parsley16 - November 10, 2020 at 10:48 AM I love autumn, cosying up by the fire... As long as the days are bright & crisp 🍁🍂🌞
Lady R - November 10, 2020 at 12:37 PM ✔️✔️✔️ 🤗
GaryGilday - November 10, 2020 at 12:47 PM Me too parsley, but I DO actually like the dark days. I even like the rain. And the snow when we are lucky enough to get some!
Hilary - November 10, 2020 at 12:58 PM So do I, Gary! Even the fog - as long as I don't have to drive anywhere!
Soz - November 10, 2020 at 1:26 PM The colours of autumn I’ve always loved but I’m married to a dairy farmer and work in the Winter is much more physically demanding. We try to keep the cows out at grass for as long as possible and the shortened daylight hours make it difficult to get them out in daylight. My husband hates the winter and working in the wet and the mud : I can see why. So we both look forward to being the spring side of Christmas when the days start to lengthen. Snowdrops, hellebores and the very early daffs are welcome sights.
Sarnia - November 10, 2020 at 1:27 PM (entry at 10.47am) Miriam, I believe there are various levels of SAD. I have a fairly strong version, which means I don't produce anything like enough serotonin and therefore need a lot more light than most people. I have medication for it, but it's difficult to get the strength right. I think mine really needs increasing in winter, as I still sleep a lot and am always hungry, a sign that my constitution wants to hibernate. My daughter in NZ has the full-blown version, which means she doesn't produce any serotonin at all. We both have a UtopiaLight which she found on the internet. It is small and portable with white light, but I would need to sit with it long enough several times on a dark day to have much effect. The old one, which has yellow light, was much more effective, but it's huge, very cumbersome and gobbles up the power. The UK summer just isn't bright enough, so my condition greatly improved once we started our annual fortnight in Greece, but that hasn't happened since 2018. As next year is also looking doubtful, each winter is more of a struggle, especially in lockdown. I need the light reflected off the sea!
Basia - November 10, 2020 at 1:45 PM Winter rain and snow are not welcome because I'm afraid to slip and fall, frost and sunshine, no problem, I just add an extra layer.
I actually love snow - well provided I don't need to go out. I love seeing it gently, and silently falling, to see a virgin white blanket over everything. Mind you, I hated it, when I had to drive into Wales for work!
I went back into my original Lockdown shopping mode today. The weekly meal plan was written, so then the shopping list done to reflect this. I was there for 8.30am,and saw a familiar lady, doing the same as me, as in Lockdown1. We acknowleged each other. Though our smiles could not be seen. 😷, we both did and we knew it.
What a wonderful video of an artist at work. Unfortunately my browser wouldn’t let me view it full screen so I was unable to see the finer details. But the finished picture is stunning, how I’d love to stroll down that lane! Thank you Gary.
Basia, 1.40pm: Yes, the Ivrea orange battle still takes place each year. My son went at least once when he was a student and had a great slimy, sloppy, boisterous time!
What a wonderful painting! Funnily enough I will be doing an autumn scene on Thursday in my zoom session in watercolour. I think this painting was in oils or maybe acrylics and the techniques he used were fascinating. I nearly forgot I was cooking supper in between watching!
The book I’m reading mentioned a painting by Edward Hopper allied Automat. It pictures a young girl alone in a cafe at night with a cup of coffee. As it says in the book she is self contained although alone and you wonder where she came from and where she’s going. Some years ago I went to a Hopper exhibition and have been hooked ever since not really knowing what draws me to his paintings but I think maybe it is the narrative around the characters he depicts. I was looking through the catalogue I bought at the time and there is one just depicting the sunlight in an empty room probably mid morning and even there you wonder about the person who lives there and where they are. Maybe in a humdrum job somewhere in the city. Hopper like the Impressionists gives us a great view of their world and I love it!
I am ashamed! I only just realised that today is the 11th November, Armistice day. When I mentioned remembering my Mum on Sunday, I had forgotten it was only the 8th. It was on 11/11/75 that she died, so 45 years ago today, not on Sunday!
I remember my Dad telling me that, years ago, Remembrance Day always used to be celebrated on the 11th, whatever the day of the week that fell on. When he was working up in London, traffic would stop and people would stand still on the streets at 11.00 I don’t know when the official commemoration was moved to the nearest Sunday instead of the 11th. A matter of convenience I suppose.
I read of a fight breaking out in a branch of Tesco on Sunday because a woman asked another customer to stop talking during the minute’s silence. It was in the egg aisle and eggs were broken all over the place. The accused woman’s daughter said her Mum had been ‘disrespected’ and could talk if she wanted to. I know whose side I am on! And I know who I think was doing the ‘disrespecting’.
Mr R’s dad’s anniversary is also today Archerphile (31yrs 11/11) his birthday was the 11/9 now another very memorable date for very sad reasons, always have to stop briefly and think which anniversary it is with both being the 11th! Respect and deep thanks to all we are remembering today 🌹
Sarnia/Miriam - MrGG uses a "LitePod", which is about 16" high and doesn't consume much electricity. I think I've mentioned before that I notice the difference when he doesn't use it.
I too have a form of SAD, but it kicks in in late spring/early summer. The lengthening of the days doesn't seem to suit me at all.
Oh Gary I now do not feel so alone as I am with you on this one. We are more unusual but it is a condition. When I googled it I didn’t expect it to be the case. So I always feel for the people like Miriam and others right now as it is our feeling in reverse.
Armistice Service on tv now Charles and Camilla attending - in masks!
I was washing the kitchen floor, listenening to the radio, when 11.00am came. I stopped and stood up, and Rembered the sacrifice of so many. I then carried on. On finishing, I lifted up the bowl, full of dirty water, to discard. This bowl had a small crack on the rim, which then gave way. All the dirty water, ended up all over the floor, I had just cleaned. Luckily I had towels in the wash machine, ready for washing. These soaked up the majority of my mess. The bowl is still usuable, as it is only the rim that broke. Luckily I know where I can get a replacement, even in Lockdown2 and this is not far away.
Nightmare Miriam - I’ll wager the water seemed more than a bowl full once it hit your floor. A blessing towels were so handy and needing to be washed 🤗
Ev - having read your post yesterday about your steam cleaner, I have ordered one - a Shark. I recently replaced my vacuum cleaner with a Shark one and it is brilliant so I’m hoping the steam mop will be brilliant too. . I hope to collect it tomorrow from Argos, along with a new kettle and some kitchen scales - I’m going through one of those periods when everything is breaking down at the same time ... thank goodness for Nectar points! I had enough saved up to buy all of these things without having to lay out any actual hard cash!
Great, Archerfile. Hope you are pleased with cleaner. I have a Shark rechargeable vacuum which I love so that’s why I went for the steam cleaner. It has an oblong outlet which flips over so you can use both sides and fits well in corners. It is funny how several things go caput at once. Happens often with light bulbs too!
It’s also been happening with batteries for us this week! I have got through a whole pack of AAAs and several AAs as clock, TV controller, security light, computer mouse, portable radio & torchh all ran out of power together.......or is it some unknown power from space affecting our electrics.........⚡️🧟♂️⚡️🤖⚡️👾
Ev - very grateful for the recommendation. Mop collected, put together and used! Very pleased with results, was amazed by the dirt on the scrubbing pad considering I’d only used my old one a couple of days ago. And it’s handy having two pads - one on and one in the wash (as my Mum used to say about Liberty Bodices!) I recokon the results are as good as I used to get down on my knees with a bucket of hot water & scrubbing brush.
Archerfile, so pleased you are pleased with the cleaner! If you need to replace the pads later or want more they are available on Amazon.
I had liberty bodices with rubber buttons! My mother wrapped me up so much that I was always getting colds. The doctor, a big man with booming voice said to my Mum “ No bloody wonder she gets colds, the sweat is trapped in!”
Talking of things all happening at once: the week Mr S died, the coffee table in the sitting room fell to bits, as did two dining room chairs, the kettle gave up the ghost and had to be replaced, the wok shed its non-stick surface all over my Chinese-style pork steak and the bulb in what had been his bedroom had to be replaced three times. The children decided that he had morphed into some kind of mischievous sprite, so now whenever there's a run of domestic malfunction it's 'Dad having fun'!
Yes, was about at that time! I went with Katy and we met up with Pip, our American of Italian extraction friend. When people crowded round a painting he yelled “ Stand aside, I need to see the painting!!” The funny thing is they did! Might indeed have bumped into you, Hilary!
She is in the cottage on the Lizard for lockdown. There is no mobile signal and very weak and infrequent broadband availability. She is just about able to send emails, but is having great difficulty in accessing anything else.
Although she can read the blog on some days she has been unable to post anything at all. She has been ' out of the hat ' for her five favourites and would like to apologise to Gary and the rest of us for the fact that none has appeared but unfortunately at the moment she can do nothing about it.
For anyone needing to be uplifted I can recommend "Our Yorkshire Farm -5years with the Owen family ." It is lovely. Mention has been made about "All creatures great and small" which in my opinion is also excellent. Is it purely coincidental that both are set in Yorkshire? Over to you P btY!
Not watched that Yorkshire shepherdess. Seen her in magazines etc. She gets right up my nose , striding over the fields in her mini skirts and face full of make up. All those “children”! Ridiculous.
My favourite is when they show bits of the Yorkshire vet on gogglebox. All those townies being horrified at Peter lopping some bollocks off! Hilarious. 🤣
Oh how could you P tbY. A lass from your County. I don't blame her wearing mini skirts She only wears them in the summer! She rarely wears make up While I think it is irresponsible to have so many children ,they are all delightful and a credit to her The programme was on Channel 5 last Tuesday at 9pm. Take no notice of P bt Y .!
LJ and Lady R I have to agree. I drove up to the farm a few summers ago. Tea room was closed. It really is wild and remote. I loved the remake of All Creatures as well. Great acting and the new setting in Grassington (first one filmed in Askrigg) works well as another substitute for the real setting of Thirsk.
Spicy ....one hell of a big tree been felled there! I’ve put a new photo of Daphne up. I’ve come for a bath to escape for some peace and quiet. Left boyo in charge for once. 🤦♀️
Who’d be a teacher these days? Heard from my daughter tonight that after a really rough few weeks trying to keep classes going at her secondary school with missing children, class & year bubbles, self- distancing etc etc....her school has been instructed to close completely for a fortnight because so many children have tested positive. She was in the middle of a year 7 class on Mon when she was told the news, had to break off immediately, get the children out to the school gates to wait to be picked up by parents. Since then she, and 1 or 2 other teachers have been volunteering to take meals out to the free-school meals pupils, driving around the local estates in her own car to deliver them to the children’s homes. Some parents have been grateful, others have been abusive that the kids have to stay at home. Meanwhile the local paper has made a big thing about the school being ‘contaminated’ and some parents have been on Facebook blaming the teachers ‘ for passing on Covid to the kids’ & saying it’s disgusting that the school has closed! She was in tears on the phone, absolutely wrung out, fed up with the abuse and very worried about the children’s education bring disrupted again. Then to cap it all, she was contacted by ‘track and trace’ to say she’s been in contact with someone who is Covid positive and has to stay strictly indoors for 10 days, can’t even go out for a walk or breath of air! Some reward for all she has been doing to help her pupils.
So far so good with Katy’s school but it is just a matter of time. Six schools on the island have had Covid. It’s incredible that teachers are not routinely and regularly tested. On the island we are getting positive Covid tests in double figures every day having had no cases over the height of summer. Significant this has happened since schools went back.
Archerphile that’s terrible news and I send heartfelt sympathies to your daughter who has been doing such a sterling job for her children and families (even the ungrateful parents)
Ev that’s bad news from IOW too, my sister has not mentioned this fact to me - I will discuss now. It’s all very concerning. 🤞🏼 for Katy.
Sorry to hear the news about your daughter ,Archerphile. I wonder if this sort of thing might be happening a lot. Just before Half Term a child in the class taught by my step granddaughter who only started teaching in September , was found to have COVID and so everyone had to self isolate. She and her boyfriend had arranged to go away for half term but of course they were unable to do so
I had to log out and back in again about 5 times, and edit my profile, to be able to post again. The problem was that my name was changed to my e-mail address and my real identity. 🤞I have sorted it.
Estuaries- where the freshwater river meets the salty sea and creates its own habitat with swathes of phragmites and unctuous glistening mud and circling birds.
Beachcombing - many collections of stones, pebbles, shells and glass, forever battered by tides, from my childhood, through life till the half dozen stones and one shell collected yesterday Bliss !
Rose Bay Willow Herb - I love peonies, but Rose Bay Willow Herb has delighted me wherever I find it. Originally on the many bomb sites of my childhood, though as a child I loved Canterbury Bells as much, and still do, but they are rare now.
Ferns and Mosses - I am at the moment in a kind of paradise, woodland walks with streams and ferns and moss covered rocks and trees galore, including massive Gunnera.
My dislike - Opera and musicals. Breaking into song in the middle of speech is to me bizarre and ridiculous.
I can see today that others are having problems with posting. So am I. I posted on the TA blog last night from bed in the cottage as I had a signal there which is rare. Then I wrote my five favourite post but couldn't publish. Came over to the house today and it still wouldn't publish even though I had a signal. My daughter then copied and pasted it and at last I've been able to publish. Will see if this post works ?????
Mrs P your favourite things have reminded me of images I too love. Estuaries are fascinating places, whether it’s the churning waters as they meet or the changing landscape and the wildlife. I miss the sea so much now that I live in the middle of England. I have shells everywhere just to keep me in touch. I envy you your seclusion on the Lizard. Is the heather still in bloom, I believe it is a later variety down there. While I understand your dislike of musicals and opera, I love them, silly though it may seem when they burst into song and dance. I was brought up on light opera and didn’t progress to the heavier stuff til I was an adult. La Boheme was the first one I saw, then Cosi and some Richard Strauss - I was hooked. There are some I don’t appreciate: Wagner, the boring IMO bits are worth sitting through to reach the parts which are so beautiful you stop breathing - sublime and nerve tingling.
What a lovely selection of favourite things Mrs P. I could put all of them into my list too, specially the shells which I have collected since I was a small child with my Mum. I have a large square glass jar (from ikea) on my bathroom window sill filled with snells I have collected fro m all over the world and a beautiful Nautilus shell sitting on top of the loo! I also agree about opera and musicals; the only musical I liked was Roger & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, seen in ‘Cinerama’ as a young teenager - can I still sing most of the songs. And there are some operatic arias I like sung on their own, not in an opera.
Those are five lovely things, Mrs P. Rose Bay Willow Herb always reminds me too of bombsites in childhood. I like opera but not operetta and am not keen on musicals, except for Jesus Christ Superstar.
I loved Mrs P. getting on-line, to post her 5 favourite things. How I loved these - particularly No.5 - on a swing. This I have done many a time, until the tree rotted, and the swing fell off, only a few years ago. I always imagined myself, as is shown in the golden oldies movies - a lovely young female, in a floaty dress, with a fetching straw hat on. Hair still flows, and being pushed by a handsome bloke. I do like to dream...
I'm afraid I love opera. Perhaps because I like singing and I do miss my Orpheus Choir practice every week and concerts twice a year! I'm not keen on operetta,(especially Gilbert and Sullivan) where they do mix the spoken and sung words, but 'proper' opera has no spoken words! I like musicals too but couldn't stand the film 'Mama Mia' although I love singing along to Abba songs. There was too much squealing by the female cast members, so haven't seen more than the first twenty minutes or so! The best Christmas present I've ever had was from eldest son while he was living in Vienna. It was a ticket to see La Boheme (probably my favourite!) on Boxing Day at the Vienna Opera House accompanied by dil while son babysat. He doesn't like classical type music anyway! The most successful musical I think I've seen is a strange choice because usually I can't stand child actors but 'Bugsy Malone' is outstanding. All the 'lead' roles have grown into well known Hollywood stars.
I just love Musicals. I have seen so many on stage in Manchester and elsewhere. The one that really surprised me, was Billy Elliot -the Musical. I didn't know what to expect, but was I was totally enthralled. I do like some operas, but not if they are too "high brow". My favourite has to be "La Boheme" which again I saw on stage, at the Crewe Lyceum. I also like Madam Butterfly, Carmen, and a lesser known one, L'elisir D'amore.
Gosh, Miriam, I didn’t know they did opera in Crewe! The theatre was very dead when I was living in Crewe but I know it has revived in more recent years. It is a lovely theatre and so typical of the Victorian era. It’s good to know it has kept going and hope it survives the pandemic.
Beautiful list, Mrs P, especially the beach combing and swing and rosebay willow herb - I remember first seeing it growing beside the north York Moors railway. All loved since childhood. Agree about opera and musicals.
Can’t bear that I have missed out the others as my beach combing at home also involves looking across a river mouth a couple of miles away. As for ferns, when their fronds are about to unfurl, delicious.
I hate rose bay willowherb! The reason is simple, it keeps sprouting up in my garden, so I am constantly removing it from the borders. It goes rampant. I understand it is lovely, but not in my garden. Sorry Mrs P.
Think your likes are all wonderful Mrs P particularly the ferns and mosses and in the setting you describe, and the rose bay willow herb. I do however like musicals. I was dragged protesting into the alto chorus of school Gilbert and Sullivans but they were fun, and have happy memories of my children in various musical school productions, and of myself going to see The Sound Of Music with my mum when it first came to the cinema, and then later to a stage version in the open air.
I saw the Sound of Music as a youngster, when it first was shown. As a family (but no Dad) as it was an afternoon showing We went to Liverpool by train, and underground, to get to the cinema. One of my sisters sobbed, all the way on the train/s home - though she now denies this.
I still love West Side Story - the original. I saw this for the first time as a teenager, on TV, one Christmas Eve. One of my DID music choices, was the overture to this.
Off to get my evening meal, plus Children in Need. I have a tissue box ready.
I like estuaries to look at but in practical terms - not so much. I live within 3 miles of the Thames and Medway estuaries and it's a beggar when using search engines on the computer. When I'm looking for, say, workman, delivery, house , job etc and stipulate a 10 mile radius the wretched thing ignores the water and gives me addresses and numbers etc in Essex! This would involve at least a two hour drive up the M2 and round the M25 to get there and not an 8 mile trip across the rivers!
I particularly liked your number2 MrsP and suspect that I would love number 1 also were I to be given the chance to visit an estuary. Cannot abide gunnera though and like you dislike Operas -I was treated to an Opera at Sydney Opera House on the day I arrived in Australia and I fell asleep - but I do love musicals ,my favourites being the ones oddly enough where I have spent the Show weeping like "Blood Brothers", Westside Story",Les Miserables . I have seen each of these several times on stage and sob every time. The funniest Show I saw was "The Producers"
The Producers - brilliant!!! Grew up by the Humber estuary, now not that far from the Gironde, feeling very cut off from the sea at the moment in lockdown. Always collect shells etc. Love rosebay willowherb (but definitely not in the garden!!) Opera /musicals, not my thing, can't bear to just listen, meant to be watched. West Side Story I can listen to any time!! Fond memories of swings....
LanJan parsley and all those who say they dislike opera but enjoy musicals, I don’t think you’ve given opera a real chance. I don’t know which opera it was you saw at Sydney opera house LanJan but there are some that I could happily sleep through. If Blood brothers and West Side Story brought you to tears then try Puccini’s “Madam Butterfly” or “Tosca”. Arias from them are fine to listen to but they have more power when heard in the context of the story. Have another go! My husband hates opera - he has driven me to Glyndebourne and then joined the other chauffeurs outside the theatre and complained they could still hear the “caterwauling “ from inside!
Soz La Boheme reduces me to tears every time I hear it. I ve seen it several times live and I can honestly feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Anything by Puccini. Verdi is another winner and one of my priorities is to go to the Arena in Verona ( not too far from me) to see Nabucco and Aida. Carmen is a great favourite too as are the Mozart operas.. I loved the operettas that our local companies put on like The Merry Widow, The Student Prince and White Horse Inn. Then of course Gilbert and Sullivan. My dad used to take me to see them when the D'oyle Carte company came to Glasgow. HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance. I could still sing them if you asked me..my dad had all the records. Musicals not so much except Sweet Charity and Fiddler on the Roof...great songs. Mrs P. simple pleasures which just goes to show the best things in life are free. We had a swing on our back porch when we lived in Louisiana. Nothing better after a long hot day just to dangle your legs sipping a cold beer...at least until the mosquitoes came out😠😠
I was / am a great G & S fan too Autumn, the D’Oyly Carte were very good at touring and I saw several productions in Slough (of all places) and other venues. Thé Gondoliers was my favourite and ‘Take à Pair of Sparkling Eyes’ my favourite song. Like you I could still sing many of the other songs too - if I still had a voice.
I well remember going to see my first production of Rudigore soon after we had moved to our farm in Hampshire. I did not know the story and was mystified why the cast kept mentioning ‘Basingstoke’ as a secret code word. I honestly thought it was because the opera was being put on in our local town and I thought they probably changed the libretto for each town were performing in! It was only later that I discovered our town had been part of the original script and has been a bit of a laughing stock ever since. Thank you G&S!
Lanjan, can you really tell which 'foreign' it is, I can't. I must say that I'm impressed by the sheer physical force in the Queen of the Night from the magic Flute. I like the toreador from Carmen and some from La Traviata but not to sit through the whole performance.
“Miss Saigon” was based on “Madam Butterfly” and was sung throughout. It was spectacular with a helicopter lift and a great parade requiring a huge stage! I saw it twice and both times left in floods of tears! Why do we relish a good cry??!😭😢😭
Not all of us, Ev. Mr S once persuaded me to attend a performance of Madame Butterfly. I thought the libretto deliberately constructed to be heartrending and I'm afraid it didn't have the desired effect at all.
Lovely choices Mrs. P. conjuring up relaxing times and happy memories. I do not like opera at all and some of it sounds like someone screeching to my ear. I do like some musicals though. West Side Story and The Sound of Music are classics and I did love Billy Elliott seen in the West End - wonderful stuff.
Shakespeare’s language seemed “foreign” to me until as a teenager, I saw Judi Dench and John Stride in Romeo and Juliet - they brought it to life. So maybe it depends on the quality of the performance as to how “foreign” it seems. Surtitles do help but often I just listen to the sound but then you do miss the subtleties in the text. LanJan I was hoping you were going to say it was a really heavy opera you saw but though I’ve never seen Manon Lescault, it’s by Puccini so should be melodious. Autumnleaves and Archerphile I love G&S too. My fathers favourite one was Iolanthe. I can’t sing but I do know the Nightmare song word for word!!! The D’oyly Carte used to come to Pavilion in Bournemouth twice a year for a fortnight. So did Sadlers Wells. Eve yes we do relish a good cry - I’m not sure why. The first time I saw West Side Story, two women behind me were eating crisps loudly while I wept. It did spoil the moment.
I saw Judi Dench and Ian Holm at the Manchester Library Theatre in a Shakespearean play, can’t remember which! It was ov er 50 years ago so neither were famous but they were mesmerising! I studied Richard II for A level and we were taken to the Nottingham Playhouse to see it performed by Richard Neville and Michael Craig. Shakespeare does need to be seen and not just read. When I went with Mike I had to read the play if I didn’t know it and give him a summary of the plot. He would then really enjoy it! We saw “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the Globe. There was a shaggy dog, a lurcher as one of the performers. He didn’t miss a cue and got the biggest hand at the end! In Leeds, when Katy was at the University there, we saw Warren Mitchell (Alf Garnett) as King Lear. He was wonderful in the role. At one point he stripped off all his clothes, yes everything, but it was symbolic of all he had lost and almost necessary to illustrate his desperation. It is amazing how comedians are such superb actors but maybe they are acting all the time! Often they bring us lots of laughter but under it all have very bleak lives full of depression like Hancock and Frankie Howard.
Parsley my sister and I could only afford the Gods for opera at CoventGarden. However I think the sound is better up there than in the expensive lower tiers and the mix of people was more interesting and they were more passionate about what they were seeing than in being seen.
Katy and I went to the Paris Opera and were in the Gods. The seats were padded benches covered in red velvet. We were struck by how in the intervals between short ballet performances people went for drinks and then mingled around having a chat! The bonus of being up there was the closeness of the Chagall ceiling. His work never previously inspired me but was impressed with this one!
My sister and I always wanted to go to the Paris Opera. Missed opportunities and now it’s too late for one of us so don’t feel like going without her. But that ceiling! I’ve just googled it - it’s amazing. Thanks Ev.
My sister and I always meant to go to the Paris Opera but never managed it - missed opportunities. Now it’s too late for one of us and I don’t feel like making the trip without her. That ceiling is amazing. I’ve just googled it. Thank you Eve I didn’t know it was there.
To any lovers of choral music, there is on BBC2 tonight at 7.00pm. a performance of Mozarts Requiem. I have no idea what it might be like, but I just wanted to point this out. Bye for now, on this very wet, dark + rainy day.
PS I am cooking a small, smoked gammon joint on a long, and slow cook. This will be "pulled" later on. Tomorrow I will decide what to do with it. This will be done, listening to the TA omnibus. To add, my DVD player decided not to work today. I can replace it quickly + easily, doing click + collect, at Argos is S/burys, not far away. I will research more tomorrow. 😀 Stay Safe All.
As everywhere Miriam. We just take each day as it comes. Our language school has gone online for all its courses this week. We still have individuals who want to do lessons in person and quite honestly I'm beginning to think that I'm not going to do it any more. I have health problems with asthma and an auto immune condition plus Mr 🍁🍁 is a very good looking 73. But I don't want to bring home anything that would put him in harms way. Things are escalating here for sure.
I learned yesterday that our dear colleague Paola has covid along with her husband. This has been a wake up call because since February when this nightmare started, I haven't known anyone who actually had the disease.
Yes, Miriam, the covid situation in Italy is very bad but all my friends and family are well except for my daughter-in-law's brother and family in Milan who caught covid but with fairly mild symptoms - no hospital - and they are recovering well. My young next door neighbour's family have it and other neighbours nearby which is very worrying so I am being extra careful.
There were loads of fireworks around me, last night, far more so than on Bonfire Night. I suddenly realised why - Diwali was being celebrated. Sadly like Ede (sorry as I can't remember the correct spelling), it fell in a Lockdown. I feel for all those, who could not enjoy these important, cultural celebrations, with loved ones, families + friends. Mind you, that could be me in 6 weeks time....but too early to think about.
In Emila Romagna we entered into the orange zone with increased restrictions today. Unlike the situation in March we like Hilary and Autumnleaves know people who have covid so we are all being very careful. So far we have been unaffected.
Miriam thought of you immediately I heard the news of the baby rhino born at Chester Zoo 🤗 I gather London Zoo has monetary problems again and is currently closed (?)
I’m having an enjoyable, if very noisy , morning watching from my bedroom window. The tree surgeons have arrived to take down an enormous fir tree that blocks the light from the garden and is encroaching on our drive, and also to trim and shape the conifer hedge along the road (that the estate agent advised us to keep and have sorted, as it would enhance sale-ability)
The huge conifer is about 40 -50 ft high, has several trunks and it’s diameter at the base must be at least 15ft. It’s a whopper! But three good looking, muscly lumberjacks were up it in a flash with chainsaws dangling from their waists and as each branch hits the ground another one drags it away to a very noisy chipper machine on the driveway. It’s fascinating watching them! They are so professional and working very hard. No way in a hundred years could Mr A have done it.
Think I’ll have to pop down there with a tray of tea soon!
Oh Lady R, you spoilt my fun! I hadn’t thought of Covid restrictions preventing me from getting near these hunks! They certainly aren’t wearing conventional medical masks but have full safety helmets with visors and lots of other protective gear, so perhaps they are not necessary. Rotten Covid spoils everything 😉
Archerphile -I expect you will see a great difference. A tree across the road from me, was removed a few months ago. I cannot believe the winter sunshine, which is now coming into my lounge. Such a difference ☀️☀️
Nothing else to say, due to the limitations of Lockdown 2.
I am sticking to and obeying the rules as set out. Sadly my nieces partner isn't (goes to pals homes for a night out..) It makes me so cross, almost angry. Still that's his choice, and I am keeping quiet. Just don't want to cause any ill feelings. It is a difference in generations. Walking on eggshells, springs to mind. Don't want him to put neice + kids, at risk. Might be overreacting.
I don't think you are, Miriam. My two nephews work together, one told the other that if he goes out with his mates, not to come to his house and to wear a mask at the office. We are supposed to be past the peak here, so what, it can come back in no time. There was hardly anyone in my town on Saturday, but in larger places there were crowds of people. The French say themselves that they are not the most obedient.
No Gary since 11/11 hope all is well 🙏🏼 I was going to add Lanjan but have just checked TA blog and you posted there on the 15th I was glad to see. How is Mr LJ?
Am a bit worried about Mr A. He saw GP this morning about ear pain & loss of hearing, just thought his ear needed syringing. But they found an infected cyst blocking the ear canal - no wonder it was painful! Was given an antibiotic spray which should deal with it soon. More concerning was that the GP spotted some small lesions on his (bald) head. We hadn’t taken much notice of them really but the GP has referred him to dermatology clinic at the hospital for an appointment within 2 weeks to have them investigated. Seeing how overworked the hospitals are at the moment I find this quite worrying. Two of his glider pilot friends have had carcinomas removed from their heads in recent years, due to being out in strong sun for hours, on the airfield and whilst gliding. Mr A has always been very careful to wear a hat, but sun’s rays can penetrate cotton fabric apparently and may not have given enough protection. We shall soon find out.
Archerphile, carcinomas on the head and face are very common, be assured that they are normally very treatable, as Mr A’s friends demonstrated. The two week pathway is used for all suspected malignancies, try not to fret, and don’t feel guilty.
They want to be on the safe side, hence the referral. I had stuff removed as a precaution, even though the dr said it was non malignant. Try not to look on the internet too much, just a bit if you must and stop. The age that we live in requires sunblock and UV clothing sometimes.
Thanks to both of you. Sadly one of our friends who developed these carcinomas on his head had multiple operations to remove them and also when they migrated to his face. He ended up quite disfigured with scarring and, very sadly died last year from generalised skin cancer. (Which is why I am worried) Last year Mr A had some small sarcomas removed from his arms, which barely show now and his arms seem fine. Hopefully the new ones on his head will be the same.
KP - I knew about the 2 week pathway but was surprised (and grateful) they can still stick to it with the Covid crisis. And I shall certainly not be researching anything on the internet - that way lies madness!
Archerphile Mr A ear certainly sounds painful - yet it is an ill wind as they say because his head condition which has been experienced by Mr R in comparatively recent times has been picked up Mr R did pick up on his and visited GP and in his case diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis and explained it was now showing itself from years of exactly what you explained. Plenty of sport cricket, goalkeeper, some golf etc for Mr R (even though most played with a hat worn)
The treatment was with a special cream (mild Chemo) over a long period of time treating a certain area at a time with breaks in between the scalp looked not nice at times because the bad comes out and there was some stinging which is normal, but ensured nothing turned “nasty”. Now advised to keep head covered and not too long in sun.Mr R was fine throughout treatment and scalp currently clear. I understand your concern though at an unexpected finding so sending 🥰 our loved ones are so dear to us aren’t they, even though we have to bring them into line now and then 🤣
In recent times Mr R was referred to Basingstoke (to be within 2 weeks and was much sooner) to have as I have mentioned here previously a camera down his nose to examine throat etc which thankfully had negative results. Basingstoke and our local Dr’s are doing such a sterling job. Just this morning Mr A had reason to contact his surgery and a Sister rang back immediately sent a link for a photo to be attached and rang back on receiving it to say being passed to his Dr and a call will be received tomorrow - just brilliant!
Very sorry for Mr A and Mr R but pleased you have posted these masculine problems, because it alerts me to be more careful. So thank you both, ladies.
My bald, feminine, head has increased vitiligo on it since my knee surgery. Other parts of my anatomy have too, but it's my scalp that concerns me the most. I do run my hands over my scalp regularly to make sure that there is nothing new which I can't see in a mirror. ( though I don't look in mirrors at all most of the time ) At least twice last summer my white areas on my scalp were badly burned. Even after living with this condition for over seventy years now, I am still, sometimes, careless.
Take great care Mrs P. I now understand(from the GP) that you can buy a cotton sunhat which is lined with an anti-UV fabric to keep the dangerous rays out. Mr A has always worn a typical white beanie or bucket hat as most glider pilots do, but one with this type of lining would have given better protection. Put one on your Christmas list!
You also make a very point Mrs P as the condition being discussed is more commonly perceived to be male but of course can be a possibility for some females also.However diligent a person you are (and I feel you are) it is still easy to forget to take the necessary precautions now and then.
As you know, I have family in OZ with 2 young kids. The boys wear hats, which are somehow able to block UV light out, as do their beach clothes plus the use of factor 50, good quality total sun block. It must be remembered, that in the summer, even in light clouds and no direct sun, UV levels can still be very high.
Archerphile. That ear problem for Mr A, must be painful but it will soon improve, with his medication. It is a worry about the impending hospital appointment, but it is better all is checked by an expert, wirhout a long delay 🤗
What do you think about Doctors? I am finding it strange and not sure am enjoying it. I record this, to watch at a suitable time. Due to the long break, I have got addicted to Classic Emerdale, on at the same time. I have never seen this, but I am loving it.
Archerphile - Thank you for the info about sunhats! I have been instructed by GP to completely cover all my skin when out in the garden (on all sorts of days!) and always wear a hat. Also wear Factor 50 sun cream. Of course wearing Factor 50 has disadvantages too - like rickets! But the amount of vitamins and minerals I take every day on doctors' orders takes care of that. This summer in the garden I mostly wore Jon's very battered old cricket sun hat but shall get myself a new one of those which your doctor recommended. I have a basal cell carcinoma on my right temple for which the specialist prescribed some cream, just a weeny, weeny amount in each foil packet but it hasn't done the trick. It is on my list to ask about when I see the specialist on December 7th. I feel sorry for MrA with the earache - they are so very, very painful!. Hope it gets sorted soon. My good news is that the last of my 'dead' fingernails has now reached (and come off) the top of my finger so I now have a full set of 10 nails, all attached without 'glue.' What now to do with the two bottles of nail glue I bought to glue the nails down so they didn't catch on clothes etc? 😀 Very windy again. Bin and bag day today so of course twice I had to go down the road and pick up my two recyclable bags. They are like big plastic cuboid shopping bags with some heavy weight in the bottom but they still blow away! One blue for paper and cardboard and a white one for plastic, glass, foil etc. I have been making a shopping list for youngest son who works for JSainsbury. He told me that next weekend he has 20% staff discount so I have been writing out list for turkey, gammon and beef for starters! He and fiance are still waiting on tenterhooks, wondering what sort of wedding they will be able to have next June. Hopefully we'll all be vaccinated by then? 🤞 Right now to start cooking dinner! Take care all Spicy
I am in negotiation with Nectar today, due to their double up voucher promotion. Too complicated to tell, but mine didn't work. Staff were really great and helpful, they rang Nectar and all sorted. Later I realised, another £20 worth of points had been deducted. I am fighting this, due to no fault of me. I will hear in 7-28 days, if my complaint is deemed valid and get a "refund".
Have ordered a new hat for Mr R this very afternoon from a firm called “Village Hats” 15% off at the moment on selected items. Not the cheapest but look quality. Within catalogue 50% protection lined products as is this one and it is also shower proof and useful at any time of year. Plenty of ladies hats in colours)
I have noticed our wonderful administrator GG, has been a bit quiet recently. My 💡💡thought is, that he is busy preparing something, as to his mysterious contact 'phone call, from TA. Whatever it entails, I wish you well GG.
I use a well known brand, Ambre S, who does a clear liquid version up to factor 50. This is non-greasy and leaves no white residue..It is called Clear Protect and does what it says.
Miriam - I'm back to Doctors and wouldn't miss it! Pity the replacement midwife has turned out to be nasty. I think it is unfortunate to make the 'baddie' ... erhm shall we say unusual in her size? Some positive body imaging might have been better but that's just my opinion. I don't like her anyway!😃 Always found Ruhma 'spiky' as well but the storyline of the electronic thingy very silly. Glad that's finished!
TBH I don't think her build is detrimental to her as a person. Look at Dr.Al...and his lifestyle. It is just as normal as in life, to have differing sizes + shapes portrayed.
...but I am also liking the nightly programme from a certain N.Wales castle, not on BBC. My first + last, comments on this, as I will be "Drummed out the Brownies" otherwise.
Not at all Miriam - this blog is (I think) for discussing anything outside TA. So here is my two-penworth about Doctors - I was very disappointed with the first week, stupid, unbelievable story concerning Zara, dreadful acting, very amateurish production...and as for Karen’s new haircut, it makes her look years older. I think the second week is slightly better but still not back to the original standard of several years ago. If this is the best they can do perhaps better to wait until Covid restrictions no longer apply!
And now can I ask if anyone watched Robert Rinder’s programme called ‘My Family, Me, and The Holocaust’ on BBC1 last night? It was one of the most moving, heartbreaking programmes I have ever watched about the genocide committed during the Nazi regime. Both Mr A and I were in tears at the end, and I felt so incredibly grateful to Robert Rinder for making such a powerful programme, that I actually wrote to the BBC this morning to congratulate them, and him, for commissioning and making it. I highly recommend anyone with an interest in the subject to watch. You won’t forget what you see and hear for a long time.
Two jobs to do tomorrow. 1) Clean the inside of my lounge + bedroom windows, as the winter sun is showing, just how streaky they are. 2) Swap the chairs in my lounge around. This I do every 6 months. The recliner chair, needs to be put into place, as the main one for the winter. The leather, on both, also needs a good clean and nourish...but they are heavy to move about, as they have solid wood arms + legs. At least I can also thoroughly vacuum the areas, where the chairs are positioned, which I do but I miss bits.
The second one concludes the stories started in the first programme and includes Robert taking his mother to Treblinka where her family died. Be prepared for a very emotional experience! I found myself silently reciting the Kaddish (Jewish prayer for the departed) along with them at the shrine.
Another programme I have been watching which I have mentioned before is Richard Osman's House of Games. Apparently it is being shown at 8:30 pm on Friday evening so it must be doing well . I wonder whether other people watching agree with me 1) I usually only recognise one or at the most two "famous " people. 2) There is always one who is embarrassingly poor and often one who is far better than the others. (This week so far some woman who I think is a comedienne who I have never heard of has outshone the others) 3) I would do much better if I were to watch more television ,know the film stars of today or or listen to present day pop music. So many of the questions involve entertainment . 4) On the whole the historical and geographical knowledge of the parcipitants is appalling.. . However I am enjoying the questions which are different and clever. It is on at the moment at 6:00pm BBC 2
I like House of Games too, Lanjan but like you I very rarely recognise any of the participants. I enjoy Richard Osman's light-hearted and humorous hosting style. I can sometimes answer the general knowledge questions but don't stand a chance with questions involving pop stars or tv personalities.
I’m so glad this is to be put on at a later time, haven’t been able to watch it yet because it always clashed with the news, which is sacrosanct viewing in this house. We do watch Pointless and hate all the questions on pop music or films - they seem to dominate the programmes. But we love geography, history, nature and literary questions and like Lanjan are horrified at most contestants lack of knowledge on those subjects. The only sporting ones we can do are cricket, of course!!
Thanks Miriam (13th 11.10 ) that seems to have worked. My email is now covered up by a photo of a philippino version of a Christmas tree with the Mayon volcano smoking in the background. I don't know what made things go haywire.
What puzzled me was that the American 'lady' offering details about loans had been a member of Blog spot for over a year? Has she been lurking around us or on other sites hosted by Blog thingy(whatever it's called?)
My two posts failed to publish last night, one an alert to GG re stranger, the other to Archerphile. I did watch the Family/ holocaust programme and found it very moving. What I took from it though was the closeness and importance of family members through generations. I envied that.
Janice I am glad it worked. It is unusual for me, to be able to give a suggestion which worked. Now, where was that photo taken, is it one of yours? I ask as I did a wonderful holiday in Mexico, exploring many sites of Mayan sites. It was hot, fascinating, and fun. I went to a Mayan site, on the edge of the jungle in the south, to visit it as the morning mist was just burning off. It was an eerie but wonderful experience and my party of 12 + our tour guide, were the only ones there. Luckily the mist enveloping the ruins, came out on my photos.
I didn't see the strange comments. As these were obviously not suitable for this site, then 👏👏👏 to GG, for removing them, and others, who alerted this problem.
One year ago all but three weeks I had many good wishes on this blog for my broken finger as a consequence of the behaviour of my dog Lady. Some days later, I wrote of the unfortunate behaviour of the woman I hired to look after Lady in her demands for reperation in the form of £400 plus.
On Monday afternoon this week she had ' her day in court'. Due to the current restrictions the judgment was held by telephone conference which lasted for one hour and Forty five minutes. We had a lady judge who explained to us what would happen, why and how. She questioned the other party before asking me the relevant points she needed to discuss.
My family and close friends knew what was happening on Monday and all were thinking of me. I was confident that I could and would account for myself with honesty and dignity, and without being nervous. I had less faith in the other party doing so. I had been advised by a legal friend that under no circumstances whatsoever was I to interrupt the judge. It was not necessary to tell me this, as my daughter said afterwards ' you have respect for authority mum'. I did not interrupt. The other party interrupted her Ladyship six or seven times and interrupted me also. In her summing up she was interrupted yet again by the other party.
The claim was dismissed.
This person, unable and unwilling to accept a curved ball reaching her has not only lost the £400 plus that she demanded but has also lost a year of her life ( there have been many court papers and submissions during that year including her refusal to accept mediation, where I would have been willing to make some compromise despite knowing that she was at fault ) her expenses, and the court fees. And a massive loss of face !
Congratulations 👏🏻 Mrs P and very well done any other outcome would have been a travesty. The other party deserved the result that was administered. So pleased for you - however I cannot believe that the incident happened that long ago.
Oh well done Mrs P! It sounds as if you handled the whole situation perfectly and the other party did herself no favours at all. I find it hard to believe she was so determined to go ahead with the case. She must be a very bitter and vengeful woman. And somewhat stupid! I am so glad you came out on top. Congratulations.
I though I would combine our talk of Autumn AND paintings - found this very relaxing video on YouTube...
ReplyDelete*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteparsley16 - November 10, 2020 at 10:48 AM
I love autumn, cosying up by the fire...
As long as the days are bright & crisp 🍁🍂🌞
Lady R - November 10, 2020 at 12:37 PM
✔️✔️✔️ 🤗
GaryGilday - November 10, 2020 at 12:47 PM
Me too parsley, but I DO actually like the dark days. I even like the rain. And the snow when we are lucky enough to get some!
Hilary - November 10, 2020 at 12:58 PM
So do I, Gary! Even the fog - as long as I don't have to drive anywhere!
Soz - November 10, 2020 at 1:26 PM
The colours of autumn I’ve always loved but I’m married to a dairy farmer and work in the Winter is much more physically demanding. We try to keep the cows out at grass for as long as possible and the shortened daylight hours make it difficult to get them out in daylight. My husband hates the winter and working in the wet and the mud : I can see why. So we both look forward to being the spring side of Christmas when the days start to lengthen. Snowdrops, hellebores and the very early daffs are welcome sights.
Sarnia - November 10, 2020 at 1:27 PM
(entry at 10.47am)
Miriam, I believe there are various levels of SAD. I have a fairly strong version, which means I don't produce anything like enough serotonin and therefore need a lot more light than most people. I have medication for it, but it's difficult to get the strength right. I think mine really needs increasing in winter, as I still sleep a lot and am always hungry, a sign that my constitution wants to hibernate. My daughter in NZ has the full-blown version, which means she doesn't produce any serotonin at all.
We both have a UtopiaLight which she found on the internet. It is small and portable with white light, but I would need to sit with it long enough several times on a dark day to have much effect. The old one, which has yellow light, was much more effective, but it's huge, very cumbersome and gobbles up the power.
The UK summer just isn't bright enough, so my condition greatly improved once we started our annual fortnight in Greece, but that hasn't happened since 2018. As next year is also looking doubtful, each winter is more of a struggle, especially in lockdown. I need the light reflected off the sea!
Basia - November 10, 2020 at 1:45 PM
Winter rain and snow are not welcome because I'm afraid to slip and fall, frost and sunshine, no problem, I just add an extra layer.
I actually love snow - well provided I don't need to go out. I love seeing it gently, and silently falling, to see a virgin white blanket over everything.
ReplyDeleteMind you, I hated it, when I had to drive into Wales for work!
I went back into my original Lockdown shopping mode today. The weekly meal plan was written, so then the shopping list done to reflect this. I was there for 8.30am,and saw a familiar lady, doing the same as me, as in Lockdown1. We acknowleged each other. Though our smiles could not be seen. 😷, we both did and we knew it.
Thank you Gary - what talent and such a breathtakingly beautiful 🍁 scene. Love love love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful video of an artist at work. Unfortunately my browser wouldn’t let me view it full screen so I was unable to see the finer details. But the finished picture is stunning, how I’d love to stroll down that lane!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gary.
Thank you for that lovely autumn video, Gary.
ReplyDeleteBasia, 1.40pm: Yes, the Ivrea orange battle still takes place each year. My son went at least once when he was a student and had a great slimy, sloppy, boisterous time!
What a wonderful painting! Funnily enough I will be doing an autumn scene on Thursday in my zoom session in watercolour. I think this painting was in oils or maybe acrylics and the techniques he used were fascinating. I nearly forgot I was cooking supper in between watching!
ReplyDeleteThe book I’m reading mentioned a painting by Edward Hopper allied Automat. It pictures a young girl alone in a cafe at night with a cup of coffee. As it says in the book she is self contained although alone and you wonder where she came from and where she’s going. Some years ago I went to a Hopper exhibition and have been hooked ever since not really knowing what draws me to his paintings but I think maybe it is the narrative around the characters he depicts. I was looking through the catalogue I bought at the time and there is one just depicting the sunlight in an empty room probably mid morning and even there you wonder about the person who lives there and where they are. Maybe in a humdrum job somewhere in the city. Hopper like the Impressionists gives us a great view of their world and I love it!
ReplyDeleteTitled Automat!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gary for the fascinating video. What a beautiful painting by a talented man.
ReplyDeleteI am going to attempt to copy that picture or similar with acrylic paint.
ReplyDeleteI love trying to paint trees.
I know what you mean about Edward Hopper ,Ev .
I am ashamed! I only just realised that today is the 11th November, Armistice day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I mentioned remembering my Mum on Sunday, I had forgotten it was only the 8th.
It was on 11/11/75 that she died, so 45 years ago today, not on Sunday!
I remember my Dad telling me that, years ago, Remembrance Day always used to be celebrated on the 11th, whatever the day of the week that fell on. When he was working up in London, traffic would stop and people would stand still on the streets at 11.00
I don’t know when the official commemoration was moved to the nearest Sunday instead of the 11th. A matter of convenience I suppose.
I read of a fight breaking out in a branch of Tesco on Sunday because a woman asked another customer to stop talking during the minute’s silence. It was in the egg aisle and eggs were broken all over the place. The accused woman’s daughter said her Mum had been ‘disrespected’ and could talk if she wanted to. I know whose side I am on! And I know who I think was doing the ‘disrespecting’.
Archerphile, there is two minutes' silence today at 11 on radio 4 and elsewhere. Here in France it's a national holiday.
DeleteI find the story of An Unknown Warrior very well done.
DeleteMr R’s dad’s anniversary is also today Archerphile (31yrs 11/11) his birthday was the 11/9 now another very memorable date for very sad reasons, always have to stop briefly and think which anniversary it is with both being the 11th!
DeleteRespect and deep thanks to all we are remembering today 🌹
*** FIVE IF THE BEST ***
ReplyDeleteIn case you missed it on the previous blog - MrsP, it's you! Enjoy...
Sarnia/Miriam - MrGG uses a "LitePod", which is about 16" high and doesn't consume much electricity. I think I've mentioned before that I notice the difference when he doesn't use it.
ReplyDeleteI too have a form of SAD, but it kicks in in late spring/early summer. The lengthening of the days doesn't seem to suit me at all.
Oh Gary I now do not feel so alone as I am with you on this one. We are more unusual but it is a condition. When I googled it I didn’t expect it to be the case. So I always feel for the people like Miriam and others right now as it is our feeling in reverse.
DeleteArmistice Service on tv now Charles and Camilla attending - in masks!
Thanks Gary..I will look into this.
DeleteI was washing the kitchen floor, listenening to the radio, when 11.00am came. I stopped and stood up, and Rembered the sacrifice of so many.
ReplyDeleteI then carried on. On finishing, I lifted up the bowl, full of dirty water, to discard. This bowl had a small crack on the rim, which then gave way. All the dirty water, ended up all over the floor, I had just cleaned. Luckily I had towels in the wash machine, ready for washing. These soaked up the majority of my mess.
The bowl is still usuable, as it is only the rim that broke. Luckily I know where I can get a replacement, even in Lockdown2 and this is not far away.
Nightmare Miriam - I’ll wager the water seemed more than a bowl full once it hit your floor. A blessing towels were so handy and needing to be washed 🤗
ReplyDeleteI needed flippers, not slippers!
DeleteGet a steam cleaner, Miriam!!😉😊
DeleteOld fashioned mop and bucket works for me
DeleteEv - having read your post yesterday about your steam cleaner, I have ordered one - a Shark. I recently replaced my vacuum
Deletecleaner with a Shark one and it is brilliant so I’m hoping the steam mop will be brilliant too. .
I hope to collect it tomorrow from Argos, along with a new kettle and some kitchen scales - I’m going through one of those periods when everything is breaking down at the same time ... thank goodness for Nectar points! I had enough saved up to buy all of these things without having to lay out any actual hard cash!
Great, Archerfile. Hope you are pleased with cleaner. I have a Shark rechargeable vacuum which I love so that’s why I went for the steam cleaner. It has an oblong outlet which flips over so you can use both sides and fits well in corners. It is funny how several things go caput at once. Happens often with light bulbs too!
DeleteIt’s also been happening with batteries for us this week! I have got through a whole pack of AAAs and several AAs as clock, TV controller, security light, computer mouse, portable radio & torchh all ran out of power together.......or is it some unknown power from space affecting our electrics.........⚡️🧟♂️⚡️🤖⚡️👾
DeleteEv - very grateful for the recommendation. Mop collected, put together and used!
DeleteVery pleased with results, was amazed by the dirt on the scrubbing pad considering I’d only used my old one a couple of days ago. And it’s handy having two pads - one on and one in the wash (as my Mum used to say about Liberty Bodices!)
I recokon the results are as good as I used to get down on my knees with a bucket of hot water & scrubbing brush.
Gosh, yes! I remember liberty bodices - in the fifties. No central heating back then!
DeleteArcherfile, so pleased you are pleased with the cleaner! If you need to replace the pads later or want more they are available on Amazon.
DeleteI had liberty bodices with rubber buttons! My mother wrapped me up so much that I was always getting colds. The doctor, a big man with booming voice said to my Mum “ No bloody wonder she gets colds, the sweat is trapped in!”
All part of the chaos theory AP - it's that giant butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon jungle again!
ReplyDeleteTalking of things all happening at once: the week Mr S died, the coffee table in the sitting room fell to bits, as did two dining room chairs, the kettle gave up the ghost and had to be replaced, the wok shed its non-stick surface all over my Chinese-style pork steak and the bulb in what had been his bedroom had to be replaced three times. The children decided that he had morphed into some kind of mischievous sprite, so now whenever there's a run of domestic malfunction it's 'Dad having fun'!
ReplyDeleteEv 9.14 pm - I went to a Hopper exhibition at Tate Modern in 2004. Might have bumped into you!
ReplyDeleteYes, was about at that time! I went with Katy and we met up with Pip, our American of Italian extraction friend. When people crowded round a painting he yelled “ Stand aside, I need to see the painting!!” The funny thing is they did! Might indeed have bumped into you, Hilary!
DeleteMessage from Mrs P
ReplyDeleteShe is in the cottage on the Lizard for lockdown.
There is no mobile signal and very weak and infrequent broadband availability.
She is just about able to send emails, but is having great difficulty in accessing anything else.
Although she can read the blog on some days she has been unable to post anything at all.
She has been ' out of the hat ' for her five favourites and would like to apologise to Gary and the rest of us for the fact that none has appeared but unfortunately at the moment she can do nothing about it.
Gone pear shaped again.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone needing to be uplifted I can recommend "Our Yorkshire Farm -5years with the Owen family ."
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely.
Mention has been made about "All creatures great and small" which in my opinion is also excellent.
Is it purely coincidental that both are set in Yorkshire?
Over to you P btY!
Please note for some reason I am not able to delete comments.
ReplyDeleteI would have deleted the "pear shaped" one had I been able to do so.
YORKSHIRE......Gods own county!!
ReplyDeleteNot watched that Yorkshire shepherdess. Seen her in magazines etc. She gets right up my nose , striding over the fields in her mini skirts and face full of make up. All those “children”! Ridiculous.
My favourite is when they show bits of the Yorkshire vet on gogglebox. All those townies being horrified at Peter lopping some bollocks off! Hilarious. 🤣
Oh how could you P tbY.
ReplyDeleteA lass from your County.
I don't blame her wearing mini skirts
She only wears them in the summer!
She rarely wears make up
While I think it is irresponsible to have so many children ,they are all delightful and a credit to her
The programme was on Channel 5 last Tuesday at 9pm.
Take no notice of P bt Y .!
We watched LJ and loved it as much as all of the other episodes. All Creatures similar 🤗🤗
DeleteLJ and Lady R I have to agree. I drove up to the farm a few summers ago. Tea room was closed. It really is wild and remote. I loved the remake of All Creatures as well. Great acting and the new setting in Grassington (first one filmed in Askrigg) works well as another substitute for the real setting of Thirsk.
DeleteLanjan......cheeky!!!😉
DeleteI thought it was just me who had lost the ability to delete posts. Has it gone off the blog site?
ReplyDeleteCan now answer my own question! If I access this site via Mozilla there is no 'DELETE' but if I come in via Chrome it's there!
ReplyDeleteStupid technology!
Testing
ReplyDeleteMy email is coming up instead of the usual round picture before I comment.
ReplyDeleteMay take a gamble and do what I never do and sign out, and in again, to see if that makes any difference
DeleteSpicy ....one hell of a big tree been felled there!
ReplyDeleteI’ve put a new photo of Daphne up.
I’ve come for a bath to escape for some peace and quiet. Left boyo in charge for once. 🤦♀️
Who’d be a teacher these days?
ReplyDeleteHeard from my daughter tonight that after a really rough few weeks trying to keep classes going at her secondary school with missing children, class & year bubbles, self- distancing etc etc....her school has been instructed to close completely for a fortnight because so many children have tested positive.
She was in the middle of a year 7 class on Mon when she was told the news, had to break off immediately, get the children out to the school gates to wait to be picked up by parents.
Since then she, and 1 or 2 other teachers have been volunteering to take meals out to the free-school meals pupils, driving around the local estates in her own car to deliver them to the children’s homes. Some parents have been grateful, others have been abusive that the kids have to stay at home.
Meanwhile the local paper has made a big thing about the school being ‘contaminated’ and some parents have been on Facebook blaming the teachers ‘ for passing on Covid to the kids’ & saying it’s disgusting that the school has closed!
She was in tears on the phone, absolutely wrung out, fed up with the abuse and very worried about the children’s education bring disrupted again. Then to cap it all, she was contacted by ‘track and trace’ to say she’s been in contact with someone who is Covid positive and has to stay strictly indoors for 10 days, can’t even go out for a walk or breath of air!
Some reward for all she has been doing to help her pupils.
So far so good with Katy’s school but it is just a matter of time. Six schools on the island have had Covid. It’s incredible that teachers are not routinely and regularly tested. On the island we are getting positive Covid tests in double figures every day having had no cases over the height of summer. Significant this has happened since schools went back.
DeleteArcherphile that’s terrible news and I send heartfelt sympathies to your daughter who has been doing such a sterling job for her children and families (even the ungrateful parents)
DeleteEv that’s bad news from IOW too, my sister has not mentioned this fact to me - I will discuss now. It’s all very concerning. 🤞🏼 for Katy.
I don't know whether this will work .
ReplyDeleteIt is entitled "Thought Provoking"
Well it obviously didn't.
ReplyDeleteI tried to copy something!
Sorry to hear the news about your daughter ,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this sort of thing might be happening a lot.
Just before Half Term a child in the class taught by my step granddaughter who only started teaching in September , was found to have COVID and so everyone had to self isolate.
She and her boyfriend had arranged to go away for half term but of course they were unable to do so
Well done Scotland .
ReplyDeleteThey were bound to do well with a Captain who plays for Liverpool!
Testing.
ReplyDeleteAnd you've come back with a pretty plant.
DeleteI can see 'reply' only under all posts, my profile still shows delete as well.
As long as we can publish...
I had to log out and back in again about 5 times, and edit my profile, to be able to post again. The problem was that my name was changed to my e-mail address and my real identity.
ReplyDelete🤞I have sorted it.
Yes that has happened to me Miriam. I will try doing what you have done to sort it.
DeleteI had to put a profile image in, to overcome this.
DeleteThanks.
DeleteApologies for being late to the party :
ReplyDeleteMy five favourite things
Estuaries- where the freshwater river meets the salty sea and creates its own habitat
with swathes of phragmites and unctuous glistening mud and circling birds.
Beachcombing - many collections of stones, pebbles, shells and glass, forever battered by tides, from my childhood, through life till the half dozen stones and one shell collected yesterday
Bliss !
Rose Bay Willow Herb - I love peonies, but Rose Bay Willow Herb has delighted me wherever I find it. Originally on the many bomb sites of my childhood, though as a child I loved Canterbury Bells as much, and still do, but they are rare now.
Ferns and Mosses - I am at the moment in a kind of paradise, woodland walks with streams and ferns and moss covered rocks and trees galore, including massive Gunnera.
My dislike - Opera and musicals.
Breaking into song in the middle of speech is to me bizarre and ridiculous.
I can see today that others are having problems with posting.
ReplyDeleteSo am I.
I posted on the TA blog last night from bed in the cottage as I had a signal there which is rare. Then I wrote my five favourite post but couldn't publish.
Came over to the house today and it still wouldn't publish even though I had a signal.
My daughter then copied and pasted it and at last I've been able to publish.
Will see if this post works ?????
I see now, that when copied one of my favourites was left out.
ReplyDeleteSo number 5 is :-
Sitting on a swing hung from a shady tree and gently swinging back and forth, not high.
MrsP - I identify with your 2 & 5. I like the setting of an opera but don't appreciate the singing, as for the musicals, I can't see the point.
ReplyDeleteMrs P your favourite things have reminded me of images I too love. Estuaries are fascinating places, whether it’s the churning waters as they meet or the changing landscape and the wildlife. I miss the sea so much now that I live in the middle of England. I have shells everywhere just to keep me in touch. I envy you your seclusion on the Lizard. Is the heather still in bloom, I believe it is a later variety down there.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand your dislike of musicals and opera, I love them, silly though it may seem when they burst into song and dance. I was brought up on light opera and didn’t progress to the heavier stuff til I was an adult. La Boheme was the first one I saw, then Cosi and some Richard Strauss - I was hooked. There are some I don’t appreciate: Wagner, the boring IMO bits are worth sitting through to reach the parts which are so beautiful you stop breathing - sublime and nerve tingling.
What a lovely selection of favourite things Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI could put all of them into my list too, specially the shells which I have collected since I was a small child with my Mum. I have a large square glass jar (from ikea) on my bathroom window sill filled with snells I have collected fro m all over the world and a beautiful Nautilus shell sitting on top of the loo!
I also agree about opera and musicals; the only musical I liked was Roger & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, seen in ‘Cinerama’ as a young teenager - can I still sing most of the songs.
And there are some operatic arias I like sung on their own, not in an opera.
Oh fiddle! My typos are becoming bizarre! Who’d want a jar full of SNELLS on their windowsill!
DeleteI’m imagining Robert, Leonie, Corriander and Lynda all squashed int a jar😲
DeleteThose are five lovely things, Mrs P.
DeleteRose Bay Willow Herb always reminds me too of bombsites in childhood.
I like opera but not operetta and am not keen on musicals, except for Jesus Christ Superstar.
I loved Mrs P. getting on-line, to post her 5 favourite things.
ReplyDeleteHow I loved these - particularly No.5 - on a swing.
This I have done many a time, until the tree rotted, and the swing fell off, only a few years ago.
I always imagined myself, as is shown in the golden oldies movies - a lovely young female, in a floaty dress, with a fetching straw hat on. Hair still flows, and being pushed by a handsome bloke.
I do like to dream...
I'm afraid I love opera. Perhaps because I like singing and I do miss my Orpheus Choir practice every week and concerts twice a year!
ReplyDeleteI'm not keen on operetta,(especially Gilbert and Sullivan) where they do mix the spoken and sung words, but 'proper' opera has no spoken words!
I like musicals too but couldn't stand the film 'Mama Mia' although I love singing along to Abba songs. There was too much squealing by the female cast members, so haven't seen more than the first twenty minutes or so!
The best Christmas present I've ever had was from eldest son while he was living in Vienna. It was a ticket to see La Boheme (probably my favourite!) on Boxing Day at the Vienna Opera House accompanied by dil while son babysat. He doesn't like classical type music anyway!
The most successful musical I think I've seen is a strange choice because usually I can't stand child actors but 'Bugsy Malone' is outstanding. All the 'lead' roles have grown into well known Hollywood stars.
Our posts crossed about La Boheme. 😁
DeleteVienna Opera House is no comparison to the Crewe Lyceum 🤣
DeleteLove your favourite things Mrs P especially the ferns and mosses, agree with your dislikes.
ReplyDeleteI just love Musicals. I have seen so many on stage in Manchester and elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThe one that really surprised me, was Billy Elliot -the Musical. I didn't know what to expect, but was I was totally enthralled.
I do like some operas, but not if they are too "high brow". My favourite has to be "La Boheme" which again I saw on stage, at the Crewe Lyceum.
I also like Madam Butterfly, Carmen, and a lesser known one, L'elisir D'amore.
Gosh, Miriam, I didn’t know they did opera in Crewe! The theatre was very dead when I was living in Crewe but I know it has revived in more recent years. It is a lovely theatre and so typical of the Victorian era. It’s good to know it has kept going and hope it survives the pandemic.
DeleteBeautiful list, Mrs P, especially the beach combing and swing and rosebay willow herb - I remember first seeing it growing beside the north York Moors railway. All loved since childhood. Agree about opera and musicals.
ReplyDeleteCan’t bear that I have missed out the others as my beach combing at home also involves looking across a river mouth a couple of miles away. As for ferns, when their fronds are about to unfurl, delicious.
DeleteReally poetic Mrs P. All lovely choices!😊
DeleteI hate rose bay willowherb!
ReplyDeleteThe reason is simple, it keeps sprouting up in my garden, so I am constantly removing it from the borders. It goes rampant.
I understand it is lovely, but not in my garden.
Sorry Mrs P.
Think your likes are all wonderful Mrs P particularly the ferns and mosses and in the setting you describe, and the rose bay willow herb. I do however like musicals. I was dragged protesting into the alto chorus of school Gilbert and Sullivans but they were fun, and have happy memories of my children in various musical school productions, and of myself going to see The Sound Of Music with my mum when it first came to the cinema, and then later to a stage version in the open air.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Sound of Music as a youngster, when it first was shown. As a family (but no Dad) as it was an afternoon showing We went to Liverpool by train, and underground, to get to the cinema.
DeleteOne of my sisters sobbed, all the way on the train/s home - though she now denies this.
I still love West Side Story - the original. I saw this for the first time as a teenager, on TV, one Christmas Eve. One of my DID music choices, was the overture to this.
ReplyDeleteOff to get my evening meal, plus Children in Need.
I have a tissue box ready.
I like estuaries to look at but in practical terms - not so much. I live within 3 miles of the Thames and Medway estuaries and it's a beggar when using search engines on the computer. When I'm looking for, say, workman, delivery, house , job etc and stipulate a 10 mile radius the wretched thing ignores the water and gives me addresses and numbers etc in Essex! This would involve at least a two hour drive up the M2 and round the M25 to get there and not an 8 mile trip across the rivers!
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked your number2 MrsP and suspect that I would love number 1 also were I to be given the chance to visit an estuary.
ReplyDeleteCannot abide gunnera though and like you dislike Operas -I was treated to an Opera at Sydney Opera House on the day I arrived in Australia and I fell asleep - but I do love musicals ,my favourites being the ones oddly enough where I have spent the Show weeping like "Blood Brothers", Westside Story",Les Miserables .
I have seen each of these several times on stage and sob every time.
The funniest Show I saw was "The Producers"
The Producers - brilliant!!!
DeleteGrew up by the Humber estuary, now not that far from the Gironde, feeling very cut off from the sea at the moment in lockdown.
Always collect shells etc.
Love rosebay willowherb (but definitely not in the garden!!)
Opera /musicals, not my thing, can't bear to just listen, meant to be watched. West Side Story I can listen to any time!!
Fond memories of swings....
Thanks Mrs P, have an enjoyable time in Cornwall..
DeleteYesterday in the garden we were thrilled by a skein of around 200 grues /cranes on their journey south, calling to each other.... winter's coming...
ReplyDeleteLanJan parsley and all those who say they dislike opera but enjoy musicals, I don’t think you’ve given opera a real chance. I don’t know which opera it was you saw at Sydney opera house LanJan but there are some that I could happily sleep through. If Blood brothers and West Side Story brought you to tears then try Puccini’s “Madam Butterfly” or “Tosca”. Arias from them are fine to listen to but they have more power when heard in the context of the story. Have another go!
ReplyDeleteMy husband hates opera - he has driven me to Glyndebourne and then joined the other chauffeurs outside the theatre and complained they could still hear the “caterwauling “ from inside!
Soz La Boheme reduces me to tears every time I hear it. I ve seen it several times live and I can honestly feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Anything by Puccini.
DeleteVerdi is another winner and one of my priorities is to go to the Arena in Verona ( not too far from me) to see Nabucco and Aida.
Carmen is a great favourite too as are the Mozart operas..
I loved the operettas that our local companies put on like The Merry Widow, The Student Prince and White Horse Inn.
Then of course Gilbert and Sullivan. My dad used to take me to see them when the D'oyle Carte company came to Glasgow. HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance. I could still sing them if you asked me..my dad had all the records.
Musicals not so much except Sweet Charity and Fiddler on the Roof...great songs.
Mrs P. simple pleasures which just goes to show the best things in life are free. We had a swing on our back porch when we lived in Louisiana. Nothing better after a long hot day just to dangle your legs sipping a cold beer...at least until the mosquitoes came out😠😠
I was / am a great G & S fan too Autumn, the D’Oyly Carte were very good at touring and I saw several productions in Slough (of all places) and other venues. Thé Gondoliers was my favourite and ‘Take à Pair of Sparkling Eyes’ my favourite song. Like you I could still sing many of the other songs too - if I still had a voice.
DeleteI well remember going to see my first production of Rudigore soon after we had moved to our farm in Hampshire. I did not know the story and was mystified why the cast kept mentioning ‘Basingstoke’ as a secret code word.
I honestly thought it was because the opera was being put on in our local town and I thought they probably changed the libretto for each town were performing in!
It was only later that I discovered our town had been part of the original script and has been a bit of a laughing stock ever since. Thank you G&S!
......but it is all in "foreign " .!!
ReplyDeleteI do like the duet from "The Pearl Fishers "though .
It was Manon Lescaut ,Soz.
Lanjan, can you really tell which 'foreign' it is, I can't. I must say that I'm impressed by the sheer physical force in the Queen of the Night from the magic Flute. I like the toreador from Carmen and some from La Traviata but not to sit through the whole performance.
Delete“Miss Saigon” was based on “Madam Butterfly” and was sung throughout. It was spectacular with a helicopter lift and a great parade requiring a huge stage! I saw it twice and both times left in floods of tears! Why do we relish a good cry??!😭😢😭
ReplyDeleteNot all of us, Ev. Mr S once persuaded me to attend a performance of Madame Butterfly. I thought the libretto deliberately constructed to be heartrending and I'm afraid it didn't have the desired effect at all.
DeleteMany enjoyable times in the God's at ENO.
ReplyDeleteIt's listening out of context I don't enjoy.
Also the choice of singer is very personal.
Lovely choices Mrs. P. conjuring up relaxing times and happy memories.
ReplyDeleteI do not like opera at all and some of it sounds like someone screeching to my ear. I do like some musicals though. West Side Story and The Sound of Music are classics and I did love Billy Elliott seen in the West End - wonderful stuff.
Shakespeare’s language seemed “foreign” to me until as a teenager, I saw Judi Dench and John Stride in Romeo and Juliet - they brought it to life. So maybe it depends on the quality of the performance as to how “foreign” it seems. Surtitles do help but often I just listen to the sound but then you do miss the subtleties in the text.
ReplyDeleteLanJan I was hoping you were going to say it was a really heavy opera you saw but though I’ve never seen Manon Lescault, it’s by Puccini so should be melodious.
Autumnleaves and Archerphile I love G&S too. My fathers favourite one was Iolanthe. I can’t sing but I do know the Nightmare song word for word!!! The D’oyly Carte used to come to Pavilion in Bournemouth twice a year for a fortnight. So did Sadlers Wells.
Eve yes we do relish a good cry - I’m not sure why. The first time I saw West Side Story, two women behind me were eating crisps loudly while I wept. It did spoil the moment.
I saw Judi Dench and Ian Holm at the Manchester Library Theatre in a Shakespearean play, can’t remember which! It was ov er 50 years ago so neither were famous but they were mesmerising! I studied Richard II for A level and we were taken to the Nottingham Playhouse to see it performed by Richard Neville and Michael Craig. Shakespeare does need to be seen and not just read. When I went with Mike I had to read the play if I didn’t know it and give him a summary of the plot. He would then really enjoy it! We saw “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the Globe. There was a shaggy dog, a lurcher as one of the performers. He didn’t miss a cue and got the biggest hand at the end! In Leeds, when Katy was at the University there, we saw Warren Mitchell (Alf Garnett) as King Lear. He was wonderful in the role. At one point he stripped off all his clothes, yes everything, but it was symbolic of all he had lost and almost necessary to illustrate his desperation. It is amazing how comedians are such superb actors but maybe they are acting all the time! Often they bring us lots of laughter but under it all have very bleak lives full of depression like Hancock and Frankie Howard.
DeleteParsley my sister and I could only afford the Gods for opera at CoventGarden. However I think the sound is better up there than in the expensive lower tiers and the mix of people was more interesting and they were more passionate about what they were seeing than in being seen.
ReplyDeleteTesting again
DeleteKaty and I went to the Paris Opera and were in the Gods. The seats were padded benches covered in red velvet. We were struck by how in the intervals between short ballet performances people went for drinks and then mingled around having a chat! The bonus of being up there was the closeness of the Chagall ceiling. His work never previously inspired me but was impressed with this one!
DeleteMy sister and I always wanted to go to the Paris Opera. Missed opportunities and now it’s too late for one of us so don’t feel like going without her. But that ceiling! I’ve just googled it - it’s amazing. Thanks Ev.
DeleteAh the Gods .
ReplyDeleteI remember watching the film of "A Town like Alice" at our local Odeon from the Gods.
It cost 1/-!
My sister and I always meant to go to the Paris Opera but never managed it - missed opportunities. Now it’s too late for one of us and I don’t feel like making the trip without her.
ReplyDeleteThat ceiling is amazing. I’ve just googled it. Thank you Eve I didn’t know it was there.
Sorry for repeat. I had difficulty in publishing and thought it had disappeared.
ReplyDeleteTo any lovers of choral music, there is on BBC2 tonight at 7.00pm. a performance of Mozarts Requiem.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what it might be like, but I just wanted to point this out.
Bye for now, on this very wet, dark + rainy day.
PS I am cooking a small, smoked gammon joint on a long, and slow cook. This will be "pulled" later on. Tomorrow I will decide what to do with it.
This will be done, listening to the TA omnibus.
To add, my DVD player decided not to work today. I can replace it quickly + easily, doing click + collect, at Argos is S/burys, not far away. I will research more tomorrow. 😀
Stay Safe All.
I hope all the Italian bloggers are safe. I have read that things are escalating there.
DeleteAs everywhere Miriam. We just take each day as it comes. Our language school has gone online for all its courses this week. We still have individuals who want to do lessons in person and quite honestly I'm beginning to think that I'm not going to do it any more. I have health problems with asthma and an auto immune condition plus Mr 🍁🍁 is a very good looking 73. But I don't want to bring home anything that would put him in harms way.
DeleteThings are escalating here for sure.
I learned yesterday that our dear colleague Paola has covid along with her husband.
DeleteThis has been a wake up call because since February when this nightmare started, I haven't known anyone who actually had the disease.
Yes, Miriam, the covid situation in Italy is very bad but all my friends and family are well except for my daughter-in-law's brother and family in Milan who caught covid but with fairly mild symptoms - no hospital - and they are recovering well. My young next door neighbour's family have it and other neighbours nearby which is very worrying so I am being extra careful.
DeleteOh - I wish you well 😁
DeleteThank you, Miriam, for mentioning Mozart's Requiem on tv last night. It was beautiful.
DeleteRequiem recorded.
ReplyDeleteWell wishes to those in Italy...
Thank you, Parsley!
DeleteThere were loads of fireworks around me, last night, far more so than on Bonfire Night.
ReplyDeleteI suddenly realised why - Diwali was being celebrated.
Sadly like Ede (sorry as I can't remember the correct spelling), it fell in a Lockdown.
I feel for all those, who could not enjoy these important, cultural celebrations, with loved ones, families + friends.
Mind you, that could be me in 6 weeks time....but too early to think about.
In Emila Romagna we entered into the orange zone with increased restrictions today. Unlike the situation in March we like Hilary and Autumnleaves know people who have covid so we are all being very careful. So far we have been unaffected.
ReplyDelete🙏🏼 It stays that way for all of you Gianna, Hilary and 🍁🍁 very much in all our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYes, keep safe all of youxx
ReplyDeleteMiriam thought of you immediately I heard the news of the baby rhino born at Chester Zoo 🤗
ReplyDeleteI gather London Zoo has monetary problems again and is currently closed (?)
As the zoo is closed, they did a live reveal on Friday, to announce and show, the new arrival.
DeleteThat’s good Miriam 🤗
DeleteI’m having an enjoyable, if very noisy , morning watching from my bedroom window.
ReplyDeleteThe tree surgeons have arrived to take down an enormous fir tree that blocks the light from the garden and is encroaching on our drive, and also to trim and shape the conifer hedge along the road (that the estate agent advised us to keep and have sorted, as it would enhance sale-ability)
The huge conifer is about 40 -50 ft high, has several trunks and it’s diameter at the base must be at least 15ft. It’s a whopper! But three good looking, muscly lumberjacks were up it in a flash with chainsaws dangling from their waists and as each branch hits the ground another one drags it away to a very noisy chipper machine on the driveway. It’s fascinating watching them! They are so professional and working very hard. No way in a hundred years could Mr A have done it.
Think I’ll have to pop down there with a tray of tea soon!
Wow quite a feat AP but agree interesting to watch. Will they accept tea under current circumstances - their decision 🤔 Certainly thirsty work!
ReplyDeleteOh Lady R, you spoilt my fun!
DeleteI hadn’t thought of Covid restrictions preventing me from getting near these hunks!
They certainly aren’t wearing conventional medical masks but have full safety helmets with visors and lots of other protective gear, so perhaps they are not necessary.
Rotten Covid spoils everything 😉
Well if I can’t have them neither can you 🤣🤣🤣
DeleteOffer it anyway, they can only say No Thank you.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile -I expect you will see a great difference. A tree across the road from me, was removed a few months ago.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the winter sunshine, which is now coming into my lounge.
Such a difference ☀️☀️
Nothing else to say, due to the limitations of Lockdown 2.
I am sticking to and obeying the rules as set out. Sadly my nieces partner isn't (goes to pals homes for a night out..) It makes me so cross, almost angry.
DeleteStill that's his choice, and I am keeping quiet. Just don't want to cause any ill feelings. It is a difference in generations.
Walking on eggshells, springs to mind. Don't want him to put neice + kids, at risk.
Might be overreacting.
I don't think you are, Miriam. My two nephews work together, one told the other that if he goes out with his mates, not to come to his house and to wear a mask at the office. We are supposed to be past the peak here, so what, it can come back in no time. There was hardly anyone in my town on Saturday, but in larger places there were crowds of people. The French say themselves that they are not the most obedient.
DeleteI agree with Basia (and feel your suppressed emotions Miriam 😡)
DeleteNo Gary since 11/11 hope all is well 🙏🏼
ReplyDeleteI was going to add Lanjan but have just checked TA blog and you posted there on the 15th I was glad to see. How is Mr LJ?
Thanks LadyR - all is good! Just like to lurk sometimes...
DeleteAm a bit worried about Mr A. He saw GP this morning about ear pain & loss of hearing, just thought his ear needed syringing. But they found an infected cyst blocking the ear canal - no wonder it was painful! Was given an antibiotic spray which should deal with it soon.
ReplyDeleteMore concerning was that the GP spotted some small lesions on his (bald) head. We hadn’t taken much notice of them really but the GP has referred him to dermatology clinic at the hospital for an appointment within 2 weeks to have them investigated. Seeing how overworked the hospitals are at the moment I find this quite worrying.
Two of his glider pilot friends have had carcinomas removed from their heads in recent years, due to being out in strong sun for hours, on the airfield and whilst gliding. Mr A has always been very careful to wear a hat, but sun’s rays can penetrate cotton fabric apparently and may not have given enough protection. We shall soon find out.
Archerphile, carcinomas on the head and face are very common, be assured that they are normally very treatable, as Mr A’s friends demonstrated. The two week pathway is used for all suspected malignancies, try not to fret, and don’t feel guilty.
DeleteThey want to be on the safe side, hence the referral. I had stuff removed as a precaution, even though the dr said it was non malignant. Try not to look on the internet too much, just a bit if you must and stop. The age that we live in requires sunblock and UV clothing sometimes.
DeleteThanks to both of you. Sadly one of our friends who developed these carcinomas on his head had multiple operations to remove them and also when they migrated to his face. He ended up quite disfigured with scarring and, very sadly died last year from generalised skin cancer. (Which is why I am worried)
DeleteLast year Mr A had some small sarcomas removed from his arms, which barely show now and his arms seem fine. Hopefully the new ones on his head will be the same.
KP - I knew about the 2 week pathway but was surprised (and grateful) they can still stick to it with the Covid crisis. And I shall certainly not be researching anything on the internet - that way lies madness!
Archerphile Mr A ear certainly sounds painful - yet it is an ill wind as they say because his head condition which has been experienced by Mr R in comparatively recent times has been picked up Mr R did pick up on his and visited GP and in his case diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis and explained it was now showing itself from years of exactly what you explained. Plenty of sport cricket, goalkeeper, some golf etc for Mr R (even though most played with a hat worn)
ReplyDeleteThe treatment was with a special cream (mild Chemo) over a long period of time treating a certain area at a time with breaks in between the scalp looked not nice at times because the bad comes out and there was some stinging which is normal, but ensured nothing turned “nasty”.
Now advised to keep head covered and not too long in sun.Mr R was fine throughout treatment and scalp currently clear. I understand your concern though at an unexpected finding so sending 🥰 our loved ones are so dear to us aren’t they, even though we have to bring them into line now and then 🤣
In recent times Mr R was referred to Basingstoke (to be within 2 weeks and was much sooner) to have as I have mentioned here previously a camera down his nose to examine throat etc which thankfully had negative results. Basingstoke and our local Dr’s are doing such a sterling job.
Just this morning Mr A had reason to contact his surgery and a Sister rang back immediately sent a link for a photo to be attached and rang back on receiving it to say being passed to his Dr and a call will be received tomorrow - just brilliant!
Very sorry for Mr A and Mr R but pleased you have posted these masculine problems,
ReplyDeletebecause it alerts me to be more careful.
So thank you both, ladies.
My bald, feminine, head has increased vitiligo on it since my knee surgery.
Other parts of my anatomy have too, but it's my scalp that concerns me the most.
I do run my hands over my scalp regularly to make sure that there is nothing new which I can't see in a mirror. ( though I don't look in mirrors at all most of the time )
At least twice last summer my white areas on my scalp were badly burned.
Even after living with this condition for over seventy years now, I am still, sometimes, careless.
Take great care Mrs P. I now understand(from the GP) that you can buy a cotton sunhat which is lined with an anti-UV fabric to keep the dangerous rays out. Mr A has always worn a typical white beanie or bucket hat as most glider pilots do, but one with this type of lining would have given better protection.
DeletePut one on your Christmas list!
You also make a very point Mrs P as the condition being discussed is more commonly perceived to be male but of course can be a possibility for some females also.However diligent a person you are (and I feel you are) it is still easy to forget to take the necessary precautions now and then.
DeleteAs you know, I have family in OZ with 2 young kids. The boys wear hats, which are somehow able to block UV light out, as do their beach clothes plus the use of factor 50, good quality total sun block. It must be remembered, that in the summer, even in light clouds and no direct sun, UV levels can still be very high.
DeleteExactly so Miriam ✔️
DeleteArcherphile. That ear problem for Mr A, must be painful but it will soon improve, with his medication.
ReplyDeleteIt is a worry about the impending hospital appointment, but it is better all is checked by an expert, wirhout a long delay 🤗
What do you think about Doctors? I am finding it strange and not sure am enjoying it. I record this, to watch at a suitable time. Due to the long break, I have got addicted to Classic Emerdale, on at the same time. I have never seen this, but I am loving it.
DeleteEpisodes from about 1997/1998 or thereabouts.
DeleteArcherphile - Thank you for the info about sunhats! I have been instructed by GP to completely cover all my skin when out in the garden (on all sorts of days!) and always wear a hat. Also wear Factor 50 sun cream. Of course wearing Factor 50 has disadvantages too - like rickets! But the amount of vitamins and minerals I take every day on doctors' orders takes care of that.
ReplyDeleteThis summer in the garden I mostly wore Jon's very battered old cricket sun hat but shall get myself a new one of those which your doctor recommended.
I have a basal cell carcinoma on my right temple for which the specialist prescribed some cream, just a weeny, weeny amount in each foil packet but it hasn't done the trick. It is on my list to ask about when I see the specialist on December 7th.
I feel sorry for MrA with the earache - they are so very, very painful!. Hope it gets sorted soon.
My good news is that the last of my 'dead' fingernails has now reached (and come off) the top of my finger so I now have a full set of 10 nails, all attached without 'glue.' What now to do with the two bottles of nail glue I bought to glue the nails down so they didn't catch on clothes etc? 😀
Very windy again. Bin and bag day today so of course twice I had to go down the road and pick up my two recyclable bags. They are like big plastic cuboid shopping bags with some heavy weight in the bottom but they still blow away! One blue for paper and cardboard and a white one for plastic, glass, foil etc.
I have been making a shopping list for youngest son who works for JSainsbury. He told me that next weekend he has 20% staff discount so I have been writing out list for turkey, gammon and beef for starters!
He and fiance are still waiting on tenterhooks, wondering what sort of wedding they will be able to have next June. Hopefully we'll all be vaccinated by then? 🤞
Right now to start cooking dinner!
Take care all
Spicy
I am in negotiation with Nectar today, due to their double up voucher promotion.
DeleteToo complicated to tell, but mine didn't work. Staff were really great and helpful, they rang Nectar and all sorted. Later I realised, another £20 worth of points had been deducted. I am fighting this, due to no fault of me. I will hear in 7-28 days, if my complaint is deemed valid and get a "refund".
Have ordered a new hat for Mr R this very afternoon from a firm called “Village Hats” 15% off at the moment on selected items. Not the cheapest but look quality. Within catalogue 50% protection lined products as is this one and it is also shower proof and useful at any time of year. Plenty of ladies hats in colours)
DeleteI have noticed our wonderful administrator GG, has been a bit quiet recently.
ReplyDeleteMy 💡💡thought is, that he is busy preparing something, as to his mysterious contact 'phone call, from TA.
Whatever it entails, I wish you well GG.
You're not too far off the mark Miriam! 🤐
DeleteGood Luck + I wish you well. I am glad it's not me, as I can't keep secrets and am always, a big blabbermouth.
DeleteWould also add that Factor 50 also makes me look as if I am about to play the role of Banquo's ghost!
ReplyDeleteI use a well known brand, Ambre S, who does a clear liquid version up to factor 50. This is non-greasy and leaves no white residue..It is called Clear Protect and does what it says.
DeleteMiriam - I'm back to Doctors and wouldn't miss it! Pity the replacement midwife has turned out to be nasty. I think it is unfortunate to make the 'baddie' ... erhm shall we say unusual in her size? Some positive body imaging might have been better but that's just my opinion. I don't like her anyway!😃
ReplyDeleteAlways found Ruhma 'spiky' as well but the storyline of the electronic thingy very silly. Glad that's finished!
I so want Rhuma back. I had doubts about the temp. when she was seen ringing someone for help + advice. I don't trust her.
DeleteTBH I don't think her build is detrimental to her as a person. Look at Dr.Al...and his lifestyle.
DeleteIt is just as normal as in life, to have differing sizes + shapes portrayed.
Sorry...not the place to discuss another TV programme.
ReplyDeleteIt won't happen again.
...but I am also liking the nightly programme from a certain N.Wales castle, not on BBC.
DeleteMy first + last, comments on this, as I will be "Drummed out the Brownies" otherwise.
Not at all Miriam - this blog is (I think) for discussing anything outside TA.
DeleteSo here is my two-penworth about Doctors - I was very disappointed with the first week, stupid, unbelievable story concerning Zara, dreadful acting, very amateurish production...and as for Karen’s new haircut, it makes her look years older.
I think the second week is slightly better but still not back to the original standard of several years ago. If this is the best they can do perhaps better to wait until Covid restrictions no longer apply!
And now can I ask if anyone watched Robert Rinder’s programme called ‘My Family, Me, and The Holocaust’ on BBC1 last night?
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the most moving, heartbreaking programmes I have ever watched about the genocide committed during the Nazi regime. Both Mr A and I were in tears at the end, and I felt so incredibly grateful to Robert Rinder for making such a powerful programme, that I actually wrote to the BBC this morning to congratulate them, and him, for commissioning and making it.
I highly recommend anyone with an interest in the subject to watch. You won’t forget what you see and hear for a long time.
I decided not to watch, as I would have found it upsetting, emotional and distressing. In another time, maybe, but just not now.
DeleteTwo jobs to do tomorrow.
ReplyDelete1) Clean the inside of my lounge + bedroom windows, as the winter sun is showing, just how streaky they are.
2) Swap the chairs in my lounge around. This I do every 6 months. The recliner chair, needs to be put into place, as the main one for the winter. The leather, on both, also needs a good clean and nourish...but they are heavy to move about, as they have solid wood arms + legs. At least I can also thoroughly vacuum the areas, where the chairs are positioned, which I do but I miss bits.
The matching settee is fine, but it will also be cleaned etc. I cannot move it, as so heavy.
DeleteI watched the first programme and we have recorded the second one, Archerphile and I agree with what you say.
ReplyDeleteIt was incredibly moving
The second one concludes the stories started in the first programme and includes Robert taking his mother to Treblinka where her family died. Be prepared for a very emotional experience! I found myself silently reciting the Kaddish (Jewish prayer for the departed) along with them at the shrine.
DeleteAnother programme I have been watching which I have mentioned before is Richard Osman's House of Games.
ReplyDeleteApparently it is being shown at 8:30 pm on Friday evening so it must be doing well .
I wonder whether other people watching agree with me
1) I usually only recognise one or at the most two "famous " people.
2) There is always one who is embarrassingly poor and often one who is far better than the others.
(This week so far some woman who I think is a comedienne who I have never heard of has outshone the others)
3) I would do much better if I were to watch more television ,know the film stars of today or or listen to present day pop music.
So many of the questions involve entertainment .
4) On the whole the historical and geographical knowledge of the parcipitants is appalling.. .
However I am enjoying the questions which are different and clever.
It is on at the moment at 6:00pm BBC 2
I like House of Games too, Lanjan but like you I very rarely recognise any of the participants. I enjoy Richard Osman's light-hearted and humorous hosting style. I can sometimes answer the general knowledge questions but don't stand a chance with questions involving pop stars or tv personalities.
DeleteI’m so glad this is to be put on at a later time, haven’t been able to watch it yet because it always clashed with the news, which is sacrosanct viewing in this house.
DeleteWe do watch Pointless and hate all the questions on pop music or films - they seem to dominate the programmes. But we love geography, history, nature and literary questions and like Lanjan are horrified at most contestants lack of knowledge on those subjects. The only sporting ones we can do are cricket, of course!!
Thanks Miriam (13th 11.10 ) that seems to have worked. My email is now covered up by a photo of a philippino version of a Christmas tree with the Mayon volcano smoking in the background. I don't know what made things go haywire.
ReplyDeleteWe are being invaded, no doubt Gary will remove them from both blogs
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope so KP. Blooming cheek, invading our blogs!
DeleteIndeed the cheek of it 😡
DeleteIndeed Lady R!
DeleteWhat puzzled me was that the American 'lady' offering details about loans had been a member of Blog spot for over a year? Has she been lurking around us or on other sites hosted by Blog thingy(whatever it's called?)
DeleteMy two posts failed to publish last night, one an alert to GG re stranger, the other to Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI did watch the Family/ holocaust programme and found it very moving.
What I took from it though was the closeness and importance of family members through generations.
I envied that.
Janice I am glad it worked. It is unusual for me, to be able to give a suggestion which worked.
ReplyDeleteNow, where was that photo taken, is it one of yours?
I ask as I did a wonderful holiday in Mexico, exploring many sites of Mayan sites. It was hot, fascinating, and fun. I went to a Mayan site, on the edge of the jungle in the south, to visit it as the morning mist was just burning off. It was an eerie but wonderful experience and my party of 12 + our tour guide, were the only ones there. Luckily the mist enveloping the ruins, came out on my photos.
My son sent me the photo which was taken on Luzon island in the Philippines. He had never seen an active volcano before.
DeleteI didn't see the strange comments. As these were obviously not suitable for this site, then 👏👏👏 to GG, for removing them, and others, who alerted this problem.
ReplyDeleteOne year ago all but three weeks I had many good wishes on this blog for my broken finger as a consequence of the behaviour of my dog Lady.
ReplyDeleteSome days later, I wrote of the unfortunate behaviour of the woman I hired to look after Lady in her demands for reperation in the form of £400 plus.
On Monday afternoon this week she had ' her day in court'.
Due to the current restrictions the judgment was held by telephone conference which lasted for one hour and Forty five minutes.
We had a lady judge who explained to us what would happen, why and how. She questioned the other party before asking me the relevant points she needed to discuss.
My family and close friends knew what was happening on Monday and all were thinking of me.
I was confident that I could and would account for myself with honesty and dignity, and without being nervous.
I had less faith in the other party doing so.
I had been advised by a legal friend that under no circumstances whatsoever was I to interrupt the judge. It was not necessary to tell me this, as my daughter said afterwards
' you have respect for authority mum'.
I did not interrupt.
The other party interrupted her Ladyship six or seven times and interrupted me also.
In her summing up she was interrupted yet again by the other party.
The claim was dismissed.
This person, unable and unwilling to accept a curved ball reaching her has not only lost the £400 plus that she demanded but has also lost a year of her life ( there have been many court papers and submissions during that year including her refusal to accept mediation, where I would have been willing to make some compromise despite knowing that she was at fault ) her expenses, and the court fees.
And a massive loss of face !
Congratulations 👏🏻 Mrs P and very well done any other outcome would have been a travesty. The other party deserved the result that was administered.
DeleteSo pleased for you - however I cannot believe that the incident happened that long ago.
Oh well done Mrs P!
DeleteIt sounds as if you handled the whole situation perfectly and the other party did herself no favours at all.
I find it hard to believe she was so determined to go ahead with the case. She must be a very bitter and vengeful woman. And somewhat stupid!
I am so glad you came out on top. Congratulations.
Well done Mrs P. I am sad that you had that hanging over you for a year, but really nice that it has been all done and dusted before Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mrs. P. You can relax now. Do you have any trouble with your mended finger?
ReplyDelete