this post is closed
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Popular posts from this blog
Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeletestasia May 1, 2020 at 5:39 PM
I have lost my comment to Unders.
I will only use one word.
Tequila 🥃🍹
Unders May 1, 2020 at 5:46 PM
That will do!! Chin, chin!
Miriam May 1, 2020 at 5:42 PM
A quick extra, before I source my fish + chip meal, out of the freezer.
This 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. 😀
Archerphile May 1, 2020 at 5:48 PM
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.
Last 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.
Dancing around the house to You & Me on repeat (Unders DID) & enjoying a beer whilst preparing dinner - big fillet steak, skinny fries & slow roasted toms with chestnut mushrooms. YUM BLOODY YUM!
ReplyDeleteAfter watching "Il Postino" last night we think we are going to return to Italy tonight & watch "La Dolce Vita". (It's either that or "Charade" with Cary Grant & Audrey Hepburn) And today I bought a bottle of Martini Extra dry for the first time in decades. Having it with ice-cold lemonade and it's going to taste amazing. What a difference a day makes, eh....?
We watched Charade last week. Two of my favourites....Audrey and Cary.
DeleteI’m excited for an hour of gardeners world tonight.
Sounds fab GG - what time do you want us??! 🥳
DeleteEnjoy that cold glass of wine Unders!
DeleteAnd PtbY - enjoy that hot Adam Frost!
(see what I did there...?)
Spicy, really pleased to hear your news about yourself and your niece. Wishing you both continued improvement in your health in the coming weeks. 🙏
ReplyDeleteUnders, enjoyed your music, particularly Prokofiev, Dean Martin, van Morrison and Madness, oh and Tequila!
Just had a good sing with Gareth Malone, goodness knows what the neighbours think of the caterwauling but I feel good afterwards. Anyone else still joining in? Anyone sent in videos or joining the TV programme?
We have been wrestling a rambler rose today which lost its moorings in the wind and rain here yesterday. Hopefully Mr S can reconstruct the home made trellis as it’s going to flower before too long. It’s gorgeous when it does. First few roses are coming out elsewhere including our ancient peace rose, and a very deep pink one.🌹
Janice, I haven’t seen the obby oss but we did go to watch the Helston floral dance a few years ago. Lovely.💃
Oh and Parsley thanks for the lilies of the valley as I have lost mine from my garden. Must plant some more.
DeleteThanks Seasider, glad you enjoyed some of my tracks. ☺️
DeleteGG
ReplyDeleteIt has to be "Charade"..
Such a great film.
My post today, was the latest Good Houseeping magazine.
ReplyDeleteI get this as a "freebie" as a perk from the bank account I have.
It is lovely, to have this to peruse, read, digest and just enjoy. I also love the recipes included, but then I love to cook. I do get some inspiration + ideas eg. Beek cooked in port, with porcini mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, onions + carrots, served with "mash", red cabbage and swede.
obviously meant beef..
DeleteI get Prima from my bank.
DeleteIt seems to be full of clothes I don't like, houses I couldn't afford, and people who have achieved about 10x more with their life/career than I ever will.
I do enjoy checking the story at the back though - every month I read it to see if it stretches credibility even further than it did in the previous edition.
Note to self - a bottle of port, and a red cabbage, to be put on my next "weekly" shopping list - to make this again.
ReplyDeleteIt is so delicious and unctious.
The sad part is, that I cannot cook it, to share with family and/or friends. 😣
PS I have a lovely top-rump beef joint in the freezer to use
DeleteWell. this will make you all jealous...I am going to eat a quarter of pizza and spicy wedges courtesy of sainsbury's, with a mixed salad, followed by Archerphiles Oliver pudding, (mmmmm) with chocolate custard. And I might have some Easter egg for supper. I too love to cook.
ReplyDeleteI had beans on toast as a treat last week.
Most of my favourite things on that list Mistral!
DeleteMiriam - I haven't answered your pleas for me to contact my practice because it was made very clear that even people on two or three months repeat injections were being asked to hang on. The reasons given being - it's too risky to come to the surgery.
DeleteHowever - I do intend to call again at the beginning of next week and ask again.
As far as symptoms go I can cope with the tingling or pins and needles, but I live in an extremely hilly area, and even visiting my garden which is a hundred paces from my door uphill on a narrow path is taxing my breathing, and if it's even steeper I am getting feint after small exertions.
I shall tell the nurse this when I speak again.
And thank you for nagging me with your concerns.
Wow I see to have missed so much and will listen to Unders' choices.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned Peaky Blinders, which I could never get into, but was such a hit. I went to a PB themed wedding and felt so sorry for the groom, best man etc. who were all kitted out in thick wool and it was a blazing hot day!
Spiceycushion- so pleased to hear that your a little more comfortable after some solid sleep. Hope it continues and that we can have some more positive news from you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Archerphile, you did the right thing with your moaning friend, but I hope she is sensible and doesn't write you out of her friendship list.
Gary...... Charade.
Pretty near the top of my list of favourite films.
I seem to remember being pretty bored by La Dolce Vita.
Mistral, I've been yearning for a pizza for at least ten days.
ReplyDeleteI am rather fond of Pizza Hut, which almost everyone I know turns their noses up at.
But I would have to drive eight miles in one direction or eleven in another to get one.
Even if they were open.
Re: the discussion about B12 injections, my friend was told by her surgery to go to another surgery -which is too far away & only Sunday service for buses [every 2 hours] or go to a chemist & ask for strongest B12 tablets they can supply!!
ReplyDeleteMrs P, have just caught up with previous blog and think you are talking about the lead in to the hovercraft when you mention the steep steps up and down. The bridge goes over the railway line. I agree it is a long haul especially when dragging a case! The Cat goes from the end of Ryde pier and you can either walk, take the train or of course get some kind person to give you a lift along the pier! There is a charge for cars currently £1,25 but great innovation this year, you can use contactless! The ferry terminal is very quaint and Victorian with fancy wrought iron. Of course Ryde grew from the Victorian holiday market!
ReplyDeleteFurther to using the hover to transport serious Covid patients, a drill did take place but only as a just in case. So far the quantity of cases has been manageable on the island. There have been 122 confirmed cases and sadly 26 have passed away since the virus took hold. On the whole social distancing has been observed but of course there are the silly few! Luckily we haven’t met any of them!
Spicy, good news about your niece and wishing her well! Also hope you. will fare better with your treatment and Mrs P too. In spite of the virus, you deserve the attention both of you.
Seasider, thanks for the thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's a tradition to offer lily of the valley on Mayday.
Sadly ours has gone over now.
Our local boulangerie does pizza to order on a Friday (not today or next week, jour férié), pretty decent.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, I looked up Rod & Rachel Saunders post GW, dreadful story, tragic.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever used Za’atar in their cooking?
ReplyDeleteI bought a large box back from Dubai with me in January and haven’t got round to using it yet.
I think it is considered to be the third condiment in middle Asian cooking, alongside salt and pepper.
When I opened the box it is a dense brownish green mixture of very finely ground herbs (mostly thyme I think) sesame seeds and sumac. It smells heavenly but I’m not sure what to do with it!
I whatsapped the family and they use it sprinkled in omelettes or on cheese on toast but I’m sure there must be something more inventive to do with it.
Any ideas?
Well about 10mins of our anniversary left at start of this post, and it of course was unusual anyway but then like AP became more surreal not been out for 6 weeks or so but Mr R has skin problems and a flare up has been going on for a few days. Phoned surgery and was given a time for a visit. Very tight process. Mr R only of course in through automatic doors then met at manned door by nurse who fitted him with a mask. The Dr he saw was very luckily his skin Dr and medication was prescribed but also took temp, bp, pulse etc. All very impressive and although nothing like poor Spicy has been enduring for such a long time uncomfortable enough for Mr R to say advice was needed and he is a real tough nut! We put on our own masks to travel and I took a selfie ( which I never ever do) as an anniversary photo - we looked like Bonnie & Clyde as they were not medical issue but very fetching male & female material 🤣🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Anniversary Lord & Lady R! Hope the treatments kick in immediately for his Lordship.... Bet you both looked fantastic with the masks on - and as you say, surreal times!
DeleteIt is great to read about bloggers’ anniversary and birthday celebrations, lovely gardens, delicious meals, improving health, and so on and I send you all my very best wishes. Not to mention the music choices and also film and tv mentions which I enjoy googling. It is no wonder the days pass so quickly!
ReplyDeleteGoing back to colour, Italians think that red is THE colour for sports cars which, by the way, they call spiders, due to an original misunderstanding of the spelling of “speeder”. They pronounce it spider though, thus compounding the error! Anyway, when our 1967 dark green Triumph Spitfire needed respraying my husband of course chose Ferrari Red. I do wish I had put my foot down!
Your post has reminded me that I have literally no idea what kind of car we have Hilary. I know it's silver, and I can guess at half the registration number and that's it! Have driven once in my life, on a beach about 30 years ago - my friend was laughing at my panic as we reached the dizzying speed of about 7mph and he refused to take the wheel. So I did what any self respecting idiot would do. I opened the door and jumped out the moving car...
DeleteYour beach driving experience has me chuckling, Gary!
DeleteThe Triumph has been used for my son’s and his friends’ weddings but I now use a tiny Toyota Aygo which I love. A boring, ubiquitous silver grey!
On Thursday I watched The Mayor of Casterbridge with my daughter. I enjoyed it. It was a good 3 hours long and full of twists. It should help her finish reading the book & then write an essay on it.
ReplyDeleteUnders ,was The Mayor of Casterbridge on the TV?
ReplyDeleteI loved the book.
I would love to see that.
For me , it would have to be the 197O’s BBC version with Alan Bates and Janet Maw. Superb, still have the video but nothing to play it on these days!
DeleteI have seen and heard different versions since but that one cannot be bettered in my opinion.
Hello LanJan, no not on TV I’m afraid, I bought the DVD off of Amazon.
DeleteI did The Mayor of Casterbridge for O or A level (can't remember which, nor what book was on the other syllabus).
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the film. Must hunt it out.
I think the BBC version I mentioned above is still available on BBC iPlayer, probably under box sets or domeduch category. It was shown in several episodes.
Delete´somesuch’!
DeleteI studied the book for A Level and I honestly think it was the best Hardy book. Tess is incredibly depressing and the others seem particularly dark. The personality of Henchard is fascinating and that Farfrae doesn’t want to supplant him but is bulldozed down that route by Henchard’s weaknesses. That’s what I remember but must have a re read!
DeleteThe version I bought from Amazon had Kieran Hinds in it. My daughter is studying it for her A Level English Lit.
DeleteLady R - belated congratulations on your anniversary yesterday.
ReplyDeleteWhat strange times we are in!
I do hope Mr R is more comfortable today.
We have decided that all this years significant anniversaries and birthdays (we have several in our family in 2020) are going to be delayed until 2021 - and just like the Olympics, they will be celebrated as if it is still only 2020!
Hopefully you can have a proper anniversary next year with no trips to the doctor and a lovely meal out.
Thank you AP on behalf of Mr R. What a way to get an outing but nothing serious thankfully although very uncomfortable all the same as part of the problem was affecting skin right under and around his eyes, then a rash on lower left leg too. The 2 items prescribed will I’m sure be a big help, how Spicy has (and is) suffering hardly bears contemplating.
DeleteYes indeed 🤞🏼for 2020 celebrations in 2021!
My lilac tree is in full bloom. The blossoms are white and in the sunshine they glow! A bit like that old Persil advert! I add my congrats to Lady R and knowing how bad skin complaints can be hopes Mr R will find relief!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ev on both counts 😊
DeleteI love the scent of lilac.
ReplyDeleteJust back from the local shops, pain au chocolat /chocolatine with our coffee.. yum!
ReplyDeleteOh, stop it Parsley!! You are making me extremely jealous!! 🤢
DeleteJust catching up at the moment:
ReplyDeleteFar from the madding crowd....Terence Stamp ooh mummy daddy.
I have nearly always had red cars, Hilary in fact I have 2 parked downstairs. First of all you can always find it in a car park second of all I love red especially berry.....so warm and cosy I have red rugs in my house.
Wisteria is in full bloom here..absolutely gorgeous.
I was thinking the other day of Washington dc this time of year is awash with the palest pink of cherry blossoms around the Potomac basin ...spectacular.
Our wisteria has gone over now.. we're promised the last miserable wet day today, back to BBQ weather tomorrow.. 🤞🤞
ReplyDeleteArcherphile....I would rub za’tar over a chicken and roast it. Either whole or spatchcocked.
ReplyDeleteThank you PtbY. Great suggestion. We are having roast chicken for dinner tomorrow night, so I will definitely try that. Sounds lovely.
DeleteI ‘m wondering it I could use it in some savoury biscuits or scones too. Mr A can’t have jam on scones so if I make cheese scones the Za’atar might add an extra flavour.
Parsley I think giving lily of the valley is a lovely Mayday tradition. They don't flower so early here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice, so do I! Lots of communes hand out little posies to their elderly residents . Ours is long gone, lots of leaves, really early this year.
DeleteIn "normal" times growers set up their stalls at the roadside.
DeleteAutumnleaves 11:22 am
ReplyDeleteTerence Stamp ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Red Cars✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️-Liverpool’s colour ;colour of the Lancashire Rose.
All the best to Lord R,Lady R.
I am no medic and when Mr LJ had an itchy rash appear I asked my personal advisor from across the Atlantic what he should do and he said make sure he took vitamin D tablets and when the sun came out to get a bit of sunlight on to his skin.
Plus moisturise .
He has tried all sorts and thinks the best is Vaseline intensive
Touch wood it seems to be doing the trick
Even if it doesn’t it isn’t a bad idea to take vitamin D tablets at least during the winter months.
Thanks for wishes LJ. With lockdown I’m sure you are right regarding Vit D I take my Dr’s recommenced dose daily as about a year ago I was found to be as low as one could be and had 3 mths of a high prescription dose. We will follow that up for Mr R he is advised not to be out in the sun for long because of the treatment he is receiving for the top of his head. Years of playing different sports but always wearing a hat he said - then remembered golf 👎🏻 So obviously now needs that boost I’m sure. 👏🏻to your Dr son
DeleteEv -
ReplyDeleteYes of course I was wrong and thought so later after posting.
It was the bridge over the railway line that I was referring to.
As for the railway terminus in Portsmouth I have such vivid memories of queuing in the fifties all along that long stretch beside the water. We would travel by coach to Portsmouth then walk to the end of the queue and slowly shuffle forward. But the entertainment was wonderful. Little boys would dive into the mud to fish out coins. Real mudlarks. We as children thought them so exotic.
In the years before we went to the Island, always Sandown, we would have our holiday at the Sunshine Holiday Camp on Hayling Island, but I can't for the life of me remember the journey there, although I have vivid memories of the camp and the activities and the personalities.
Such lovely things to think about from your posts: the smell of lilac, lily-of-the-valley and the gorgeous Terence Stamp and Alan Bates. Had such a passion for both of those fellows in the sixties. Red sports cars make me think of men with mid-life crises, sorry.
ReplyDeleteI too have some red things around the house but my favourite colour is yellow.
ReplyDeleteVan Gogh’s Sunflowers is my favourite painting. I like Klimt’s The Kiss too.
It is true that red cars are less common in Italy - so easier to find in car parks ! When my elder son was small he was struck by how many red cars there were in England compared to Italy.
Congratulations, rather late, to Lord and Lady R.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for all forms of skin problems, including Lord R, and Mr LJ and of course SPICEYCUSHION
Mine are my expanding areas of vitiligo brought back to life from the trauma of surgery two years ago. I ignore it and still get my quota of sunshine.
Love Lily of the Valley. I think it was the first flower I ever came to recognise in early childhood, but Lilac comes a close second. Lots of different purple, pale to dark plus some white in my vicinity. Some glimpse of wisteria as I drive past houses.
My daughter tells me that the Yellow Magnolia is in full flower. Unfortunately she cannot get anywhere near to it as it is buried in the depths of the deep woodland valley.
Our white lilac is half triffid! Our gardener gives it a severe haircut each year to stop it smothering one corner or our shoe but it still persists in sending numerous off-shoots into the flowerbed.
DeleteIt was in full bloom a couple of days ago but now they are starting to deteriorate.
Plenty of buds on the roses though : )
Our white lilac is mostly a big tree. We can't really see the flowers when in the garden & smell nothing as the blooms are are so high up. But I love the gnarly trunk & branches.
DeleteThere are many magnolia trees on the island and all out in bloom now. I have a stellata in the front garden which was stunning this year but all over now. It will put on another spurt of growth though as will the magnolia tree which I may never see in it’s full glory as growth is so slow! I will if I live to 100 maybe!
ReplyDeleteBetter news about my brother. It has taken a time to identify the type of cancer but a lab in Liverpool has found it and the report is now at Christy’s in Manchester. It is incurable but they will be able to slow it down. He is fine about it as he says he is 77 this year and a slowing down will give extra time. He is building a model of a Clyde puffer in his shed. Thank goodness for our NHS!
I forgot to add my thanks to Unders for introducing me to Nick Cave & Bad Seeds. A new one to me. Also I love the Prokofiev.
ReplyDeletePleasure Anneveggie!!
DeleteIndeed Ev, and as you say better news for your brother than maybe had been expected and he will also have his project to keep him occupied 👍 Sending very best wishes to him and I’m sure you feel relived too overall.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations your worshipful Lady and Lord R.🍹🥂
ReplyDelete✔✔✔✔🔝
DeleteThank you both 🥰
DeleteLady & Lordship - in our dreams 🤣
Someone here did say Wilfred.
ReplyDeleteEv.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your news about your brother.
It is not what you wanted to hear....Christies is a brilliant hospital, and will be maintain his condition well, as this is such an expert place.
Keep Positive. 😍
Well done Anneveggie for predicting 'Wilfred!'
ReplyDeleteCheers!!
DeleteMay is my favourite month.
ReplyDeleteThere is a Marian tradition where I grew up. As children we made altars to Our Lady and throughout the months we would decorate them with wild flowers and lily of the valley.
We would also sing the hymn
Bring flowers of the Rarest.
Oh, Mary we crown you with blossom today
Queen of the angels and queen of the May.
I suspect it has its origins in pre Christian lore.
.
Month.
DeleteMy favourite month is August.
ReplyDeleteWhy?....
This is the long school hols. which means (regardless of the weather), I see so much more of the youngsters in my family.
There are many fun days - going out, playing croquet, BBQ's and The Hot Tub, if it is ☀️ and 🌡
PS Not in my home, though 😂
Best wishes to your brother,Ev.
ReplyDeleteAs Miriam says he could not be going to a better hospital that Christie’s.
Thank you for your wishes, Lanjan & Miriam & Lady R. It’s so good to be able to share.
DeleteIt sure is Ev! Bestest wishes to your brother from Glasgow!
DeleteCh 5 tonight at 8.30pm.
ReplyDeleteI am recording this (as it clashes with BGT) to watch on May 8th. now that the VE day celebrations, are now no more.
How sad, esp. as the Bank Holiday was changed to celebrate this day.
But it is better to stay at home, and be Safe + Healthy.
It is getting harder though, isn't it.
Thank-you All, for letting me share your lives, and my thoughts in this strange time, here.
DeleteIt means a lot to me.
Thank-you.
Miriam. 🤗🤗😁😁
Even with two at home “moments” can be felt Miriam so for those of you coping alone I can understand such a feeling hitting in from time to time!
DeleteOh gosh! Another day pressure- washing! I am soaking wet and filthy but have got the hang of it now and it is worth it to see our black patio restored to its original Cotswold stone colour.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly it makes our lounge much lighter too, looking out onto cream Instead of black!
More tomorrow, the upper level, then down the path to the pergola and the octagonal paving underneath.
Hopefully, by next week, it will all be done for another year and I’m never going to let it all get so filthy again! Meanwhile Mr A has been doing lots of tree surgery to let a bit more light into the house and garden. We are being very busy bees so not really noticing the lockdown.
I did some gardening today too. I have dug out the pressure washer and Katy sent for a power breaker just in case there is an electrical problem as it hasn’t been used for some time. I want to clean off the decking and will do it in small stages. I then need to oil it. The gardener was going to do it but of course not possible at the moment and the decking can be very slippy in the winter. Anyway, today I manage to tidy up the raised bed at the bottom of the garden behind Katy’s chalet office! I trimmed a rampant honeysuckle back, chopped back the daffodil leaves and weeded the strawberry bed. Thank you, Archerfile for your advice about the blueberries. They were looking a bit sad and I bought some ericaceous feed and compost from Amazon which perked them up no end! As I tidy round the garden I find little white feathers everywhere, maybe a message from Mike that he approves my efforts! I hope so!
ReplyDeleteAhh the feathers Ev - I’m sure you are right 🌈 😇
DeleteI am beginning to "struggle" now...
ReplyDeleteI think it is for 2 reasons - I am "solo" - and also, my garden bin is not being emptied (5 weeks now and also the tips are closed), so I have no-where now, to put my garden waste. I cannot do the cutting back, pruning etc. which is needed and I want to do.
It is only, a minor problem, in the scheme of things, this I know, but I am finding it hard.
My garden bin was emptied a couple of weeks ago. As far as I know the emptying is continuing but didn’t put it out this week as there was little in it. I do have to pay £6 a month for the service and believe it is free in some parts of the country but I find it is worth it even in my little garden. Hopefully the tips will reopen soon. It isn’t surprising that flytipping is on the up and also bonfires as Mrs P found much to her understandable annoyance.
DeleteThere is a big debate going on, which is gettng quite heated, on my family Wattsapp group chat.
ReplyDeleteThis is for fruit scones:-
Is it jam then cream, or cream then jam?
I cannot believe how family are adament, they are right!
PS I am a jam then cream person.
Me, too ! Maybe a stroke of butter, then jam, then cream. Why would anyone want to smother the cream with a dollop of jam ? Tch, tch .
DeleteButter, jam, cream. So much easier to put cream on top of jam than vice versa.
DeleteClotted cream for preference.
If I treat myself to lunch at the M&S cafe, it's always tomato and basil soup followed by scone with jam and cream. (Too much cream really for one scone - but you can't waste it, can you?)
This seems to always happens when cream teas are eaten.
ReplyDeleteAnd is it scones (to rhyme with gone (s) or scones to rhyme with bones?
Could it be a North /South divide?
I never know with jam or cream. I think it depends on whether you're in or from Devon or Cornwall.
Personally, I've decided that the cream is instead of butter, so goes first!
And scone to rhyme with gone!
DeleteWe've had this discussion on this blog before haven't we ?
ReplyDeleteI'm a scone (gone) person and jam first ' cos then the cream sticks to it.
However, sometimes I just like butter and jam on top of that.
I have in the past done butter then jam then cream, (piggy ! ) but the internal system no longer allows me to do so.
Ev, good news that your brother will get treatment at what others say is a first class hospital.
Miriam - have you not got a large sheet of polythene that you can lay in the garden to put your cutting and weeding onto, fold over and use until we can move on.
It depends if eaten in Devon or Cornwall I believe Miriam. I am with Mrs P jam then cream for reason stated however happy to eat either way just let me at em 😉
ReplyDeleteMiriam, hang on in there! It must be hard for you not to see your family & friends - rest assured that we all feel your pain. After all, we are all in the same boat. But we are luckier than most. Try to think of the positives in your life. Count them blessings! I know it's easier said than done, but it usually works for me. (And when it doesn't, I allow myself to feel like shit - but not for too long...)
ReplyDeleteAnd if you can't cut back in the garden, then do as I'm doing & don't - I'm sure the insects & birds will thank us for it!
Echo Gary’s hang on in there, Miriam. I do feel for you being on your own and am very pleased you continue to cook lovely meals for yourself! I’m sure I would slide into not bothering much. I sometimes forgot about lunch when Katy was at work and one day had two chocolate biscuits for which I was soundly told off in her teacher’s voice! Enjoy your garden and don’t fret about what can’t be done!
DeleteI got two compost bins very cheaply from the local council, all veg waste, dead plants, cuttings, tea bags, coffee grounds and dog hair go in along with grass cuttings and dry leaves etc. I LOVE composting, it's getting something for nothing. I use the beautiful worm-rich result for hanging baskets, planting and potting-on veg and flower seeds, and enriching veg patches and flower beds. I never have enough though, and always end up buying some, which irritates me a lot.
ReplyDeleteRadio recommendation - I am really enjoying 'The Pallisers' on BBC Sounds, from last autumn, wit Jessica Raine. It is a lighthearted adaptation, I find it quite funny. I love Trollop in any shape or form. Also started Home Front again, and really loved The Mill on the Floss a couple of weeks ago.
There is a nature charity called Plantlife that I subscribe to, they advocate for wild flowers, verges etc. They ask people not to cut their lawns throughout May, 'No Mow May', to encourage insect and plant growth. It is such a good excuse to leave the mower in the shed.....
DeleteI have used compost bins in the past, but have been put off by seeing rats in and around the bins. When I saw rats on the patio next to the house, that was enough! I haven't composted since.
ReplyDeleteShame though, I love the idea, but not enough to cope with seeing rats in the garden. Shudder😳😱
Zoetrope, yes, that would do me in, I have a real phobia and got rid of my lovely bird feeders by my kitchen for exactly that reason. I never put cooked food or bones in, keep the lids on tight, and sited both bins on a flat concrete base. For a long time I had a resident toad in one bin, but the really hot summer a couple of years ago saw him move out.
ReplyDeleteRef cream teas. In Cornwall it’s jam first and in Devon cream first and never butter. The Cornish are very particular about the scones. Plain ones have a round cutter and fruit ones a crinkled cutter. I had for the first time on the island lavender scones which are delicious! My pet hate with cream teas is whipped cream, it has to be clotted! The old ladies in Cornwall used to remember fondly having thunder and lightning for breakfast! It was toast or similar with clotted cream spread over thickly and then a trail of syrup like forked lightning! They would also remember their grannies making clotted cream in a flat pan simmering all day on the stove top.
ReplyDeleteRe rats, I used to feed a pair of pigeons ( I know!!) and one morning saw a rat on the patio. I stopped feeding and the rat moved away. The pigeons are still just as fat even so! We had a toad who lived in our water feature. My husband put his hand in to clean it and felt something a bit slimy. It turned out to be Fernando so called because he had his hideaway. He used to peer at us every time we looked in but eventually went on to pastures new.
We have two compost bins , made of very thick hard plastic, near our back door and next to the greenhouse. I couldn’t understand why, although I was putting lots of stuff into the bins, they never seemed to get any fuller.......
ReplyDeleteUntil I saw two large rats running around the bottom of them. Though the lids were on tightly the rats had managed to gnaw right through the plastic near the bottom of each bin and were helping themselves to a free meal!
We put out rat traps, but they were too clever to be caught but now next door’s cat seems to have dealt with the problem!
Our council introduced new food waste bins with push-button lids last year. The foxes had got too clever for the previous design. I did wonder whether Reynard hard been given a bin to try out before they went into production. He doesn't seem to have sussed it yet though.
DeleteOur garden waste collection resumes next week, or the week thereafter. *Hopefully* the plastic, metal and glass bin will also get collected. Tripple whammy of a conractors' strike, lockdown, and a shoe-full means we are drowning in the stuff!
We have recycle waste week and general waste alternating so fortnightly collections for each. The garden waste is collected on the same day as recycling and up to now it has all continued as normal. You have to admire them and have appreciated it as a build up of waste would have added to the anxiety of the past weeks. Our contractors are Amey so👏👏👏 for them!!
DeleteLove scones and don't mind which way it's pronounced. Jam first then cream although I'd eat it either way.
ReplyDeleteApparently to put the jam on first, topped with cream is the Cornish way.
DeleteCream first, then jam is how they do it in Devon.
I’m a Scone, rhyming with ‘gone’ person and definitely jam first. 😋
The Devonshire way is too messy. (Sorry any Devonians here)
Sounds like we are lucky here as we have a weekly collection for garden waste (for a fee) and weekly recycling which hasn’t stopped. I don’t use the food waste bin as I have a composter I use as Mistral describes and thankfully no rats. I would never put cooked food in it but then our cooked food always gets eaten. 😋
ReplyDeleteRe scones (pronounced gone by me but scoane by Mr S): used to be cream on top of jam for me but I actually don’t like cream. Proper clotted cream yes in small doses but the fashion for adding cream to mash, porridge, sauces in restaurants I can’t tolerate. I can eat ice cream all day though 🍦🍨
I’m a scone/gone person. I thought that was a northern pronunciation and the other way was southern.
ReplyDeleteI just like butter on scones and that’s it. Can’t be doing with jam and cream. Too messy and fattening.
If only you could find a cheesy cheese scone everywhere I’d be happy. There’s only one place I’ve found in our area that does a good cheese scone. Why do most places show the mixture the cheese, teasing it, then put it back in the fridge. 🤔
Our rubbish and recycling collections have been as normal. Mind you when walking round the village with the dogs normal isn’t really the right word..... the amount of bottles in the glass recycling have reached the overflowing mark.
I can’t understand all this talk of people struggling. Pick up a phone and call friends and family for conversation if you are fancying a chat. I can’t keep up with all the messages and funnies being sent to me.
I’m going to have a lazy, telly watching day today and I’m looking forward to the sit down and peace and quiet. (Mr PtbY sent upstairs to read whilst I watch MY programmes)
PtbY: After 52 years of marriage a silent house is very strange, and as Mr S was not a great one for conversation or socialising there is not a list of people who can be called for a chat. My daughter often rings from NZ (where the virus-management has been excellent, despite having no more knowledge/experience of Covid-19 than in the UK!) and my son from Wales, in between working from home and supervising two teenagers, one of whom is preparing for GCSE. At least, every time I get something wrong, no one is going to know unless I tell them - and of course, there's no one to tell!
DeleteA tough time for you Sarnia and many others with recent losses followed now by Covid 19. Sending warm wishes 🌈 💐 take care.
DeleteMy grateful thanks, your Ladyship.
DeleteIt is much easier having someone else in the house. I do think though it must b e very tough being on your own with no interaction. I’m so glad I have Katy! My single sister in law goes to the shops every day as she is on her own. No amount of warnings will distract her as she has an obstinate streak. She insists she is lucky not to be self isolating even though she is 77 this year!
ReplyDeletePhone calls and internet action does help but face to face contact is so important in the usual run of things!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention physical contact.
DeleteI've often heard how people living alone miss human touch that most of us probably take for granted. It must be doubly hard at present.
I think we should get things into perspective.
ReplyDeleteSome people are suffering more than others but there is always somebody more worse off than oneself.
We are fortunate if we have access to a garden
We are fortunate if we are able to have company in our homes whether it be human or animal.
We are fortunate if we have internet.access
I am playing a daily Internet game with a very good friend .
I am winning 7-3 so far!!
Great fun.
The people I feel most sorry for are those who have the virus or whose relatives have or who live in high rise ,crowded flats in inner city areas.
A few weeks ago I was a bit short with Archerphile when I agreed with her when she said”I know I mustn’t grumble”
Most of us do-I am a prime example- but at that time I had just heard that a friend’s husband had died -not of Corona virus
It was his funeral yesterday -two days before what would have been his birthday.
The funeral was in Yorkshire.
I understand that only five people were allowed to be present so it was to be simple and the one good thing to come out of it was that the money she had not spent was to be given to Barnsley
Hospital to thank the NHS for what they had done.
I'm a scone/gone in more ways than one because they are now a memory of a distant past, normally a treat on a visit to Oxford; they're made with fat, so jam and cream on top, to me it makes sense and looks nicer.
ReplyDeleteI'm a solitary person by nature, so not much change for me. My sister rings twice instead of once a day and we've only done FaceTime by a fluke because with her phone inside her pocket she pressed the button. I fail to understand people who sleep more because there's nothing to get up for (!?), do they live for work? Who wash less, lounge around in pyjamas and put on weight. I've cut down on the visits to my local health food shop which provides the social interaction as well as supplies everything I need. Well, I'm hungry, so will have some almond paste and trim my hair
Ditto for Facetime , or whatever the Messenger equivalent is called. My sister saw I was on so called ....'orrible!!!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't find it 'orrible, just totally unexpected but pleasant all the same.
DeleteWe have 2 compost bins, never put cooked stuff in, never any leftovers anyway 😉 Also have a shredder for bigger stuff. The municipal dumps are partially reopening from next week , can just imagine the queues.
ReplyDeleteEv's post at 10.28 brought back memories, as my Mum made cream that way. The milk fresh from the cows was left in a very wide shallow pan over the rayburn all night and the cream that formed on top was skimmed off with a large slotted flat spoon. It had a softer texture than what is bought in shops now. I also remember " thunder and lightning" with syrup/treacle always in our area pronounced "trickle", but we didn't usually toast the bread, and in old Cornish it was " tarennow ha lughes" which could also be used as a mild expletive.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the making clotted cream doesn’t go back as far as old ladies’ grannies, Janice! I forget how old I am until I go to a folk museum to find household equipment my Mum used like dolly tubs!
DeleteI visited friends in Devon years ago. They lived in a farm cottage and when we visited the dairy I was given a big tub of cream, the consistency of double cream. By the time I had driven the 1 1/2 hours home, with the cream in the passenger footwell it was the texture of clotted cream 😁
ReplyDeleteDelicious 😋
Miriam - If my bin was full I'd still do the cutting back etc and leave the cuttings in a pile in a corner until I could get rid of them when rubbish collections resume.
ReplyDeleteEldest son rang from Germany on a video call walking round his garden and me telling him what jobs he has to do, like tying down the leaves of the tulips and daffs . His landlord is constantly asking him to mow the front lawn. He said to him, waving an arm to indicate this untidy 'meadow' right next to the road,"But this is not Germany Herr G!"😀😀
I felt so well yesterday morning and had worked out what to do in the garden so got up, got dressed and asked Jon to find out where my box of seeds etc was in the utility room. Went downstairs, had my coffee then looked at my feet which had already started bleeding! So back on painkillers and bandages and looking at my raspberry canes swaying in the wind, just about seeing a tiny bit of colour through the chickweed in the pots. And who knows how many flowers i have under the fleece on my two beautiful Camellias?
I watched the full hour Gardeners' World on Friday on my laptop in bed. Fantastic and really encouraged me. Well the spirit is willing but the flesh is pathetic!😪
The one thing I remembered from a previous conversation some months ago when someone here said they didn't like Carol Klein because she always had dirty fingernails and on Friday it was true! The thing is she wasn't even gardening she was visiting Brogdale research farm at Faversham just 10 miles down the road to me!
Scones are always the first thing to bake when doing cricket teas and I serve then Devon fashion with cream first then jam. Later in the season when the strawberries have had some sun on them to make them sweeter I put a fresh strawberry on top as well. My cheese scones (as with any cheese dish I make) are really cheesy!
Jon has told me that I am to stay in bed until feet stop bleeding when walking. He says I'm "not much trouble really!" 😃
So it's back to planning and resisting the urge to spend money on stuff on the internet. I'd really like an air fryer. Anyone already have one or recommendations?
Our bin men are marvellous and we have a very good system.
ReplyDeleteFood waste bins weekly. ( the handle locks if you take it right over, but very few seem to lock theirs) recycling / general waste every other week.
It all works well, but I find the tall unsightly plastic bins at the front of pretty Cottages or left permanently outside grate on my sensibilities.
Fine if you have the room to build bin housing, but not all have that room. And since my garden is remote from my house and uphill, putting the bins up there is not possible.
Spicey.... you are an inspiration in your ability to rise above your dreadful condition.
ReplyDeleteOh, Spicy! Bleeding feet? You do so well! Hope you will get into the garden soon. Have been listening to GQT talking about germinating tomato seeds. I have never had a problem but I do put them on the windowsill indoors. As the experts said as well, you need to read the packet and temperature and depth of planting are important. My trouble is that I am too impatient and expect the seeds to sprout instantly! In the case of my beans this just doesn’t happen! I currently have 18 small tomato plants for planting outside only having room for about 6 - 8 so will have to ask the neighbours from a distance whether they would like some!
ReplyDeleteSpicycushion , sorry to hear you are still not out of the woods.
ReplyDeleteHope things get sorted before too long.
It is Mr LJ who can’t abide Carol Klein.
On Friday she looked particularly bad and her nails are ingrained with dirt.
I would rather have half an hour of proper stuff .I am not interested in going round specialist nurseries or cherry orchards
P tbY is welcome to. Adam .
I prefer the crinkle eyed bloke.
Monty hasn’t told us this year how to make a compost heap yet .
My tomato plants do not look good.
They are still very small.
I only have one spare one too.
Think I showed them too late.
For two years I have grown blight free seeds but the tomatoes were not as tasty .
This year back to ordinary cherry ones.
I agree about just leaving the prunings to die down Spicycushion .
We have a compost bin but branches and weeds go into the Council large green bin which should be collected fortnightly but isn’t now.
I don’t use the food waste container at all .
What would one put into it?
The Council collect paper glass metal and plastic weekly.
Other rubbish-the cat food badges mainly fit into a small carrier bag which we put out weekly.
I think we do very well here.
cat food pouches not badges
ReplyDeleteI sowed my tomato seeds too early last year. They shouldn’t go out until the end of May. I put them out in April and they didn’t thrive! Have just last week moved this year’s to bigger pots and it is surprising how quickly they grow so maybe yours will be OK Lanjan. I have always planted them outside and the year before last had some lovely cherry tomatoes. Last year had very few runner beans and my sister in law up in Shropshire had the same problem. I suppose the hot summer was to blame. I did water them regularly but it never is the same as a good rainfall! 🤞for this year! So far no black fly on my broad beans and have pinched the tips out!
ReplyDeleteI am doing better today, as I have had a big Blip over the last 2 days.
ReplyDeleteFeeling better- is due to one thing - seeing + going out in sunshine again ☀️ and it is getting warmer.
PS As to my family debate:-
Jam first, cream second - won it.
I have found a recipe for wholemeal scones, with dried apricots in, and I am tempted to make.
The problem is, my flour supply is getting very low and it still impossible to replace, but why worry, as when it's gone it's gone!
Tea tonight, is a lasagne - made with smoked haddock, a home-made mushroom sauce (with parsley added in, but sadly dried) and using wholewheat ladagne sheets.
Different, but tasty, as I have cooked this before.
So pleased 🤗 you are feeling better today Miriam (very hard for you when blips come along I’m sure)
DeleteChin up Spicy! I do hope your feet will improve very soon so that you can get into the garden and see what is going on.
ReplyDeleteI cancelled my long overdue order for grow bags and have planted my cues and toms via the old fashioned ring culture method my Dad used to use
I already have several
1cm long cucumbers on the plants and lots of flowers on the toms so I am hopeful of a good crop - sunshine permitting.
I hope I won’t upset anyone by saying this but I have just watched today’s coronavirus briefing from No. 10.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say how much I dislike Michael Goves presentation.
He talks far too quickly in a very clipped and schoolmasterly manner, a long list of statistics delivered with out any emotion. He could be talking about trade figures or crime statistics for all the empathy he shows.
I do much prefer Matt Hancock who really seems to care about what he is telling us and shows genuine sorrow for those that are suffering or have died. Robert Jenrick seemed very empathetic yesterday too.
Michael Gove is a cold fish and should be kept away from these highly important briefings - in my opinion.
Well I agree Archerphile words without expression in either voice or 👀
DeleteKaty is very scathing about him as a teacher referring to his time as Education Secretary. Will say no more! Am wondering whether Boris’s near death experience will change his focus. On the whole I think the crisis has been handled as well as can be expected!
DeleteI think I would have preferred to be with my daughter in New Zealand!
DeleteI'd just like to wish Gianna and Hilary, le nonne, a wonderful reunion with their grandchildren tomorrow. This is something that will going on all over Italy tomorrow. 💗💗💗
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I sense there's going to be a LOT of hugging going on in Italy tomorrow...
DeleteWonderful.. 🤗🤗 all around.
DeleteI wish our many Italian Friends, every happiness for tomorrow.
Xxxx
Autumnleaves - aren't you also in Italy??
DeleteWhat will You be doing..
I don't have grandchildren, Miriam so the restrictions still apply to me otherwise you can face a fine of up to 400€. I will be smart working at home as usual..and of course checking in with our blogs.
DeleteZoomed in with my girls this afternoon we played jeopardy..what a laugh it really picked up everybodys spirit's.
Autumnleaves - that is so harsh.
DeleteI hope you have good neighbours to help you continue.
It is hard, isn't it..
All the best to Gianna, Autumn leaves, & Hilary. You've endured more than us in the UK, & for much longer, yet you are always upbeat, making the best of everything & joining in with all the chat here. I salute you !
ReplyDelete( feel guilty that I haven't even listened to many of your music choices yet, Hilary, let alone Unders' favourites...)
Thanks to all for your good wishes
ReplyDeleteI will see my family tomorrow. The last time was the 9th March. We are still supposed to keep our distance and wear masks which will be difficult but better than nothing. The rules have relaxed slightly as we don't want a return of the virus. So not too much hugging.
As I wrote the last post I thought of those of you who have families living far away and not able to hug them so I am very lucky.
ReplyDeleteThinking of all our friends in Italy this coming week and keeping our fingers crossed that your long lockdown has worked.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your grandchildren.
Well said Mrs P!
DeleteYes indeed Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteAnd from me to, to our friends in Italy.
ReplyDeleteTreasure every moment you can spend with your little ones.
They are incredibly precious.
I thank you all for your kind thoughts and sooner or later my dream of holding my little grandsons tight will come true but unfortunately not yet awhile. My daughter-in-law is a pharmacist and cannot be sure she or my son are not carrying the virus. Several of her customers have had Covid-19 and not all have survived, even younger, healthy people. Furthermore she has had a sore throat for days now and feels that the risk is just too high.
ReplyDeleteSadly, your daughter in law is obviously correct Hilary. Let's hope that we are all not too far away from being able to meet our loved ones again. (Some days I'd settle for even just being able to meet the people I hate!)
Delete*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is........ carolyn! Enjoy!
Does that mean we can get rid of the photo of that ugly man that’s been at the top of this page for some time?
DeleteDon’t get me wrong - I loved the song, just not the photo or video of the singer!
Beautiful blue eyes. But that lank greasy hair and the cigarette! Not for me.
Sorry Unders (I think he was your choice?) Lovely Song to listen to but not watch for me.
Unless carolyn chooses a Nic Cave song as her favourite AP then, yes, you will no longer be forced to gaze upon the gothic beauty of Australia's best-loved doom merchant....
DeleteSarnia. I am dropping into your digital world and leaving my best wishes and positive thoughts to keep you company. 🧏♀️🙋♀️
ReplyDeleteSarnia - just saw your post from yesterday. xxx
DeleteThank you both. I am also focussing on the garden.The landscape gardener has emerged from purdah now that his suppliers have re-opened and work will start in 3-4 weeks' time to replace the rotten, sagging screen on the terrace with 3 cream, Moorish-style screens with slender arches in between. The huge, former vegetable patch at the bottom will eventually be a Mediterranean courtyard garden with small raised veg beds which I should be able to manage. I've loved the annual pilgrimages to the Greek islands, but as I'm getting perilously near the upper limit of my travel insurance it won't be long before that garden will be the nearest I can get. In the meantime, I've just taken delivery of some beautiful Japanese silver ferns for the tiny woodland garden which I've made in a formerly neglected space which is in permanent shade.
DeleteI agree with Miriam that it does all seem pointless sometimes, though. Unfortunately I don't share her pleasure in domesticity and I'm sure her house is far more pristine than mine.
That all sounds like enough to keep you busy for the foreseeable Sarnia. I'm liking the sound of those Moorish screens! We too are getting on with garden stuff - today the pots for the tomatoes have finally arrived, so they will be transplanted at long last. Speaking of pots - I took the risk of NOT lifting the dahlia tubers from a dozen pots and just cut them back & put them in the greenhouse all winter. Pleased to report that at time of writing 7 of them are shooting! So happy.
DeleteSarnia - you garden plans sound absolutely beautiful, a real haven of peace and tranquility.
DeleteI especially like the sound of the Moorish Arches. I do hope the plans work out beautifully for you.
Sending positive messages through the auspices of our blog to you and your family. 🥰
I think we have to be pragmatic about the current situation. The government decisions are based on the statistics and not individual cases. Just because it has peaked, the danger hasn't disappeared. My sister usually sees her children and grandchildren out of the window when they come into the yard below. She comes down sometimes but they keep a distance and wear masks. I personally will accept that it's over when there are no new cases. In for a long wait but I look forward to seeing my family in the not too distant future. All the best to all.
ReplyDeleteWe have to learn how to live with Covid-19. It's not going anywhere. It's a new & challenging reality.
ReplyDelete❤️to all 🌈
PS.. Nick Cave (as he was..) can stay up there as long as..!
ReplyDeleteNick Cave & Kylie Minogue singing "Where The Wild Roses Grow" is one of my favourite songs, with an amazing video to boot.
DeleteWhat a voice.. stirs you up..
DeleteHappened to look out of the upstairs window at the right moment yesterday to see 3 little wren fledglings lined up on the barn door, ready for their 1st flight into the outside world! So sweet! The wrens build little mossy lids on the old swallow nests in the barn.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Would love to see that. Our garden is chock full of birds at the moment - so much activity. And for the past few nights there's been an owl somewhere close by shouting at the top of it's voice. I'm assuming it's "in the mood"!
DeleteGosh, OK
ReplyDelete1) I Got you, Babe - Sonny & Cher. Turned me on back in the day - both romantic & sexy in a hippy, 60s sort of way...
2). The Times They are a changin' - Dylan. Well, they are, aren't they.
3). Where have all the flowers gone - has to be Joan Baez.
The next 2 might characterise me as a war mongering, jingoistic nationallist. I'm not, but 4) moves me & 5) stirs me on behalf of all beleagured peoples :
4) .I vow to there, My Country. Got to be a choir, not a solo singer however good.
5) A Nation Once Again - The Dubliners. One of many rousing Irish rebel songs. They had suffered under England's yoke for centuries.
6). Orinoco Flow - Enya, lovely singer, lovely song.
7) Where'er You Walk - from 'Semele' - Handel. So gracious, graceful, civilized in the best sense, a welcome contrast to the rigours of life on the Isle.
8) .The Cold Song, from 'Arthur' - Purcell. Dramatic, powerful, & the chill would be an antidote to soaring temperatures...
I reckon some of these would give me an ear worm after a while, much as I love them, 8) would be too depressing & stark, so the favourite is the Handel, no.7.
Luxury : a goodly supply of Vodka & tonics. Has to be Ciroc, as it's nice on its own, if I run out of tonic ( bloody expensive, but manageable price at duty free !)
Book - all Anthony Trollope's Barsetshire novels in one HUGE volume. He wrote others of course, but these are arguably the best, & would be such a comfort. However, if that is perceived as a cheat, I'd have to plump for ''he Last Chronicle', as it's the longest.
I hope some of these are liked by some of you, at least, but there you go. Given lack of musical discernment/education, just went by gut reactions, & was surprised that more than 8 popped up in my mind. Anyway, plumped for these in the end.