Proud to be Yorkshire.December 28, 2020 at 12:04 AM I usually take out decs down New Year’s Day. I like to have a good clear up and then be ready to face another, crappy year!!! Had a nice evening on Boxing Day watching Grease. Fabulous. Haven’t seen it in maybe 20 years. Can still sing all the songs. Was much better than I remembered.
Spicycushion - December 28, 2020 at 9:38 AM My daughter was in a schools production of Grease just after her Dad left and it became a special thing between her and me (as did Dirty Dancing.) I sat in the audience along with parents, friends and a specially invited party from the local 'old folks home' next to the schools. During the song 'Beauty School Drop-out' the young lad from the boy's school started coming down the stairs and one of the science teachers started the dry ice 'smoke' to swirl about the staircase. However something went wrong and the whole stage was filled with 'smoke' blanketing out all the actors on stage. The old folks were howling with laughter and cat calling (unkind) but the lad kept singing even though we couldn't see him at all! When the song ended and they had turned off the dry ice he got a standing ovation!
Archerphile - December 28, 2020 at 8:58 AM Twelfth Night for us. According to my Mum it brings bad luck to leave them up any longer! Stupid thing is, she used to keep the Chanukah Menorah candles on the windowsill until then too!
Soz - December 28, 2020 at 10:16 AM With us it was February. The tree and all the decorations went up on Christmas Eve after I’d gone to bed and they stayed up until my birthday party in February !
The Wandering Shops or "tabernae vagantes": These shops will appear in rarely travelled side streets, and will look as though they have been there forever. The next time the customers return (often to return the purchased items) the shop will be gone, the space it occupied looking as though it has been that way forever as well.
find out more here: https://wiki.lspace.org/mediawiki/Wandering_Shop
I watched Star Trek when I was younger, but haven't for years. Pratchett is well worth a visit - where else would you find a disc world supported by 4 elephants standing on a space-swimming turtle?
Sarnia, there's no such thing as "too much Star Trek" in my mind! I love all the different incarnations of it - most recently I loved "Picard" on Amazon Prime.
OWIAS, we as a family devoured all the Discworld books when I was younger. Thought they were fantastic.
I am happy to say I got two young teenage boys 'into reading' by introducing them to the Discworld. I have read each of the 41 novels at least twice (i have a bookcase of them!) but the ones featuring The Watch and the Witches probably four or five times each. I found reading the last one 'The Shepherd's Crown' so moving and was so upset that there would be no more of them. At the moment I am back into Star Wars and have just watched the two series of The Mandolorian but have found that as in so many cases Disney has spoiled it somewhat.
Mrs P How are you today? I hope after a good nights sleep you are feeling a little recovered. It was very frosty here this morning so if it is the same with you take extra care when out with Lady.
OwiaS that is very reassuring. Our local Sainsbury's is situated at a junction on our main local route into 'town' so it clearly cannot come and go as it pleases!
I have never been very impressed with Ryanair, their customer ‘service’ or their owner. But, for me, they hit a new low today.
This morning we twice saw a Ryanair TV advert. It mentioned the vaccine and showed a jolly video of people on holiday, frolicking around a swimming pool and on the beach. Their strap line for encouraging people to book flights? “Jab and Go” That is just about the most crass and insensitive thing I have seen. I am surprised the TV channels agreed to show it. 😠
I have never and woud never book Ryanair. Just before I managed to overcome my fear of flying, about twenty years ago, I heard their CEO/owner/manager in an interview and the way he spoke about his customers disgusted me! I thought if I ever fly your company won't get a penny out of me! Anyway do they think that anyone can just get a jab then? I was under the impression that it would be given out only by the Health authorities (as per government instructions) in the strict age/occupation order. The intention was that it wouldn't be the rich who get it first but everyone in order of need. Young people may be waiting until the middle of next year.
When I went to Italy, I booked EasyJet and although there were flight delays I found the seats comfortable and the service good. On one flight the pilot came out to apologise for the delay in person. Others I met on arrival at the Mill in Italy had flown Ryanair and were not impressed. The owner does indeed come across as uncaring about his customers, only interested in profits. The pinnacle came when they were going to charge to use the toilet! I don’t know whether that happened but how awful!
I didn't watch it Lady R, but I DO find him funny. I've kind of had my fill of documentaries about him if I'm being honest! Watched "Goodbye Christopher Robin" instead.
Billy himself was speaking throughout from his home in Florida where lives now relaxing and enjoying his life there and he seemed to be coping his best with his Parkinson’s (as well as many clips over his career shown) plus a few fellow show business close friends and of course his wife.
A belated white Christmas CC! I guess that means that Miriam will also be white?
Mrs P how are you today - rested? Do take extra care (how did Lady fare overnight when you were in A&E did she know the ladies?)How are all others with ailments or on their own faring?
Archerphile how is Mr A’s ear and head? Mr R had to go to the Dr with his head just before Christmas and is back on the special cream. Very soon after he phoned the surgery a Sister rang back she then spoke with Dr then rang back then Dr rang and said to go to see her. He was given quite a medical whist there and was in the surgery for 1/2 hr I was beginning to wonder but all was well and we were very impressed. I had an email newsletter from my surgery this morning vaccination has started and is being given at “The Hampshire Court Hotel” Basingstoke which I note from checking online is closed until February 28th what will happen post that date.... although once the Oxford jab is out which should be very soon then surgery will also be in action. Mr R is a different Practice but all local surgeries group together on these issues and perform as The A31 team. Mr R should be soon of course as a youngster 🤣 I will be a little later.
Thanks for your enquiry Lady R. The ear that had a growth on the top cut out has healed well now. The hearing in the other ear is slowly improving and responding to drops, though the diabetes has damaged some of the little hairs inside the ear which conduct sound, so he will never regain perfect sound in that one. It is a known side effect of long-term diabetes apparently. He’s not started using the cream on his scalp yet as he was warned it will become unsightly and he didn’t want that over Christmas (not that anybody but me would have seen it!) He should start using it now. Regarding vaccinations, we had a message from our surgery saying all the practices in and around Basingstoke were combining to give the vaccine in one central location (didn’t say where). We are told not to phone for an appointment as we will be contacted when it’s our turn. Heard today that the family in Dubai are being offered either the Chinese or Pfizer vaccine free of charge whenever they like and don’t need to be medically or age-related vulnérable Not sure how that is possible but the medical service out there seems to have a plentiful supply of vaccine. Think son will go for the Pfizer one rather than Chinese. .
Hello again Archerphile it is tech hell here at the moment from tv to computer/ iPad re Mr R Dr site. They are about to send me necessary info. Thank you for Mr A update I wish him well, head will look awful at some point but that means cream doing it’s job. Is it Efudix? Strange about Dubai jabs but good news too. Now 🤞🏼
A propos of nothing in particular, my son has come up with a splendid euphemism for neglected housework: he prefers to describe it as 'delayed maintenance'.
Had 2 feet of snow yesterday now it's snowing again. Staying cosey wosey watching Night at the Museum. Home made minestrone tonight with spicy sausage from Naples.😊😊😊
Thank you Sarnia........ I shall be using " delayed maintenance " for ever now, since delayed maintenance has been the state of my life since the age of around sixteen.
When I had my first child, my mother's mantra to me was, "you'll never get on if you don't establish a routine" I hear her speaking those words daily. I still have not ever established a routine, and I'm still not " getting on ".
Thank you Lady R. The two women who found me lying on the pavement, thought I was a bin bag with a lost dog sitting beside it. When I heard their voices, I called out that I had a reactive dog, but didn't know where she was, they called that they had a reactive dog with them, and I heard one say to the other, " take er back to your mum, call the ambulance and bring some blankets". She then came to me, reassured me that Lady was sitting beside me, she and the other dog had barked at each other, so by then I knew she was with me. I had been lying there for less than ten minutes, not moving at all, as I knew that hitting my head on the ground meant possible complications. She didn't move me, either, but asked the crucial questions and the ambulance arrived within about three minutes. They sit waiting in two crucial spots in the town so that they can get away quickly to any of the districts as the roads fan out in seven different directions up the five valleys. A very efficient system. The woman took my key from my pocket and took Lady home. Once in the ambulance they drove up to the pub and examined me. I had very high BP and was cold with shock, but with the BP there was a danger of a bleed on the brain. I had thought all of this when lying on the ground, and hadn't even opened my eyes. Lady was fed, I changed into some dry clothes, and the two women took her home for the night. Satisfied with the safety and care of Lady, I was prepared to go off to Hospital. Apparently she was as good as gold. And who knows, I might have found some new friends.
One thought I like to pass on though, if I may. When the woman came to me and looked at me, she said " oh I think I know who you are, your the lady who lives on the corner who's had cancer and doesn't have hair " I corrected her and said, " not cancer, I have Alopecia " she apologised and understood. The point I wish to pass on is....... please don't assume that everyone you see has lost their hair has had chemotherapy. It may well be that they have Alopecia. As a society we need to raise the profile of Alopecia. So much publicity around cancer drowns the need to recognise the other condition which is far more common than is realised. And I don't wish for anyone to be upset or offended by me saying so.
I will certainly remember that Mrs P. I worked with someone who had the same condition so I try not to jump to conclusions. It sounds as though you were very lucky that those two kind ladies did all the right things, especially regarding Lady and knowing not to move you. I think this must be partially due to living in a village where people are more closely knit. I fear that had you taken that fall in the centre of a town or city, many may have passed by and ‘not wanted to get involved’.
Thank you Mrs P for your reply, what a night! Do hope that you (and Lady) have made new friends! The ambulance’s in situ certainly makes great sense. The point you make re Alopecia is one very much worth making 👏🏻
Wonderful that Lady sat by you and proof that she is secure and bonded now. You must be proud that you have achieved this much with her. The two ladies were so kind too. 😊🐶🐾
Thanks Ev- your kind words help. What I haven't revealed, or did I ?, is that Lady attacked a dog in Cirencester Park on C'mas eve when my attention was shared between my dog and my family. The family were embarrassed, horrified and disgusted, and I have, yet again had another long lecture. Probably not designed to make me feel less of myself, but that has been the result. On the whole I manage her well on my own because I am vigilant, but when with others am not able to be so as much. You know Ev, how challenging rescues can be, and other owners of rescues know also, but those who are not experienced dog owners or who have bought their expensive new, and first, puppy and know nothing of dog etiquette, do not. Two days before Christmas when I took her to our favourite place, wide open, expansive and with few dogs, I saw a white puppy in the distance, called Lady to me immediately and leashed her securely. No such action from the man and the woman wandered off in a different direction. I called to ask him to leash and control his dog. He called it but it had no recall and continued to bound towards then circle myself and Lady and the man was scrabbling around trying desperately to catch it. He had not a hope in hell of being able to control that dog. If Lady had been off lead and the other dog, off lead had jumped at her, she would have savaged it, they would have had expensive vet bills, and Lady would have been vilified yet again. But because it would have been a 'dog on dog ' event there would be a ' no fault ' result.
I'm sorry .... I'm rambling on, but this situation is getting to me. Forgive me, please.
I know how you feel. When we had our Border Collie he used to play with a male Jack Russell as pups. One day the JR turned on him and from then he hated the dog. I used to walk Dandy off lead as we had walks in countryside but lived in dread of meeting this dog and his miserable owner. Dandy was very obedient most times but if he saw this dog he would be off. One day he attacked another JR who was identical to this one. The owner later called and presented me with a vet’s bill even though the attack had not even drawn blood as I caught Dandy early, admonished him and examined the dog. I paid up as I saw this dog as being innocent. Later the miserable owner remarked that I had never paid her anything when they had had a confrontation never admitting that her dog had been the first aggressor. Our dogs now have their issues but being small are not fighting dogs although Buddy has a lot of terrier in him and can be barks with other dogs. Katy said the other day to the other owner that he doesn’t have the trousers to back him up! We have not encountered other dogs or owners here on our walks so objectionable as that awful woman. They are a friendly bunch and usually laugh at our little demon who is no bigger than a cat!
Lady had a long time when she had to defend herself and maybe fight for food. Old habits die hard and we still have a problem with Dudley who makes a lot of fuss when we have callers at the door and even defends the thresholds to rooms in the house. He is getting better but it is a long haul. Unlike Lady, he had a comfortable home before us but as far as we can see he was treated like a baby until the real babies came along and had little or no training as a pup when it is so vital. Do not punish yourself as you have done a good thing taking in Lady and dealing with her well. People sometimes never see wrong in their dogs or their children and turn the fault on others. Don’t despair! 😊
Thanks Ev. Yes I know about Lady having survived, so does the dog warden and some others who have rescued and lived to tell the tale. But there are so many ' new' owners now, who treat their little princesses as many mothers treat their children now. And have little or non experience of life. I did muzzle her for a few months, but she is such a busy girl smelling out her prey, and I want her to stay a free spirit, as I am and which I think is a valuable characteristic to have.
There are certain dogs she goes for, black or white woolly numbers. Jack Russell's she loves and will play with.
The two women who rescued me have a Spanish rescue who they said is also reactive. I hope we can become friends, cos it might take us forward a few steps with both dogs. Wish for me.... please
Just read about calls for Tier 4 restrictions to be extended as loads of hospitals are now overflowing. At 10pm last night there were 20 ambulances queued up outside our hospital and an announcement went out (apparently) over 'social media' asking people not to call for an ambulance as there aren't any left free! Well they can impose so many restrictions as they like but they're not much good if people ignore them either through ignorance or just selfishness. Rather glad has been put on my deliverying hampers to my sisters as we opened up a jar of my pickled onions and boy were they HOT! Second jar opened and they were okay for me, crisp and spicy but not burning. Jon loved the hot ones so at the moment we each have our own jar with cold meat or cheeses! It gives me time to write a warning on the jars pickled on the same days as they were done in four lots! Will find out from my brothers-in-law who likes hot and spicy!
On the edge of 'Medway' I refuse to acknowledge it as a proper geographical area because various Councils have decided to amalgamate five ancient historical cities and towns into an amorphous blob! All without asking the residents!
The Covid situation is getting really serious. For the first time since the pandemic began I have started to feel really anxious and quite worried about catching the virus and more so for Mr A who is even more vulnerable than me. So much so that I have decided to revert to home deliveries from Sainsburys rather than doing a weekly shop in person. So it’s back to self-imposed isolation until we are called for vaccinations. The only difference this time is that cold & grotty weather prevent us from using the garden for recreation as we could in spring and summer. Thank goodness for radio, jigsaws and these blogs!
Totally agree Archerphile. I miss being able to go out into the garden, even with long sleeves and Factor 50 and a hat! The ground is so muddy I am afraid of slipping over and there is not a thing I wouldn't do to avoid having to go to hospital at the moment! Luckily Jon is here all the time and is very conscientious. We plan our meals Friday evening and he does a 'big' shop Saturday mornings. He then pops into shop Wednesday after work (about 6ish) and gets stuff like bananas which don't last a week. When he comes in he immediately goes into downstairs toilet to wash hands. Then carries shopping up to kitchen and puts it all away. If I re-arrange his hodge-podge of tins and packets in the cupboard I always wash hands afterwards. I am just about to get an antibody testing kit for him and me as I believe that we had Covid in March when I was so ill. GP thinks so too but I do not qualify for an NHS test. It's just really to settle my mind and hopefully give me a bit of confidence. However even if it comes back positive I won't be going out, ignoring regulations and 'doing my thing,' but it will mean I can have a bit more confidence when having to have blood tests etc. I am doing family history research, online jigsaws and Zooming Cub meetings as well as playing board games with Jon and virtual board games with both him and eldest in Germany. Glad news is good today regarding vaccinations and I've never looked forward so much to a January!
Gypsy was taken ill the other night, collapsed, lost control of bowels and bladder, was sick and couldn’t stand up. She is now listing to port. We thought she might have had a stroke or vertigo due to ear infection. Katy took her to the emergency vet yesterday and it is an attack in older dogs which should right itself in about two weeks. He gave her anti nausea and anti inflammatory drugs and some recovery food we had to administer with a syringe affair. Needless to say being Gypsy she is now on proper food! She still lists to port which affects her navigation as you may remember she is blind. She may recover her posture but her head could remain to the side. Once again we thought she was on her way out but her feistiness always wins through! The upshot is that I don’t feel I can leave her and can’t take her for a walk just now. Katy is on holiday so can take the boys out and we have arranged for the dog walker to take them for extra days next week. By Friday they will be exhausted and will sleep all day! So Archerfile I too will have cabin fever! Yes I am concerned about Covid. From an online calculator I gather I may expect a jab in February being over 70. I am more concerned about Katy and her colleagues and feel strongly that teachers and classroom assistants should be a priority for vaccine. A classroom assistant at another island school died on Monday of pneumonia which followed a positive Covid diagnosis. I hope they will be given more consideration if the government insist on keeping schools open.
Mine too. And has spent a worrying. Christmas with almost daily calls from her headteacher about organising testing of the children when they go back to school next week (trying to round up volunteers etc, decide on suitable area to use etc etc). Teachers and all school staff should definitely be vaccinated as a priority.
I overcame the fear of mixing with the General public in supermarketsby going in the evening, between nine and ten pm. I think they have reduced the hours this week and are closing at nine. I have found that the Sainsbury's that I go to is almost empty at these times, in fact more staff than customers, but it does ensure easy social distancing.
Ev - Gipsy reminds me of a lady very close to a good friend of mine. Over the last decade she has rallied many many times. But just before Christmas she finally gave in and went on her way. When Gipsy is ready, she will go. Obviously she isn't ready....yet. But she. Does put you through it doesn't she ?
Yes she does but we love her! Everyone falls for her including Donal our vet who on first seeing her said it was a shame she had so much wrong with her. After her small op in January to remove a cyst he was mightily impressed that she marched out of the surgery with head held high and tail wagging! In contrast after neutering, Buddy had to be carried home wrapped in a blanket but he is a wimp in spite of his terrier stances!
Over the Christmas period I have watched more television than usual-tge excellent Michael Pavin programmes have been most enjoyable. Now perhaps those of you who watch more than I normally do can help me out here. Does Joanna Lumley pop up on every programme? Is she another Claire Balding with a finger in a. Lot of pies? My prediction is that the aforementioned Ms Lumley will get her Dameship in the New Year's Honours list and maybe Ms Baldwin will too. I object to Lewis Hamilton getting the knighthood that he surely will because he chooses to live elsewhere and therefore doesn't have to pay the tax he would have to if he lived in the U.K. Sean Connery was another one. Marcus Rashford deserves praise for his free food in the holidays idea for those families in need but I invite you to google Lou Macari-I think he is one of your Countrymen Gary- is doing in Stoke. (For those of you who do not follow football he used to play for ManUtd and is in his early 70s ) People like him should be the ones who are rewarded with gongs!
Ah ha! The Annual discussion about gongs has started!
Firstly Lanjan - Yes, Miss Lumley does pop up all over the place! She has been lucky enough to go on several lovely long trips around the world at the expense of various TV Channels. She has brought us reports from places as varied as the Far East and the Arctic Circle where she was able to see the Northern Lights, a lifelong dream, apparently. Though why she couldn’t have financed her own trip long ago wasn’t mentioned. So ‘naturally’ she was there to comment on Michael Palin’s films! But to be fair, so were David Attenborough, Simon Reeve and other explorers but they had much more right to do so, in my opinion.
As for the gongs discussion I think I’ll wait to see who has got one this time before commenting.
Was testing! Agree about Lewis Hamilton. Completely lost interest in him when he left for Monaco so he didn’t have to pay taxes. This country gave him an education and with the money he must earn it surely isn’t asking too much for his tax contribution. He gives nothing back. Sean Connery was the same bleating from afar for Scottish independence whilst not even living there!
I too object to Hamilton bec ause of your reasons, especially with the goings on surrounding the avoidance of paying a couple of million in VAT on a private jet! Also because I do not regard F! as a real 'sport', I think he has something to prove as to whether he is best in the world or if it is because he is very good AND has a far superior car! It could have been proved ajust before Christmas when LH had Covid but , amazingly and to my mind suspiciously, the stand in driver was well into the lead but the pit team inexplicably made a mess up of the pit stop and lost the race! Certainly people who have no interest in living in the UK should not receive awards or have any say in the politics of these countries. A bugbear of mine I'm afraid! I have watched very little on TV over Christmas though I did record some films to watch later. Jon has nearly finished the turkey! It was bought when we planned four for dinner but with R & K not being permitted and me vegetarian the turkey has lasted longer than planned. Currey tonight should finish it off! Just finished a planning meeting with Cub leaders for our Zoom Cub meetings from next Monday until Half term. Now to find out how to make giant soap bubbles using washing up liquid and 'corn starch!' Don't know why I volunteered for that!🤷♀️🤦♀️
YesI like her voice too,Basia. She was involved in the Remembrance Celebrations and she is always invited to the Chelsea Flower Show (not sure why)and she has been trying so hard to get this Dameship. Seemingly pleasant enough woman. She deserves just as much as the likes of Penelope Keith or Julie Walters I would have thought. This year they should just give the gongs to those who are helping so much with the Covid crisis.
She has given a lot of support to the Gurkhas, Compassion in World Farming, and to indigenous peoples via Survival International. She deserves to be honoured.
Following on from Mrs. P and Ev's thoughts on their dogs: I have never had a dog which wasn't a rescue and would never buy a dog. This does mean that you don't know what their life was like before they came to you. Love and patience can work miracles and when adopting you have to accept that there will be accidents or upsets at times. I never let my dog off the leash. IMHO it's just not a safe thing to do. I also carry pepper spray just in case. This after Maisie was attacked by a dog which jumped from the owner's car. The attacking dog was a huge Pyrenean (?) Mountain Dog which was going to kill Maisie until the owner threw herself on top of it.
Both dogs we have at the mo were bought. Impossible to get a rescue dog. It does mean you have to go through all the wee’ing and sleepless nights etc but at least you know what you are getting. Talking of wee’ing....... Daphne has started going right through the night till about 7.30. Then Mr PtbY gets up, let’s her out then stays up to watch his progs and I surface about 8.45/9.00. This morning.....woke up, it was 8 o’clock! Said how well daphne had done and he said he’d get up cos he needed a wee anyway. As he goes downstairs I hear him shout she’s not in her cage. I shout well you’d better check for a wee somewhere. Pillock brain says....I must have forgotten to lock her in last night and yes there’s a lake on the hall carpet!!! I laid and let him get on with cleaning it up!!!
So this morning has been spent researching carpet shampooers online. Not that you can actually buy one, they are all out of stock. I’m thinking.....new carpet!!!
Anyone got a rug doctor deep red carpet cleaner? If so, any good?
Bad luck ptby! I now have a laminate floor in the hall and just as well as Gypsy had her mass evacuations on it the other night! Difficult to get the smell of wee off carpets. I do have a shampooer but it didn’t have full effect where she had wee ‘d on rugs and have had to throw several away. However being an old girl hers is particularly pungent and accidents happened when she had urine infections.
One of the many reasons I will never have a dog! It was bad enough with cats peeing and doing other things behind the settee when we were on holiday and next door were feeding them. And especially as it seeped into the underlay and floorboards as well. It’s taken 5 years to eliminate the small totally. 🤭🥴🤢
Sorry you haven't had snow Miriam, although you might feel pleased about it. I have been out in the car to a common which both Lady and I are very fond of. I knew it would still be covered with the snow and it was. The snow we had last year, Lady missed out on due to my broken finger and being unable to drive. So I was very keen to see her reaction. As expected she loved it rolling and skipping and leaping around. I had presumed that hailing from north east Rumania she would have been familiar with snow and she clearly was. Usually this common is pretty empty of people and dogs, although it is on the Cotswold Way, but today it was in full use and clearly has been over recent days. As we arrived the farmer was leaving with an empty trailer behind the tractor as he had just taken food out to the cattle. There were a number of families with small children and sledges whooshing down the slopes. Lady as usual visited all her rabbit holes. I really enjoyed walking in the crisp snow and it was surprisingly easy on my ankle too, and the sky was stunning.
I meant that dogs get you out walking. I doubt whether I would think of going out for a walk on my own but have enjoyed walks with them especially when the weather is kind! Cats give a different but equal companionship. My sister in law has three, the last one, Bertie, being inherited from an elderly friend who had to go into a home. She lives alone and they have made a big difference to her. For my part I never feel alone with the dogs being around. Although animals can’t talk they are a living creature with very defined personalities and just a presence with you all the time.
Yesterday's snow melted a little as the day wore on, then it all turned to ice overnight and stayed that way all day. We were very careful on our walk today, didn't want to end up in hospital with any broken bones!
Along with being the recipient of love, my main reason for having a dog is to make sure I keep going by having to go out daily, and of course the joy of the companionship on that walk or excursion. I knew at the age of twelve that I was going to fail in close personal relationships, and I was correct, but loving and being loved by a dog is non conditional and can only be successful. But of course Miriam cats too are loving companions, albeit on their own terms. My present cat is becoming more loving and affectionate by the month. Also, cats are, on the whole, elegant beauties.
Mr A and I both feel that this particular list should have been totally dedicated to those who have worked so hard to look after Covid patients and find treatments and vaccines etc. This should have included not only NHS staff, care home staff and scientific research personnel but those who volunteered to distribute food, set up relief organisations etc etc. Also teachers who went above and beyond their normal responsibilities to look after vulnerable children. Also folk who managed, through heroic personal efforts, to raise vast sums for medical research and relief for victim’s families.
It should not have included sports personalities, actors, soap stars, singers, time-served civil servants and the like. Especially those who are so well-remunerated for their efforts that they choose to live abroad to avoid paying British taxes. I rest my case.
Even two of my sisters and my daughter who proudly declare they are 'petrol heads!' are infuriated that a tax exile should be awarded a knighthood! They are all serious followers of F1 racing to the extent of setting alarm and getting up at 3am just to watch the 'Qualifying!' So sad that few 'ordinary people' get the top honours. I do have to applaud the fact that historian Michael Wood got an OBE. I have all his books and he kindly signed my battered paperback copy of his first book 'In Search of the Dark Ages' with a message in Middle English (which he speaks fluently!) He has presented many historical programmes and is a far better historian than that awful Lucy Worley!
Well I reckon I have heard it all. Somebody is being given an MBE "for services to straw plaiting" The lady comes from Buckinghamshire where my great grandmother was a straw platter. I don't think they were paid very well because she and her mother were fined for stealing a few yards of straw plait ! Perhaps they were hoping to start up their own business selling straw hats..
Haven't seen Joanna Lumley's name mentioned yet although there are actresses who were or are in Coronation St and Eastenders who will be given a gong each.
I watched Corrie for many years until about 18mths ago but I can’t understand why a cast member should receive an accolade for remaining in their job for many years.
I think that the honours list should be abolished as in my view it has become corrupt in so far as they can be bought. If they are to be given it should be for those unsung heroes in whatever walk of life who work for the betterment of others giving of their time freely. My father received a minor gong for his part in the planning of the evacuation of London during the war. He wanted to refuse as he said he was only doing his job, he was told however he was being disrespectful to those who had nominated him so he reluctantly took it. We shouldnt expect to be rewarded for doing our jobs. I have far more respect for the likes of people who go down the sewers and clean the mess we make, than for so called celebreties who spout their views and talk of their charitable givings, forgetting " The left hand shoudnt know what the right hand giveth. " There should I believe be a little more humility, I am reminded of the poem Ozymandias by P B Shelley, that some of these people should read. As has been said earlier Rant Over
Archerphile 9.31 - I agree with your point of view. This year has been so very different, challenging and tragic for many why not give honours to those who have volunteered to help, done the necessary research etc etc. All the brave souls who volunteered themselves as guinea pigs for the new vaccine should receive some recognition too. BTW I like Joanna Lumley and she has done a lot for different charities. I also agree Hamilton should not have been honoured.
Katy was saying yesterday that Chris Whitty who is a qualified doctor worked on the wards over the Christmas period. I have so much respect for him. I think he has been honest and a source of real knowledge over this very difficult time for us all.
On the otherhand, the shoe now has pets! I have now become 'grandmother' to 4 fish and two shrimp! However, they are the youngest shoe-dweller's responsibility not mine, so I won't be venturing out in the cold to take them on walks ; ) Nor expecting much love and attention from them.
Are you expecting the shrimps to multiply? Would the young shoedweller mind if any were eaten???
My daughter has just had a Pfizer vaccination. She’s a psychologist working for NHS in London. She wasn’t expecting it so soon but is very pleased. She can’t understand the few in her team who are refusing to be vaccinated.My son lives in Thailand and when the vaccine is rolled out there, it will be compulsory. While I don’t think it should be compulsory here, it will only work if the vast majority have it. I fear it will be a problem.
There might be greater take up of the vaccine if people were offered a choice between the two types. Some might be happier with the more traditional type Oxford one instead of the newer more experimental Pfizer vaccine ( although I understand this latter type holds great promise for other diseases in the future, and can cope with mutations). Fascinating stuff, and how brilliant it is that researchers have performed so well under pressure.
It's going to be a logistical nightmare anyway! I think if you added the complication of vaccine centres having to offer both vaccines, or offering a choice of different centres depending on vaccine then things would go crazy. (Or more crazy than they are already.)
There are limited supplies. Give them to the people who have the sense to accept it and then worry about the refusers. (Yes, I know we need a certain proportion of the population protected. But at present any proportion is better than none!)
I do agree owias. It is foolish to refuse the jab but every jab helps towards stopping the spread. There were 101 cases here yesterday and 71 today and we have gone from tier 1 to tier 4 in a week. Only the Scillies are still in tier 1. Happy new year to you all. Here’s hoping for a brighter one!
I too would like to wish everyone here a very Happy New Year, and a happy and healthy 2021. We have had a dusting of snow mixed with hail. We drew Happy New Year in the snow and have whatts apped a photo out to where my son is sweltering in the heat of the Philippines. He loves snow and ice.
I also wish all bloggers and readers a happy and healthy New Year.
For those who have had additional health concerns and incidents, I hope you improve soon. And that 2021 will be a better and happier new year for all x
Re the vaccine - as a health professional at moderate risk for health reasons, I have been contacted re an appointment. I'm having my vaccine on Tuesday 5th. I'll find out then which one I will have 🤔
Wishing all my lovely friends on the two Archers blogs a much healthier, happier and ‘normal’ new year in 2021. Here’s to being able to have a meet- up in a few months time during which we can show Gary our appreciation for helping to keep us occupied and sane during this horrid year. Bless you all. 💕
Could not agree more with the many sentiments already posted. Such a tough year and as 2021 starts the going will still be tough going and heartbreaking for many but please God we will slowly but surely begin to regain our lives back once again. Thank you Gary for our blogs which have been so important for our well-being throughout this year. Bless you all and for the many with health problems right now may they improve in the near future. Best wishes to all for 2021 🥂🎊🥂
We normally have friends over for New Years Eve and do an elaborate, multi course meal, this year we’ve had a Bake off style meal with multiple video calls, we each chose a starter and main as “signature “ and “technical “ so 2 starters each and two mains then a showstopper dessert, it’s worked well. Now a break for me to WhatsApp my sisters in France and Belgium, then seeing in the New Year if we can stay awake.
I too thank every one of you on this blog, including Miriam, for helping me get through the isolation that this long year has brought to those of us living alone.
Good morning one and all and seasons greetings. Up late this morning despite an early night ! Lets not be too negative, we are all still here supporting one another and there are lights on the horizon, so lets celebrate what we have achieved and make plans for when the restrictions are lifted. Easter has always been for me a significant event when my niece and her various friends have joined me, the same family have been coming now for over 10 years, I missed seeing the children, but am planning ahead now , and preparing in the hopes that sometime this year we can all get together and have a major celebration. So chins up as they say , lets move forward with hope.
Oh yes Basia! I haven’t said ‘White Rabbits’ for years. It was very popular at school along with the less pleasant ‘Pinch and a punch for the first of the month’!
Happy New Year to everyone. One of the best sights at this time of year are the bulbs just beginning to poke through the frost. New life - new hope. Thanks Gary for keeping us going.
MrsP, my sister and I send each other "white rabbits" by text every month (I started it), once at the very same time. Sarnia, you're supposed to say "white rabbits" on the first of each month before midday, I no longer remember the custom behind it but Jill said it once in the Archers and got no response. There are some other sayings and I always say if it's in the Archers it must exist.
Esscce - we watch the New Years Day concert from Vienna too. It’s an essential part of New Year for us, but so different this year with no audience in the beautiful concert hall. How marvellous the the orchestra were so determined to perform as usual that they had been Covid testing daily for weeks and all through rehearsals. The ballet scenes were really beautiful out in the gardens but how they managed to dance on grave pathsl and grass I just don’t know - must have ruined their ballet shoes! The finale, of course, the wonderful Radetski March - I love it so much I have it as the ringtone on my phone. 🎶🎶
I love the Radetski March also. My three daughters were in a concert band when they were at school and that was one of the pieces in the band's repertoire.
Oh Well It is 2021 and a New Year, but is it Happy? Not sure just yet. There is so much which will potentially, and eventually happen, but when? I am not sure, that I can cope with being alone, in relative isolation, for much longer.. Sorry to re-appear again...it was neither intended nor planned, but I just needed to talk to some-one 😢🙊😭
Miriam, I am sorry that you’re finding the loneliness difficult, I am sure that you are welcome on this blog. We are all hoping for brighter days ahead, although they may take a while to arrive. You have been strong so far, I am sure you can manage.
Miriam, stay with us!😊 I am comforted by the words of the hymn “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”. Something we all need at the moment! It will be over I’m sure in the next few months.
I missed the New Year's concert today so will have to see if it's on Catch Up.
Our tradition, at school and with my brother, was 'Pinch Punch, the first of the month, and no return!' This was while you pinched the other person's arm! However, you then said 'White Rabbits' and no one else could pinch you! So really everyone got one pinch at least! Soz - I have a few bulbs outside which are beginning to show through at the top of the pots. I am extremely happy to see my garlic growing in the six pots I planted up, as per instructions of Monty! Yesterday I was feeling quite poorly and very low in spirits re the quick and thorough spreading of the virus. So I watched my bird table from the sitting room and was thrilled to have a Greater Spotted woodpecker show up and two nuthatches, such pretty birds. All were enjoying the suet block and peanuts as it was very cold here.
Oh my goodness, that's a real blast from the past. I'd forgotten 'White Rabbits' but did remember 'Pinch, Punch, first of the month' when we'd all try to be the first one to do it. I too love to watch the birds at my feeder. It's nice to do our bit to help them survive in winter.
I was told you had to say 'White rabbit' three times before you said anything else that day. Then no-one could pinch and punch you - 'though how you were supposed to prove you'd rabbitted is anyone's guess! The response to the pinching and punchine was 'A punch and a kick for being so quick'. This was probably popular for a while at junior school. I don't remember it ever happening after that.
Maybe my primary school was rough... Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month, and the response was Pinch and a kick for being so quick. This made going to school quite scary.
Me as OwiaS - taught by my mother " white rabbits " first thing on opening eyes on first of each month. I cannot remember any connection between W R and pinch/punch but what others say about school practice does sound familiar, so perhaps I've just forgotten the connection between the two. My mum was a London child ( Grinigg ! ) as was I, but Catf'd.
I went to bed early last night for resons mentioned above leaving Jon who was going to link up with some Scouting friends, one of whom was a Cub of mine but when he became 18 decided to assist with Scouts and help out Jon with the troop. He is now a paramedic in Northants and his partner, also one of Jon's Scouts, is a nurse. Both sadly had to call off as , although they were supposed to be on annual leave, both have been called in as the hospital authorities are so short staffed. Jon said they looked absolutely exhausted on the brief 'hello' before they went off to START their shifts! Patients from our area (North east Kent) are now being shipped to Dorset! My friend posted on fb a photo of two dogs 'talking' with speech bubbles over their heads; 1st dog 'Why are all the humans wearing muzzles?' 2nd dog 'Because they couldn't learn to sit and stay!' 😁 BTW It's very strange talking to the paramedic now (aged about 25) as I remember him as an accident prone 10 year old. He tells me has delivered 6 babies so far in his career! I'm amazed!
Miriam..... Think positive You have much to be thankful for, you have your health a wide ranging family and us your virtual friends, even though we sometimes get up your nose. Is there a new hobby that would challenge you ? there is so much available now on line to stimulate us and you are an intelligent woman, so come on challenge yourself. Last year I redesigned part of my garden,much thought and planning went into it, followed of course by a lot of hard work, but it kept me going, now I can look forward to seeing all my efforts coming to fruition. Now I am planning and making for our annual Easter gathering, whenever that might be ! So give it a thought and let us know .........
Thanks Basia 8:09pm. I was getting so frustrated like LadyR because when I pressed "publish "all I got was "blogger error " that I spent Thursday afternoon telephoning Sky and then Apple to see what was wrong. The only time any got through was when I just sent "testing". Anyway a lovely "Apple " lady in Greece has hopefully sorted out the problem. She says I don't even need to go through chrome now. I will still copy any post I do in case though!
So what did the nice Apple lady tell you LJ or is it too complicated to pass on? Which if you were with her for an hour it probably is! Now to see if you have a chance to answer.
LanJan and Lady R, I feel your pain, I too have started getting the dreaded error message. I try to remember to copy my posts before publishing, so if I need to clear my history ( which seems to be the fix) I can then paste the post I have laboriously typed ( I am a very slow typist) but it is frustrating in the extreme.
I clear my history via settings/ safari/ clear history and website data all the time and ensure all open apps are then swiped away and also do reboots. What I must investigate is the copy and paste you are talking about. Any tips? 🙏🏼 I do screenshots and keep in photos but I would then need to print and still re write.
Just a thought. How many people are using a phone or a Tablet to post? It seems that they are less reliable than a straight-forward computer? I have an Android phone some six-ish years old. I am still learning what I can do with it! But indoors, or even out in the garden, I would much prefer my laptop! Eldest son has suggested a Tablet for our online board game playing but I really don't like touch screens. Much prefer a mouse and a keyboard. Anyway I need a computer for downloading Scouting and lesson plans (if I ever go back to tutoring) and printing stuff off for Family History as I have hard copies of all records there. Also I need the large screen until I can get my eyes sorted out when I'm better or when covid retreats, whichever is sooner! As I'm no use technically I just wondered?
Now that I have the IPad I rarely use the computer. I was told how to copy and paste by Mistral some time ago, Lady R On my IPad I press down at the bottom of what I have written. Then a little thing comes up with select,select all etc. I press select all and it all goes blue. Then I press the screen again and copy comes up . Then if I need it I press the screen and paste comes up and I press paste.
Then if I need to copy it I press again and press paste At least I think that is what I do. It is like driving a car . I now do everything automatically.
The lady from Greece took over at my request and all I saw on the screen was a little arrow pointing somewhere and she kept saying press where the arrow is. I always tell them that they are talking to someone who is 80 years old. I bet they groan then. I expect they think that they are talking to a little old woman sitting, there wrapped up in her shawl rather than someone in her jeans who would have been fine had she been able to learn about the Internet as a youngster . Anyway sometimes it works playing the little old lady card and hopefully it did on this occasion.
Two errors in a row now both longish posts. Miriam if this one goes through hoping a better day for you - keep with us 🤗 Spicy prefer iPad to desk top mouse that’s Mr R.
Spicey cushion, I am not tech minded either. I use my computer all the time. I was given a tablet, never got on with it so it was abandoned. Just bought a new pone, got my neighbour to sort it for me as I needed an app on it, took me all my time to get the Sim in !!
Snowing here we are well covered, just went out to fetch the wood in and feed Emerald (the cow ), there she was standing in the yard enjoying life with the snow on her back, usually she is out only when the sun is out getting her vitamin D .
I don't like touch screens either, I press too hard and it all disappears. I only use a desktop. My iphone is very basic, just phone and text because I don't have wifi.
All this talk of pasting and copying and tabletsV computers leaves me standing. And feeling rather stupid. I don't know how to save or copy any post I might write on here and if it goes into ' error', and it occasionally does, then I have to start again. Or abandon my attempt. I'm impressed with such ability. Like LanJan I've picked it up as I go along. I remember LJ being tutored by Mistral and remember that I couldn't even understand what Mistral was explaining. Also like LanJan I admit to playing the old lady card on occasion, but only ever on the phone when I have to be careful to modify my voice. I have a strong and confident voice and it can give me away if I'm not careful.
I can see through the glass in my door that large flakes of snow are falling. Lady will have to wear her new coat when we venture out.
We had a lovely end to a terrible year. We heard that my son and his wife had managed to cover the 3400 mile journey fro British Columbia to Prince Edward Island where they will now self isolate for a fortnight. They each drove a car containing a pet. Thin cat went with my daughter in law and Willow the Labrador with mY son. They endured temperatures much below freezing and because each Province has dealt with Covid differently when they arrived at New Brunswick although they had a permit to travel they were met by a row of police cars and told they could not travel through the Province as it would require an overnight stay. A policeman guided them to a hotel in Quebec and they continued their journey on 31st December reaching PEI early that evening. To say I am relieved is an understatement.
Miriam I hope you're feeling a wee bit better today.
I've changed my profile photo . This was taken from my rooftop ( through the skylight of course ) at sunset on Wednesday. We are being deluged with snow again today. Hilary a you are right . Tutorials on the internet helped me so much dealing with online teaching and not only, any time I need to know how to do something I have the solution right there in seconds. If I ask Mr 🍁🍁 he hums and haws for at least half an hour then tells me he doesn't know.
My heart is heav, have just learned that one of my M&S ladies died today from the virus - it doesn’t seem real plus I don’t want it to be the first person I have actually known 😢
An attempt to be positive: I've had a clump of primroses out for a couple of weeks now. As well as the usual bulbs sprouting up all over the place as expected, there are also osteospermums in bud and saxifrage coming into flower. I do hope they haven't miscalculated!
The landscape gardener expects to begin work in about three weeks' time - weather permitting that the job he starts on Monday doesn't take longer than the time allotted. I'll report back as we progress.
Also thanks to Gary & Anneveggie for your thoughts and Anneveggie I do hope your friends son will soon show improvement an awful situation - such a young man too which should stand him in good stead.
Me too Gary- anywhere but our small dark lounge with small windows, little light, hedged in by tall trees, where we seem to have been imprisoned since last March. Not even going out once a week to shop now because Covid is so rife down here. ☹️
Still, Spring is on the way, each day gets a few moments longer and the vaccine is nearly here! 😀
Tut tut Gary, you live in a beautiful part of the country, despite everything there is beauty to be seen. the snow from yesterday is gradually going, the clouds are scurring across the sky, but to the eat, through the clump of scots pine the sun is breaking through. As I look across the garden I can see the water rushing through the tunnel under the road, making a mini waterfall, the silver birch is showing its magnificent colours and beyond that is the new red oak that I have planted, cant see much other than the tree shelter, but as Ive always wanted one I can imagine what its going to be like in a few years time! The birds are singing and attacking the suet pellets in the feeders. Yes life may be difficult, but there is so much going on around us to enjoy if we open our eyes. Oh dear as a penance for my lecture Id better go and do some housework !!!
No snow here, just frost and fog, beautiful in its own way as amorphous shapes turn into white filigree as you walk towards them. Cozy evenings with the log burner and working through the Christmas chocolates. Housework on back burner, it will still be there next week, the Victoria Wood biography I got for Christmas is much more compelling 😖🥸
You are absolutely right Cow Girl! I am lucky enough to be able to see fields and forests and mountains from where I am, all reachable in minutes. (The sun has been splitting the sky for the last 3 days and we have taken full advantage of it. Been out hiking every morning. It's been glorious). I can see Highland cattle, snow topped peaks and mile after mile of green from my house. I have birds galore in my garden, including a new flock of parakeets from the "wildlife park" at the bottom of the hill. There's also at least 3 resident foxes and about 5 cats to spy on from my windows. I'm also fortunate to have amazing neighbours - we are constantly in touch and prepared to help each other in any way we can.
I've got nothing to moan about really, I was just being a wee bit wistful about other places....
I'm sure all of us live in lovely places or at least have access to them. It's just that we can't go there. We are in complete lockdown in Italy so we can't even leave our villages. Even if you wanted to go for a walk ( which is allowed), the roads are so icy you risk breaking a limb more than catching covid. I think we're all suffering from (as the Americans call it), cabin fever. However I am the eternal optimist and we have turned the corner as far as the new year is concerned . So we're marching towards spring. Every day is a little bit longer we are hopefully coming out of the tunnel in more ways than one.🌼🌼🌸🌸
Autum leaves If you put socks over your footwear, you wont slip as the fibres stick to the ice, may not look very attractive but safe rather than sorry. Ther are other options on the market, I use yaktracks, but socks are much cheaper and just as good, so why dont I use them ........pass
With you Archerphile our lounge does not get a lot of light, however when it is the dreaded 30c plus we are cool 🤗 I gather January is due to remain cold 🥶 throughout so in that sense helps with our lockdowns.
I like sitting in my home looking out and hoping that the snow will melt by the time I go out tomorrow. My bil read in the local press that my town takes the rules and restrictions seriously and I can confirm that. They use socks here for the ice, but I've not tried it.
Some time ago we discussed here Never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro. He'll be talking about it on Bookclub at 4pm. I said at the time that I let it go never to pick up again, but I might listen for a bit.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteProud to be Yorkshire.December 28, 2020 at 12:04 AM
I usually take out decs down New Year’s Day. I like to have a good clear up and then be ready to face another, crappy year!!!
Had a nice evening on Boxing Day watching Grease. Fabulous. Haven’t seen it in maybe 20 years. Can still sing all the songs. Was much better than I remembered.
Spicycushion - December 28, 2020 at 9:38 AM
My daughter was in a schools production of Grease just after her Dad left and it became a special thing between her and me (as did Dirty Dancing.) I sat in the audience along with parents, friends and a specially invited party from the local 'old folks home' next to the schools.
During the song 'Beauty School Drop-out' the young lad from the boy's school started coming down the stairs and one of the science teachers started the dry ice 'smoke' to swirl about the staircase. However something went wrong and the whole stage was filled with 'smoke' blanketing out all the actors on stage. The old folks were howling with laughter and cat calling (unkind) but the lad kept singing even though we couldn't see him at all! When the song ended and they had turned off the dry ice he got a standing ovation!
Archerphile - December 28, 2020 at 8:58 AM
Twelfth Night for us. According to my Mum it brings bad luck to leave them up any longer!
Stupid thing is, she used to keep the Chanukah Menorah candles on the windowsill until then too!
Soz - December 28, 2020 at 10:16 AM
With us it was February. The tree and all the decorations went up on Christmas Eve after I’d gone to bed and they stayed up until my birthday party in February !
Thank you for the snowy Shaftesbury picture Gary. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletereply to Sarnia, previous blog
ReplyDeleteThe Wandering Shops or "tabernae vagantes": These shops will appear in rarely travelled side streets, and will look as though they have been there forever. The next time the customers return (often to return the purchased items) the shop will be gone, the space it occupied looking as though it has been that way forever as well.
find out more here: https://wiki.lspace.org/mediawiki/Wandering_Shop
I watched Star Trek when I was younger, but haven't for years. Pratchett is well worth a visit - where else would you find a disc world supported by 4 elephants standing on a space-swimming turtle?
Sarnia, there's no such thing as "too much Star Trek" in my mind! I love all the different incarnations of it - most recently I loved "Picard" on Amazon Prime.
DeleteOWIAS, we as a family devoured all the Discworld books when I was younger. Thought they were fantastic.
I am happy to say I got two young teenage boys 'into reading' by introducing them to the Discworld. I have read each of the 41 novels at least twice (i have a bookcase of them!) but the ones featuring The Watch and the Witches probably four or five times each. I found reading the last one 'The Shepherd's Crown' so moving and was so upset that there would be no more of them.
DeleteAt the moment I am back into Star Wars and have just watched the two series of The Mandolorian but have found that as in so many cases Disney has spoiled it somewhat.
Controversial Spicy! I thought The Mandalorian was pretty much perfect.
DeleteMrs P
ReplyDeleteHow are you today? I hope after a good nights sleep you are feeling a little recovered.
It was very frosty here this morning so if it is the same with you take extra care when out with Lady.
Brrrr Gary but so pretty 👏🏻 🤗
ReplyDeleteGary, I can just hear the music from the old Hovis advert as the Baker’s boy ascends the hill with his bike!
ReplyDeleteExactly my response Archerphile! 🙂
DeleteHa! It's been stuck in my head since I posted it!
DeleteOwiaS that is very reassuring. Our local Sainsbury's is situated at a junction on our main local route into 'town' so it clearly cannot come and go as it pleases!
ReplyDeleteI have never been very impressed with Ryanair, their customer ‘service’ or their owner.
ReplyDeleteBut, for me, they hit a new low today.
This morning we twice saw a Ryanair TV advert. It mentioned the vaccine and showed a jolly video of people on holiday, frolicking around a swimming pool and on the beach. Their strap line for encouraging people to book flights?
“Jab and Go”
That is just about the most crass and insensitive thing I have seen. I am surprised the TV channels agreed to show it. 😠
I have never and woud never book Ryanair. Just before I managed to overcome my fear of flying, about twenty years ago, I heard their CEO/owner/manager in an interview and the way he spoke about his customers disgusted me! I thought if I ever fly your company won't get a penny out of me!
DeleteAnyway do they think that anyone can just get a jab then? I was under the impression that it would be given out only by the Health authorities (as per government instructions) in the strict age/occupation order. The intention was that it wouldn't be the rich who get it first but everyone in order of need.
Young people may be waiting until the middle of next year.
When I went to Italy, I booked EasyJet and although there were flight delays I found the seats comfortable and the service good. On one flight the pilot came out to apologise for the delay in person. Others I met on arrival at the Mill in Italy had flown Ryanair and were not impressed. The owner does indeed come across as uncaring about his customers, only interested in profits. The pinnacle came when they were going to charge to use the toilet! I don’t know whether that happened but how awful!
DeleteGary have you just watched the Billy Connolly programme 😂😂😂😂😂😂
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch it Lady R, but I DO find him funny. I've kind of had my fill of documentaries about him if I'm being honest! Watched "Goodbye Christopher Robin" instead.
DeleteBilly himself was speaking throughout from his home in Florida where lives now relaxing and enjoying his life there and he seemed to be coping his best with his Parkinson’s (as well as many clips over his career shown) plus a few fellow show business close friends and of course his wife.
DeleteThat marriage really does seem to have worked.
DeletePleased for them both, but such an unlikely pairing.
Must try to catch up on it tomorrow.
It's looking like the post photo here today, about 3cm of snow this morning. The snow has just stopped falling so hoping for a walk this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteA belated white Christmas CC! I guess that means that Miriam will also be white?
ReplyDeleteMrs P how are you today - rested? Do take extra care (how did Lady fare overnight when you were in A&E did she know the ladies?)How are all others with ailments or on their own faring?
Archerphile how is Mr A’s ear and head? Mr R had to go to the Dr with his head just before Christmas and is back on the special cream. Very soon after he phoned the surgery a Sister rang back she then spoke with Dr then rang back then Dr rang and said to go to see her. He was given quite a medical whist there and was in the surgery for 1/2 hr I was beginning to wonder but all was well and we were very impressed.
I had an email newsletter from my surgery this morning vaccination has started and is being
given at “The Hampshire Court Hotel” Basingstoke which I note from checking online is closed until February 28th what will happen post that date.... although once the Oxford jab is out which should be very soon then surgery will also be in action. Mr R is a different Practice but all local surgeries group together on these issues and perform as The A31 team. Mr R should be soon of course as a youngster 🤣 I will be a little later.
Thanks for your enquiry Lady R. The ear that had a growth on the top cut out has healed well now. The hearing in the other ear is slowly improving and responding to drops, though the diabetes has damaged some of the little hairs inside the ear which conduct sound, so he will never regain perfect sound in that one. It is a known side effect of long-term diabetes apparently. He’s not started using the cream on his scalp yet as he was warned it will become unsightly and he didn’t want that over Christmas (not that anybody but me would have seen it!) He should start using it now.
DeleteRegarding vaccinations, we had a message from our surgery saying all the practices in and around Basingstoke were combining to give the vaccine in one central location (didn’t say where). We are told not to phone for an appointment as we will be contacted when it’s our turn.
Heard today that the family in Dubai are being offered either the Chinese or Pfizer vaccine free of charge whenever they like and don’t need to be medically or age-related vulnérable Not sure how that is possible but the medical service out there seems to have a plentiful supply of vaccine. Think son will go for the Pfizer one rather than Chinese. .
😡 Failed twice Archerphile if this goes through as a test will reply later!
DeleteHello again Archerphile it is tech hell here at the moment from tv to computer/ iPad re Mr R Dr site. They are about to send me necessary info.
DeleteThank you for Mr A update I wish him well, head will look awful at some point but that means cream doing it’s job. Is it Efudix? Strange about Dubai jabs but good news too.
Now 🤞🏼
Hooo - bl***y ray 👏🏻
DeleteA propos of nothing in particular, my son has come up with a splendid euphemism for neglected housework: he prefers to describe it as 'delayed maintenance'.
ReplyDeleteHurrah for that Sarnia 🤗
DeleteHm, I suspect you'd have to say my shoe was suffering from indefinitely postponed maintenance.
DeleteIndeed, Lady R. I have several piles of delayed maintenance awaiting my attention.
ReplyDeleteHad 2 feet of snow yesterday now it's snowing again.
ReplyDeleteStaying cosey wosey watching Night at the Museum.
Home made minestrone tonight with spicy sausage from Naples.😊😊😊
Sounds idyllic to me Autumnleaves!
DeleteDelayed maintenance also going on here.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarnia........ I shall be using " delayed maintenance " for ever now, since delayed maintenance has been the state of my life since the age of around sixteen.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my first child, my mother's mantra to me was, "you'll never get on if you don't establish a routine"
I hear her speaking those words daily. I still have not ever established a routine, and I'm still not " getting on ".
Thank you Lady R.
The two women who found me lying on the pavement, thought I was a bin bag with a lost dog sitting beside it. When I heard their voices, I called out that I had a reactive dog, but didn't know where she was, they called that they had a reactive dog with them, and I heard one say to the other, " take er back to your mum, call the ambulance and bring some blankets".
She then came to me, reassured me that Lady was sitting beside me, she and the other dog had barked at each other, so by then I knew she was with me.
I had been lying there for less than ten minutes, not moving at all, as I knew that hitting my head on the ground meant possible complications. She didn't move me, either, but asked the crucial questions and the ambulance arrived within about three minutes.
They sit waiting in two crucial spots in the town so that they can get away quickly to any of the districts as the roads fan out in seven different directions up the five valleys.
A very efficient system.
The woman took my key from my pocket and took Lady home. Once in the ambulance they drove up to the pub and examined me. I had very high BP and was cold with shock, but with the BP there was a danger of a bleed on the brain. I had thought all of this when lying on the ground, and hadn't even opened my eyes.
Lady was fed, I changed into some dry clothes, and the two women took her home for the night. Satisfied with the safety and care of Lady, I was prepared to go off to Hospital.
Apparently she was as good as gold.
And who knows, I might have found some new friends.
One thought I like to pass on though, if I may.
When the woman came to me and looked at me, she said " oh I think I know who you are, your the lady who lives on the corner who's had cancer and doesn't have hair "
I corrected her and said, " not cancer, I have Alopecia " she apologised and understood.
The point I wish to pass on is....... please don't assume that everyone you see has lost their hair has had chemotherapy. It may well be that they have Alopecia.
As a society we need to raise the profile of Alopecia.
So much publicity around cancer drowns the need to recognise the other condition which is far more common than is realised.
And I don't wish for anyone to be upset or offended by me saying so.
I will certainly remember that Mrs P. I worked with someone who had the same condition so I try not to jump to conclusions.
DeleteIt sounds as though you were very lucky that those two kind ladies did all the right things, especially regarding Lady and knowing not to move you. I think this must be partially due to living in a village where people are more closely knit. I fear that had you taken that fall in the centre of a town or city, many may have passed by and ‘not wanted to get involved’.
Thank you Mrs P for your reply, what a night! Do hope that you (and Lady) have made new friends! The ambulance’s in situ certainly makes great sense.
DeleteThe point you make re Alopecia is one very much worth making 👏🏻
Wonderful that Lady sat by you and proof that she is secure and bonded now. You must be proud that you have achieved this much with her. The two ladies were so kind too. 😊🐶🐾
ReplyDeleteThanks Ev- your kind words help.
ReplyDeleteWhat I haven't revealed, or did I ?, is that Lady attacked a dog in Cirencester Park on C'mas eve when my attention was shared between my dog and my family.
The family were embarrassed, horrified and disgusted, and I have, yet again had another long lecture. Probably not designed to make me feel less of myself, but that has been the result.
On the whole I manage her well on my own because I am vigilant, but when with others am not able to be so as much.
You know Ev, how challenging rescues can be, and other owners of rescues know also, but those who are not experienced dog owners or who have bought their expensive new, and first, puppy and know nothing of dog etiquette, do not.
Two days before Christmas when I took her to our favourite place, wide open, expansive and with few dogs, I saw a white puppy in the distance, called Lady to me immediately and leashed her securely. No such action from the man and the woman wandered off in a different direction. I called to ask him to leash and control his dog. He called it but it had no recall and continued to bound towards then circle myself and Lady and the man was scrabbling around trying desperately to catch it.
He had not a hope in hell of being able to control that dog. If Lady had been off lead and the other dog, off lead had jumped at her, she would have savaged it, they would have had expensive vet bills, and Lady would have been vilified yet again. But because it would have been a 'dog on dog ' event there would be a ' no fault ' result.
I'm sorry .... I'm rambling on, but this situation is getting to me.
Forgive me, please.
I know how you feel. When we had our Border Collie he used to play with a male Jack Russell as pups. One day the JR turned on him and from then he hated the dog. I used to walk Dandy off lead as we had walks in countryside but lived in dread of meeting this dog and his miserable owner. Dandy was very obedient most times but if he saw this dog he would be off. One day he attacked another JR who was identical to this one. The owner later called and presented me with a vet’s bill even though the attack had not even drawn blood as I caught Dandy early, admonished him and examined the dog. I paid up as I saw this dog as being innocent. Later the miserable owner remarked that I had never paid her anything when they had had a confrontation never admitting that her dog had been the first aggressor. Our dogs now have their issues but being small are not fighting dogs although Buddy has a lot of terrier in him and can be barks with other dogs. Katy said the other day to the other owner that he doesn’t have the trousers to back him up! We have not encountered other dogs or owners here on our walks so objectionable as that awful woman. They are a friendly bunch and usually laugh at our little demon who is no bigger than a cat!
ReplyDeleteLady had a long time when she had to defend herself and maybe fight for food. Old habits die hard and we still have a problem with Dudley who makes a lot of fuss when we have callers at the door and even defends the thresholds to rooms in the house. He is getting better but it is a long haul. Unlike Lady, he had a comfortable home before us but as far as we can see he was treated like a baby until the real babies came along and had little or no training as a pup when it is so vital. Do not punish yourself as you have done a good thing taking in Lady and dealing with her well. People sometimes never see wrong in their dogs or their children and turn the fault on others. Don’t despair! 😊
Thanks Ev.
DeleteYes I know about Lady having survived, so does the dog warden and some others who have rescued and lived to tell the tale.
But there are so many ' new' owners now, who treat their little princesses as many mothers treat their children now.
And have little or non experience of life.
I did muzzle her for a few months, but she is such a busy girl smelling out her prey, and I want her to stay a free spirit, as I am and which I think is a valuable characteristic to have.
There are certain dogs she goes for, black or white woolly numbers. Jack Russell's she loves and will play with.
The two women who rescued me have a Spanish rescue who they said is also reactive.
I hope we can become friends, cos it might take us forward a few steps with both dogs.
Wish for me.... please
Yes, I will!😊
DeleteJust read about calls for Tier 4 restrictions to be extended as loads of hospitals are now overflowing. At 10pm last night there were 20 ambulances queued up outside our hospital and an announcement went out (apparently) over 'social media' asking people not to call for an ambulance as there aren't any left free!
ReplyDeleteWell they can impose so many restrictions as they like but they're not much good if people ignore them either through ignorance or just selfishness.
Rather glad has been put on my deliverying hampers to my sisters as we opened up a jar of my pickled onions and boy were they HOT! Second jar opened and they were okay for me, crisp and spicy but not burning. Jon loved the hot ones so at the moment we each have our own jar with cold meat or cheeses! It gives me time to write a warning on the jars pickled on the same days as they were done in four lots! Will find out from my brothers-in-law who likes hot and spicy!
Truly shocking Spicy and exceedingly worrying. I’ve forgotten the area you live in 🤔
DeletePickled onions oh no! Cold meats and cheeses another matter - yum
On the edge of 'Medway' I refuse to acknowledge it as a proper geographical area because various Councils have decided to amalgamate five ancient historical cities and towns into an amorphous blob! All without asking the residents!
DeleteThanks Spicy. With you regarding your blob opinion 😡
DeleteLady R : 2.45pm
ReplyDeleteYes, it is Efudix 5% cream. Started using it this evening. Never seen such a long and complicated patient information leaflet before!
That’s the one Archerphile! Yes leaflet long enough to have its own film rights 🙃
DeleteThe Covid situation is getting really serious.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time since the pandemic began I have started to feel really anxious and quite worried about catching the virus and more so for Mr A who is even more vulnerable than me.
So much so that I have decided to revert to home deliveries from Sainsburys rather than doing a weekly shop in person.
So it’s back to self-imposed isolation until we are called for vaccinations. The only difference this time is that cold & grotty weather prevent us from using the garden for recreation as we could in spring and summer.
Thank goodness for radio, jigsaws and these blogs!
Totally agree Archerphile. I miss being able to go out into the garden, even with long sleeves and Factor 50 and a hat! The ground is so muddy I am afraid of slipping over and there is not a thing I wouldn't do to avoid having to go to hospital at the moment!
DeleteLuckily Jon is here all the time and is very conscientious. We plan our meals Friday evening and he does a 'big' shop Saturday mornings. He then pops into shop Wednesday after work (about 6ish) and gets stuff like bananas which don't last a week. When he comes in he immediately goes into downstairs toilet to wash hands. Then carries shopping up to kitchen and puts it all away. If I re-arrange his hodge-podge of tins and packets in the cupboard I always wash hands afterwards.
I am just about to get an antibody testing kit for him and me as I believe that we had Covid in March when I was so ill. GP thinks so too but I do not qualify for an NHS test. It's just really to settle my mind and hopefully give me a bit of confidence.
However even if it comes back positive I won't be going out, ignoring regulations
and 'doing my thing,' but it will mean I can have a bit more confidence when having to have blood tests etc.
I am doing family history research, online jigsaws and Zooming Cub meetings as well as playing board games with Jon and virtual board games with both him and eldest in Germany.
Glad news is good today regarding vaccinations and I've never looked forward so much to a January!
Gypsy was taken ill the other night, collapsed, lost control of bowels and bladder, was sick and couldn’t stand up. She is now listing to port. We thought she might have had a stroke or vertigo due to ear infection. Katy took her to the emergency vet yesterday and it is an attack in older dogs which should right itself in about two weeks. He gave her anti nausea and anti inflammatory drugs and some recovery food we had to administer with a syringe affair. Needless to say being Gypsy she is now on proper food! She still lists to port which affects her navigation as you may remember she is blind. She may recover her posture but her head could remain to the side. Once again we thought she was on her way out but her feistiness always wins through! The upshot is that I don’t feel I can leave her and can’t take her for a walk just now. Katy is on holiday so can take the boys out and we have arranged for the dog walker to take them for extra days next week. By Friday they will be exhausted and will sleep all day! So Archerfile I too will have cabin fever! Yes I am concerned about Covid. From an online calculator I gather I may expect a jab in February being over 70. I am more concerned about Katy and her colleagues and feel strongly that teachers and classroom assistants should be a priority for vaccine. A classroom assistant at another island school died on Monday of pneumonia which followed a positive Covid diagnosis. I hope they will be given more consideration if the government insist on keeping schools open.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is a teacher Ev and I agree with you about them getting the vaccination if schools are to be kept open.
DeleteMine too. And has spent a worrying. Christmas with almost daily calls from her headteacher about organising testing of the children when they go back to school next week (trying to round up volunteers etc, decide on suitable area to use etc etc).
DeleteTeachers and all school staff should definitely be vaccinated as a priority.
At Katy’s school they check the temperature of all pupils every day. Not conclusive but it does help. This is not the practice in other schools.
DeleteI overcame the fear of mixing with the General public in supermarketsby going in the evening, between nine and ten pm.
ReplyDeleteI think they have reduced the hours this week and are closing at nine.
I have found that the Sainsbury's that I go to is almost empty at these times, in fact more staff than customers, but it does ensure easy social distancing.
Ev - Gipsy reminds me of a lady very close to a good friend of mine.
Over the last decade she has rallied many many times. But just before Christmas she finally gave in and went on her way.
When Gipsy is ready, she will go. Obviously she isn't ready....yet.
But she. Does put you through it doesn't she ?
Yes she does but we love her! Everyone falls for her including Donal our vet who on first seeing her said it was a shame she had so much wrong with her. After her small op in January to remove a cyst he was mightily impressed that she marched out of the surgery with head held high and tail wagging! In contrast after neutering, Buddy had to be carried home wrapped in a blanket but he is a wimp in spite of his terrier stances!
ReplyDeleteOver the Christmas period I have watched more television than usual-tge excellent Michael Pavin programmes have been most enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteNow perhaps those of you who watch more than I normally do can help me out here.
Does Joanna Lumley pop up on every programme?
Is she another Claire Balding with a finger in a. Lot of pies?
My prediction is that the aforementioned Ms Lumley will get her Dameship in the New Year's Honours list and maybe Ms Baldwin will too.
I object to Lewis Hamilton getting the knighthood that he surely will because he chooses to live elsewhere and therefore doesn't have to pay the tax he would have to if he lived in the U.K.
Sean Connery was another one.
Marcus Rashford deserves praise for his free food in the holidays idea for those families in need but I invite you to google Lou Macari-I think he is one of your Countrymen Gary- is doing in Stoke.
(For those of you who do not follow football he used to play for ManUtd and is in his early 70s )
People like him should be the ones who are rewarded with gongs!
Ah ha! The Annual discussion about gongs has started!
DeleteFirstly Lanjan - Yes, Miss Lumley does pop up all over the place! She has been lucky enough to go on several lovely long trips around the world at the expense of various TV Channels. She has brought us reports from places as varied as the Far East and the Arctic Circle where she was able to see the Northern Lights, a lifelong dream, apparently. Though why she couldn’t have financed her own trip long ago wasn’t mentioned.
So ‘naturally’ she was there to comment on Michael Palin’s films!
But to be fair, so were David Attenborough, Simon Reeve and other explorers but they had much more right to do so, in my opinion.
As for the gongs discussion I think I’ll wait to see who has got one this time before commenting.
Was testing! Agree about Lewis Hamilton. Completely lost interest in him when he left for Monaco so he didn’t have to pay taxes. This country gave him an education and with the money he must earn it surely isn’t asking too much for his tax contribution. He gives nothing back. Sean Connery was the same bleating from afar for Scottish independence whilst not even living there!
DeletePalin not Pavin.
ReplyDeletePoor English later on too
Lou Macari I think .......Gary ,to read what he is doing in Stoke
I too object to Hamilton bec ause of your reasons, especially with the goings on surrounding the avoidance of paying a couple of million in VAT on a private jet! Also because I do not regard F! as a real 'sport', I think he has something to prove as to whether he is best in the world or if it is because he is very good AND has a far superior car! It could have been proved ajust before Christmas when LH had Covid but , amazingly and to my mind suspiciously, the stand in driver was well into the lead but the pit team inexplicably made a mess up of the pit stop and lost the race!
DeleteCertainly people who have no interest in living in the UK should not receive awards or have any say in the politics of these countries. A bugbear of mine I'm afraid!
I have watched very little on TV over Christmas though I did record some films to watch later.
Jon has nearly finished the turkey! It was bought when we planned four for dinner but with R & K not being permitted and me vegetarian the turkey has lasted longer than planned. Currey tonight should finish it off!
Just finished a planning meeting with Cub leaders for our Zoom Cub meetings from next Monday until Half term. Now to find out how to make giant soap bubbles using washing up liquid and 'corn starch!' Don't know why I volunteered for that!🤷♀️🤦♀️
Apologies for spelling and typos! Will have to go and turn heating back on! Temperature not too bad today originally I thought! Mistake!
Delete6:30 comedy slot tonight, guess who? Joanna Lumley, I will listen because I liked it before and I like her voice.
ReplyDeleteYesI like her voice too,Basia.
DeleteShe was involved in the Remembrance Celebrations
and she is always invited to the Chelsea Flower Show (not sure why)and she has been trying so hard to get this Dameship.
Seemingly pleasant enough woman.
She deserves just as much as the likes of Penelope Keith or Julie Walters I would have thought.
This year they should just give the gongs to those who are helping so much with the Covid crisis.
She has given a lot of support to the Gurkhas, Compassion in World Farming, and to indigenous peoples via Survival International. She deserves to be honoured.
DeleteFollowing on from Mrs. P and Ev's thoughts on their dogs: I have never had a dog which wasn't a rescue and would never buy a dog. This does mean that you don't know what their life was like before they came to you. Love and patience can work miracles and when adopting you have to accept that there will be accidents or upsets at times. I never let my dog off the leash. IMHO it's just not a safe thing to do. I also carry pepper spray just in case. This after Maisie was attacked by a dog which jumped from the owner's car. The attacking dog was a huge Pyrenean (?) Mountain Dog which was going to kill Maisie until the owner threw herself on top of it.
ReplyDeleteBoth dogs we have at the mo were bought. Impossible to get a rescue dog. It does mean you have to go through all the wee’ing and sleepless nights etc but at least you know what you are getting.
ReplyDeleteTalking of wee’ing.......
Daphne has started going right through the night till about 7.30. Then Mr PtbY gets up, let’s her out then stays up to watch his progs and I surface about 8.45/9.00. This morning.....woke up, it was 8 o’clock! Said how well daphne had done and he said he’d get up cos he needed a wee anyway. As he goes downstairs I hear him shout she’s not in her cage. I shout well you’d better check for a wee somewhere. Pillock brain says....I must have forgotten to lock her in last night and yes there’s a lake on the hall carpet!!!
I laid and let him get on with cleaning it up!!!
So this morning has been spent researching carpet shampooers online. Not that you can actually buy one, they are all out of stock. I’m thinking.....new carpet!!!
Anyone got a rug doctor deep red carpet cleaner? If so, any good?
Bad luck ptby! I now have a laminate floor in the hall and just as well as Gypsy had her mass evacuations on it the other night! Difficult to get the smell of wee off carpets. I do have a shampooer but it didn’t have full effect where she had wee ‘d on rugs and have had to throw several away. However being an old girl hers is particularly pungent and accidents happened when she had urine infections.
ReplyDeleteOne of the many reasons I will never have a dog!
DeleteIt was bad enough with cats peeing and doing other things behind the settee when we were on holiday and next door were feeding them.
And especially as it seeped into the underlay and floorboards as well. It’s taken 5 years to eliminate the small totally. 🤭🥴🤢
Well, there you go. People who've left the blog have no idea what they're missing!
DeleteTier 4 from midnight, and still no snow.
ReplyDeleteSorry you haven't had snow Miriam, although you might feel pleased about it.
ReplyDeleteI have been out in the car to a common which both Lady and I are very fond of.
I knew it would still be covered with the snow and it was.
The snow we had last year, Lady missed out on due to my broken finger and being unable to drive.
So I was very keen to see her reaction. As expected she loved it rolling and skipping and leaping around. I had presumed that hailing from north east Rumania she would have been familiar with snow and she clearly was.
Usually this common is pretty empty of people and dogs, although it is on the Cotswold Way, but today it was in full use and clearly has been over recent days. As we arrived the farmer was leaving with an empty trailer behind the tractor as he had just taken food
out to the cattle. There were a number of families with small children and sledges whooshing down the slopes. Lady as usual visited all her rabbit holes.
I really enjoyed walking in the crisp snow and it was surprisingly easy on my ankle too,
and the sky was stunning.
Lovely, Mrs P! One of the joys of having a dog! 🐶🐾🐾🐶
ReplyDelete- but a cat, can also give comfort, in their own way 😺. I would be lost without mine 😢
DeleteI meant that dogs get you out walking. I doubt whether I would think of going out for a walk on my own but have enjoyed walks with them especially when the weather is kind! Cats give a different but equal companionship. My sister in law has three, the last one, Bertie, being inherited from an elderly friend who had to go into a home. She lives alone and they have made a big difference to her. For my part I never feel alone with the dogs being around. Although animals can’t talk they are a living creature with very defined personalities and just a presence with you all the time.
DeleteYesterday's snow melted a little as the day wore on, then it all turned to ice overnight and stayed that way all day. We were very careful on our walk today, didn't want to end up in hospital with any broken bones!
ReplyDeleteAlong with being the recipient of love, my main reason for having a dog is to make sure I keep going by having to go out daily, and of course the joy of the companionship on that walk or excursion.
ReplyDeleteI knew at the age of twelve that I was going to fail in close personal relationships, and I was correct, but loving and being loved by a dog is non conditional and can only be successful.
But of course Miriam cats too are loving companions, albeit on their own terms.
My present cat is becoming more loving and affectionate by the month.
Also, cats are, on the whole, elegant beauties.
Right. New Year’s Honours List.
ReplyDeleteMr A and I both feel that this particular list should have been totally dedicated to those who have worked so hard to look after Covid patients and find treatments and vaccines etc. This should have included not only NHS staff, care home staff and scientific research personnel but those who volunteered to distribute food, set up relief organisations etc etc. Also teachers who went above and beyond their normal responsibilities to look after vulnerable children. Also folk who managed, through heroic personal efforts, to raise vast sums for medical research and relief for victim’s families.
It should not have included sports personalities, actors, soap stars, singers, time-served civil servants and the like. Especially those who are so well-remunerated for their efforts that they choose to live abroad to avoid paying British taxes.
I rest my case.
We were typing at the same time Archerphile.
DeleteI couldn't agree more.
Count me in AP & LJ
DeleteEven two of my sisters and my daughter who proudly declare they are 'petrol heads!' are infuriated that a tax exile should be awarded a knighthood! They are all serious followers of F1 racing to the extent of setting alarm and getting up at 3am just to watch the 'Qualifying!'
DeleteSo sad that few 'ordinary people' get the top honours. I do have to applaud the fact that historian Michael Wood got an OBE. I have all his books and he kindly signed my battered paperback copy of his first book 'In Search of the Dark Ages' with a message in Middle English (which he speaks fluently!) He has presented many historical programmes and is a far better historian than that awful Lucy Worley!
Worsley!
DeleteCouldn't agree more Archerfile
DeleteWell I reckon I have heard it all.
ReplyDeleteSomebody is being given an MBE "for services to straw plaiting"
The lady comes from Buckinghamshire where my great grandmother was a straw platter.
I don't think they were paid very well because she and her mother were fined for stealing a few yards of straw plait !
Perhaps they were hoping to start up their own business selling straw hats..
Haven't seen Joanna Lumley's name mentioned yet although there are actresses who were or are in Coronation St and Eastenders who will be given a gong each.
I watched Corrie for many years until about 18mths ago but I can’t understand why a cast member should receive an accolade for remaining in their job for many years.
Delete✔️✔️✔️
DeleteI think that the honours list should be abolished as in my view it has become corrupt in so far as they can be bought.
DeleteIf they are to be given it should be for those unsung heroes in whatever walk of life who work for the betterment of others giving of their time freely.
My father received a minor gong for his part in the planning of the evacuation of London during the war. He wanted to refuse as he said he was only doing his job, he was told however he was being disrespectful to those who had nominated him so he reluctantly took it. We shouldnt expect to be rewarded for doing our jobs.
I have far more respect for the likes of people who go down the sewers and clean the mess we make, than for so called celebreties who spout their views and talk of their charitable givings, forgetting " The left hand shoudnt know what the right hand giveth. "
There should I believe be a little more humility, I am reminded of the poem Ozymandias by P B Shelley, that some of these people should read.
As has been said earlier Rant Over
Love 'Ozymandias' and have loved teaching it to hundreds, over the years, of GCSE pupils. It is nearly always on the syllabus.
DeleteI suspect The Scottish Play will be off the syllabus for a while - we've all had enough handwashing this year!
DeleteOWIAS - 😂😂😂
DeleteArcherphile 9.31 - I agree with your point of view. This year has been so very different, challenging and tragic for many why not give honours to those who have volunteered to help, done the necessary research etc etc. All the brave souls who volunteered themselves as guinea pigs for the new vaccine should receive some recognition too.
ReplyDeleteBTW I like Joanna Lumley and she has done a lot for different charities. I also agree Hamilton should not have been honoured.
Woman's Hour tomorrow presented by Felicity Finch.
ReplyDeleteKaty was saying yesterday that Chris Whitty who is a qualified doctor worked on the wards over the Christmas period. I have so much respect for him. I think he has been honest and a source of real knowledge over this very difficult time for us all.
ReplyDeleteI think my OBE got lost in the post - again!
ReplyDeleteOn the otherhand, the shoe now has pets! I have now become 'grandmother' to 4 fish and two shrimp! However, they are the youngest shoe-dweller's responsibility not mine, so I won't be venturing out in the cold to take them on walks ; ) Nor expecting much love and attention from them.
Are you expecting the shrimps to multiply? Would the young shoedweller mind if any were eaten???
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has just had a Pfizer vaccination. She’s a psychologist working for NHS in London. She wasn’t expecting it so soon but is very pleased. She can’t understand the few in her team who are refusing to be vaccinated.My son lives in Thailand and when the vaccine is rolled out there, it will be compulsory. While I don’t think it should be compulsory here, it will only work if the vast majority have it. I fear it will be a problem.
I believe they're expected to help clean the tank (sound like a potential Moss-situation to me).
DeleteThey're too small to eat, although another shoedweller has already raised that possibility!
There might be greater take up of the vaccine if people were offered a choice between the two types. Some might be happier with the more traditional type Oxford one instead of the newer more experimental Pfizer vaccine ( although I understand this latter type holds great promise for other diseases in the future, and can cope with mutations). Fascinating stuff, and how brilliant it is that researchers have performed so well under pressure.
DeleteIt's going to be a logistical nightmare anyway! I think if you added the complication of vaccine centres having to offer both vaccines, or offering a choice of different centres depending on vaccine then things would go crazy. (Or more crazy than they are already.)
DeleteThere are limited supplies. Give them to the people who have the sense to accept it and then worry about the refusers. (Yes, I know we need a certain proportion of the population protected. But at present any proportion is better than none!)
I do agree owias. It is foolish to refuse the jab but every jab helps towards stopping the spread. There were 101 cases here yesterday and 71 today and we have gone from tier 1 to tier 4 in a week. Only the Scillies are still in tier 1. Happy new year to you all. Here’s hoping for a brighter one!
DeleteI wish all friends on this BLOG
ReplyDeleteA HAPPY NEW YEAR
And my wishes are extended to all occasional contributors and those who silently read
Near and far.
I too would like to wish everyone here a very Happy New Year, and a happy and healthy 2021.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a dusting of snow mixed with hail. We drew Happy New Year in the snow and have whatts apped a photo out to where my son is sweltering in the heat of the Philippines. He loves snow and ice.
Now for a session of watching the Mandalorian and that adorable little Yoda.
DeleteI also wish all bloggers and readers a happy and healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteFor those who have had additional health concerns and incidents, I hope you improve soon.
And that 2021 will be a better and happier new year for all x
Re the vaccine - as a health professional at moderate risk for health reasons, I have been contacted re an appointment.
ReplyDeleteI'm having my vaccine on Tuesday 5th. I'll find out then which one I will have 🤔
Wishing everyone all the best for this next shitty year. Xx
ReplyDeleteJust keeping it real!!
Happy New Year folks! Just off to have a nice hot bath to try to avoid taking this sciatica into 2021!
ReplyDeleteWishing all my lovely friends on the two Archers blogs a much healthier, happier and ‘normal’ new year in 2021. Here’s to being able to have a meet- up in a few months time during which we can show Gary our appreciation for helping to keep us occupied and sane during this horrid year.
ReplyDeleteBless you all. 💕
I would like to wish everyone all the best for 2021. It might take a while but here's hoping things get better.
ReplyDeleteCould not agree more with the many sentiments already posted. Such a tough year and as 2021 starts the going will still be tough going and heartbreaking for many but please God we will slowly but surely begin to regain our lives back once again.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gary for our blogs which have been so important for our well-being throughout this year.
Bless you all and for the many with health problems right now may they improve in the near future.
Best wishes to all for 2021 🥂🎊🥂
We normally have friends over for New Years Eve and do an elaborate, multi course meal, this year we’ve had a Bake off style meal with multiple video calls, we each chose a starter and main as “signature “ and “technical “ so 2 starters each and two mains then a showstopper dessert, it’s worked well. Now a break for me to WhatsApp my sisters in France and Belgium, then seeing in the New Year if we can stay awake.
ReplyDeleteSo Happy New Year to all contributors and lurkers on this blog that has made this year slightly easier.
ReplyDeleteAs a major beneficiary, Amen to that, one and all.
ReplyDeleteBonne année et surtout bonne santé to all of us 💕🥂
ReplyDeleteI too thank every one of you on this blog, including Miriam, for helping me get through the isolation that this long year has brought to those of us living alone.
ReplyDeleteHello 2021!
ReplyDeleteYou’d better damn well be happier than your predecessor, we all have great hopes for you!
Happy New Year everyone💖💖💖
ReplyDeleteGood morning one and all and seasons greetings. Up late this morning despite an early night !
ReplyDeleteLets not be too negative, we are all still here supporting one another and there are lights on the horizon, so lets celebrate what we have achieved and make plans for when the restrictions are lifted.
Easter has always been for me a significant event when my niece and her various friends have joined me, the same family have been coming now for over 10 years, I missed seeing the children, but am planning ahead now , and preparing in the hopes that sometime this year we can all get together and have a major celebration.
So chins up as they say , lets move forward with hope.
I have ordered meadowsweet to plant in my tiny woodland in April.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely Sarnia, I have planted many more bulbs in mine and scattered loads of seeds, so now its just a waiting game, but one to look forward to.
DeleteAll the best and white rabbits to all!
ReplyDeleteWhite rabbits?
DeleteOh yes Basia! I haven’t said ‘White Rabbits’ for years. It was very popular at school along with the less pleasant ‘Pinch and a punch for the first of the month’!
DeleteHappy New Year to everyone.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best sights at this time of year are the bulbs just beginning to poke through the frost. New life - new hope.
Thanks Gary for keeping us going.
Happy New Year everyone! And a big thank you to you, Gary.
ReplyDeleteBasia
ReplyDeleteThank you for " white rabbits"
I haven't heard that for decades, nor said it.
I suppose I had forgotten it.
Thank you for reminding me.
MrsP, my sister and I send each other "white rabbits" by text every month (I started it), once at the very same time.
ReplyDeleteSarnia, you're supposed to say "white rabbits" on the first of each month before midday, I no longer remember the custom behind it but Jill said it once in the Archers and got no response. There are some other sayings and I always say if it's in the Archers it must exist.
Esscce - we watch the New Years Day concert from Vienna too. It’s an essential part of New Year for us, but so different this year with no audience in the beautiful concert hall. How marvellous the the orchestra were so determined to perform as usual that they had been Covid testing daily for weeks and all through rehearsals.
ReplyDeleteThe ballet scenes were really beautiful out in the gardens but how they managed to dance on grave pathsl and grass I just don’t know - must have ruined their ballet shoes!
The finale, of course, the wonderful Radetski March - I love it so much I have it as the ringtone on my phone. 🎶🎶
I love the Radetski March also. My three daughters were in a concert band when they were at school and that was one of the pieces in the band's repertoire.
DeleteI reas once that a ballet dancer will get through several pairs of shoes in one performance.
DeleteI shall have to google the ballet and watch it late.
Oh Well It is 2021 and a New Year, but is it Happy? Not sure just yet.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much which will potentially, and eventually happen, but when?
I am not sure, that I can cope with being alone, in relative isolation, for much longer..
Sorry to re-appear again...it was neither intended nor planned, but I just needed to talk to some-one 😢🙊😭
Stop apologising Miriam, what on earth for, be careful or you'll get pinched and punched, didn't know that custom.
DeleteMiriam, I am sorry that you’re finding the loneliness difficult, I am sure that you are welcome on this blog.
DeleteWe are all hoping for brighter days ahead, although they may take a while to arrive. You have been strong so far, I am sure you can manage.
Please stay re-appeared Miriam
DeleteMiriam, stay with us!😊 I am comforted by the words of the hymn “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”. Something we all need at the moment! It will be over I’m sure in the next few months.
DeleteI missed the New Year's concert today so will have to see if it's on Catch Up.
ReplyDeleteOur tradition, at school and with my brother, was 'Pinch Punch, the first of the month, and no return!' This was while you pinched the other person's arm! However, you then said 'White Rabbits' and no one else could pinch you! So really everyone got one pinch at least!
Soz - I have a few bulbs outside which are beginning to show through at the top of the pots. I am extremely happy to see my garlic growing in the six pots I planted up, as per instructions of Monty!
Yesterday I was feeling quite poorly and very low in spirits re the quick and thorough spreading of the virus. So I watched my bird table from the sitting room and was thrilled to have a Greater Spotted woodpecker show up and two nuthatches, such pretty birds. All were enjoying the suet block and peanuts as it was very cold here.
Oh my goodness, that's a real blast from the past. I'd forgotten 'White Rabbits' but did remember 'Pinch, Punch, first of the month' when we'd all try to be the first one to do it.
ReplyDeleteI too love to watch the birds at my feeder. It's nice to do our bit to help them survive in winter.
Lanjan, hope to hear from you tomorrow, IT permitting, let us know you're OK by testing at least.
ReplyDeleteI was told you had to say 'White rabbit' three times before you said anything else that day. Then no-one could pinch and punch you - 'though how you were supposed to prove you'd rabbitted is anyone's guess!
ReplyDeleteThe response to the pinching and punchine was 'A punch and a kick for being so quick'.
This was probably popular for a while at junior school. I don't remember it ever happening after that.
Maybe my primary school was rough...
ReplyDeletePinch and a punch for the first day of the month, and the response was
Pinch and a kick for being so quick.
This made going to school quite scary.
Me as OwiaS - taught by my mother " white rabbits " first thing on opening eyes on first of each month.
ReplyDeleteI cannot remember any connection between W R and pinch/punch but what others say about school practice does sound familiar, so perhaps I've just forgotten the connection between the two.
My mum was a London child ( Grinigg ! ) as was I, but Catf'd.
Should have spelt that... Grinijh !
ReplyDeleteI went to bed early last night for resons mentioned above leaving Jon who was going to link up with some Scouting friends, one of whom was a Cub of mine but when he became 18 decided to assist with Scouts and help out Jon with the troop. He is now a paramedic in Northants and his partner, also one of Jon's Scouts, is a nurse. Both sadly had to call off as , although they were supposed to be on annual leave, both have been called in as the hospital authorities are so short staffed. Jon said they looked absolutely exhausted on the brief 'hello' before they went off to START their shifts!
ReplyDeletePatients from our area (North east Kent) are now being shipped to Dorset!
My friend posted on fb a photo of two dogs 'talking' with speech bubbles over their heads;
1st dog 'Why are all the humans wearing muzzles?'
2nd dog 'Because they couldn't learn to sit and stay!' 😁
BTW It's very strange talking to the paramedic now (aged about 25) as I remember him as an accident prone 10 year old. He tells me has delivered 6 babies so far in his career! I'm amazed!
Miriam.....
ReplyDeleteThink positive
You have much to be thankful for, you have your health a wide ranging family and us your virtual friends, even though we sometimes get up your nose.
Is there a new hobby that would challenge you ? there is so much available now on line to stimulate us and you are an intelligent woman, so come on challenge yourself.
Last year I redesigned part of my garden,much thought and planning went into it, followed of course by a lot of hard work, but it kept me going, now I can look forward to seeing all my efforts coming to fruition.
Now I am planning and making for our annual Easter gathering, whenever that might be !
So give it a thought and let us know .........
Spicycushion, those dogs talking, very apposite.
ReplyDeleteThanks Basia 8:09pm.
ReplyDeleteI was getting so frustrated like LadyR because when I pressed "publish "all I got was "blogger error " that I spent Thursday afternoon telephoning Sky and then Apple to see what was wrong.
The only time any got through was when I just sent "testing".
Anyway a lovely "Apple " lady in Greece has hopefully sorted out the problem.
She says I don't even need to go through chrome now.
I will still copy any post I do in case though!
So what did the nice Apple lady tell you LJ or is it too complicated to pass on? Which if you were with her for an hour it probably is! Now to see if you have a chance to answer.
DeleteWell here I am 🤣
DeleteLanJan and Lady R, I feel your pain, I too have started getting the dreaded error message. I try to remember to copy my posts before publishing, so if I need to clear my history ( which seems to be the fix) I can then paste the post I have laboriously typed ( I am a very slow typist) but it is frustrating in the extreme.
ReplyDeleteI clear my history via settings/ safari/ clear history and website data
Deleteall the time and ensure all open apps are then swiped away and also do reboots.
What I must investigate is the copy and paste you are talking about. Any tips? 🙏🏼
I do screenshots and keep in photos but I would then need to print and still re write.
Just a thought. How many people are using a phone or a Tablet to post? It seems that they are less reliable than a straight-forward computer?
ReplyDeleteI have an Android phone some six-ish years old. I am still learning what I can do with it! But indoors, or even out in the garden, I would much prefer my laptop!
Eldest son has suggested a Tablet for our online board game playing but I really don't like touch screens. Much prefer a mouse and a keyboard.
Anyway I need a computer for downloading Scouting and lesson plans (if I ever go back to tutoring) and printing stuff off for Family History as I have hard copies of all records there.
Also I need the large screen until I can get my eyes sorted out when I'm better or when covid retreats, whichever is sooner!
As I'm no use technically I just wondered?
Now that I have the IPad I rarely use the computer.
ReplyDeleteI was told how to copy and paste by Mistral some time ago,
Lady R
On my IPad I press down at the bottom of what I have written.
Then a little thing comes up with select,select all etc.
I press select all and it all goes blue.
Then I press the screen again and copy comes up .
Then if I need it I press the screen and paste comes up and I press paste.
Then if I need to copy it I press again and press paste
At least I think that is what I do.
It is like driving a car .
I now do everything automatically.
The lady from Greece took over at my request and all I saw on the screen was a little arrow pointing somewhere and she kept saying press where the arrow is.
ReplyDeleteI always tell them that they are talking to someone who is 80 years old.
I bet they groan then.
I expect they think that they are talking to a little old woman sitting, there wrapped up in her shawl rather than someone in her jeans who would have been fine had she been able to learn about the Internet as a youngster .
Anyway sometimes it works playing the little old lady card and hopefully it did on this occasion.
Lady R ,you are far more advanced than I am.
ReplyDeleteI have two books.
Ipad for seniors
iPhone for seniors
They are pretty good.
My son told me there are probably tutorials on youtube to learn the mysteries of ipads. Perhaps I will give it a try!
ReplyDeleteTwo errors in a row now both longish posts. Miriam if this one goes through hoping a better day for you - keep with us 🤗 Spicy prefer iPad to desk top mouse that’s Mr R.
ReplyDeleteWell I’ll be b*****ed!
DeleteSpicey cushion, I am not tech minded either. I use my computer all the time. I was given a tablet, never got on with it so it was abandoned. Just bought a new pone, got my neighbour to sort it for me as I needed an app on it, took me all my time to get the Sim in !!
ReplyDeleteSnowing here we are well covered, just went out to fetch the wood in and feed Emerald (the cow ), there she was standing in the yard enjoying life with the snow on her back, usually she is out only when the sun is out getting her vitamin D .
I don't like touch screens either, I press too hard and it all disappears. I only use a desktop. My iphone is very basic, just phone and text because I don't have wifi.
ReplyDeleteAll this talk of pasting and copying and tabletsV computers leaves me standing.
ReplyDeleteAnd feeling rather stupid.
I don't know how to save or copy any post I might write on here and if it goes into ' error', and it occasionally does, then I have to start again. Or abandon my attempt.
I'm impressed with such ability.
Like LanJan I've picked it up as I go along.
I remember LJ being tutored by Mistral and remember that I couldn't even understand what Mistral was explaining.
Also like LanJan I admit to playing the old lady card on occasion, but only ever on the phone when I have to be careful to modify my voice. I have a strong and confident voice and it can give me away if I'm not careful.
I can see through the glass in my door that large flakes of snow are falling.
Lady will have to wear her new coat when we venture out.
We had a lovely end to a terrible year.
ReplyDeleteWe heard that my son and his wife had managed to cover the 3400 mile journey fro British Columbia to Prince Edward Island where they will now self isolate for a fortnight.
They each drove a car containing a pet.
Thin cat went with my daughter in law and Willow the Labrador with mY son.
They endured temperatures much below freezing and because each Province has dealt with Covid differently when they arrived at New Brunswick although they had a permit to travel they were met by a row of police cars and told they could not travel through the Province as it would require an overnight stay.
A policeman guided them to a hotel in Quebec and they continued their journey on 31st December reaching PEI early that evening.
To say I am relieved is an understatement.
I should think it is LJ - what a journey thank goodness for their safe arrival🤗
DeleteMiriam I hope you're feeling a wee bit better today.
ReplyDeleteI've changed my profile photo . This was taken from my rooftop ( through the skylight of course ) at sunset on Wednesday.
We are being deluged with snow again today.
Hilary a you are right . Tutorials on the internet helped me so much dealing with online teaching and not only, any time I need to know how to do something I have the solution right there in seconds. If I ask Mr 🍁🍁 he hums and haws for at least half an hour then tells me he doesn't know.
Stunning picture 🍁 thank you!
DeletePoor Mr 🍁 🤣🤣🤣
My heart is heav, have just learned that one of my M&S ladies died today from the virus - it doesn’t seem real plus I don’t want it to be the first person I have actually known 😢
ReplyDeleteHeavy of course
DeleteHow truly awful Lady R - such a sad start to the new year. Our thoughts are with you and your friend's family. Xx
DeleteSo sorry to hear that Lady R. My son's friend, aged 33, is sick with Covid.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - how about learning a new language. Duolingo is free online.
An attempt to be positive:
ReplyDeleteI've had a clump of primroses out for a couple of weeks now. As well as the usual bulbs sprouting up all over the place as expected, there are also osteospermums in bud and saxifrage coming into flower. I do hope they haven't miscalculated!
The landscape gardener expects to begin work in about three weeks' time - weather permitting that the job he starts on Monday doesn't take longer than the time allotted. I'll report back as we progress.
How uplifting Sarnia thank you 🌷
DeleteAlso thanks to Gary & Anneveggie for your thoughts and Anneveggie I do hope your friends son will soon show improvement an awful situation - such a young man too which should stand him in good stead.
Lady R 💕Anneveggie 💕
DeleteThank you parsley.
DeleteAutumnleaves, your pic looks amazing! Wish I was there. (Wish I was bloody ANYWHERE!!!)
ReplyDeleteMe too Gary- anywhere but our small dark lounge with small windows, little light, hedged in by tall trees, where we seem to have been imprisoned since last March. Not even going out once a week to shop now because Covid is so rife down here. ☹️
DeleteStill, Spring is on the way, each day gets a few moments longer and the vaccine is nearly here! 😀
Tut tut Gary, you live in a beautiful part of the country, despite everything there is beauty to be seen.
Deletethe snow from yesterday is gradually going, the clouds are scurring across the sky, but to the eat, through the clump of scots pine the sun is breaking through. As I look across the garden I can see the water rushing through the tunnel under the road, making a mini waterfall, the silver birch is showing its magnificent colours and beyond that is the new red oak that I have planted, cant see much other than the tree shelter, but as Ive always wanted one I can imagine what its going to be like in a few years time!
The birds are singing and attacking the suet pellets in the feeders.
Yes life may be difficult, but there is so much going on around us to enjoy if we open our eyes.
Oh dear as a penance for my lecture Id better go and do some housework !!!
No snow here, just frost and fog, beautiful in its own way as amorphous shapes turn into white filigree as you walk towards them.
DeleteCozy evenings with the log burner and working through the Christmas chocolates.
Housework on back burner, it will still be there next week, the Victoria Wood biography I got for Christmas is much more compelling 😖🥸
Those emojis were accidental
DeleteYou are absolutely right Cow Girl! I am lucky enough to be able to see fields and forests and mountains from where I am, all reachable in minutes. (The sun has been splitting the sky for the last 3 days and we have taken full advantage of it. Been out hiking every morning. It's been glorious). I can see Highland cattle, snow topped peaks and mile after mile of green from my house. I have birds galore in my garden, including a new flock of parakeets from the "wildlife park" at the bottom of the hill. There's also at least 3 resident foxes and about 5 cats to spy on from my windows. I'm also fortunate to have amazing neighbours - we are constantly in touch and prepared to help each other in any way we can.
DeleteI've got nothing to moan about really, I was just being a wee bit wistful about other places....
I'm sure all of us live in lovely places or at least have access to them. It's just that we can't go there. We are in complete lockdown in Italy so we can't even leave our villages. Even if you wanted to go for a walk ( which is allowed), the roads are so icy you risk breaking a limb more than catching covid.
DeleteI think we're all suffering from (as the Americans call it), cabin fever.
However I am the eternal optimist and we have turned the corner as far as the new year is concerned . So we're marching towards spring. Every day is a little bit longer we are hopefully coming out of the tunnel in more ways than one.🌼🌼🌸🌸
I understand Gary, just tryng to lift the mood.
DeleteAutum leaves
If you put socks over your footwear, you wont slip as the fibres stick to the ice, may not look very attractive but safe rather than sorry.
Ther are other options on the market, I use yaktracks, but socks are much cheaper and just as good, so why dont I use them ........pass
With you Archerphile our lounge does not get a lot of light, however when it is the dreaded 30c plus we are cool 🤗
ReplyDeleteI gather January is due to remain cold 🥶 throughout so in that sense helps with our lockdowns.
I like sitting in my home looking out and hoping that the snow will melt by the time I go out tomorrow. My bil read in the local press that my town takes the rules and restrictions seriously and I can confirm that. They use socks here for the ice, but I've not tried it.
ReplyDeleteSome time ago we discussed here Never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro. He'll be talking about it on Bookclub at 4pm. I said at the time that I let it go never to pick up again, but I might listen for a bit.