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Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
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ReplyDeletestasia April 7, 2020 at 9:28 AM
Spicycushion, I’m really sorry to hear your news. Is it possible for your GP and Consultant to have a video conference to discuss the way forward? The suggestion that you have a Covid-19 test seemed a bit unrealistic under the circumstances, if impossible to obtain. WE DO NOT want you admitted to hospital just to be tested. I believe the patient has the best understanding of how their body is responding to treatment. Dr’s can then interpret and apply this to their body of knowledge and suggest other forms of treatment depending on the outcomes presented by the patient. Of course there can be difference of opinions which can be resolved through discussion.
Management of symptoms is a process and should involve everyone.
I do admire your positivity. Big virtual hugs from me.
Seasider April 7, 2020 at 9:28 AM
Spicy, so sorry to hear your news. I really hope the doctors can get you back on track as soon as possible. Take care.💐
stasia April 7, 2020 at 9:30 AM
Miriam. Have just heard that the NHS is desperate for Pharmacists to volunteer.
Have you thought about offering your expertise?
Very best wishes, Spicy. We’re all with you!
ReplyDeleteNews of the eagles. One of ours has overwintered in Oxfordshire and Buckingham. With the better weather he is on the move and has flown down to the Severn estuary and as far as the Forest of Dean so those of you in that general area, look out for him! There was an online film the other day of an eagle flying with red kites, not small birds themselves but the eagle was huge besides them. They do have a wide range and apparently some juveniles released in the Netherlands have ventured into France and Belgium so look out wherever you are but of course stay safe!
My cousin just outside Wantage is incredibly excited at the moment because a pair of red kites are nesting in the tree at the bottom of her garden. She has a long narrow garden, and a kite flew down the garden past her at shoulder height the other day. So I am getting lots of photos at present and hoping to see baby ones in due course. I have only ever seen a sea eagle out at sea, and would love to see one again.
DeleteOK Folks. Here, after much cogitation and heavy pruning, is my list of Desert Island Discs. With notes about why I chose them. (Sorry Gary, this is going to be a long post!)
ReplyDelete1) HORS D’OUVRES by Sid Phillips and his band
In the 40s & 50s my Dad did a lot of moonlighting as a clarinet and saxophone player with various jazz & dance bands in the evenings. My childhood was accompanied by him practicing the instruments, often with Mum on piano, in our dining room. He played a really mean baritone sax, but he greatly admired Sid Phillips on clarinet & we had dozens of his 78’s
2) SWINGING SAFARI by the Bert Kaempfert Orchestra
The disc that featured highly during Mr A’s & my courting days! Bombing along country roads in his old Zodiac convertible, hood down, radio up high. So glamorous & exciting - I thought!
3) POLLUTION by Tom Lehrer
Difficult to choose one track, but thought The Vatican Rag or Poisoning Pigeons in the Park might offend some. And this song is just as timely today as back then. Just substitute the word ‘plastic’ for ‘detergent’
4) PIANO CONCERTO No 2 in C Minor by Rachmaninov, (pref played by Lang Lang)
My introduction and conversion to a love of classical music in my early 20s. Would love the whole concerto but would settle for 2nd movement if pushed.
5) WHY WORRY by Dire Straits
We thought our pop days were over but our s.i.l. Introduced us to the wonderful Mark Knopfler. This track has a beautiful, simple guitar introduction and words, so appropriate at the moment, that have always bought tears to my eyes. A version with lyrics written up is on Youtube.
6) SYMPHONY No 5, Thé Adagietto, by Gustav Mahler
Also known as the theme from Death in Venice. Mr A & I discovered Mahler after winning tickets for a concert at the Royal Festival Hall. We weren’t too keen to go, thinking Mahler would be too heavy and boring. How wrong we were! I could have chosen any of his first 6 symphonies but this adagietto is so lyrical and well known it had to be included.
7) PIANO NOCTURNE No 5 in B Flat Major by John Field
John Field is said to have been the inventor of the Nocturne which Chopin then perfected. This piece is so simple, pure and melodic. I have struggled for years to play it perfectly with no mistakes. It is often going round and round in my head. I just love it.
8) ROMANCE from THE GADFLY SUITE by Shostakovich. Played by Daniel Hope with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maxim Shostakovich.
The most romantic, heartbreaking but uplifting music I know. Discovered when driving to Sainsburys, some years ago with Classic fm on the radio! And played constantly since.
And it’s the piece that drove me to discover more and more Shostakovich with great joy.
My disc to save? Very close toss up between the John Field and The Gadfly, but The Gadfly won!
My book(s)? The complete works of Charles Dickens, preferably the green leather-bound set my Dad gave me on my 21st birthday ......but if restricted to one it would be Nicholas Nickleby.
My luxury? Depends on where the island is.
If tropical and jungly it would have to be an inexhaustible supply of mosquito repellant because I am so allergic to the little pests.
If not tropical, may I have a piano, or keyboard of any sort, with the score of John Field Nocturne so I can keep practicing.
That’s all folks!
And a very interesting selection Archerphile.
DeleteWe will enjoy
Thanks for introducing me to another Tom Lehrer, Archerphile. I'd never heard Pollution before.
DeleteI'm now listening to 'We'll all go together when we go' - just a bit of cheerful listening in these worrying times ; )
But we survived the Cold War - we'll survive the Covid War too.
Take care everyone and keep well.
OWiaS - I nearly picked that because Mr A and I know the words really well but it seemed a bit unsuitable for the present circumstances!
DeleteEv
ReplyDeleteThanks for the news of the Eagles Ev.
I will look up the reports and read them for myself.
On my daily walks with Lady I look out over the Severn throughout the walk. I shall certainly be looking for that eagle now.
But I suspect it will be Suz who live over in the forest who is most likely to spy him or her. But Suz doesn't post much so don't know if she reads the blog daily. If she doesn't then she might miss these posts.
SUZ. ?
Thanks AP! Will investigate further as usual....
ReplyDeleteThanks AP! 👍
ReplyDeleteArcherphile...Rachmaninoff, Mahler and Shostakovich have already got the thumbs up from me.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to listening to the "new stuff".
I am so behind with DID. Got spicy and kp’s to listen to yet. Have listened to the Tom Lehrer one. I had never heard of him before this DID idea.
ReplyDeleteSpicy I really feel for you. You are extremely stoic.
What a lovely day today. I have finally started wire brushing our deck. Gonna be a long haul but let’s face it I’ve got plenty of time to do it in.
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful list and I have lots to listen to.
Thank-you..
Spicy what an awful situation, you are now in...
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you.
Are you using a good rich emollient cream, or others, to help with the itching.
I hope I can be allowed to suggest (and so advertise) some ideas - Eurax cream for the itching and Aveeno Skin Relief, body lotion, for Very Dry Skin.
Both of these are very soothing, and are available in supermarkets, on the normal shelves.
PS If you like a bath, a bath emollient in the water, for a long soak, can help (Oilatum Emollient - again on a normal supermarket shelf).
DeleteTake Care and keep us all informed, as to how you are doing.
We must keep being positive, and try to overcome difficulties.
🤗🤗😍😍
I am a retired Pharmacist, as you all know.
ReplyDeleteWhen I left work, I also resigned from the Pharmacists register, so I am no longer qualified to work as a Pharmacist.
I do feel guilty - but I no longer have the necessary registration, mental ability and physical stamina, to work again.
I have served "my time", nearly 37years working full-time, through thick + thin. I often worked for 10+ hours a day, starting at 7.30am finishing at 6.00pm, with only a 20min lunch break.
Yes. I feel I should go back, to help out as a dispenser...but....
So many thoughts, at the moment.
PS Should read 39 years, a "typo".
DeleteI am not sure...
what to do for the best.
I can still help out in some way, as a NHS front-line worker, but I am being selfish...Do I put myself "at risk"??
To add. There is a tax implication.
DeleteMy monthly income I am getting, is tax free. I do not how or why, but that's why I have a good financial advisor.
IF I returned to work, I would be paid + so pay tax, so could end up, putting myself "at risk" for nothing. It is just another thing to consider and weigh up.
It is hard. 😣
On a different topic.
ReplyDeleteIs any-one like me?
I start one job, then this evolves into giving me 3 more to do.
I shopped today, and it was awful. I had to queue outside for 15mins.
I was "told off" in an awful way, as I was apparantely, going up an ailse, the wrong way.
There was NO "one way" system, just markers on the floor, to keep shoppers apart.
I was exiting an aisle, when a male person, wanted to enter it, from a different diection, so I held him up.
Talk about verbal abuse 😣!
Some shoppers were so impatient, and not prepared to wait within the marked floor areas.
I did, and I bought all I needed, plus wanted (eg salmon steaks).
That's my shop done, for another 7 days. 😁
PS No restriction on wine 😂
DeleteMiriam, Leo Varadkar is a qualified doctor but no longer registered. He'll be working once a week on a telephone helpline. I know it's easier for politicians to get what they'd like but is there any way you could do the same? I also heard a doctor say that those NHS workers who have retired have given many years of service and why should they put themselves at risk at their age.
ReplyDeleteI understand your dilemma but most of all do not feel under pressure as this would defy the purpose.
Yes. I could be at the end of a 'phone, but I am now out of date, re pharmacy and this concerns me, in this current situation.
DeleteMy basic knowledge is still fine, but not as expert, as it once was.
This is my dilemma!
I will wait, until I hear from the Pharmacy firm I worked for (as a senior Pharmacist + Manager) or the Pharmacists Regulatary Body, before I make a decision.
As said - it is difficult.
I meant....I am not the expert I once was.
DeleteThis worries me...
so can I help?
I am very frustrated. I know it’s a thing of little importance at the moment, in the light of what so many are suffering and I know I shouldn’t grumble......but.......
ReplyDeleteIt is our Golden Wedding Anniversary on Saturday. Been looking forward to this for years as we actually got married on my parents Golden Wedding Anniversary, 11th April 1970 and always hoped to emulate them, 50 years later.
First our cruise was cancelled. Got used to that disappointment, so thought - we’ll go out for a really nice meal, somewhere posh just for once.
The virus and lockdown has put paid to that too.
So I thought, I’ll cook us a special meal at home, some good steak, a gâteaux or cheesecake and a bottle of really good Barolo wine and something sparkling for a toast, perhaps on Zoom with the family joining in.
But, having tried several times a day, since last week, I cannot get a single supermarket to bring us a home delivery for 3 weeks, so no steak, no posh pud, no wine or champers 😟
So, unless anyone has a drone that could drop us a food parcel in the garden before Saturday we’ll be celebrating with a cheese omelette and orange squash 😄
I’m sure somebody will tell me that this is what happened in the war with rationing but at least they could get some food by queueing up, now we can’t even do that.
Archerphile, many congratulations for Saturday!
DeleteWe've all got our frustrations at present and, yes, compared to what some are going through, they seem less important. But having things to look forward to is one of the things that will help us cope. So of course you're disappointed about your decreasing options for celebration.
I'm afraid I've lost track of who's got whom shopping for them at present. But haven't you got somebody local who could collect your treats for you? I'm sure they'd be happy to help you celebrate such a milestone occasion.
(I misread the middle of your post as 'something sparkling on toast' - you could always copy Keira's lead and use edible glitter 😉)
By the way, you share your anniversary with my parents - but they're a bit beyond the big 5-0
Oh, what a coincidence OWiaS! My Mum & Dad were married on 11th April 1920, when my Dad was finally fit enough after being invalided out of the Royal Navy in WW 1. I still have their wedding Photos and marriage certificate - beautifully hand written in Hebrew and decorated with flowers and religious symbols - a real work of art, it’s very precious to me.
DeleteMiriam, you are very lucky to have only been in a Queue for 15 minutes!
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously wanting to help in this Crisis and you wouldn’t have to go back to paid work if you didn’t want to.
There is somewhere one can contact to become a voluntary helper and while I understand your concern I understand there is a choice of things one can do.
Your not alone in your dilemma either Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI know a recently retired midwife who is feeling just as ambivalent as you. She gave up her registration when retiring and so is not able to help out, but at the same time is not sure she wants too.
There is little point in feeling guilty, a waste of emotional energy, but there might be something else you could do to be useful.
Your pharmaceutical skills may be out of date, but the admin attached to that work would still be possible to do and that is also a transferable skill that might be valuable in a voluntary position.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Sorry ,Archerphile but you said it yourself
ReplyDeleteNo ,you shouldn’t grumble
You have been married for 50 years.
Congratulations to you both.
You were annoyed that your Cruise was cancelled .
After reading about what has happened recently with passengers on Cruise Ships I would have thought you would have been relieved that your’s was cancelled.
If I were in your shoes I would look forward to the time when you will be able to go out together ,just the two of you and have a really enjoyable posh meal.
OK Lanjan, I feel suitably ticked off.
DeleteYou are right, I shouldn’t grumble
I was just so disappointed that our long held plans had been scuppered.
I thought friends here might understand
I shouldn’t have said anything.
I won’t mention it again.
Archerphile, you have indicated in the past that you live in or near a village but are also remote, though on a main road.
ReplyDeleteCan you not google all the smaller shops, delicatessens, in your nearest town or contact your local council for a list of small businesses that are turning their talents to home delivery. Many are, but you do need to be connected to access them.
Also the online neighbourhood forum ' Next Door' is pretty widespread now and it must be in Hampshire. If you were to join that you would immediately be able to access much of the help available in your area.
Try to turn the energy of frustration into finding out what is available.
Thank you Mrs P. I had decided to risk travelling to Sainsburys tomorrow , or Friday morning to join their 8 - 9am opening for elderly and vulnerable customers, to buy our basic food needs, if not special stuff for Saturday
DeleteBut when my daughter heard she was horrified and totally banned me from going - mainly because her Dad is more vulnerable than me (diabetes and heart problems)& she said I could bring the virus home with me and pass it on to him.
So, very kindly, our son-in-law has volunteered to go Tesco in Winchester on his way home from work in Southampton, get our shopping and make a lengthy diversion to come and put it on our doorstep.
It seems family are there when you need them, even though I refrained from asking as they have their own problems feeding a family of five, all at home at the same time!
I am blessing their concern and kindness.
Thank you to everyone for hugs and good wishes!
ReplyDeleteMiriam -
Thank you for the tips. I do prefer a bath to a shower. When youngest son and fiancee were living with us she introduced me to the Oilatum and left behind her bottle which I used up. I'd forgotten about that and will get some next shop. I have a large pump bottle of Zerobase cream to be used twice a day which is on a monthly prescription. I slept better last night partly due to me not taking antihistamine until 6pm. It is noticeable that although it says on the packet "effective up to 24 hours" it isn't! Forgot different times for tablets today and took it lunchtime! (I have now written out a timetable!)The Zerobase is very good and effective but it does make me smell like a firelighter! Made my GP laugh when I told him this!
Mrs P and Stasia
I am composing a letter to the Dermatology clinic to enquire what I should be doing now. Even though I have only a steroid cream to put onto 'flare ups' my hands and feet are not so painful today. Maybe because I haven't been scratching so much yesterday and today.
Archerphile
I checked JS website this afternoon (about 5.30pm) and they had presumably just released the preferential slots for next Tuesday. It appears it's luck but perhaps you could try that time tomorrow?
I don't know if you have a wheelchair at present but our JS has a complimentary one or two I have noticed. Perhaps you and Mr A could go shopping during the 'oldies' allotted hour, Mon,Wed and Friday here? Wheeling you round the smooth floors wouldn't be so hard and it would get over the one person per trolley shops are requesting.
I'm only noting JS as that is my nearest shop and I'm on their preferential list, unfortunately not on any others.
As a final thought perhaps find out if there is a local restaurant which is now doing takeaways. Some are, to keep their chefs employed. If it's from a 'posh' restaurant you wouldn't have to have burgers!
Right I'm closing down now to watch "Our Girl."
We should be at the Premier Inn at Gatwick now flying out to Tenerife tomorrow morning! However we have had lots of sun today and instead of rushing around getting ready to go have had a nice day at home. I count my blessings as at least I’m not stuck abroad not knowing when I can fly back! Archerfile, I’m so sorry your 50th hasn’t turned out as hoped but I’m sure you will be able to make up for it when all this is over and agree there must be a way of getting in supplies to make that special meal. Here the butcher in Cowes is doing deliveries. Maybe the same applies where you are? Hopefully too someone would be able to shop for you. Best of luck and hope it works out!🥰
ReplyDeleteOne friend is stuck in New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteWent at end of January for a six week stay with her son.
She emailed me last week to say she has managed to book a flight at the end of May.
If she had tried to get home a week or so ago, and actually arrive here ! ! she would not have been able to see her other son and grandchildren in Bristol nor her daughter and newish baby in Portsmouth.
Her sons girlfriend has moved in too and my friend has been furnished with a bedsit in his flat for the duration. I think she is wise to stay put.
Other friends were booked for a cruise in the West Indies.
Their flight to Fort Lauderdale was delayed by twenty four hours.
Then when they got to F L and boarded ship it sailed off to its first port of call.
Nobody was allowed to disembark, and the following day they sailed back to Fort L and flew home.
They are pleased it was not worse.
Archerphile, you have had your surgery and are mobile again if not completely.
You are together for your 'Gold' and not parted by illness.
Whatever the ' Festival ' place is, there are restaurants there doing takeaways.
A friend of mine near Basingstoke who is in complete lockdown with extreme vulnerability due to health issues had some deliveries from there last week.
Do look more closely at what might be available for your celebration.
And CONGRATULATIONS and good luck.
By the way..... your very lucky to still be together.
Some of us out here didn't make it and that still hurts.
Thanks again Mrs P. Festival Place is the big newish shopping Mall in Bsdingstoke and has a food court with lots of restaurants of various types, Indian,Mexican,Italian etc.
DeleteIt true that some are embarking on a take away service (to protect their business as much as anything) and I have rung one or two
However we live quite a long way out of town and they don’t deliver this far as it would be a 20 mile round trip. We don’t have a Chinese or chippy anywhere near either.
But never mind, son.in.law is going to do a basics shop for us (as said above) so we should be OK. We are waiting for the village pub to start doing take aways, that would be in walking distance!
As for being lucky to still be together - don’t I know it! We had very good examples set by both our sets of parents who enjoyed long marriages too. And we have tried to pass the example on to our children too. Love, tolerance, respect and giving each other space when needed.
DeleteSpiceycushion -
ReplyDeletePleased to hear about the letter. Do think it's necessary.
I don't wish to criticise Oilatum, it is a good product.
However I have been on a bath additive on prescription for a number of years.
I do not have a single hair on my body, and as a result I am permanently uncomfortable.
I suffered for many years, but when I lost the hair on my head the dermatologist did prescribe a bath additive. This has made life far more comfortable for me.
Last year, my health authority decided to withdraw Bath additive except for very long term conditions, and my prescription was stopped. I questioned this with the practice pharmacist who told me that my reason for having the additive and my condition were not valid. ( I've had Alopecia since the age of eighteen ) apparently not long term enough.
I started to buy Oilatum from the supermarket and very soon started to have problems with skin irritation. I spoke with my GP who was astounded that my prescription had been withdrawn and re prescribed it. My skin is now clear again.
As I said Oilatum is a good product, but I think you should ask your GP directly to prescribe a bath additive which is not ' off the shelf' .
Janice.
ReplyDeleteYou were right, your description of the stalk of the flower being threesided was spot on.
Me...... very pleased to know.
My two neighbours both also plagued with it also thank you for helping us know what it is we have.
How did you know ?
Was it a guess or did I give a good description.
Your good description Mrs P., particularly about the flowers. You could try making potato and (wild) leek soup with it. It might come in handy if the price of veg. keeps going up!
DeleteWe didn’t make our 50th. Mike was 10 years older than me so it always was unlikely but we did have the fortieth and went to Vietnam. By then he wasn’t too mobile but with strong painkillers and much determination he got through and we thoroughly enjoyed it! It wasn’t over the exact date and your celebration doesn’t have to be, Archerfile. Many congratulations to you both 👏🎉🎉🥂
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, just seen your latest post.
ReplyDeleteWell done your family members.
So now you have the food to cook, have a lovely celebration and enjoy your time together.
Have you got some Champagne?
PS. If we ever manage another meet up, please bring some cheesecake.
Delighted to Mrs P. Would you like my special diabetic version which contains absolutely no sugar, but tastes delicious , or the full fat, full sugar version with raspberries from the garden?
DeleteThe latter please.
DeleteRaspberries eh !
OK, that’s a promise for when we eventually meet!
DeleteSpicycushion 8.54 last night:-
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the news about Sainsburys delivery slots
I logged in at 6am today and found quite a few for next Tuesday (only charging 50p for lunchtime deliveries, which is remarkable)
So I have placed a basic order for next week which I can add to as required. What a relief!
We have those Mon, Wed, Fri 8 - 9am opening hours for elderly & vulnerable folk too, and I was about to go today - but as I told Mrs P last night, our daughter has forbidden me because of Mr A’s health probs.
But no need to worry now, just need to be patient for times to be published!
I do hope you are managing to get everything you need in the way of food deliveries and so on. Does your pharmacy deliver for you too?
Perhaps they would be able to include any of those bathing products/creams not on prescription for you?
You have been so stoic throughout all your trials and tribulations that I feel ashamed for grumbling about things yesterday. At least I am in reasonable health now, with only a bit of stiffness and instability, but that is nothing compared with your multiple symptoms and I send you my heartfelt good wishes. 🥰
I didn't like to say that I had managed to book a delivery in case it sounded like bragging!If your delivery day was Tuesday and mine is perhaps that is the day nationwide. That means that booking is probably done Tuesday/Wednesday. I must remember that.
DeleteMiddle son goes to our near, very large, shopping centre and collects prescriptions. He also 'popped in' last week to get some fresh fruit. He said the queue wound round the inside of the shopping centre and it took him nearly 30 minutes to be allowed in! The only problem I have is getting new batteries for my hearing aids from the medical centre. Trying to persuade son from leaving 'work' for 20 minutes to drive to get them in their limited working hours, is impossible. I think I shall have to have a Violet Elizabeth Bott moment!
Bit sore today as I woke at 1.30 and again at 4.45 this morning and I scratched( naughty me) I did think of having a shower the second time as that cools me down but then I read for half an hour and dropped off to sleep.
I am glad you have found a way to celebrate your anniversary and I am sure , when all this argy-bargy is over, you'll manage to celebrate with family and friends.
My Dad died three months before my parents Golden Wedding anniversary and we had managed to get them a ticket to one of the Garden Parties (hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of the County) because they were married the same year as the Queen and Prince Philip. Mum insisted we send it back after Dad died so that someone else could go.
Well about time for breakfast I think!
Take care everyone!
Spicy
Keep on fighting and being positive Spicycushion. I’m sure we are all behind you offering our virtual support. 🌈🥊
Delete💕Spicy
ReplyDeleteGoodness the blog has been busy overnight.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I can appreciate your ambivalence about volunteering. I don’t think the government was seeking Pharmacists to return to work full time but to offer some of their skills. They did say that any professional registration fees would be paid. But what they want are volunteers so they wouldn’t be making any payments.
I am not registered don’t see the point in paying out a lot of money if one is not doing the job, although I do know some who do so. Silly if you are not practicing.
I am supporting via the phone those who need to have some interaction with others.
Archerphile, I send hearty congratulations 🥳 on your anniversary. Have a great celebration when we finally reach the other side. I postponed my fiftieth birthday by six months because I wanted to celebrate in the summer and not in the depths of winter.
I really enjoyed your DID and like the others;listened to the all. I fount my toe tapping to Billy and his band never heard of them before or Bert ..... I was surprised by the Dire Straits as I was expecting hard rock music. Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my selection Stasia. Yes, there was a huge difference between the foot tapping Dixieland Jazz I grew up with to the lyrical romantic classics I now listen too. Perhaps it is maturity? Bert Kaempfert’s Orchestra was very big back in the 60s-70’s . On the radio all the time. Very reminiscent of an era!
DeleteGood DID selection Archerphile I also have very special memories of “A Swinging Safari” first love etc 😉
ReplyDelete‼️Hand washing today will be easy as I can sing Happy Birthday to my dear (late) mum all day 🥰
so come on bloggers let’s have notice of birthdays so we can sing to you on that day and if more than one no problem as many many washes done in a day 🤣
Pretty sure there are quite a few April 🎂 bloggers for starters‼️
Yes indeed! I was born in Scotland on St George’s Day! Ever the rebel! It’s my stepdaughter’s birthday today and have been talking to her. She has been sanding down her dark varnished stairs, one tread a day. Amazing how these little jobs will get done but also time to stand and stare!😉😁
ReplyDeleteMy Dad was born to Scottish parents on St Patrick's day : )
DeleteMine is next Tuesday the 14 th.
ReplyDeleteAlmost always close to, or at Easter, I've made it my business to always give myself a day off on my birthday, because it was invariably holiday time when a child.
In the years when we were living within a reasonable distance I used to take my mum out for breakfast to say thank you.
My favourite outing is to go to the zoo.
This year I shall visit Chester Zoo website and have a look at Miriam's baby elephant.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have just had a call from my local council, asking if I am coping with the current situation and have help with shopping etc.
ReplyDeleteAs I live alone, and a pensioner, I am apparently on a list to be contacted.
Very encouraging !
April14th noted Mrs P I shall be singing 🎼to you all day 🤗
ReplyDeleteThank you your Ladyship
DeleteMuch appreciated
MrsP
I have just finished listening to your selection of music Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteVery enjoyable interlude.
Many thanks for choosing pieces I couldn’t fit in like the Rachmaninov, The Gadfly Suite and “ Why Worry “ by Dire Straits.
Lanjan, delighted to hear you might have chosen those three items - lovely to know someone else loves them as much as I do. 🎶
Delete..and of course Ev on the 23rd April 🎼 🎂
ReplyDeleteThanks Lady R!
DeleteI believe that I am fairly close geographically to a few of my fellow bloggers, Archerphile and LadyR I think, I’m near Alresford, Hampshire. I am not in a vulnerable category for the current crisis and would be able to collect/deliver shopping or other essentials if needed. My family commitments being quite limited and helping vulnerable self isolating individuals counts as permissible travel. Let me know on here and I’m happy to post my mobile number so I could be texted or called.
ReplyDeleteSuch a kind offer KP and very very much appreciated 💐 however we are lucky enough to have our neighbours daughter (who is also a very thoughtful person) looking after us all.
DeleteOh bother, I just wrote a very big thank you to KP for thinking of us, and it disappeared!
DeletePerhaps I forgot to press Publish?
Anyway, I am very touched that you should be thinking of us at the moment. We are OK this week and next, in fact we’ll be ordering groceries for our daughter in our delivery slot next week. Our pharmacy (which is a 15 mile round trip away) always delivers our prescriptions so we are all right fir that too.
I’d So love a trip to Alresford soon, one of my favourite places. Especially for lunch at The Globe and a walk along the river past the Fulling Mill to feed the ducks. Perhaps before the end of the summer and we can all meet up for a get-together?
That is a very generous and thoughtful offer KP.
ReplyDeleteAt last, a lovely sunny and warm/hot day. ☀️
ReplyDeleteI worked hard this morning, continuing my study sorting.
I am pleased, to report, that as my windows are now so sparkly clean, I can actually see out again.
I ate my lunch in the garden, and also enjoyed reading a book for a few hours, whilst sitting on garden chair.
At least my Vit D levels, were topped up.
The book:-
DeletePeter James. Dead At First Sight.
Not to many others tastes, as it is a detective story, linked with murder + a lot of intrigue...
When we were trying to find out how many people used the BBC blog before it was snatched away from us we all posted a comment so it was easy to see how many of us there actually were.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea ,Gary of doing that again two years later.
Thank you.
Yes, & didn't Gary do it last year for the first 'anniversary'? . It would be interesting to see how many, infrequent, silent (or garrulous, like us !) do respond this April.
DeleteI was really quite proud, that I had a letter published in the Radio Times (now over 2 years ago), which related to the BBC TA Blog closure.
DeleteThat's history now.
Perhaps Gary has an easier way to count the number of contributors, as some have not stuck to the request to limit comments to one per person?
DeleteI think we have a couple of new readers and writers but lost a couple of others,
C'est la vie!!
It was Ruthy who set up the anniversary blog last year and now Gary has followed the tradition today. Some may still log in but there was more response from bloggers as well as readers last year, about 45 posts, one per person.
ReplyDeleteBut last year's was up for a few days, this one only one day so far - give it time !
DeleteBasia, are you sure it was Ruthie last April ? Not 100% sure by any means but I thought Gary had just about taken over by then. Someone will have a more accurate memory, I hope ?
ReplyDeleteRuthy did set up the Anniversary blog last year just like Gary has this year.
There were 44 comments last year.
One comment per person.as Basia says so at least 44people posting on the blog
We know we have had new people joining us so If Gary leaves it up for several days we should exceed that number.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAbove was deleted because it was my signing in to the anniversary blog posted incorrectly.
ReplyDeleteLanjan While I'm here you asked about my luxury for the dessert island. I abso;utely love the scent of Patchouli and Bodyshop's 'Hemp' products are perfumed with it. The hand cream is light and quite greasy but is absorbed very quickly. The foot cream the same. Both make the skin soft and smooth almost instantly. I love them!
Of course it's a typo! I don't expect my island to be covered in trifles, jellies and cheesecakes!
DeleteI just read what I expected to see so did not spot the typo 🙄 🤣
DeleteSpicy, what a shame, a dessert island sounds infinitely more appealing : )
DeleteSpicy a thought 🤔 with regards to remembering tablet times you could set these on your phone alarm. I have done so on occasions and found it to be ideal. You can set for once, everyday, weekends only etc etc. Although I believe you have now sorted a paper chart for this purpose now 🤗
ReplyDeleteArcherphile I’m running behind with some of the blog news and have only now realise your Golden Anniversary date Saturday of this very week!
ReplyDeleteI understand Lanjan’s comment completely but I always think in terms of head and heart LJ has covered the first part so I just want to say I totally understand your own very personal disappointment (as you may remember my neighbours had their Diamond Anniversary on March 19th and not much in the way of celebration for them either as the husband like Mr A has health concerns and we were already being told to take care)
Although we only met briefly at Hinton Amber last September I could tell what a lovely couple you make and so glad that you have been blessed to reach such a special milestone in your marriage 🥰
Ampner of course!!
DeleteThank you so much for those lovely words Lady R. It was such serendipity meeting each other that day, and down to your courage in coming up to us!
DeletePerhaps we can meet up at Hinton Ampner again when the lockdown is over and the gardens can open again for tea and scones in the café there? And perhaps KP and any other locals might join us too - a sort of mini- get-together to celebrate TA and (hopefully) normal life again?
What a lovely thought Archerphile ☕️ 🧁 HA is a favourite NT and I have to say I find a visit there is just so therapeutic 🤗
DeleteTom Lehrer is 92 today and they have just played one of his songs on radio three. Thanks KP and Archerphile for introducing him to me this week.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, sending you many congratulations and warm wishes for Saturday and hope you manage some special moments in amongst the worry.
It’s Mr S’s birthday at Easter (but don’t tell him I told you) and my Mum is 93 on the 18th.
Thank you so much Seasider, and you can whisper Happy Birthday to Mr S from me and heartily congratulate your Mum on the 18th!
DeleteI’m so glad you enjoyed Tom Lehrer. I didn’t know he was still alive, but shall indulge in a marathon listen to all his songs today. Some of his words may seem quite non-PC these days but I still enjoy a bit of controversy and he was a very clever lyricist.
Seasider . Re Tom Lehrer I think I first mentioned him a couple of weeks ago when I suggested his rendition of ‘I got it from Agnes’.
ReplyDeleteIt is very funny but some may find it a bit tasteless in the current virus climate.
It’s on YouTube.
Lanjan 8:41pm 8 April - Thank you for your accuracy. Ruthy set up last year's anniversary blog on the 7th of April, so that we here in Europe could post in the morning and she joined us later. I checked in the archive and there were indeed 44 posts, two from Unknown who wasn't sure of outcome. Those definitely missing so far and as declared readers only are: Yorkshire lass, PatriciaC, Norah95, Hedgehog@Hollowtree, Aesop2, Nigella. The ones who appear from time to time: CheshireCheese, Phoenix, bufo9bufo, Minty, Nemo. Let's wait and see.
ReplyDeleteLast post on 18 April 2019
DeleteMy top Dessert Island Puds - in no particular order:
ReplyDelete1) Tiramisu
2) Apple crumble with cinnamon and cream
3) Bakewell tart and proper custard - (shop-bought is SOOO lazy)
4)Rice pudding with nutmeg
5) Eton Mess
6) Baked apples
7) Sherry trifle
8) Fresh fruit salad
9) Stewed plums and vanilla ice-cream
10) Cheeseboard with mimimum five varieties and good biscuits and chutney and grapes.
I would save the apple crumble, and my luxury would be a spoon.
Very good, Mistral! That did make me chuckle! I would like rhubarb with vanilla ice cream or gooseberry pie, again with ice cream although I do like custard
ReplyDeleteWe can’t get either rhubarb or gooseberries in Italy.
I remember that before we 'left' the BBC Ruthy had told us that she had only fairly recently become an Archers listener.
ReplyDeleteSince she handed over to Gary we have heard very little from her.
Gary has tried to contact her with no reply.
I wonder if she is still listening to TA or whether perhaps it was a passing phase in her life, and she has now 'moved on '.
Basia you have been doing your homework.
ReplyDeleteWell done you.
Sarnia how are you? 🤔
ReplyDeleteIt is sad I know but I am so uninterested in food that I am not sure that I would have 10 favourites.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it stems from the fact that I really do not enjoy cooking or baking .
I quite enjoy “playing” though.
Some years ago I used to make crab apple jelly and apple jelly and put it into little pots covered with Laura Ashley material and give them as Christmas presents.
Both types of jelly turned ,out to be a very pretty shade of pink.
I also made petit fours and a local delicatessen sold them .
I must have been mad.
Lanjan, you do like broken biscuits and Ferrero chocolates, it's not sad, there are all sorts of people and you have your favorite loaf (?). I prefer savoury foods now and the sweetness of apples and carrots.
DeleteNo Basia.
DeleteI can’t abide Ferero chocolates!
You are right .
I do the like broken biscuits that come in a box from Iceland.
They cost about £3:50 I think.
It is the excitement I get when I open the box and find out that there are several chocolate chip cookies un broken or some milk chocolate coated biscuits.
If you promise not to tell anyone else Basia ,I am still eating the mince pies I bought from Iceland in January -half price..
I warm one up in the microwave and then cover it in custard..
Lovely..
That is one pudding then to put on my Mistral list.
.
Mistral, you've made me yearn for something warm and comforting, prepared by my sister. Like Lanjan I went through a phase of baking, it's not madness, just a passing fancy. Apple crumble definitely for me, with a baked apple on top.
ReplyDeleteStasia, ah yes you did, I had forgotten. That song was mentioned this morning but the presenter said he would save it for happier times. I will look it up on YouTube.
ReplyDeleteMistral, I love the desert island puds idea. I suspect I will have as much trouble honing down my puds list as the records.🍫🍰🧁🍩🥧🍪🎂🍦🍯🍱🍉🍒🍓🍍🍐😋
When we were studying “Northanger Abbey” for “O” level,our teacher used to make us look for signifcant factors.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have found one in last night’s episode.
Why did Kirsty turn Shula down instead of telling Helen later that she had arranged to meet Shula?
Surely it would be kinder to explain to one’s best friend what had happened?
Could this be a significant factor?
Since we are now out of sinc ,this evening planned episode will probably be next Wednesday.
Easter Sunday will be on the Sunday after Easter-or something like that.
Yes Lanjan, I too thought it was odd, but will the meeting with Helen prove to be significant remains to be seen. With fewer episodes now we'll turn into detectives, dissecting the clues even more.
ReplyDeleteI too studied 'Northanger Abbey' for 'O' level and with some lateral thinking wrote a comment which the teacher marked as ingenious! I couldn't tell you what it was though.
I Love the "Dessert Island" choices by Mistral.
ReplyDeleteSuch Fun.
I don't do puds as such, but I would want a bread + butter pudding, using a tangy home-made marmalade, along with sultanas, grated orange rind and home-made custard.
As it is Good Friday tomorrow, and even though I am not religious in any way, I will follow the tradition, set by my parents - fish to eat.
I am making a lasagne using lightly smoked salmon steaks, plus asparagus, along with a bechamel sauce, flavoured with dill + parsley.
I using up my store of lasagne, but don't care.
I just want an excuse, for a tasty meal, as I can't see family this Easter.
Last year, we had a wonderful family day together - a wonderful meal + a croquet match. Needless to say, I was miles behind, as I ended up in the vegetable garden. 😀
PS This was at my big Sis's home, with her 1/2 acre of garden, not my small one!!
DeleteAll of us "virtual friends" will be in our own homes this Easter Weekend, and not seeing family.
DeleteI wish you all well, in this strange time.
Other "Dessert Island" thoughts:-
ReplyDeletea) Queen of Puddings
b) Cherry Clafoutis
Has anyone mentioned Gooseberry Fool? I used to love that. Haven't had it for years.
DeleteOoo Miriam, you pinched one of my favourite puddings - Cherry Clafoutis!
ReplyDeleteBut I also love very unsophisticated bananas chopped up in hot custard, which even Mr A can make with a packet of Sainsbury’s sugar free instant custard mix.
And Winchester Mess which is the same as Eton Mess but with raspberries instead of strawberries. Yum 😋
And, I nearly forgot, one of our family favourite Puddings - Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding, recopie taken from an ancient Family Circle cook book. It’s one of those puds that turns itself upside down in cooking with chocolate sponge on the top and delicious chocolate/mocha sauce at the bottom!
DeleteReminds of "Delias" Lemon Layer Pudding, a lemon sponge with a lemon sauce underneath.
DeleteExactly right Miriam, but gorgeous gooey chocolate instead of lemon!
DeleteA friend gave me the recipe for a lovely lemon layer pudding (not Deliah's). She doubles the recipe but added a note not to double the sugar.
DeleteI, of course, knew better and doubled everything, including the sugar. After 45 minutes of unsuccessful creaming I had to admit my friend had been right ...
I have to venture out to the nearest Sainsbury's, but onlt just once a week. OK I have had to queue for a short while, but there is plenty of stock + produce. I have had both good + bad experiences, but on the whole it is fine, though I am pleased to return home afterwards.
ReplyDeleteMy little Sis is doing a S/burys "Click + Collect" shop.
This might be worth looking at, but not all, are providing this service.
It is a possible alternative, and just a thought.
Little Sis is only 63yrs, (me 65yrs) but she has Chrone's Disease plus a serious Liver condition - but is not classed as a "vunerable" person, so no preference. This is why she is trying the "Click + Collect" system.
DeleteI would struggle with 8 dessert island choices. I have more of a savoury taste, and if having 2 courses always choose starter and main. If having 3 courses in a pub or restaurant, I usually choose cheeseboard, ideally with local cheeses for wherever I happen to be, mainly so I can carry on drinking wine! I don't like wine with sweet foods, and am not sophisticated enough for dessert wines!
ReplyDeleteIf pushed, I would go for creamy desserts, with real cream. No steamed puds, and crumbles rather than pies. Definitely no custard 🥵
Although I have to say that Archerfile's 'Oliver' pud sounds tempting, I love mocha.
DeleteJust took a lovely holiday to the French Riviera!
ReplyDeleteWatched Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief" with Cary Grant & Grace Kelly. Bliss.....
A very simple pud discovered by eating in a restaurant in Cowes is vanilla ice cream doused in a very sweet dark sherry? Yummy!😁🍨🍦
ReplyDeleteOoo, Ev, that sounds blissful ! Heaven in a scoop !
DeleteOr Tia Maria?
DeleteArcherphile.....I’m finding these DID’s fascinating. I love a swingin safari. Knew the tune but didn’t know it’s name. Enjoyed hors d’oeuvres too. Can’t get my head round classical music. It all sounds the same to me. But....with the Mahler I can see Dirk Bogarde sat in his deck chair for the death scene in Death in Venice.
ReplyDeleteI think I need pictures to go with classical music, probably why I remember film scores better.
I love the Mahler - it's on my walking playlist.
DeleteI haven't heard A Swingin' Safari in years! It's now playing as I type : )
DeleteI'm dipping in an out of these DID lists - well done to everyone who's managing to listen to them properly. I'll catch up eventually!
I sang in Mahler's Resurrection Symphony once.
Well. to be precise, my friend was singing and two days before they realised their '50 strong choir' numbered about 25. So they roped in anyone they knew who could sing. I think I had two rehearsals and ended up miming for most of it. Still, the music was good : )
Mr A once sang in the choir for a performance of Mahler’s 2nd as well OWiaS!
DeleteIt was up in London, in Bishopsgate. It wasn't a huge hall and by the time the enormous orchestra and 50 odd choir members took their places, there wasn’t much room for a very big audience and we were all crammed in at the back of the hall.
But the acoustics made it a very memorable performance.
KP .....catching up with your tunes. I love Carmen. It’s my favourite opera. I could hum that tune all day.
ReplyDeleteI even like the Wagner. Another tune I recognise but didn’t know the name of.
But got to admit. The cowboy song does not rock my boat. 😄
Pleased to hear that Boris is now out of Intensive Care.
ReplyDeleteLanjan 10.38pm - me too. That is good news.
DeleteA huge relief for his family, fiancée and the great majority of the
Deletecountry as well, I think.
Absolutely - some weeks of rest will now be required no doubt that will be hard for Boris to adhere too in his position (but he won’t have a lot of strength right now so that should make it easier to comply)
DeleteArcherphile, when I was a child my mother would go to the only delicatessen in town and buy Matzoh which we had in our chicken soup along with lots of parsley.
ReplyDeleteShe made the best soup I ave ever had, Ever.
Dark chocolate pudding yum.
Thé very famous Chicken soup (with knadles?) The Universal cure-all for most illnesses but sadly probably not for Covid 19.
DeleteBut a big bowl might help Boris, now he’s on the mend 🤞
Another glorious sunny day! No doubt it will not help the current cause (some complete idiots towing caravans have already been observed 😡)
ReplyDeleteTo happier thoughts Archerphile your special day is very nearly here 🎊 what was the weather like 50 yrs ago and how were you feeling right now? As your plans are on pause it would be lovely if you could share your memories here and we could all be a part of your celebrations which hopefully will give you both a lift 👩❤️👨 🥂 💐 ⭐️ 🥰
So kind of you to ask Lady R, but I think most folk here will be thoroughly fed up with hearing about this anniversary!
DeleteSuffice it to say, the weather was very sunny but not quite so warm as today.
The Registry Office was in a typical between-the-wars, suburban, double fronted bungalow! Opposite the Granada Cinema 🙄
If anybody really, really wants to hear more, I can elaborate, but there are much more important things to chat about as Lanjan reminded me.
Ah but we mustn’t forget that light relief and some happy news is good for our
Delete(and
certainly my) mental health 🤗
I think reaching a 50th wedding anniversary is a wonderful achievement. We arranged a special open house day for my Mum and Dad when they had theirs, and I was always so pleased that they made it as Dad died the next year. Did you wear a hat? I like seeing pretty hats at a wedding.
DeleteArcherphile, I googled Oliver's Pudding, but could only find Jamie Oliver's puddings!
ReplyDeleteDo you know this pud by any other name please? I could manage a chocolate fix just now. Thanks.
I remember thinking on the eve of my wedding that if I had wanted (which I didn’t!) to call it a day, I only had to give the ring back but after tomorrow it would be far more complicated! Thankfully it never happened and divorce was never even remotely on the cards! However I have always thought it is pure luck if going forward a marriage stays the course. There are a lot of ups and downs along the way which hopefully you can get through together and weather the storms! Happy anniversary, Archerfile and Mr A!🥂
ReplyDeleteMistral I googled the Oliver pudding and it came up first, Jamie's second.
ReplyDeleteI think I typed - Olivers chocolate pudding
Good luck if you try again
The recipe was basic ingredients and scant method.
*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is........Hilary! Godere!
Righty ho! Con piacere!
DeleteLike Zoetrope I do not have a sweet tooth, entrée & plat for me. Anything sweet that has a tendency to wobble fills me with absolute horror.. 😝🤮
ReplyDeleteThe only possible exception would be chocolate fondant.
I have a raspberry jelly in the fridge all ready to be had tonight parsley. And with LOTS of Carnation milk too. Yum yum yum!
DeleteHave you ever tried making jelly with fruit juice and a packet of vegetarian gell? It is more nutritious that way and not quite so sweet.
DeleteBrandade de morue for supper tonight, made by the couple who run the épicerie in the next village, yum!
ReplyDeleteAs there seems to be some confusion about Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding, I have just found the recipe, on a very be-spattered Page! It is from The Family Circle Mixer Cookbook. Published in 1970, and I was touched to see it is inscribed “To Tuppenny, with love from Mummy, April 1970” so it must have been a wedding present from my Mum! How co-incidental I should find it today! (Apologies for revealing my Mum’s nickname for me)
ReplyDeleteWhen Gary opens the next blog I am happy to write out the recipe. It was created long before Jamie Oliver was even born, so the versions online that refer to his pudding will be wrong.
We used to have butterscotch instant whip every Sunday when I was a child..because butterscotch was my dad's favourite 😣
ReplyDeleteI never eat sweets. ...because I really can't stomach them. Havnt eaten cakes or biscuits for years.
Whenever someone brings them in at work I take one to be polite but I don't enjoy them ..not even ice cream..I must be very strange
Much prefer a fresh fruit salad for a desert...if any
DeleteWe never had puddings or dessert as a children, it’s not a particularly Eastern European thing. We always had cake 🍰 in the afternoon. On Monday morning, when I went to school I was given lunch money for the week. Some of us would spend a bit on cream buns. Very naughty, but 👍 nice.
DeleteYou are not.
DeleteI threw out the remains of a Christmas Cake - 16months old along with biscuits of a similar age.
Don't worry, all went into my food re-cycle bin (collected today), so will become compost, in time.
I only eat puddings when we have a family meal, as I always cook them!!
DeleteWhen eating out, I have a starter, a main - and skip the "pudding".
I will try not to be too long-winded with my comments on each piece!
ReplyDelete1) Mr Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan - takes me back to teenage summers.
2) Chopin Nocturne op.9 No 2 - When I was small I used to ask my mother to play this.
3) Joe Cocker - With a little help from my friends. I heard him play this at a concert in my Freshers Week at Bristol University in 1968.
4) Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars. This was played at my younger son’s wedding. To have friends and family all together, even my father thanks to Skype! - was so very special.
5) Elgar - Nimrod. I just like this!
6) Mozart - Lacrimosa. I heard th
I have just seen GG's post about the film "To Catch a Thief".
ReplyDeleteThis is a great Hitchock film, as is "Rear Window".
GG. Did you spot Hitchcock, doing a cameo, as himself, sitting on a seat in the bus??
The creator and writer, of Morse (can't recall his name) - always did the same, appear as an extra in a scene and continued in Lewis.
Hitchcock films are the absolute best and he did a cameo in each one...my favourite is Rear Window..least favourite Marnie
DeleteOops!
ReplyDelete6) Mozart - Lacrimosa. I was in the Albert Hall when this was sung by a 500 voice choir with the Royal Philarmonic in 2003. Goose pimples!
7) The Who - I can’t Explain. Another trip down memory lane back to the sixties and Thursday evening concerts at Worthing with up and coming groups.
8) She - Elvis Costello. This is on the soundtrack of my favourite film, Notting Hill. I adore the humour, warm friendship and happy ending.
My book would be Ships of Heaven by Christopher Somerville - once mentioned by Lilian in the Archers when she was about to go to the Cheltenham Literary Festival. To take a bit of England with me to the desert island.
My luxury - a notebook and pen.
Thank you Hilary! What one disc would you save if all were being swept out to sea...?
DeleteI would save Chasing Cars to remind me of one of the happiest days of my life.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to enjoy cooking Miriam - I do love to eat though and when in “normal” times I visit a close friend who is a superb cook (with a good sized fruit and veg garden to hand ) it is a dream for me and great for her as I would imagine there is nothing more disheartening than producing a lovely meal for someone who then just picks at it!
ReplyDeleteMr R was the “cook” for many years and enjoyed it but since various orthopaedic situations have befallen him not practical, but at least he has survived- so far 🤣🤣🤣