Archerphile - January 14, 2021 at 12:55 PM I am new not so sure that being contacted by the woman that used to know my family in the 1950’s was such a good thing after all! I can barely remember her, I think our mothers were friends, but she obviously remembers a lot about me, my family, where I lived, what our house and garden were like and where I went to school etc. Since replying I have now had no fewer than 27 long messages from her in less than 24 Hours! It seems every few minutes my iPhone is pinging with yet another message, memory or question. She is recalling things from when she was 4 yrs old and I was 8. Some of the things she says are just not true or are ancient gossip but I don’t like to keep correcting her! Does anyone have any advice about how I can tactfully withdraw from this forced ‘online friendship’ and stop the constant flow of messages? She is beginning to be a a bit pest and I’m already regretting having replied to her. I don’t want to be rude but I have other things to do!
OldWomanInAShoe - January 14, 2021 at 1:14 PM Play the old lady card and tell her your memory's going ; ) Change your number. Ask her to send nudes! (Well, it worked for Lizzy Pargeter)
Basia - January 14, 2021 at 1:58 PM Just tell her that Archerphile, that at your age you're busy with your family, house and garden and not today but leave it for a day or two. If she asks why you're not replying say you'll answer tomorrow. It was nice to share memories but you're staying firmly in the present.
MrsP - AmbridgeJanuary 14, 2021 at 2:11 PM Basia, with good advice as usual. That's a very down to earth woman there. I would add, don't answer her texts. Then when she texts again, reply that you had forgotten about answering and apologise. Do that every time she sends a message. She will soon get the message that you have withdrawn. Or she will think you to be rude. But will that matter ?
Ev - January 14, 2021 at 2:23 PM I went on Friends reunited before it closed down and had two replies from former school friends. I did reply but heard no more so obviously their lives were busy. This lady sounds as if she is lonely but as you say constant messages are a bit of a pest. As BAsia says, best just don’t reply, certainly not immediately! Probably as she is so needy you may need to completely withdraw.
OldWomanInAShoe - January 14, 2021 at 3:08 PM Perhaps she's just excited to be back in contact with someone from her childhood and memories keep popping into her head. Perhaps she's spent lockdown alone and Archerphile is the first human contact she's had in weeks. Tell her you love hearing from her, but that your memory's not what is was so it's no good asking questions about your schooldays. Tell her you're very busy during the day but you'll send her a text in the evening. If none of that works, tell her to contact Susan - they can share gossip - sorry, interesting reminiscences - to their hearts' content.
I have no idea, what I would do in Archerphile's situation. My thoughts only, and as others have said, I would send a message, along the lines of:- "I cannot remember a lot of what you are telling me. I need time to try and recall, the majoritory of these times. Perhaps, as I am very involved with my family, I will have to have, a long think and then contact you, once I have tried to put things together."
It is harsh, but Archerphile needs to act now, before it becomes an even greater and constant, problem.
I wish her well, in whatever way, she decides to sort this out.
It's been snowing incessantly from morning till now, very picture postcard from the inside, so I sat watching it and luxuriating in my red flame mohair throw which my sister gave me yesterday. It was woven in Great Britain at Bronte by Moon. She bought two at a third of the price. To bring myself back to reality I listened to Crossing Continents, I'd heard it partially on FOOC and WH, about the migrant crisis. It reminded me yet again that I live in such a privileged part of the world, even though I had to leave my comfort zone yesterday to go and register due to the break up.
Well, thank you everyone for your help. I like Gary’s answer best - I’ll go and have some honey!
Seriously though, it got a bit spooky with this woman having such clear descriptions of our house and gardens. And calling my Mum and Dad, Auntie Queenie and Uncle Dan. She even said she remembered having tea sitting on the circular bench round the big oak tree on our lawn - which there was! She would only have been 4 or 5 at the time. I found it a bit unnerving so will not reply for a few weeks and see what happens. Perhaps she’ll go away and pester someone else! 🤞
This person does seem to have memories of your family, which in time (but not now), just might be more interesting to learn more about. I don't envy you, whatever you decide to do.
After a very rainy day, the temperature has suddenly and dramatically, dropped. All the wet surfaces are now quickly icing up. It is becoming ❄💧⛸ At least I can stay home.
Tea tonight, will be whole hearted and warming. This is a portion of what I cooked last night - Belly Pork with stuffing, sitting on top of sliced swede, onions, carrots + a sliced apple, with a cider stock + herbs.all cooked in a casserole dish. It is a cheap, but very tasty, concontion. Mum cooked this dish, way back in the early 60's, when living on a tight budget. I still do it now and love it!
I ate the 1st slice of my Christmas cake today, with my mid-morning coffee. I still have nearly all my Christmas treats I bought, to eat, nibble and still to enjoy.
We finished the Christmas cake last weekend. However we didn't have a Christmas pudding this year. I made 6 sometime in August I think. Christmas morning came, I went to the cupboard and it was bare! Jon counted up who I had given a pudding to and said "Mum !!!!! You gave them all away! Later on this year I'll make 8! We do have an unopened tin of Quality Street, a Stollen and a Panatonne which have not been opened yet. Plus present of Crofts Original and a large Prosecco which were presents to me and they'll be for me as Jon doesn't like either. Anyway he's got his Craft Ales!
Lanjan - I know he's the wrong side of the Pennines but good for Dom Bess! A fifer! I did not set my alarm but was listening at 6am!
I did eat my individual Christmas Pud but the big one is still safely stored away. Hopefully this will do for our next family meal together, whenever that might actually happen.
The pud we had with our two friends on C. Day was one Anne had made 3yrs ago and it was beyond delicious- blew heads off only a little was required to do this 🤣
All these uneaten Christmas cakes and chocs! Wouldn't last five minutes in this shoe! The only thing that hasn't been gobbled up yet is the cake - largely because it hasn't been made yet. Perhaps if I wait long enough it can become a Simnel cake instead.
Mrs P, I always made my father-in-law a Christmas cake. When we were clearing out his house I found one under a missing bowl in the kitchen cupboard! It had been there for at least 13 months! (The mixing bowl was one of those traditional brown and cream ones - it has now found a home in our kitchen. The cake found a home in the wheely bin!)
My mixing bowl is one of those - a true traditional brown + cream one, which is always used. It is not an old one as such, perhaps 10 years only. I also use "traditional" enamel pie plates and pie dishes (of varying sizes). I never have a soggy bottom!
I don't own a modern mixing bowl. All mine were bought in Saturday sales or jumble sales when living in Malmesbury in the seventies. Huge Victorian and Georgian stone ones.
I used to have several jars of blackberry jam never opened. Made by me in the seventies. I eventually threw them out sometime in the nineties.
My Christmas cake was polished off weeks ago. Like OWinAS any Christmas chocs or cakes would be eaten up and quickly! Once something is opened it will be finished.
Quite cross as have just received an email telling me that the appointment for an antibody test next week has been cancelled as they are only doing virtual consultations and you can't give blood virtually! Tommorrow I will ring up and ask for my money back. The reason I wanted one was to know if it was just pneumonia last March, before I had the vaccination, which I estimate should be mid - February. I don't really have a Plan B! Also annoyed that my friend in Catford had her first jab this morning and she's only 73! Absolutely fit as a fiddle, well she's always bragging about how fit she is. She does walk up to 8 miles a day, two or three times a week and does not have to take any kind of medication. One can only assume Catford's Health Authority is so far ahead of the roll out they are on Group 4 already!
I guess it must depend on your areas age demographic Spicy. Our area of Hampshire is made up of many older people in the 80’s and 90’s plus even group (our eldest man of 112yrs died a few months ago) therefore although I am the same age as your friend no where near jab time for me I’ll bet. Mr R as I have previously said had his 1st jab Wednesday because he has some years on me. In himself a 60 yr old 🤣 just his Orthopaedic problem that holds him back physically. He has had no reaction whatsoever from his jab. Did not feel the needle at all, no arm ache, headache etc - which is good 🤞🏼 when my turn arrives.....
No Spiceycushion it's probably for the same reason I had mine, and my daughter in laws had theirs. They live in Northamptonshire/ Oxfordshire borders. They were told, and I asked and it was confirmed, that large numbers of over eighties offered the first injections available, the Pfizer, refused it. ( lots of speculation as to why ! ) The vials have a limited shelf life and needs to be used, so the next tranch on the list were offered what had not been used. My daughters in laws had theirs on Sunday. I had mine at 9am Monday, your Catford friend today. It would appear that this over 80 cohort are digging their heels in all over the place.
I am grateful to have had it, but I feel guilty to some extent. My next door neighbour ordered to shield again, considerably younger than me and the recipient of a kidney donation should have been chosen before me, but I wasn't about to argue with the 8am phone call.
We haven't been given a date for our jabs either Spicycushion although people the same age as we are who go to different Practices have had their jabs.. I think that anyone who refuses the Pfizer jab should just go to the back of the queue. They should be grateful that they have been offered one before other people who may be more deserving.
A priest, a rabbit and a minister walk into a bar. The barman says to the rabbit "What'll you have?" The rabbit replies "I don't know. I'm only here due to Autocorrect!"
Just read on the BBC website about a young bride who had planned a very big wedding , with ten bridesmaids,(!) but who had to change, drastically, her plans as she was now restricted to 15 people. So she asked her two Nans to be her bridesmaids, one is 80 and one 90 years old. What a lovely gesture! Lovely picture of beaming bridesmaids with the Happy Couple!
Checked this out Spicy what a delightful picture which will be a treasured memory for that bride and her new husband forever and a wonderful day for the two nans.
There was a piece on the Today programme yesterday about drastically changed wedding plans, with couples how much they enjoyed their small scale ceremony and reception.
I never regretted our small wedding. I enjoyed it all! We only had close relatives so only 12 guests and I could talk to them all. Too often in big weddings as a guest you can only briefly talk to the couple and usually end up spending hours on a table with people you don’t know trying to make conversation. I have vowed never to go to another one! Friends of ours had a huge wedding for their daughter who ended up divorcing after 4 years! The wedding is the least important part of every marriage IMO!
Weddings. My niece + partner, who have been together for 19yrs now, with children 9 and 6, announced in the first Lockdown that they are now going to marry. Now in 2021, the plans are firmly on hold. This is due to his parents flying in from Mairitus plus a sister (another niece) and family, coming from OZ - they also want a big DO. To me, it would be lovely for them to have a quiet + intimate wedding, to just commit to each other, at last. A Big Party can then happen later, when it is safe to do so. My niece in OZ did just that. She married the love of her life, in a simple way, with no family attending. We all saw a wonderful video of the entire occasion. The important thing is that - they were happy and married.
Absolutely CC! Now they can relax and enjoy their day without the pressure of having to impress and experience the true meaning of the commitment they are making 🎊
OMiaS once took a wedding for a Nigerian couple. After the ceremony the newly weds and their witnesses enjoyed sandwiches in the Church. I think there were flowers - courtesy of the Church Warden.
All the bells and whistles are nice, if you want them and can afford them. But, as you say Cheshire Cheese, they're not obligatory. Too many couples either put off the whole wedding or start their married life with huge debts in order to have an extravagent 'dream wedding.'
I heard of one couple who wrote to radio 4 that they asked two people from the registry office to witness their union and drove off into their married life with their dog.
What a heavy frost overnight and this morning again, not thawing until midday. It is starting the same again - with cars + the road, all becoming iced up already. I wish I could see some snow - but that is the R. Dee Valley, the river being only half a mile away. In the summer, this is an advantage, as always much sunnier + warmer 🌞. Can't wait for this.
A new jigsaw is on the board. It is a Wasgij and a What Happens Next, one. I enjoy these, but just now + again. They make a nice change and I find them fun to do, when in the mood to do so.
To finish. Watching a TV programme last night, I learnt that a tablespoon of Heinz Tomato Ketchup, contains as much salt as 3 packets of Walkers Ready salted crisps! I am amazed - though I still have the said ketchup on my plate, along with fish 'n chips. It is a smaller portion though.
Oh dear! I have just devastated my son and daughter. They are saying I have feet of clay! Why? Because I What’sApped them last night to say I had made pudding of bananas in custard using a tin of Birds Custard Powder, full cream milk and sweetener instead of my usual pack of Sainsburys Sugar-free Instant Custard mix. When putting the tin away afterwards I noticed it should have been used by March 2015!
Fast reply from son - “Mum, that means you’ve been using cheating custard for 5 years” Daughter’s response - “I’m devastated to hear you don’t make proper Custard, even 9 year old Elliot knows how to make it properly” I’m hanging my head in shame 🥺
Just lost post 😡 Glad you’re alive to tell the tale! Get street cred back by telling them I use tinned Ambrosia custard and their organic rice both delicious 🤣 I suspect Miriam and others are reaching for their smelling salts right now 🤣🤣🤣
Oh no OWiaS, we wouldn’t like that. It was steak with peppercorn sauce (in a pack fromSainsburys) with chips for him, carrots for me, mushroom & tomato garnish and green beans. Goodness, I sound just like Miriam!
Archerphile I’m going one better - tonight we will have banana in ready made luxury custard from the chilled cabinet!!!!! It is expensive and delicious. I’m worth it!!!!!
Well, OMiaS and I have both had our ONS antibody tests back today. Both positive! Neither of us have shown any symptoms that we're aware of. And I've been past our garden gate less than 20 times in the last 10 months.
Mind you, I've had Epstein Barr antibodies for years and I was never aware of having glandular fever. Certainly aware of the after effects though : (
We’ve been very isolating too, but I saw a piece on TV this morning saying that the virus can last on various surfaces much longer than originally thought. Apparently it can still be infective on stainless steel after 28 days. So the advice was to be much more stringent about goods from supermarkets, even with home deliveries. (Considering how many other people have been handling them) Throw away all outer packaging, wash or peel all fruit & veg, wash tin cans before putting away and thoroughly wash hands immediately after dealing with the shopping.
My custard, when I make is, is made with Bird's Custard powder, which cannot be beaten. Also, I still make gravy using "Aah Bisto" powder, which I am surprised, is still available. At least using these, I can control the amount of sugar + salt used. Big Sis, only ever uses gravy granules. To me the gravy is too salty, but that's my taste only. I eat a low salt diet, (after a hypertension diagnosis), getting flavours from herbs, low salt stock cubes, garlic, chilli and spices. It suits me.
My Wasgij jigsaw is difficult and a challenge. I will do it!
I am upset as to my ex-bro in law, who is the father of 3 of my nieces and grandpa to many. He has formed a child support "bubble" with eldest niece, her partner + kids. This came about, as nieces partner, started a new job last week, all to be done on-line. As such ex bro in law, is now going for 3 days a week, 9-3 for home schooling, and I admire him for doing this. However, my rant is that yesterday Friday, he drove over 100 miles to stay 3 nights with his lady friend, who he is also in a "partnership" bubble with. To me there is too much travel, which is not local. Perhaps I am reading and understanding the rules differently...and my Rant is not justified.
There is so much wrong, on so many counts, about what he is doing Miriam. Has he not read or understood the rules? Does he care? I would be ranting too - but at him!o But it would risk falling out with family, so you may not feel able to do that.
I wouldn’t rant at him but maybe worth asking whether niece and husband are happy with his long distance travel and staying with the lady. If they are that’s up to them. If not it is for them to tackle him. However you know them and if you think they would take offence suggest you keep out of it! It is because of people flouting rules I am sure that this virus is spreading. We are continuing to have 3 figure numbers of positives each day on the island.
I think your rant is justified Miriam. My feeling is that far too many people are taking this ' bubble' business with a far too elastic attitude. Apart from my two visits to Cornwall when I stayed alone in a cottage but visited the main house each evening for dinner, I have not been part of any bubble since last February when I chose to start keeping my distance from everybody. Not been in any house other than my own, no shopping for much of the year and latterly only at nine o'clock in the evening. No close contact with anyone. Your ex bro in law is endangering the daughter and family and his lady friend.
Keep it buttoned Miriam. It's not worth getting into a family tussle over. Continue to rant on here if you have to.
In other words, I need to downscale my comments, yet again😉 I so understand this comment, as I do go OTT many times..As such I will definitely try to keep my thoughts shorter and more to the topic of this wonderful Blog.
Miriam, I think MrsP is agreeing with you, but suggesting that raising the issue with the parties concerned could cause a family rift. We probably all have frustrations with other people who don't seem to be taking the pandemic seriously. This lovely blog is a good place to let off steam in a safe, socially distanced way. Rant away m'dear.
I am just unhappy, not seeing family for such a long time. My youngest Gt. Niece was 1yr old, a few days ago. I have only seen her once, in May for only for a few hours and I couldn't even give her a cuddle, as we were socially distanced. As to family, I have not seen any of them, for nearly 6 weeks now. It is hard, but I just accept this. As I live alone, these are the rules, to keep us safe + well and I abide by them
Me too Miriam. Not seen son, d.i.l. and grandsons for over a year. Not seen local grandchildren since last August. Only saw daughter for a 15 min, very distanced gift exchange before Christmas, so I appreciate how you feel. But thank goodness for phone calls, WhatsApp and Zoom. Mind you, none of those let’s you have a hug, which is what I miss most. Just hoping the vaccine (which we may get within the next 2 weeks) will help us all get back to normal by Dummer.
Why don't we all stop going on about this wretched virus ? I dare say every one of us has a story to relate about it should we wish to do so. All being well many of us will have the vaccine very shortly. Meanwhile .please be positive. Why not have this as a virus free blog? Anyone who feels it necessary to mention it could make a donation to a Charity of their choice. I am getting one in here quickly.in case you agree with me. I went with Mr LJ to see the Doctor this morning. We were told me that MOST 80 + year olds refuse to have the vaccine. I find tga5 hard to believe.
PS Even if no one else does it ,If I mention it again I will make a donation to Charity.
Miriam - I've just read your reply, clearly you thought I was telling you to " button it" well I was, but not button it on the blog . I meant don't say anything to your niece, or indeed to any of your family. Just keep quiet on the subject.
I also said, if you read my post again. To continue ranting on here. Your welcome Mrs P
I wouldn't find it difficult to refrain from mentioning the virus, but many others on here, alone or without significant support, or working with a public profile and getting abuse from a number of people on a daily basis, might need the support they hope to get on this blog. We ought in my opinion be supportive of their rants not asking them to be quiet.
However like you I am astonished if as you have been told MOST over eighty' s are refusing the vaccination. What's wrong with them. They are the generation surely who experienced smallpox or lost siblings through it, as well as all those other childhood horrors many of which have now been almost eradicated.
Agree Mrs P. If we keep forbidding subjects the blog will become so bland it won’t be worth bothering with. At the moment the virus is a big talking point but we have also discussed other things and it is worth sharing more than mundane things although they too are part of our lives.
Me too I’m afraid Lanjan. Can’t promise not to mention the pandemic again. It is the biggest thing on many people’s minds at the moment, many of us with no other way of letting out our fears, frustrations or hopes for the future. We need a blog as such this, with trusted friends, to share our thoughts and worries, as well as the good news. I am willing to head a post with a warning of some sort e.g. COVID POST , or somesuch, so you can scroll on by but I don’t want to be gagged on the subject.
For the well being of us all I would like the blog to be open to all topics LanJan. If like Miriam and some others who are spending many hours alone being able to write feelings down (which is advised as a release mechanism be it of anxiety, fear, doubt etc) then I fully support this. I’m sure we will all still try our best to post good news or something daft we have done to provide lighter moments 🤞🏼 When I took Mr R for his vaccination the car park was heaving with men and women of the invited age group it is so disappointing to hear what you were told - but it is a choice I just hope they do not contract covid or past it on to loved ones in the meantime.
I'm not interested in sport LanJan but am happy for you to talk about cricket to your hearts content. I think the virus is too big an issue to be off topic.
Just to be clear our comments have not been put forward in order to have a collective go at Lanjan the very idea 🙆♀️ (or anyone such as yourself with the same view Spicy) because that is what we are all doing giving our own personal view and our reason why in answer to LJ earlier post 😗
Besides which, I want to know as each of us gets our jab. I am delighted to have had mine at least a month earlier than I anticipated, and if lots of people refuse, then we will all be better off for getting ours earlier. I am mindful that not everybody has to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity. I've no doubt some one on here will know the percentage answer. Either Spicy or Evs daughter.
I've now got to the stage where I will be honest. I'm a completely different person on this blog than I am in real life - and I love that. I adore the fact that I can be nice and caring and supportive on here. Because I'm not known for those qualities in real life. I'm really not.
Please don't spoil it for me - don't spoil it for yourselves. (I'm drunk!)
We have been snowed in for three days now. I managed to go out on Friday afternoon when the sun was shining with the meltdown, I met two neighbours who also ventured out. I had my stick, the trip was long and exhausting. Still, I'm grateful for being warm with enough food. Also someone with ovarian cancer (from the extended family) was told that it hasn't progressed so that'll do for me.
I agree with Lanjan and Spicycushion but don't think the subject can be avoided. I'm not giving in to the vaccine euphoria, nothing is a 100%. There have been close to religious ceremonies, how many would have turned up for an ordinary service? I don't. On the other hand I heard a report from the Czech Republic which made me quite indignant and I'm sure those on here and Archerphile especially would feel the same. I may of course mention the subject and I don't hold it against those who do.
Gary, post in haste regret at leisure. Hope you’ve avoided a hangover! I’m sure those qualities you say you lack have been hidden under the surface just waiting to be set free. Good to know this blog has restorative benefits!
I wouldn't hold your breath in anticipation of my jab, Mrs P (11.13pm) - my surgery never managed to provide me with a flu one, which I eventually arranged for myself. Their track record suggests that Covid jabs are likely to prove completely beyond their capabilities.
Sarnia, I’m tempted to say I will drive down myself and transport you to wherever your centre is, be it Bristol, Torquay or somewhere else. But I’d probably get prosecuted for driving outside my area! I can’t believe your surgery would be so remiss as to leave you out 😷 😡
I think you should first contact your surgery asking when they anticipate being able to vaccinate you, Sarnia. Then ring round all your pharmacies in the city and see what they can offer. If any of them come closer than your surgery, book it and order your taxi.
I arranged a delivery of flowers for someone, whose birthday it is today. I am happy, as the 'photo just sent, showed it was exactly as ordered. The recipient was thrilled.
Miriam, please re-read the posts again. a) Mrs P wisely suggests you don't raise the issue of rule-breaking *with* your family. You don't want it to blow up into a family feud. But absolutely fine to talk about them in here. b) & c) That was only LanJan's suggestion. The majority opinion seems to be that we should remain free to discuss these sadly topical subjects. d) If you don't tell us about the lovely meals you prepare I may feel obliged to fill the gap by telling you about my culinary creations. And there's only so far you can go with baked beans on toast and eggy bread.
e) Cats and other pets are also pretty popular in here f) Weather is less interesting, unless you're snowed in or enjoying a heat wave. g) h)& i) Flowers, friends and birthdays are all good topics too. Glad your friend was so pleased with their blooms.
I'm glad you've decided to stick around. Keep posting!
Miriam Nobody has said we must not talk about any of those things you mention. Lanjan simply thought it might be a good idea to keep away from Covid as a topic with the aim of lifting our spirits. If you reread all the blogs from Lanjans (8.21 yesterday) you will see what I mean.
I think a lot of us are feeling a bit down. Miriam, I’m glad you brightened someone’s day with the flowers you sent, I’m still nurturing the arrangements I did for Xmas, silver sprayed twigs and greenery can last for ages. I would like to to make some holiday plans but MrNuts doesn’t really want to yet, so I am thinking of exciting alternative uses for the budget, so far it’s replacing the bedroom and or living room carpet or new French windows for the dining room. Life is slightly lacking excitement right now.
Flowers were sent to my Little Sister, on her birthday today. They were exactly as I had ordered, very vibrant and colourful. She was so very pleased that I done this.. At least I pleased some-one. 🌹
I am like you. No holiday for a long while. As soon as Lockdown ends, I will have 3 windows replaced, a new paved drive and new gates (moved into a different position). I am planning these projects which will take time. I don't need a holiday as such - All I want to do, is to visit others in differing parts of the UK, to just to meet up and hug again.
I agree with Mr Nuts. None of us knows what lies ahead and it is pointless making holiday plans just now. Even UK holidays could be difficult if the infection rates go on mounting. With the prospect of vaccines being offered to all adults by the autumn we might be able to breathe again by then! I think it a good idea just now to spend the money on house and garden so that if we have to stay at or near home we have some comfort!
Miriam, are you serious? Not sure whether you are being droll or have really taken offence when this isn’t what was intended. I am pleased your sister was delighted with her flowers and nice to hear your snippets of life!
Dear Miriam, You really have to stop reading more into posts than was intended and try to stop taking offence. Nobody said you mustn’t post about all those subjects. But it does get irritating when you constantly apologise, run yourself down and think we are all getting at you. You have had plenty of encouragement from folk here to carry on posting so have confidence in yourself and your opinions. You are just as entitled to express your thoughts here as the rest of us. OK?
My reply blogger error’d 😡 Miriam you held down a very responsible job you are a splendid cook and competent gardener so I am perplexed that you appear to lack confidence in yourself here. Please forge ahead with your views here that is what the blog is all about. Sometimes we mostly agree on topics sometimes not. Just go with the flow and most of all enjoy 🤗
My terrier keeps getting fur matts in her 'armpits'. I think this may be due to putting coats on her to keep her warm and dry. Does anyone else have this trouble? I'd like to have a fun discussion about favourite sweets. I particulary love Crunchies and I really missed not having Turkish Delight at Christmas. I usually get some but it just didn't happen last year.
Crunchie is a favourite of mine also, as it is the honeycomb centre. I also adore Pear Drops and Treacle Toffees, along with the Blackcurrant/liquorice sweets, but not sure what they are actually named. As for a Jelly Baby 😀
I remember as a young child, going to the sweet shop after school. It was 5 sweets for 6d. These were loose and just put into a bag. I remember blackjacks, sherbet dips, jelly worms, flying saucers etc. No wonder I had a lot of teeth, that needed fillings at that time.
I recall them all Miriam but as I am a good 7yrs older than you can also remember 4 chews for 1d 🤣🤣🤣 for 1 for a farthing 😂😂😂 I lived next door to a sweet shop and although born after the war rationing was still in force for a few years but when removed we became the generation to make up for it, hence the fillings. A miracle I still have my teeth albeit with the odd bridge / crown.
I still indulge my 23 year old daughter’s taste for juvenile confectionery. This has led to me enjoying foam shrimps and bananas, jelly babies, dolly mixture..... I sometimes think that still having a not terribly mature daughter at home is making me regress into slobbish late teen behaviour, eating too much sucrose and binging on junk tv.
I ike foam shrimps, jelly babies, dolly mixtures, ... I don't think the younger shoe dwellers have had much influence on the matter. (Except that I enforced a chocolate tax for years 😁) I have to conclude that I am not terribly mature 😂
There was a sweet shop on the way to school and I remember buying chews 4 for a penny. If the teacher asked you a question you could stick it on the roof of your mouth and still talk normally!! We also used to buy rainbow drops which were like coloured Rice Krispies and weighed light so you got a big bag for your money! Also there was a big jar with cinder toffee which was the same as the inside of crunchies, not chocolate coated but much cheaper!
Yes I remember 4 for a penny. Blackjacks, fruit salad etc. There are so many sweets that I love/crave. Sweets were also sold by the pound, or smaller amounts, in little paper bags. I forgot to mention liquorice and also love Maltesers like OWiAS.
You had to ask for a quarter of sweets or with little pocket money they would weigh out 2 ounces! I used to like Kai lie ( not sure of the spelling) which was coloured and flavoured sugar, nice with a stick of liquorice. It was put in a pointed paper bag a cone shape when full.
I loved Spangles. At one time you could get them in lots of different varieties: fruit, mint, acid drop, and my favourite, ‘Old Fashioned’ which included flavours such as pear drop and liquorice. Whatever happened to Spangles?
Mistral, how are you doing? I see that the HSE has had numerous complaints about safety in the workplace due to bosses ignoring Covid guidelines so am hoping some common sense has occurred in your workplace.
Anne veggie re your dog’s armpits, we have that problem with our dogs especially the elderly one. All you can do is try to tease them out with a brush or if you can’t you just have to snip the knots off! The joys of having dogs!!🐶🤔😉🐾
Further to my post re Covid As some of you know at the moment Mr LJ is not well at the moment and this morning the Dr telephoned and things might get worse. I am not looking for sympathy. As far as I am concerned things will get better. I believe Mr LJ is improving.
My point is this. I look to this blog for light relief . I appreciate that Covid will be mentioned but what really annoys me is when folk complain that they haven't been able to cuddle child relatives . Mr LJ had a little great granddaughter in April. He has not seen her at all He hasn't complained. My Canadian grandson came over to work in London at the beginning of September. After self isolating for a week he has had to work from "home" . He has met nobody from his new workplace and knows nobody else. He is 10miles from me and I haven't seen him. He hasn't complained There are millions of people far worse off than most of us and I certainly include me in that number . I will be sending off my fine for mentioning Covid to one such family.
JAB REFUSALS I saw on the news last night that in many areas, to deal with the huge volume of phone calls re appointments these have been contracted to a third party. The patient then does not recognise the caller and refuses the appointment because s/he thinks it's some kind of scam.
Hello, Thank you for thinking about me, I really appreciate the very kind and thoughtful responses. Pushed for time now, but will update tomorrow. My dog is a little better today, and I'm about to do another test.
Lanjan, I second that, as I said yesterday I have little to complain about, I'm about to go out. I received two books in the post which I'd ordered but it's always like a present. Also, I emailed a programme I listen to every day to thank them for continuing online, they are always in public, and received a reply within minutes from the presenter with a million thanks!
Mistral ,I hope that things are improving in your workplace. Re my previous message I hope I made it plain that there are millions worse off than me. I was not just getting at everyone else . I wrote that in the heat of the moment I tend to be impulsive. I have already had my treat of the day. Younger son has sent me a large bunch of freesias . They smell and look lovely .
Thanks Sarnia. I have decided that Mr LJ doesn't need to know anything Certainly not yet anyway.
It did occur to me after I had replied to your post LJ that your reason for writing it could be for the one you have given and totally understand your need to keep spirits light. (Sending positive vibes to Mr LJ 🤗)
Best wishes to you and Mr LJ. Agree people will moan and we need to make the best of things. There is a feeling that everything has stopped as restrictions have set in but that can be a good thing as it gives us breathing space in busy lives. Always look on the bright side!!😊
Indeed. I've just been on a plant-ordering binge: Anny's winter orange dogwood coming this week and a physocarpus shrub to brighten the patio. All the gardens around here, including mine are a mass of Corydalis (yellow fumitory) which is very attractive if it's where you want it and a flaming nuisance if it's not. I've discovered an electric blue cultivar, 3 plants coming in March and I bet it won't spread like the original! Begonias in shades of peach and apricot coming in April, and also lantanas for my courtyard, small, multi-coloured blooms that grow wild in Greece. In July for my paradise garden, my greatest extravagance - a purple calla lily with white leaves like ruched tissue paper, edged with a thin border of green. Bread and cheese for me for the next few months!
A plant-ordering binge, just what is needed to brighten up a dull January Sarnia. Those dogwoods sound gorgeous. I don’t know where the corydalis in my garden came from; pretty but it does spread. I like the sound of an electric blue one. The rest of your buys make me think of summer heat and all the vibrant colours that surround us then. I have been promised a piece of land for a longish deep herbaceous border which I’ve always wanted. However that piece of land is covered with tall nettles (as in poem by Edward Thomas!) covering ancient farm machinery. It might be a priority for me but not for the farmer who will physically get it cleared. I am being optimistic and am choosing the flowers and shrubs but delaying the order until I see that tractor at work!
I'm here, just. Out of bed at 2pm so just finished tea and toast. Wrote two posts yesterday contributing to ' sweets' and something else now forgotten, both lost. Oh yes ! A funny story to lighten the tone.
I'm here, just. Out of bed at 2pm so just finished tea and toast. Wrote two posts yesterday contributing to ' sweets' and something else now forgotten, both lost. Oh yes ! A funny story to lighten the tone.
Your projected long herbaceous border sounds worthy of a stately home, Soz. It's recently dawned on me that none of the gardens in the area are any more willing to produce herbaceous borders than is mine. I'm wondering if that's because the whole private development was built in the 20 years on each side of the turn of the C20 on land purchased from the estate of the local 'big house' - probably acres of woodland stretching down to the river. That would explain why my tiny woodland area is proving so successful while the likes of lupins, delphiniums etc just fizzle out.
Today I’ve been thinking about the plus points of masks, I have come up with three so far. 1, It keeps my nose warm in this cold weather. 2, I don’t feel self conscious if I have a cold-sore or other blemish. 3, Nobody can see me chatting away to myself & are less likely hear me.
Down-side, truly unpleasant if you sneeze and a nuisance if you wear glasses as the steaming up of spectacles is difficult to prevent.
Can anyone think of other pluses or odd uses for masks?
The downside for me is, smiling at people I meet, be it in a supermarket or when outside walking, but they don't know this.
When I was at the opticians, which was just a normal eye-test, two weeks ago, the problem was I steamed up the test lenses. I had to put my mask down slightly, so the eye test was done correctly. I just had to trust my optician, who put on new gloves, cleaned all the equipment in front of me etc. I am glad I went, to check my vision. 👀
That puts me in mind of a trip with the WI when I lived in Cornwall. We encountered a statue with a very small “part”. One of the older ladies contemplated this and said “‘ ‘ tis true he ain’t Cornish!!” 😂😉😁
Make-up, whats that? I don't even do eye-make up now. It's not worth it for my once a week supermarket shop, which is only about 30 mins long. I did put the slap on, on Christmas Day, even though I was alone. It just felt right to do. 🤡
PussCat has just appeared, after a day asleep on my bed. Her age is now starting to show, sadly. 😸 She will be 17yrs in June.
Masks - the downside for me, is that these are causing a skin rash on my face. It doesn't matter what type I wear, and even using a facial moisturiser, before I put one on. But, this is just a minor hiccup, and well worth it, as the benefits so outweigh this minor inconvenient irritation.
Miriam - wonderful for you to have had 17 years with your cat. My last cat died at 19, but I had only had him for about six years. Do make the very most of your lovely Puss in his final years. Lucky you !
She is a rescue cat, who I adopted at about 6 months old. I also adopted had her brother, a lovely ginger tom as a brother + sister. He went out one night, when only about 15months old, never to be seen again. I never knew what happened to him. My lovely Puss Cat, so helps me, as she is a living being in my home. She always curls up on my feet, sometime in the night. As I wake up, she comes and pats my face, as she just wants attention.
A great- nephew in OZ, will be 3 yrs old tomorrow. I cannot believe that I have forgotten his birthday. This is not like me. He had a Birthday Party on Sunday, which was lovely to see the photos + videos of. Also his friends and their parents were able to meet up, to so enjoy it.
To add. The birthday cake, was not a traditional one. It was carved from.a water melon, into 3 tiers and decorated wth sliced kiwi fruit, fresh strawberries and raspberries. It was a healthy, work of art. However, there were some lemon cupcakes (home made of course) to go alongside this masterpiece. No guesses as to what was liked most
This neice is another great cook, who was well taught by her Grandma (my Mum).. Another one is exactly the same, but the eldest niece is just hopeless! She just wanted discos + boys, and their Mum (big Sis) was the same, at the same age..so her meals are interesting + different..eg Stew with beetroot in?
Miriam, you are fortunate in having such a close family. I have many great nephews/nieces and also great-great NNs over on the Island whom I have never met and would not know if I were to pass them in the street, which I may well have done without being aware of it. The plus side, of course, is that with 14 NNs who have all gone forth and multiplied even unto the next generation , the birthdays and Christmases would bankrupt me!
There is a new GGN who will be introduced eventually, but with all visits cancelled since 2018 due to terminal illness etc, he will probably be nursery school age before we meet for the first time.
Miriam, please read Archerphile's message at 8:41pm yesterday or don't as it's up to you. Why are you apologising for talking about your great-nephew? Why are you apologising for talking about masks? If you smile at people they can see it in your eyes. I can see it in others' when they smile in return please let me extend it to you.
You are indeed fortunate Miriam as Sarnia says. Although my mother was the youngest of eighteen children, ( not all survived childhood) and when very young I frequently saw many cousins, my father was somewhat remote from his siblings and we only saw them infrequently. At some point my father felt the need to persuade ( or bully) my mother into relinquishing her family ties too. Consequently extended family faded away. I have observed my sister and I following the same pattern, having no contact now since our mother's funeral twenty two years ago. I am in touch with one cousin eighteen months older than me on my mother's side. She was like a big sister to me when I was very young and I adored her. After my mother's death due to a letter to my mother I contacted another cousin, my fathers niece, and am in regular contact with her. We have recently talked of having a joint 80th and 100th birthday celebration. When I first contacted her she had not seen me since I was four years old. So you see Miriam, many many people today do not have your close family ties. You have often suggested that you and ' big sis ' do not see eye to eye, but you still have close contact. You are IMO very fortunate, and I am very envious of you.
I've had a really bad day. Took a sleeping pill last night as I hadn't slept for two nights, and didn't wake till very late, getting out of bed at 2pm. The dog gets a wee on the grass close to the house, but didn't get a walk until gone four o'clock. I haven't got dressed at all today. And I haven't had a proper meal for four days.
But I finally wrote on Saturday to a couple that I met in Cornwall in June, and to my great relief I've had a reply this evening. So I'm HAPPY about that. Also Lady is improving at not barking at other dogs and was prepared to say hello to a puppy at the gate this afternoon.
I've actually got some food out of the freezer to cook for tonight.
This post is not written to elicit sympathy. Just to get it off my chest. And thank you to GG for allowing us to be here for each other. None of us envisaged this dreadful situation when we decided to go it alone post BBC, But thank goodness we did.
At least your day ended well MrsP, do have some hot food, we all need it. I found out this morning that it's a Blue Monday today, a third Monday in January always on the downside. I've struggled with the slush on the ground, very tricky to navigate and work out where to cross the road.
At last we are under 100 cases today on the island - 98! Hopefully the downward trend will continue. My stepdaughter who lives in Dorset gets her jab tomorrow as she is working with the elderly. The twins, her grandsons are doing well and looking much bonnier than the little scraps they were at birth. Apparently they are now burbling away! I hope Katy and I will be able to go over and see them this year.
Yes, Mrs P, keep your strength up for Lady and yourself! I have made meat and potato pie for tonight. It is quite a northern thing and reminds me of my growing up years in Crewe! It’s Dudley’s birthday this month but we don’t know what day. We have ordered in a gf Victoria’s sponge to celebrate as Dudley loves cake! They are only allowed it when one of them has a birthday or at Christmas!🐶🐶🐶😉
I just wrote a huge long message. Then accidentally left the page and lost it - doh! So you're spared my ramblings and you'll just get the last part.
I get the feeling that many of us in here are feeling 'baggy and a bit loose at the seams'. All this lockdown etc has gone on too long and we are TIRED. Please hang on in there, things *will* improve.
I'd like to give you all a hug. But since that's not possible, you'll have to do with emojis instead: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🌷🌺🌼🌷🌻🌸🌼🌸🌼🌺🌷💗💗💗💗💗💗🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐶🐶🐶🐈🐈🐈🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Mrs P / LJ and others we all have down days believe me, and if we (as your friends) wish to feel concern and send our thoughts then please let us - do not think you are not worthy of a little sympathy in such extraordinary times 💐
We have crazy friends who rowed the Atlantic a few years ago. Our contribution was to send them regular clues to London Underground and DLR stations. Here are the first three: 1. The monarch is not happy 2. Make them more ecological 3. Entertainment in a seat of learning Can you work them out.
If people like, I'll post the next three in a week or so, and keep going until you beg me to stop! (Or in 3 months' time when I run out of clues.) Something to tickle the old braincells : )
Great idea OWIAS. One and three straight forward, still thinking about number 2. I am trying to visualise your friends rowing in appalling conditions discussing stations on the circle line. How long did it take them?
Right I’ve got 1 and 2 now. Ok I had to look at a list of stations to get 2 but cut me some slack.....I’m a long way up north!!! Just got to concentrate on 3 now Lanjan. I’ll not let you beat me!!!! You adopted southerner you!!!
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - January 14, 2021 at 12:55 PM
I am new not so sure that being contacted by the woman that used to know my family in the 1950’s was such a good thing after all!
I can barely remember her, I think our mothers were friends, but she obviously remembers a lot about me, my family, where I lived, what our house and garden were like and where I went to school etc.
Since replying I have now had no fewer than 27 long messages from her in less than 24 Hours! It seems every few minutes my iPhone is pinging with yet another message, memory or question.
She is recalling things from when she was 4 yrs old and I was 8. Some of the things she says are just not true or are ancient gossip but I don’t like to keep correcting her!
Does anyone have any advice about how I can tactfully withdraw from this forced ‘online friendship’ and stop the constant flow of messages? She is beginning to be a a bit pest and I’m already regretting having replied to her.
I don’t want to be rude but I have other things to do!
OldWomanInAShoe - January 14, 2021 at 1:14 PM
Play the old lady card and tell her your memory's going ; )
Change your number.
Ask her to send nudes! (Well, it worked for Lizzy Pargeter)
Basia - January 14, 2021 at 1:58 PM
Just tell her that Archerphile, that at your age you're busy with your family, house and garden and not today but leave it for a day or two. If she asks why you're not replying say you'll answer tomorrow. It was nice to share memories but you're staying firmly in the present.
MrsP - AmbridgeJanuary 14, 2021 at 2:11 PM
Basia, with good advice as usual.
That's a very down to earth woman there.
I would add, don't answer her texts.
Then when she texts again, reply that you had forgotten about answering and apologise.
Do that every time she sends a message. She will soon get the message that you have withdrawn. Or she will think you to be rude. But will that matter ?
Ev - January 14, 2021 at 2:23 PM
I went on Friends reunited before it closed down and had two replies from former school friends. I did reply but heard no more so obviously their lives were busy. This lady sounds as if she is lonely but as you say constant messages are a bit of a pest. As BAsia says, best just don’t reply, certainly not immediately! Probably as she is so needy you may need to completely withdraw.
OldWomanInAShoe - January 14, 2021 at 3:08 PM
Perhaps she's just excited to be back in contact with someone from her childhood and memories keep popping into her head.
Perhaps she's spent lockdown alone and Archerphile is the first human contact she's had in weeks.
Tell her you love hearing from her, but that your memory's not what is was so it's no good asking questions about your schooldays. Tell her you're very busy during the day but you'll send her a text in the evening.
If none of that works, tell her to contact Susan - they can share gossip - sorry, interesting reminiscences - to their hearts' content.
Brilliant Gary, yet again.
ReplyDeleteThe footprints in the snow, is topical for you tomorrow. I hope it will not be as bad as forecast.
I have no idea, what I would do in Archerphile's situation.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts only, and as others have said, I would send a message, along the lines of:-
"I cannot remember a lot of what you are telling me. I need time to try and recall, the majoritory of these times. Perhaps, as I am very involved with my family, I will have to have, a long think and then contact you, once I have tried to put things together."
It is harsh, but Archerphile needs to act now, before it becomes an even greater and constant, problem.
I wish her well, in whatever way, she decides to sort this out.
It's been snowing incessantly from morning till now, very picture postcard from the inside, so I sat watching it and luxuriating in my red flame mohair throw which my sister gave me yesterday. It was woven in Great Britain at Bronte by Moon. She bought two at a third of the price.
ReplyDeleteTo bring myself back to reality I listened to Crossing Continents, I'd heard it partially on FOOC and WH, about the migrant crisis. It reminded me yet again that I live in such a privileged part of the world, even though I had to leave my comfort zone yesterday to go and register due to the break up.
Remind me, where do you live?
DeleteAlsace and went to Strasbourg yesterday by train! for the first time in a year.
DeleteOne thing I really do miss is train travel. At least twice a week I used to go on long bike rides and get the train back.
DeleteWell, thank you everyone for your help. I like Gary’s answer best - I’ll go and have some honey!
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, it got a bit spooky with this woman having such clear descriptions of our house and gardens. And calling my Mum and Dad, Auntie Queenie and Uncle Dan. She even said she remembered having tea sitting on the circular bench round the big oak tree on our lawn - which there was! She would only have been 4 or 5 at the time. I found it a bit unnerving so will not reply for a few weeks and see what happens. Perhaps she’ll go away and pester someone else! 🤞
This person does seem to have memories of your family, which in time (but not now), just might be more interesting to learn more about.
DeleteI don't envy you, whatever you decide to do.
After a very rainy day, the temperature has suddenly and dramatically, dropped. All the wet surfaces are now quickly icing up.
ReplyDeleteIt is becoming ❄💧⛸
At least I can stay home.
Tea tonight, will be whole hearted and warming. This is a portion of what I cooked last night - Belly Pork with stuffing, sitting on top of sliced swede, onions, carrots + a sliced apple, with a cider stock + herbs.all cooked in a casserole dish. It is a cheap, but very tasty, concontion.
DeleteMum cooked this dish, way back in the early 60's, when living on a tight budget. I still do it now and love it!
Archerphile .....I would delete each text message she sends without reading or just block her number on your phone.
ReplyDeleteActually that's what I would do too PTBY.
DeleteThank you both. Think I might do just that.
DeleteI ate the 1st slice of my Christmas cake today, with my mid-morning coffee.
ReplyDeleteI still have nearly all my Christmas treats I bought, to eat, nibble and still to enjoy.
We just finished our Christmas cake this afternoon Miriam. All the other treats are long gone!
DeleteGoodness, that reminds me, I bought myself a cake for Christmas and it's still in the cupboard, forgotten !
ReplyDeleteI discovered mine yesterday when putting some tray bakes ( bought ones!) in a container! We still have 4 mince pies too!
ReplyDeleteWe finished the Christmas cake last weekend.
ReplyDeleteHowever we didn't have a Christmas pudding this year. I made 6 sometime in August I think. Christmas morning came, I went to the cupboard and it was bare! Jon counted up who I had given a pudding to and said "Mum !!!!! You gave them all away! Later on this year I'll make 8!
We do have an unopened tin of Quality Street, a Stollen and a Panatonne which have not been opened yet. Plus present of Crofts Original and a large Prosecco which were presents to me and they'll be for me as Jon doesn't like either. Anyway he's got his Craft Ales!
Lanjan - I know he's the wrong side of the Pennines but good for Dom Bess! A fifer! I did not set my alarm but was listening at 6am!
I did eat my individual Christmas Pud but the big one is still safely stored away. Hopefully this will do for our next family meal together, whenever that might actually happen.
DeleteThe pud we had with our two friends on C. Day was one Anne had made 3yrs ago and it was beyond delicious- blew heads off only a little was required to do this 🤣
DeleteAll these uneaten Christmas cakes and chocs! Wouldn't last five minutes in this shoe!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that hasn't been gobbled up yet is the cake - largely because it hasn't been made yet. Perhaps if I wait long enough it can become a Simnel cake instead.
Mrs P, I always made my father-in-law a Christmas cake. When we were clearing out his house I found one under a missing bowl in the kitchen cupboard! It had been there for at least 13 months!
(The mixing bowl was one of those traditional brown and cream ones - it has now found a home in our kitchen. The cake found a home in the wheely bin!)
My mixing bowl is one of those - a true traditional brown + cream one, which is always used. It is not an old one as such, perhaps 10 years only.
DeleteI also use "traditional" enamel pie plates and pie dishes (of varying sizes). I never have a soggy bottom!
I don't own a modern mixing bowl.
DeleteAll mine were bought in Saturday sales or jumble sales when living in Malmesbury in the seventies. Huge Victorian and Georgian stone ones.
I used to have several jars of blackberry jam never opened. Made by me in the seventies. I eventually threw them out sometime in the nineties.
May it remain the case Miriam 🤣
DeleteMrs P you had 20yrs plus untouched homemade jam in your cupboard 😱 🤣
My Christmas cake was polished off weeks ago. Like OWinAS any Christmas chocs or cakes would be eaten up and quickly! Once something is opened it will be finished.
ReplyDelete👍 ✔️ as the scales confirm Anneveggie 🤣
DeleteQuite cross as have just received an email telling me that the appointment for an antibody test next week has been cancelled as they are only doing virtual consultations and you can't give blood virtually!
ReplyDeleteTommorrow I will ring up and ask for my money back. The reason I wanted one was to know if it was just pneumonia last March, before I had the vaccination, which I estimate should be mid - February. I don't really have a Plan B!
Also annoyed that my friend in Catford had her first jab this morning and she's only 73! Absolutely fit as a fiddle, well she's always bragging about how fit she is. She does walk up to 8 miles a day, two or three times a week and does not have to take any kind of medication.
One can only assume Catford's Health Authority is so far ahead of the roll out they are on Group 4 already!
I guess it must depend on your areas age demographic Spicy. Our area of Hampshire is made up of many older people in the 80’s and 90’s plus even group (our eldest man of 112yrs died a few months ago) therefore although I am the same age as your friend no where near jab time for me I’ll bet. Mr R as I have previously said had his 1st jab Wednesday because he has some years on me. In himself a 60 yr old 🤣 just his Orthopaedic problem that holds him back physically. He has had no reaction whatsoever from his jab. Did not feel the needle at all, no arm ache, headache etc - which is good 🤞🏼 when my turn arrives.....
DeleteVery glad to hear it Lady R. Best wishes to Mr R, too.
DeleteThank you AP from us both 👫
DeleteNo Spiceycushion it's probably for the same reason I had mine, and my daughter in laws had theirs. They live in Northamptonshire/ Oxfordshire borders. They were told, and I asked and it was confirmed, that large numbers of over eighties offered the first injections available, the Pfizer, refused it. ( lots of speculation as to why ! )
ReplyDeleteThe vials have a limited shelf life and needs to be used, so the next tranch on the list were offered what had not been used. My daughters in laws had theirs on Sunday.
I had mine at 9am Monday, your Catford friend today.
It would appear that this over 80 cohort are digging their heels in all over the place.
I am grateful to have had it, but I feel guilty to some extent.
My next door neighbour ordered to shield again, considerably younger than me and the recipient of a kidney donation should have been chosen before me, but I wasn't about to argue with the 8am phone call.
We haven't been given a date for our jabs either Spicycushion although people the same age as we are who go to different Practices have had their jabs..
ReplyDeleteI think that anyone who refuses the Pfizer jab should just go to the back of the queue.
They should be grateful that they have been offered one before other people who may be more deserving.
Lanjan we and especially Mr R who had his 1st Pfizer jab Wednesday - with no ill effects whatsoever totally agree with your view!
DeleteOn a lighter note.
ReplyDeleteA priest, a rabbit and a minister walk into a bar.
The barman says to the rabbit "What'll you have?"
The rabbit replies "I don't know. I'm only here due to Autocorrect!"
Great Spicy! There is a kosher wine I think?
DeleteVery good, autocorrect is a menace
DeleteJust read on the BBC website about a young bride who had planned a very big wedding , with ten bridesmaids,(!) but who had to change, drastically, her plans as she was now restricted to 15 people. So she asked her two Nans to be her bridesmaids, one is 80 and one 90 years old. What a lovely gesture! Lovely picture of beaming bridesmaids with the Happy Couple!
ReplyDeleteChecked this out Spicy what a delightful picture which will be a treasured memory for that bride and her new husband forever and a wonderful day for the two nans.
DeleteThere was a piece on the Today programme yesterday about drastically changed wedding plans, with couples how much they enjoyed their small scale ceremony and reception.
ReplyDeleteCouples saying...
DeleteI never regretted our small wedding. I enjoyed it all! We only had close relatives so only 12 guests and I could talk to them all. Too often in big weddings as a guest you can only briefly talk to the couple and usually end up spending hours on a table with people you don’t know trying to make conversation. I have vowed never to go to another one! Friends of ours had a huge wedding for their daughter who ended up divorcing after 4 years! The wedding is the least important part of every marriage IMO!
ReplyDelete👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
DeleteWeddings. My niece + partner, who have been together for 19yrs now, with children 9 and 6, announced in the first Lockdown that they are now going to marry.
ReplyDeleteNow in 2021, the plans are firmly on hold. This is due to his parents flying in from Mairitus plus a sister (another niece) and family, coming from OZ - they also want a big DO.
To me, it would be lovely for them to have a quiet + intimate wedding, to just commit to each other, at last.
A Big Party can then happen later, when it is safe to do so.
My niece in OZ did just that. She married the love of her life, in a simple way, with no family attending. We all saw a wonderful video of the entire occasion.
The important thing is that - they were happy and married.
So many people say they can't afford to get married when they mean they can't afford a big do.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely CC! Now they can relax and enjoy their day without the pressure of having to impress and experience the true meaning of the commitment they are making 🎊
DeleteOMiaS once took a wedding for a Nigerian couple. After the ceremony the newly weds and their witnesses enjoyed sandwiches in the Church. I think there were flowers - courtesy of the Church Warden.
DeleteAll the bells and whistles are nice, if you want them and can afford them. But, as you say Cheshire Cheese, they're not obligatory. Too many couples either put off the whole wedding or start their married life with huge debts in order to have an extravagent 'dream wedding.'
I heard of one couple who wrote to radio 4 that they asked two people from the registry office to witness their union and drove off into their married life with their dog.
DeleteWhat a heavy frost overnight and this morning again, not thawing until midday.
ReplyDeleteIt is starting the same again - with cars + the road, all becoming iced up already.
I wish I could see some snow - but that is the R. Dee Valley, the river being only half a mile away. In the summer, this is an advantage, as always much sunnier + warmer 🌞.
Can't wait for this.
A new jigsaw is on the board.
ReplyDeleteIt is a Wasgij and a What Happens Next, one.
I enjoy these, but just now + again. They make a nice change and I find them fun to do, when in the mood to do so.
To finish.
DeleteWatching a TV programme last night, I learnt that a tablespoon of Heinz Tomato Ketchup, contains as much salt as 3 packets of Walkers Ready salted crisps!
I am amazed - though I still have the said ketchup on my plate, along with fish 'n chips.
It is a smaller portion though.
Oh dear! I have just devastated my son and daughter. They are saying I have feet of clay!
ReplyDeleteWhy?
Because I What’sApped them last night to say I had made pudding of bananas in custard using a tin of Birds Custard Powder, full cream milk and sweetener instead of my usual pack of Sainsburys Sugar-free Instant Custard mix. When putting the tin away afterwards I noticed it should have been used by March 2015!
Fast reply from son - “Mum, that means you’ve been using cheating custard for 5 years”
Daughter’s response - “I’m devastated to hear you don’t make proper Custard, even 9 year old Elliot knows how to make it properly”
I’m hanging my head in shame 🥺
Lol 😆
DeleteJust lost post 😡
DeleteGlad you’re alive to tell the tale! Get street cred back by telling them I use tinned Ambrosia custard and their organic rice both delicious 🤣
I suspect Miriam and others are reaching for their smelling salts right now 🤣🤣🤣
Banana custard - haven't had that in years!
DeleteI just hope the first course wasn't tuna bake : )
Oh no OWiaS, we wouldn’t like that. It was steak with peppercorn sauce (in a pack fromSainsburys) with chips for him, carrots for me, mushroom & tomato garnish and green beans.
DeleteGoodness, I sound just like Miriam!
Chips? Homemade os Sainsbury’s 🤣
DeleteArcherphile I’m going one better - tonight we will have banana in ready made luxury custard from the chilled cabinet!!!!! It is expensive and delicious. I’m worth it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, OMiaS and I have both had our ONS antibody tests back today. Both positive!
ReplyDeleteNeither of us have shown any symptoms that we're aware of. And I've been past our garden gate less than 20 times in the last 10 months.
Mind you, I've had Epstein Barr antibodies for years and I was never aware of having glandular fever. Certainly aware of the after effects though : (
We got our back this morning too. Both negative I’m relieved to say!
DeleteWe’ve been very isolating too, but I saw a piece on TV this morning saying that the virus can last on various surfaces much longer than originally thought. Apparently it can still be infective on stainless steel after 28 days.
DeleteSo the advice was to be much more stringent about goods from supermarkets, even with home deliveries. (Considering how many other people have been handling them)
Throw away all outer packaging, wash or peel all fruit & veg, wash tin cans before putting
away and thoroughly wash hands immediately after dealing with the shopping.
OWIAS could one of the younger shoe dwellers have had it? Have they had the antibody test?
DeleteMaybe Covid likes the smell of shoe leather!!!!!
My custard, when I make is, is made with Bird's Custard powder, which cannot be beaten. Also, I still make gravy using "Aah Bisto" powder, which I am surprised, is still available.
ReplyDeleteAt least using these, I can control the amount of sugar + salt used.
Big Sis, only ever uses gravy granules. To me the gravy is too salty, but that's my taste only.
I eat a low salt diet, (after a hypertension diagnosis), getting flavours from herbs, low salt stock cubes, garlic, chilli and spices.
It suits me.
My Wasgij jigsaw is difficult and a challenge. I will do it!
May I have a Rant? I hope so.
ReplyDeleteI am upset as to my ex-bro in law, who is the father of 3 of my nieces and grandpa to many.
He has formed a child support "bubble" with eldest niece, her partner + kids. This came about, as nieces partner, started a new job last week, all to be done on-line. As such ex bro in law, is now going for 3 days a week, 9-3 for home schooling, and I admire him for doing this.
However, my rant is that yesterday Friday, he drove over 100 miles to stay 3 nights with his lady friend, who he is also in a "partnership" bubble with.
To me there is too much travel, which is not local.
Perhaps I am reading and understanding the rules differently...and my Rant is not justified.
The rules say that you are only allowed to be in one bubble.
DeleteThere is so much wrong, on so many counts, about what he is doing Miriam. Has he not read or understood the rules? Does he care?
DeleteI would be ranting too - but at him!o
But it would risk falling out with family, so you may not feel able to do that.
I wouldn’t rant at him but maybe worth asking whether niece and husband are happy with his long distance travel and staying with the lady. If they are that’s up to them. If not it is for them to tackle him. However you know them and if you think they would take offence suggest you keep out of it! It is because of people flouting rules I am sure that this virus is spreading. We are continuing to have 3 figure numbers of positives each day on the island.
DeleteI think your rant is justified Miriam.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that far too many people are taking this ' bubble' business with a far too elastic attitude.
Apart from my two visits to Cornwall when I stayed alone in a cottage but visited the main house each evening for dinner, I have not been part of any bubble since last February when I chose to start keeping my distance from everybody. Not been in any house other than my own, no shopping for much of the year and latterly only at nine o'clock in the evening. No close contact with anyone.
Your ex bro in law is endangering the daughter and family and his lady friend.
Keep it buttoned Miriam. It's not worth getting into a family tussle over. Continue to rant on here if you have to.
In other words, I need to downscale my comments, yet again😉
DeleteI so understand this comment, as I do go OTT many times..As such I will definitely try to keep my thoughts shorter and more to the topic of this wonderful Blog.
Miriam, I think MrsP is agreeing with you, but suggesting that raising the issue with the parties concerned could cause a family rift.
DeleteWe probably all have frustrations with other people who don't seem to be taking the pandemic seriously. This lovely blog is a good place to let off steam in a safe, socially distanced way. Rant away m'dear.
I am just unhappy, not seeing family for such a long time. My youngest Gt. Niece was 1yr old, a few days ago. I have only seen her once, in May for only for a few hours and I couldn't even give her a cuddle, as we were socially distanced.
DeleteAs to family, I have not seen any of them, for nearly 6 weeks now.
It is hard, but I just accept this. As I live alone, these are the rules, to keep us safe + well and I abide by them
Me too Miriam. Not seen son, d.i.l. and grandsons for over a year. Not seen local grandchildren since last August. Only saw daughter for a 15 min, very distanced gift exchange before Christmas, so I appreciate how you feel. But thank goodness for phone calls, WhatsApp and Zoom. Mind you, none of those let’s you have a hug, which is what I miss most.
DeleteJust hoping the vaccine (which we may get within the next 2 weeks) will help us all get back to normal by Dummer.
Why don't we all stop going on about this wretched virus ?
ReplyDeleteI dare say every one of us has a story to relate about it should we wish to do so.
All being well many of us will have the vaccine very shortly.
Meanwhile .please be positive.
Why not have this as a virus free blog?
Anyone who feels it necessary to mention it could make a donation to a Charity of their choice.
I am getting one in here quickly.in case you agree with me.
I went with Mr LJ to see the Doctor this morning.
We were told me that MOST 80 + year olds refuse to have the vaccine.
I find tga5 hard to believe.
PS Even if no one else does it ,If I mention it again I will make a donation to Charity.
So Miss Dolittle, we no longer talk about everybody's health but we may still speak of the weather ; )
DeleteI doubt we will manage to keep this blog microbe-free for long. But I'll commit to paying up if I do mention the v or c words.
Miriam - I've just read your reply, clearly you thought I was telling you to " button it" well I was, but not button it on the blog . I meant don't say anything to your niece, or indeed to any of your family. Just keep quiet on the subject.
DeleteI also said, if you read my post again.
To continue ranting on here.
Your welcome
Mrs P
Sorry LanJan but I can't agree with you on that.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't find it difficult to refrain from mentioning the virus, but many others on here, alone or without significant support, or working with a public profile and getting abuse from a number of people on a daily basis, might need the support they hope to get on this blog.
We ought in my opinion be supportive of their rants not asking them to be quiet.
However like you I am astonished if as you have been told MOST over eighty' s are refusing the vaccination.
What's wrong with them. They are the generation surely who experienced smallpox or lost siblings through it, as well as all those other childhood horrors many of which have now been almost eradicated.
Agree Mrs P. If we keep forbidding subjects the blog will become so bland it won’t be worth bothering with. At the moment the virus is a big talking point but we have also discussed other things and it is worth sharing more than mundane things although they too are part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteMe too I’m afraid Lanjan. Can’t promise not to mention the pandemic again. It is the biggest thing on many people’s minds at the moment, many of us with no other way of letting out our fears, frustrations or hopes for the future. We need a blog as such this, with trusted friends, to share our thoughts and worries, as well as the good news.
ReplyDeleteI am willing to head a post with a warning of some sort e.g. COVID POST , or somesuch, so you can scroll on by but I don’t want to be gagged on the subject.
For the well being of us all I would like the blog to be open to all topics LanJan. If like Miriam and some others who are spending many hours alone being able to write feelings down (which is advised as a release mechanism be it of anxiety, fear, doubt etc) then I fully support this.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure we will all still try our best to post good news or something daft we have done to provide lighter moments 🤞🏼
When I took Mr R for his vaccination the car park was heaving with men and women of the invited age group it is so disappointing to hear what you were told - but it is a choice I just hope they do not contract covid or past it on to loved ones in the meantime.
I'm not interested in sport LanJan but am happy for you to talk about cricket to your hearts content. I think the virus is too big an issue to be off topic.
ReplyDeleteLanjan - I agree with you, so don't feel you're on your own!
ReplyDeleteJust to be clear our comments have not been put forward in order to have a collective go at Lanjan the very idea 🙆♀️ (or anyone such as yourself with the same view Spicy) because that is what we are all doing giving our own personal view and our reason why in answer to LJ earlier post 😗
DeleteBesides which, I want to know as each of us gets our jab.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to have had mine at least a month earlier than I anticipated, and if lots of people refuse, then we will all be better off for getting ours earlier.
I am mindful that not everybody has to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity.
I've no doubt some one on here will know the percentage answer.
Either Spicy or Evs daughter.
✔️ to first line Mrs P as we are all spread out over the country it should be interesting.
DeleteHave consulted the Oracle! Percentage required varies. With measles it is 95% and with polio 80%. Covid is unknown so far but will be substantial.
DeletePerhaps we should ask Gary to adjudicate on this subject, so we all know one way or another what we can/can’t post?
ReplyDeletePost away!
ReplyDeleteI've now got to the stage where I will be honest. I'm a completely different person on this blog than I am in real life - and I love that. I adore the fact that I can be nice and caring and supportive on here. Because I'm not known for those qualities in real life. I'm really not.
Please don't spoil it for me - don't spoil it for yourselves. (I'm drunk!)
🤣🤣🤣
DeleteGood for you, Gary😉😂
DeleteOh Gary what a great post! 🍺 🥃 🍻 🍸 🥂 🍷 🤣🤣🤣. 🤗
DeleteWe have been snowed in for three days now. I managed to go out on Friday afternoon when the sun was shining with the meltdown, I met two neighbours who also ventured out. I had my stick, the trip was long and exhausting. Still, I'm grateful for being warm with enough food. Also someone with ovarian cancer (from the extended family) was told that it hasn't progressed so that'll do for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lanjan and Spicycushion but don't think the subject can be avoided. I'm not giving in to the vaccine euphoria, nothing is a 100%. There have been close to religious ceremonies, how many would have turned up for an ordinary service? I don't. On the other hand I heard a report from the Czech Republic which made me quite indignant and I'm sure those on here and Archerphile especially would feel the same. I may of course mention the subject and I don't hold it against those who do.
Indeed Basia, I heard those reports too and was quite incredulous! Thought we had moved on in the past 80 years!
DeleteGary, post in haste regret at leisure. Hope you’ve avoided a hangover!
ReplyDeleteI’m sure those qualities you say you lack have been hidden under the surface just waiting to be set free. Good to know this blog has restorative benefits!
I wouldn't hold your breath in anticipation of my jab, Mrs P (11.13pm) - my surgery never managed to provide me with a flu one, which I eventually arranged for myself. Their track record suggests that Covid jabs are likely to prove completely beyond their capabilities.
ReplyDeleteSarnia, I’m tempted to say I will drive down myself and transport you to wherever your centre is, be it Bristol, Torquay or somewhere else. But I’d probably get prosecuted for driving outside my area! I can’t believe your surgery would be so remiss as to leave you out 😷 😡
DeleteI think you should first contact your surgery asking when they anticipate being able to vaccinate you, Sarnia. Then ring round all your pharmacies in the city and see what they can offer. If any of them come closer than your surgery, book it and order your taxi.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that I cannot now mention:-
ReplyDeletea) My family
b) Covid + the relating rules
c) Vaccinations
d) Meals and food
What can I talk about now?
I know!
My Puss cat,who is doing well.
The weather, just grey + overcast.
I arranged a delivery of flowers for someone, whose birthday it is today.
DeleteI am happy, as the 'photo just sent, showed it was exactly as ordered.
The recipient was thrilled.
Miriam, please re-read the posts again.
Deletea) Mrs P wisely suggests you don't raise the issue of rule-breaking *with* your family. You don't want it to blow up into a family feud. But absolutely fine to talk about them in here.
b) & c) That was only LanJan's suggestion. The majority opinion seems to be that we should remain free to discuss these sadly topical subjects.
d) If you don't tell us about the lovely meals you prepare I may feel obliged to fill the gap by telling you about my culinary creations. And there's only so far you can go with baked beans on toast and eggy bread.
e) Cats and other pets are also pretty popular in here
f) Weather is less interesting, unless you're snowed in or enjoying a heat wave.
g) h)& i) Flowers, friends and birthdays are all good topics too. Glad your friend was so pleased with their blooms.
I'm glad you've decided to stick around. Keep posting!
Miriam Nobody has said we must not talk about any of those things you mention. Lanjan simply thought it might be a good idea to keep away from Covid as a topic with the aim of lifting our spirits.
ReplyDeleteIf you reread all the blogs from Lanjans (8.21 yesterday) you will see what I mean.
I think a lot of us are feeling a bit down.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I’m glad you brightened someone’s day with the flowers you sent, I’m still nurturing the arrangements I did for Xmas, silver sprayed twigs and greenery can last for ages.
I would like to to make some holiday plans but MrNuts doesn’t really want to yet, so I am thinking of exciting alternative uses for the budget, so far it’s replacing the bedroom and or living room carpet or new French windows for the dining room. Life is slightly lacking excitement right now.
Flowers were sent to my Little Sister, on her birthday today.
DeleteThey were exactly as I had ordered, very vibrant and colourful. She was so very pleased that I done this.. At least I pleased some-one. 🌹
I am like you. No holiday for a long while. As soon as Lockdown ends, I will have 3 windows replaced, a new paved drive and new gates (moved into a different position).
DeleteI am planning these projects which will take time.
I don't need a holiday as such - All I want to do, is to visit others in differing parts of the UK, to just to meet up and hug again.
I agree with Mr Nuts. None of us knows what lies ahead and it is pointless making holiday plans just now. Even UK holidays could be difficult if the infection rates go on mounting. With the prospect of vaccines being offered to all adults by the autumn we might be able to breathe again by then! I think it a good idea just now to spend the money on house and garden so that if we have to stay at or near home we have some comfort!
DeleteOh Dear.
ReplyDeleteI have just mentioned a family member again!
Will I ever learn? 😲😵👎
Miriam, are you serious? Not sure whether you are being droll or have really taken offence when this isn’t what was intended. I am pleased your sister was delighted with her flowers and nice to hear your snippets of life!
DeleteBoth!
DeleteDear Miriam,
DeleteYou really have to stop reading more into posts than was intended and try to stop taking offence. Nobody said you mustn’t post about all those subjects.
But it does get irritating when you constantly apologise, run yourself down and think we are all getting at you.
You have had plenty of encouragement from folk here to carry on posting so have confidence in yourself and your opinions. You are just as entitled to express your thoughts here as the rest of us.
OK?
👏👍🏼✔️✔️✔️
DeleteMy reply blogger error’d 😡
DeleteMiriam you held down a very responsible job you are a splendid cook and competent gardener so I am perplexed that you appear to lack confidence in yourself here. Please forge ahead with your views here that is what the blog is all about. Sometimes we mostly agree on topics sometimes not. Just go with the flow and most of all enjoy 🤗
My terrier keeps getting fur matts in her 'armpits'. I think this may be due to putting coats on her to keep her warm and dry. Does anyone else have this trouble?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to have a fun discussion about favourite sweets. I particulary love Crunchies and I really missed not having Turkish Delight at Christmas. I usually get some but it just didn't happen last year.
I'm pleased to say I received no Turkish Delight for Christmas. If I ever do I'll save it for you Anneveggie - I can't stand the stuff!
DeleteI might pinch your Crunchies though - unless you give me a big bag of Maltesers instead : )
Crunchie is a favourite of mine also, as it is the honeycomb centre.
DeleteI also adore Pear Drops and Treacle Toffees, along with the Blackcurrant/liquorice sweets, but not sure what they are actually named.
As for a Jelly Baby 😀
I remember as a young child, going to the sweet shop after school. It was 5 sweets for 6d.
ReplyDeleteThese were loose and just put into a bag.
I remember blackjacks, sherbet dips, jelly worms, flying saucers etc.
No wonder I had a lot of teeth, that needed fillings at that time.
or was it 3d?
DeleteI recall them all Miriam but as I am a good 7yrs older than you can also remember 4 chews for 1d 🤣🤣🤣 for 1 for a farthing 😂😂😂 I lived next door to a sweet shop and although born after the war rationing was still in force for a few years but when removed we became the generation to make up for it, hence the fillings. A miracle I still have my teeth albeit with the odd bridge / crown.
Deleteor 1 for a farthing
DeleteI still indulge my 23 year old daughter’s taste for juvenile confectionery. This has led to me enjoying foam shrimps and bananas, jelly babies, dolly mixture..... I sometimes think that still having a not terribly mature daughter at home is making me regress into slobbish late teen behaviour, eating too much sucrose and binging on junk tv.
ReplyDeleteSounds ok to me KP 🤗
DeleteI ike foam shrimps, jelly babies, dolly mixtures, ...
DeleteI don't think the younger shoe dwellers have had much influence on the matter. (Except that I enforced a chocolate tax for years 😁)
I have to conclude that I am not terribly mature 😂
Message to Miriam at 8.41 pm, just in case you miss it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Archerphile, I concur.
DeleteThere was a sweet shop on the way to school and I remember buying chews 4 for a penny. If the teacher asked you a question you could stick it on the roof of your mouth and still talk normally!! We also used to buy rainbow drops which were like coloured Rice Krispies and weighed light so you got a big bag for your money! Also there was a big jar with cinder toffee which was the same as the inside of crunchies, not chocolate coated but much cheaper!
ReplyDeleteYes I remember 4 for a penny. Blackjacks, fruit salad etc. There are so many sweets that I love/crave. Sweets were also sold by the pound, or smaller amounts, in little paper bags. I forgot to mention liquorice and also love Maltesers like OWiAS.
DeleteYou had to ask for a quarter of sweets or with little pocket money they would weigh out 2 ounces! I used to like Kai lie ( not sure of the spelling) which was coloured and flavoured sugar, nice with a stick of liquorice. It was put in a pointed paper bag a cone shape when full.
DeleteEv, I hadn't thought of Rainbow Drops for decades! Earlier today I was thinking about Chelsea Whoppers. I used to love them.
DeleteI loved Spangles. At one time you could get them in lots of different varieties: fruit, mint, acid drop, and my favourite, ‘Old Fashioned’ which included flavours such as pear drop and liquorice. Whatever happened to Spangles?
DeleteMistral, how are you doing? I see that the HSE has had numerous complaints about safety in the workplace due to bosses ignoring Covid guidelines so am hoping some common sense has occurred in your workplace.
ReplyDeleteMistral, please tell us.
DeleteMrsP, are you still testing?
Anne veggie re your dog’s armpits, we have that problem with our dogs especially the elderly one. All you can do is try to tease them out with a brush or if you can’t you just have to snip the knots off! The joys of having dogs!!🐶🤔😉🐾
DeleteFurther to my post re Covid
ReplyDeleteAs some of you know at the moment Mr LJ is not well at the moment and this morning the Dr telephoned and things might get worse.
I am not looking for sympathy.
As far as I am concerned things will get better.
I believe Mr LJ is improving.
My point is this.
I look to this blog for light relief .
I appreciate that Covid will be mentioned but what really annoys me is when folk complain that they haven't been able to cuddle child relatives .
Mr LJ had a little great granddaughter in April.
He has not seen her at all
He hasn't complained.
My Canadian grandson came over to work in London at the beginning of September.
After self isolating for a week he has had to work from "home" .
He has met nobody from his new workplace and knows nobody else.
He is 10miles from me and I haven't seen him.
He hasn't complained
There are millions of people far worse off than most of us and I certainly include me in that number .
I will be sending off my fine for mentioning Covid to one such family.
JAB REFUSALS
ReplyDeleteI saw on the news last night that in many areas, to deal with the huge volume of phone calls re appointments these have been contracted to a third party. The patient then does not recognise the caller and refuses the appointment because s/he thinks it's some kind of scam.
That's useful information, thanks Sarnia.
DeleteHello, Thank you for thinking about me, I really appreciate the very kind and thoughtful responses. Pushed for time now, but will update tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteMy dog is a little better today, and I'm about to do another test.
LanJan, as I was about to post when my s-i-l rang up - having recently been there myself, my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteLanjan, I second that, as I said yesterday I have little to complain about, I'm about to go out.
DeleteI received two books in the post which I'd ordered but it's always like a present.
Also, I emailed a programme I listen to every day to thank them for continuing online, they are always in public, and received a reply within minutes from the presenter with a million thanks!
Mistral ,I hope that things are improving in your workplace.
ReplyDeleteRe my previous message I hope I made it plain that there are millions worse off than me.
I was not just getting at everyone else .
I wrote that in the heat of the moment
I tend to be impulsive.
I have already had my treat of the day.
Younger son has sent me a large bunch of freesias .
They smell and look lovely .
Thanks Sarnia.
I have decided that Mr LJ doesn't need to know anything
Certainly not yet anyway.
It did occur to me after I had replied to your post LJ that your reason for writing it could be for the one you have given and totally understand your need to keep spirits light.
Delete(Sending positive vibes to Mr LJ 🤗)
Best wishes to you and Mr LJ. Agree people will moan and we need to make the best of things. There is a feeling that everything has stopped as restrictions have set in but that can be a good thing as it gives us breathing space in busy lives. Always look on the bright side!!😊
ReplyDelete💕to all.
ReplyDeleteToday I am mostly making marmalade.
Indeed. I've just been on a plant-ordering binge: Anny's winter orange dogwood coming this week and a physocarpus shrub to brighten the patio. All the gardens around here, including mine are a mass of Corydalis (yellow fumitory) which is very attractive if it's where you want it and a flaming nuisance if it's not. I've discovered an electric blue cultivar, 3 plants coming in March and I bet it won't spread like the original! Begonias in shades of peach and apricot coming in April, and also lantanas for my courtyard, small, multi-coloured blooms that grow wild in Greece. In July for my paradise garden, my greatest extravagance - a purple calla lily with white leaves like ruched tissue paper, edged with a thin border of green.
ReplyDeleteBread and cheese for me for the next few months!
A plant-ordering binge, just what is needed to brighten up a dull January Sarnia. Those dogwoods sound gorgeous. I don’t know where the corydalis in my garden came from; pretty but it does spread. I like the sound of an electric blue one. The rest of your buys make me think of summer heat and all the vibrant colours that surround us then.
ReplyDeleteI have been promised a piece of land for a longish deep herbaceous border which I’ve always wanted. However that piece of land is covered with tall nettles (as in poem by Edward Thomas!) covering ancient farm machinery. It might be a priority for me but not for the farmer who will physically get it cleared.
I am being optimistic and am choosing the flowers and shrubs but delaying the order until I see that tractor at work!
I'm here, just.
ReplyDeleteOut of bed at 2pm so just finished tea and toast.
Wrote two posts yesterday contributing to ' sweets' and something else now forgotten, both lost.
Oh yes ! A funny story to lighten the tone.
Perhaps tomorrow a better day.
MISTRAL - Keep on keeping on !
I'm here, just.
ReplyDeleteOut of bed at 2pm so just finished tea and toast.
Wrote two posts yesterday contributing to ' sweets' and something else now forgotten, both lost.
Oh yes ! A funny story to lighten the tone.
Perhaps tomorrow a better day.
MISTRAL - Keep on keeping on !
Your projected long herbaceous border sounds worthy of a stately home, Soz. It's recently dawned on me that none of the gardens in the area are any more willing to produce herbaceous borders than is mine. I'm wondering if that's because the whole private development was built in the 20 years on each side of the turn of the C20 on land purchased from the estate of the local 'big house' - probably acres of woodland stretching down to the river. That would explain why my tiny woodland area is proving so successful while the likes of lupins, delphiniums etc just fizzle out.
ReplyDeleteToday I’ve been thinking about the plus points of masks, I have come up with three so far.
ReplyDelete1, It keeps my nose warm in this cold weather.
2, I don’t feel self conscious if I have a cold-sore or other blemish.
3, Nobody can see me chatting away to myself & are less likely hear me.
Down-side, truly unpleasant if you sneeze and a nuisance if you wear glasses as the steaming up of spectacles is difficult to prevent.
Can anyone think of other pluses or odd uses for masks?
Only need to put on a little eye make up (if used) as cheeks and lips are covered 🤗
DeletePoint 1 ✔️
The downside for me is, smiling at people I meet, be it in a supermarket or when outside walking, but they don't know this.
DeleteWhen I was at the opticians, which was just a normal eye-test, two weeks ago, the problem was I steamed up the test lenses. I had to put my mask down slightly, so the eye test was done correctly.
I just had to trust my optician, who put on new gloves, cleaned all the equipment in front of me etc.
I am glad I went, to check my vision. 👀
Covering up parts of statues which might embarrass the ladies.
ReplyDelete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteThat puts me in mind of a trip with the WI when I lived in Cornwall. We encountered a statue with a very small “part”. One of the older ladies contemplated this and said “‘ ‘ tis true he ain’t Cornish!!” 😂😉😁
DeleteLove it Ev 👏🏻
DeleteHammocks for the Little People.
ReplyDeleteCome on, OWiaS, this is right up your street!
ReplyDeleteMake-up, whats that?
ReplyDeleteI don't even do eye-make up now. It's not worth it for my once a week supermarket shop, which is only about 30 mins long.
I did put the slap on, on Christmas Day, even though I was alone. It just felt right to do. 🤡
PussCat has just appeared, after a day asleep on my bed.
Her age is now starting to show, sadly. 😸
She will be 17yrs in June.
What was in those three little boxes, Lady R?
ReplyDeleteBoxes? I put 3 crying with laughter faces under your covering “parts” with a mask comment 🤔
DeleteBlindfolds for garden gnomes...I'm on roll here!
ReplyDeleteMasks - the downside for me, is that these are causing a skin rash on my face. It doesn't matter what type I wear, and even using a facial moisturiser, before I put one on.
ReplyDeleteBut, this is just a minor hiccup, and well worth it, as the benefits so outweigh this minor inconvenient irritation.
Sorry, veering onto a forbidden subject. 😣
Miriam - wonderful for you to have had 17 years with your cat.
ReplyDeleteMy last cat died at 19, but I had only had him for about six years.
Do make the very most of your lovely Puss in his final years.
Lucky you !
She is a rescue cat, who I adopted at about 6 months old. I also adopted had her brother, a lovely ginger tom as a brother + sister. He went out one night, when only about 15months old, never to be seen again. I never knew what happened to him. My lovely Puss Cat, so helps me, as she is a living being in my home.
DeleteShe always curls up on my feet, sometime in the night. As I wake up, she comes and pats my face, as she just wants attention.
My treat of the day was a video call from my grandaughter on her birthday.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. How hold is she?
Delete...meant old
DeleteA typo..
A great- nephew in OZ, will be 3 yrs old tomorrow. I cannot believe that I have forgotten his birthday. This is not like me.
ReplyDeleteHe had a Birthday Party on Sunday, which was lovely to see the photos + videos of. Also his friends and their parents were able to meet up, to so enjoy it.
My family again...sorry 😣
To add. The birthday cake, was not a traditional one. It was carved from.a water melon, into 3 tiers and decorated wth sliced kiwi fruit, fresh strawberries and raspberries. It was a healthy, work of art. However, there were some lemon cupcakes (home made of course) to go alongside this masterpiece.
DeleteNo guesses as to what was liked most
This neice is another great cook, who was well taught by her Grandma (my Mum)..
DeleteAnother one is exactly the same, but the eldest niece is just hopeless!
She just wanted discos + boys, and
their Mum (big Sis) was the same, at the same age..so her meals are interesting + different..eg Stew with beetroot in?
Miriam, you are fortunate in having such a close family. I have many great nephews/nieces and also great-great NNs over on the Island whom I have never met and would not know if I were to pass them in the street, which I may well have done without being aware of it.
ReplyDeleteThe plus side, of course, is that with 14 NNs who have all gone forth and multiplied even unto the next generation , the birthdays and Christmases would bankrupt me!
There is a new GGN who will be introduced eventually, but with all visits cancelled since 2018 due to terminal illness etc, he will probably be nursery school age before we meet for the first time.
Miriam, please read Archerphile's message at 8:41pm yesterday or don't as it's up to you.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you apologising for talking about your great-nephew?
Why are you apologising for talking about masks?
If you smile at people they can see it in your eyes.
I can see it in others' when they smile in return please let me extend it to you.
You are indeed fortunate Miriam as Sarnia says.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my mother was the youngest of eighteen children, ( not all survived childhood) and when very young I frequently saw many cousins, my father was somewhat remote from his siblings and we only saw them infrequently.
At some point my father felt the need to persuade ( or bully) my mother into relinquishing her family ties too.
Consequently extended family faded away.
I have observed my sister and I following the same pattern, having no contact now since our mother's funeral twenty two years ago.
I am in touch with one cousin eighteen months older than me on my mother's side.
She was like a big sister to me when I was very young and I adored her.
After my mother's death due to a letter to my mother I contacted another cousin, my fathers niece, and am in regular contact with her. We have recently talked of having a joint 80th and 100th birthday celebration. When I first contacted her she had not seen me since I was four years old.
So you see Miriam, many many people today do not have your close family ties.
You have often suggested that you and ' big sis ' do not see eye to eye, but you still have close contact.
You are IMO very fortunate, and I am very envious of you.
Yes, now I've found it. I would be in the same position, as I do not answer calls labelled 'withheld' or 'unavailable'.
ReplyDeleteI've had a really bad day.
ReplyDeleteTook a sleeping pill last night as I hadn't slept for two nights, and didn't wake till very late, getting out of bed at 2pm.
The dog gets a wee on the grass close to the house, but didn't get a walk until gone four o'clock.
I haven't got dressed at all today.
And I haven't had a proper meal for four days.
But I finally wrote on Saturday to a couple that I met in Cornwall in June, and to my great relief I've had a reply this evening. So I'm HAPPY about that.
Also Lady is improving at not barking at other dogs and was prepared to say hello to a puppy at the gate this afternoon.
I've actually got some food out of the freezer to cook for tonight.
This post is not written to elicit sympathy.
Just to get it off my chest.
And thank you to GG for allowing us to be here for each other.
None of us envisaged this dreadful situation when we decided to go it alone post BBC,
But thank goodness we did.
At least your day ended well MrsP, do have some hot food, we all need it.
DeleteI found out this morning that it's a Blue Monday today, a third Monday in January always on the downside. I've struggled with the slush on the ground, very tricky to navigate and work out where to cross the road.
At last we are under 100 cases today on the island - 98! Hopefully the downward trend will continue. My stepdaughter who lives in Dorset gets her jab tomorrow as she is working with the elderly. The twins, her grandsons are doing well and looking much bonnier than the little scraps they were at birth. Apparently they are now burbling away! I hope Katy and I will be able to go over and see them this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mrs P, keep your strength up for Lady and yourself! I have made meat and potato pie for tonight. It is quite a northern thing and reminds me of my growing up years in Crewe! It’s Dudley’s birthday this month but we don’t know what day. We have ordered in a gf Victoria’s sponge to celebrate as Dudley loves cake! They are only allowed it when one of them has a birthday or at Christmas!🐶🐶🐶😉
Losing written posts is so frustrating😡
DeleteSorry reply in wrong slot it is for Owias below 🙄
DeleteI just wrote a huge long message. Then accidentally left the page and lost it - doh!
ReplyDeleteSo you're spared my ramblings and you'll just get the last part.
I get the feeling that many of us in here are feeling 'baggy and a bit loose at the seams'. All this lockdown etc has gone on too long and we are TIRED. Please hang on in there, things *will* improve.
I'd like to give you all a hug. But since that's not possible, you'll have to do with emojis instead:
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🌷🌺🌼🌷🌻🌸🌼🌸🌼🌺🌷💗💗💗💗💗💗🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐶🐶🐶🐈🐈🐈🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Oh, that’s nice, OWIAS! Your emojis have made me smile!
DeleteMrs P / LJ and others we all have down days believe me, and if we (as your friends) wish to feel concern and send our thoughts then please let us - do not think you are not worthy of a little sympathy in such extraordinary
ReplyDeletetimes 💐
We have crazy friends who rowed the Atlantic a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteOur contribution was to send them regular clues to London Underground and DLR stations.
Here are the first three:
1. The monarch is not happy
2. Make them more ecological
3. Entertainment in a seat of learning
Can you work them out.
If people like, I'll post the next three in a week or so, and keep going until you beg me to stop! (Or in 3 months' time when I run out of clues.) Something to tickle the old braincells : )
I can get 1 & 3 but still working on number 2 🤨 give me time (I’ll probably cheat and look at an underground map)
DeleteGreat idea OWIAS. One and three straight forward, still thinking about number 2. I am trying to visualise your friends rowing in appalling conditions discussing stations on the circle line. How long did it take them?
DeleteGot the 2nd one but I did have to look at the Tube map
DeleteWell clearly... I'm thick.
DeleteI've looked at a list of all the stations and nothing comes to mind.
Well done KP.
Oh yes. Just realised the answer to 1.
DeleteThis is not my thing, but happy to see you all getting the answers quickly.
Merci OWIAS.. got them !
ReplyDeletedo carry on. 👍
Well done Parsley and KP. Keep going Soz and MrsP!
DeleteAnswers next week, together with the next 3 stations.
Soz, 75 days, 1 hour and 29 minutes!
ReplyDeleteAll the other teams got in weeks beforehand - including the singlehanded rower who came in 2nd!
I’ve got first station. Struggling with 2 and 3. Will have another think tomoz. Great idea! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI achieved No 2 by means of a process of elimination. Very droll!
ReplyDeleteI will have to cheat and look at an underground map!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, OWIAS, and I loved your emojis!
Lovely idea Old Woman.
ReplyDeleteCome on P tbY.
You can't let me beat you.
I have done all three
However I do have the advantage of living in the area.
Right I’ve got 1 and 2 now. Ok I had to look at a list of stations to get 2 but cut me some slack.....I’m a long way up north!!!
ReplyDeleteJust got to concentrate on 3 now Lanjan. I’ll not let you beat me!!!!
You adopted southerner you!!!