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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 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteMiriam - August 3, 2020 at 6:57 PM
Archerphile...I hope you are doing well in your, and Mr P's isolation. It will be worth it, when on August 15th, you will have brilliant vision, be it only in one eye, for now.
I finished the Peter Robinson book - Many Rivers To Cross -
today.
I recommend it to you, as it is so well written and intriguing.
My little grey cells are still functioning, as I sussed out the ending...
Archerphile - August 3, 2020 at 10:35 PM
Thank you Miriam - I definitely have that one on my list.
I was going to mention a book to you today. I see there is a new Ann Cleeves about to be published, probably in early September, in her Vera series. It’s called “The Darkest Evening”. I have never been that keen on the Vera books so I probably won’t buy it, but if you enjoy Vera, it should be worth looking out for.
MrsP - AmbridgeAugust 3, 2020 at 11:51 PM
OwiaS - thanks for the info. I shall work my way up.
I have many puzzles but as I live very untidily there is never room to do them, so this might be a good solution for me.
Ev - your interesting read is similar to mine at the beginning of adulthood.
Out to work you ! Being the best description of parental attitudes to education.
I remember your trip to Italy to paint.
I am so pleased for you that you are at last progressing, however late in life it may be.
Archerphile - August 4, 2020 at 9:13 AM
Mrs P - I would recommend - Jigsaw Puzzles Free - by Boy Howdy. Found on the Apps page of the iPad.
It is completely free, no fees to be paid at all, it has a huge range of pictures under subject headings, and you can choose how many pieces you want your puzzle to have.
But the best bit is that you can choose one of your own photos and this app will turn it into a jigsaw for you. So if, for example, you have a nice photo of Lady, you can turn her into a jigsaw very quickly!
*** THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ***
ReplyDeleteEv, over to you. Enjoy!
1. First must be Brief Encounter! Never fails to make me cry, the sign of a good film! Celia and Trevor are perfectly cast!
ReplyDelete2. Hector and the Search for Happiness. Recently watched and enjoyed. I will not spoil it by revealing the end. Suffice it to say the search took him far and wide!
3. The Jazz Singer, Neil Diamond a big favourite, great music and a satisfying story!
4. The Italian Job. Michael Caine never disappoints! Particularly recall “You were only supposed to blow the bloody door off!” and that memorable chase involving the Minis!
5. Mamma Mia, the first one. With Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan it couldn’t fail for me! Who cares if they can’t sing! Julie Walters as well as Meryl Streep also shone! The story was weak but again who cares? It made me appreciate ABBA as I had never rated them before.
That’s all folks! There are so many others I could have chosen but think these are the favourites!
A meal! Well love avocado and prawns with rosy sauce, then beef wellington with veg from garden and new potatoes. To finish, baked Alaska! Preferably with shortbread base and vanilla ice cream made on the island!
Oh Ev!
ReplyDeleteYour meal has my mouth watering. My favourite starter, gorgeous Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska! Perfect.
As for the films - loved Brief Encounter, which was the film that made me fall in love with Rachmaninov and classical music generally.
And the Italian Job - all those minis and the final scene of the bus hanging over the edge of the ravine! Perfect again!
Ev. Love your film choices.
ReplyDeleteMamma Mia....a perfect cheer you up film to sing along to. Saw it 3 times at the cinema. Love all 3 blokes in it too😍
Classic Brief Encounter, saw it not long since. Can watch it over and over again.
Can’t beat the original Italian job.
Ooh and the Jazz singer!!!😍😍😍
Neil Diamond😍😍😍 love love love it. The sound track is fabulous too. Don’t get me going on that scene in front of the fire with his shirt off!!!
Haven’t heard of your other film. Will have to check it out.
Don’t mind coming for dinner either!!!
We have so many films to choose from, our own experiences as well as our parents, and then the more recent films that many of us may not have seen since we have become older.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how different our choices are, yet certain favourites are shared, Brief Encounter being a prime example.
As some of us have expressed, our choices might be different on another day.
I have managed to compile, in my head, several more titles since my choice some time ago.
Ev- I don't know your second- Hector and the Search for Happiness.
Will I be able to find it ?
Yes, if you google it. Not much in the way of well known actors and in places a bit quirky but loved the overall message!
DeleteThanks, Ev. I'd certainly find your meal most welcome, but maybe not all courses at the same sitting....
ReplyDeleteI do remember The Italian Job - very gripping.
Brief Encounter, I'd only watch it again for a laugh. Can't take it seriously.
Mama Mia - not my bag. We went with a couple of friends who loved it, but I just got bored despite the tunes & scenery ....
Like Mrs P, am intrigued by the Hector one
Thanks Ev!
ReplyDeleteCan't argue with your choices. Apart from Hector and his search for happiness - just about to Google him!
Never tasted a prawn in my life and never will. And do you know I have never had a baked Alaska? I have always wanted to try it and have never been anywhere it's been on the menu. One of these days I WILL make it for myself.
Re Hector - Hmm.
DeleteEv, I haven't seen any of the films but heard of 1 & 5. I've been an ardent ABBA fan for the last twenty years, I watched the clip above and this is exactly what I do (minus the props) whenever I hear a song I like.
ReplyDeleteEv - brilliant films but I do not know the Hector one (just yet).
ReplyDeleteI love Mamma Mia, and part of the charm is that, none of them could sing. It would not have been the same with note perfect renditions. It is, after all, what we all do at events, after a bevy or two! Or is this just my family??
The meal sounds lovely, but my I request a starter of avocado with a vinagrette dressing? -as I can't eat seafood and I just do like a rosy sauce.
I tried to make a baked alaska, just once. It was a total disaster, so I have never attempted it again, nor will. 😆
You have to seal the meringue all over. Once left a hole and all that was left of the ice cream was a tiny speck! The meringue also has to be stiff! Mike always succeeded but I made the base!
DeleteItalian or French meringue?
DeleteHaven’t a clue!! I always whip egg white until stiff, add half of sugar, whip again until stands up in peaks, then fold in rest of sugar. Bowl must be spotlessly clean and no sneaky egg yolk! Mike taught me this as his dad was a Master Baker ( careful how you say that!!) 😉
DeleteThank you Ev. I have seen 1,3,and 4 and enjoyed them. Have just googled the Hector film and unfortunately the reviews were mixed. Personally I think critics reviews are like our own perceptions, personal. “We’re all different” as the Pythons would retort. A psychiatrist trying to find happiness sounds, from my experience, like an oxymoron. It has therefore, got to be funny so I will look it up.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the IoW. Maybe one day. If so, can I come to dinner please?
A tour of you art gallery and beef Wellington sounds good to me. I could bring a nice bottle of Red wine to compliment the cooking.
Love baked Alaska. Had it loads of times. But then I adore ice cream.
See you one of these days, Stasia!
DeleteGG ....Thank-you so much for the brilliant video at the top of this new page, embracing Ev's film choice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic co-ordinator you are....👏👏👏 💕
I so loved it. Dancing Queen was one of my music choices for the desert island, way back when, in the real sureal "Dark Times".
DeleteMy youngest (English) grandson is very excited tonight. He’s a great supporter of Brentford and there is a football match against Fulham which will lead to some sort of promotion or other.
ReplyDeleteI asked him why he supports Brentford, of all places. We have absolutely no connection with the place.
‘Well, Grandma, it’s because they play at Griffin Park ground of course!’
His name is Griffin, Griff for short. I suppose it’s just as good a reason to support a football club as any other. 🤷♀️
Oh dear ,I feel like Jack whose mother said when he was on parade in the army.
ReplyDelete."Everybody is out of step but our Jack"
Actually Carolyn and I are in step with each other.
We went to see the Show of Mama Mia and both of us thought it was going to be the story of ABBA .
Very very disappointed.
I suggested we should watch the film............
Will say no more
Brief Encounter- Lovely .
Gorgeous music too but.....
The more modern version of it is even more wonderful in my opinion
Ie The Bridges of Madison County .
I mean there is no comparison between Trevor Howard and Clint Eastwood.
Enjoyed The Italian job .
May I come just for the Pudding ,Ev?
Whilst you are all eating the main course I will peruse your paintings and try to work out how you do the lovely water reflections.
I'm another one !
DeleteI found the Mama Mia film boring.
I do like Abba.
And I've had a great deal of Abba in my life.
Two teenage daughters playing it out loud for years on end ( well it seemed like years) a memorable night -in a box - at The Albert Hall with Abba on stage in 1977, and then a partner of many years who was Abba mad, many club nights dancing to our favourite, Dancing Queen .
But the film, though mildly entertaining was a bore.
And I feel rather like Carolyn about Brief Encounter.
As well, whenever I read about anyone on this blog choosing it, I automatically think of LanJan and The Bridges of Madison County.
Such a lyrical version and far prettier than a grimy wartime station waiting room.
Gypsy is a big ABBA fan and “sings along” especially to Dancing Queen! Thank you for the trailer, Gary. It’s so joyous and carefree. Pure escapism😊
DeleteI hope your grandson gets his wish,Archerphile .
ReplyDeleteI am really torn though
Mr LJ has supported Brentford all his life and would love to see them in the Premier Division.
My dad was from Fulham and so after Wolverhampton Wanderers (my mum''s and granddad's team ) they were my second favourite team .
When Liverpool got into the First Division as it was then that changed everything.
I’ll have to introduce our little Griff to Mr LJ.
DeleteNobody else he knows supports Brentford and he’s a bit of an outcast at school.
Most of the other kids don’t even know where Brentford is!
Love the original Italian Job with Michael Caine. As you may remember, I also had Brief Encounter on my list as I just love that film. I could never get into Mama Mia. a bit corny for me. Will have to research the Hector film and, as I'm not a Neil Diamond fan, I'll give that a miss.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever had baked Alaska but would like to try.
I may have implied that I went with Carolyn to see Mama Mia but my companion was actually Mr LJ who thought it was awful as well.
DeleteA woman who doesn't know which of three men is the father of her daughter .......oh come on now.
How rubbishy is that?
Love the Italian Job, so clever.
ReplyDeleteCan't stand Meryl Streep.
Brief Encounter = Victoria Wood & Celia Imrie.
Neil Diamond, great voice, can't watch him!
Someone else can have my baked Alaska.
So interesting to get different views. It just shows that we vary so much in taste and so it should be!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't expecting to like Mamma Mia, but I loved it - but then, we've been to both Skiathos and Skopelos and the film captures so well the bright, jangly atmosphere that is a Greek island in summer. Yes, the 'story' is thin, being little more than a vehicle for the songs, but there were some neat touches too, giving a nod to the local population with those lovely background characters in the Greek chorus - I could swear we'd met every single one of them at some time or other, especially the lady with the socks!
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't get your wish Archerphile minor.
ReplyDeleteI sat watching a programme about Jurgen Klopp on my I pad whilst Mr LJ was watching the Brentford /Fulham match.
He never gets excited like I do when I am watching Liverpool.
He says that Fulham were the better team and that Brentford have only themselves s to blame. because they should have gone up automatically but they let themselves down at the back end of the Season.
Never mind, I admire Griff for imagination and originality.
DeleteHavent dared contact Griff to commiserate yet!
DeleteHis Mum and Dad (my daughter and s.i.l.) are celebrating their Silver Wedding today by starting to walk the South Downs way from Winchester. We were supposed to be having a Griff to stay while they are away for a couple of days, but can’t now because of my self-isolation. So he’s gone go to stay with a friend instead.
Well Ev I would very much like your meal, although I have never eaten or cooked Baked Alaska but it sounds very nice. I shall have to try to cook it, or better still I shall suggest to my daughter she have a go at it.
ReplyDeleteFilms: I have watched and liked the light heartedness and music of Mamma Mia. My daughter has seen it on stage. I may give Brief Encounter a miss as it sounds sad, but the other three I shall watch, probably beginning with The Italian Job.
I love Brief Encounter and watched it again a couple of weeks ago. Mamma Mia we watched on TV because Mr S is an ABBA fan but like others we squirmed at the story, and I couldn’t quite get on with Meryl Streep in that role after enjoying so many of her other films. I do remember dancing to Dancing Queen at my friend’s Mum and Dad’s silver wedding and getting asked out for the first time😍😊. I haven’t seen the other films. I am not keen on Neil Diamond songs and I don’t think I know what he looks like.
ReplyDeleteI have long fancied making baked Alaska since I saw it in an old recipe book of my Gran’s, and I have never tasted it - I love the idea of baking ice cream but I don’t hold out much hope of success. Mr S wouldn’t eat meringue so I would have to eat it all myself. 😋😑 I will note your tips Ev and give it a go some time.
Seasider,I have made baked Alaska and if I can do it ,anyone can.
ReplyDeleteMiriam
If I were to buy a car now just for me I would get a bright red Kia.
They are such good value.
I had one years ago but when we decided only to become a one car household I had to get rid of it.
LJ. I know what I want, but it is debatable if I can get it. I have e-mailed my Money Man (who might well be on holiday) requesting monies to be released, if I cab. At least the wheels are in motion...pardon the pun 🚘
DeleteI am in no hurry...and it might take up to 6 months to sort out. This I accept, but I will get what I want, somehow or other..😁
DeleteDo you intend robbing a bank?
DeleteWhat a good idea Stasia....Who can come and help? 😂
DeleteWhat a horrible rainy + windy day! I blitzed my bedroom..even washing the skirting boards! 😣
ReplyDeleteMiriam, can you get a 0% interest deal and pay monthly? We did and Katy did. Her’s was over 4 years so the car is now paid for. We swapped cars in the middle of our deal trading our share of the first one in! It may not be a good thing to draw down money from investments at the moment as prices will be down so you may need to sell more shares. Of course, I don’t know or need to know the nature of your investments. You may also be able to get a low interest loan from the bank but I don’t know whether that is possible in the current situation. Whatever you do, best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThere is lots to think about, which I know. My attitude though, has so changed.This is that I have decided to live for today, forget tomorrow, and just do what I want to.
DeleteWhy not now use the monies, which I worked so hard to get, re pensions, investments etc.
I have decided, that this is the time to just spoil myself, whilst I still can.
Sadly, holidays are still a long way, away.
PS I reach my 66th birthday in September, and this is when I finally get my state pension. This will make a massive difference...
DeleteWell said Miriam 👏🏻 so glad to read you have decided to splash out on a new 🚘 spoil yourself for all the reasons you have stated.
DeleteLanjan I have a bright red Kia Picanto which I bought 11 years ago. It has always been very reliable. Even after not being used for 6 weeks during the extreme lockdown it started straight away.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely,Gianna.
ReplyDeleteI am envious
My car is also bright red, it is not a Kia tho' but a Toyota and my previous Micra was also red.
ReplyDeleteI am never ever likely to have a new car, possibly never another car, but if I did, I would like a lovely yellow one.
Bright yellow.
My 20 year old much loved, Micra ( the old design) is silver which I didn’t really want at the time because it seemed every other car on the road was silver
DeleteBut it has four doors and a sunshine roof and I will never change it as long as it passes its MOT each year!
Note : Somethings gone wrong with my keyboard and I have no full stop or comma so I can’t punctuate apart from ? Or ! Very strange
How annoying, AP, but you always express yourself clearly in posts so the above made perfect sense, despite being punctuation .deprived, if that is any comfort !!
DeleteYes Archerphile I still envy you your Micra.
ReplyDeleteMine finally hit the dust and died three years ago now, and like yours was over twenty years old, and with a sun roof.
But I have got a sun roof on my replacement Toyota Yaris.
I certainly endorse your intention to hang on for as long as you can.
A little bit of good news for me today - the Clinic rang to say they have changed their policy for per-op patients. We don’t have to be totally self isolating now, just normal self-distancing, wear masks when going out etc.
ReplyDeleteBut I will have to be in isolation after my Covid test next Tuesday until I present for the operation on Friday.
So I shall now be able to see daughter & son-in-law this afternoon when Mr A fetches them from Butser Hill, which is where they have reached on their South Downs Way Walk - and give them their card and pressie. I have even made a cake - the first one I’ve made for about 5 years!!
Oh, BTY, I have discovered that my exclamation mark key now prints a comma, and the question mark key prints a full stop! It’s very confusing and I think it’s happened because of a system update on my iPad (now running on12.4.8). Has anyone else noticed this?
That's very good news Archerphile, so they can celebrate their 25th with you after all. Your daughter delivered sth including gold leaves for your anniversary.
DeleteIt makes sense not to have contact after the test, having the all clear for the operation.
I am having an afternoon at leisure.
ReplyDeleteIt is too hot to sit outside but the patio door is open ,the fan is on,I have a mug of Yorkshire tea and am reading a book which was recommended by P tb Y -one of her her Desert Island Books .
It is "Great Meadow " by Dirk Bogarde, set when children had proper childhoods and did not grow up so quickly and were not called "kids"
It is delightful.
Thanks P tbY.
Gary ,please may we have more Desert Island book choices.?
The Dirk Bogarde one and the Dick Francis one Ptb Y recommended both came out of the Library's bookstore -not on the shelves anymore.
Room has to be made for modern books -in my opinion( more often than not) ,not as good as books written earlier, sadly .
I’m so pleased you are enjoying great meadow Lanjan.
DeleteHe writes so beautifully. I could imagine myself there with them.
The vehicle I am so interested in buying, has the colour Desert Orange...If Ben can drive an orange car, then so can I - though I wish Jill was buying mine!
ReplyDeleteIt is more a gold type colour though, and it is still very much a "pipe dream"..
At last, the sun has come out, the temparature has gone up and summer has finally returned.
ReplyDeleteA quick extra:- in my post today was a letter from the hosp. I knew immediately, that my eye clinic appointment in October had been cancelled. I was right. My new appointment is now 3 days earlier, not what I expected 👀
My latest book, which I have only just picked up, is what I call, a deckchair read.
ReplyDeleteIt is - A Wedding at the Beach Hut, by Veronica Henry (who at one time was a SW for TA).
I am not sure I will enjoy it though...
It’s Thursday again! Here is my latest effort on my painting along course. I like the waterfall effect but will have to work on the rocks! He said next week it will be easier, thank Goodness!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely peaceful scene. I can imagine sitting there on a rock dabbling my feet in the water.
DeleteWater's always good to look at, we're in for a big heatwave.
DeleteYes Ev, I agree, try to make the rocks more rugged.
That's beautiful Ev.
ReplyDeleteSo many talented people around! I have a friend who posts her paintings on a WhatsApp group. Lovely to see.
Archerphile, 8.40am. I once had a silver car and like you, I wasn't at all keen on the colour for the same reason. It was boring.
ReplyDeleteAt the time we had a very fastidious neighbour who complemented me on the car saying it was a lovely colour and so easy to keep looking clean. (he had a silver car). Out of devilment I said I thought it was a boring colour and I wanted to get some bright pink flowers to stick on it.
He was horrified! But it was fun to see the look on his face.
I never did get the stickers 🙄
Oh, shame Zoe! There was a fashion back then for sticking those big flowers on cars wasn’t there? VW Beetles and 2CV’s seemed to be the most popular for ‘decorating’ 🌸
DeleteEv. I love your use of colouring, reminds of Matisse’s painting of Woman in a Hat.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of putting in some of these colours. Near the end, Mike, the artist tutor, said he felt some yellow should go into the rocks on the left. Was bemused but did it and I think it gives it a lift. I would have just seen grey and black in the rocks apart from the bits of greenery! As I said though, they need a bit of work to look normal! Woman in a hat certainly is very colourful!
ReplyDeleteI think the yellowish/ochre-ish shades are perfect for the rocks Ev. Also the splash of bright green grass on the left bank lifts the whole picture. Well done on the very realistic falling water.
DeleteWhat’s for next week?
Not sure yet but it is easier apparently!😊
DeleteArcherphile I had an iPad update yesterday to IOS 13.6 you seem behind....my most recent thing is the iPad is not rotating but I believe this was happening a day or two before anyway. After this posting I will do a reboot and report back. Have you tried this for your problem?
ReplyDeleteReboot accomplished nothing but I then googled the problem. Easy fix to bring up control centre and tap the rotation key which I must have inadvertently tapped “off” at some point 🙄
ReplyDeleteThere'll be Ambridge on Feedback.
ReplyDeletelovely painting Ev.
ReplyDeleteWhat a day to have 3 loads of logs delivered and dumped on the drive! Mr PtbY loads into wheelbarrow and brings up to the garage, I stack em. Very satisfying. Ready for winter. But sweating like a pig!
Not doing anything else this aft. Lounding on swing seat an going to listen to Paul Temple.
So am I PtbY! Paul Temple and the Conrad Affair. But listening on iPad indoors where it is marginally cooler than being outside.
DeleteTried to go in green house to pick some tomatoes but the heat inside was too intense!
Goodness only knows how you managed to deal with logs - is it cooler where you are?
🥵
It’s far too hot to do anything much. I keep doing little jobs then having a rest! Oh, well it will all keep! Gypsy has her cool coat on. She has no common sense and loves to sunbathe so we have to keep bringing her in. It is scary with dogs that they can get heatstroke. Fortunately the boys are sensible and know when to get out of the sun. So do I!
ReplyDeleteMy "puss cat" is showing her age, as she is flopped out in the shade. I have noticed that her water bowl, is going down very quickly, so I must moniter her, just in case.. I am sure all is OK, as she was playing with a ball on the landing + stairs, just a few days ago, when it was pouring with rain.
ReplyDeleteAll I have done today, was to mow + edge the lawns, and I was dripping! So much for fence painting.
This is all I can do, unlike Ev and other fellow artists. I am just a Splish, Splash person, with a 3" brush.
I have to say though, it is lovely to wear summer clothes - shorts and a strappy top. I cannot be seen in my back garden, which is probably just as well. 😂😁
Archerphile - This time next week, the 1st eye, will have been done. It is not that long now, so keep going. It wiil be so worth it.
ReplyDeleteI have just seen, so very many images of the massive crowded beaches, seen all around the UK.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate, that life has to go on, and why not have a day out at the seaside, esp. if you live in a flat/appartment, with limited outside space in a city.
But why, ignore the social distacing rules on a day out, so putting both your family, and others, at risk?
OTT...I know 🤤🤤
DeleteArcherphile....no it’s not any cooler here. Only ordered logs last night at tea time. Didn’t think they’d be delivered quite as quick.
ReplyDeleteLady R : 10.20
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I shut my iPad off completely, left it for 30 mins and switched on again.
And I now have a comma and full stop back where they are supposed to be!
Also, and I am very pleased about this , the size of font on these blogs has gone back to the original size, no longer so huge I was only getting one or two words on a line!
I checked for the latest update and am assured I am up to date - but not as up to date as you!
Maybe it’s something to do with the age or model of iPad.
✔️ 👏🏻 glad it worked AP (My iPad is 6th generation) purchased Sept ‘18
DeleteI so enjoyed last nights look back, done with social distancing, by Greg W. + John T, about Celebrity Masterchef. It was so well done, and so funny...showing outclips..😂
ReplyDeleteI needed to go out today, in the car, to get my Vitamin B12 injection.
ReplyDeleteI'm not having to fight for it at the moment which is a blessing.
Going out was bad enough.
Stacking logs must have been dreadful, but needed to be done I can imagine.
Relatively cool inside the house but have spent yet another day on the phone trying to organise various 'stuff'
Have to collect clothes from 'the lady ' I was caring for, from her house and take to nursing home about ten miles away. I shall do this this evening as cooler, and walk dog at the same time.
Very hot here until mid afternoon, had a lovely socially distanced day with Mr Nuts’ sister and cousin, a large and leisurely lunch, I spent a fair amount of time cooking last night and this morning, including two home made loaves of bread, cheesecake, various salads and vegetable dishes to accompany the charcuterie, but all worked rather well, if I say so myself.
ReplyDeleteTree surgeon came round as well, mainly to arrange removal of recently deceased apple tree, but also to asses our two ash trees, unfortunately both are starting to suffer from die back so we’re going to arrange for removal before they die too much to ensure it is safer also to prevent any big branches fall onto the roof, we have already noticed larger branches breaking and the tree is close to the house
Lunch sounds lovely, KP. It is so good to be able to get back to normal even if social distancing is still necessary.
ReplyDeleteBit late in the day, Ev, but did enjoy looking at your waterfall - it's becoming a weekly treat ! Stasia saw Matisse, I saw Cezanne ( even Manet in those defined outlines) Did like the rock reflections in the water.
ReplyDeleteI've had a fright tonight, but it was accompanied by joy and relief at the wonderful help that I received.
ReplyDeleteTook Lady to Coaly Peak on the way to the Nursing Home this evening.
Lots of people there to watch the stunning sunset, many with cameras.
It was a magnificent sunset and the reflections in the very interesting cloud formations made me wish for what I was seeing to be the subject of a jigsaw.
We walked around the perimeter with Lady sniffing joyously until she suddenly took off into the woodland area having seen a rabbit. I wasn't too worried until I heard her squeaking and realising that she had caught something or been caught by something I started to call her.
Immediately a young couple on a nearby bench jumped to run into the undergrowth to find her followed by various other young people all trying to identify where she was and to catch her. At several moments she was seen to be on the nearby road, ( found a way through the fence ) but as she was frantically chasing, a rabbit presumably, she was difficult to pin down. Eventually one young girl walked towards me with Lady in her arms, but then let her go and she was off again, and so the chase continued.
I don't know how many of them joined in, and it wasn't just one group of people, but they were magnificent.
Once back on a lead and back at the car, she was so exhausted she just lay down on the path. After a bowl of water and driving home she was panting for the complete journey.
Incidentally if any one saw the piece on Good Morning Britain this morning with the cows being very friendly to the presenter, you saw my daily walk with Lady, on Rodborough Common.
Sounds as if there were a lot of lovely people around yesterday evening, all trying to help. What a relief you managed to get Lady safely back home. But it must have been a real worry for a while.
ReplyDeleteAbout that beautiful sunset - if you had had a camera with you, or a camera on a mobile phone you could have taken a photo (or several) and turned the picture into a Jigsaw with that jigsaw App I mentioned the other day. And you could have easily changed it from a very few pieces into a more difficult one with hundreds!
Thank goodness your fright ended well Mrs P and that so many (caring) people were around!
ReplyDeleteThe 🌅 certainly sounded just perfect 👌
What great help you had, Mrs. P. Human nature is perhaps, showing more so now, than before.
ReplyDeleteA brilliant conclusion. 🐕🐶
My fence painting has not happened today, as I had planned. It was just too sunny + hot. I did a trial run, doing a bit, which is bolted onto a concrete post. I, at least now know, that I have bought the right colour and it is very easy to apply.
ReplyDeleteSensible to stop Miriam.
ReplyDeleteYou know now that it's the right colour and you will get it done now when it's cooler.
Better for the paint on a cooler day too.
My ' handyman ' Alan, came for a cuppa today, and kindly changed some lightbulbs that I cannot get to any longer. I've been without a light in the bathroom for almost a year now, and the lights on the stairs for well over six months.
My kitchen lights went this week, but he thinks it is the transformer that is at fault, so that means I will need to call in an electrician.
Snap! I also do not have a light in my bathroom. I just cannot get the outer covering to twist off. It is seized up, and I have tried WD40 to try to loosen it, but to no avail. I will think again..💡💡
DeleteI found a jar of pickled beetroot slices in a cupboard, yesterday. I opened it, and I enjoyed beetroot, with my tuna salad lunch. On putting the now opened jar, into the fridge, I noticed the "best before" date - 2015. I am still alive, but I might just put an extra loo roll in the bathroom, just in case! 🤣🤣🤣
ReplyDeletePS I will eat the rest, if all goes well..
I must admit to eating pickled beetroot every day, with my lunch time salad. I particularly like Baxter’s crinkle cut beetroot in sweetened vinegar and buy a jar every week! It does have a particular side effect (which I won’t go into here) but I have loved vinegar since I was a small child and pestered my mum for vinegar on toast which I adored. A slice of hot toast, soaked in vinegar....yum!
DeleteUnless the beetroot was showing signs of mould, Miriam, I should think 5 yr old pickled beetroot is fine and won’t do you any harm......apart from the side effect not mentioned above 😉
All sorts lurking in my cupboards Miriam, adding to the collection on a regular basis.
DeleteMy best is a tin of Birds Custard powder, which was 10 years out of date. I did discard this one.😁.
DeleteWell, what a finish!! 🏏🏏🏴
ReplyDeleteDon’t tell me! Don’t tell me! Shhhhh.........
DeleteWe are just about to watch on BBC2 and don’t want to know the result........have been avoiding the radio and news all day!
How have deliberatly not mentioned it.
DeleteIts all right - I know now Parsley!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love Chris Wokes....... hairband or no hairband! 💕 🏏
I am feeling a bit emotional tonight, after reading that Preston in Lancashire, is one of the latest places to have extra regulations, put in place. The main problem is with the under 30's. The council (?) has said to this age group "Don't kill Granny"...this just got to me...😯
ReplyDeletePeople's behaviour is so frightening.
DeleteAP, listened to TMS comme d'hab, recorded the highlights, now F1 quali is sorted, off we go !!
ReplyDeleteOn a much lighter note, R4ex is broadcasting Adam Dalgliesh by PD James. I heard the omnibus version of A Certain Justice today. Next weeks is Cover Her Face (with Robin Ellis, Sian Phillips + Hugh Grant).
ReplyDeleteI thought I would just mention this, as others might be also be as interested, as I am.
I have read many of the books.
Thank you Miriam. I enjoy this kind of radio drama.
DeleteYes. I listened to the Omnibus today and will be downloading Cover Her Face next week. It was the first PD James book I read, so will be quite nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteI found an old full length Paul Temple film on Talking Pictures this week which I have recorded but not yet watched. I’m saving it as a rainy day treat (if we ever get a rainy day)
I enjoyed, the latest Paul Temple drama, broadcast last week.
DeleteBy Timothy - it was confusing.
Half of my fence has now been stained. This I did this morning, as was so much cooler. My plan to finish this afternoon, however, didn't happen as it suddenly became so much hotter. I know that there is only about another 2hrs work left, and it will be much easier. This is because it is the part of the garden, which was burnt the worst, so there are no plants to fiddle around.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased both with the product and the colour, which I bought whilst still in Lockdown. The shop, is only a short drive away, and there was only a limited choice - but this made me choose something different. It was a great choice though..
My neighbour has done his side, a chocolate brown, wheras my side is a lovely light "amber". It is not as oppresive and makes the garden look bigger, due to the illusional affect, with the sun and light.
There are storms forecast for tomorrow afternoon, so if I continue in the morning, I am not sure if it will be dry in time.
Any excuse 🤣
Archerphile...and others.
ReplyDeleteI have just found 7 P.D.James books, tucked away on the back of a bookshelf (covered in dust 😢) one of which is Cover Her Face, which is dated 1974.
I am looking forward to reading them all again. 📖
My plan for tonight is very simple. This is a long soak in the bath (bubble or jet?) and a hair wash. This will be followed by a snuggle-down in my bed, listening to this mornings TA omnibus.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I can finally get a decents night sleep. The last few nights have been awful, when I have only been off to sleep at midnight, to then be awake at 4.00am and not getting back to sleep again.
RAIN!!! 😃
ReplyDeleteSend some down here! Another sweltering day. If this goes on we Brits will need to have aircon! We have a couple of tower fans and last night had to put a cool coat on Dudley. With flat nose and thick fur albeit recently cut back, he was really suffering with the heat. These cool coats are good. You just soak them in cold water and wring out. Gypsy has one on now but Dudley is out in the chalet, up to now fine. Buddy has a fine and thinner coat and a more stick out nose than a pure Shih Tzu and tends to tuck himself in behind the sofa when hot. They go out walking early. You have to be so careful with them in this weather!
ReplyDeleteHere too Ev.
ReplyDeleteI spent a morning gardening but there is no way I could work -or even sit- outside now.
Patio doors,windows open.
Large fan on.
Not quite as bad as we have had on some days -yet-but hot enough..
Living inside the M25 is not much fun in this weather.
Are you not near to the coast ,Ev?
I used to live on the NW coast .
The climate is much better there.
Sheltered by the Gulf Stream.
Warm,wet westerly winds in winter.
Yes, Lanjan, we are within a very few miles of the coast but temperatures have reached mid 30’s so even so it is hot! We generally get some breeze off the sea but we face onto the Solent which is sheltered. The dog walker is picking the boys up at 7.45 tomorrow morning and Katy took them out this morning at 7.30. We are keeping Gypsy at home because of her age and health conditions!
DeleteLan Jan Ev (like my sister and b-i-l) lives on the IOW and if hot there we landlubbers have no hope.
ReplyDeleteI feel like 😱
Roll on Autumn and beyond - back to jumpers, jeans and boots and lovely (hopefully) bright / crisp weather.
LanJan I agree that the south east ain’t much fun in this heat. I had planned to spend my summers in Yorkshire since I got my house up there. Now we can travel it’s too hot to be in my 20 year old car. 🤞🏻the weather will break later this week, then I hope to be off. Mum is sitting on her hands waiting for me to finally visit.
ReplyDeleteNW sounds more temperate than the NE. Our beach faces north and in the summer we can’t always see the sea through a low lying haze. On a fine day there’s a lovely gentle breeze I could do with just now (and it doesn’t get crowded 🤫).
Second Tai Chi class this morning, and I managed the whole class without a break this week.
ReplyDeleteIt is eighteen months since I've had Lady, and so haven't been able to attend the class in all that time. I've kept my lower body strength, and much though not all of my balance, but my arms have not been so exercised and there is lots of arm work in my TaiChi class.
We are currently in the very large and two story high indoor gym.
This space can accommodate 35 in the space available with our round markers on the floor. The whole room is then steam cleaned throughout once the class is over.
Fortunately because it is in the lower part of the building and at the back, north facing, with the door open it was quite cool.
Very hot in the car park tho'.
And Lady alone at home for one hour and twenty five minutes.
Aren't we doing well !
That's fantastic Mrs P. You have done so well with Lady. Hard to believe that you've had her that long.
ReplyDeleteGood news Mrs P!
ReplyDeleteNormal service resumed re temperature : mid-30's now.
The NW is cooler, my area, but not by that much. Clouds have been bubbling around all day, but there is very little breeze, and it is very humid.
ReplyDeleteI have storms forecast for overnight, but it is not known where they will actually strike. I hope that it is not near my be 🤞🤞
I couldn't complete my fence staining today, as I had so hoped to do. The neighbours, whose garden is at right angles to mine (and the source of the fire), had workers in today. These were breaking down the concrete base of the now none-excistant shed, plus paths etc. There were jackhammers etc..and such a lot of concrete dust floating around. I would have been working in the same area, just the other side of the fence...so it was not a sensible, nor feasible, to do so.
PS. Over the last few days, I have heard and seen, a lot more aircraft, going to both Liverpool and Manchester airports.
This is the 1st time, since March.
I am North West, but only just..the Cheshire/N. Wales border, as you all know. It is a bit of an in-between area, but is classed as NW.
DeleteBig Sis, only 25miles away in Wales, is having thunder, dark clouds, spots of rain, but I hope it doesn't come my way.
DeleteYour sister can send the rain down here Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI will let her keep the thunder though.
Yes Mrs P you are doing well.
Well done.
Have just had Thursday’s source photo. It is of Milford Sound in NZ and consists of just sea, mountains and sky. At first look not too interesting so his take on it will be intriguing. A great lesson to be learned is how to look at whatever is in front of you. It is also so interesting each week to see everyone’s paintings and each one is different. The wonders of computing that we can send our picture to be part of a gallery!
ReplyDeleteThunder, heavy rain but now bright sunshine again. It only lasted 20mins! - It is still no cooler or less humid, in fact, probably more so.
ReplyDeleteHow wierd ..
I am sorry, that I am wasting space again..
ReplyDeleteI had to share some news. My youngest neice, at the start of Lockdown, left her flat in Leeds, went to her parents in Norfolk (Little Sis + Hubbie) taking her 2 cats with her, where she has been for months, missing her friends and her city life. She was furloughed, and then made redundant. She is going back to Leeds tomorrow, after getting a new full-time job, working with Leeds university, supporting students with special needs, which starts on Aug. 18th. She is dyslexic, but she has managed so well, throughout her own university education, and life in general.
I am so proud of her, and she will be brilliant in her new job.
That is a very encouraging post Miriam.
ReplyDeleteAlways pleased to hear of dyslexic people getting on in the world and with life.
Good for her.
I am very proud of my youngest who has dyslexia.
Her very bright sister chose not to go to university, but has worked her way, very successfully through life to early retirement.
The dyslexic daughter is the one with the degree, and a very good career in photo journalism behind her.
Great news Miriam!
ReplyDeleteYou are not wasting space you are contributing to the blog in the way intended 🤗
So post away as we all do🤣
Oh hot, hot, hot!
ReplyDeleteCould’t bear to cook usual Sunday roast yesterday so did the chicken tonight instead.
Must have been mad! spending 2 hours in boiling kitchen roasting bird, spuds; boiling homegrown peas & runner beans; making pastry for flan, boiling custard.
It all tasted OK but by the time it was ready I was a wet rag, lobster faced, cross & exhausted. 🥵
I so badly want some rain and coolth, tomorrow , please!
🌧💦❄️
✔️✔️✔️- if only AP
DeleteNo roast dinner for us this week! We had salad with ham and beef which had been carved off from previous joints then frozen. The less time in the kitchen the better! We have another hot day but storms due tomorrow and then it should be fresher. Here’s hoping!
DeleteI am having a lovely time. I am 70 tomorrow and my daughter has surprised me with 3 nights away up in the Cotswolds. I had been disappointed because my son and d.i.l. had been due to come back in June and he was going to take us all away for a week somewhere over my special birthday, and of course they have been in lockdown in the Philippines and haven't been able to get to the main island to start the Visa processes, and Manila after easing up a bit now seems to be going for another month's lockdown, and they are wearing visors as well as masks.
ReplyDeleteIt took us 6 hours instead of 3 and a half to get here because we missed the turning off the M5, and then got lost in all the little roads leading to Bradford on Avon. My daughter was driving and thought it was because of my slow map reading so turned on the satnav and we still got lost.
The funniest bit though was that eventually we saw a sign for the George inn where we were staying and went in there. The manager/receptionist couldn't understand it because they had no record of us coming. We had visions of sleeping in the car. She looked at our printed off online booking form and decided it must have been a mistake by the booking company and said she would fit us in somehow. Then she looked at the form again and we were in the wrong village!! There are 2 villages not far apart both with George Inns.
The food is excellent here and we are able to have it in our rooms, which means less mixing and less chance of catching the virus, and they are heat checking everyone which is reassuring.
Am very much looking forward to seeing Stourhead Park gardens. When we were young my Mum had a coffee table with a picture of a Palladian? Temple at Stourhead and I thought it looked beautiful so at last I will be able to see it.
P.s. Gary I don't think I went into the hat but would like to please.
ReplyDeleteJanice let be the first one to say “Happy 70th“ 🎂 🍾 💐 another youngster joining our group!
ReplyDelete“The George” sounds great - what an adventure finding it though & nice of the lady at the wrong one to try and fit you in 🤣
You will love Stourhead take it easy though as it is going to be another hot one 😱 guess you or daughter had to book the visit there too.
Happy Birthday, Janice! 70 is the new 40!! If you are like me, you wonder where all those years went! Have a lovely time in the Cotswolds with your daughter!😊 🎉🥂🎂
ReplyDelete🎶
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy 70th, dear Janice
Happy Birthday from me 🎶
Have a wonderful day, I’m sure you’ll love Stourhead, it’s one of our favourite NT places and the gardens are spectacular, at whatever time of year.
You are very fortunate to have such a thoughtful daughter, so make the most of your special day 😃
Gary - we haven’t heard much from you lately, on either blog.
ReplyDeleteAre you OK, fit and well?
I do hope so. 🤔
Happy birthday Janice!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteSame day as my great nephew who will be 9. Just a bit of difference.
Have a wonderful trip. 💐🍰🍾
Happy Birthday Janice, have fun.
ReplyDeleteA very cheerful Happy birthday to you Janice. I send My best wishes And hope you have a fantastic time in the Cotswolds.🥳💐
ReplyDeleteJanice, Happy Birthday! Love the story of being in the wrong village - I've certainly done similar in the past... So glad that your daughter managed to arrange the trip away. (Your name is now in the hat!)
ReplyDeleteAP - I'm doing great thanks. Just had not a lot to say over the past week or so. It's either been too hot or too wet to do anything! Had a few friends over to sit in the garden at the weekend, but other than that have been doing nothing of any importance or interest at all.
*** THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ***
ReplyDeleteLanjan - we are ready for your list of 4 books about Liverpool FC and a biography of Geoffrey Boycott... Enjoy!
Good one Gary. Gave me a good chuckle.
DeleteHave a very Happy Birthday 🥳 Janice. What a lovely place to spend it. Hope the sun shines cheerfully not searingly.🌝🌻🎉
ReplyDeleteAP, (and anyone who’s interested) I “attended “ a couple of zoom sessions at Denman yesterday and last Saturday. They are doing a series of on line sessions and I have just splashed out on an iPad so to play with new toy I joined in with a baking session on soda bread and one yesterday to make a Thai chicken curry and flat bread. I now understand why my soda bread doesn’t always cook in the middle! Some people were cooking at the same time and some watched. As it was so hot, and I wanted to note all the tips I made copious notes and look forward to having a go when it cools down.
Thank you Gary .
ReplyDeleteNow I know what I am going to do this afternoon.
None of those mentioned by you though are on my list.
My. Hero was Sir Alec Bedser (not Sir Geoffrey who is but two days older than me) .
DeleteI had the pleasure of being introduced to him and sharing the same Dinner table as him and receiving a letter from him almost 50 years after my first crush when I wrote to him for his autograph.which he sent to me.
Have a lovely birthday, Janice! 🦁🦁
ReplyDeleteVisited Stourhead a long time ago, absolutely beautiful.
JANICE
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely special birthday tomorrow and enjoy your few days around B ON A
I shall be there myself tomorrow taking my granddaughter out to tea.
As well as Stourhead I do hope you give yourselves some time in Bradford, it is a most attractive town. I lived there myself for two years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Enjoy your day,Janice
ReplyDeleteHope the weather isn't too humid.
My 5 BOOKS
Knowing my dislike of "creative writing " you will not be surprised that none of my choices was written in the 21st Century.
Indeed only three were written since my birth and they were written by American authors and are
1) As predicted by Mrs P
"The Bridges of Madison County " by Robert James Waller"
Part of the blurb on the back of my copy says"We all dream of the chance meeting,that moment when we are feeling we are really living......
Bloggers I have had that feeling as some of you are aware.!
2) Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle stop café by Fannie Flagg
3) The Help by Katherine Stockett
If you haven't heard of them, please check them out.
I doubt if you will be disappointed.
I do like books about strong women .
I am not sure about Francesca 1) but certainly there are some strong women in 2) and 3)
Had I been choosing films instead of books those three would have been there too.
4) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - .already chosen by Seasider I think.
Maybe marmite but I far prefer it to Jane Eyre
5) My absolute favourite.
I have mentioned it more than once on the blog .
It is the ultimate feel good factor book.
It is set in the 1920s or 30s
"The children of the Archbishop" by Norman Collins.
I have a feeling the fictional ""Archbishop " which is in fact the Archbishop Bodkin Orphanage was in Putney ,Mrs P.
Now for my meal
I would have to have it in the winter and not on a horrible humid day like it is today.
It wouldn't be a meal as such .
I would need to be hungry and would be sitting in front of a nice roaring fire in a rather nice old hotel
I would start with a toasted crumpet with butter and ginger preserve.
I would follow that with a Chelsea bun again with butter.
Bit of a pause when I would be supping my Yorkshire tea.
Might then have a vanilla slice
Then I would have some cheesecake with lashings of cream.
and or Archerphile's Winchester mess (prefer the raspberries to Eton Mess made with strawberries
The "meal" would last ages and as you can see would be really healthy.
Thank you .
Wow “your meal” is a yummy one LJ and in a nice (old) hotel by a roaring 🔥
DeleteCount me in please 👏🏻 😂
Thank you Lanjan!
ReplyDeleteI have never read any of your books - tried to "Wuthering Heights" when I was in my early 20's and couldn't get to grips with the language at all I'm afraid. Love the film of "Fried Green Tomatoes". Love it a lot. "The Help" is a film that is on my to see list, as is "Bridges of Madison County". Will, as always investigate the one I've never heard of...
Your fireside feast sounds amazing!
Haven’t read any of them Lanjan. Have seen film of fried green tomatoes many years ago. Can’t remember it though.
ReplyDeleteWill have to research them.
I’ve got so many books on kindle waiting to be read, just don’t get the time.
Happy birthday Janice. Enjoy your day out
ReplyDeleteLanjan I also enjoyed the films and books of The Help and Fried Green Tomatoes. I don't know The children of the archbishop but will see if I can find it.
.
I
Lanjan, your Winchester mess as opposed to Elton mess reminds me of the time Mike and I went up to Scotland in our camper van, “Piccolina”. We had Chicken Balmoral which was chicken breast stuffed with haggis. It was available in most butchers we visited and much enjoyed. When we came home, Mike adapted the recipe stuffing it with Black Pudding. We called this creation Chicken Sandringham! Again a lovely, tasty meal but of course you need to like Black Pudding!
ReplyDeleteI found Wuthering Heights rather over dramatic and am one of those who prefer Jane Eyre. I will try to dip into some of the others! Love your meal but would need to spread it out to do good justice to it! In my younger days would have scoffed the lot in one sitting!
Ditto your last sentence Ev 🤣
DeleteThat should be Eton Mess! When discussing American authors, would add John Steinbeck whose books are so powerful. I did “The Grapes of Wrath” for A Level and have never forgotten it’s message. I also love “To kill a Mocking Bird” and have read the book as well as seeing the film. Gregory Peck gave a magnificent performance and was supported by a great cast. Again, a powerful message.
ReplyDeleteA Happy Birthday to you, Janice - all those special '0's just HAVE to be memorable ! It certainly sounds a great day out & I hope you & your daughter are having a wonderful time now, as I write...fingers crossed, also, that no thunder storms are threatening ( certainly are the next few days)
ReplyDeleteGosh, Lanjan, haven't read any of your book choices, except W.Heights ( much prefer J.Eyre - marmite scenario, as you say !) Now, I'm curious & will sniff around on Google & see what I've missed....)
Food, no problem - would enjoy the lot, except would choose Eton mess instead - not keen on raspberries.
LanJan, yes I did choose Wuthering Heights and agree I like it more than Jane Eyre although I do like the latter as well.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know Bridges of Madison County was related to Brief Encounter until the conversation recently on here. I will look it out. I really enjoyed the film Fried Green Tomatoes, haven’t read the book, and I don’t know the other two but they sound interesting. I will look those up as well.
Tea and crumpets - we called them pikelets and my Gran toasted them on the open fire when I was a child. I think strictly there is a difference. Lovely with butter melting into them. I do like a high tea. Again memories of Gran preparing them for “comp’ny coming” or in other words visitors, relatives usually who arrived in the summer and ate ham and tomatoes, homemade cake and Yorkshire curd tart. We used to call that cheesecake and I didn’t know the other sort of cheesecake until I moved south. I prefer the Yorkshire version.
I have crumpets with butter, Marmite & honey almost every day! (Sometimes I have them with cheese too...)
DeleteMarmite 😱😱😱
DeleteLanjan, like the others I've seen not read Fried Green Tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteYour feast is scrumptious!
Lanjan. My predictive text insists on calling you Panjandrum which I suppose would be correct when it comes to cricket. 🏏 However I won’t be dwelling on that topic.
ReplyDeleteI have read three of your books and have never heard of two.
They all present a feel good factor except for Wuthering Heights, which imo is about a psychopath ranting and roaming around the NY moors terrifying poor Cathy.
I saw a very funny sketch with two comedians on the moors, running towards each other shouting ‘Heathcliffe, Cathy’ in some sort of desperation to meet. Sadly they ran past each other over a cliff. I think it might have been Victoria Wood.
Bridges of Maddison County totally the opposite to Yorkshire angst.
Have read most of Fannie Flagg’s books and seen the film. She is very funny and for some time lived with Rita May Brown who wrote Rubyfruit Jungle.
Don’t know the other two although have heard of The Help.
Unfortunately, whilst I would love to eat all your food I’d have to stick to a toasted crumpet. With butter and marmite, of course.
Lanjan - I loved The Help book and film. I also loved the film of Bridges and Whistle Stop. Good choices. I don't know Children of the Archbishop but it sounds interesting. Wuthering Heights was a bit too gloomy for me.
ReplyDeleteYour high tea sounds wonderful and so delicious it's making me hungry.
Lanjan - totally agree with your choice of The Help. I had never been keen on American writing at all until my daughter bought me a copy of that book & persuaded me to read it. I was hooked from the first page and it led to further reading around the subject of discrimination in America. I was not impressed by the subsequent film - I had my own head-pictures of the characters by then and the actors did not match up.
ReplyDeleteLike Carolyn, I’m a Jane Eyre person so would have chosen that particular Brontë.
And I’m very flattered you chose my invention, Winchester Mess. I ‘created’ it one year when we had very few strawberries but a glut of raspberries and called it ‘Winchester’ as that is our nearest public school, just down the road, in fact!
Wuthering Heights - I like the Kate Bush version, it reminds me of my stay in Italy.
ReplyDeleteLJ.
ReplyDeleteThe only book I have read is -
none (but I loved Jayne Eyre).
However I have seen 4 of them in the film version I have never come across the "Archbishop" one, well just yet. As for the afternoon tea, it has to be crumpets with butter, and either golden syrup or runny honey, which ooze through the holes. I haven't eaten a chelsea bun for ages. This is one of those treats, which has to be eaten soon after baking (like a doughnut), and are difficult to find, at the moment.
Sadder news. My grand-nephew in OZ who is now 1 yr old, has been rushed into hospital again. He had a temp. of 40C, breathing difficulties and a very rapid heart rate. Although Covid is almost non-excitant in Queensland, he is being tested, but the Drs are certain that he doesn't have it.
He is in hospital overnight, with his Dad, whilst Mum is at home with the lively 2.5yr old.
It is a waiting game.
What a strange storm in the night, about 1.00am. There was very little thunder, no rain....but the lightning show was amazing. I have never seen anything like it, in fact I went and sat in the back garden, to watch.
I then thought of The Day of The Triffids 😂😂
🤞🏼 for grand nephew Miriam. A worry for you all maybe it is a respiratory problem related to heat 🤔 Please keep us all updated.
DeleteCrumpets with butter Golden Syrup or runny honey 😋😋
This is the one, born a blue baby, and only just survived. He has a hole in the heart, which is healing. He is normally very active and fit, but if he picks a bug up, he just cannot fight it! It is not long since he started day care...
DeleteHe will be fine.
It’s probably something he picked up from the other children in daycare. For the first 2 years of her life, Katy was in Hong Kong. When we came back to Uk and she went to play school as it was called then, she picked up so many colds that she ended up with glue ear. In HK she never had a day’s illness but she was not used to UK bugs! Maybe the same sort of thing with your little fellow. Hope and trust all goes well for him!
DeleteJanice. Belated Birthday Wishes. 🎉🎉🎁🎊🍾🍰🍹
ReplyDeleteYour day out sounds brilliant, which you must have enjoyed.
Keep the celebrations going, in whatever shape or form.
You will remember it, 70 yrs young. 😀
At least, I have a few more years, still to go....
....and how quickly they will Miriam 😱
DeleteStasia (2.32pm), liked your description of Heathcliffe - definitely unhinged !! Mind you, Cathy wasn't much better.. a Wild Girl, attracted to the dangerous man, but marrying the drip...I despised her.
ReplyDeleteHope there's better news soon about your great nephew, Miriam. Poor parents, they've had so much worry over the little one.
It's been completely unbearable today, hasn't it ? Phew ! We're away for a couple of nights from tomorrow with son, wife, & some of her family, staying in a very interesting b&b - a listed manor house with lots of history, but the thunder will crash, the rain will fall ! A bit Heathcliffe, actually, & more than a touch of Thomas Hardy as well....
Wow Carolyn sounds as if you are all going to stay at “Ambridge Hall” is Linda opening especially for you 🤔 🤣
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, (storm and an old Manor House ahhhh ghosts and ghouls spring to mind 😱)
You never know, Lady R ! Apparently, Charles11 slept in one of rooms, after attending a family wedding. Maybe we'll have a royal visitor....if so, I'll rebuke him for his debauched way of life !
DeleteEnjoy your break carolyn! (I don't think you would ever rebuke ANYONE for being debauched...😉)
DeleteMoi, a model of rectitude ? Gary, how could you ?!! 😗 (😂)
DeleteAP, cooking dinner last night & tonight, I thought of you sweating ( & swearing perhaps 😚?) on Monday, I think, & what I was preparing involved far less prep. than a roast with all the trimmings !
ReplyDeleteWhen I was doing an online shop yesterday, I checked the ingredients in chocolate products and was shocked to find the larger corporations like Cadbury’s and Nestle were putting palm oil in their products, a cheap substitute for cocoa butter. Rain forests are being cut down to produce it which is not sustainable but apart from that we are being cheated by paying the same or higher prices for an inferior product. Chocolate just doesn’t taste as good nowadays. I found that the more expensive chocolatiers don’t use it so next time I fancy a chocolate treat, I will check the ingredients!
ReplyDeleteNot happy about this info', Ev !😗 I LOVE Cadbury's.....
DeleteArcherphile wondering how your Covid 19 test went today? A hot hot day for your hospital jaunt.
ReplyDeleteOh dear please let this heat end I say!
Well, Lady R, it was a 30 mile round trip right in the middle of the day (thank goodness for a car with air conditioning).
DeleteWent in, was seen immediately, test took less than 2 minutes, then back home again in the searing heat.
Was told ‘no news is good news’ so if I don’t get a phone call, to turn up on Friday morning as planned.
AP, fingers crossed...x
DeleteDitto, AP !
DeleteOh the joys of living in the country!
ReplyDeleteThe upstairs of our cottage is boiling, but I’ve had to close all the windows because, with the lights on, swarms of flying ants are flying in and settling on every surface.
So no fresh air tonight, goodness only knows how we’ll sleep!
But one enjoyable thing is that, it’s now totally dark, but a huge combine harvester is making its way up and down the steep field opposite, with huge floodlights lighting it’s path. The chug, chug, chug and the sweeping lights are fascinating and taking my mind off the flying ants.....a bit!
Flying ants urgggh! We visited our friends today and a combined harvester started up in one of the fields right next to them, I felt I was in TA 🤣 with possible storms to come the farmers are no doubt going like the clappers to get the cutting and collection done ASAP.
DeleteAs you rightly said AP thank goodness for air con in cars if tonight gets unbearable best go out for a ride. I’m sure some people will be doing so in desperation 🥵
A fan might help, Archerfile. We have tower fans which stand on the floor and circulate the air. Our problem is roaming dogs! Firstly Gypsy then Dudley! With Cushing disease she is constantly hungry and looking for food so she has been on the rampage for the last hour. Then Dudley woke, had a drink and a wander but all quiet now! Goodnight!! Hope the test was OK for Friday, AP.
DeleteWuthering heights : Semaphore 🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteKate Bush 😝😝
Poor old David Niven. Had more rewarding roles.
Give me pikelets & butter & golden syrup, curd tart, chicken with black pudding /haggis!
Archerfile, your post on the other blog about not being friends any more. When we lived in Ledbury we were friends with two other couples. The lady next door had a lot of issues. She had had a deprived childhood and ended up being fostered by a well to do family. This gave her insight into how the other half lived but in her case it turned her into an incurable snob who only wanted to move in the upper echelon. Her husband was lovely and put up with this for many years. The other couple were much more down to earth. Over several years we did things together but one day down to earth lady and I decided to go up to the pub for a pie and pint. Not the other lady’s thing and if invited she would have turned it into yet another lunch outing in an exclusive place! She somehow found out our treachery and the next thing was hubby came round saying they didn’t want our friendship any more. I should add she had many times taken out the other lady without inviting me which didn’t bother me at all. I said at the time I had not experienced such a thing since I was about six years old! I don’t want to be your friend anymore was about at that level! It made me determined never to get so involved with neighbours again but we have been so lucky here. They are lovely but we don’t go into each other’s house on a regular basis and have good chats without making it part of our social life. Once bitten, twice shy! I realise though that not everyone has the issues she had but it was so awkward to be next door to them after all that and it is always possible to upset people unintentionally so best to leave well alone when they are so near.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting, but sad, story. Again, as you say, it reminds one of infant school spats, much more common amongst little girls than little boys.
DeleteI can well remember comforting my heartbroken 6 year old because her 2 best friends didn’t want her in their little ‘gang’ anymore.
That just how Robert came over to me last night.
What a sleepless night I had last night. Hot and humid and not very pleasant. Another one tonight apparently.
ReplyDeleteOff to Cambridge today to stay with my sister for a few days. We have decided to create a family bubble. When I used the word (bubble) with my brother, who lives in Germany, he thought it was hilarious. Started making not very funny jokes about soaps and soapy suds.
I’m looking forward to a thunderstorm although they seem to be avoiding Cambridge.
Looking forward to visiting the Fitswilliam.
Carolyn have a great time.
Goodness, the things you find when turning out a cupboard, in this case a high up kitchen cupboard used to store baking items which only Mr A can reach
ReplyDelete1 rusty tin Black Treacle - use by date April 1999
1 large bag wholemeal flour, ground at the mill where they film Repair Shop - use by Jan 2002
1 tin Cadbury’s Cocoa - use by June 2012
1 bag preserving sugar, partially dissolved to a sticky mess and sticking firmly to shelf!
I am now going to use this space for non-comestible items I very rarely use such as jam tart tins, and my collection of dozens of plastic Tupperware containers!
Ooh Archerphile 🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteTruth to tell we’ve all been there and have no doubt thought thank goodness it was ourselves that found the items and not someone (who may for some reason) have been helping out at the time 😱
Ooh Archerphile 🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteTruth to tell we’ve all been there and have no doubt thought thank goodness it was ourselves that found the items and not someone (who may for some reason) have been helping out at the time 😱
Oops the weather is getting to me again!
DeleteTalking about others finding out your dirty secrets, every Tuesday when my cleaner comes I zip around before she arrives, cleaning things up and tidying away. Mike would have been very amused! 😊😉
ReplyDeleteOthers do that too, Ev, some test their cleaners by throwing bits of paper down which don't always disappear. Further to your earlier post, whenever discussing the vagaries of human nature with my sister, we always conclude with, well you know, people...
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