with all the praise for the NHS that Boris was nursed in a NHS bed and that his new son was delivered by NHS doctors and nurses.
Considering the names of his other children I doubt it will be an 'ordinary' name!
We too felt so much more optimistic after Boris’s speech this afternoon. We are greatly relieved he is back in charge.
ReplyDeleteWhat really annoys us is the constant carping and criticism of the press.
The constant trying to find someone to blame. The repetitive questions each day and they fact that the correspondents don’t listen to the answers.
As has already been said, this virus is new. Nobody has had to deal with it before or has experience of how things will pan out. I am sure everyone in the government and their advisors have done their very best to do what they think is right and nobody should be blamed for the engulfing situation we have found ourselves in.
I also dislike all the carping and criticism. It's pointless and so negative. Anyway does anyone really believe that Corbyn et al would have handled it any better? I think not.
DeleteJust what I said Archerphile !
ReplyDeleteAnd both correct ✔️✔️ imo
DeleteI really do agree, Archerfile. We have given up watching the daily brief as far as the journalists as their questions are designed purely to catch the leaders of the sessions out and are also often very silly like when will the end of the pandemic be or how long is a piece of string! And yes, they are so repetitive. It is good to have Boris back, well I think so anyway!
DeleteEv- we tune in for the briefing every day but now switch off when the correspondants start questions and catch up with the day’s edition of Countdown instead!
DeleteFavourite colours :
ReplyDeleteBlack.
Red.
Don't necessarily suit me.
Watched "Les Visiteurs" tonight.
ReplyDeleteMortecouilles.
Better now.
Bonne nuit.
We had a film afternoon and watched “The Lion in Winter” a classic with Hepburn and O’Toole knocking spots off each other and a very young Anthony Hopkins as Richard the Lionheart. We had popcorn, pretzels dipped in chocolate and a cup of tea followed later by a G & T. We had been out with the dogs earlier in the rain so snuggling in front of the TV was very welcome! Lockdown hasn’t been too bad but I do miss going up to the village and would have liked a hairdo or facial on my birthday. Oh, well those things can wait!
ReplyDeleteJanice, lovely to read the optimism in your earlier post! Long may everyone on here get back to better times...
ReplyDeleteParsley, we watched "Il Postino" tonight. I am now happy sad!
G'night!
I've never been sure which season I am but I do like some shades of blue and green. I tend to go for soft colours and harsh colours like bright lime or coral are horrible on me. Soft yellow is lovely whereas bright yellow is so hard to wear. Love soft greys, winter white and some pinks too.
ReplyDelete*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is........Unders! Enjoy!
Well Happy Mayday everyone!
ReplyDeleteThe virus has achieved the unthinkable and Padstow Mayday is cancelled. Never in my lifetime have I known such a thing.
I hope that some of those most closely involved bring out the old "Oss" and have a little prance around the Golden Lion back yard 😉, or the sun might not rise tomorrow and the crops might fail this year.
The words from the day song: "Where are the young men that here now should dance?" and " Where are the young maidens that here now should sing?" have real meaning this year.
DeleteLady R, I am in that minority with you re the weather. I love the sun on crisp winter days and fresh spring and autumn days and usually feel most uplifted when September arrives. I struggle on hot summer days.
ReplyDeleteFavourite colour is green and I also love purple and dark reds.
Definitely a morning person. I love a walk at dawn and hate going out in the evening unless it’s to see the sunset.
Apparently there was a rainbow last night at 8m BST. I sadly didn’t notice but it’s lovely to know it was there.🌈🙏
First paragraph Seasider you’ve got it in one. We are weather twins 👏🏻 😄 🌷🍁🌞 🔥
DeleteOh! It’s me!! Woo hoo! Okay, I’ll get my ever changing list.......
ReplyDeleteOne of our gentleman bloggers (NOT young Gary I hasten to add) has pointed out to me on more than one occasion that I am not the oldest regular blogger- he is!
ReplyDeleteI know his birthday is at the beginning of May so I wish him a very happy birthday
Happy birthday from me too! (Pierre? Old Fogey?)
DeleteThanks for thinking I'm young Lanjan! I will be hitting the old half century on the 26th of this month. At the moment the plans are to do nothing! Same as everyone else with something to celebrate these days!!
Thanks for reminding me Lanjan, it’s my brother-in-laws birthday on the 4th and I had completely forgotten. But still time to send an e-card.
DeleteWonder what’s happened to FOSSO? Perhaps it was him.
If not, have a different, but very happy birthday Pierre or Old Fogey
Archerphile, I too have wondered about FOSO. I remember him from the old days, quite controversial sometimes, he raised some heckles! I know he popped in briefly but disappeared again. I hope he is okay.
DeleteHappy Birthday Pierre (?). 🎂🎁🎈🎈🎈
ReplyDeleteMay is my favourite month when all the leaves on the trees are fresh and new, and it is still peaceful here before the happy hordes of visitors arrive.
Favourite colours are blues, purples, maroon and pinks (including shocking!), but like most colours.
Bonjour,
ReplyDeleteThis May-day Parsley would like to offer you all a posy of Lily of the Valley (un brin de muguet) as a symbol of good luck. 🌈
Highlight of the month : visit to the coiffeuse on mai 13!!!
ReplyDeleteCan I come too Parsley, my hair needs a good seeing-to!
Delete1 client at a time, mask in place...😷not sure how that's going to work...
DeleteOkay, here goes with my DID collection. Hope some of you enjoy the odd track....
ReplyDeleteNick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Are You the One I've Been Waiting For?
My wedding song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd51SEljBU0
Dean Martin: Memories Are Made of This
What a voice. Bliss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS2k43NJycE
Prokofiev: Dance of The Knights
Must be played on absolute FULL volume. Has me stomping around my kitchen, throwing my arms around, conducting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBsKplb2E6Q
The Wannadies: You and Me Song
This is mine and my son's tune. So a bit of him will come to my island with me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_e_45Szprk
K T Tunstall: Suddenly I see.
This is mine and my daughter's tune! Ditto above. (Deep love for anything by K T Tunstall).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AEoUa0Hlso
Van Morrison: Moondance
Class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lFxGBB4UGU
The Champs: Tequila!
Another one that has me throwing myself around the kitchen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDD21ZJF3mI
Madness: It Must Be Love.
Madness remind me of my younger days. This feels like an old friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmezIIrFQmY
Assuming I wouldn't be allowed Robert De Niro as my luxury, can I please have a solar powered iPad with a lifetime's supply of Podcasts?
Book: Rosie Meadows Regrets by Catherine Alliott. Never, ever, fails to make me laugh.
The one song I would take with me has to be Nick Cave.
Unders, I only recognise a few, so more to explore!
DeleteGary, your birthday will almost coincide with the Archers' return.
ReplyDeleteI've counted the number of people who signed onto the anniversary blog and I'm glad to report that Janet made it there too.
All in all there were 34 this year as to 43 last time.
Thanks Basia! Wonder where they've all gone.......
DeleteThis is a good list with the you tube links on. Thanks Unders.
ReplyDeleteAnother tequila! lover eh. It certainly gets you going.
Will have a listen this aft. 👍
Merci Unders ! Some good stuff on there to brighten up a miserable wet day.
ReplyDeleteI think it is Pierre who is about to celebrate a “special” birthday - just beating LJ to it in Oct. If I’ve got that wrong LJ 😱 I apologise profusely right now!
ReplyDeleteWell I’ve listened whilst doing lunch.
ReplyDeleteLove em all apart from Madness....never could stand them.
Vans Moondance.....used to dance round living room hoovering to this when my son was a baby. As you say , just pure class.
Nick Caves eyes.....just wow!!!
Did know the you and me song but didn’t know who it was by.
Thanks Unders!
ReplyDeleteLove the You & Me Song (used to dance to that a lot), Madness & Nick Cave - will listen to the rest later. And Robert De Niro eh? Interesting.... Don't know the book. Yet!
And the Prokofiev of course! I'm often to be found late at night, drunk as a Lord, marching about the house with headphones on getting all camply dramatic to this!!
DeleteTee hee! The book is a bit of chick lit, pure nonsense - but it makes me deeply chuckle.
DeleteI dont know any of these Unders except Dean Martin. I would have taken Robert De Niro 30 -40 years ago . Now he's just a cantankerous old man.
ReplyDeleteMy birthday's on the 19th since your asking 😉😉
I'd take Robert De Niro at any age Autumnleaves.... be still my beating heart. Nurse quick!! The vapours!!!!
DeleteThank you for the Prokofiev, Unders - one of my favourites - the others I’ll have to explore. Though I might know the Madness track as they were one of my son’s favourite groups.
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way - how do some you know when each other’s birthdays are? Is there a database somewhere I have missed, if so I should apologise for not knowing anyone’s birthday and sending greetings.
Like you Unders, I love the Prokofiev at full volume and my arms are beating it out.
ReplyDeleteSo several Taurians and Gemini's birthdays coming up.
But no confirmation from Pierre so far re his.
Lady R, you seem to be good at remembering dates so I will hope for you to remind us.
Pierre- Happy Birthday if it is yours this weekend.
Just wondering if there are any Peaky Blinders fans here? If so then you've heard Nick Cave already, his "Red Right Hand" is the theme tune.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks for pointing that out Unders.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a television so never watched, but last year when the new series was about to start PB was on IPlayer showing all the series from the beginning. I decided to watch and binged for several weeks.
I am now, of course, a fan.
Thought the theme tune was very interesting.
Nick Cave is very interesting Mrs. P - a bit different! I saw him in concert years ago at the Brixton Academy and was booked to see him this May at the O2 (an indication, I suppose, of growing popularity?) but of course that has been cancelled. My Mum loves PB and says she's been watching a recent series (not sure if it is the most recent) but she said it was even more gruesome!!
DeleteI agree with your mum Unders.
DeleteI haven't listened to that one yet, but will.
I had to give up on Tequila. So much repetition, too much for me. Remember it though.
Just seen, Ev, that serious patients with CV19 needing ventilation are to be transported to the mainland via Hovercraft - they have been carrying out full scale practice runs.I should have thought it would be a bit bumpy but since the ferries aren’t operating it seems like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteIt is bumpy when the wind is up and usually in adverse weather is the first one to cut services. Hopefully now the year is older the Solent will be calmer! The hospital on the island is adequate but in more serious cases of everything it is necessary to transport to the mainland. The Air Ambulance is more often used but of course social distancing can be more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI like the hovercraft as it is so quick but lands you in Southsea. You then have a bus ride into Portsmouth and the train station, Gunwharf Quays and the Historic dockyard so the ferry from Ryde, the catamaran is better if you want these venues
Of course, the Cat is out of service at the moment!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes used the Hovercraft when going over, but for me the sound of it throughout the day from my daughters house always irritated me.
DeleteThe Cat is fine, but then you have to climb that damned steep staircase and come down the other side, with luggage. My son in law never seemed to understand why I found it so exhausting.
Madness and Suggs for me, I spent a lot of time in and around Camden in my younger years.
ReplyDeleteI finished my working life in Camden, running community centres !
DeleteI spent FAR too much time (and money!) in Camden in the mid to late 90's. Don't regret a second of it!
DeleteI must just share something I've discovered today.
ReplyDeleteScrolling through television stuff started but not yet resumed I've discovered a ' new '
programme about Portmerion.
I first went there in about 1970 when we had a joint holiday in Wales with my parents.
I always claim to be a person who dislikes artifice and I do, but an exception is Portmerion, which I adore. I fully endorse Clough Williams Ellis in what he set out to achieve and in which he succeeded in bucketloads IMO.
I never watched the Prisoner although I was very keen on Patrick ? And didn't know for decades that it was filmed there.
I've spent a couple of holidays staying there and would love to go again, in fact I think I would love to live there.
Anyone else share my enthusiasm ?
It's a place I've always wanted to visit MrsP - and like you I've never seen The Prisoner. I know there's a festival there every year called "Festival No. 6" that's meant to be fantastic. Maybe next year....
DeletePatrick McGoohan?
Yes Gary, McGoohan was in my head but as unsure I used the ? Instead.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the festival but a stay there is worth every penny IMO.
Give it a try. I last went with a group of 'girls' .
Unders...Thank you for your list, and I have to admit, that I need to hear not just some, but quite a few.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is to just remind me -
Aah, who am I kidding???
I am a morning person, up at 7.30 am, at the latest, at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI tend to wake up with the sun or daylight, which comes into my bedroom, plus this wakes my pusscat up, who decides it is breakfast time 😼!
Mrs P. I am asking the same question, and will keep doing so, until you say otherwise - B12 injection booked?
ReplyDeleteThe NHS will have strict procedures in place, to protect both the client + staff, at the same time. It could be, that a nurse could come to you..with the necessary mask, gloves + apron, to protect you both.
Miriam Xxx
Just a little update before ' afternoon tea.' (We always had tea and biscuits,or cake when we all got in from respective schools when I was teaching, and it's a habit I've kept up!)
ReplyDeleteI had a full 6 hours unbroken sleep last night, the first for months! I felt so much better this morning and much more 'with it.'Stronger painkillers doing their job and steroids beginning to work I think
Jon and I did an online Pub Quiz last night and got 41/50, our best score yet.
Sent an apology to eldest granddaughter that I didn't get her birthday present out to her in Germany as I couldn't get all the stuff together her Dad needed/wanted also. We'll sort that out this weekend and I'll get the box picked up on Monday!
Best news yet. Sometime a few weeks back, just before Lockdown started, I think I mentioned my niece (age 42) had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was to have the lump removed but the scan wasn't clear and she ended up having to have a full mastectomy. They took some lymph nodes. Today she saw the oncologist and was told the lymph were all clear so prospects very bright and hopeful. She is breaking out the Prosecco tonight to celebrate!
I have a very good and dear friend with whom I am in contact on fb and who sadly lost her husband last autumn. However she is annoying me so much at the moment because every hour she is posting the minutiae of her life (understandable I suppose now she alone after 50 years of marriage) but it's all moans and groans about how the lock down is affecting her, how she wants to work but theatres closed so no reviews to be done etc etc and how she's so bored.
I have just posted a sermon about being thankful for only small irritants, social and health wise, and not having had to live through the past few weeks also under the threat of a terminal diagnosis ! May have lost a friend there!
Lan Jan- follow up to last but one email.A small parcel apparently arrived day before yesterday but Jon forgot to tell me. Many many thanks. A previously undiscovered treat! xx
Oh BTW, my colour is green and I love all earthy/autumny shades rather than bright colours. I do also have seven suits, black, grey and navy hanging in my wardrobe all from when I was teaching and still wear for 'business!' Gok Wan would throw his hands up in horror! I once described to an assistant the colour of a new cotton mix cardi in M&S as 'mucky green.' She said it was dark sage! 😁
Have a good weekend all. Best wishes to all poorly people. Hope you manage to get gardening done in between hail storms!😁
Sorry it wasn't 'little.' 😲
DeleteI had no idea about your neice and her problems.
DeleteWhat another worry, for you.
I know how I would feel, if it was one of my neices.
I send you, and all your family, Good Wishes and virtual Hugs 🤗🤗
Lovely to hear from you again Spicy, and with much more upbeat sounding news.
DeleteSo glad you got a good nights sleep, which is so reviving, and I hope this continues.
Also good news about your niece, who must be so relieved after all the trauma.
As for your friend (or possibly ex-friend now), I think you did exactly the right thing.
You can’t be expected to be a sounding board for all her woes, especially as your situation, health-wise has been so much worse than hers.
You could have responded by bombarding her with every minute detail of your health problems, a minute by minute description of what you have endured, but that might have just encouraged her! So let’s hope your action will take effect and give you a rest form her communications.
Have a good and comfortable weekend and keep safe.
Talking about neices - I am now talking about a grand neice of mine, 8 yrs old.
ReplyDeleteHer mum, sent a link, showing something she wrote, called "If I was the Prime Minister"
It was amazing and so spot on + true. Her understanding of Covid 19 and the impications, are just outstanding.
It is such a shame, that only family can see and read it.
I have lost my comment to Unders.
ReplyDeleteI will only use one word.
Tequila 🥃🍹
That will do!! Chin, chin!
DeleteA quick extra, before I source my fish + chip meal, out of the freezer.
ReplyDeleteThis is just to say, that my vareigated wilgelia, is in full bloom with lovely pink blossoms. This will be hacked back after the flowers have died, ready for next year.
Also, a standard azeala, (pink + highly scented), is gorgeous in the back garden. For once, there has been no strong winds + rain, to ruin the blossoms on both plants.
Little things like this, make such a difference, in this different world, we now live in.
Back tomorrow. 😀
We are delighted to see that the wisteria over our pergola is absolutely smothered with buds, just breaking into flower. If the rain keeps off and we are able to sit under it this weekend the scent should be almost overwhelming.
DeleteLast year the buds were all destroyed by a very late, hard frost and we had no flowers at all, so disappointing. This year should be different but we’ll have no-one to share it with, which is very sad.