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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteHilary - July 4, 2020 at 6:37 AM
Archersfans' film choices have been wonderfully varied and prompted much googling and youtubing on my part, providing welcome diversions and a new dimension to days. Here are my five!
1 - Notting Hill (1999) - most definitely at number one on my list! I love the voices, the portrayal of affection in friendship and family, the setting, the humour and the fairy-tale happy ending.
2 - Amadeus (1984) - it's probably the music I love most about this film.
3 - Scent of a Woman (1992) - brilliantly acted, poignant, delicately told. The tango scene is unforgettable.
4. - My Best Friend's Wedding - I enjoy the whole film but the ending with Rupert Everett is just perfect.
5 - The Holiday (2006) - chocolate box, picturesque England and sweet romance. The part with Kate Winslett and the elderly screenwriter is heart-warming.
Hilary - July 4, 2020 at 6:43 AM
As for food, quick and simple:
Starter: avocado on wholemeal toast
Main: chicken breast wrapped in speck (or salmon or pork and apple sauce!) with any roasted vegetables ( but I could live on courgette omelette and potatoes, carrots and cabbage!)
Dessert: panna cotta with forest fruits
Basia - July 4, 2020 at 8:41 AM
Hilary, Notting Hill was on my list as to me it's a memory of London.
I have heard of but not seen the others but will check them out.
As for food I prefer your vegetarian version, yes these days, it's anything from the garden.
Spicycushion - July 4, 2020 at 9:03 AM
Lanjan - Jon and I have had strawberries and raspberries with a meringue nest and ice cream for pudding every day for the past week! I am keeping the homemade jam for use during the next year! Next week I intend to pick the redcurrants and make redcurrant jelly. Too sharp for stewing etc.
I have planned to make jam and jelly for the past several years but have never had the time so many strawberries have gone to waste. However what with no tutoring, GCSE marking or cricket teas, I have a more successful garden, and time on my hands, even if I haven't the physical strength to 'work' for more than an hour at a time.
I am glad the recreational cricket is to restart soon but I doubt whether I'll be doing teas. I think the suggestion is that the players will all take their own packed 'tea.'
Jon restarted the keep fit classes (which take place at the clubhouse) last week. One of the player's wife runs the class. The club secretary said they were not planning to open the clubhouse yet. We had a new pavilion opened by Mike Gatting and attended by our local MP (Rehman Chisti) two years ago. It has a large bar and loads of space inside but they want to see how other establishments cope.
Ev - Love the joke and agree with Carolyn that is a very catlike attitude!
Autumnleaves - Thought your story about invigilating was funny and so true! I was due to mark for Cambridge iGCSE which was cancelled by the government but hopeful that the government's plans for anyone, who wants to, can take the exam this November/December will mean I am asked to do so then!
I would absolutely LOVE to go out for meal! Anything to escape these four walls (or fences!) But I guess you have to have been confined for months on end to agree with me!
Today is cold, drizzly and very, very windy so no good for gardening or laundry! I think some sunshine is forecast this afternoon. Hope so as we have a BBQ planned for dinner this evening as long as Jon manages to assemble it! Will have potato salad made with spring onions and parsley from the garden followed by fresh fruit (also from the garden) and cream. I will also be making falafels, coleslaw and a Victoria sponge. I assemble vegetable kebabs which I love, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and red onion.
Well now I have bored you all silly with what I plan to eat today, I will see how much of all this I accomplish! Have a good weekend everyone.
Spicy
Cushion, you put me to shame! My plans for today consist ENTIRELY of maybe (just maybe) watching "Hamilton" later this evening. You've made me feel as if I should do something now. Damn you!!
DeleteThanks Hilary!
ReplyDeleteThe only one of yours I have seen is Amadeus and I loved it. I feel as if I HAVE seen Notting Hill, but only because I feel as if I can't escape from it over the past few decades! Maybe next time it's on TV (every bloomin' day, every bloomin' month!!) I will give it a whirl. I do like Julia Roberts. Watched the trailer for My Best Friend's Wedding - would possibly give that a try if it popped up for the same reason. (Once had a very awkward couple of encounters with Rupert Everett - I think both of us were in very bad moods!)
I could eat avocados on wholemeal toast until the cows came home!
Ev....loved the joke. Made me smile before I’d even got out of bed. Good start to the day.
ReplyDeleteHilary.... love Notting Hill. That daft lass out of Vicar of Dibley in it. She’s fab. When she says she followed Julia Roberts to the toilet!! Brill.
Saw Amadeus when it came out at the cinema. Must have liked it but can’t remember much about it. Haven’t seen the other 3 but they sound like my cup of tea.
Off to my bubble friend this morning so we can watch gardeners world together. This week I have made a container pond like Adam made in last weeks episode. It’s a hit with the wildlife already.......Mabel, our labradoodle, thinks it’s a new water bowl!
Hope GW doesn’t have any other DIY projects on this week that I fancy.
Thanks for the feast, Hilary, literally & metaphorically. I've only seen Notting Hill, delightful film, & have to admit none of the others, though most are well known, especially Amadeus. You make them sound very tempting, so have written down the titles & will explore further....
ReplyDeleteI'd wolf down any of your main course offers, but not the panna cotta, because that's the same as, or similar to, blancmange, isn't it ? Always disliked bm & any milk pudding. Could I have the forest fruits with cream or ice cream, please ?
Thank you, thank you Hilary - I HAVE seen one of your films, hooray!
ReplyDeleteAmadeus (but only on DVD) and we both absolutely loved it! The best soundtrack of any film, ever, of course, thanks to Mr Mozart (or possibly Mr Salieri?) and such an interesting story and wonderful costumes. The phrase ‘too many notes Mr Mozart, too many notes’ has stayed with us and is often used when we hear some new overblown music.
Spicy, glad to hear about your jam making. We have a glut of raspberries and gooseberrys at present so quite a lot of jam-making is going on here too! There’s not much point in making too much as Mr A shouldn’t have it (diabetes) and neither should I (diet restrictions) but I do give a lot away. From now on though, all fruit picked is in the freezer for winter puddings.
ReplyDeleteYesterday my daughter had made up a big hamper for her DD’s birthday present, comprising several different smelly cheeses, chutneys and crackers but also including a jar of Strawberry and Verbena jam which we put on the scones. Never tried it before, strawberries with a lemon tang, strange but quite delicious.
« Dad’s » of course!
Delete1) Spicycushion,I am so envious.
ReplyDeleteAll that soft fruit ......
I am really pleased that you won't be doing Cricket teas .
Let some of the wives/girl friends of the young players do them.
2) A hamper is a lovely idea ,Archerphile.
I used to do one each Christmas for my mum
(actually a big box)
I collected really nice items over the year from places like Fortnum and Mason's and Harrods and added basics like toilet rolls ,soup etc (never sugar because if it spills it is so messy).
On one occasion when I visited my mum I saw that she still had the posh stuff in the cupboards.
When I questioned her as to why she hadn't used them she said they were too grand to use just for her.
I managed to change her mind.
My mum was like that too Lanjan!
DeleteThank you Hilary.
ReplyDeleteBefore 8:30am today I had sent away for the DVD of "My best friend's Wedding" .
(This after buying Archerphile's book recommendation )
Is there no end to this woman's extravagance?
We just never watch films on TV but I did buy the Cinema Paradiso DVD on the recommendation of several of you -Gary's choice I think -and loved it
I am toying with"The Holiday"
Everyone seems to have loved Notting Hill but I can't take to Hugh Grant.
Too smooth for me.
Love avocado .
Mr LJ doesn't so I get a bag of small ones from M and S
Best value of any I have bought.
Sainsbury's are pretty good too.
I always felt that Hugh Grant was always playing the same character but reently was watching Paddington 2 with my granddaughter and enjoyed his portrayal of the villian.
DeleteGianna, exact same sentiments here with regards to Hugh Grant.
DeleteThere was also that drama about Jeremy Thorpe & Norman Scott , can't remember the title, but 'Scandal' was the key word. He was brilliant in that, a role very remote from the earlier floppy haired charmer of his youth.
Deletecarolyn - I agree with you about Hugh Grant in the 'Scandal' role. I thought everyone in it was so good including Hugh.
DeleteI loved Scent of a Woman, had forgotten it. Just watched the tango bit on You Tube :) I have never tangoed in my life, but would sign up for a lesson with Mr. De Niro. (Or Alan Rickman for that matter).
ReplyDeleteLan Jan, summer pudding is great for using up soft fruits. The fruit is gently poached with sugar, the syrup soaks into the soft fluffy bread and stains it purple it is truly delicious, cold and compressed from the fridge, with thick cream. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
The thought of wet bread in any way gives me the heebie jeebies.
DeleteIt’s not really like bread by the time it has soaked through. You have to make it in a bowl and weight it down with a plate to make it really delish! Lovely with cream!
DeleteMistral, I love summer pudding and haven't had it for ages.
DeleteHilary, thank you for your choices. I love Notting Hill but haven't seen the others.
I would enjoy the avocado toast and omelette with veg.
After seeing the trailer above, I'd like to watch the film again, I have it on tape but would have to assemble my old TV and VCR, maybe someone will do it for me one day.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that panna cotta is one of the few desserts I can eat, with forest fruits, lovely.
Interesting day yesterday: after about 24 hours with a woozy head, tried to get up from an afternoon nap on the new sofa and found myself on the way to the floor, whacking my forehead on a stool in the process. Went through all the rigmarole of trying to get through to the Surgery (round here it's like attempting to secure an audience with the pope!) and told to dial 111 at 6.30pm as the doctor couldn't talk to me until Monday. Never had any luck with 111, even in real emergencies with Mr S, so wasn't encouraged. To my astonishment, within an hour an ambulance turned up in case I need to go to hospital and I was given a thorough overhaul for concussion, stroke, diabetes and heart trouble (I do have a heart murmur but verdict has always been 'minor electrical fault, abnormal within normal parameters').
ReplyDeleteNo identifiable cause could be found other than exhaustion from long-term stress.
Woke up this morning with the memory of my answer to their question about allergies - how with my allergy to formaldhyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, exposure to either has brought about a very similar reaction before, but at the time I thought no more about it.
I have now: after several attempts over two days to unfreeze the double lock on the back door I was high on WD40! How stupid is that! I'll be adding it to my hospital list of 'forbidden fruits'!
Wow! And now you know for the future Sarnia!
DeleteWell, who’d have thought WD40 could cause that reaction Sarnia!
DeleteThough, thinking back, there used to be many accidents (and even, very sadly, deaths) of teenagers deliberately sniffing aerosols.
They do say these things should always be used in well ventilated spaces.
When I was young, I used to love the smell of carbon tetrachloride, a chemical used in such cleaners as Thawpit and Dab-it-Off. My Dad and grownup brother used them to get spots or stains off their suits. I was always sniffing at the rags they’d used. One day I took a huge sniff from the bottle - I’m not sure what happened next but I ended up on the floor feeling very woozy. The bottles were locked away after that but it was not until years later that I realised that alcohol fumes can be very dangerous.
Carolyn..it was A very English Scandal..yes he was good in that, but usually as many people have already said , he's just playing himself..wooden.
DeleteAh, well, AP, there's a thing - the space was very well ventilated, but the ingredients are not listed on the tin. Had I known what I know now, ie that WD40 contains hydrocarbons, I would have realised I was at risk and therefore much more on my guard.
DeleteI often use WD40 but can't stand the smell but loved the smell of Dab-it-off!
DeleteI loved the film choice from Hilary. The only one I don't know is Scent of a Woman. I have all the others in my DVD collection.
ReplyDeleteAs to Hugh Grant - my favourite scene with him, is in Notting Hill, when he goes to the cinema wearing his "presciption" goggles. I also liked him, in Love Actually.
The meal choice, is to my taste exactly, and I love speck.
Hugh Grant is like Nigel Havers + Simon Williams (aka Justin in TA), in that they are stereo-typed and cannot change, nor are able to do so.
DeleteWe both gleefully enjoyed A Rather English Scandal, thought HG was very convincing, also enjoy Notting Hill, good cast.
ReplyDeleteLong time since I've seen Amadeus...
Know of but haven't seen the others!
Starter & main yum, absolutely no panna cotta, I avoid wobbly food.
Panna Cotta is great, but I prefer a Creme Caramel.
DeleteI love Creme caramel too.
DeleteThank you for all your responses to my film choices and menu.
ReplyDeleteI love the way we pass on our little bits of experience and can create some pleasant moments in the lives of others.
I wish I could come to your barbeque, Spicycushion!
And oh, how I envy some of you for your gooseberries!
Sarnia, I join in everyone's relief at the retrieval of your title deeds! And I am glad you are alright after your WD40 overdose.
Gary, yet another of your comments that really make me chuckle (12.26)!!
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of Julia Roberts, but I thought she was great in the film "Stepmom".
ReplyDeleteThe other one I liked her in, is "Sleeping with the Enemy".
Personal choice only.
I love Goldie Hawn in:-
Overboard, and Sandra Bullock in The Lake House, also in my DVD selection, 😣
I have about a "library" of about 80 DVDs and this does not include various boxed sets!.
DeleteHow sad I am..🤤🙁
I liked Overboard, a silly feel good movie. I think Goldie Hawn is very good at what she does.
DeleteWill watch Stepmom tonight! It's on Netflix!
DeleteLanjan, I have just ordered the Stephen Booth book too!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am pleased to see that The A Word is available on youtube so I look forward to seeing the lovely Lake District scenery, to bring back childhood memories, and beyond.
This afternoon I have finished watching The English Game on Netflix, co-written by Julian Fellowes. Beautifully done and a lovely happy ending! Not only about football at all!
Well, we have just started Game of Thrones... 4th episode tonight. Nothing like being up to date. 😉
ReplyDeleteI've never gotten round to watching it either parsley, and it's a thing that's right up my alley as well. Maybe one day. (I DO know how it ends...)
DeleteWell I made Notting Hill my incentive to strip down and service the pot burner in our rayburn ( a very fiddly job necessary when there has been a strong wind from the north east ) and we watched it this evening and very much enjoyed it. I like the kind of film or book that makes you laugh and leaves you feeling happy so thank you Hilary. Would love a nice ripe avocado mashed up on toast, and then either the chicken or salmon dish.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hilary (5.01pm) All a bit embarrassing, really. I've never actually fainted before, but the same symptoms have cropped up a number of times, so I should have recognised them straight away were it not for the complicated background circumstances. Once I'd worked out what the present situation had in common with a new industrial heater in the church, the next-door neighbour's wall-insulation, spray polish, and sitting in a warm room/bus next to a passenger wearing clothes washed in fabric conditioner the answer was staring me in the face. It's all so silly!
ReplyDeleteCiao Hilary, I've seen 3 of your choices..Notting Hill which is a big favourite in my house. I love the montage at the end with Charles Aznavour ( is it him?), warbling away to "She". I actually found the supporting cast much more interesting and engaging than the 2 stars. But a good film allround.
ReplyDeleteAmadeus was on my list so I admire your taste.
Scent of a woman.. Al Pacino was perfect in this role and of course the tango scene. I fell in love with Al when I saw Serpico.
Did you know that S of a W was a remake of an Italian film starring Vittorio Gassman an d directed by Dino Risi ?
Avocado on wholemeal bread is what I have for breakfast...yummy!
Lanjan, I knew there was an Italian version of Sepcent of a Woman, Profumo di Donna, but didn't know which was the original. I don't think I have ever seen it.
ReplyDeleteI have changed my profile photo to show you Castelluccio Di Norcia,. It is a plain high in the Italian Appenines famous for its wonderfully coloured fields of poppies and cornflowers and rapeseed and lentils.
Gary, have you noticed the dodgy post at the top? Presumably none of us will be daft enough to click on the link but....
ReplyDeleteSarnia, what a time of it you are having. Glad you got a health MOT and belatedly delighted you sorted out your house deeds. Enormous phew!
Hilary, can’t remember if I saw the film version of Amadeus but I loved it at the National Theatre in London when I was a student. Notting Hill I watched because I used to work around there and shop at the lovely Travel Bookshop where it was filmed.
Great food choices and I really fancy making a courgette frittata/omelette now you have mentioned it.
I am pro summer pudding and love collecting blackberries/brambles to put in it. Like KP I make it with brioche - recipe from Jennifer Aldridge’s cook book - and no added sugar. I gently simmer the fruit so there is plenty of juice but the strawberries and blueberries stay firmish. Great with ice cream, creme fraiche or on its own.
Hilary, I have messaged Stephen Booth again to tell him another Archers fan is going to buy Black Dog. He is delighted to be adding new readers and hopes you all really enjoy his books.
ReplyDeleteHe has a web site where he talks about his books, what’s coming up next, book club readings etc if anyone is interested and also the FB Page I mentioned.
I am really pleased that others are enjoying "The A Word" .
ReplyDeleteLast night I caught up with the 3rd episode a comedy on BBC one of "The other one"
(I have not liked many Comedy programmes on TV recently.
It may be me.
People rave about "Mrs Brown's boys.
I thought it was awful and turned it off way before the end)
However I laughed out loud at "The Other one"
The acting is very good particularly by three of the main female characters.
I’m not very good with comedy progs. A lot I don’t find funny. I’m the same with Mrs Browns boys. Find it pathetic. Mr PtbY sits laughing at it.
DeleteBut got to agree, Lanjan, I love the other one. Got a friend onto it. She text to say she was sat laughing at it a few mins into first episode.
I’ve watched all 7 episodes on iPlayer and have started watching it again. Think it’s the best comedy I’ve seen in years. Really good cast.
Hope it’s not seen as just northern humour though. Come on Southerners, tell me what you think.
I watched the latest episode of The Other One yesterday and loved it! I hadn't seen any of the previous ones and don't have access to bbc iplayer unfortunately but will certainly be careful not to miss future episodes.
DeleteI am a northerner by birth though, PTBY! I also love Peter Kay's Car Share!
I enjoyed Season One Episode One of The A Word on youtube but when I tried to watch episode too it was impossible unfortunately so again I shall just have to be content with watching it from now on.
A lovely sunny day, but so very windy!
ReplyDeleteStill, I managed to do a big pile of ironing, that's a ✔ done.
It was frustrating, as I could not work in the garden.
I was disturbed, when seeing some photos today, about so many gathering outside pubs and barber shops.
ReplyDeleteWhat was obvious, was that there was very little social distancing, in spite of the rules.
Each to their own - I know - but these persons are putting both themselves "at risk" and also so many others, they inadvertently, come into close proximity to.
Thank-you all, as I have just now expressed my thoughts, and that's that.
I believe that a 2nd spike, is very possible but probable or expected? It is impossible to predict.
DeleteWhen I do my next weekly shop, I will be doing a big store cupboard stock-up, with extras for the freezer. I am so much a "just in case" person. I like to be prepared, just like the Girl.Guide I once was (and hated)!
A quick extra - Melbourne has lockdown in one area, and is having major problems. I have just read that, another 2nd area in Spain has now has enforced lockdown.
DeleteWe are all still so suseptable to this deadly virus, so just be careful, all.
Senseless idiots Miriam!
ReplyDeleteI have just been out 5pm with my bell and we both clapped no one else around. I was born Oct ‘47 and had whooping cough at 6 weeks old - a terrible time for my parents no NHS until July ‘48
My paternal grandfather paid for Dr and my mum discovered the kiss of life for herself as I turned blue. So glad I was able to be there for her in her dementia years ❤️
I went out, but no-one else did! In previous weeks, it was brilliant. My thoughts were there, though.
DeleteHow lucky we are with the NHS.
DeleteThe national 75th NHS Anniversary "Clap for Carers" was too early. It should have been at 8.00pm, the usual time.
DeleteAt 5.00pm, families are busy and involved with children, with all that entails..
72nd..
DeleteI apologise to all you wonderful persons here.
ReplyDeleteI have been a bit outspoken + OTT, tonight, re Covid.etc.
So Sorry.. 😣😣 ☹
Not at all, Miriam. I've read that 10,000 people in Australia have refused to be tested for Covid 19 because they are convinced that the testing is being used as a means to spread the infection, which doesn't otherwise exist. Having met some of Mr S's Australian cousins I find that quite believable.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you,Miriam about the timing of the Clap for Carers
ReplyDeleteThere were only three families out inside their homes here.
Hilary are you not able to watch the episodes on BBC IPlayer?
ReplyDeleteThat is what I do.
Sorry to hear you did not like being a Girl Guide ,Miriam.
I loved it.
Loved camping.
Went to Derbyshire once .
Chapel en le Frith
I was able to go to a World Camp in Windsor Great Park as well.
I did learn something useful in the GG, how to make a bed properly, with "hospital corners". I still do this today, with flat, egyptian cotton bed sheets..😁
DeleteI learnt the same skill Miriam in my case it was in “The Red Cross” when I was about 11-12 yrs old.
DeleteHow lovely to see the ice-cream van again, with its normal chimes..🍦🍨
ReplyDeleteSadly not "Mr. Snowy".
DeleteLanjan, no, iplayer for tv seems not to be available outside Britain. Luckily that doesn't apply to radio.
ReplyDeleteHowever I tried youtube again and have now watched four episodes of The A Word. It is a small picture with a swirling surround but strangely I find after a while I just concentrate on the picture and the swirls are no longer a distraction.
You are right, Hilary, the BBC tv iPlayer cannot ne heard outside the UK. My son in Dubai greatly regrets this as there are many programmes he would like to see.
DeleteI think it has something to do with the fact that people in foreign countries don’t pay the TV licence and therefore don’t contribute to the cost of making programmes. However he still gets the BBC radio i-player so can listen to Radio 4 as it is broadcast , but doesn’t get Sounds so cannot catch up on anything he has missed.
Well, back home. Had a good time by the coast, but definitely time to leave as schools are breaking up.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, you are not alone in your fears & shock at people's behaviour. We became fidèle customers of a small, reliable Italian restaurant which appeared to be the only one with staff wearing masks.
At least we found a pleasant appart-hotel with a salt-water pool, perfect for out of season!
That does sound perfect parsley. And ALWAYS a bonus not be tripping over pesky children!
DeleteI've had a cream tea today at Lizard Point.
ReplyDeleteI had my temperature taken before I could order.
Apparently I'm OK
I've waited seventy odd years to see these Cornish Coves.
A girl at school always went to Cornwall for holidays and I was so envious of her description of lovely coves for swimming and sunbathing.
Now I've seen some for myself and with a seal swimming very close by too.
Tomorrow exploring Truro.
Sounds divine Mrs P 🧁 (nearest to a scone) ☕️ When did you go and how long will you be there to carry on enjoyIng the many delights of the area?
DeleteHow lovely Mrs. P. Enjoy your holiday. Is Lady there too?
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, to see British tv I have a subscription to Transponder Tv. I can see all channels live and can also record programmes.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you MrsP - have a paddle for me! Lady having fun too?
ReplyDeleteI'm actually off to the Borders this Friday to dog sit at a friend's house for 5 days so she can go and visit her very ill mother. Like Lady, it's a rescue dog who's very anxious and rather needy to say the least. They have arranged for someone to walk her twice a day whilst I am there - my job is to keep her company! I wish it were under different circumstances, but I can't but help look forward to a change of scenery. Will be taking my bike by train and hopefully if I time it right I can avoid any busy stations & carriages. They live in the middle of nowhere so it's perfect for pootling about without meeting a soul.
Then when I come back it's time to get ready for our trip to Tinkerbelle. I feel like Alan Whicker!!
MrsP - I do hope you are enjoying Cornwall. It is a county I have never visited but then again there are quite a few! I haven't ever visited Scotland I'm ashamed to say! I went mountaineering/rock climbing in Snowdonia once when I was a teenager but that was my only visit to Wales until Jon went to Lampeter Uni. It's not that I have ever gone on holidays abroad either. Regular stay-at-home me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well. I think you said you were going on to another visit before returning home. Enjoy the break!
Spicy.
Sad news this morning . Just heard of the death of Ennis Morricone at the age of 91.
ReplyDeleteI remember several folk on here saying how much they loved his music.
Me too, not that I heard it in the cinema , but always loved listening to his ground-breaking and beautiful compositions.
Oh no! I loved him, and as you say AP, so did quite a few of our fellow bloggers. He's left behind some of the most stunning soundtracks ever recorded.
DeleteSad news. 😪😪
DeleteGG, thank you for the duel scene from Once Upon a Time in the West.
Sorry, “ Ennio”. Wretched autocorrect strikes again.
ReplyDeleteHilary: 6.03 yesterday
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for that information. I passed it on to the family in Dubai. My son said his boss uses that too, apparently, so they are going to investigate taking out a subscription.
The boys will be delighted if they can get CBBC again! And the grown-ups will love all the wildlife programmes & documentaries!
Mrs P : have a lovely time!
ReplyDeleteSang for services in Truro Cathedral with a visiting chamber choir in a different life...
Sad news indeed about Maestro Morricone ..but what a legacy to leave behind.
ReplyDeleteHope all of you who are having or are about to have a nice little break have a wonderful time💕💕
‼️NEW series of “THE REPAIR SHOP” starts to today 4.30pm BBC 1 (or more likely for most I Player- also enjoyed “The Bidding Room” this way)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your visit to Cornwall,Mrs P and Gary enjoy your's to the Borders although I am sorry you are going for that sad reason.
ReplyDeleteLove that part of Scotland.
I think that is , in the dim and distant past, from :where some of my maternal ancestors lived.
Today I have been mostly :
ReplyDeletefreezing beans
weeding & loosening onions
lifting shallots & garlic
roasting courgettes...
any minute now, Drinking Beer 😛😛
My courgettes have started producing so if like last year we will get loads of them! Recipe suggestions would be most welcome!
DeleteI still have had a strong wind today, though sunny. I have had to rescue the washing, and then re-peg it, several times..
ReplyDeleteToo windy for gardening, sadly.
I "lost" Pusscat overnight. There was no sign of her at all. I ate my breakfast, and with a heavy heart, decided to go out to find try + found her.
I went upstairs, and noticed the door of my 2nd bedroom, was closed (think blown shut by gales).
Yes, you've guessed it! On opening the door, Pusscat, was sitting there, and no pee's + poo's. What are Star.
She was hungry + thirsty, and has stuck by my side, all day.
Phew - is all I can say, as I was prepared for the worst.
😸😻
She must have been shut in, for 10+ hours.
DeleteGlad she was OK, Miriam!🐈😊
DeleteWhat a relief Miriam no doubt you were as relived as each other 🤗
DeleteHave done nothing in particular today as not such a good day. Strange that now the consultant has put main medication onto alternate days, sometimes it's the day I have the steroid tablets and sometimes it's the 'off' day!
ReplyDeleteAnyway Lanjan I have been trying to watch The A Word on the streaming bit of Catch Up on Virgin Media. However when I got to it, it is only there as HD and they are asking me to pay an extra (£14.99) fee to watch it! Blooming cheek!
However while I was playing with the Remote (actually trying to change the screen!) I found You Tube and it is there. So.. I will begin to watch it tonight while Jon is at his Keep Fit. (This has just reminded me I have to prepare Dauphinoise Potato which takes 90 minutes to cook!)
But before I go, discovering You Tube on the TV screen is fantastic because we do a 'virtual pub quiz' live on YT every Thursday and Saturday. Up till now we have made do with it on my laptop but now I can watch (and hear clearly) on our big TV screen. 😁Hooray!
I love Boulangere Potatoes, as I don't eat cheese, but as you have said, it is important to remember the cooking time. I have been caught out by that, more than once!
DeleteI always use a mix of onions + leeks, plus a lot of black pepper and butter!!
DeleteI had my appointment with the eye surgeon this afternoon. Everything is a bit blurry as I type due to the 4 lots of drops in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteApparently the cataracts are much worse than I thought and he is going to replace my lenses with triple focus ones that should not only give me clear vision but even up my short/long sight problem too.
I will have to wait a few months because Private hospitals are all helping the NHS by taking lots of patients off the waiting lists . But I don’t mind because the thought of being able to see properly for the first time in my life is worth waiting for! 🤓 🔜 👀
What fanstatic news. I am so pleased for you.
DeleteThe wait might seem long, but in the scheme of things, it seems short, and will be worth it.
My wait was 6 months for eye 1, then a further 6 months for eye 2. The 2nd was accelerated by a consultant I saw in the "glaucoma" clinic (but don't have it, yet, just being monitered.). From referal to both eyes being done, it was 18months.
You are lucky, but then it is your cruise money. 😁
It must be exciting to learn how things will change dramatically, in just a few months.
I am pleased for you.
Archerphile great news 👏🏻 and as most of us are not going anywhere at the moment you will not feel you are missing out too much during the waiting process.
DeleteEv - if you read this
ReplyDeleteHow is your Brother doing?
Ev, ditto.
ReplyDeleteCourgette pickle is a yearly staple, recipe on one side of a card, cassis on the other, will root out sooner rather than later!
Miriam, Pusscat, the classic!
Miriam, thank you for asking. The chemo isn’t working so they are going to try immunology where the immune system is boosted to fight the cancer. That starts next week. He is still in a good place mentally and feels strangely calm about the whole thing. His family are not as happy but I think sometimes it is almost more difficult to watch these things going on and to fear the worst when it is not happening to you but to someone you love. I was upset about the chemo but looked up immunology and although it doesn’t work for everyone it is an exciting relatively new treatment. At the Christy’s they said if it doesn’t work for him they will try something else. He truly is in good hands.
ReplyDeleteThank you too, Parsley! Courgette pickle! Sounds good. I’m hoping for good pear crop to make chutney too. Miriam, no fear of shutting our dogs in a room, they would soon let you know especially when Gypsy is hungry which is all the time! She barks repeatedly until fed!
DeleteEv. He is attending a Centre of Excellence.
DeleteIt must be hard for you all, as it is the not knowing.
My thoughts are with you all, with a big virtual 🤗 Miriam.
🥰
DeleteEv, it can't be easy for your brother or you - but you both seem to have such such good attitudes!
DeleteEv, I make courgette, potato and cheddar soup, I grow courgettes just to make this and ratatouille. The recipe is on bbcgoodfood. The soup takes 15 mins and freezes really well. My courgettes are in flower now, I can hardly wait...
ReplyDeleteDon't waste the flowers Mistral..fried zucchini flowers are absolutely delicious😋😋
DeleteSorry The Repair shop had “new” by it in tv book but a rehash dressed up differently but still interesting especially if one did not catch all episodes or seeing for the first time anyway.
ReplyDeleteSo annoying when they do that with TV programmes! Grrrr.
DeleteFound the wed. night progs had items we'd seen before..
DeleteAutumnleaves, do you stuff your zucchini flowers?
ReplyDeleteCourgette pickle :
ReplyDeleteCourgettes lots, onion, red pepper, green chili, sliced /chopped, in appropriate amounts, sprinkle well with sea salt, leave for at least 2hrs, rinse well.
In a pan - equal amounts of vinegar /sugars (to taste /availability, r/w wine/cider, white /muscovado....) pinch mustard powder, lge t-sp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, lge tsp celery seed (I use fennel cos it's wot we've got a lot of..)
Boil for 2-3 mins, add drained veg.
Steep for at least 2hrs.
Bring back to boil for 5 minutes.
Pour immediately into hot sterilized jars, seal & label.
Can be used within a few days.
Voilà en gros !
Usually have to make sure there's enough vinegar to cover the veg.
Add /subtract amounts /ingredients to taste!!
Nicked from a friend...
Ev 💕
ReplyDeleteStuffed zucchini flowers
ReplyDeleteFor about 12 flowers
250 gr. Ricotta
80 gr prosciutto cotto (cooked ham)
An egg
50 gr. Parmesan
Breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
Carefully clean the flowers removing the pistil.
Combine ricotta, ham, egg and salt and pepper.
Stuff flowers pace on baking tray on some baking paper.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Put in oven at 180 o for 15 minutes.
Buon appetito!
You don't need a lot of salt. The cheeses and ham have a littlevsalt.
Archerphile, (8.34 yesterday), glad to be of help!
ReplyDeleteMy friend from Rome does courgette flowers fried in batter. Mind you, many Italians believe most things taste better fried: sage leaves, borage leaves, frogs, lamb cutlets, sweet macaroons, semolina and so on
ReplyDeleteFROGS!!?
DeleteMay I add my best wishes to your brother,Ev .
ReplyDeleteWhether one thinks the treatment will work or whether one thinks it won't one is probably going to be right.
Your brother has such a positive attitude which I believe goes a long way .
Also my best wishes to your niece,Spicycushion.
Ev, you are so right about how it can be harder to be the onlooker during a loved ones illness. Thinking of you all 🥰 and glad to hear your brother is feeling positive it will help his cause so much.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts with you too Ev regarding your brother, but also as envious to have a sibling one feels so close to and cares about.
ReplyDeleteNot my experience, hence envy !
Visited Truro in the evening yesterday and was delighted to find the centre of the old city very much to my liking with much water flowing through in leats and channels with many bridges and alleyways called ' Opes'
Left Lady with daughter and S in L and thoroughly chastised on return for taking advantage as I was out for five hours. That's the downside of being an ' in the moment ' person. Lady was apparently a ' nightmare' in her neediness.
Returning home tomorrow.
I cannot give any ideas re courgettes, as along with marrows + aubergines, I just do not like them, so never use.
ReplyDeleteI have had some wonderful videos + photos from OZ. The family there, are so happy that they moved to Queensland last November, where the state borders were closed very early, and still are closed, so life is almost back to normal. This is unlike Victoria/Melbourne where they used to live.
I saw pictures of my lovely family, whilst visiting a nature park, seeing + stroking, kangaroos.
The only problem was, the youngest (nearly 15months old), deciding that kangaroo "poo" looked like a tasty snack.
Wonderful News!!
ReplyDeleteSorry if I bore you....but my
niece + my latest grand niece, now almost 7months, who has to wear special boots with a bar between (as born with a foot problem) are coming to see her family, here in the North.
I can only see them, due to the rules + restrictions, and if it is dry, on Thursday or Friday. This will be a meet up, socially distanced, in Big Sis's garden in Wales. It is still very much 🤞🤞and I will need to take my own snack, and coffee in a thermal cup. It will be worth it.
My family are being so aware of the guidelines, and will abide by them, even if it means no hugs nor cuddles.
Perhaps a bit OTT, but we all want to just enjoy seeing each other again, whilst still saying safe and protecting each other.
To add ..
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased today, when doing my normal weekly shop, that the supermarket is still doing the 2m distance.
I took a mask + gloves with me, just in case, but I didn't need them, thank goodness.
It was fine, as all did just that.
I did a massive shop, stocking up on supplies yet again, even loo rolls and toothpaste, both getting a bit low. OK, I am a hoarder 🤣🤣🤣
...but after reading about Liecester and that also some pubs are having to close again so soon, I "rest my case..."
DeleteThe jury, is now out!
Archerphile and Mr A are feeling very proud!
ReplyDeleteJust heard that No.1 Grandson has been awarded a BA(Hons) with an Upper 2:1 from Leicester University in History and International Relations.
(Despite the University only being able to offer 4 months personal tuition in his final year due to Lecturers strikes and the pandemic).
And, very sadly, no Graduation Ceremony this year. 👨🏼🎓
LanJan, did you carry on with Gareth Malone's Home Chorus ?
ReplyDeleteJust watching the 3rd programme of the series.
Parsley ,did I say I was going to watch it
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen any of them yet.
Liked him when he first started with schools better I think .
Hasn't his appearance changed ?
I shared a link way back when, &you mentioned that you had signed up for his home /on-line chorus during lockdown..
DeleteNot too keen on the ginger badger look...
Bonne nuit.
DeleteMiriam, it is lovely to hear that you will be seeing some of your family soon.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, congratulations on your grandson's degree!
Many thanks Hilary. It has been such a strange, and disappointing year for 2 of our grandchildren. Despite doing so well with his degree, he and his friends missed so much of the traditional final year. Sent home from Leicester at the beginning of March (despite having to pay for accommodation until now). No Library facilities for research and all the work for his dissertation having to be done at home online. No finals exams. No celebrating with friends when results were announced and now, no Graduation ceremony.
ReplyDeleteThen his sister Rosie; one and a half terms of A levels tuition cancelled, all the work just stopped because college did not provide any online support, no final exams and her results, due next month, will entirely depend on her tutors assessments. Again, no end of A Levels celebrations with friends, and a big worry over whether her University place at Warwick will still go ahead in September.
Such a shame for all the thousands of students so affected this year.
Miriam and AP - it's nice to hear good news!
ReplyDeleteHear! Hear! On both counts 🤗
DeleteParsley, I have been singing with Gareth, although I didn’t record myself and send it in as neither voice nor tech skills up to it. Last night’s programme even more emotional than the rest. Did you submit a recording? I have the CD on order.
ReplyDeleteI watched the very first rehearsal with Gareth, but so much faffing about put me off and I didn't watch again. I also missed the ' performances ' as I was not in the house when it was on and there was no television in the cottage that I've been in.
ReplyDeleteOn my way home within the hour.
And hope to catch up again at home this evening, when I shall listen to three TA episodes as have not heard any so far this week.
Archerfile, it is so sad the way the virus has affected the young. Katy carried on with A Level work as it would provide evidence if the exam board disputed the teacher grades. The exam boards did not accept any work after March 20th as it would disadvantage those who had little facility at home for studying but even so work would exist for evidence. Gradually the students tailed off though as they thought it was all settled and so they had no incentive. Strange times indeed!
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't participate, found the programmes v emotional, but also thought there could have been more made of the Home Chorus. Almost seemed to be just a backing track... perhaps that's a bit unfair...
ReplyDeleteParsley, I agree that the home chorus got very little mention and it wasn’t what I was expecting from the build up Gareth gave it in his sessions. They were very interesting and moving programmes but a separate exercise from the home chorus. Not sure whether it evolved into something different as the producers went along or whether we were misled.
ReplyDeleteHow to get rid of house flies, wich I have in my house?
ReplyDeleteI have at least one, which constantly lands on my knee, flies around my head etc. and there seems a pal, who is joining in, now + again??
Any ideas will be gratefully received, but natural ideas only, as No Chemical intervention just yet.
Miriam - If you don’t mind killing the flies, mosquitos or whatever (without chemicals) you could try my method. I use what I call my fly-zapper.
DeleteIt looks like a tennis racket with metal mesh instead of strings. You put a small battery in the handle and when you manage to swat the insect (not always easy) you press a little button that instantly electrocutes the little rascal!
It was very successful at getting rid of mosquitos on holiday, but house flies do tend to be a bit more aware you are trying to swat them and fly off.
The best way is to trap then against a window and then press the button.
One little zzzzzzz and they are dead!
That's the problem - they fly off so quickly, without going anywhere near the windows!
DeleteAny ideas - greatfully received.
At least these pesky flies, haven't found my bedroom, just yet.
We also have one of the “tennis bats” AP and it works exactly as you described - pesky flies!
DeleteI must admit, Lady R, it’s very satisfying hearing that little sizzle when you get the fly! Even better if you get a nasty wasp!
DeleteOoh err, wasps and bees are declining and they do a lot of good work pollinating plants. When I spent a summer in the US we had a mesh outer door on all the houses so it was possible to keep the insects out and still have fresh air on a summer’s day. I think it’s still possible to buy those “curtains “ of ribbons of beads or something that hang over the doors and stop the flies.
DeleteOne 'home' remedy is to hang a large bunch of mint apparently. But there are many remedies, mostly using strong smelling ingredients e.g. orange peel, lavender, basil. I guess any one whose smell you prefer. Here is a link to one of those 'lifehack' pages which has several natural remedies. https://www.lifehack.org/384578/complete-guide-to-getting-rid-of-flies-in-the-house
DeleteSeasider All Australian houses have screen doors and window 'shutters.! Nobody tells you about the flies before you visit Australia. I lived there for three years and we bought a house. The first extra expense was to buy screens for the two doors and all the opening windows!
DeleteIt's no joke that Aussies wear hats with corks hanging from the brim. They are definitely needed outside of towns. The supermarket aisle displaying fly sprays was about 30 feet long! Nuff said ! 😁
We have fly screens at all the upstairs windows, essential. Fait maison of course 😉
DeleteWe have several wasp & bee species here, most of them inoffensive unless provoked, fascinating to observe.
DeleteSeveral wasps are taking care of the blackfly, alongside the ladybirds which have now arrived.
There are also long gangly dark wasps, assiduously building a mud nest attached to a roof. Very focused on their work.
Mud dauber wasps, "guêpe potier".
DeleteI am enjoying the Charles Parish Mystery - A Decent Interval.
ReplyDeleteThis is one I haven't heard before.
Stuffed zucchini flowers for supper tonight 😊😊
ReplyDeletedelish!
Leftover stuffing in courgettes for tomorrow..
I am so excited.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow, 10 30am until 12 30am, I will be meeting up with Big Sis + Hubbie (1st time since March) along with my niece + latest grand-niece (never yet met), in the garden. I need to take all necessary precautions, plus my own drink + food. I have defrosted some home-made banana tea loaf, so a slice of this will be taken.
At last, I can venture into Wales again, where my favourite farm shop is. I might combine a visit.
Off to start preparing tea, a chilli using turkey mince, the healthier option 😂
PS Thank you all for the suggestions re getting rid of this pesky fly, plus its pal. So helpful. I put a crushed glove of garlic, in a ramekin dish! This seems to be working.
DeleteAt least I don't mind the smell of garlic, esp. as I am soon cooking with it, but different cloves!
My chilli, now cooking, will be Hot. I always use pure cayenne pepper, which I shake in by eye...tonight I sneezed, so the hand jerked!!
ReplyDeleteSusan, might not approve. 😂
How lovely for you, Miriam, to be meeting your new grand-niece tomorrow and to be seeing some of your family again. It will be very special.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is only now, that I realise, just how much I have missed seeing my wonderful family.
DeleteIt looks dry, but cool, so I will need to wear layers which can be discarded, if needed.
It will be worth it.
Thrilled for you Miriam you (and others on their own throughout lockdown) have done so well throughout and deserve the treat both you and your family members are about to have.
DeleteYesterday I wanted to show my small grandson what I thought were nine small ant-hills in a row on the grass under a birch tree but when I got nearer i saw a wasp squeeze out of the hole and fly away.
ReplyDeleteSo, Lanjan, are you watching the cricket on BBC2?
ReplyDeleteIt’s great to have it back on BBC after all these years. Sadly, the weather down here in Hampshire the weather is not too good. The Rose Bowl (I refuse to call it the Ageas Bowl) is not far down the M3 from us and it’s been a miserable day.
We are loving seeing Test cricket again but the Umpiring has been awful. I reckon Mr A should go down & help them out!
Mr P is definitely Mr Grumpy.. The upside is the Aggers & Tuffers combo! The best.
DeleteV good to hear Alastair Cook.
Could do without all the razzmatazz with big numbers flashing up on the screen and theme tunes though, Archerphile! Bit too much like Sky, which I think is awful!
ReplyDeleteI have listened to TMS all day but I can't stand Alison Mitchell. She just does not stop; sometimes about cricket and just 'showing off' what she knows about cricket but all sorts of gossip about non-cricketing stuff.
Tuffers makes up for it though! Love him!
Thought of you MIRIAM when I heard that Wales would be opening its doors to neighbours.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful day.
Wasn't able to watch the cricket yesterday Archerphile .
ReplyDeleteIt would seem that from England's point of view I didn't miss a lot.
I used to like Sky's commentators and still like some of them
Why they sacked Gower I will never know and I also enjoyed listening to Botham.
I still like Atherton -the best in my opinion- and Lloyd on Sky .
Don't like any of the women commentators.
On the radio I didn't like Blofeldt ( sp !) don't like Tufnell , not over struck on Agnew .
Haven't listened this year and wonder if Boycott has been sacked .
He was good so probably has been.
I did enjoy listening to him.
Alison Mitchell in my opinion is better than the women on television.which isn't saying much
Those who have played the Game at the highest level tend to know more about it.
I do not need somebody to tell me that what they need is a couple of quick wickets or to say how much they enjoyed the barbecue at X's house
Haven't seen BBC 2 yet so can't comment this year .
Sky's football coverage is far superior to that of the BBC or BT (IMO)