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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
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ReplyDeleteGaryGilday - January 3, 2021 at 9:57 AM
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....
Autumnleaves - January 3, 2021 at 10:30 AM
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.🌼🌼🌸🌸
CowGirl - January 3, 2021 at 10:47 AM
I understand Gary, just trying to lift the mood.
Autumnleaves - 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.
There are other options on the market, I use yaktracks, but socks are much cheaper and just as good, so why don't I use them ........pass
Lady R - January 3, 2021 at 10:39 AM
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.
Basia - January 3, 2021 at 11:48 AM
I like sitting in my home looking out and hoping that the snow will melt by the time I go out tomorrow. My Bill 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.
Forgot to take our anti slip things for our boots on our hike on New Year's Day and regretted it within 2 minutes!
ReplyDeleteI hope that lady laughed as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hilarious video, Gary. It made Dudley bark!🐶😊
DeleteChange of topic, but back to Richard Osman, whose TV quiz is enjoyed by some on here.
ReplyDeleteI received his first book for Christmas, The Thursday Murder Club.
Just want to say I am thoroughly enjoying it and his style of writing. So much so that I am limiting myself to a few pages a day to make it last!
It is set in a retirement village where 4 of the elderly residents have formed a club to investigate old murders and then find themselves with a new one on their doorstep to get involved with.
Quirky but very entertaining. I recommend it.
Basia I hated the book Never Let Me Go. I found it so depressing and a disturbing view of future life. Ishiguro is a clever writer but his novel is too real and too feasible for me. It probably appeals to many people. I read for pleasure and to become immersed in another world as long as it’s not one that will feed my nightmares!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I returned it to my sister without getting into it.
DeleteFor some reason this book appeared (maybe still does) on the AQA Eng.Lit syllabus (although they are now called 'specifications') Hated it!
DeleteLuckily I have switched to the Shakespeare paper for marking Lit., and the International English First Language paper, so no more twentieth century literature.
Archerphile - Amazon keeps recommending the RO book. Perhaps I'll give it a go!
Sarnia I do hope your gardener is able to begin work on your garden soon. What are your plans for it? I’m hoping to have some land made available for a new border. I’m excited but I don’t know where to begin! I think you said you had ordered some meadowsweet for a small woodland area. Have you grown bluebells there? I wanted to create a violet blue haze of English bluebells in a spinny . All my efforts were hampered by cow parsley which always smothered the bluebells. In the end I gave up.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing of progress in your garden.
The video reminds me of the time I lived on the moors above Hebden Bridge. It was snowing badly, the M62 had been closed, one of the few times it had, I was driving up behind a mercedes They had to stop they couldnt go any further. I stopped as it was where I walked from in winter, out she got in her little jacket and high heels, must have had to walk at least a mile up and down hill. I got out, boots balaclava ski poles rucksac and torch, in readiness for my 3 mile hike. I did laugh. If you live over a thousand feet then you should be prepared.
ReplyDeleteLanjan emotional night for Liverpool tomorrow, just announced that Jerry Marsden has died.
ReplyDeleteI know his version of “You’ll never walk alone” is not your preferred one but big for Liverpool!
It always moves me to tears and takes me straight back to my youth in an instant!
Gerry Marsden.
ReplyDeleteAnother moment of sadness😢
"We'll Never Walk Alone" - seems even more poignant now.
As for The Kop at Anfield singing this..just purely magical..
We took our tree down this afternoon because Jon goes back to work tomorrow and I didn't really want the four boxes of Chrimbo stuff hanging around for days as it would have taken me more than a day to undress the tree and dismantle it!
ReplyDeleteGosh the room does look bare!
Soz: several phases as follows -
ReplyDelete1. Replace sagging and broken fencing and side gates to the property, not been touched for years.
2. Last January I had a narrow stretch of decking fitted outside the dining room to aid access to the terrace as the steps were too steep for me. At the time I was afraid it was an indulgence, but it's added outdoor space to the room with some attractive planting. The sagging old trellis that screens the side border from next-door will be replaced with 3 screens in a Moorish design called Alhambra, with arched spaces in between and an extension forming an archway to the house.
3. Large pond 'died' several winters ago with split liner. This will become a wildlife pond, re-aligned and reduced in size and depth.
4. Exciting bit! The garden is already generously sized for the suburbs, but also has the bottom half of the next door plot, in which Mr S. grew veg. As this is far too much for me to manage I've re-designed it as a Greek courtyard space with a 7x5 pent shed painted white with a blue door and pergola in front which will provide the main seating area. In the RH corner he will add to the existing buddleja davidii and surround with viburnum davidii and bright azaleas. You might have guessed from this that Mr S was called David.
The centrepiece of this will be a small trough mounted on boulders, planted with water irises and incorporating a statue known as 'Colin', which was the first fountain we had and to which David was much attached. On the wall beside this will be a spouting lion shaded by a sumac tree. As it is a very sloping site, soil will be banked up on the left to form raised beds round the edge, two for veg and the rest planted with shrubs which give a Greek effect but hardy enough for a summer scorch-pad that becomes a winter frost-pocket - tree-mallows and such like. The flat bed at the bottom will be planted with lavender, eryngium (sea-holly) and dwarf eucalyptus. This has been in the planning for a long time, and having been let down by someone else, I was lucky to find Craig who could start so much sooner and is as excited about it as I am. Sorry this is so long, but you did ask!
It sounds wonderful Sarnia
DeleteCertainly does Sarnia. So pleased for you 🤗
DeletePS The bluebells by the pond just came to live with us!
ReplyDeleteSarnia, it sounds idyllic as well as practical and a lovely tribute to Mr S. Enjoy the work in progress, you're lucky to have such a dedicated designer to assist you.
DeleteSarnia, this all sounds lovely and you will enjoy your garden which I think is another room. I have plans for mine too. Hopefully, Steve, my gardener will be here in late January to remodel the side with some paving and some missing to plant spready plants. Previous owners put the whole garden to pebbles and I am hoping to have a small lawn in front of Katy’s chalet office. The top stones on the low walls will be replaced by Steve. At the moment they are rather scruffy and covered in lichen. When I had the decking and paths pressure washed, they did some of the top stones but no real improvement so I think replacement is the best option. Sarnia, be careful on the decking as it can be very slippy in the winter. I have had non slip strips fitted on it where we have to cross it at front and back and it has made a tremendous difference. Last year I had to wait until the frost had lifted before venturing out! You can get the strips in various colours and they are reasonable from Amazon or perhaps the gardener can source them if you haven’t got them already. As we get older even apart from Covid restrictions we do need to make our home and garden pleasant places. It makes a big difference just to be comfortable!😊
ReplyDeleteI feel very lucky to have a garden, it's always been an important place for me especially in these times.
ReplyDeleteOh Lady R, the Gerry Marsden IS my preferred version of "You'll never walk alone "because of its association with Liverpool FC.
ReplyDeleteLike Miriam I am always moved when I hear the Liverpool fans at Anfield joining in.
I do not think it is the best version though in a musical sense.but it is the one I want to be played at my funeral.
I am saddened by his death
Ah not the best musical version I remember you had said something of that order. So glad you do love the Gerry & the Pacemakers version as you say when being sung at the football ground it is spine tingling. Pity he has passed at a time when the ground will not be able have a capacity crowd (if any at all?) just imagine how that would have sounded tomorrow night 🥲
DeleteRIP Gerry Marsden. Hearing the fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone at the football ground makes me emotional.
DeleteThanks, Ev - I had non-slip fitted in the first place!
ReplyDeleteOh, good, Sarnia! You were very wise. We didn’t realise how treacherous it could be having never had decking before.
DeleteSarnia, your garden plans sound wonderful. 🌷🌼
ReplyDeleteEv, we also have a Steve! Couldn't do without him, things get too much in no time at all for Mr P these days.
Ev: With the gradual replacement of all 4 load-bearing joints my balance is so dodgy that EVERYTHING has had to be non-slip for years now.
ReplyDeleteThe screens are really a kind of memorial as well. Mr S visited the Alhambra Palace on one of his solo, spring-time jaunts and came back the nearest I've ever seen him to ecstatic. It obviously made a deep impression, and I would like to have a permanent memento of that.
ReplyDeleteI remember you saying about those screens Sarnia and I Googled them. They are beautiful. Your garden sounds amazing.
DeleteGary, from the tiny snippets you've been able to show us, yours is pretty impressive.
DeleteUntil Mrs P told me, I was ignorant of the fact that I could watch films just by going onto the BBC I Player and scrolling down to "films".
ReplyDeleteShe said that there was a 1934 film of "Anne of Green Gables" she thought I might like.
I watched it yesterday afternoon.
It was back and white.
"Outside" scenes were obviously filmed in the studio.
However it was lovely.
The actors playing Marilla , Matthew and Anne were excellent .
Anne was played by a 16 year old who actually changed her name to Anne Shirley .
She was a real natural beauty and would not be out of place if she were seen out today.
If you need something to uplift you, I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you ,Mrs P
This is nothing to do with me so Archerphile you can tell me to mind my own b......... business and I will understand .However ......
ReplyDeleteRecently you have mentioned difficulties with your cottage and its position.and I feel that for two pins you would move to a different house in a different area.
May I suggest that you start working on Mr A now even more strongly than you have been doing?
Less than 6months ago Mr LJ was climbing ladders, digging out a pond and replacing it with a larger one and would be out in the garden doing something most days by 9:00am at the latest.
It is 9:40am now and he has only just finished his breakfast .
We live in a bungalow but had we lived in a house he would not have been able to go upstairs.
This has all come as a sudden shock to me but at least we have a shower cubicle and no bath which is good.
It is coming Spring because there are primroses and viburnum out and the quince is in blossom .
There is much to look forward to.
Writing this after my bit below on music because we must have been writing at the same time Lanjan.
DeleteI do appreciate your concern so certainly wouldn’t tell you to mind your business, and yes, we are talking about moving much more these days, it is definitely on the agenda.
I take every opportunity to slip in references to ‘when we move’ and we have recently spent quite a lot of money on having work done in the garden, erecting new fencing and trellising to make it look more appealing (and less hard work) to potential buyers.
As you say, we both realise that anything could happen, to either of us, suddenly and unexpectedly. We need to be less than a 15 mile round trip to the doctor or supermarket.
I fully expect serious moves to start looking this spring. Not quite sure his Covid restrictions will affect searching for and viewing potential properties but I’d like us to get fully vaccinated first.
Late to the party again, but only just heard about the death Gerry Marsden, one of the favourite musicians of my youth. I loved Gerry and the Pacemakers even more than The Beatles.
ReplyDeleteHis tunes were always so catchy and upbeat - ‘ I Like It ‘, Ferry Cross the Mersey’ etc.
I was also keen on Freddie & The Dreamers, The Hollies and the Alan Price band - all great composers and musicians.
Just makes me realise his old I am!
That’s the thing Archerphile 😯
DeleteI am reading The Thursday Murder Club too, Archerphile, and enjoying it very much. Like you, Soz, I do not want to be upset, harrowed or frightened and am very careful what I watch or read!
ReplyDeleteSarnia, I love hearing about your wonderful garden.
Gerry and The Pacemakers take me straight back to my happy teenage years!
Ditto 🤣
DeleteSarnia Your plans for your garden sound really lovely. Geoff Hamilton might describe it as a Greek paradise garden. I’m intrigued by Colin - is he a little putto or a miniature David ( Michelangelo) ??
ReplyDeleteMr P was lucky enough to have visited Granada and the Alhambra in a previous life.. I have not! Here's looking forward to a time when we can travel down to Spain again 🤞🤞
ReplyDeleteThe Alhambra is well worth a visit and Ideally loved Granada as well when we went a good few years ago now.
DeleteSoz: He's Colin-the-fountain, a chubby cherub about 2' high, on his knees clutching a fish! I'm fortunate in that David has left me a pleasing layout of curved beds, although as a veg man it was largely shrubs drooping down to the ground which had been left to do their own thing for years and were getting out of hand. With the help of Nigel-the-neighbour, the crowns have been lifted and I'm gradually seeking out plants for ground cover that the garden is happy to accept.
ReplyDeleteWhat I call the 'woodland area' is nothing more that a strip across the middle of the garden and divided by the path, which on the right had been obscured by an overgrown laurel and initially refused to grow anything I planted. Then I noticed that the other side was producing ferns and some very attractive ivy so I gave it more of the same, adding some large stones from next door's crumbling wall and some fallen boughs donated by a friend. Bit by bit over the year the primroses have been encouraged to spread, pulmonarias, various grasses and other plants have been added so that even in winter the shapes and textures give me a great deal of pleasure. That's where the meadowsweet is going.
It's not so much wonderful, Hilary, as exciting. Although in teacher training music was my main subject, my subsidiaries were art, dance and drama; what I have here is an opportunity for set design which incorporates 3D living art, and THAT'S what wonderful. The main frustration is not being able to get to the garden centre when it suits me, and mail-order plants don't always turn out to be quite as expected.
I've designed the main courtyard to reflect all the lovely places we've seen in our visits to Greek islands and the new landscape gardener is very excited because he's never been asked to tackle anything like it before, and has made some useful suggestions to improve the layout. The narrow deck on the terrace with rope railing is more reminiscent of French Mediterranean gardens, with lanterns and pots of scarlet geraniums, so I can't wait to see the effect completed with the screens!
Sorry, since the Head Gardener's demise I've become a born-again GardenBore almost overnight!
Terrace - yes, with a nod to a paradise garden in the planting!
ReplyDeleteBore you most definitely are not! From your descriptions I can begin to visualise what your garden is and what it will become. It really is an exciting project. Take pictures of before and after or do you draw and paint your own?
ReplyDeleteI love Greece and the Alhambra in Granada is breathtaking - the architecture stunning. However I was disappointed with the roses there but I think that is personal preference. About 30 years ago I fell in love with old roses after visiting Mottisfont in Hampshire where Graham Thomas was able to plant his huge unique collection. Hence my garden is a sprawling mass of colour and scent in June but I find it impossible to maintain that WOW factor for the rest of the year.
My sister, who died 4 years ago, taught me all I know about gardening. In my head, I still consult her and I like to think she would approve of my attempts. Gardening is a great healer: unfortunately however much our understanding and creativity might improve with age, our bodies do the reverse! All that agility and strength is wasted on the young!
Darn it my mouse slipped and I lost it all!
ReplyDeleteI read, over the holidays, two books written by authors whose works I have enjoyed previously but was very disappointed when I finished them both.
In both books, one crime and one spy thriller, the protagonists allow and help the 'criminals to escape 'justice!'
Once upon a time no crime went unpunished in films, books or on TV.
What a sad reflection of Society today that one is supposed to be entertained by crimes, solved but unpunished!
The authors are Lynda La Plante and John Le Carre but I'll not give titles otherwise my post becomes one big spoiler!
I will order Richard Osman's book tonight on Jon's Prime account and hope that has a better ending!
It has rained all day here in N Kent. Not just pitter patter but thump thump on the windows! The wind is from the north east and very cold. My phone alert says it is 6 degrees outside but feels like 3! One of my large pots at the bottom of the garden is swamped and yesterday I saw a blackbird ignoring the bird bath and having a good old bath in the flower pot!
The Alhambra, as others have mentioned, is a wonderful + amazing place, to see + visit.
ReplyDeleteAnother garden I loved was in Silenk in Croatia. It was a small herb and medicinal one, only found by wandering up steep steps, and along narrow alley-ways. It was worth it, as so interesting, plus a good coffee stop.
Sibenik in Croatia is what was meant.
DeleteOh, Soz, you'll be sad to hear that my garden is indifferent to roses. There are three bush roses on the 'down-side' of the woodland strip, which then becomes part of what I hope will be the cottage garden, wrapping around the octagonal summerhouse, but their flowering is perfunctory and fleeting. There's also a climbing rose on the fence behind the pond, much neglected because it's inaccessible until the pond is sorted with a path round the back for maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI've come to understand that what I have is essentially a green garden and my role is to add texture and pops of colour where appropriate.
The patio below the terrace is bounded by pots and planters, and that was a riot of colour all summer - but alas, no roses.
I love the idea of an indifferent garden!
DeleteI used to be indifferent to roses too. (Except the over-grown rambler that tried to climb the bay window of our first shoe. Yes, I know ramblers aren't supposed to climb - this one tried anyway.) But a previous occupant of this current shoe obviously loved them and planted several. We've added 4 more: Lady Salisbury (dainty, pale pink), Darcey Bussell (showy, dark pink), Molineux (lovely yellow), and Winchester Cathedral (a pure white, but it hasn't flourished, I think the wild rootstock took over).
We also have plenty of fuschias and dahlias, thanks to my dear father-in-law. These have established well, despite several years of Dad reminding me to tell our gardener to dig up the dahlia tubers for winter. He never did - I think the Kent clay kept them nice and snug in the ground and they came up perfectly happily the following year.
Here in Kent we have endured months of 'travel chaos' likely because of change of rules on Brexit, "Kent will be gridlocked" etc etc from all the media but you know what it seems to be flowing quite smoothly!
ReplyDeleteSadly the dire predictions about lockdowns and shielding are not so far off the mark apparently. Having just gained enough courage to visit a shop (Boots to discuss my dozen prescriptions) it seems now I'm back to having to stay indoors.
And as for those dreadful people outside the London Court this lunchtime with photographers all pushing and shoving! - Well they make me so angry! We've even had people from Kent being turned back from Snowdonia over Christmas and New Year!
Still raining. Sounds as if I have left the kitchen tap running!
DeleteTotally agree with your final paragraph ,Spicycushion.
DeleteI couldn't help wondering about the hundreds of British tourists fleeing that ski resort the other week. What on earth were they doing there - I thought UK residents were not supposed to be travelling abroad, even if there were countries who wanted us!
ReplyDeleteAre there any ornithologists out there?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know why, this morning ,we should suddenly have a visit of a lot of starlings who arrived and pecked at the grass(I cannot call it a lawn any more')
They often bring their babies later on but we don't normally see a group of them in the winter.
I watched today, (another cold and frosty day), a massive flock of Redwings, attacking the crab apple tree, in my neighbours garden.
DeleteIt was wonderful to observe.
Lanjan - in answer to your question The starlings keep coming to my birdtable and love the suet blocks (with added mealworms!) They do come in what seem to be family groups and are so noisy! Some days there are about 4 or 5 on the hanging table and several on the fence waitng their turn!
DeleteI seem to have a majority of one type of bird on different days. Some times it is wood pigeons, sometimes starlings, or ring collared doves etc. We have a ground feeder as well for the blackbirds and robins which seem to prefer that and not having a battle with the big birds on the table.
Our regulars are the parakeets and goldfinches and of course the pigeons.
DeleteWhen I was growing up in Lancashire we saw mainly sparrows and starlings and a few blue tits.
Our bird feeders are swamped with Tits. Blue, Great, And Cole Tits literally fight to get to the fat balls. And small flocks of Long Tailed Tits arrive all together and perform complicated dance manoeuvres around the seed feeder. Then all dive into our large bird bath and have great fun splashing each other and seemingly hold a swimming gala!
DeleteOur poor robins try desperately to fly up and perch on the fat balls but never manage to cling on long enough to peck and they end up down on the ground under the feeder clearing up the bits dropped by the tits.
However, everything stops when the Greater Spotted Woodpecker arrives on the scene and bullies the little birds out of his way to have a go at the fat balls.
It’s all very entertaining to watch from the kitchen window.
It's interesting to hear about all the different birds that people get in their gardens. I have hanging, ground and table feeders. The birds that visit vary over the seasons, at the moment it's mainly blackbirds, dunnocks, robin, sparrows, starlings, nuthatch, wood pigeons, and blue tits, we get the occasional coal and long tailed tits as well. The goldfinches that we had during the breeding season seem to o have disappeared.
DeleteI tried to attract birds to our front garden for about 5 years with no success. Then we had two tall, badly maintained fir trees removed and the birds appeared : ) House sparrows are the most common - I think 15 is our maximum. We also get wood pigeons, blue tits, the occaisional great tit, black birds, and the odd crow. One of the wood pigeons is called 'Hop-along' - he has a damaged foot but bounces around the flower bed quite happily. We also had a visit from Boris the Bird-brained (no, not that one!) who decided once to sweep our chimney. When we opened it up, nothing came out except foor soot. OMiaS found him sitting rather stupidly on a 6 inch high ledge at the back of the grate. We managed to get him outside and into a box which we put on the whirlygig washing line. By the morning he'd flown off, older, sootier, but probably not wiser.
DeleteBBC 4 right now and all this week at 7pm “Winter Walks” followed as always by Bob Ross painting his Winter scenes. Both gorgeous and relaxing just what we need right now!
ReplyDeleteFollowing tonight’s (not unexpected news) I hope you are pleased you have stayed with us Miriam, we will all need each other during the next (at least) 6 weeks 🥰
ReplyDeleteWhere are you all 🤔
ReplyDeleteSitting staring into space...
DeleteI therefore award you a gold star ⭐️ Gary - can be good to do nothing!
DeleteAgree wholeheartedly Lady R!
DeleteHaving my gas appliances serviced.
ReplyDeleteAh well that’s an acceptable reason for your absence Sarnia 🤣 the others must all produce a note for being late 🙃
DeleteOoops sorry doing my stint on my tricycle !
DeleteAccepted Cowgirl ✔️ 🤗 🤣
DeleteWoodburner is lit and I am hibernating in the warm and reading. I was given a Monty Don book about the animals and birds he sees month by month in his garden and on his farm in Wales, which I am enjoying very much, also Ambridge at War which was a kind thoughtful present but, I think, rather a load of old cobblers, and I treated myself to a volume of Louis L' Amour's short stories as I like Westerns and this particular author has lived what he wrote about so it is very authentic.
DeleteI have been amused at how much The Mandalorian series which we have been catching up with is such a take off of the old Western films. I guess the modern equivalent.
Also there is a collection of Christmas books bought throughout the time the children were growing up that come down from the attic with the decorations just at Christmas. Many are beautifully illustrated or pop up ones and it is nice going through them again.
Does mine count as an acceptable excuse Lady R? 😉
Janice - I'm not a keen fan of Disney, (in fact I boycott whenever I can, for the liberties 'he' takes with history, traditional fairy tales etc!) But as an avid Star Wars fan and a Trekkie to boot Jon and I have watched The Mandolorian. Very, very like cowboys! Also shorter episodes but similar to 'Firefly' a cult programme which was cancelled after just one series. However Firefly has more grown-up themes. I found the Mandolorian strange in that the storylines were very 'simple' yet there was much gratuitous violence in it. When I started episode two (i think) I thought "ah The Magnicent Seven!"
DeleteI bought Ambridge at War a couple of months back and like you found it to be absolute cobblers. I am sure I coulod have done better. However the wretched woman has landed a three book contract!
BTW This morning I have been comparing gardening notes on face book with a friend and moaning on my home page about losing my exam marking again!
I shall see if I can track down Firefly to have a look at. 😊
DeleteFirefly is great! They made a movie a few years later which us well worth a watch too.
DeleteYup "Serenity". The lead in Firefly, Nathan Fillion, says it's the best thing he has ever done! It was so much fun doing it.
DeleteHe later went on to play 'Castle,' the eponymous hero in a police/ murder series in New York and in one scene he is dressing up for a Halloween party and comes in wearing his Firefly costume and tells everyone he a Space Cowboy! I have a T shirt I wear at Scout camp with the legend "You can't take the sky from me!"
I have just hung up my new calendar 'Wild Scotland' which my sister bought for me when she went to Scotland a couple of months back. She and bil are trackside marshalls for two or three classes of motor racing. They went up to Scotland for a meeting but it got cancelled anyway so they stayed for the three or four days for a break. They said the walls of their trailer tent made a change from the sitting room!
There are some beautiful photos of wonderful scenery for each month. Who knows perhaps I'll one day visit Scotland! I'm ashamed to say the farthest north I have been was a week's Summer School held at York University.
....and having the stopcock to the dreaded outside loo that's been jammed for years, replaced with a valve so that I know it works! Before too many months have elapsed I should be the proud owner of a downstairs loo that's INDOORS in the hall. Then it won't matter, but for the time being I live in terror of a burst pipe in the outside cupboard which is crammed full of junk that I can't do anything about.
ReplyDeleteIn all my years at home (well 22 of them) it was outside loo only and cold water tap inside which fortunately changed within a short time of my leaving. Can understand your 🤞🏼 comment.
DeleteTrying to organise my trip to clinic tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI had arranged a lift for Friday but made a mistake with the date, my appointment is Wednesday not Friday.
Good luck Mrs P 🍀 good that you realised your appointment sooner than you had thought. Off to collect prescription for a neighbour - really bitter out (damp cold 🥶)
DeleteJanice 12:14, ditto ré stove, cosy ! Nasty sleety stuff going on outside, taken myself by surprise & defrosted the chest freezer 😱😱
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt be with out my woodburning stoves. Mine have flat tops and I use them for cooking and to boil my kettles for my hot water, so very economical. I did think about putting a back burner on for the hot water on one of them, but being on my own I would have had too much and it would reuce the heat to the room, so running hot water only when I have visitors.
DeleteWe cook on ours as well, also has an oven but temperature's pot luck! Good for gratins tho'😉
DeleteChristmas chestnuts cook nicely on top, but don't wander off and forget them. I have come back to blackened lumps before now!
DeleteJanice 12.14pm
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Janice ✔️just the ticket especially the 🔥 we sat by one on Christmas Day - bliss!
What a busy day today, said tongue in cheek.
ReplyDeleteI did my normal weekly shop, at 8.30am this morning, and the s/market was empty. I got all that I need for another week. What was nice, was that I was able to chat to staff members who recognise me, and me them.
Strangely, I feel better in this 3rd Lockdown, as all the rules are set firm, for all to do and follow.
So much so, I did a mountain of ironing, along with starting a new jigsaw. It is one of those which screams - Why did I buy it? - as it is a winter scene on a farm. I have a box full of white, snowy, pieces. I will do it 🤞
To close - I can still have my opticians appointnent, on Thursday morning. This I didn't want ro postpone, as it is already overdue by 2 months.
A forecast is for - 3C overnight, so it will frosty + icy, yet again tomorrow. Brr..❄❄
I need to chase up my Winter Fuel Allowance, as have not yet received, although I am entitled to it, for the 1st time. I have the number to call, and they open at 8.00am so I will calling soon after that!
I can sense how different you feel Miriam and I’m so glad for you. Do you have far to go for your opticians appointment on Thursday (if early and a car ride could be a frosty one?) A busy one today shopping, ironing, and jig sawing 🤗
DeleteNo letter received regarding your Winter fuel allowance Miriam? If you bank online you could check or maybe that is what you have done already ah well all to look forward to then 👏🏻
New jigsaw awaits here as well, a Rembrandt... can't remember which exactly.....probably set in some brasserie or other.....🙄
ReplyDeleteFeeling for you all heading into lockdown again...😢😢
Good news .. Charente has taken delivery of just over 4,000 doses of vaccine....wow.
👏🏻💉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💉👏🏻
DeleteJanice and possibly others - If you liked the original Karate Kid back in the 80s there is a series on Netflix called Cobra Kai. Series 3 had just begun. It is about the main protagonists in the original film meeting again 30 years later. It is terrific. The director etc of this series is Ralph Maccachio (?) THE Karate kid! He has many of the original actors and two of the main characters who were played by actors who have sadly died but they have been written into the stories too.
ReplyDeleteAfter dinner tonight we will watch episode 1 of series 3 first broadcast last Friday. I recommend it if you've got Netflix.
Have just replayed the video! Can’t believe that laugh and wonder how the man not only stayed upright but held her up too! She was so hysterical that it probably made her slide about more. Loved how she gathered herself enough to shout “‘bye!”. It is lovely to laugh that much and so infectious. Thank you, Gary, we certainly need lots of laughter just now!😁🤣😂🤣😂
ReplyDeleteLockdown 3 not so much of a problem but as both the PM and Keir Starmer said tonight it's only going to work if everyone goes along with the rules. Also Chris Whitty said it too. I know an ICU nurse who told us that Chris Whitty was doctoring on the wards all over Christmas as the hospital was short-staffed. Well done that man!
ReplyDeleteI have reminded Jon to be careful of washing hands etc and staying away from people when he goes shopping as I will be really mad if I get it just four/five weeks before I get vaccinated.
Fancy a laugh or a face palm? Jon has told me that a session of US Congress was opened with a prayer read aloud by a man dressed, as Jon said, like a judge. The reader ended the prayer with "Amen........and Awomen !!!!!!!!! What hope is there? 🤦♀️
Not much Spicy, PC gone mad 🤣
DeleteI wonder how that translates.
DeleteWell, our Office of National Statistics Covid tester finally arrived today!(We signed up in about September.) So we have duly been swabbed and bled. The next test is due in a week's time. On performance to date I've got it pencilled in for mid March.
ReplyDeleteI’m very surprised to hear you were bled. Our participation in the ONS survey has consisted of the ‘tester’ asking loads of questions, handing us (in a basket) the testing kit, which we then use on ourselves and hand back to him. No blood anywhere! The result comes back about a week later, followed by emails to claim our £25 voucher.
DeleteWe were told originally that we’d be tested once a week for 5 weeks then once a month for the following year. So far, shortages of the testing kits have meant the tests have been 2 x 3 weeks apart but we’ve done 5 now and expect the next one in Feb.
SERIOUS LOCK DOWN ADVICE via my daughter.
ReplyDeleteEveryone PLEASE be careful because people are going crazy from being locked down at home!
I was just talking about this with the microwave and the toaster while drinking my Pepsi, and we all agreed that things are getting bad.
I didn’t mention any of this to the washing machine, because she puts a different spin on EVERYTHING!! Certainly couldn’t share with the fridge, cause he’s been acting cold and distant!
In the end, the iron straightened me out! She said the situation isn’t all that pressing and all the wrinkles will soon get ironed out!
The vacuum, however, was very unsympathetic…told me to just suck it up! But the fan was VERY optimistic and gave me hope that it will all blow over soon!
The toilet looked a bit flushed but didn’t say anything when I asked its opinion, but the front door said I was becoming unhinged and the doorknob told me to get a grip!! You can just about guess what the curtains told me: they told me to “pull myself together!”
We will survive!!
FAB-U-LOUS as Craig Revel Horwood would say! I shall be taking a screenshot in order to pass around much cheer to all my family and friends Spicy 🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻 no doubt about that!
DeleteVery good!
DeleteBut then you're talking to someone who has a kettle called Kevin and a Hotbin composter called Harry. The Christmas tree and turkey usually get named by the younger shoedwellers but I think they forgot this year.
Kevin refuses to get steamed up about Covid.
But the mirrors took the opposite view.
The weeping fig beside my lovely new stove is called Lofty, but he refuses to enter the discussion as he is above that sort of thing.
DeleteMy bed thinks I should just sleep on it.
Delete‘NHS’ SCAM ALERT
ReplyDeleteJust be informed by our local Neighbourhood Watch group that an appalling new scam is doing the rounds in the South.
Emails are bring sent out presuming to be from the NHS (using their logo), saying you have been identified as being eligible for the Covid vaccine. There is then a link to click on to arrange your appointment.
This takes you to a site which will try to obtain your personal and financial details.
Apparently this all looks very genuine and it is feared many people, especially elderly folk not used to modern technology will be conned
Is there nothing these despicable people will not use to try get money out of us?
It seems not Archerphile 😡
DeleteI have read about this.
DeleteIt is despicable, as to what depths these scammers, will go to.
Spicy, 😂😂 very good, just what I needed on this dreary morning.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, thanks for highlighting this, I agree it is despicable.
I hope everyone here is staying safe and warm.
Thank you, Spicy, for the smiles and Archerphile for the warning.
ReplyDeleteHere in Italy children are awaiting the arrival of the Befana, the Epiphany witch, a terrifying old hag dressed in rags with a sack containing presents for good children and coal for those on the naughty list. Children get Epiphany stockings filled with sweets and toys. It is connected to the Three Kings bringing gifts. It is a national holiday which the government abolished some years ago but was forced to re-introduce the following year because there was such an outcry with people protesting that the only holiday dedicated to children must not be lost.
Great Spicy!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, hopefully many elderly don't use the internet and those who do will stay alert.
Now then Basia, Its an interesting debate at wht age do we become Elderly ?
DeleteAny one brave enough to sugest
Not yet!
DeleteCowGirl, judging from what those on here have revealed about their/spouses age I think it'd be safe to say 90+, but according to the official order of vaccination it'd be 80+.
DeleteI was born in '55, so one of the aged?
Oh Basia you are a mere stripling !
DeleteGood morning Lady R
ReplyDeleteI dont wish to be admonished again !
I have done my stint on the trike, just managed it before the next fall of hail, the problem is now what to do.
I cant go into the garden or the fields to cut back its just a quagmire, th houseworks upto date, well sort of, I could dust the sitting room , but it will be just as bad when I empty the ashes tomorrow , so no. I could finish my sewing, but that means fetching my daylight lamp from the sitting room, so I will just have to get back to finish reading David Olusogas Black and British, not an easy bedtime read, so no need to feel guilty ? well perhaps, but.....
⭐️ for you today CowGirl 🤣 having posted a couple of posts myself I had just said to Mr R well today is the opposite of yesterday- much activity going on and then l came upon your amusing post. Well done for getting your exercise done and dusted now enjoy 🤔 your read .....
DeleteWell posts are in reverse today an am surge 🤣
ReplyDeleteI have been hooked on a jigsaw today. What looked difficult, is very OK and what I call "user friendly".
ReplyDeleteI woke up to a hard frost, with then snow flurries following.
Tonight will be even colder as a temp. of -5C is predicted. ❄❄
As at 4.10pm - ice is already here, on road and cars.
My little cul-de-sac, is now a pure ghost town. This is a good thing though, as all are obviously adhering to the new rules.
Onwards + upwards, and try to stay positive.
I have just deferred the 3 new windows I have on order, to March/April. I do not want work going on in my home, until after Lockdown. These windows are not important. It is just that they need upgrading, as are 25yrs old.
PS The firm was not happy, but they have banked my deposit. I appreciate that they want the business and the then final payment, but I want this work done, to suit me.
DeleteAm I being selfish + self-centered?
No, you’re being sensible. Problem is the work would entail being inside your home. I have told my cleaning lady not to come for the time being although I will continue to pay her. She is on her own and hasn’t much. She also works for an agency and they have said she can continue to work. I just feel it is best and safest at the moment. We have 254 positive cases today on the island.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot Ev. and must be worrying for you + Katy.
DeleteHow is she doing - as a teacher?.
A neice of mine, a Primary School teacher, is still in school as she has pupils of key workers, who cannot work from home, and also has some vunerable children.
She did this in the 2020 March Lockdown, and
hopefully, things are being done differently now.
Her hubbie is working from home,. He is an NHS worker, but he is a logistics/manager person, in a hospital.
He is struggling with doung his work, and caring for the 2 sons, aged 5 + 3, who are also now at home.
I feel for them all.
Katy teaches sixth form and although she doesn’t have to go into school, has to work online when she should be teaching. In between there is preparation work so she spends some time out in her chalet. Dudley, our problem child(!) became very attached to her during the first lockdown and now insists on accompanying her to the chalet where he reposes on the sofa and repels all boarders! I think everyone is feeling it this time and wondering what the end game is. I have one of my art zoom sessions tomorrow and will enjoy the interaction. At the moment I find motivation in everything is lacking and would like to hibernate until the spring! That’s the difference now that we are also in the middle of winter. However as they say on GQT, onwards and upwards! We will survive!!👍🏼 Thank goodness for the blog!😊
DeleteOWiaS
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, after writing about the ONS Covid survey tests this morning, our tester has just phoned to ask if he can come tomorrow lunchtime. We’ve done our 5 ‘weekly’ tests and are now on the monthly schedule.
I expect they are very keen to do as many tests as possible at the moment because of the huge rise in cases.
Just hope to goodness we are both still Negative.
Thank You All, for letting me back in..yet again 🤔.
ReplyDeleteI have realised, just what a wonderful and friendly place this is, chatting to so many "friends", who I feel I know so well.
I
Yes stay with us Miriam as I said a few posts back I’m sure we are all truly grateful for our virtual friends right now and none more so than yourself/ anyone completely on their own 😍
Delete😀
DeleteStill enjoying BBC 4 (7pm ) “Winter walks” 🚶through Yorkshire.
ReplyDeleteWe had a visit to Lyme booked today. I checked the rules on the government coronavirus website to find out if going was within the rules. It said to stay local for excercise outdoors but that you can drive a short distance to open spaces. It didn't specify what a short distance was so we decided not to risk it even though numbers are controlled at NT places and there is a lot of space at Lyme.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing CC but wise if in doubt not to go.
Delete😡 as if COVID wasn’t enough for the world b****y America and Trump. He asked for his followers to cause a stink today but now making out he is calling for calm. A UK Dr said on tv recently that he has a mental condition but I can’t remember the name of it but he really should be deposed immediately.
ReplyDeleteTrumpitis
DeleteI don’t think he will go to Biden’s inauguration in contrast to Obama’s dignity at his. His conversation with the Georgia governor showed him up. He really must be paranoid.
DeleteI read that Nicola Sturgeon has said he won’t be let into Scotłand to visit his golf club, which it is thought he planned to be staying at during the inauguration ceremony.
DeleteTrump or no Trump, no one is allowed to fly in because of Covid restrictions .... he’ll just have to go and sulk in his Florida hideaway instead.
And I think the term is Megalomaniac Ev!
DeleteThis site will give you an approximate date for your vaccine if you are interested.
ReplyDeletewww.omnicalculator.com/health/vaccine-queue-uk
I was blissfully unaware of the outside world until this morning.
ReplyDeleteI then spent 30 minutes at the dentist's who changed a filling (I don't do 'anastasia').
On the way back I found out that my bakery is closing down, they have another but too far for me to walk, the staff will be laid off. I came back close to tears.
An unhappy start to the day Basia for you and the certainly the staff of the closing bakery 😕 (Hope your repaired tooth is settling down 🤔)
DeleteJust testing
ReplyDeleteThis morning I tried to publish 3 blogs and failed each time. Are others having problems as no blogs since 10.30?
ReplyDeleteSoz, probably either stunned or dealing with life closer to home, hope you succeed.
ReplyDeleteLanjan is not even testing...
DeleteMrsP, hope your appointment went well yesterday.
I'm about, but now that outside water supply can be turned off have found energy to deal with other small tasks that make the place look a bit better. Soz, am I right in thinking that you live near Mrs P or have I got you confused with someone else?
ReplyDeleteI don’t think so . I live in the Vale of Belvoir, near Nottingham. ( my heart is still on the Dorset coast BUT the clay soil is much better up here for roses!!!!)
DeleteBy the way, no hard feelings about your garden’s lack of roses - I don’t think they would fit into a Greek theme. However I have high hopes for that climber behind the pond! How about an olive tree?
Already have one, beside the summer house - with ripening olives on it, would you believe?
DeleteA quick log in.
ReplyDeleteI had my opticians appointment this morning, and all was fine - re vision and eye pressures. It was all very Covid safe. I am glad I went, as my vision is so important to me.
As a result, I have ordered a pair of "el cheapo" glasses with sunglass lenses, as to my reading prescription.
This is wishful thinking, to be sitting in the garden, reading a book in the sunshine, without juggling 2 pairs of glasses. It will be an experiment, a long way away.
At 9.50am this morning, I was out de-icing my wheels, as it was still -2C.
Snow is forecast for tomorrow, but I doubt I will see any, as I live in a No Snow area.
I hope you are all warm and safe.
The last time I had a full eye vision test, was 6 weeks after my 2nd catarct op. Nov 2019.
DeleteShe said my vision is actually better now, as I can read parts of the bottom line of the eye-chart, without any glasses, which I could never do then.
It shows just how long it takes time, for eyes to adjust to new implanted lenses.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Miriam 👀
DeleteBack to painting! Had my first zoom session of the new year and here is my snow scene!
ReplyDeleteEv, I wish I was as quick as you. I usually take forever to finish a painting. I think that's why my style is so annoyingly static. Still, I suppose it 'does' for book illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI’m not usually very quick but with these sessions it is split into four, the drawing which in this picture isn’t complicated - just giving the position of the archway of trees and the perspective of the road - then comes the washes which are the background. I was surprised by his use of colour here but it did make the whiteness of the snow pop out. The next stage is putting in the likes of shadows and finally comes the details. Doing it in stages along with him simplifies the process and means you finish it in the set time of about two hours. Tomorrow there will be a gallery of paintings which is so interesting to see the different takes on the same subject. Although we all paint along there are always differences. Today there were over 120 participants mainly from UK and USA.
DeleteI didn't get my steroid injection yesterday after all.
ReplyDeleteOn Tuesday evening I was resigned to not being able to go, and then had a message that a lift had been arranged for me after all. Then on Wednesday morning the practitioner herself called to discuss Covid and my current pain levels and the recovery rate of my ankle accident.
Weighing every thing up, and taking into consideration the fact that twelve hours earlier I had given up hope of going, between us we made the pragmatic decision to postpone it yet again, giving me space to get my vaccination and for further time for recovery of my ankle injury, before we try for another date.
She will telephone me in a months time.
I too have been getting ' bloggers block' and after two unsuccessful tries have abandoned my attempt. This has happened several times over the last week or two.
Sarnia - your idea about Soz living near me is probably half a memory of a conversation a long time ago between us.
I had lived nearby to where Soz used to live when I was the curator at a small museum on the Isle of Purbeck. We were swapping information about a local vintage train service I think.
Seems many of us are getting “blogger error” page in an erratic manner 😡 so dispiriting if the post written was a longish one!
DeleteA sound decision Mrs P let’s hope our jabs aren’t too far away. The Army are now in charge of the logistics 👏🏻
Was someone here going for their jab this week or my imagination 🤔
I had my jab on Tuesday, as a health professional with an underlying condition.. I had the pfizer vaccine at a hospital hub. Very efficient process, and I have been given my appointment for the second jab in March
DeleteI was given info to read before the jab, but was called in so promptly I didn't have time to read it until afterwards! Useful info, but found more detailed info by following links on gov.uk. (I'm not sure if I could say how to find the links, or find them again myself)
My arm was sore to lie on in bed for the last 2 nights, and stiff and tender on Wednesday. Better today.
The nurse who gave me my jab suggested that the Oxford vaccine would be used for the community roll-out. That would make sense as that vaccine is less fragile so the transport and storage would be easier than for the pfizer vaccine. The phial of the pfizer vaccine was encased in foam for protection against rough handling as well as insulation.
DeleteThanks for sharing your experience Zoetrope. I have a relative 95yrs in Feb lives alone had the Pfizer 3 weeks ago. Second dose now postponed. Had sore arm and slept in jumper as could not get it off and had a headache but all gone after a day.
DeleteHope this second post publishes this time 😡
Sarnia 4:29, we had an olive tree, bought as a sapling in the sale at what was Champion (now Super U). Nurtured it for several years, well established, it thrived. Gave us a wonderful first crop of olives which I prepared, saumure etc. Tasty. Then it upped & died during a prolonged period of severe frost. Still miss that tree.
ReplyDeleteIt cast a dappled shade on Tigger's beach. 🐱⛱️🌱
DeleteParsley - I’m sad to see that the French supermarket Champion has changed to SuperU. Is this the case all over the country or just where you live?
DeleteI still have some excellent long-life carrier bags from Champion in Toulouse which must be 7 or 8 years old, used every week and still in good condition - far superior to any similar bags bought in British shops.
In the small town where our son lives (or will do, when he gets back from Dubai this year) the supermarket is SuperU. Very cheap prices but very scruffy, grubby, smelly and with a poor variety of goods. I’d much prefer it to be a Champion ( I do all the food shopping when we are staying with them)
And should add, I also bought a very small olive tree from the reduced counter of our local garden centre which needed loads of TLC. In 3 years it has grown to a lovely little tree which had many fruit this year and us currently sitting in our greenhouse with small ripe black olives on it. Might try picking some today!
DeleteYour son is due back from Dubai this year Archerphile Jeepers where has the time gone. ....
DeleteCold and grey here today. However the forecast for the next couple of days is cool, windless and some sun, so I may be able to get out into the garden and do a bit of tidying up.
ReplyDeleteI have just ordered some potatoes for 'chitting' now ready to plant in a month or so's time. I have the over-wintered sweat peas about 4 inches tall but the plants from last year are still green and wrapped round the 'wigwam' of canes. Perhaps this cold spell though will finish them off.
Have just seen a fox run across the school playing field. There is one permanently out there and maybe two as we hear both a dog and vixen shouting at nights. Three squirrels regularly visit the feeder but they still take the peanuts from the bird feeder. Yesterday one was busy taking the nuts and burying them in with my sprouting garlic in pots on the edge of the patio!
First things first though.
My monthly 'helpful' email from HMRC gradually changed into weekly and is now a daily reminder that my tax return is due by 31st January! So, as soon as I am dressed, (I know ! It's 10.45!) it's down to the study and get cracking on both 2019-20 tax year and at least get the spreadsheets set up for 20-21, which will be due on April 7th as no doubt my friends at HMRC will tell me!
Sweet peas!
DeleteI finished mine very late this year halfway through December, and found it a nightmare because HMRC were really pushing for people to do their returns online this year. I normally fill out a paper return, and couldn't find the pages relevant to me online, and when I did the questions were a different format than the paper pages.
DeleteIn the end I phoned HMRC for help, waited half an hour in a queue and was eventually put through to a very patient man working from home, with household sounds in the background. I asked him to treat me as being totally ignorant of modern technology, and he was great, explaining clearly while I wrote his instructions down. Apparently there were many people trying to do it online for the first time this year and getting into a muddle.
I think, once things have gone back to normal I shall request a paper return again.
I switched to online some years ago and once I've started it all comes back! I still do monthly spreadsheets to keep a record of expenditure and income but sadly I am a super-prevaricator and end up with a file full of till receipts, invoices from amazon and stationers! So armed with printed bank statements, order history of Amazon etc I decamp to my 'study' for a day or two then tackle the online return.
DeleteWhen I first registered as self-employed HMRC was exceedingly helpful, running a day-school for a dozen or so of us newly registered in all sorts of self-employment.
Woke up to another covering of snow here. The birds are eating me out of house and home at the moment, the feeders are due for a clean must get that done soon.
ReplyDeleteLady R , 11.30 today
ReplyDeleteJeepers indeed! They will probably be returning in July/August when his 3 year contract runs out.
He was supposed to have the option of continuing for another 2 years, but because of the huge effect the pandemic has had on the aircraft industry, Airbus are no longer allowing contract extensions. So it will be back to the house in Ségoufielle and his job in Toulouse (if they can find him one!) Their biggest worry is that the company will no longer support the boys education at the International School as they did before because of cutbacks. Such lucrative perks are very debatable at the moment.
....and it’s been 3 years Archerphile 😱 I thought 2 and was surprised at that!
DeleteAP 9:46, Champion became Super U several years ago, before that it was Stoc.... We don't use that store anymore!
ReplyDeleteOur olive was well established, but we had a prolonged period of severe frost,-10/15 overnight, that did for it. 😪
Spicy I’m growing sweet peas from seed this year - first time I’ve planted them in the autumn. They are in my unheated greenhouse wrapped in fleece and box covered with coats etc at night. They are about 6 inches high. Am I going ott about covering them - the greenhouse has been down to -2 so far?
ReplyDeleteSpiceycushion ?
ReplyDeleteI think you've got a bl....dy cheek describing yourself as a super prevaricator.
How dare you.
If your super..... where does that place people like me ?
Somewhere down in the sewers I imagine !
🤣🤣I just leave everything to the last minute!
DeleteI'll post a proper reply to this - later
DeleteLOL! Lovely picture posted on my fb page. A display stand in a library with empty book rests and a notice saying' Our display oof books about prevarication will be done tomorrow!
DeleteMrs P but....
ReplyDeleteI have great respect for those down in the sewers
Again no snow! Just a few flurries which came to nothing, so it has been just, another rainy, cold + dreary day.
ReplyDeleteAs such I have finished my jigsaw. I am pleased with it, but was easier than I first thought it would be.
Now to get on with the cleaning, washing + ironing..
Boring, I know but very needed, and I daren't mention the cooker top or kitchen floor..😁
Know what you mean Miriam 🤣
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've got a viewing on Monday, so I've got to clean the whole house.
ReplyDeleteBeen for a lovely but very foggy walk on Uley Bury this afternoon with Lady's best friend.
I feel invigorated.
Spicy - last minute or not, you do actually do it.
I prevaricate to the point of years before a job gets done.
Which in reality means that certain things just never get done at all.
Our tax returns went in months ago!
DeleteSmugness due to
a) efficient tax advisor
b) OMiaS being due for a hefty rebate - the shoe we rent out cost us so much in renovations 2 years ago that there was still a big loss to carry forward to count into the 19-20 tax year.
I have just seen the latest figures, as to the deaths + positive recorded cases of Covid.
ReplyDeleteThis really frightens + worries me, as it is getting so much worse.
Still, the best place to keep safe, is to stay at home as per this 3rd Lockdown rules.
I have noticed my neighbours next door but one, are abiding by the rules. He takes the dogs out with one child, in the morning. She then does the afternoon walk, with the dogs along with the other child.
It is nice that some are being so sensible.
If only all will do the same.
Posted twice ... again.
ReplyDeleteOn a different topic.
ReplyDeleteI am a lover of Coronation Street, which I know is not to others taste. I have become addicted to the "Classic Corrie", shown on ITV3 in the afternoon. It is now showing episodes in 1997 when the Battersby's first appeared.
I am loving the comparison of Leanne + Toyah, as to how they both were then, as to how they are now.
It just amuses me, and it so helps, in a very wierd way.
It is each to their own, though, and I understand this.
Take Care and Keep Safe All.
🤗🤗💟
Ah the older editions of Corrie now you’re talking Miriam
DeleteMrs P you have a remarkable memory. Yes we did have a conversation about the Isle of Purbeck some years ago on the old BBC blog. It could have been about the Swanage - Corfe railway . I think I can remember something about the Blue Pool? Where was the museum?
ReplyDeleteMrsP, a viewing, with a view to what?
ReplyDeleteAlso, is Lady's best friend's 'companion' companionable?
Soz Re the sweet peas I don't think you can go OTT. Presumably they need daylight for photosynthesis? Or is sunlight? I'm afraid O level Biology was the one failed out of 9 O levels taken! But I remember some things from Science lessons! I've wrapped up my 3 Camellias even the one which looks just like a stick because of some sort of blight. However I am hopeful because Monty did say in one of the last programmes of last season sometimes Camellias do look like they're dead but come Spring..... Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteI am waiting patiently, to see if my many plants, which were so damaged by the fence fire last year in May, will come back, this year.
DeleteThis is my wonderful standard perfurmed pink azeala, along with my Blue Bird hibiscus semi-tree, plus a lot more.
I hope that these will have rejunivated, to give me wonderful colour blooms, and scents, once again.
I can but hope 🤞
Basia - a viewing ?
ReplyDeleteI've had the house on the market, yet again, for the last three months. I'm convinced it won't sell and I shall continue to live here, miserably for the rest of my days.
Yes Lady's BF is Mischa. Misha ''mum' is Angela, and very good company. We get on well and we think the dogs knew each other in Rumania.
When they first met on Rodborough Common they went nose to nose, then noses to bottoms ( as you do if your a dog) then back to nose to nose.
They then started licking each other's faces and making joyful whimpering noises.
They then played nonstop for about half an hour.
Angela and I just stood and watched, utterly amazed !
We both felt that we must meet again for the sake of the dogs and exchanged numbers there and then. A friendship has grown and we meet up at least once weekly.
The two dogs squealing with delight when they see either of us. Misha at me, and Lady at Angela.
I got Lady in February '19, directly through Paws 2 rescue from Rumania. A got Misha three months later from a local rescue. But when these rescue organisations bring dogs over, most of the dogs have already been adopted and paid for, but I believe they bring a few over to pass on to small rescues over here in the U.K. Those smaller rescues then find their own adopters in their locality. Due to the short period between us getting the two dogs, I believe they probably came from the same rescue in Rumania or were on the same transport. We would both like to find out for sure, but these rescues are all run by volunteers and they don't have the resources to respond to requests about past adoptions easily.
We recognise people we have met in the past dependent on our facial recognition skills.
Dogs recognise by smell initially and later by sight as well.
Soz -
Yes it was a chat about the railway, which you told me had been re instated since I had been in that area.
The Museum was at the Blue Pool. I was there for the season, probably around '92. The two subject matters in the museum were clay pipes and China dinner sets rescued from a sunken ship.
I had my dog Harry there with me and remember with joy our walks in the district.
Are you moving Mrs P? Hope viewing goes well. It is stressful having others poking around your house! In our case it went on for 18 months! Nothing wrong with the house, just that not many people want to live in Ledbury!
ReplyDeleteSpicy, my Camellias always Bud well and then get brown edges on the flowers because of frost I think! Steve is on schedule to start on the garden a week on Monday. Dudley will have hysterics but we will cope!
The snow scene paintings appeared by e mail today and it was fascinating to see the variation. Several were outstanding, not mine I hasten to add! The main thing is I enjoyed it and with each painting I feel I have learned a bit more.
Mrs P we posted at the same time! You might be surprised and the house will sell. Ours was a 4 bedroom perfect for a young family but in the event was bought by a single divorced lady! Are you thinking of moving to another area or maybe just to a location nearer to shops etc like Archerfile? We are lucky here being near to all facilities, well worth it as the years go by!
ReplyDeleteMrsP - You must have mentioned putting the place up for sale but I obviously missed that. Yes, do tell what you have in mind. Thank you for explaining about Misha, now I remember that name I think. However it came about the dogs are now firm friends and enjoy the human company.
ReplyDeleteMrs P.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you are on the move. Where are you planning to relocate to?
You are braver than I am. I have thought about moving a few times now.
I always do a Pro vs Con list.
The Pro list for staying in my little home, is always far greater. This relates to:- where my local supermarket is, where my GP surgery is, the hospital I need to go to (just the eye clinic), where the bus services are to go to the nearest town, the locality of 2 intertanial airports for holidays, (not that this is possible now), plus going to theatres for plays, shows, musicals etc.
I have decided to stay put.
Mrs P. I wish you well and I hope your plans become to fruition.
Keep us informed. 🤗
👏 Mr R 1st vaccine next Wednesday @12 noon he is a happy man!
ReplyDeleteThe Hampshire Court Hotel Chineham Basingstoke (Archerphile & KP will know where this is)
Some of you will remember that I did my ' last' move six years ago when I left London.
ReplyDeleteWhere I moved to was a mistake. For me, that is.
Stroud is a great place to live for almost everybody who comes to live here, but it hasn't been so for me.
My principle reason for coming here was the wonderful countryside and splendid scenery, and that I enjoy and appreciate daily.
But I bought the wrong property. And can now see that I bought in a panic because the right property just didn't come up.
I then chose to tackle the structural problems with the cottage and spent all my money on doing so, but it remains unfinished.
I could fill this blog up with the faults I perceive but won't.
I don't know where I will go, but am looking everywhere for what I need, many elements of which Miriam, and everyone else identifies for themselves as they age.
Since Ive not been in a position to ' proceed ', the properties that I have found which were suitable have been bought by those who were able to proceed, and lost to me.
Three so far.
Please desist from suggesting a bungalow. I couldn't bear it. But I am looking for a flat, hopefully ground floor. Although my recent find, in Minehead is at first floor level in a converted bakery, ( not a bakers, a factory) but has my ' dream' a roof terrace.
My family home for over forty years was a 10th floor flat overlooking Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common. As a result I learned a very long time ago that I am a ' birds eye view ' person. I have a very strong need to look out at the world from above.
I'm looking far and wide and have to consider the need for my daughters to be within a reasonable distance, although they don't seem to have felt that they needed to have the same consideration towards me.
I would actually like to go and live in Northumberland, but won't of course.
That's enough !
I remember your move Mrs P but can't believe that it was 6 years ago.
DeleteYes. December 2014.
DeleteMrs P I am always so impressed with your ability to cope with all kinds of difficult situations. I picture you as a strong, brave lady. You are not someone who would sit back and accept a miserable existence. I probably missed the hints that you wanted to move. Is it the house itself, neighbours or the area that makes you want to leave? Keeping a house clean and tidy for viewings means housework and I suspect you prefer to “delay the maintenance “ ( thank you Sarnia’s son) and get outside rather than waste time indoors. I’m staying positive and hope the viewing is a success.
ReplyDeleteSorry I wrote this before I had read your latest blog.
DeleteThank you Soz for your kind and understanding words.
ReplyDeleteYes, strong and brave are the two words usually used to describe me.
But strangely I am also able to sit back, endure and simply live within a miserable situation. I've been doing this here for six years. Previously in London I did so for twenty years. I have a considerable capacity for acceptance.
None of the other viewings have come near to being positive so I don't expect this one to do so either.
I wanted, and still do want to be very close to the centre of a small ( ish) town or defined area of a city, where I can be happy alone, yet knowing and seeing the rest of the world around me, when I want to.
This house, cottage has a number of problems for me, but in addition has been hemmed in successively four times in the few years I have been here. And that added to its original problems has been extremely debilitating.
It's probably one of the oldest buildings in what was once the posh hamlet up the hill from the town. It's on a road junction, which can be very busy but can also be quiet. And where the world goes by.
It has an old farm track up one side and the house on the other side of that track had an upper storey built soon after I moved in which blocked my lovely view from my side windows. On the other side the door leads onto a path with a five foot wall and my neighbour on the other side of the wall decided to erect a fence. Her garden is four foot higher than my threshold so when I open my door I am confronted by 8 foot high dark barrier. She won't allow me to paint my side a lighter colour.
My immediate neighbour has erected moveable barriers to prevent her dog coming to the front gate. She has created a very pretty garden which is immediately past her cottage, but I have to trail up the path past her cottage and garden to my garden. And it's a steep uphill path. She has also erected a tall fence togive privacy to her garden, which she is entitled to do of course, but again gives the impression of walking up a dark and enclosed tunnel.
Now to crown it all the neighbouring garden to mine has erected a garden office. He didn't believe it would affect me and I didn't contest the planning application, but because his garden is again four feet higher than mine, it is like a wall at the side of my patch which was previously very open.
All that is on the outside.
The inside simply does not inspire me. And because it is unfinished and I have no more money to finish it I have come to almost hate it all.
And in six years I have only gained one friendship in the last year.
I do 'know ' people because I'm friendly and speak to all and everybody, but I haven't met a single person that I feel congruent with beyond a five minute chat.
Like LJ I am counting down the months to my 80 th B'day.
I must change my circumstances, however daunting that might be.
And it certainly is !
Sorry everybody....it's a miserable dirge.
Keep positive Mrs P. I do remember you saying some time back that you would like to move. I remember as well that you took your granddaughter to Bradford on Avon (?) for afternoon tea so you obviously have a good relationship with her. Could you find somewhere to live near her?
ReplyDeleteSorry Miriam,
ReplyDeleteWe had about 4 inches of snow yesterday with a hard frost last night. I shouldnt think our road is open, single track and never gets de iced, that went along with losing broadband x2 and loss of electric from 4-about 8, so I lit my parafin lamps and enjoyed the nostalgic smell. I couldnt cook the tea Id prepared but quickly concocted something else and kept the fire going in the garden room as there is not so much room for cooking on the sitting room log burner.
I am now sitting looking out of the window at the glorious rising of the sun through the trees, my spirits are lifted, I wish I could say the same for my hens who are on Avian flue lockdown, they are etremly miserable and have almost given up laying eggs, I've got to the point where I will have to buy some. Kettles are on the boil on the fire ready to unfreeze the hens water and Emeralds as she doesnt drink enough if its too cold, yes I know shes a cow, but she is 17 and deserves to be pampered, but that didnt stop her standing in the snow all afternoon enjoying it, the only problem being it then melted all over her bedding which this morning i have had to replace.
Oh well another day of inactivity and no trike riding, I cleaned the house yesterday, so it looks like a boring lazy day, still I have some good books to read. Musnt grumble I have my health
CowGirl, your idea of inactivity is different to mine, it sounds like you’ve already done a fair amount of animal husbandry, I’m still in bed with a cup of coffee ☕️ there are plenty of chores I could do, but beyond cooking and cleaning out and relaying the log burner they will probably remain on the to-do list.
ReplyDelete