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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteMistral - August 18, 2020 at 12:26 PM
My Favourite Things.....
These are books that have profoundly influenced my thinking and attitudes over the years. They have been more to me than just 'a good read'.
1) Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Graham. I LOVED this book from infant school, we had a lovely teacher, Miss Scott, who left to get married!!!!! She read it to us outside on the grass, I was entranced, and still am, by Ratty's never-ending picnic. I have read it many many times and insisted my children did, but they never enjoyed it as much as I thought they would.
2) Le Grand Meaulnes, Alain-Fournier. I found this at 16/17. Magical. Bought it for my daughter at the same age, she was so bored, didn't finish it. I tried re-rereading it myself, and found it irritating. Will try again now that my life is slower and more relaxed, I might re-gain the magic.
3) Cider with Rosie, Laurie Lee. Senior school, great teacher, Mr. Harrison, introduced so many favourite books. He taught us to enjoy literature, not just focus on exam-passing. Another countryside, idyllic book. I see a theme emerging.
4) The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger. Teenage angst. I totally identified with Holden Caulfield in my late teens, but wished he could get a grip when I was in my fifties....
5) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou. I heard her interviewed by Jenni Murray on Womans Hour when this was first published by Virago Press. I had no knowledge about black Americans at that time, it was a revelation. I loved all her autobiographical books, she was an amazing person.
Favourite meals... I'm really going to cheat here, and offer a summer and winter meal, because I couldn't choose. I left out the fancy stuff, (lobster), and concentrated on food that I love to eat anytime.
Summer:
Olives stuffed with garlic and herbs, mixed bread.
Salmon with buttered,minty new potatoes and a crisp fresh garden salad.
Summer pudding and double cream
Winter:
Smoked mackeral pate, seeded brown buttery toast.
Steak and mushroom puff-pastry pie, with cheesy creamy leeks and thick chunky CHIPS
Bakewell Tart and vanilla custard.
I am now soooo hungry, I am going to have breakfast! (Granola, yoghurt, fresh raspberries)
stasia - August 18, 2020 at 5:45 PM
Mistral. I have read three of your books and had ‘Wind in the willows’ read to me, twice. It is a very English book.
The Salinger was my favourite when younger and Maya Angelou is wonderful. I was never really gripped by Laurie Lee and the Alain-Fournier I shall check out.
I would eat all your starters and main dishes, especially the winter pate with buttery toast, steak and mushroom pie with chips. Much as I would love to eat the desserts I would have to decline.
Then it will salad to remove the weight gain. It would be worth it . Wonderful self indulgence.
Archerphile - August 18, 2020 at 6:21 PM
MISTRAL
I have come onto the blog late and masses of posts have come between your book list being posted and me commenting
So apologies for being late:
Wind in the Willows - bought for me by my Dad when I was very small. He read it to me every night and I adored it. I still have that original edition plus a Beautifully leather bound Folio Society edition. It’s the original one I love most.
Cider with Rosie - loved it, as a book and a radio play. Have all Laurie Lees books and especially love ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’.
Maya Angelou - yes, yes!
You menus: yes please!
I’d enjoy everything on them. In fact I made a Bakewell Tart for our Dessert on Sunday, from a proper Bakewell Pudding recipe - delicious with cream.
So thank you for your selection, I really enjoyed it.
I posted, just as the page changed!
ReplyDeleteSo did I! 7 more eagles have been released on the island. Love Wind in the Willows, so did Katy. Toad a big favourite and the way the others try to keep him on the straight and narrow! Love your food choices, especially the pie!
DeleteI think I made a comment to Archerphile, along the lines of:-
ReplyDeleteHow I enjoyed reading Mistral's choice of books, even though I only knew one.
It is so interesting, reading others favourites, be it films or books.
Well Done Gary G. for the smooth change-over, keeping the topic, still topical.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job, you are doing.
Thanks..👏👏
Thanks to Mistral's wonderful meals, I will be making a steak + ale pie, with mushrooms, with a puff pastry top, this weekend.
ReplyDeleteForget, trying to lose the "Lockdown" weight gain...
In case you didn't see it on the old blog ,I posed a little competition following Mistral's book selections .
ReplyDeleteOne or two people have answered the questions and I thought those of you who haven't seen it might like to try ,so I am repeating it here.
For some reason it won't "copy " but the questions will be the same.
The one with the most correct answers will be able to choose a Charity to which I will send a small donation.
A friend sent me a scratch off bucket list book chart .
There are 100 books, chosen because apparently"they are 100 of the most beautifully written books"
I invite you to say
Which of Mistral's choices "is" or "are " there?
Which Charles Dickens books have been chosen?(2)
Which Bronté sisters book or books are there?
Which Agatha Christie book?
Which Enid Blyton book?
Which of Thomas Hardy's books?
Which book about animals not mentioned earlier?
Which Jane Austin.
Any other or book you think should be there.
Thank you.
Good Luck.
I knew, I recognised this challenge, but it has taken me a while to realise why. It was a list, revealed on a BBC site, called the 100 Best Reads. This was the result of a poll, but I do not know when it was.
DeleteI love your dessert choices Mistral! Wonderful stuff and to heck with the calories.
ReplyDeleteHave never read Catcher and don't know the French one at all. I did read Laurie Lee years ago and can't remember much about it - time to look again. Maya Angelou - yes and same for Wind in the Willows.
Mistral's books
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed to say I haven't read the Salinger book or the Maya
Angelo but have ordered them from the library now.
Surely I must have read "Wind in the Willows " but I cannot recall doing so.
Loved Cider with Rosie.
I have the book.
I think I will have your summer main course with your winter pudding please ,Mistral.
Normality is resuming, as the usual ice-cream van, (for years now), has now re-appeared.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely hearing the traditionsal "chimes" as it arrives. It is doing good trade - which is great.
I still about "Mr Snowy" whenever I hear it. 😢😭
DeleteI had never heard ice cream chimes before, so when a van struck up outside the school in Enfield where I was on teaching practice I was mystified as I didn't know what it was!
ReplyDeleteMistral,
ReplyDeleteMiriam says I am distracting from your book choices by choosing to have a little competition about books - inspired by your choices incidentally .
Had I thought about it before I did my own choices last time that might have been better perhaps
If you are annoyed about what did then I apologise.
It was just meant to be a bit of fun.
Mistral.
ReplyDeleteI’m ashamed to say I haven’t read any of your books. I might have heard cider with Rosie on the radio but not sure.
I could eat all your food except the pie. I don’t care for pastry.
I will have to rectify the book situation.
Ah, it's so nice to get feedback, thanks to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI don't bother with calories, that's why there is so much butter. I rarely have chips though, that's a real treat for me. Glad I have inspired Miriam, quite chuffed about that. Gary, hmmm, Mr. GG's pate might be great, but you've never tried mine!! Archerphile, I made my first Bakewell Tart in March, Mary Berry recipe, it was so good I will be doing it for Christmas, thought it would be difficult but it wasn't. Lanjan, of course not annoyed, my list for your challenge is below, and also, I did watch all of The A word, and enjoyed it, thank you.
Wind in the Willows, Cider with Rosie, Little Dorrit, A Christmas Carol, Jane Eyre, The Body in the Library, Far from the Madding Crowd. Know nothing about Enid Blyton because I've never read anything by her. Sense and Sensibility. Animal book is Ring of Bright Water, Gavin Maxwell, a book I loved so much that I spent part of my honeymoon there. (Sandaig)
Gary, Love the illustration, PICNIC!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Was actually hoping someone would notice that I managed to combine a book AND some food...
DeleteLanjan and other fans, The Railway Children is available on iplayer. Bernard Cribbins, so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am certainly not ashamed of not having read the The Catcher or anything else one is supposed to and don't intend to. At my time of life I'm not going to pretend to be what I'm not.
ReplyDeleteLanjan, answers to you quiz (but there are so many possibilities !)
ReplyDeleteThé Catcher in the Rye
David Copperfield / Tale of Two Cities
Jane Eyre / Wuthering Heights
Evil Under The Sun
Five on a Treasure Island
Far from the Madding Crowd
Ring of Bright Water OR Warhorse
Oh, sorry, Lanjan - forgot my other book(s) that should be on the list - I have 2:
ReplyDeleteIf This is a Man by Primo Levi
The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronovski
Similar titles but very different books. The first is the most important for me.
Mistral - Your choice of books are familiar to me. I have read every one except Fournier's. I'm not sure I can cope with teenage angst right now but may read it in the future.
ReplyDeleteOf the other four I have 'taught' two, Caged Bird and Wind in the Willows. I admit I struggled to make sense in WitW of the chapter 'Piper at the Break of Dawn' and how to put it over to a class of 11 year olds!
Maya Angelou was for GCSE and A level a couple of years later. I did not enjoy it as I do not like depressing books, films or radio dramas! Not 'entertainment' for me. Again personal to me I realise, but I have had, and still have, enough misery in my life, so I nearly always seek escapism to help me cope! 🙂
Salinger- This was on the 'set book' list for GCSE a few years ago so, as I was exam marking that paper, I had to read it first. I struggled with it but, and I remember this distinctly, I gasped aloud as I read a sentence and suddenly it all made sense! It was on the bottom of a right-hand page in the book and can see and feel it so clearly. A true Epiphany!
Cider With Rosie- Not a great fan of Laurie Lee since it was revealed that he had lied about his 'war-time' experiences in the Spanish Civil War and I know that shouldn't detract from the book's merit! However I thought the funniest bit was when he refused to go back to school after his first day. When asked why he complained that the teacher said, when sent into the class by one of his sisters, "Sit there for the present" but he said "She never gave me it!"
Thank you for reminding me of a marvellous epiphany moment!
Lanjan- okay I give in! 😀
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't think your idea for thinking about more books 'detracts' from Mistral. Not enough thinking about Literature in my view, but then I've been teaching it for 30 years!
Of Mistral's choices I would think Wind in the Willows and Catcher are there.
Dickens- A Christmas Carol and my own preference is Great Expectations. I love the latter!
Bronte - I'd happily omit all three sisters' works but I expect Wuthering Heights;
(PtbY - Was that a typo or did you mean 'withering?' From now on that's my title for it! 🤣)
Jane Eyre and possibly Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Christie - Murder on the Orient Express but in my view The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a better who-dun-it!
Blyton- Any Famous Five- which got me reading fluently and avidly at the age of 9/10 years old.
Hardy - Probably Tess is on the list and possibly Far from the Maddening (sic) Crowd as Jon calls it (because he had to 'do' it for GCSE and hated it! Wisden is far more his choice!)
I was going to say Ring of Bright Water as soon as I read the original list. Slight interest in that as the brother of a very early 'boyfriend' of mine in my home village went to be a private secretary to Gavin Maxwell. He may well have been his partner as well but I left the village soon after to get married, and moved to Portsmouth and never found out if the lad came back after Maxwell's death.
I know I should practice what I preach (been asked to mark English Language O levels from Mauritius' schools next June! So will be checking punctuation carefully!) I know I should have put quotation marks around all the titles but difficult as my eyesight is now quite poor so have to have laptop on chest to type. My glasses are not really any good and no point in getting more until steroids are finished and cataracts are removed.
Responding very late, but thanks for your choices, Mistral.
ReplyDeleteOne of them, Catcher in the Rye, gave me pause, because I wondered why I hadn't read it in the past. Odd, given an avid literary curiosity. Think it may have been a prejudice against American writers at the time, but that has long since evaporated, so I will address that gap - before the year is out !
I have read Wind in the Willows & Cider with Rosie ( taught the latter too) & liked both, but not ecstatically.
Haven't read either Le Grand Meaulnes or the Maya Angelou, but tempted by the latter, having read 2 brilliant novels very recently by black women & it would be interesting to compare thinking then ( 80s?) with now.
Wouldn't choose your deserts, Mistral, but the 2 mains, Summer & Winter, would go down a treat 😋
( Will shortly come back to the quiz/competition - great idea, Lanjan !)
Have just heard news from my daughter in law in Canada to say that they have been evacuated because of forest fires where they live in a beautiful part of British Columbia.
ReplyDeleteLocal Hotels are full because it is the tourist season but they have found a hotel not too far away where they have been able to take their pets.
Fortunately they themselves are safe but from the photographs the area is totally consumed by fire.
Phew, thank goodness they are safe, Lanjan, but what a towering disaster, & what an aftermath of recovery, resettling etc. will follow.
DeleteGlad they are safe Lanjan
DeleteBrilliant that all are safe Lanjan.
DeleteI shall post my response to the Quiz later.
Lanjan, that's reassuring news.
DeleteTHE QUIZ.
ReplyDelete'Beautifully written' should be objective, but degrees of subjectivity are bound to creep in....
Which of Mistral's : plumping for Wind in the Willows, as it's such a classic ( could easily be Cider with Rosie, I suppose, but - personal view - I found that over - written)
Dickens : Hard Times & Little Dorrit.
( Leaving out Blyton & Christie, not thinking they write exceptionally so wouldn't include them on any list)
Hardy : The Mayor of Casterbridge
Austen : P & P, I suppose ( but a toss up between that & Persuasion for me)
Bronte : Jane Eyre, &, though I dislike it, can't discount the literary merit, Wuthering Heights.
Animals: Like Basia, would go with Orwell's Animal Farm. ( perhaps a bit of a cheat as it's metaphorical, but nonetheless a masterpiece)
As for a n.other - too many to choose from ! I assume the criteria is a novel written in English originally.
Lanjan, but what is a beautifully written book? Is it an evocative and moving work or is it simply a very well crafted book?
ReplyDelete1. From Mistral's choices: Wind in the Willows
2.A Christmas Carol and Pickwick Papers.
3.Wuthering Heights. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and if I have to Jane Eyre.
4.Death on the Nile.
5.The Faraway Tree.
6. The Woodlanders. Far from the Madding Crowd.
7. The Snow Leopard: Matthiessen.
8.Pride and Prejudice.
9. The Lord of the Rings : Tolkien . Far more creative than most.
Thanks everybody.
ReplyDeleteJust had another email from d in law
She sounded remarkably calm.
I gather they were at work quite a long way away and had to dash back home .
They are in a hotel near the border with the USA .
Son has had to go to work!
From the photographs I don't think the house can possibly survive.
They were going to move but decided they loved the house and area that they would have a new roof and pool instead-which they did!
You feel so helpless don't you when you are so far away?
Grandson due to fly to UK on the 24thAugust to start a new job in London.
The main thing is that they and their pets are safe.
What a worry for you.
DeleteThis shows this different time - as pre Covid - this would have been news, and many would have known about it.
This is the 1st time, I have become aware, of yet another unknown "situation" in Canada.
I wish all well, who have family in different parts of the World, where there are major problems.
Lanjan, you have your grandson's arrival to look forward to but it'll be hard for him to part from his family at such a time.
DeleteLanJan, it must be devastating to lose your house in this way. Presume they are insured but even so it’s losing everything they have put into their home. I’m glad they’re all safe including the pets.
DeleteThat sounds horrifying Lanjan. Thank goodness everyone is safe.
DeleteThe Quiz.
ReplyDeleteI think two of Mistral’s books would be on the list.
The Wind in the Willows.
Catcher in the Rye.
I agree with carolyn and Janice the written word Reflects the imagination of the writer and the interpretation of the reader.
I wouldn’t necessarily read some the books I’m going to mention. Some I’ve started and never finished. Here we go,
Alice’s adventures in wonderland. L Carroll. Love it more as an adult.
Cold Comfort Farm. S Gibbons. Mistral. There’ll be no butter in hell.
The Grapes of Wrath. J Steinbeck. Hardship and poverty.
Woman on the edge of time. M Pierce. This book really impressed me. On one level it gives an insight into madness. I suspect most will have never heard of it.
Persuasion. J Austin. It could be any of her books P&P, Emma.
Sons and lovers. D H Lawrence. Or, Women in love.
David Copperfield, Great Expectations C Dickens . I prefer Bleak House.
Jayne Eyre. Or Wuthering Heights. Either of the Bronte’s
Ulysses. J Joyce. Another book like War and Peace. I don’t think most people have read either from beginning to end.
My subjective list..
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteIf I may politely ask, (as this is medical), how is your new eye doing, and has it made a difference, both to you, Mr. AP and your life-style?
I have read both from beginning to end and that's the end of that.
ReplyDeleteA Woman on the Edge of Time, by Jeremy Gavron, a son of a young gifted mother who took her life.
ie War & Peace and Ulysses.
DeleteTwo books, which I have read, many times are:-
DeleteThe Far Pavillions - M M Kaye
The Lord of The Rings triology - J R R Tolkien.
I too have read War and Peace and Ulysses.
DeleteAlso Ivanhoe which a Scottish friend told me very few finish!!
I gave up on Finnegan’s Wake though!
DeleteI started Finnegan's Wake after it was recommended by my English tutor while doing my PGSE at university and found it so funny but very difficult to read. I never completed it.
DeleteAs I was in hospital in Australia for ten days before having eldest child (toxemia) I took War and Peace in with me. Loved it then but re-read it after BBC serialisation and enjoyed it more knowing how to pronounce all the names!
Like Finnegan's Wake I have read extracts. 😃
'Ulysses - ' should appear at the beginning of last sentence!
DeleteI am angry tonight!
ReplyDeleteA neighbour (not my new ones), parked his car very close to my property, and not on his own drive.
On returning to then move it, he stood and looked/stared, straight into my home where I was sitting, reading a book.
I felt very uneasy, but he might have been just nosey!
I cannot stand it when people park near our house - I get so fractious and twitchy! My neighbour does too and she has actually asked people when they do it if they wouldn't mind moving their car. They always apologise and move immediately...
DeleteMistral, (belatedly), I love your book and food choices and would eat everything except the double cream (well just a little).
ReplyDeleteI studied Le Grand Meaulnes for A level French and loved it. Might try again to see how I get on with it now. Maybe in English.
Stasia I started reading Ulysses on Bloomsday and (this is my third attempt since the 1980s) I am determined to finish it. I am about two thirds through.
LanJan, my suggestions are:
David Copperfield and Great Expectations/Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights (I saw a spoof of this called Withering Looks)
Murder on the Orient Express/Five on a Treasure Island (although I agree with Carolyn)/Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess/Watership Down(Ring of Bright Water a close second but I think you said one)/Emma and Persuasion.
ANO: A Room With a View/To Kill a Mockingbird/The Great Gatsby/ The Railway Children. Winnie the Pooh??
Delighted to report I have landed safely in North Yorkshire and yesterday I visited my mother for the first time since January. Today I spent a lovely day gardening.
And I am delighted to read that you have landed safely and that you have seen your mother!
DeleteGlad to hear your last bit of news, Seasider - I bet you were so delighted to see each other again, after all these months !
DeleteSeasider, brilliant news, you've been planning this reunion for so long.
DeleteI heard some sad news today.
ReplyDeleteRemember I said about my Bro in Law's brother passing away?
This person lived in a Nursing Home (due to the disabilty from the stroke he had) and Covid was in the home, but he didn't have it, supposedly.
Well, he had it, but with no obvious symptoms, as when he was taken into hospital, he had antibodies proving this. He died from post Covid complications - DVD's, Sepsis and Pneuomonia.
That’s so tough Miriam 🙁
DeleteWe'll probably never know how many people have had it (and STILL have it) - I guess sometimes that's just the nature of diseases in many cases.
DeleteSorry to hear your sad news Miriam.
ReplyDeletePleased you are " op north" Seasider and have been able to see your mum.
Thank you quizzers for helping me to keep my mind on other things.
I have been marking your work!
Interesting.
There is still time to participate if you so wish.
Logging in late, so have to catch up on some comments from this afternoon/evening:
ReplyDeleteLanjan - devastating news for your son and his wife. I can think of nothing worse than fire, so destructive and frightening. And yes, it’s awful to feel helpless when you are so far away and can do nothing to help. I hope you get more reassuring news from them soon.
Seasider - delighted to hear you have met up with your mother after such a long separation - that must have been some reunion!
Miriam - thank you for your interest, I dont mind updating you about my eye (those not wanting medical posts please pass on by). It’s only been 4 days since the new lens was fitted so it’s not changed our life-style much yet! But I am absolutely amazed that I have perfect, clear vision with that eye now and am seeing little things I haven’t seen (and didn’t realise I wasn’t seeing) for years.
In fact it is almost too good, because I am finding evidence of poor housework everywhere! I have not been out and about yet so not sure how it will affect driving, but I’m shopping in Sainsburys tomorrow and can’t wait to find out how much difference 20/20 vision in one eye will make. I should actually be able to read notices and prices around the store.
Best thing is I can now watch TV, then look down at my knitting without having to flap glasses up and down as the ‘done ‘eye is perfect for TV and the other one perfect for close work.
Thé 8 lots of eyedrops a day are a bit of a pain , and they sting, but are essential for 3 weeks to prevent infection.
I just never realised how bad my eyesight had got, or that, what I thought was simply the need for stronger glasses, was being caused by cataracts, and that they were causing me to see the world through ‘dark brown sunglasses’. The operation was unpleasant, but so very worthwhile!
Seasider....glad to hear you are up north. Just to let you know that penny Clare cafe is open and all very covid safe if you fancy taking your mum for a cuppa. Best to give them a ring though and book as they get busy. Number on t’internet.
ReplyDeleteI had the best ever cheese and chutney toasted sandwich there a couple of weeks ago.
Stasia - no butter in hell. In that case, I'll choose the other option....
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to P tbY.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day ..
Enjoy some cake and cocktails.
PtbY - is it your birthday today.? Many many happy returns. 😘
ReplyDeleteI hope are doing something lovely to celebrate, an outing, special meal or whatever you would most like. Enjoy your special day.
HB to PtbY!
ReplyDeleteMany Happy Returns PtbY. And many more!
ReplyDeleteLanJan, thinking of you and hoping for better news for your family soon.
ReplyDeletePtbY Happy Birthday 🥳
Wondering from Gary’s comments if it’s a big one, but not asking you to spill the beans! Have a lovely day🎂🎉.
Thanks for the tip about Penny Clare. Haven’t ventured into a cafe yet but I know Mum would say yes if asked.
Delete🎉🎂🥂ptby, happy birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteSeasider.....no it’s not a special one. Im just a prime number today!!
ReplyDeleteSo far a lazy morning in bed, opening cards and pressies. I’m going with the flow with what the day brings.
I’ll let you all know later....if I’m sober.
Three cheers and have a relaxed and very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 🥂🎊clink, clink.
DeleteSeasider. Enjoy your time in the north with your mother.
ReplyDeletePtbY Happy happy birthday and hope it is the beginning of a year full of happy adventures.🎉🎂🎁
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday PtbY - cheers !😋🎉🎶 ( alas, haven't got an emoji for a glass of bubbly...)
ReplyDeletePtbY I hope you are having a Brilliant Birthday and are celebrating "in style"
ReplyDelete🎂🥂🍹🍸🎊🎉
Forgot - 🍾🍾 and 🍦
DeleteWhat a lovely sunny and hot day - apart from the very strong breeze. I managed to mow the lawns, but
ReplyDeletethe back was awful as it was too long and too wet, so the mower kept getting clogged up! It is now only just drying out - but the washing, well that is dry!
M
Just got the appt. for my second eye op on 10th September, so need to ‘gird my loins’, as it were!
ReplyDeleteDriving to Sainsburys and doing the weekly shop this morning was brilliant. Didn’t need glasses to drive and didn’t have to fiddle around changing driving glasses for shopping glasses in the store either! Could see everything perfectly. Freedom from specs at last!
Isn't it a wonderful experience.
DeleteI know after I had my cataract ops, I went on + on + on - about my new vision...but it was the amazing difference.
September 10th - is not long, and just remember that next time, you will know what will happen and what the outcome will be. I am sure you will feel very differently then.
I was so frustrated, as I had 6 months before my 1st + 2nd. In hindsight, I wish I had gone privately, which I could have financed, but...
I still have reading glasses, but I am used to these, so this is no problem. I also have "driving" glasses, to tweak my very long distance - which I always use. Without them, I am still well over the DVLA guidelines for driving.
DeleteWhat still surprises me, is getting up in the morning, or in the night, (be it a loo trip or just can't sleep), and seeing perfectly.
DeleteSo I’m back home after a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteIt’s on your birthday that you realise just how many lovely friends you’ve got!
Rather sore after acupuncture and massage but I’m sure that’ll ease.
Back to town for an early prosecco and a couple of cocktails with husband and best mate. Home on the bus.
Now awaiting husband to hunter gather me some bread and cheese for tea to go with the bottle of prosecco he’s bought me.
All in all, a bloody good day. Xx
Sounds Wonderful
Delete....and the night is still young. 😉
DeleteBelated Happy 🎂 ptby 🎈 trust you have enjoyed your day thus far,
ReplyDeleteLanjan appalled to hear that your son & d-i-l have lost their lovely home, but much relieved to know they are safe and well 🙏🏼 what a year this week is ☹️
Omit week (above) 😳
DeleteThanks Lady R .
ReplyDeleteI don't know yet in what state their home is.
Neither do they.
I do know(from google) that one of the houses in their road has been destroyed.
The temperature has been- or maybe still is -40 degrees.
The hottest I have endured was 42 in Turkmenistan! Water there is more expensive than petrol! Luckily I got used to a rattly air con unit going all night in the master bedroom which was vacated for me in the home of eldest son's in-laws!
DeleteThe first sentence of Lonely Planet guide to Turkmenistan was "Don't go in August." Son's Wedding Day ? August 4th!
Wow 40c I can only manage (by choice) 23c. I will keep 🤞🏼 for as good an outcome as possible for them.
ReplyDelete36C was insufferable here recently! We once had a night in Las Vegas where it was 40C but the hotels and transport had aircon. In New Orleans the aircon on the streetcars is pull your window down! The driver has to get out to manually change the points so that he can go the way he wants. I loved it there, it is so off the planet! Las Vegas was an experience but I wouldn’t want to go back.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Archerphile to you and your eye!
ReplyDeleteThank you very kindly Basia. Not sure how I feel about bring three -quarters of a Century old! Was expecting to have a lovely family barbecue celebration in the garden, including the Dubai contingent and the North Wales lot, but Covid put a spanner in the works. 😢
DeleteProbably just celebrate with fish and chips which Mr A will have to drive to Basingstoke to fetch tonight - but that will be a very rare treat, 😋
Happy birthday dear Archerphile, happy birthday to you. 👏🎊🥳 and may you have many more.
DeleteSmile and have a wonderful day.😊
Happy birthday Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteRe your second sentence.....
It sure beats the alternative!
Much too windy for a barbecue anyway.
Fish and chips sounds super.
Happy birthday to another Leo. 🦁 With the change in the weather fish and chips sounds just right. 🎂 🍟 🐟 🎉
ReplyDeleteA very Happy Birthday 🥳 to you Archerphile 🎉. Enjoy your special day with your renewed vision. Those fish and chips will look even better than they taste. Sorry your family can’t join you but the others are right, you wouldn’t get the barbecue lit today and imagine chasing everything around the garden in the wind💨
ReplyDeleteMmm, fish and chips...I haven’t eaten out or had a takeaway since March, and all week I have been smelling the fish and chips from the village take away up the road. Next week when Mr S arrives I will indulge 😋
REALLY looking forward to the f&cs Seasider. Because it’s a 15 mile round trip to get them, and they are often cold by the time they reach home, we have them very, very rarely. So husband is going to take an insulated box tonight to keep them warm. My mouth is watering already (and I shall have a pickled egg too!)
DeleteArcherphile 🥳 “ HAPPY BIRTHDAY” 🎉 🎂 🍷 !🥰 Don’t get blown away some wind out there.
ReplyDeleteYour new 👁 is a week old today 👏🏻
Thank you, thank you so much everyone!
ReplyDeleteYes a barbecue would have been ridiculous today, good old British weather!
But then everyones celebrations have been cancelled this year, so why should I be any different?
It would have been lovely to get together with family but at least there is Zoom, for which I am very grateful. Just had an hour long session with Dubai which was wonderful. The grandsons had painted a card, had balloons & threw streamers, just like a real party!
2021 is going to be the new 2020 and I’m looking (👀) forward to it very much! 😃
Happy Birthday Archerphile. Enjoy your day. How lovely to be looking forward to the future so positively!
ReplyDeleteYou could go with Mr A ,Archerphile and get your fish and chips and find somewhere on the way home to park and eat them in the car.
ReplyDeleteChips taste so much better that way.
Not quite as good as if they were wrapped in newspaper but......
Many times I have watched cricket at Hove and after the day's play we have been to what was an excellent chippy (changed hands since then) ,taken them back to the car or sat on the front to eat them.
Talking of sitting on the front........
We once did that at Whitby (chips from The Magpie)
I took a photo of Mr LJ eating them and in the background a van went past with Help the Aged on the side!
When we were married we had photos taken outside the church where we had had a blessing. On one side there was a road sign which said “Give Way” - a very apt phrase for us! Both as stubborn as mules!!😉 Another time we were on a long journey and I was getting peckish so sent up a little prayer for a sandwich. Just at the same time we were overtaken by a “Sunblest” Van!
DeleteLate coming to the blog today.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Archerphile 🎉🍰
How did I not know that your birthday is the day after mine?
Fish and Chips sound great. Quite fancy some myself now, thinking about it.
I agree with Lanjan, go with Mr AP to get them and eat them in the car....not forgetting to take your own proper fork. They never taste right if you eat them at home now they are not in newspaper I think.
Have a lovely rest of the day, despite the weather. x
Happy Birthday Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteSadly, you are not alone, in missing a "Do", is this strange time, but it is known why and understandable. Many future do's will also, have to be cancelled this year, but at least we are still here to tell all about these.
You sadly, missed the cruise, to celebrate your Golden Wedding Anniversary, but the compensation is, 2 new eyes.
You will remember 2020, for so many different ways 👀
Lanjan.
ReplyDeleteI thought your son + d-i-law, were living in Canada?
Have I missed something, or are there fires in Canada, as well.
It must be a massive worry.
Take Care.
That's my evening meal decided, Fish 'n Chips, but from the freezer! These will be nothing like those, from a proper Chippy!
ReplyDeleteThe big decision is - Baked Beans or tinned Plum Tomatoes?
At least, there will be very little washing-up.
The wind and rain, have now eased, but not yet gone.
Baked beans with a little smoked paprika added 🤗
DeleteI have decided - tinned plum tomatoes, with chilli + basil, added in, plus some chestnut mushrooms, which need eating up.
DeleteIt might just work.
Miriam, mushy peas with your fish n chips!
DeleteHappy Birthday AP! 🎂🍷🎉🎁
ReplyDeleteI can't bear "pickled eggs". I recall a holiday (10 of us in a rented "cottage" which was a converted school house) after a very late night. We ended up, in a village pub for lunch, the day after. On the bar was a jar of "pickled eggs", which just looked like eyes, to me. Every-one, had to have one - I only took one nibble...yuk....😵😲
ReplyDeleteThey are a real treat for me Miriam, but then I love anything doused in vinegar!
DeleteI will take up LanJans suggestion and go with Mr A to fetch the F & C’s. In fact it means we can drive to the other side of Basingstoke where there is a very superior F&C place. We don’t use it normally because it’s too far to fetch a takeaway, but they are well known for having the best F&C’s for miles round.
Then we’ll find somewhere with a lovely view and indulge. I’ll take a bottle of vinegar with me as I like to put it on at the last minute so the batter doesn’t go soggy!
Thanks for the good suggestion LJ 😋
I hope you can do what I did last night. It was not, cadooling on the back seat of a car!
DeleteIt was outside, (at 12.30am, as I couldn't sleep) sitting and just looking at the so many, twinkling stars, without any visual aids. Magic!
Oh yes, Miriam, my garden in the stillness after midnight is a truly magical place.
ReplyDeleteIt is a haven, and one I enjoy.
DeleteBeing a natural owl I totally agree re the total peace after midnight. So glad you are now able to enjoy your garden without your 😡 waring neighbours!
DeleteI've just caught up with the last two days of the blog.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY to another two LEOS
PTBY and ARCHERPHILE
Reading Archerphiles post about F&C I too thought immediately that to go with Mr AP and eat them in the car was the best option.
So, therefore, pleased that your taking up LJs suggestion.
Enjoy ! ( with extra vinegar )
PS - Archerphile
ReplyDeleteYou could also take two plates, heated in your insulated box/bag, along with a tray or two small trays for your laps, plus servietts / napkins, cutlery etc, and do it in style !
No plates .
DeleteI wouldn't even bother with a fork for the chips though maybe for the fish.....not even sure about that!
Bit of kitchen towel perhaps.
No napkins .
Plenty of salt and vinegar.
Now what I would love would be a proper chip butty..
It has got to be three right sort of white bread though-with butter.
Very healthy meal.
I’m drooling Lanjan 😋
DeleteThank you Miriam .
ReplyDeleteIn reply to your post.
The forest fires are in Canada.
My son's house is in a lane on the side of a mountain overlooking a lake in a beautiful part of British Columbia .
The three hundred properties which have been affected are in that small area.
If you or anyone else is interested it is at a place called Heritage Hills .
I just googled Forest fires in Heritage Hills.
Son phoned to say that I shouldn't worry because they are safe .
They have managed to find a hotel which will take the dog and cat -not nearby because local hotels are full of holiday makers in spite of Covid.
It was ironic because only the day before, he sent photos of them having a barbecue in their lovely garden with a fabulous view of the lake below.
He was cooking salmon which had been given to him.
As long as they are safe though th at is the main thing.
It IS the main thing, of course it is, Lanjan, but hope very much their lovely home is still there, or, at least, only minimally damaged. All the best !
DeleteHey, AP, just before it comes to a close, here's another Birthday Greeting ! I hope you rounded off a good day with delicious, superior fish & chips, sitting in your car looking out at a lovely view....
ReplyDeleteHave never been tempted to try pickled eggs. BTW I am another Leo as my birthday was on the 8th.
ReplyDeleteI tried one once and was so disgusted that I immediately had to spit it into the gutter.
DeleteSo...... BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ANNIEVEGGIE too
ReplyDeleteI second that Anneveggie 🎂 🎈
DeleteAnd I third it! 🎂🎁🎉🦁
DeleteFourthed!
DeleteYes Anneveggie - from one Leo (but only just, on the cusp) to another, happy birthday for the 8th, a bit belated!
ReplyDeleteI hope whoever keeps a log of all the birthdays on here makes a note!
There do seem to be a lot of us Leo’s!
🎂 I’m trying to AP! Yes Leo’s certainly prolific both here and in my own life 🤗
DeleteWell, it was all a huge con!
ReplyDeleteNo fish and chips eaten in car, or elsewhere.
Completely unknown or expected by me, Mr A and our next door neighbours had arranged a fantastic barbecue up in their big pavilion last night. The inside was decorated with streamers & fairy lights, there was masses of lovely good & wine and it was a very convivial evening.
Mr A was so disappointed family couldn’t come, he arranged all of this with next door as a lovely surprise.
Much as I dislike being looked down on by this pavilion, I have to admit that last night it was the perfect venue for such an event. Enclosed from wind or rain, heated and cosy.
It was a lovely, unexpected event.
And today I am being taken for a whole day cruise along the Kennet &Avon Canal on our daughter’s narrow boat, with picnic lunch organised by Rosie. (It was supposed to be yesterday, apparently, but postponed because of weather - so there had been juggling behind the scenes to swop the two events over.......little did I know what was going on!!)
Belated birthday greetings Anneveggie. 💐🍰🍾
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Archerphile. Does this make up for Mr AP’s suggestion of a trip to the disability shop? Sorry, still laughing about this.
Enjoy your cruise today. Nothing like making your birthday last a few days.
Although I am not a fan of being surprised myself, I love hearing of other people’s surprises. It does show how much others care and want to show you that.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your canal trip, at this moment it is raining in my corner of Hampshire, despite the BBC weather saying suns
I too dislike surprises and cancelled my birthdays a long time ago. All the same, we had a surprise birthday party for my sister, organised by her sons and it was a very memorable occasion.
DeleteHave lots of fun Archerphile!
Anneveggie, you hit the jackpot: 8/8!
Anneveggie. Happy birthday or the 8th.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile. Enjoy the river ride. At least the wind has calmed down. No choppy waters for you.
Archerphile, I think your surprise birthday treat last night trumped the fish and chips.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful evening and how lovely for all concerned to care for you in such a way. Then followed by today's canal trip.
Lucky lady !
Archerphile, how lovely, I am another who doesn’t really like surprises but this sounds wonderful! I would still put the fish and chips trip on the reserve list 😋
ReplyDeleteAnneveggie, belated birthday greetings from me as well. I hope you had some treats to enjoy💐.
Well knock me down with a feather Archerphile! What a turn up for your 🎂 Mr A, family & neighbours were certainly all working furtively behind the scenes and were sure you would be delighted 🤗
ReplyDeleteI’m with KP re surprise’s myself but thrilled to read of yours (well deserved too after all your medical trials of the last few months) Your boat trip sounds idyllic 🥳 🍷🎉
Well I am with some of the others in preferring not to be surprised but since you like them Archerphile I am glad that you had what you had a lovely time.
ReplyDeleteNow one of you will be surprised.
I will announce the winner of the quiz-after telling you the answers.
1) There were 3books in Mistral's list
Wind in the Willows
Cider with Rosie
Catcher in the Rye
2) Two Dickens books-Tale of two Cities and Great Expectations.
3) Brontë books of course Jane Eyre and Withering (sic) Heights.
4) Enid Blyton-clever bloggers who said "The Enchanted Wood"
(I allowed Magic Faraway Tree" )
5) Agatha Christie "Murder on the Orient Express"
6)Hardy "Tess of the D'Urberbvilles"
7) Animals?
Animal Farm or Watership Down.
8) Jane Austin -of course Pride and Predudice
You could have had all sorts for the final choice including
The Help,Goodbye Mr Tom,Notes from a small Island ,The Kite Runner or one of P tb Y s favourites ,Hamlet!
and the winner is................
.Basia.
Well done
Please let me know to whom the donation should be sent.
Congrats Basia.
ReplyDeleteWas a bit of fun.
I love a good mystery ..always have. I graduated from The Magic Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair to the Secret Seven and the Five Findouters..all of course by Enid Blyton. As I outgrew them I went on to the Nancy Drew Mysteries by Caroline Keene.
ReplyDeleteI distinctly remember my first Agatha Christie..10 little Indians when I was 13 on holiday in Southport (absolutely riveting ). I think it has been renamed as " and then there were none". In my school library I took out the ABC Murders..loved it. I suppose they're all a bit dated now with all the technology and scientific resources they have nowadays....but I loved the old "whodunnits".
My 9yr grand niece, bought a Nancy Drew book, in a charity shop recently, and is now hooked!
DeleteLanjan and others, my heart rate has increased.
ReplyDeleteLanjan, I'll let you choose since I don't remember who you donate to.
Congratulations are to you for going through the answers, but as you said it takes your mind off.
But, I put nothing in the free choice category, not a grave error.
BUT I put a question mark in place of Enid Blyton because she was not a part of my childhood.
So, it should go to the runner up.
Well Done!
DeleteI was sure David Copperfield, would have been included.
It just shows different tastes to Charles Dickens.
I agree with others, in that I hate a surprise. I need to know what is planned, so that I can dress accordingly (and make sure hair is washed) - but that's me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Archerphile's surprise, is one I would have appreciated and enjoyed. How clever Mr AP was, in managing to hide this and still shuffle things around, due to the weather.
Mind you - Fish 'n Chips, in a car whilst looking at a view, still sounds very enticing. 😀
..and romantic 😙😙
DeleteBless all of you for my birthday wishes - you've made my day!! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteNow I need to look at the quiz answers as I never seemed to see the post setting it.
I missed your birthday also. So Happy Birthday, though very belated.
DeleteHow did you spend your special day?
Mine is next month, but not saying when!
DeleteI have a visit, to Chester Zoo booked in, for that day.
To make sure that I could go then, I have paid the normal gate price. As a member, who can usually visit free, I couldn't risk, waiting to get a members place on My day which I so want. In my thoughts, paying the normal gate price, is another donation, which is still so needed.
DeleteI’m pretty sure I recall the date Miriam. Mentioned when pension news was discussed.
DeleteWe shall see 🤗
Thank you Miriam. I had a nice quiet day with family.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny to remember that when I was 16 I thought being 21 was old!!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 Quite!
DeleteWhy do things always happen at the weekend?
ReplyDeleteI need a trip to my opticians on Monday. This nothing to do with my vision, but I have lost a screw! This is not unusual 😂
My, expensive, prescription reading glasses, though still wearable, have a loose side piece, as a screw is now missing. These are now quite wonky, so I have reverted to wearing another pair, which were bought a few years ago (from a supermarket) as I don't want to damage my "Besties".
That's me for today. I am off to cook a roast chicken, which is a Jamie Oliver style. Butter, crushed garlic, with lemon rind + torn fresh basil, all mixed together, and put in between the skin + flesh of the chicken. The cavity is filled with, fresh basil, lemon and garlic. It is delicious, with a light gravy + roast pots. and veg. Tonight these are, carrots, brocolli, home grown runner beans (from Big Sis) plus savoy cabbage.
DeleteI will enjoy.
You are a tease Miriam to the likes of me (and I think Lanjan 🤔) we really should be your neighbours, we could then employ you 🤣
DeleteI’ve had half a Lidl pizza Miriam!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood for you,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for going to so much effort.
I would never do that I am afraid..
I have a husband who believe it or not will not eat salads .
This evening though In MY salad were home grown tomatoes ,home grown new potatoes (boiled with home grown mint) and home grown rocket.
The raspberries were home grown too
However I am not averse to a bought pizza -usually from Iceland -so will get one when I next go to Lidl 's.
If I don't like it I will know who to blame!
I'm reading "Footnotes" - A Journey Round Britain in the Company of Great Writers and the first chapter is about Enid Blyton, I've heard of her of course but will not read her books now.
ReplyDeleteBasia, two people tied for second place.
ReplyDeleteYou won fairly and squarely.
If you really can't choose a Charity then I have a suggestion.
There is something called "52 lives."
You can check it out.
Each week of the year a person or family is nominated who is in need of some money for a variety of reasons..
All the money goes to the person or family who has been nominated..
This week the money raised went towards buying a monitor for a sixteen year old boy who suffered a brain seizure .This will give him more independence .
It was just a bit of fun .
Thank you to those who took part.
.
I am pleased you had an enjoyable birthday, Anneveggie
ReplyDeleteI have never done anything special on any of my milestone birthdays .
My 21st was on a Monday I think so I was working.
I had not long since moved down to the midlands where I had a new teaching job.
I remember my 50th was spent on a day out in York
On my 60 th we drove down south from Cheshire and stopped off at friends in Buckinghamshire for a meal before driving home.
The night before my 70th I was up for most of the night with a bad cough.
Can't remember the others.
My one criterion for my birthday is that I will not do any cooking or housework.
I do like opening cards in bed as well with the odd present.
I was interested to see that you went on a "riveting" holiday to Southport when you were 13 ,Autumnleaves.
ReplyDeleteWe were supposed to go on holiday there when I was 8 years old but then my sister got whooping cough so we couldn't go.
However I made up for it later.
I lived there for nearly 40 years.
I taught someone whose family couldn't afford an expensive holiday and so they didn't go away but pretended that they were on holiday in Southport .
They went out somewhere each day, are out or took a picnic.
A final report on the Archerphile birthday shenanigans - the canal trip was lovely. Met the family on the boat (called ‘Charity’) at Newbury and cruised west, almost as far as Hungerford. Through several very old and rickety locks and moored for lunch on a lovely peaceful stretch of canal. It was beautifully sunny all day, only a sprinkle of rain once or twice, with a chilly breeze, but nice enough to sit out on the bow end all day. Rosie had arranged a jolly good picnic lunch and, we saw a kingfisher whilst we were moored, a real treat. Another great surprise, was a birthday cake at teatime with a 75 Candle on it. I hadn’t expected that!
ReplyDeleteI feel very fortunate to have such a lovely family who had arranged this very special day for me .....and not a single mention of ‘disabled living shops’ ! 😂
P.S. when we finally arrived home there was a parcel, courtesy of Amazon on the door step. It turned out to be some very posh and beautiful bath goodies sent from son + family in Dubai - because, as it said on the gift card, ‘ now you can use the bath again, you might need them ‘.
Bless them! 🛀🏼
You have a very thoughtful family Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely 75th birthday you've had.
Like LJ I've celebrated very few milestone birthdays. And have had even fewer birthday parties.
I only remember my sisters first birthday party and the street party at the end of the war.
I did have a few friends for my 21st but then had a breakdown a week later.
I did a party for myself at sixty.
I think on my 40 th I was taken up in a light aircraft for a trip from Biggin Hill.
But because my birthday was almost always in the Easter holidays and therefore not at school, I have made it a habit to always book my birthday as a day off, so that I can spend MY DAY as I wish. And I like going to the zoo.
Miriam - I would have described you as a Virgo, and I think you must be ?
OK Lanjan, "52 lives" it is and I accept the prize. Strange that it should go to someone like me.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I'm very pleased that you had two or even 3 birthday celebrations for the price of one.
Basia. Congratulations. 👩🎓.👏🥇📚
DeleteWonderful birthday, especially the canal trip, AP - I've been enjoying the 2-hour one on BBC 4, courtesy of i-player, and never tire of it. I love surprises, of which there seem to be very few, but this week really delivered. A phone call on Wed afternoon from the glass company to say they had an unexpected gap in their schedule on Thursday and would it be possible for them to install my new front door and side panels at such short notice? You bet it would! No more stuffy old curtain to keep the draught out, no more net curtains on the scruffy casement windows (same reason), no more slimy invaders getting in through the cracked panels to leave shiny trails on my carpet tiles.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mention it before because I didn't want to rain on her gloriously unexpected parade, but Mr S died on AP's birthday, so that was my first day behind my brand new front door. I spent the morning like Eeyore's burst balloon in the empty jar, 'going in and out like anything'. Then my dressing came off so next was a dash to an emergency appointment to get a fresh one put on!
I like the Eeyore analogy, Sarnia - can imagine your relief & delight !
DeleteA synchronicity of life - a sad anniversary tied to a a new beginning symbolised by the new door....
So sorry Sarnia for glorying in my birthday on such a sad anniversary for you. I didn’t realise it was the same day. How strange.
DeleteBut I’m delighted to hear you will no longer get silver trails on your carpet.
I found some on our dark wine coloured hall carpet the other day and couldn’t understand where they came from.
Later on Mr A yelped when putting his gardening boots on....and there was the little culprit inside the boot! He must have brought it in from the garden the day before and it had had a wander around during the night! 🐌
Not at all AP, that's why I didn't want to mention it before - I was glorying with you, just didn't feel able to say so. And it wasn't a sad day, it's now been a whole year since he was relieved of his suffering, which I wouldn't have wanted prolonged for another second. As Carolyn says, a new beginning.
DeleteWell done, Basia - you hit the mark with the quiz !
ReplyDeleteStrikes me the correct choices were based on the generally popular in most cases, rather than intrisic literary merit ( or 'beautifully written' as they said) I can go along with P & P & the Bronte winners, but am disappointed with both the Hardy & Dickens winners. Also note that all of those novels, including Bronte & Austen, have had far more exposure in film & TV adaptations.
Sarnia - You must have had a very strange day with your very many emotions + memories. It is not easy - I know! 🤗
ReplyDeleteA new front door doesn't compensate in the slightest, but it will benefit you, as you go forward.
It is just a case of adapting, in the best way possible. We all do it in so many different ways.
Thank-you, for feeling able to post, as you bravely did. 😍
PS How are you, after another hospital visit?
DeleteOh, the nurse has finally twigged that waterproof dressings won't stay on my Southern European skin and this time I have a piece of lint covered with a plaster containing some kind of medical superglue! Wonderful - I can change bedding and heave hose and watering can about without fearing for the faint, tell-tale ripping sound that means I'm coming un-put again. I left her worrying about what will happen when she tries to take it off on Thursday, but I said we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. All I care about is that it stays where it is until then, as there are no more appointments available in either of the two surgeries left open.
Delete...and please, Miriam, not brave at all, just telling it like it is. Aug 21st was the anniversary of Mr S's release from suffering - exactly the day to celebrate with a new door, except that it came as a complete surprise, right out of the blue, as they say - nothing to do with me at all, just the installation company moving in a mysterious way!
Delete
ReplyDeleteBasia ,
This is where your prize is going.
This week, we’d like to do something kind for 70 young people from Yorkshire who are at risk of homelessness.
Some of them have recently been homeless, and some are at risk of becoming homeless, for all sorts of reasons. Most have had problems at home and their relationship with their family has broken down, causing them to leave in a rush.
They have all been helped by a homeless charity’s ‘prevention service’ to secure a place to stay, but they have very few - or sometimes no - belongings.
The charity workers helping these young people asked if we could help provide one of the crucial things these young people need – bedding. With your help, we’d like to provide each of these young people with a bundle of new bedding, with a kind message tucked inside.
That sounds a lovely thing to do.
Delete