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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteJanice - June 10, 2020 at 11:37 PM
Can't resist adding this quote by Mark Twain:
" Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint! "
I do like Mark Twain's whimsical sense of humour.
Hilary - June 11, 2020 at 6:23 AM
😄😄😄
Archerphile - June 11, 2020 at 8:46 AM
Perhaps Mrs P, another of our living-alone members would like a hug too!
I noticed you had a difficult day recently Mrs P so perhaps you would consider a visit to another household to form a Bubble?
*** THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ***
ReplyDeleteBasia! It's you! Enjoy....
I just knew it, especially that you've taken time out Gary.
DeleteFilms, in chronological order:
1 La Bonne Année - Jewel robbery, man reunited with woman.
2 The Year of Living Dangerously - Man, woman and political turmoil.
Young Mel Gibson with Sigourney Weaver.
3 Paris, Texas - Man, woman, child reunited with mother.
Good acting from Harry Dean Stanton and Nastassja Kinski.
4 Truly, Madly, Deeply - Love lost and found at Kenwood House.
My two favourite actors, Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman.
5 Notting Hill - Man, woman, Kenwood House again. Both protagonists bursting with youth and life AND the emblematic red double decker which will always remind me of London.
Sean Connery is my 007 forever but the overall winner for talent, looks and personality is Dame Judi Dench.
I'll settle for a cup of darjeeling tea.
Thank you Basia! (Don't understand your first line though - "time out"? My brain isn't working today I'm afraid...)
DeleteI am almost ashamed to say I have never seen Paris Texas even though I have loved the soundtrack for decades. A situation I must remedy so thank you for reminding me. I would watch pretty much anything with Sigourney Weaver in it, but I do draw the line at Mel Gibson. Always loathed him. And having Googled La Bonne Annee I will try to track it down & stream it - looks good to me...
Been to Kenwood House!
Gary all I meant was that you didn't post yesterday, better things to do I hope.
DeleteI don't like MG anymore, but that film dates back to 1982 when I did.
La Bonne Année will probably feel dated but it has stayed with me.
Kenwood House - since you know Camden, well it's in NW London, I used to live within walking distance.
I really like the clip above, even better than a double decker!
Thanks for your kind thoughts Archerphile. I wrote a long post late last night but immediately lost it on trying to post.
ReplyDeleteMore than one difficult day, a complete weekend.
I will write again later.
Please do, only if you're up to it.
DeleteHorrid when they happen Mrs P sending many thoughts to you 🌈 🌻
DeleteTake care, Mrs P, and anyone else who’s struggling. 🤗🙏🌈
DeleteJanice, interesting information about mushrooms.
ReplyDeleteDo you know the origin of "mark twain"? from the Mississippi River, second mark on the line which meant safe depth for a steamboat. If you do, others may not.
I wonder why he chose that as a name.
DeleteThere's a repeat run of Rumpole on Thursdays, I always listen, it never fails to entertain me.
ReplyDeleteJust like Charles Paris, I adore Bill Nighy and his monologues.
Basia, Paris, Texas and Truly, Madly, Deeply also on my films list ( not whittled down to less than 10 or 12).
ReplyDeleteDarjeeling tea, lovely.
Basia, Truly, Madly, Deeply - loved the film and the lovely Alan Rickman.
ReplyDeleteAlso really enjoy Bill Nighy in Charles Paris too.
Always enjoyed anything Alan Rickman did, but the best for me was Sherriff of Nottingham. Brilliant performance.
ReplyDeleteLove Bill Nighy. Croydon boys seem to have figured highly in my life.. a number of them.
However 'Truly etc', irritated me no end.
Adored the music from Paris T. But have never seen it. I might have ended up as a prairie wife if I'd taken one particular path.
Missed Rumpole and Charles Paris this week.
Notting Hill ( the centre of my world for much of my life) always enjoyable and such a force of positivity.
One thing I did say last night in lost post, that I hoped Miriam would be able to go to family now and gets some loving.
And go to Chester Zoo very soon.
I will write my tale again, but later.
I love gin but not I realise ,gin and tonic tea even if it is from Fortnum and Mason.
ReplyDeleteI have had some Lockdown gifts which have been most welcome if fattening and these tea bags were in a rather nice little F and M hamper .
I had one ,gave a friend two or three (she declined the rest) .and I have eleven left now.
I am happy to post them out (can't bear waste so can't throw them away) or wait until our next meet up.
Best before October 2021 so no rush.
Generous to a fault I am.
A few days ago someone mentioned liking mutton. Eversfield organic, easily found online, currently have mutton, along with lots of other stuff, available for delivery. I’ve used them a few times and found them satisfactory.
ReplyDeleteThoughts. With you, Mrs P. Loved Notting Hill and must confess although he is a bit of a scunner, I usually enjoy Hugh Grant’s films. Loved his dance routine in Love Actually and also his devil may care performance in Bridget Jones! I liked the first two BJ’s but will never forgive killing off Colin Firth in the third one!
ReplyDeleteHugh Grant says he takes great care to study his film roles. The dance routine was great but not so Love Actually in spite of the stellar cast. It was my first encounter with Bill Nighy! I've only seen the first Bridget Jones and thought it was OK, no more.
DeleteGoodnes. Basia, your late to the party. Many of us have been 'in love' with Bill Nighy for decades. He is aging deliciously along with the rest of us.
DeleteBasia, know nothing about your 1st 3, but will look up !
DeleteCertainly enjoyed Notting Hill - 1999 ?( the scene with friend & his crude T shirts stands out for me !) Hugh Grant must be glad he's getting meatier parts now he's older, moving away from the floppy haired charmer stereotype. Turns out he's fine actor. Madly, deeply - excellent, with superb performances.
You can keep the Darjeeliing & Bond films....
He’s a brilliant, laid back actor. Can’t remember the name of the film but it was about a pirate radio station like Radio Caroline and he was wonderfully hip in that!
ReplyDeleteIt was “The Boat that Rocked”. Great entertainment!
ReplyDeleteAbove two posts were about Bill Nighy not Hugh Grant!
ReplyDeleteBill Nighy, yes, rate him highly as an actor who can express so much whilst apparently doing so little.
ReplyDeleteSomething else for your ears: Jenny Eclair's comic monologues, Little Lives, the first of a new series started last night.
ReplyDeleteI love Bill Nighy. Really enjoy Charles Paris on the radio. He always seems to play the same character to me. His mannerisms are perfect. He is currently narrating the worlds most scenic railway journeys which are proving to be spectacular.
ReplyDeleteHugh Grant films are usually entertaining, especially with Colin Firth in. 😍
As for Alan Rickman.....in the group Texas’s video, can’t remember the song title, he tango’d with Sharleen Spitari at a petrol station..... talk about smouldering!!!! 😍😍😍
Can never look at a Shell petrol station the same ever since!!
I am downloading a Charles Paris series, at the moment.
DeleteHave just had a look at the video as I love a good smoulder🥰 Never knew AR was so sexy! Really got to know him in Harry Potter but Snape didn’t show his better side! You never see this at big Tesco! Maybe just as well!😉
DeleteA quick off topic interuption.
ReplyDeleteAll I want to say is, my mask made for me, arrived in the post today. It is such a clever design, made from two circular pieces of cloth, 2 layers with interfacing in between. It covers my nose, dips under my eyes, and tucks in under my chin. The only problem is, my reading glasses on the outside - steam up.
I went to a shop today, where I knew there was hand gel on sale, (plus got the soft brown sugar I wanted, but has not been available elsewhere) and at the till point, there were packs of 10, 3-ply face masks, so I bought one. I now have lots of options. 😀😀
Off now, and I am so sorry to interupt the current posts.
As I always say, Keep Safe.
🤗🤗
As a single householder, I know that I can now visit + stay overnight. This, sadly, will not happen just yet awhile.
DeleteI am science based, so I need to see/read proof, that this is totally safe to do. I do not want, any risks to myself + the householder, just yet. I think that this is a step too far, at the moment. Although I understand the thinking behind this decision, there are too many questions, that I need to know the answer to, first.
I can wait another 4 weeks...😃
Miriam, my sceptical mind wonders if this is simply so that grandparents can be lumbered with childcare to get mothers back to work!
DeleteOne of my initial thoughts too Sarnia.
DeleteAnd I'm right behind you Miriam in not rushing to do some of the things that I would love to do - not that I CAN do them in Scotland at the moment anyway! But to us up here it seems utter madness that shops will be opening in England. You can't go to a funeral or get married, but you can queue up with hundreds of strangers to buy some crappy jumpers for a couple of quid in the high street? Hmmm...
PtbY, I've just watched your Alan Rickman spoof with the girl singer.
ReplyDeleteJust as well we are all different.
I was laughing out loud at such CAMP !
Mrs P!!!!
DeleteHe was sex on legs!!!😘
Hear! Hear!🥰😙😉
DeleteBasia - Sorry I cannot comment on your film choices. I have heard of some if them but not seen them
ReplyDeleteBut I can comment on Kenwood House. I used to visit frequently when much younger and engaged to my first fiancé, who lived in North London. I suppose it was our ‘courting place ‘ and we loved viewing the art displays, walking and picnicking in the grounds and once went to a Fête Champêtre which was magical. Happy memories!
I lived near Kenwood for ssperiod of time, loved it, & the Heath, often walking there. What sticks vividly is the desire to roll over & over on the hill going down from the house, but, as I was young but definitely not a child, didn't get up the nerve to actually do it until I went there with a friend - very liberating !
ReplyDeleteBeen back in more recent times, a concert with Mr C., & also with friends, looking at the paintings again.
Don't remember it in the film, though ! Was it a Key Scene ?
Carolyn, in Notting Hill it wasn't, she goes filming outside Kenwood, to me it was from Notting Hill to Parliament Hill, where I lived.
DeleteIn Truly Madly, Juliet Stevenson meets Michael Maloney at the Kenwood restaurant.
Ah, got it now. Thanks.
DeleteRe "The new bubble"
ReplyDeleteI can foresee problems if grandma is the chosen bubble person.
Which grandma?
However I know of a couple who are ,as Wilfred Pickles used to say "courting",and who both live alone.
Neither of them drives and they live some miles away from each other.
They haven't been able to meet since lockdown started .
Now hopefully they can get together but how about those who are still living with mum and dad are in a similar boat ?
Oh my word , Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Shell station.........🥰
ReplyDeleteTruly M, D, absolutely loved it 30 yrs ago, saw it again recently & got just a bit irritated...
+ Notting Hill, quite fun..
catch up on the rest...
Had to say goodbye to our Merry today. Here he is on the very top of our barn roof in 2012......
ReplyDeletevery proud cat.
very difficult evening.
very empty house.
So sorry, Parsley.
DeleteWe're so sorry to hear that sad news parsley. X
Delete💕
Delete💔
DeleteSo sorry parsley16
DeleteOh Parsley 💔 😥
ReplyDeleteParsley...I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Merry. I can understand how heartbroken you must feel. The house just won’t feel the same.
ReplyDeleteSending you love. 💐😢
Ev.....we would have been petrol pumps at dawn over AR. Not that I can tango but he could have dragged me around a bit and I wouldn’t have minded!!😜😘
ReplyDeleteI can’t see me in that dress though! Yes, ptby, you would have a fight on your hands!🤣😂🤣😏
DeleteI think Ev should have him , you betrayed him with Hauser. 😉
DeleteThank you so much, Janice!!!😍🤩
DeleteMerry looked very proud indeed in your photo, Parsley. Very sorry.
ReplyDeleteIt’s so sad when pets die but the trouble is we can’t have them forever and they do become so much part of your life. Katy especially will be bereft when Buddy dies. With his mixed background there will never be another quite like him. I’m sure Merry was unique too and sending thoughts.
ReplyDeleteOh Parsley!
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful Merry looked so much like our much missed Claudius.
I grieve for you, there will be a huge gap to fill.
Sending my love XX
😿
Parsley, so sorry to read about Merry, & feel for your sadness. What a handsome boy ! So confident & in charge. Thoughts are with you .
ReplyDeleteI would like to add my condolences to you Parsley .
ReplyDeleteI hope you will be comforted by the fact that Merry had a wonderful life with a family who loved her.
Thinking of you..
About childcare: another case of one man's (woman's!) meat being another's poison!
ReplyDeleteWhen my first grandchild was on the way, some said to me: "You'll have to be careful or you'll get roped in to babysit!" Well, I wanted nothing more and so enjoy what I consider to be a privilege and an honour. It is, of course, tiring but the joy of washing those pudgy, silken hands, laying my cheek on their warm little heads and being there as they discover the world around them , for me is just too wonderful for words.
parsley. What a wonderful handsome Merry. So sad for you and the loss of warm fur, gentle purring and demands for food.
ReplyDelete😢😿😻
Grand children - I had just taken enforced early retirement when my daughter was expecting her first baby ‘Don’t worry Mum, you needn’t look for a new job, you can look after the baby so I can go back to work’!
ReplyDeleteI wasnt given much choice but loved looking after Maximilian Rhys when he arrived and had almost total weekday care of him for his first year. Then my daughter’s workplace opened a crèche for staff’s children so I became a bit redundant.
Yesterday I was reading Max’s dissertation for his finals at Leicester University which he had to finish at home, since the University shut down in March because of the pandemic.
It is entitled « Kremlinology » and concerns the politics, aims and actions of post Soviet Russia. I have been astounded at the breadth of knowledge, research and erudition that has been poured into this 40 page document. Both Mr A and I have learnt so much we didn’t know about Putin, the Ukraine, Georgia, and Russian political shenanigans from reading this document.
But the thing that most amazed me is that this impressive piece of work has been created by the dear little baby whose nappy I used to change, whose bottles I filled and who gave me so much joy 21 years ago!
So you can take some of the credit for the dissertation.
DeleteEven though my sister's sons are quite accomplished what amazes me above all is that those little boys of yesteryear can drive and so well! (They all use the same family car).
Thanks so much to you all, so kind. Puffy eyes & sore head this morning.
ReplyDeleteWe had to have the barn roof done in 2012, it's 2 stories, bigger than the house, & with better stone.
Merry treated it & the Manitou as his personal climbing frame, terrifying!
He's now in the front garden by the hedge, where he liked to lie & watch the birds.....
his brother Pippin is in the potager next to the lilac by the wall.
We're being very daring & booking a few days away on the Ile d'Oleron, nothing like a good blast of sea air.
Good idea to get away, it's not far from where you are I can see.
DeleteI agree Hilary. Unfortunately I lost my first two grandchildren sixteen years ago when their parents took them to Australia aged 7 and 5. Now they are young Australian men and I doubt that I will ever meet them again.
ReplyDeleteMy eldest son's daughters ( 13 and 9) have lived their entire lives abroad but at least I visited them every three months or so (until Easter 2019,) courtesy of eldest's well paid job, and their occasional visit to England.
They were due to visit this July for eldest GD to attend a Billie Eilish concert (ticket was a Christmas present from her parents) and for son to check up on me! The concert has been postponed/cancelled and travel of course has been banned!
Parsley - So sorry to hear about your friend Merry.
Just as I start to think 'Maybe I could have another cat or two' I am reminded of the hurt when you have to say goodbye.
Yesterday was a depressing and bad day for me with drizzle all day so no chance of gardening which I need to catch up on; trying to follow medication timetable; extremely high blood pressure and a stomping headache all day. TV is useless too what with almost continuous coverage of very depressing news!
Archerphile - I hadn't remembered (or never knew) you were K1P1! There was also another knitting fan but I can't remember how she styled herself but it was recognisably knitting related!
I sometimes review old BBC blogs too.
There are some posters on Mustardland who I think were old BBC bloggers. Not sure where the 'U numbers' came from (one is the dreadful woman who spoiled the last few days of the blogs!) but there are two or three such people.
I watched Truly, madly.... once but didn't enjoy it. Not a great fan of AR (except in Love Actually) and can't stand Juliet Stephenson. I agree about Bill Nighy absolutely love him!
Love Actually is my 'Christmas film.' I watch it every year and sometimes more often throughout the year. It's the ending that always moves me to tears as I think of and remember my granddaughters running to greet me at the airport!
Well that's full circle so I'll stop there!
Spicy, hope you have a better day today.
ReplyDeleteParsley, so sorry to hear about Merry. Lovely picture of her. RIP.
Yesterday spotted a fox in the garden with a squirrel in its grip, wriggling. Opened the window, clapped and shouted at him and he dropped the squirrel which ran into the bushes then up into a tree, once the fox had run away.
Listening to radio 3 most mornings which I am finding more uplifting than the TV.
Archerphile - KnitOnePurlOne you wrote it in full didn't you?
ReplyDeleteReally can’t remember Basia. I think the other knitting bbc Blogger might have been PSSO, but not certain.
DeleteYup - Pass slip stitch over! 😀
DeleteIs anyone else having trouble with the sounds app?
ReplyDeleteI can’t get it to play programmes whether they are live or listed, downloaded or just off my subscribed list. Well apart from the ruddy archers. That plays.
Everything else when you press play the light just goes round and round and nothing happens. Been like this for 3 days. I’m well jarred off.
And yes I’ve deleted app, downloaded it again and retried. Didn’t work.....and lost all my downloaded programmes. 🤬
I had that problem a few days ago and realised had switched the volume off. Accidentally.
DeletePtbY, left a comment back at 1.01 😉
DeleteBasia. Enjoyed all your films. The one for me has got to The Year Of Living Dangerously. Brilliant film, good actors, unfortunately he turned into a religious nutcase.
ReplyDeleteDarjeeling mixed with Assam. Lovely.
Glad to know Stasia - some of the soundtrack also stands out.
DeleteParsley, so sorry about Merry , a lovely looking cat.
ReplyDeleteJanice, re Mark Twain - why that name, probably on a whim, as you said he was whimsical.
DeleteSpicycushion,please ,please watch "The A Word."BBC 2
ReplyDeleteIt is or was lovely .
It was the third series which finished on Tuesday and if you don't want to watch the first two I can email you with the background.
It is set in the Lake District .
I was so taken with it that I might start the whole lot again.
Excellent acting.
Talking of acting,I am afraid I haven't seen any of your films ,Basia.
I seem to be alone here but have never thought much of either Bill Nighy or Hugh Grant.
Much prefer Sean Bean or Christoper Eccleston.
Lanjan - There are so many different tastes here: love or loathe, of course I'm pleased when someone shares mine but equally I don't always share others' choices.
DeleteJanice....Ev can have Alan and I’ll keep Hauser then. I win.....mines still alive!! 😉
ReplyDelete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteHe lives in my imagination!!😉
DeleteParsley. My thoughts are with you at your sad loss, of Merry.
ReplyDeleteI have just read fully, the rules about persons living on their own, now being able to stay in another household as a social bubble.
ReplyDeleteI know understand these, and are still restrictive.
My ex Bro-in-law (divorced from Big Sis), is in a quandray.
His partner can now come + stay with him, or vice versa.
This will be his social bubble, but that means he cannot then go + stay with his grandkids.
These are my nearest grand niece + nephew.
He has to prioritise, and choose, as he can't do both.
It is not as simple, as it first sounded.
I cannot go + stay with family, as I will then block another family member from doing so. I am used to living alone, and will continue to do so.
DeleteDitto, Miriam. I can't form a bubble with anyone locally, or my son will not be able to come and stay with me when he is finally allowed out of Wales.
DeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Doctors this lunchtime. I thought is was really well done, and covered a lot of very topical scenarios, really well, yet had a good sense of humour.
...and yes, I had a happy tear, at the end.
DeleteI thought it was done brilliantly Miriam. Most of the main characters communicating with each other via Zoom, holding proper conversations (TA, please note!) ; the high émotion of the midwife almost dying of COVID19 and the terror of her son only able to communicate with the hospital by telephone. Thank goodness it was a happy ending!
DeleteIt was beautifully written written and acted and just shows what can be done to produce a programme in lockdown.
At least we know, she was re-instated.
DeleteLanjan, you have recommended 'The A Word' several times, so I will probably watch it. However, I have not rushed to see it, even with lovely Christopher Eccleston, because for 11 years, I worked with people who had ASD/challenging behaviours.
ReplyDeleteI went to the theatre to see 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time', with a work friend; when it finished, so were we, we both felt as though we had been at work on a difficult day. I have retired now, and am not missing that level of intensity. However, if it is so good, I'll have a go.
I am enjoying Spooks after Mrs. P mentioned her community centre.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest ,Mistral,I think that Christopher Eccleston is the star of the show although every one of the actors is good.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't just about the little boy with autism .
Last week there was a wedding.
It was delightful .
The only other programmes I watch are Gardeners World and A House through a Time. but next week we are getting Football back.
Wonderful.
I have been watching Cardinal, a Scandi-noir production (BBC2).
ReplyDeleteAm I enjoying it - not really sure..
I will watch the last two episodes, just so to learn the outcome and also Why.
PS I can recommend the last series of Unforgotten. It was brilliant, a good mystery based on an old skeleton found on the central carriageway, of the M1.
DeleteLots of twists + turns.
I have checked ITV and can't find Unforgotten,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend all of the Unforgiven series Lanjan, if you can find them.
DeleteVery cleverly written with lots of unexpected twists.
It was a while ago (I recorded it) but is available on the relevant player, or similar.
DeleteParsley, I am sorry to hear about Merry. What a handsome cat he was and very lucky to have such a splendid barn-top look-out!
ReplyDeleteA very different Trooping The Colour today but the castle and grounds look very impressive in (thankfully) superb weather especially for those watching throughout the world.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen to be alone as of course no family able to attend as always she will be magnificent!
Oh, hadn’t even realised there was anything going on LadyR
DeleteI usually watch the Trooping from beginning to end and especially enjoy the flypast and hearing all the very familiar music - my favourite march being the Radetski!
Sorry to have missed it.
Is there a Birthday Honours List this year?
AP, if there is an Honours List I haven't received notification of my Knighthood as of yet... It IS possible that it's in the post.
Delete.,..& it's no delivery Sunday, Gary - don't give up yet....
DeleteGG 😂😂😂 - that said we all honour you that’s for sure!
DeleteHere are Merry (on left) & Pippin on the cart in the yard, bit fuzzy, blame the photographer ... thanks again for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteStrong wind and cold today, think we've had summer, got the fire lit.
They are WONDERFULLY fuzzy parsley!
DeleteThey are beautiful Parsley. Were they related?
DeleteThey look very much alike so I imagine they were.
Any thoughts of a new kitten, or perhaps it’s too soon to be thinking about that?
They are a formidable pair, Parsley, serious in an almost challenging way as only cats can be....I want to ruffle their fur, roll them over, so they can channel their inner kitten ( it's never far away)
DeleteGorgeous parsley 🤗
DeleteBeautiful cats Parsley. So sorry to hear about Merry.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cosy cats. Posing for the photographer.
DeleteLady R.
ReplyDeleteI watched it, as I was curious as to what would it would be like.
It was as expected, the same feel, just very different and without the "pomp".
I liked the new moves of the band turning, whilst still keeping social distancing - a very clever move.
I was glad to see this, in this strange time and the camera showed a lovely image of HM, with a lovely smile.
A friend of mine was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, obviously cancelled. As she said, what a privelege and a surprise when she received the invite. She doesn't mind if it never happens, as it is the accolade awarded to her, which she is so delighted with.
Put together so quickly too - I thought it a triumph!
DeleteI watched it too Miriam. So nice to see Her Majesty having a chat and a laugh with the gentlemen at her side.
DeleteI, Sarnia, and I expect many others including GG, are having problems, with the differing rules, between Wales, England + Scotland, and visiting family and friends.
ReplyDeletePS I had a wonderful Wattsapp "chat" with family, last night. We were sharing photos of all our wonderful (and different) face masks. It is the new fashion accessory - forget the designer shoes + handbags!
DeleteMiriam, sorry - there is absolutely NO confusion up here in Scotland! The guidelines have been crystal clear from day one. Consistent and repeated.
DeleteThe confusion is the differing policies of England, Scotland and Wales which becomes more evident for those living on or near the borders.
Delete...and with family living in different parts of the country!
DeleteI'm thinking of getting a Grimsby Town mask to add to my collection! 🐟
ReplyDeleteMerry & Pippin were brothers, we took them in as kittens, rescued by a friend from his agriculteur neighbour. First time without cats since... can't remember. Will take in another cat, but not just yet.
In my experience, it will happen, when you least expect it.
DeleteA cat of mine died suddenly at only 18months old. I rang someone I knew , as she had my cats sister, but I was no longer in close contact with. The "sister cat" had had a litter and the following day, I was the happy owner of an 8 week old kitten, the "niece" of mine.
Things can happen in a surprising way.
Big Sis + hubbie, were walking to the pub and heard a feeble me-ow. On clambering into a ditch they found a abandoned kitten, who is now 6 years old.
Who knows when or where a new cat will appear.
That's it, our friend unexpectedly offered us Merry & Pippin. We already had 2 cats, Bobby & the notorious Tigger, but we couldn't say no. Impossible.
DeleteMiriam please will you answer myquestion.
ReplyDeleteI waited until after 4pm to ask as I know that is when you usually comment.
You have recommended Unforgotten.
Was it on BBC or ITV please?
I can't find it on either of them..
It was on ITV Lanjan. It is available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix or YouTube - but it's not free on any of them. It's gonna cost you....!
DeleteThanks Gary.
DeleteI just assumed it would be a box set on one of the Channels.
LJ I have seen your post + checked it up. I had it recorded, but It was also on my TV set up, (which has a brilliant TV recorder + "smart box" linked in). It was there as a box-set, but it has now gone!
DeleteSorry.. 😣
I am sure it will be repeated sometime in the future.
My viewing tonight, is again something I have recorded, but not yet watched.
ReplyDeleteIt is the film "My Old Lady".
The cast is good, so it is wait + see and 🤞
PS The forecast storm has just arrived. Torrentisl rain, thunder + lightning!
DeleteEnjoy your evening All.
Miriam xx
Saturday is usually a disco night in front of the computer, tonight it's the Kinks and the Stones. When I think that in my 20s I could stay on the dance floor for up to 2hrs, now 20/40mins is good going, still it keeps me alive and I can twist and shout as much as I want.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Stones live in Glasgow 1976/77 not sure quite when, but what a night!
DeleteMy favourite is Status Quo...closely followed by Genesis...
...and how could I forget Queen. 😁
DeleteLucky you Miriam!
DeleteI saw the Stones quite a few times and won't repeat my previously told story of my very close encounter with Mick.
DeleteMusic has kept me going through lockdown and I've listened to all kinds with the exception of opera and country which I dislike.
Parsley, sorry to hear about Merry, but unfortunately I didn't see the picture of him on the barn roof. Only P&P together as you had already posted the second photograph and that had superseded the first one in your previous post.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will have a couple of cats again soon. Rescues ?
I may write again later, but after my pretty awful previous weekend, I have now had another distressing 48 hours, having lost my broadband connection.
I spent a long time last evening, trawling through old emails trying to find LJs phone number to let you all know that I was OK but wouldn't be with you for almost another week.
I was in tears on my walk today, as with losing all contact with people and as Miriam has said unable to ' bubble ' with anyone.
This plan may be ok for some, but I can't be the only person living alone who realised that if I were to visit another household, that household would then be unable to enjoy the company of so many others.
But in reality...... nobody has invited me, not even family.
Many many groups of people clearly meeting up, out of doors and social distancing, each with their own chairs, on the common this afternoon.
Oh Mrs P, what a sad time you are having. And to be so thoughtful of others that you don’t want to affect their ability to see other people if you were to ‘bubble’ with them.
ReplyDeleteI really feel for you, in this miserable situation.
Then to loose broadband on top of everything else.
I’m not surprised you were feeling so low on your walk.
I have no instant remedies but will just say that I am thinking of you, as, I’m sure everyone else here is. We may not be able to meet up or share a cuppa, but we are with you in spirit and sending our love.
Try to keep strong and if I were you, I’d jolly well contact someone in the family and tell them exactly how you are feeling.
Surely someone will care enough to invite you to visit? I just wish I lived nearer and could come over & give you a big hug 🤗
Absolutely agree with you Archerphile. At least there are two of us but our neighbours husband is sheiding and our closest friends still very mindful as Mrs S is still on cancer checks although not under shielding but pretty much doing so herself as just had latest scan result in July alongside Birthday! Hope all is well once again, keeps very busy with big garden including veg garden so cooking and freezing etc. Also like her other half very talented in many areas. How can we be friends 🤣 🙄😱
DeleteSending 🥰 Mrs P - and to any others in the same 🚣♀️
Thoughts for you, Mrs P. Is there anyone you feel you can invite?
ReplyDeleteMrs P, I'm so sorry to read that you're having a difficult time. Thinking of you 💕
ReplyDeleteMrsP, l look forward to hearing from you soon. I've noticed your absence and it was thoughtful of you to let us know that you're "OK". Now that the connection is back, you can read our comments and return, even before you're ready, to join in with your usual gusto.
ReplyDeleteMrsP - I feel for you and everyone in the exact same position. In a time when some people are ecstatic about being able to see a loved one again, we should never lose sight of the fact that for millions of people it has turned into a minefield of heartbreaking decisions.
ReplyDeleteAll I can do is radiate some love from Glasgow...💞
✔️✔️✔️
DeleteMrs P.
ReplyDeleteYou don’t realise what a lifeline internet is til it goes down. Ours was off for a couple of hours when we changed broadband supplier and I felt as though I’d had a limb removed. Couldn’t do anything I wanted to do. So I really feel for you when yours had gone off.
Is there not another single, older person you know nearby that would be pleased with some company?
Perhaps you could take a flask and sit for a while to people watch when you are out with Lady. Someone could then come and sit for a chat with you.
If I were you I’d be ringing my daughter up and telling them I’m coming for a week.....for a little holiday and company. Surely a week after all this time alone would be the least she could do.
I would like to offer a little geography lesson. The U.K. currently consists of England, scotland, Wales AND the six counties of N Ireland. As rightly stated they have all approached lockdown with different rules. N Ireland has to some extent mirrored the Scottish approach especially when it come to schools.
ReplyDeleteI think the emotional toll people have had to endure has been enormous. Fear of the virus itself, fear for loved ones you can't help, fear of losing jobs financial hardship and of course the loneliness. People cut off from friends and family and just the everyday chit chat and freedom that is part of our social lives.
ReplyDeleteI never want to have to live through anything like this again. It's so surreal.
So Mrs. P heartfelt best wishes. Until there is the blog, you always have friends💖
How awful for you, Mrs P, to be without internet. It is so wonderful when it works but we feel so bereft when it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteIn my case it enabled me to reconnect with all things British after decades of isolation. I couldn't even get the BBC World Service satisfactorily, or buy English books without great difficulty, let alone watch TV of films. Before the 80s there weren't even video cassettes!
There was a waiting list of about a year to have a phone installed and then it had to be a duplex or the wait would have been even longer. So the only means of communication was snail mail and when there was a post strike of six weeks in 1971 it was total blackout.
ReplyDeleteI've only been "connected" for the past 13 years, persuaded by my family who live in another town. At the end of last year the internet slowed down and when I finally plucked up the courage to ring the supplier it turned out that someone was using my IP address and it was fixed, fortunately I know enough to have followed the instructions over the phone. Recently, I couldn't log into the BBC website - my constant/only companion. I told my sister that I pretended it didn't matter BUT it did! I still prefer to use the landline to talk to her.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, as you missed it here is the photo of Merry on the very top of the barn roof.
ReplyDeleteSending you positive waves ... 🤗🌈❤
Parsley, that is a wonderful picture, I can understand why everyone commented on it.
DeleteHow thoughtful of you to post it again for my benefit. Thank you.
I immediately thought of the dragons on roof tops of the grander houses in London. I collect those roof decorations and have several in my garden but have never owned a dragon, ( actually I think they are griffons ? ) and I'm pretty sure they are in other large cities not just London.
Sitting up there surveying his kingdom he was clearly a cat of distinction, and I'm sure will be very much missed.
Lovely to see Merry in his prime again, Parsley !
ReplyDeleteWhat everyone is going through on every level is so painful & difficult, in varying degrees, goes without saying, but no one can 'go on as normal', given there isn't a normal any more.
Glad you have your internet connection back, Mrs P, & hope you do have more contact with family & friends over the coming weeks. Lockdown loosening a bit, (but for how long....) &, meantime, such tricky decisions/arrangements to be made about who to see, when, where etc, especially for those with bigger families spread out.
Big hug Mrs P. I think you are probably a very sociable sort of person and so isolation will have been very hard for you. It must be extremely difficult for those living alone. I know I am lucky in that my daughter is living at home, and our two neighbours (with the chickens!) live just across the garden so we see a lot of them BUT (shhhh don't tell anyone) at heart I am a hopeless hermit and I have really enjoyed the peace and quiet and not having people turn up.
ReplyDeleteBetter times will come, hang on in there, and a hug for Miriam and anyone else living alone as well. 💕💕
P.s. does anyone know anything about roses? I have two old fashioned pale yellow/cream roses which smell beautiful and I have noticed that the outermost petals of a fair number of the flowers have turned a deep pink. I have never known this to happen before.
ReplyDeleteHave you been having very little rain Janice? It could be lack of moisture causing the petals to turn pink at the outer edges. This has happened to us in periods of drought, rose petals discolouring. Alternatively it might just be a rose virus.
DeleteWe have lost several of our Buddlia bushes this year, as have our neighbours. No idea why but something is attacking them. Likewise our Golden Choisya bush leaves turned brown in early spring but judicial pruning seems to have saved them and they are growing back now.
Thanks Archerfile. We had weeks of it being very hot with no rain at all, so it could
Deleteindeed be that. I tried to keep up with watering the veg. in the raised borders, but the rest of the garden got a bit neglected. The last 3 days we have had torrential rain which the ground so badly needed.
Not for the first time am I not in agreement with with others as to what I think I would do if I were in your position.,Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteIf I were living alone for example I would not suggest to my younger son that he and I should form a bubble.
We live about 250 miles apart .
He most certainly would have had enough of me within a few days
"Friends like fish go off in three days"
I wouldn't do anything yet.
Out of the blue someone locally may suggest that the two of you can bubble.
If you went to your daughter ,how would she feel about Lady and how would Lady feel about being uprooted?
I would not say anything to your daughter to make her feel that she should be doing more.
Don't make her feel guilty
Could you invite the nice neighbour who collects your shopping for a cuppa in the garden?
Honestly I have found that it really is darkest before the dawn.
You will get through this.
Meanwhile we are here as everyone has said .
You are not alone.
Thank you to all who wrote and comforted me.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has become a lifeline for me, and the prospect of not being able to be in touch for almost a week was so dispiriting.
I lost the broadband connection late Thursday night when watching some television.
My IPad is my access to anything visual, music, and my radio upstairs.
I have a significant footfall past my house, and often have a few words with passers by and of course other dog walkers when out with Lady.
One neighbour who I did previously have conversations with is a new grandmother with daughter very close by, so no longer available. Another has been struggling with ill health and although I keep in touch and make contact to ensure she is coping, we do not see each other much. My newish friend with another Rumanian dog, has been isolating as she has a granddaughter with severe health issues, so that friendship has been changed as well.
We had our first walk together with the dogs last Thursday afternoon.
When I contacted BT on Friday morning, i was given a time slot of 4-6pm for an engineer to call. I had a new modem which I should have had installed before lockdown, but hadn't, but all the phone and electricals are in a small cupboard within the wall, all muddled up and confusing, and unrecognised by the technician I spoke with.
I returned to and house to do some further tidying away of stuff that I had bunged into the spare room, and returned home to a phone call from the expected engineer, telling me that he would not be able to enter the house. I then spent another hour and a half on the phone to another BT advisor, disgusted by what had happened and working hard to get me another appointment. But none available until Thursday.
Hence my despair.
So last night I bit the bullet, took everything out of the cupboard, removed all the extraneous wiring and hoovered out all the spiders webs and dust.
I then sat and studied what was left, and eventually installed, successfully, the new modem.
Success.... I'm back on line.
My apologies for such a long story..... but I have no other outlet.
And thank you for being my lifeline.
Now to try the hospital yet again in the hope that I might be able to speak to Norma.
Her daughter has managed to get through to the ward, and has obtained a phone number to speak to a patient.
Elizabeth, the daughter has also had a hell of a time of course, unable to get here during lockdown and still unable to leave Germany until Tuesday and with no flights available.
She is leaving on Tuesday morning, train to Brussels then Eurostar to U.K. Arriving about nine Tuesday night.
At least I've ensured the house is clean and tidy for her return.
It would be nice to say the same about mine !
The end of the above may be confusing.
ReplyDeleteI had written an account of the previous weekends events, and that was the end of it.
It was all too long ( too many characters) to be published.
I've copied it for my own account and if possible will try again.
But none of you NEED to know.
Just ME needing to get it off my chest.
Gosh! Well done for installing the new modem, Mrs P! I am full of admiration. 👏
DeleteMrs.P - I agree - well done and I am thinking of you too in these very difficult times.
DeleteI agree with you LJ.
ReplyDeleteI do not think i should turn to and certainly not rely on my daughters.
I. Due course my youngest will invite me to Bath for a day.
And as you say.... the darkest hour.
I have little to despair of.
I have a roof over my head and food in my belly.
I think a often of those in refugee camps, or, so desperate that they risk their lives and the lives of children to give all of their savings to get into a dingy and try to cross miles of sea to escape their circumstances.
Well done you Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI bet you feel better already.
These last three Months in lockdown have been a difficult experience for all, whatever age, no schools, for many no work, and no future when recession hits. For others endless caring in hospitals, care homes and in the community. For 50,000 individuals pain and death and many, many relatives and friends unable to grieve and support in the usual way.
ReplyDeleteSome of us, including me, may not have experienced those levels of deprivation. I have been able to go out for walks, sit in the garden, make phone calls.
Our social life has been curtailed and the isolation has left many feeling frustrated and emotionally low.
I’m sure many of us had planned to go on holiday, visit family and participate in other cultural and social events. Certainly when domestic things don’t work it has been near impossible to get repairs done and in our digital world if we lose contact those feelings of loneliness Increase.
As we know this virus doesn’t discriminate and in its destruction has left us vulnerable and unable to follow the routines of daily life.
How we adapt is crucial to our well being and essential to maintaining and communicating with friends and relatives.
Unfortunately In the current climate we have to utilise what is available in our social and financial
circumstances.
But Maybe for some that is not possible.
Thank you ma'am !
ReplyDeleteAnd in doing so Hilary, I have also tackled and completed one job that has been outstanding for three years.
The clearing out of that horrible cupboard.
What a storm I had last night, at about 11.00pm. It didn't last long, thankfully, as it woke me up.
ReplyDeleteI have decided not to create a social bubble, just yet (even though I have the offer of one).
I still want to wait + see what happens, in 2-3 weeks time, after the shops, city centres, malls + outlet sites, re-open tomorrow. This is:- will there be another spike?
Also I do not want to prevent some-one else, from being able to do the same bubble.
We can meet up in gardens, so it is not a problem.
I still have lots to do, especially as I have all the necessary items, to stain the new fence. This needs to be done soon, whilst the burnt + scorched plants are now in a dormant phase. I just need a day, with no rain showers forecast, hopefully soon.
PS The person who offered me a bubble, totally understood my thoughts + reasoning, and said how sensible I am being.
My motto is to Keep Safe and Be Sensible. I would prefer to be over cautious, rather then getting Covid + not surviving.
Harsh, but who knows???
The data I would to like to see, is how many +ve tests there are daily, in my locallity.
DeleteI am alone, but not lonely. There is a big difference in these two situations.
Delete✔️ Agree totally with all your posts Miriam
DeleteJust looked in and catching up. Mrs P, Sarnia, Miriam, anyone struggling with decisions and with everything going on, and on, sending you warmest wishes and hope for better times to come. 💐🙏🌈
ReplyDeleteI agree, Miriam, with the need to be cautious. I don’t think the numbers are low enough just yet to be too sociable. I am lucky I am not alone, and I prefer a quiet life so it suits me not having too many social demands. However with two mothers around 90 and in different parts of England from each other and from us, we have decided it’s best not to bubble up with either or anyone else in case there is an emergency with one of them. That way we are free to prioritise whoever needs us most.
I nearly always use my 'phone (android), which has just had an automatic up-date. I have a new indication about a down-loaded app. is draining my battery.
ReplyDeleteGuess which one?
Yes, BBC Sounds!
How sensible Seasider.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a worry with two elderly Mums. It seems they have suitable care + attention.
Good Luck to them both. 😁
Thanks, Miriam. They are both very independent and have both hated not being able to do their own shopping, although very much appreciated the offers of help. I feel awful not being the one to do it but as I’m 300 miles away...anyway hopefully in the not too distant future, but as you say, it’s a risky business at the moment not knowing if there’s going to be a second wave. 🙏
DeleteStasia's post was very thought provoking and so very true.
ReplyDelete👍
I read about a lady, who said "Good-bye" to her husband of 40yrs + who was in a coma, via a mobile phone. His Ashes were delivered "contactless" a week later.
How Awful, but she is far from being alone in this situation.
Sorry, very morbid. 😢
How to cheer up - a Scruff + T - seems the best option.
Such a stark example of this awful situation Miriam ones heart bleeds for people that have needed to endure such an experience.
DeleteI feel that the 2 metre rule should be retained for now. Not that I’ve been anywhere except our local Pharmacy now and then where I felt very safe , but as many shops will reopen today and have spent time and money on marking out and signing the 2 M rule it will be a waste of that time and expense for a start but more importantly safety still needs to be paramount imo.
Poor lady indeed. The present situation is so unreal.
ReplyDeleteAway from the virus, we watched the film, “Sabrina” over the last two nights, not the Audrey Hepburn but the remake of 1995 with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond. We enjoyed it although very predictable and I think HF proved himself as a versatile actor portraying a reserved buttoned up character in contrast to Indiana Jones!! It was light, easy to watch and refreshing.
Harking back to Bridge Farm kefir, Gypsy suffers from colitis which has been kept under control with a mixture of kefir and blueberries. Over the lockdown we were not able to get kefir so substituted live natural Greek yogurt. Without going into detail, this did not suit but we have now sourced kefir again and she is on the mend! Just saying this in case any of you have similar problems. The good bacteria really does work!
I thought you might like to see Gypsy taken last summer. She has a selection of hats to protect her eyes from the sun! Thank you for instructions, Archerfile! I had to scroll back to revise them as forgot to save profile! This is third attempt!
ReplyDeleteCute as a button!
DeleteI really love seeing all these photos. Especially pets.
DeleteHere is my JRT helping me with the compost. Two of my favourite things. (If it has worked).
ReplyDeleteWhat dog could resist the ripe smells of a compost bin!? Bet that face needed a bit of a wash afterwards...
DeleteAnd Mistral, may I ask - JRT?
Mrs P (2.41pm) Double result then! Brilliant! 👏👏
ReplyDeleteJust seen film of a very long queue of people outside Primark in Manchester. They have been there since before dawn waiting for the shop to open. The same in Birmingham apparently.
ReplyDeleteHow sad to be so desperate to buy a new T-shirt that you are prepared to do that!
Totally sad! It will be a very long time until I walk into a shop again! I don’t envy the staff in shops as some people frustrated with the long shutdown will certainly behave badly now it has been lifted a bit. I can’t believe the crowds gathered over the weekend in the protests and they will return home maybe infected with the virus and spread it more.
DeleteIt's so depressing isn't it. On so many levels. I bet you that everyone in those queues is the type of person that has spent the entire past 3 months telling everyone that they could that they were really bored. Moaning non stop about themselves and THEIR situation.
DeleteImagine the first thing you would do after lockdown - if it involves queuing up with loads of strangers to rummage through cheap polyester jumpers made by children in poverty, then you need your effing head examined...
Gary....JRT....Jack Russel terrier.
ReplyDeleteI can’t see the point of going to the shops if you can’t try anything on. I mean after all these weeks you’d have to buy 2 of everything in different sizes....just in case.
Now this is not political....but these demonstrations are driving me mad. We’ve social distanced for all this time and then these daft sods are coming together in huge crowds. No doubt cramming into public transport to get to wherever. I’m interested to see what the COVID figures will be in 3-4 weeks.
JRT - D'oh!
DeleteAnd I agree with you PtbY - it's not political for us to to be worried about people spreading infection. I don't have the answers to how people can vent their frustrations and make a stand for whatever valid/invalid issues they rightly or wrongly feel incredibly angry about. But my gut instinct tells me it's very foolish to gather in huge crowds & go about on public transport. (Well, my gut instinct & my common sense to be perfectly honest with you!)
But I have a feeling that if there IS a big spike in a few weeks time, then ALL the blame will be put upon protesters rather than what the government has (or HASN'T) been doing for the past 4 months...