Archerphile - January 27, 2021 at 10:06 AM No Chelsea Flower Show until the Autumn this year. At least there should be wonderful displays of my particular favourites, Dahlias. Also Agapanthus, Michaelmas Daisies and other Autumnal beauties. Does anyone have other suggestions?
Soz - January 27, 2021 at 10:28 AM Heleniums, later flowering clematis, penstemon, sedums, acer foliage. To name but a few! But one thing that annoys me about flower shows are the gardens where you have flowers that naturally grow at different times of the year blooming at the same time.
Lady R - January 27, 2021 at 11:02 AM Ah! Archerphile “Hinton Ampner “ Dahlias - happy days🤗 An Autumn Chelsea how wonderful, and yes plenty of Acer foliage please 👏🏻 One of our favourite trips used to be to “Ramster Gardens” Petworth Road Chiddingfold Surrey and we have stunning iPad photos of their Japanese garden in the Autumn plus other gorgeous trees. The gardens open in the Spring also. Ramster consists of 25 acres of peaceful woodland views of lakes and hillsides and just filled with colour and interest. They have a lovely tearoom too 😉 (worth a “Google”) Weddings are held in “The Hall” and on one visit we saw the bride and groom out in the grounds - lovely pics or video? for them. It is a gorgeous place and so natural not all precise interesting sculptures there as well as wood carvings to just happen across as you walk around. I so wish we could still visit but there we have our pics and very happy memories.
We have friends in Chiddingfold but don’t think have visited Ramster gardens. I will ask them about it and maybe can go when I am able to visit them again.
Work is in progress to pave a small area of my garden and have asked to have some pavers left out for planting. I am thinking of creeping thyme but wondered whether anybody has any other suggestions. I would prefer perennials and spready plants.
We have not had internet for most of today but thankfully now restored! Am catching up with your comments!!😊
First - Gary Thank you so much for highlighting the Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony this evening. Of course, I shall be lighting a candle for all those so brutally ‘disposed of’ during that awful period. ( not that anyone will see it in our window, but it will give us some comfort)
I watched BBC Breakfast this morning when the entire programme was dedicated to those who have died in the UK during the pandemic. It was very moving of course, and presumably prompted by the awful death total announced yesterday.
But not once, in the entire programme, was there mention that today is actually National Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we are supposed to remember the 6,000,000 innocent people who were put to death in the camps. And neither did the Archbishop of Canterbury when he was interviewed. I did feel this was a glaring omission on the part of the BBC and that the Archbishop could have made even a tiny reference to the day.
Poor show BBC. It doesn’t look as though the Memorial Service is on any TV channel or radio. I believe it is right to remember those who have died and are dying in this pandemic but there is a huge difference between death from an illness and the cold blooded, calculated murder of innocent people of all ages.
Our vicar has sent out a message to her 8 village congregations asking us to light candles this evening, so there will be candles down here keeping you company tonight Archerfile.
Second -Lady R. Yes, Dahlias at Hinton. Always glorious but I do wish they would label the varieties so I can plant the same at home. And when I was a child, we used to drive through Chiddingfold regularly on our way down to Bognor, for a day by the sea. It is a beautiful village, super tea rooms and antique shops, at least there were, back then. But I have never heard of the garden you mentioned and it sounds like the perfect place to visit, when we are finally let out! I shall ask you for more details and how to find it nearer the time.
One if the best places we have found, for Autumnal Acer colours, is Stourhead, the famous NT landscaped garden in Wiltshire. It is a picture at any time of the year, but Autumn is definitely our favourite time to visit. Hopefully, this year!
We were given an acer as a housewarmimg present. It was lovely! Sadly, it didn't appreciate my failure to move it to a bigger pot or, even better, to plant it into the ground. It hung on valiantly for over 20 years, looking increasingly forlorn. I think in the end it just gave up and snapped in half. a I do, however, have an equally neglected rubber plant that has failed to die for about 30 years. Mind you, it is still only a foot tall : (
Archerphile, Woman's Hour today combined the two in the introduction and at the end there was an item about two books written about the Holocaust. Book of the Week is also on the subject.
OWiaS 27th 12.47 Ah so we are well out with that one! We were looking at a world map with St Helena's island on it, and thought " a stop on from" that would be in the sea so we looked up to see if there was any connection between the Atlantic and the Underground and apparently there was an Atlantic Road stop at Brixton but it closed about 15 years ago. We shall think again now you have said the map won't help much!
And World at One did a piece about female guards in the camps. Plus as Basia has said - book of the week - all week.
Hope your able to get transport for your Covid injection tomorrow Sarnia. Wobbly on day one, heavy limbs and head on day two, were my side effects, and others I've talked to say they had the same symptoms.
Do you happen to know which vaccine you had Mrs P? Having booked our vaccination appts on Monday, after receiving text messages telling us to do so, we today both had letters asking us to book an appointment. It included a leaflet ‘for elderly people’ telling us all about vaccination and what side effects we might expect. Similar to what you have described. But I did wonder if they are the same for all the vaccines. I always have a painful and tender arm for a couple of days after the annual flu jab, whereas Mr A has no reaction at all. Be interesting to see which vaccine we are given and if either of us gets a reaction.
The worst reaction I had, was to the pure swine flu one, when it was at the height of the epidemic, which I got as a Pharmacist. I had a sore + swollen arm for days afterwards. Remember, any side-effect will be well worth it, as to the benefit it will give, long-term.
Previously I don't remember ever having any reaction to the flue vaccine. I think I remember having a reaction to the Polio at eleven or whatever age I was.
On a very different topic completely, I came across something today, when sorting out the mountain of junk-mail. This was adressed to me personally, but not sure why I have received it, but it caught my eye. It is from:- The Great Courses. It is a catalogue showing courses (on special offer until Feb. 4th) covering very many different subjects. These involve DVD's with lessons. I salvaged this before it went into the re-cycle bin, to look at in-depth.. It looks legit and interesting. Just thought that I would pass this on, in case others might be curious. There is a web-site, obviously.
Ev, I've got some multi-coloured Creeping Phlox that I planted between pavers and then lifted and moved to a different area of the garden. They took a year or two to get going but have spread thickly and evenly with masses of long lasting beautiful little blooms in summer. They appear to be very hardy and evergreen.
Thank you, Gary. I have seen these online and did wonder about them as they seem very colourful and pretty. I have had three slabs left out and would be nice to have a different colour in each. Will have another look!😊
My snowdrops are just starting to burst into flower. Spring is on it way, at last. Daffs are appearing with buds, as are my early tulips, plus the crocuses are now very getting very colourful.
Archerphile and all others. My local TV news, has just done a lovely broadcast about today, as Holocaust Day. It was very moving and it ended up by saying, light a candle at 8.00pm tonight. I will do this.
Miriam, the Great Courses catalogue is legit, MrNuts has gone through quite a lot of these, mainly the music ones, I listened to the history of music, it was really interesting.
I received the Pfizer vaccine on Monday evening, as a “frontline health worker” slightly sore arm but no other side effects to date. The worst reaction to a vaccine I have experienced was to the typhoid jab after which I fainted in the shower.
Thanks KPnuts. There are a lot of courses, that I am interested to look into further. Some are £79, which are now reduced to £29. There is such a wide and varied courses on so many different topics. I am spoilt for choice and will look into these. Thanks for your reply, as to this, it meant a lot.
Don't need any transport, Mrs P. Even at my snail's pace it's probably only 15 min walk away - rather hilly though!
First day of the landscape gardener, and he emptied and demolished the shed and greenhouse. He made a huge bonfire of the shed, which felt like watching David's funeral pyre. I felt terrible, as if I'd committed some dreadful crime against him. I'm still a bit shaky, but the resulting space is much bigger than I expected and all mine to use as I see fit. I'll get over it once C gets to work and I see my vision begin to take shape.
Sarnia, given past conversations, I think your words re the old shed very apt. You are making a life. For yourself. Congratulations. Good luck with your vaccination tomorrow, hopefully others on this blog will be following soon.
Thank you everyone for news of HRD programmes on radio and local television, and to those of you who lit a candle. As you can imagine this day is very significant to me and I greatly appreciate your interest too. Shalom to you all.
GG What an uplifting photo. Big Thanks. You so know what is topical, and change the heading picture, accordingly. This is the sign of a true and brilliant administrator 👍👏👏
I have daffs, both minature and full types, in bud along with my early tulips. Snowdrops are nearly in flower I can't work in the garden just now, as it can only be described at this moment - a soggy, wet, bog garden. If I walk on the lawns, water squelches out and I know that I am compacting the clay soil. I need to wait patiently, but for how long..
Roses really need pruning and a lot of shrubs need to be cut back. The other problems are, that the compost bin is already full, and my green garden bin will not be emptied again, until lockdown ends which is March at the earliest.
We haven’t had any break in garden bin emptying at all. Every two weeks without fail throughout but it does cost me £6 per month! Well worth it though I think.
The same here Miriam, I am getting very frustrated at not being able to get out there. The bottom of my garden drops down steeply to a stream, basically it is the run off from the moor, it is gushing through the stone tunnel under the road. My neighbour a retired electrician is looking at ways to harness the flow to make electricity. It will never make much and will be spasmodic, but every bit helps and besides it will be fun
I managed some time in the garden this afternoon. A passer by stopped to say how much my cyclamens had cheered her up on her walk and that cheered me up.
My lovely cyclamens were wonderful, until the very cold frosts and snow happened. Sadly they are now brown + gone. They were lovely, whilst they lasted.
Yes, Gary, thank you for the picture. I haven’t been to the corner of the garden where the snowdrops are so that has encouraged me to do so! Steve and Nigel have nearly finished the current garden alterations. Where they have left out pavers there is a depth of about 8 inches so plenty of room for soil to grow spready plants. Janice, yes chamomile would be nice, perhaps Gary’s phlox and some creeping thyme.. If I end up with plenty of plants I can plant them out elsewhere in the garden. I think three different ones would look nice as I hate uniformity in the garden! I rather like the well it just happened look!
I think I am going to have to buy a new iPad and would welcome any info from anyone who has bought one in the past year. I cannot update mine any more and it is stuck on iOS12. Apparently it is a “First generation” and is no longer being ‘supported’ by Apple and our computer security people tell me it is therefore vulnerable to hackers. The choice seems to be a new iPad Air (very expensive) or an iPad 8th generation (more affordable). Does anyone have experience of either if these? Please.
I decided a year ago that I needed a new IPad for the same reason Archerphile. I asked my daughter if S I L would research for me. I was then told that both daughters would club together and give me a new one for C'mas. I've heard nothing since.
Have just been called for my jab on Monday in a centre behind big Tesco in Ryde. Katy can take me and as we live together no problem. Earlier than I thought as I am 72 so they are making good progress. I read the other day that Hampshire and IOW are doing well in giving jabs. Hope all you over 70’s will be sorted soon!
As you know, we are going for ours in Basingstoke this afternoon. Funny thing is, the ONS tester has just rung and wants to come and do our Covid tests at 1 o clock. So when he asks the usual question ‘ have you been vaccinated yet?’ We can say no, but come back in 3 hours and the answer will be yes! A very Covidish day for us today! 😄
It does seem to be picking up pace now CC - I'm not expecting mine for a month or two, but who knows? I look forward to perhaps being pleasantly surprised too!
Me too GG. as I am also expecting late Feb or some-time in March, due to so many in my Phase 5 age group. It seems like a bit of "Russian Roulette", as to which vaccine will be given.
I honestly don’t care which I have but will check on the day! The danger is that some will think they are fine to mix afterwards but you have to wait about 3 weeks for your immune system to kick in apparently and of course maximum immunity comes with the second one.
CC. My cyclamen are the same variety. However, the very many heavy frosts, caused the flowers to just go brown and droop down, and did not revive. It was such a shame. I hope that the corms will have survived, along with my lily bulbs. Things can be replaced.
I saw in the early hours, a couple of nights ago, the "Wolf Moon". It was so bright that when I surfaced, I thought that the moonlight was a nearby security light, being triggered. It was fascinating to see.
Well, we’ve both been zapped - with the Pfizer vaccine but it was a long, if well organised. process. Got to hotel where dozens of carpark Marshalls guided us to a particular waiting area. Then had to sit in car for 40 minutes waiting to be called. Eventually went in, registered, queued another 15 mins, taken to cubicle, answered lots of questions and then vaccinated. Told nurse I had hoped for the Oxford vaccine and she asked why. Told her I’d worked for Sir Richard Doll at Oxford University medical research Dept so had a sort of vested interest. Only turned out she had done her training at the John Radcliffe Hosp where my son was born and she knew all about the research programme! Talk about a co-incidence! Had to wait for 15 minutes before we were let out and home 2 1/2 hours later. But at least we are (half) done and can look forward to the second jab in 9 - 11 weeks time. (No side effects yet!)
Although it seems you had a long wait, it sounds very well organised, so to keep risks at a minimum. You must though, be relieved to have been jabbed, like so many others here.
We had ours at our GP surgery Archerfile. From leaving the house to walking back in the front door took 50 minutes. They got a good score when we received the text afterwards to ask how they had done.
Hello, yes I am fine, thanks for concern, on Day 10 of isolation, but extending it as still coughing and sneezing, still no smell or taste. I spoke to a doctor on the nhs111 covid helpline who said I should be symptom-free for 48 hrs before going out. The 'worst' thing has been the exhaustion, but I feel really lucky and grateful so be let off so lightly. I have enough food etc, so no worries. The dog has taken to chewing her own paws with boredom though, nobody wants to walk her, but we mainly just snooze away. Will do my memory soon, just can't marshall my thoughts at present. Mrs. P. I had a wryful smile over your ipad gift; my offspring phone occasionally to make sure I'm 'not dead yet'. No flowers or chocs have found their way to my door, or even a takeaway...I would kill for good fish and chips. Interestingly, I am craving jam donuts, dunky biscuits, chocolate bars, all things I don't eat, so I suppose my body is craving a quick energy boost.
I know how you feel Mistral, I get those phone calls too. I'm sorry no one is prepared to walk your dog. I would if I were near. When I had my new knee, I could not believe how exhausted I was, and for weeks and weeks, so I sympathise. But as you say, your lucky it's not really bad. I do hope those symptoms end soon.
This is the latest painting done with zoom yesterday. Halfway through I nearly gave up but suddenly it was done and I liked the result although still much to learn! Living on the island there is no shortage of boats so I have plenty of scope! The oblong in the bottom corner is the shadow of my IPad by the way!
Yes, hope Mistral and Zoetrope are OK but sometimes busyness does get into the way! Steve finished in my garden today and I am very pleased with the result. Next stage is artificial turf in front of Katy’s chalet. He showed me a sample today and it is very natural even having some “dead bits” as in a normal lawn. Also nowadays you get dog friendly stuff which tolerates being wee’d on! I think it will save having to mow and will just bring a bit of colour into the garden. This will not be done until May so time to save up! Steve is very good and constantly checked levels so the paving is excellent. Katy ordered in some compost so when the weather is dry we can fill in the troughs and then in March/April plant in them. We need to fill in the holes so that Gypsy doesn’t fall in! 🐶🐾
Thank you Miriam and Ev, I am fine. I have kept up with reading the blog regularly, just not added any comments. I had the Pfizer vaccine on Jan 5th (work related), and 4 days later my daughter who lives at home tested positive on a weekly routine test through her work. She's back at work now and very tired, no smell or taste, but otherwise OK. Mr Zoetrope and I both seem to have escaped. It's good to read of the vaccine roll out reaching bloggers.
Hope your daughter continues to improve Zoetrope, and agree that it's good to hear of more and more people receiving the vaccines. Dare we hope that things are on the up?
Yes, you are right Zoetrope, the work on relating smoking to lung cancer which Sir Richard conducted was well before I joined the Dept. The study I was working on was whether the use of oral contraceptives would increase cases of breast or ovarian cancer. We recruited 20,000 women from all over the country to take part and followed them up every year by telephone or personal interview to check on their health. The study lasted for around 20 years and later also looked at the influence of menopause drugs on breast cancer. All very interesting but sometimes the interviews could be quite difficult.
I have been reading your comments,Bloggers but unfortunately recently there has not been enough time in the day to achieve all I need to do . Today I decided to get up before 6am to try to catch up . We went for our Covid injections last week and I was very impressed with the set up. However the whole experience has taken it out of Mr LJ .
All the tasks were made up by the friend who organised it. She went to enormous lengths - everyone had to get their various little films to her before hand and she edited it all & had graphics & music so it literally looked like an actual episode! The teams taking part were all either artists or are in bands so it was a little bit weighted towards those things, but not a single part of it wasn't a hoot! I got to be rude about all their efforts and am already looking forward to the next one.
Glad to hear you’ve both had your vaccinations Lanjan but sorry to hear it has been a tiring experience for your dear husband. I do hope he picks up soon. I sometimes find it surprising that there is so much to be fitted into each day when we are still in lockdown. Often I don’t get to look in here until the late afternoon or evening and have to catch up with dozens of posts. I often wonder how our friends have the time to keep posting throughout the day. Perhaps they are using phones that are always on, so get to know when there is a new post to read and reply to.
And quite often, I find, there is simply nothing much to say, apart from very mundane thoughts about not very much. Of course, the problem then is that if you haven’t posted for a couple of days, folk think you must be ill and become concerned. That’s why I like Gary’s lists of things we can post about, it exercises the old brain and gives us something to discuss.
Hi All, I don't and won't probably join you outside Ambrdige very often but I wanted to tell you about a very unpleasant and worrying call I had yesterday. Yesterday morning a withheld number phoned. I feel obliged to answer because we have 2 friends who use them and official bodies do too.
I was greeted by a very plausible male voice saying he was a PC from Hammersmith station. My heart leapt to my mouth because I have a son and his fiancée who live in London, not that far away and I immediately thought accident. He then told me he had a young man in custody claiming to be my husband and my carer and that he was in possession of our Nationwide card. He knew that we are over 70 and our name and full address. We have no need of a carer but he obviously is targetting older, more vulnerable people.
He then said he wanted us to phone our bank to check our account was OK. He said he would put the phone down and I was to phone immediately.
It was the fact that he said 'immediately' made me suspicious as he had sounded so genuine giving his name as PC Richards and badge number 3866 and describing the young man in detail.
I happened to have heard of this technique before. It seems that, if he doesn't put down the phone, the fact that I had wouldn't close off the line and when i dialled my bank the call would simply return to his phone where someone else would pretend to be my bank and ask me for my details and use them to empty my account. I therefore cut off the phone and phoned my bank on my mobile. He tried to phone back on the landline but, of course, I cut him off, I've reported all this to my bank and checked that all is in order online and they have sent me a secure message to say I really was speaking to them so no real harm done. I don't get upset easily but was quite shaken by the end of this episode which took up some considerable time one way or the other. I hope you don't mind me telling you about this as it's acted out pretty well - much better than the failed internet/computer people etc.
Well done Janet. A nasty experience for you. If you don't have a different phone available for contacting the bank, I've read that you should phone a friend. A scammer might be able to impersonate the bank but not a personal friend.
I can understand Janet how unpleasant it must have been even though you were in charge. There have been many warnings on Money Box about this sort of scam, phone calls to the effect that if you don't transfer your money now, it'll disappear, they've obviously improved the technique.
Janet, we had exactly the same experience last year. Again a man claiming to be from the metropolitan police. Same story. Mr A went upstairs to check he had his credit card, whereupon the voice asked for the number & pin code ‘to check it was our card they had’. I suspected this was not genuine & tried to get Mr A to put the phone down. He shushed me and carried on talking to the ‘policemen’. In the end I wrested the phone from his hand and rang off! On checking with the credit card company we we told about this scam that was very prevalent at the time. Seems to have started up again!
Hi Basia - I think it was on money box that I heard about it a few years ago but only once. In retrospect his use of the name Richards shows a certain disdain for his victims, maybe as Rich is certainly what he wants to be.
Last night I watched “Worlds most scenic railway journeys” which was along the Ligurian coast including the Cinque Terre villages. It’s a beautiful coastline that I’ve never visited. I wondered whether our Italian bloggers know it at all.
What an awful scam 'phone call Janet had. She did exactly what was needed. It must have been scary though, as so much knowledge was known about them. Also seemingly coming from the police, this must have been panicky. Perhaps these awful scammers, rely on this type of reaction, so people do not think clearly + sensibly.
I would be concerned though, about, if my personal details had been hacked somehow.
I picked up the 'phone yesterday afternoon, which was was showing Private Caller, so I thought it was, yet another, scam. I answered with just a very gruff Hello - to find it was my surgery, who addressed me correctly. I immediately apologised. It was only a query, as to the prescription ordered on-line earlier. It is awful, that I just assumed it was another scam. Normality, is definitely, not what is was.
Before we had a BT call blocker phone we would often get between 3 -7 annoying calls a day and as you said Miriam it will always be someone genuine on the line the time you answer and fed up with it all bark down the phone 🤣 We hardly get a landline call these days and I don’t use it much either as I can use my mobile free of charge for calls and texting. However I have one or two relatives and friends who do not own a mobile so needed for them and some other calls. I feel for you Janet an awful and time wasting experience and well done Archerphile for your decisive action last year. It seems the scammers have not heard that 70+ is the new 50+ and many of us are fortunate to still be switched on and certainly do not think of ourselves as old people 🤣
I am not a fan of Richard Osman, but I have been recommended to his book:- The Thursday Club, by someone who has read it. I believe it was on R4 last week, so if anyone knows this, is it worth buying and reading? I will be intetested to learn.
Mr A gave me this book for Christmas. I loved it! It is written in an unusual style for a crime novel and I really engaged with the characters. I kept rationing myself to so many pages a day because I didn’t want to get to the end and find out ‘who dun it’. Yes I recommend it. The radio reading is not doing it justice.
I heard bits of it on R4 last week Miriam, and every time I heard any of it, I turned it off. I had heard via this blog that many were praising it, but it didn't please me at all.
As for the scam described by Janet E, heard lots about this on You and Yours as well as money box. Janice - this is the most important of many of these scams. They have rigged the lines. Police information is always to put the phone down and use another phone to call your bank or BS as the scammers will stay on the line that they have made the call to you on.
Mrs P and Miriam As I said, the Radio 4 reading is a very poor representation of The Thursday Murder Club, In fact I don’t think it is a suitable book for this type if reading at all. Hayden Gwynn might be a fine actress but her reading and attempt at differentiating the characters is very poor I think. It is much better read, in my opinion. It has very short chapters which are interspersed by a sort of diary by ‘Joyce’ one of the elderly members of the Club, giving an extra dimension to the goings-on. I think Miriam would like this book so please don’t be put off by the radio version.
Thank you Janet for the alert re scammers. It's depressing that there are people out there who sit and think up these evil schemes. Sending good wishes for quick recovery for those bloggers who are, or have been, ill.
I only talk to those persons ringing me, if they address me correctly, as to my title and name. I often ask - to whom are you talking to and why. This did not happen to Janet, so extra caution now seems to relevant.
Poor Janet - yes, I've heard of this one as well, and it is the word 'immediately' which should ring alarm bells. I had shoals of calls from unfamiliar numbers yesterday. I ignored them all but it was particularly annoying as, being the day after my Covid jab and having all the get-up-and-go of a two-toed sloth, all I wanted to do was sleep.
Just commissioning my new iPad (8th generation, would you believe,!) and wondered if I’d have trouble posting as others have. I an only seeing a grey head and ‘reply as Google Account
Many years ago I had a "detective " visit an estab;ilshment I was running asking me questions about a client, he flashed his warrant card at me , but of course I couldnt see it, I had to ask him 3 times to see it before he realised I wasnt playing ball, nothing changes, just the tactics
Archerphile In answer to your earlier question about people having time to popin and out of the blog. I do so when I'm bored. I cant get out into the garden, far too wet, or the ground is frozen solid, Cant hack back the trees growing over the fence, just not safe to use my chainsaw at the moment. Being just me and the dog, there isnt too much housework todo. I could go round the house knocking down the cobwebs, but that is unkind to the spiders. I do sew, but there is only so much I do before I lose concentration... Right I'm off to give Emerald her Supper, then perhaps Ill read, so no more popping in till tomorrow !!!
Yes, Soz, I have taken the train along that part of the LigurIan coast several times but not the old one up into the hills. I have also been on several walks with the CAI, Club Alpino Italiano at various points both east and west of Genoa. It is unbelievably beautiful. Once I was with about a hundred first year pupils on a boat that was to take us to the San Fruttuoso abbey but the sea swell became too risky for us to land and we went straight to Portofino.
I've also done that coast down to Portofino a couple of times but by car. It's really busy in summer and the roads a really windy but the views are spectacular. I've been enjoying a you tube vlog recently called the Positano Diaries. It's done by an English woman who lives in Positano on the Amalfi coast. I've never been there but it's definitely on my to do list when this virus is over. She's really lovely and the filming is amazing. I've just put on Sunday lunch for this snowy, grey Sunday. Sausages and sauerkraut whitch will be served with polenta. It's a typical dish from my region.❄❄ Happy Sunday everyone!
Portofino, now that brings back memories and not just for its beauty, For a while I worked as a nanny we were cruising the med in a converted minesweeper, as we couldnt get into port we were anchoured in the harbour, then all these little boats were circling round us much to our amazement, no we wernt the interest, Elizabeth Taylor had recently bought a converted minesweeper too and they thought thats who we were.
Cowgirl, that's one of the most bizarre things I've ever read in my life! Brilliant....
MrGG reports that the Ligurian coast is one of the most beautiful places he has ever been to. He did several of the walks between the villages in the early 80's.
Lucky you! My jab was on Thursday. Friday and Saturday were pretty grim, - painful shoulder, feeling headachy, heavy and weary and it was an effort to find the energy for anything, especially cooking. The effects began to lift last night, but I'm still approaching today with caution!
Sarnia I’m yet to be vaccinated but so far it appears that 99% of Pfizer recipients have no effects whatsoever but with the Oxford some people appear to be having a few hours or as in your case days 😔 off colour. 🤞🏼 for improvement from today and you can then focus on its benefits and yay to that! Take care 🌷
Lady R: yes, I had the AstraZeneca, but above comments, notably from CC, seem to suggest that any reaction is down to individual response rather than the type of vaccine received. My anatomy tends to over-react to any medical substance introduced, whatever it is.
Also, remember that not only is the surgery at the extreme limit of my walking ability of 3/4 mile, this was the day after the experience of Mr S's shed go up in flames. That was like the gardener's equivalent of the Viking warrior being dispatched to glory in his ship, as there was more of him in that shed than was left in the coffin delivered to the crematorium. On Thursday morning before leaving for the jab, I found two pairs of cycle clips among the ashes. A lot of things all at once.
Oh, Sarnia, feel for you. The bike clips seem like nothing to others but to you a real jog into the past and more active days for Mr S. I found after Mike died I was remembering the past, when we met etc in great detail which hurt a lot but now has softened. Hope you are feeling better today.
Thanks, Ev, but I wasn't actually remembering the past. It was just so poignant that for all his ebullience in life, the cycle clips were all that was left of him
Years ago in the days when I watched Corrie and Stan died his wife Hilda came upon his glasses case and when she opened it up broke down completely. That scene so silently acted has stayed with me always. The more poignant because the actor himself had died and after around 6 mths they wrote same in for his character. So totally understand your reaction to Mr S cycle clips Sarnia and Ev’s comments too.
Sarnia, he lives on in your memory! After Mike died I got rid of his clothes gradually and after the shoes went I dreamt he came back and opened the wardrobe asking where his shoes were! I still have his box with watches, cufflinks etc and his Panama hat and blazer but he would approve of the rest going to the charity shop to be used. I felt sad when his mobility scooter went but I needed the space to put in a small freezer as we buy more in bulk nowadays depending on deliveries. However again it will be used probably being hired out to holidaymakers. All the best on your journey, Sarnia. Things get better I can assure you. You will I am sure be happy with your new open space in the garden especially as the weather improves. 🪴🌻🌸🌹🌷
Sarnia, you can also think how pleased and proud Mr S will be to see that you are creating a new garden in his memory. I doubt that he would have wanted you to keep the shed as a shrine much better to let him inhabit your vision of a garden he would love. That doesn’t minimise the poignancy of the cycle clips.
Gary, life with the ultra rich can be very amusing, but there is too a quite sad side. On one occasion I went to the Met in New York with my bosses husband to see Peter Grimes, He was clearly bored and so was I so I suggested we left at the interval, he was a bit reluctant as it was obviously my treat. Benjamim Britten is not my favourite, so left we did and ended up at the film of the world cup !!!
Ev How about Erigeron karvinskianus , Mexican fleabane. It’s a small daisylike flower. I must have had it in a hanging basket years ago and it spread from there into cracks in cement and concrete nearby. Just another idea for planting between paving.
Also known as 'St Peter Port daisies'. One of my earliest memories is of the little pink and white daisies smothering the lofty granite walls in St Julian's Avenue, the steep road up from the harbour, and also the huge floral arch across the road for the visit of Princess Elizabeth in 1947. There was another at Cobo bay on the west coast, but it was so exposed to the wind that it became an absolute mess in a very short time. There you are, two early memories. I must therefore have been 2 years old.
Pfizer injection this afternoon. All highly efficient at Whitby pavillion, with easy parking and a walk on the beach with the dog after. have taken note of your experiences after thank you and muck barrow emptied and enough logs piled up in the house to last for 3 days at least plus of course all housework done, only problem is if I feel ok what am I going to do ?
It is great to see so many are having the 💉 I am so happy for you all, but also slightly envious. My turn will come, which now seems to be probably well into March. I can be patient and sensible.
How about conversing with the spiders Cow Girl. I have one that spins down nearly to my nose. Makes me wonder how many I have swallowed in my lifetime! Don’t know what the average is.
Just finished the cream today after using for 4 weeks as instructed. It was my job to apply the stuff every day as he obviously couldn’t see the top of his head. The past couple of weeks it looked exactly as if he had bad teenage acne on his head! Lots of red spots and, unfortunately one right in the middle of his nose! But the rough areas are much better now, the ear looks quite normal again and we are hoping the redness will fade in time. Hopefully Mr R is through the worst too?
Thank you AP yes Mr R head is good but his first outbreak looked horrendous whilst doing it’s job, like the surface of the moon and the craters would erupt and I will say no more but looked like a baby’s bottom afterwards . So glad Mr A’s head has responded well too - all down to us nurses🤣
I would Soz but at the moment they are in hiding, getting ready no doubt for the arrival in the spring of their little ones. Its a joy to behold and look forward to. Flies I've swallowed but never a spider, far too precious.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - January 27, 2021 at 10:06 AM
No Chelsea Flower Show until the Autumn this year.
At least there should be wonderful displays of my particular favourites, Dahlias. Also Agapanthus, Michaelmas Daisies and other Autumnal beauties.
Does anyone have other suggestions?
Soz - January 27, 2021 at 10:28 AM
Heleniums, later flowering clematis, penstemon, sedums, acer foliage. To name but a few! But one thing that annoys me about flower shows are the gardens where you have flowers that naturally grow at different times of the year blooming at the same time.
Lady R - January 27, 2021 at 11:02 AM
Ah! Archerphile “Hinton Ampner “ Dahlias - happy days🤗
An Autumn Chelsea how wonderful, and yes plenty of Acer foliage please 👏🏻 One of our favourite trips used to be to “Ramster Gardens” Petworth Road Chiddingfold Surrey and we have stunning iPad photos of their Japanese garden in the Autumn plus other gorgeous trees. The gardens open in the Spring also. Ramster consists of 25 acres of peaceful woodland views of lakes and hillsides and just filled with colour and interest. They have a lovely tearoom too 😉 (worth a “Google”)
Weddings are held in “The Hall” and on one visit we saw the bride and groom out in the grounds - lovely pics or video? for them. It is a gorgeous place and so natural not all precise interesting sculptures there as well as wood carvings to just happen across as you walk around. I so wish we could still visit but there we have our pics and very happy memories.
There is a Japanese garden near St. Mawgan, which has a lovely moss garden. I took my shoes off and it was so soft to walk on.
DeleteWe have friends in Chiddingfold but don’t think have visited Ramster gardens. I will ask them about it and maybe can go when I am able to visit them again.
DeleteWork is in progress to pave a small area of my garden and have asked to have some pavers left out for planting. I am thinking of creeping thyme but wondered whether anybody has any other suggestions. I would prefer perennials and spready plants.
We have not had internet for most of today but thankfully now restored! Am catching up with your comments!!😊
Chamomile smells nice to tread on.
DeleteFirst - Gary
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for highlighting the Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony this evening.
Of course, I shall be lighting a candle for all those so brutally ‘disposed of’ during that awful period. ( not that anyone will see it in our window, but it will give us some comfort)
I watched BBC Breakfast this morning when the entire programme was dedicated to those who have died in the UK during the pandemic. It was very moving of course, and presumably prompted by the awful death total announced yesterday.
But not once, in the entire programme, was there mention that today is actually National Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we are supposed to remember the 6,000,000 innocent people who were put to death in the camps. And neither did the Archbishop of Canterbury when he was interviewed. I did feel this was a glaring omission on the part of the BBC and that the Archbishop could have made even a tiny reference to the day.
Poor show BBC. It doesn’t look as though the Memorial Service is on any TV channel or radio. I believe it is right to remember those who have died and are dying in this pandemic but there is a huge difference between death from an illness and the cold blooded, calculated murder of innocent people of all ages.
DeleteOur vicar has sent out a message to her 8 village congregations asking us to light candles this evening, so there will be candles down here keeping you company tonight Archerfile.
DeleteSecond -Lady R. Yes, Dahlias at Hinton. Always glorious but I do wish they would label the varieties so I can plant the same at home.
ReplyDeleteAnd when I was a child, we used to drive through Chiddingfold regularly on our way down to Bognor, for a day by the sea. It is a beautiful village, super tea rooms and antique shops, at least there were, back then.
But I have never heard of the garden you mentioned and it sounds like the perfect place to visit, when we are finally let out! I shall ask you for more details and how to find it nearer the time.
One if the best places we have found, for Autumnal Acer colours, is Stourhead, the famous NT landscaped garden in Wiltshire. It is a picture at any time of the year, but Autumn is definitely our favourite time to visit. Hopefully, this year!
We were given an acer as a housewarmimg present. It was lovely!
DeleteSadly, it didn't appreciate my failure to move it to a bigger pot or, even better, to plant it into the ground.
It hung on valiantly for over 20 years, looking increasingly forlorn. I think in the end it just gave up and snapped in half.
a
I do, however, have an equally neglected rubber plant that has failed to die for about 30 years. Mind you, it is still only a foot tall : (
Incredible! Covid jab tomorrow, 12.40 at a local surgery (not mine) which is usually closed. Shellshock (and gratitude).
ReplyDeleteThat’s really good news - and unexpected!
DeleteFantastic stuff Sarnia! It seems like we are slowly getting there - MrGG received word that he is to get his first one on the 10th of Feb.
DeleteOoh a youngster in our midst - young (old woman) as well 🤣
DeleteArcherphile, Woman's Hour today combined the two in the introduction and at the end there was an item about two books written about the Holocaust. Book of the Week is also on the subject.
ReplyDeleteOWiaS 27th 12.47 Ah so we are well out with that one! We were looking at a world map with St Helena's island on it, and thought " a stop on from" that would be in the sea so we looked up to see if there was any connection between the Atlantic and the Underground and apparently there was an Atlantic Road stop at Brixton but it closed about 15 years ago. We shall think again now you have said the map won't help much!
ReplyDeleteAnd World at One did a piece about female guards in the camps.
ReplyDeletePlus as Basia has said - book of the week - all week.
Hope your able to get transport for your Covid injection tomorrow Sarnia.
Wobbly on day one, heavy limbs and head on day two, were my side effects, and others I've talked to say they had the same symptoms.
Do you happen to know which vaccine you had Mrs P?
DeleteHaving booked our vaccination appts on Monday, after receiving text messages telling us to do so, we today both had letters asking us to book an appointment. It included a leaflet ‘for elderly people’ telling us all about vaccination and what side effects we might expect. Similar to what you have described.
But I did wonder if they are the same for all the vaccines. I always have a painful and tender arm for a couple of days after the annual flu jab, whereas Mr A has no reaction at all. Be interesting to see which vaccine we are given and if either of us gets a reaction.
The worst reaction I had, was to the pure swine flu one, when it was at the height of the epidemic, which I got as a Pharmacist.
DeleteI had a sore + swollen arm for days afterwards.
Remember, any side-effect will be well worth it, as to the benefit it will give, long-term.
I am not expecting my 1st jab, until end of Feb or early March. I can be patient, as I know it will happen 😁
DeleteI believe, but not sure, that there will be some sort of, virtual Chelsea Show in May, just as last year..
ReplyDeleteI had the Phizer Archerphile.
ReplyDeletePreviously I don't remember ever having any reaction to the flue vaccine.
I think I remember having a reaction to the Polio at eleven or whatever age I was.
So far at Chineham the vac appears to have been Pfizer AP. Do tell after you’ve been what you were given.
DeleteOn a very different topic completely, I came across something today, when sorting out the mountain of junk-mail.
ReplyDeleteThis was adressed to me personally, but not sure why I have received it, but it caught my eye.
It is from:- The Great Courses. It is a catalogue showing courses (on special offer until Feb. 4th) covering very many different subjects. These involve DVD's with lessons.
I salvaged this before it went into the re-cycle bin, to look at in-depth.. It looks legit and interesting.
Just thought that I would pass this on, in case others might be curious.
There is a web-site, obviously.
Ev, I've got some multi-coloured Creeping Phlox that I planted between pavers and then lifted and moved to a different area of the garden. They took a year or two to get going but have spread thickly and evenly with masses of long lasting beautiful little blooms in summer. They appear to be very hardy and evergreen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gary. I have seen these online and did wonder about them as they seem very colourful and pretty. I have had three slabs left out and would be nice to have a different colour in each. Will have another look!😊
DeleteMy snowdrops are just starting to burst into flower. Spring is on it way, at last.
ReplyDeleteDaffs are appearing with buds, as are my early tulips, plus the crocuses are now very getting very colourful.
Also the sun disappeared in a very much higher aspect today.
DeleteAt last, the days are drawing out, which will help so much.
Archerphile and all others.
ReplyDeleteMy local TV news, has just done a lovely broadcast about today, as Holocaust Day.
It was very moving and it ended up by saying, light a candle at 8.00pm tonight.
I will do this.
🕗 🕯
DeleteMiriam, the Great Courses catalogue is legit, MrNuts has gone through quite a lot of these, mainly the music ones, I listened to the history of music, it was really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI received the Pfizer vaccine on Monday evening, as a “frontline health worker” slightly sore arm but no other side effects to date.
The worst reaction to a vaccine I have experienced was to the typhoid jab after which I fainted in the shower.
Thanks KPnuts.
DeleteThere are a lot of courses, that I am interested to look into further.
Some are £79, which are now reduced to £29.
There is such a wide and varied courses on so many different topics. I am spoilt for choice and will look into these.
Thanks for your reply, as to this, it meant a lot.
I thought it was legit, as the catalogue was correctly addressed personally to me, which most junk mail isn't.
DeleteThanks again.
Ev - do you ever look at Pinterest ?
ReplyDeleteLots of ideas on paving and planting on there.
I have always loved the outdoors ' mind your own business ' which softens paving very well.
Thank you, Mrs P. Yes another possibility!😊
DeleteDon't need any transport, Mrs P. Even at my snail's pace it's probably only 15 min walk away - rather hilly though!
ReplyDeleteFirst day of the landscape gardener, and he emptied and demolished the shed and greenhouse. He made a huge bonfire of the shed, which felt like watching David's funeral pyre. I felt terrible, as if I'd committed some dreadful crime against him. I'm still a bit shaky, but the resulting space is much bigger than I expected and all mine to use as I see fit. I'll get over it once C gets to work and I see my vision begin to take shape.
Sarnia, given past conversations, I think your words re the old shed very apt.
DeleteYou are making a life. For yourself.
Congratulations.
Good luck with your vaccination tomorrow, hopefully others on this blog will be following soon.
MrsP, you've taken the words out of my mouth...
DeleteThank you both.
DeleteCandel lit Archerphile 🙏
ReplyDeleteMiriam
ReplyDeleteIts lovely to see you so positive.
My candle lit too
I was in a Zoom so I compromised by having a candle background
DeleteThank you everyone for news of HRD programmes on radio and local television, and to those of you who lit a candle. As you can imagine this day is very significant to me and I greatly appreciate your interest too. Shalom to you all.
ReplyDeleteAP 🕯️
ReplyDeleteSarnia 💕
It is an important day Archerphile, and the world must never forget.
ReplyDelete🕎 🕯
ReplyDelete*** MY EARLIEST MEMORY ***
ReplyDeleteMistral, since it was your idea you have the pleasure of being first up!
1 memory, 2 memories, 3 - it's up to you....
Enjoy!
That's a lovely peaceful picture, thank you Gary, particularly at a time when it isn't possible to do all the usual walks.
ReplyDeleteThat picture is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Gary.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture Gary. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary, will come back later today.
ReplyDeleteLovely picture GG, merci.
ReplyDeleteSpring has Sprung Gary.....almost. What a beautiful scene.
ReplyDeleteSome of our snowdrops have sprung!
DeleteGG What an uplifting photo. Big Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou so know what is topical, and change the heading picture, accordingly.
This is the sign of a true and brilliant administrator 👍👏👏
*blush*
DeleteI have daffs, both minature and full types, in bud along with my early tulips. Snowdrops are nearly in flower
ReplyDeleteI can't work in the garden just now, as it can only be described at this moment - a soggy, wet, bog garden.
If I walk on the lawns, water squelches out and I know that I am compacting the clay soil.
I need to wait patiently, but for how long..
Roses really need pruning and a lot of shrubs need to be cut back. The other problems are, that the compost bin is already full, and my green garden bin will not be emptied again, until lockdown ends
Deletewhich is March at the earliest.
We haven’t had any break in garden bin emptying at all. Every two weeks without fail throughout but it does cost me £6 per month! Well worth it though I think.
DeleteWe've still had all our regular bin uplifts throughout lockdown, apart from the glass recycling which is now a little bit less frequent.
DeleteThe same here Miriam, I am getting very frustrated at not being able to get out there.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom of my garden drops down steeply to a stream, basically it is the run off from the moor, it is gushing through the stone tunnel under the road. My neighbour a retired electrician is looking at ways to harness the flow to make electricity. It will never make much and will be spasmodic, but every bit helps and besides it will be fun
My property is also on a slope, which is small but it does make a difference.
DeleteThis is not helped by clay soil.
Gary what a picture ⭐️ (Just perfect for our well-being 🙏🏼)
ReplyDeleteI managed some time in the garden this afternoon. A passer by stopped to say how much my cyclamens had cheered her up on her walk and that cheered me up.
ReplyDeleteMy lovely cyclamens were wonderful, until the very cold frosts and snow happened. Sadly they are now brown + gone.
DeleteThey were lovely, whilst they lasted.
Mine are cyclamen coum Miriam, they are perennials and don't suffer in the cold.
DeleteYes, Gary, thank you for the picture. I haven’t been to the corner of the garden where the snowdrops are so that has encouraged me to do so! Steve and Nigel have nearly finished the current garden alterations. Where they have left out pavers there is a depth of about 8 inches so plenty of room for soil to grow spready plants. Janice, yes chamomile would be nice, perhaps Gary’s phlox and some creeping thyme.. If I end up with plenty of plants I can plant them out elsewhere in the garden. I think three different ones would look nice as I hate uniformity in the garden! I rather like the well it just happened look!
ReplyDeleteAll jabbed. I got the Astra-Zeneca one. Seems the clinics have what they're given.
ReplyDeleteHurrah!
DeleteBrilluant News. 🤗
DeleteI will accept any.
DeleteGood Luck to Archerphile, when she and Mr.A get their jabs tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIt seems I have a weather warning in place, for snow on Saturday...but will it actually happen.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to have to buy a new iPad and would welcome any info from anyone who has bought one in the past year.
ReplyDeleteI cannot update mine any more and it is stuck on iOS12. Apparently it is a “First generation” and is no longer being ‘supported’ by Apple and our computer security people tell me it is therefore vulnerable to hackers.
The choice seems to be a new iPad Air (very expensive) or an iPad 8th generation (more affordable). Does anyone have experience of either if these? Please.
I decided a year ago that I needed a new IPad for the same reason Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI asked my daughter if S I L would research for me.
I was then told that both daughters would club together and give me a new one for C'mas. I've heard nothing since.
Oh that’s a shame Mrs P. A few subtle hints to be dropped perhaps?
DeleteI’m generation 6 iPad AP so I guess mine is getting on as well now 🤣
DeleteHave just been called for my jab on Monday in a centre behind big Tesco in Ryde. Katy can take me and as we live together no problem. Earlier than I thought as I am 72 so they are making good progress. I read the other day that Hampshire and IOW are doing well in giving jabs. Hope all you over 70’s will be sorted soon!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, we are going for ours in Basingstoke this afternoon. Funny thing is, the ONS tester has just rung and wants to come and do our Covid tests at 1 o clock.
DeleteSo when he asks the usual question ‘ have you been vaccinated yet?’ We can say no, but come back in 3 hours and the answer will be yes!
A very Covidish day for us today! 😄
Lanjan, how are you?
ReplyDeleteI’ve also been wondering this Basia 🤔
DeleteAnd how are you Mistral. Hope you are getting better.
ReplyDeleteMr. CC and I had our Covid jabs this morning, I was quite surprised as I wasn't expecting it to be for another couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to be picking up pace now CC - I'm not expecting mine for a month or two, but who knows? I look forward to perhaps being pleasantly surprised too!
DeleteMe too GG. as I am also expecting late Feb or some-time in March, due to so many in my Phase 5 age group.
DeleteIt seems like a bit of "Russian Roulette", as to which vaccine will be given.
Still waiting 🤔😔
DeleteRussian Roulette? I think you've been reading too much fake news about the vaccines!
Delete(I don't think they're supposed to be kill or cure 😉)
I honestly don’t care which I have but will check on the day! The danger is that some will think they are fine to mix afterwards but you have to wait about 3 weeks for your immune system to kick in apparently and of course maximum immunity comes with the second one.
DeleteAgree 100% Ev !
DeleteLove the heading photo Gary, it reminds me of our walks in the winter garden at at Dunham Massey.
ReplyDeleteCan you still visit it, even if not that "local".
DeleteNot that I can walk at the moment. I have pulled the same "glute" muscle yet again, so am hobbling.
DeleteIt is painful but I will survive.
A bit too far to be local Miriam.
DeleteI hope that you feel better and are able to walk normally soon
CC. My cyclamen are the same variety. However, the very many heavy frosts, caused the flowers to just go brown and droop down, and did not revive.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a shame.
I hope that the corms will have survived, along with my lily bulbs. Things can be replaced.
Friday Night - so it is the traditional:- Fish 'n Chips.
ReplyDeleteThis will be from the freezer, not The 'Chippy 😣
I saw in the early hours, a couple of nights ago, the "Wolf Moon".
ReplyDeleteIt was so bright that when I surfaced, I thought that the moonlight was a nearby security light, being triggered.
It was fascinating to see.
Well, we’ve both been zapped - with the Pfizer vaccine but it was a long, if well organised. process.
ReplyDeleteGot to hotel where dozens of carpark Marshalls guided us to a particular waiting area. Then had to sit in car for 40 minutes waiting to be called. Eventually went in, registered, queued another 15 mins, taken to cubicle, answered lots of questions and then vaccinated. Told nurse I had hoped for the Oxford vaccine and she asked why. Told her I’d worked for Sir Richard Doll at Oxford University medical research Dept so had a sort of vested interest. Only turned out she had done her training at the John Radcliffe Hosp where my son was born and she knew all about the research programme! Talk about a co-incidence!
Had to wait for 15 minutes before we were let out and home 2 1/2 hours later.
But at least we are (half) done and can look forward to the second jab in 9 - 11 weeks time.
(No side effects yet!)
Although it seems you had a long wait, it sounds very well organised, so to keep risks at a minimum.
DeleteYou must though, be relieved to have been jabbed, like so many others here.
We had ours at our GP surgery Archerfile. From leaving the house to walking back in the front door took 50 minutes. They got a good score when we received the text afterwards to ask how they had done.
DeleteZoetrope, seems to be missing, as is Mistral.
ReplyDeleteI hope they are both well.
Hello, yes I am fine, thanks for concern, on Day 10 of isolation, but extending it as still coughing and sneezing, still no smell or taste. I spoke to a doctor on the nhs111 covid helpline who said I should be symptom-free for 48 hrs before going out. The 'worst' thing has been the exhaustion, but I feel really lucky and grateful so be let off so lightly. I have enough food etc, so no worries. The dog has taken to chewing her own paws with boredom though, nobody wants to walk her, but we mainly just snooze away.
ReplyDeleteWill do my memory soon, just can't marshall my thoughts at present.
Mrs. P. I had a wryful smile over your ipad gift; my offspring phone occasionally to make sure I'm 'not dead yet'. No flowers or chocs have found their way to my door, or even a takeaway...I would kill for good fish and chips. Interestingly, I am craving jam donuts, dunky biscuits, chocolate bars, all things I don't eat, so I suppose my body is craving a quick energy boost.
I know how you feel Mistral, I get those phone calls too.
DeleteI'm sorry no one is prepared to walk your dog. I would if I were near.
When I had my new knee, I could not believe how exhausted I was, and for weeks and weeks, so I sympathise.
But as you say, your lucky it's not really bad.
I do hope those symptoms end soon.
This is the latest painting done with zoom yesterday. Halfway through I nearly gave up but suddenly it was done and I liked the result although still much to learn! Living on the island there is no shortage of boats so I have plenty of scope! The oblong in the bottom corner is the shadow of my IPad by the way!
ReplyDeleteYes, hope Mistral and Zoetrope are OK but sometimes busyness does get into the way! Steve finished in my garden today and I am very pleased with the result. Next stage is artificial turf in front of Katy’s chalet. He showed me a sample today and it is very natural even having some “dead bits” as in a normal lawn. Also nowadays you get dog friendly stuff which tolerates being wee’d on! I think it will save having to mow and will just bring a bit of colour into the garden. This will not be done until May so time to save up! Steve is very good and constantly checked levels so the paving is excellent. Katy ordered in some compost so when the weather is dry we can fill in the troughs and then in March/April plant in them. We need to fill in the holes so that Gypsy doesn’t fall in! 🐶🐾
Good to hear from you, Mistral. You have been unlucky to have Covid and wishing you a rapid recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miriam and Ev, I am fine. I have kept up with reading the blog regularly, just not added any comments.
ReplyDeleteI had the Pfizer vaccine on Jan 5th (work related), and 4 days later my daughter who lives at home tested positive on a weekly routine test through her work. She's back at work now and very tired, no smell or taste, but otherwise OK. Mr Zoetrope and I both seem to have escaped.
It's good to read of the vaccine roll out reaching bloggers.
Hope your daughter continues to improve Zoetrope, and agree that it's good to hear of more and more people receiving the vaccines. Dare we hope that things are on the up?
DeleteI echo what you wrote Gary
DeleteArcherfile, fascinating that you worked with Sir Richard Doll. Were you involved in his research on smoking? Or maybe that was before your time.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right Zoetrope, the work on relating smoking to lung cancer which Sir Richard conducted was well before I joined the Dept. The study I was working on was whether the use of oral contraceptives would increase cases of breast or ovarian cancer. We recruited 20,000 women from all over the country to take part and followed them up every year by telephone or personal interview to check on their health. The study lasted for around 20 years and later also looked at the influence of menopause drugs on breast cancer.
DeleteAll very interesting but sometimes the interviews could be quite difficult.
I can imagine you may have heard some emotional and traumatic stories In that time.
DeleteThere's been nothing from Stasia for a long time - I hope she's OK
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your comments,Bloggers but unfortunately recently there has not been enough time in the day to achieve all I need to do .
ReplyDeleteToday I decided to get up before 6am to try to catch up .
We went for our Covid injections last week and I was very impressed with the set up.
However the whole experience has taken it out of Mr LJ .
Really pleased that you are on the way to recovery Mistral ,and you have retained your sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteAll the tasks were made up by the friend who organised it. She went to enormous lengths - everyone had to get their various little films to her before hand and she edited it all & had graphics & music so it literally looked like an actual episode! The teams taking part were all either artists or are in bands so it was a little bit weighted towards those things, but not a single part of it wasn't a hoot! I got to be rude about all their efforts and am already looking forward to the next one.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you’ve both had your vaccinations Lanjan but sorry to hear it has been a tiring experience for your dear husband. I do hope he picks up soon.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes find it surprising that there is so much to be fitted into each day when we are still in lockdown. Often I don’t get to look in here until the late afternoon or evening and have to catch up with dozens of posts. I often wonder how our friends have the time to keep posting throughout the day. Perhaps they are using phones that are always on, so get to know when there is a new post to read and reply to.
And quite often, I find, there is simply nothing much to say, apart from very mundane thoughts about not very much. Of course, the problem then is that if you haven’t posted for a couple of days, folk think you must be ill and become concerned. That’s why I like Gary’s lists of things we can post about, it exercises the old brain and gives us something to discuss.
Hi All, I don't and won't probably join you outside Ambrdige very often but I wanted to tell you about a very unpleasant and worrying call I had yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYesterday morning a withheld number phoned. I feel obliged to answer because we have 2 friends who use them and official bodies do too.
I was greeted by a very plausible male voice saying he was a PC from Hammersmith station. My heart leapt to my mouth because I have a son and his fiancée who live in London, not that far away and I immediately thought accident.
He then told me he had a young man in custody claiming to be my husband and my carer and that he was in possession of our Nationwide card. He knew that we are over 70 and our name and full address. We have no need of a carer but he obviously is targetting older, more vulnerable people.
He then said he wanted us to phone our bank to check our account was OK. He said he would put the phone down and I was to phone immediately.
It was the fact that he said 'immediately' made me suspicious as he had sounded so genuine giving his name as PC Richards and badge number 3866 and describing the young man in detail.
I happened to have heard of this technique before. It seems that, if he doesn't put down the phone, the fact that I had wouldn't close off the line and when i dialled my bank the call would simply return to his phone where someone else would pretend to be my bank and ask me for my details and use them to empty my account.
I therefore cut off the phone and phoned my bank on my mobile. He tried to phone back on the landline but, of course, I cut him off,
I've reported all this to my bank and checked that all is in order online and they have sent me a secure message to say I really was speaking to them so no real harm done.
I don't get upset easily but was quite shaken by the end of this episode which took up some considerable time one way or the other.
I hope you don't mind me telling you about this as it's acted out pretty well - much better than the failed internet/computer people etc.
Thanks for the warning and so glad that you didn' t fall for it.
DeleteWell done Janet. A nasty experience for you.
DeleteIf you don't have a different phone available for contacting the bank, I've read that you should phone a friend. A scammer might be able to impersonate the bank but not a personal friend.
I can understand Janet how unpleasant it must have been even though you were in charge. There have been many warnings on Money Box about this sort of scam, phone calls to the effect that if you don't transfer your money now, it'll disappear, they've obviously improved the technique.
DeleteThank you Janet. It would not have occurred to me that dialling after putting down the phone would still link into the scammers.
DeleteJanet, we had exactly the same experience last year. Again a man claiming to be from the metropolitan police. Same story. Mr A went upstairs to check he had his credit card, whereupon the voice asked for the number & pin code ‘to check it was our card they had’. I suspected this was not genuine & tried to get Mr A to put the phone down. He shushed me and carried on talking to the ‘policemen’.
DeleteIn the end I wrested the phone from his hand and rang off! On checking with the credit card company we we told about this scam that was very prevalent at the time. Seems to have started up again!
Good idea 😊👍
ReplyDeleteThank you Mistral, Zoetrope and Lanjan for letting us know about yourselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Basia - I think it was on money box that I heard about it a few years ago but only once. In retrospect his use of the name Richards shows a certain disdain for his victims, maybe as Rich is certainly what he wants to be.
ReplyDeleteI think that Rip Off Britain, has also highlited this awful scam.
DeleteLast night I watched “Worlds most scenic railway journeys” which was along the Ligurian coast including the Cinque Terre villages. It’s a beautiful coastline that I’ve never visited. I wondered whether our Italian bloggers know it at all.
ReplyDeleteThe Cinque Terra is an area I would really love to visit, along Stromboli.
DeleteWhat an awful scam 'phone call Janet had. She did exactly what was needed.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been scary though, as so much knowledge was known about them. Also seemingly coming from the police, this must have been panicky. Perhaps these awful scammers, rely on this type of reaction, so people do not think clearly + sensibly.
I would be concerned though, about, if my personal details had been hacked somehow.
Well Done Janet, for doing the right thing.
I picked up the 'phone yesterday afternoon, which was was showing Private Caller, so I thought it was, yet another, scam.
DeleteI answered with just a very gruff Hello - to find it was my surgery, who addressed me correctly.
I immediately apologised. It was only a query, as to the prescription ordered on-line earlier.
It is awful, that I just assumed it was another scam.
Normality, is definitely, not what is was.
Before we had a BT call blocker phone we would often get between 3 -7 annoying calls a day and as you said Miriam it will always be someone genuine on the line the time you answer and fed up with it all bark down the phone 🤣
DeleteWe hardly get a landline call these days and I don’t use it much either as I can use my mobile free of charge for calls and texting. However I have one or two relatives and friends who do not own a mobile so needed for them and some other calls.
I feel for you Janet an awful and time wasting experience and well done Archerphile for your decisive action last year.
It seems the scammers have not heard that 70+ is the new 50+ and many of us are fortunate to still be switched on and certainly do not think of ourselves as old people 🤣
I am not a fan of Richard Osman, but I have been recommended to his book:-
ReplyDeleteThe Thursday Club, by someone who has read it.
I believe it was on R4 last week, so if anyone knows this, is it worth buying and reading?
I will be intetested to learn.
Mr A gave me this book for Christmas. I loved it!
DeleteIt is written in an unusual style for a crime novel and I really engaged with the characters.
I kept rationing myself to so many pages a day because I didn’t want to get to the end and find out ‘who dun it’.
Yes I recommend it. The radio reading is not doing it justice.
I heard bits of it on R4 last week Miriam, and every time I heard any of it, I turned it off. I had heard via this blog that many were praising it, but it didn't please me at all.
DeleteAs for the scam described by Janet E, heard lots about this on You and Yours as well as money box.
Janice - this is the most important of many of these scams. They have rigged the lines. Police information is always to put the phone down and use another phone to call your bank or BS as the scammers will stay on the line that they have made the call to you on.
Mrs P and Miriam
DeleteAs I said, the Radio 4 reading is a very poor representation of The Thursday Murder Club, In fact I don’t think it is a suitable book for this type if reading at all. Hayden Gwynn might be a fine actress but her reading and attempt at differentiating the characters is very poor I think.
It is much better read, in my opinion. It has very short chapters which are interspersed by a sort of diary by ‘Joyce’ one of the elderly members of the Club, giving an extra dimension to the goings-on.
I think Miriam would like this book so please don’t be put off by the radio version.
Thank you Janet for the alert re scammers. It's depressing that there are people out there who sit and think up these evil schemes.
ReplyDeleteSending good wishes for quick recovery for those bloggers who are, or have been, ill.
I only talk to those persons ringing me, if they address me correctly, as to my title and name.
DeleteI often ask - to whom are you talking to and why.
This did not happen to Janet, so extra caution now seems to relevant.
Poor Janet - yes, I've heard of this one as well, and it is the word 'immediately' which should ring alarm bells. I had shoals of calls from unfamiliar numbers yesterday. I ignored them all but it was particularly annoying as, being the day after my Covid jab and having all the get-up-and-go of a two-toed sloth, all I wanted to do was sleep.
DeleteI love Sloths. They are so wonderful, even if they are a bit slow, but they are also very graceful and entertaining (and they only poo, once a week).
DeleteWell at least we know they weren't contributing to the Great Loo Roll Famine of 2020 ; )
Delete🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteAs well as being slow-moving I could probably manage graceful and entertaining, Miriam, but there are other qualifications I lack... ... ...
ReplyDelete🤣
DeleteMe? I'll just stick to slow moving and sleepy.
DeleteTesting as Archerphile
ReplyDeleteJust commissioning my new iPad (8th generation, would you believe,!) and wondered if I’d have trouble posting as others have. I an only seeing a grey head and ‘reply as Google Account
DeleteBut when I press Publish it converts to my profile picture and name, so hopefully will be OK 🤞
DeleteSame here Archerphile but as I stated recently I am now (only) a poor 6th Generation iPad owner 😂
DeleteMany years ago I had a "detective " visit an estab;ilshment I was running asking me questions about a client, he flashed his warrant card at me , but of course I couldnt see it, I had to ask him 3 times to see it before he realised I wasnt playing ball, nothing changes, just the tactics
ReplyDeleteArcherphile
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your earlier question about people having time to popin and out of the blog. I do so when I'm bored. I cant get out into the garden, far too wet, or the ground is frozen solid, Cant hack back the trees growing over the fence, just not safe to use my chainsaw at the moment.
Being just me and the dog, there isnt too much housework todo. I could go round the house knocking down the cobwebs, but that is unkind to the spiders.
I do sew, but there is only so much I do before I lose concentration...
Right I'm off to give Emerald her Supper, then perhaps Ill read, so no more popping in till tomorrow !!!
Love your cobwebs excuse cow girl ⭐️
DeleteYes, Soz, I have taken the train along that part of the LigurIan coast several times but not the old one up into the hills.
ReplyDeleteI have also been on several walks with the CAI, Club Alpino Italiano at various points both east and west of Genoa. It is unbelievably beautiful.
Once I was with about a hundred first year pupils on a boat that was to take us to the San Fruttuoso abbey but the sea swell became too risky for us to land and we went straight to Portofino.
I've also done that coast down to Portofino a couple of times but by car. It's really busy in summer and the roads a really windy but the views are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying a you tube vlog recently called the Positano Diaries. It's done by an English woman who lives in Positano on the Amalfi coast. I've never been there but it's definitely on my to do list when this virus is over. She's really lovely and the filming is amazing.
I've just put on Sunday lunch for this snowy, grey Sunday. Sausages and sauerkraut whitch will be served with polenta.
It's a typical dish from my region.❄❄
Happy Sunday everyone!
Portofino, now that brings back memories and not just for its beauty,
DeleteFor a while I worked as a nanny we were cruising the med in a converted minesweeper, as we couldnt get into port we were anchoured in the harbour, then all these little boats were circling round us much to our amazement, no we wernt the interest, Elizabeth Taylor had recently bought a converted minesweeper too and they thought thats who we were.
Cowgirl, that's one of the most bizarre things I've ever read in my life! Brilliant....
DeleteMrGG reports that the Ligurian coast is one of the most beautiful places he has ever been to. He did several of the walks between the villages in the early 80's.
Delighted to report - absolutely no after effects of Pfizer vaccine at all. Not even the sore arm I get after a flu jab!
ReplyDeleteMr. R and some close friends similar AP 🤗
DeleteLucky you! My jab was on Thursday. Friday and Saturday were pretty grim, - painful shoulder, feeling headachy, heavy and weary and it was an effort to find the energy for anything, especially cooking. The effects began to lift last night, but I'm still approaching today with caution!
ReplyDeleteSarnia I’m yet to be vaccinated but so far it appears that 99% of Pfizer recipients have no effects whatsoever but with the Oxford some people appear to be having a few hours or as in your case days 😔 off colour. 🤞🏼 for improvement from today and you can then focus on its benefits and yay to that! Take care 🌷
DeleteI meant to ask so was your jab the Oxford?
DeleteMy daughter had the Pfizer vaccination and felt really bad for a couple of days, as did her colleague.
DeleteI felt a bit rotten for a couple of days, but wouldn't describe it as really bad.
DeleteI had the Pfizer.
I had the Pfizer one as well. I had a sore arm and felt really washed out and headachy the following day. Mr CC was absolutely fine.
DeleteGoodness, sounds as though Mr A and I have been very lucky. I’d rather have another Pfizer jam than a flu one!
DeleteLady R: yes, I had the AstraZeneca, but above comments, notably from CC, seem to suggest that any reaction is down to individual response rather than the type of vaccine received. My anatomy tends to over-react to any medical substance introduced, whatever it is.
DeleteAlso, remember that not only is the surgery at the extreme limit of my walking ability of 3/4 mile, this was the day after the experience of Mr S's shed go up in flames. That was like the gardener's equivalent of the Viking warrior being dispatched to glory in his ship, as there was more of him in that shed than was left in the coffin delivered to the crematorium. On Thursday morning before leaving for the jab, I found two pairs of cycle clips among the ashes.
A lot of things all at once.
...watching Mr S's shed...
DeleteOh, Sarnia, feel for you. The bike clips seem like nothing to others but to you a real jog into the past and more active days for Mr S. I found after Mike died I was remembering the past, when we met etc in great detail which hurt a lot but now has softened. Hope you are feeling better today.
DeleteThanks, Ev, but I wasn't actually remembering the past. It was just so poignant that for all his ebullience in life, the cycle clips were all that was left of him
DeleteYears ago in the days when I watched Corrie and Stan died his wife Hilda came upon his glasses case and when she opened it up broke down completely. That scene so silently acted has stayed with me always. The more poignant because the actor himself had died and after around 6 mths they wrote same in for his character.
DeleteSo totally understand your reaction to Mr S cycle clips Sarnia and Ev’s comments too.
Sarnia, he lives on in your memory! After Mike died I got rid of his clothes gradually and after the shoes went I dreamt he came back and opened the wardrobe asking where his shoes were! I still have his box with watches, cufflinks etc and his Panama hat and blazer but he would approve of the rest going to the charity shop to be used. I felt sad when his mobility scooter went but I needed the space to put in a small freezer as we buy more in bulk nowadays depending on deliveries. However again it will be used probably being hired out to holidaymakers. All the best on your journey, Sarnia. Things get better I can assure you. You will I am sure be happy with your new open space in the garden especially as the weather improves. 🪴🌻🌸🌹🌷
DeleteSarnia, you can also think how pleased and proud Mr S will be to see that you are creating a new garden in his memory. I doubt that he would have wanted you to keep the shed as a shrine much better to let him inhabit your vision of a garden he would love.
DeleteThat doesn’t minimise the poignancy of the cycle clips.
House of the Rising Sun - I listened to at 15 and it has brought back sadness, seems that all had already happened by then.
ReplyDeleteHow I had forgotten it, until I heard it played - "in Rememberance" earlier today.
DeleteGary, life with the ultra rich can be very amusing, but there is too a quite sad side.
ReplyDeleteOn one occasion I went to the Met in New York with my bosses husband to see Peter Grimes, He was clearly bored and so was I so I suggested we left at the interval, he was a bit reluctant as it was obviously my treat. Benjamim Britten is not my favourite, so left we did and ended up at the film of the world cup !!!
Ev How about Erigeron karvinskianus , Mexican fleabane. It’s a small daisylike flower. I must have had it in a hanging basket years ago and it spread from there into cracks in cement and concrete nearby. Just another idea for planting between paving.
ReplyDeleteAlso known as 'St Peter Port daisies'. One of my earliest memories is of the little pink and white daisies smothering the lofty granite walls in St Julian's Avenue, the steep road up from the harbour, and also the huge floral arch across the road for the visit of Princess Elizabeth in 1947. There was another at Cobo bay on the west coast, but it was so exposed to the wind that it became an absolute mess in a very short time.
DeleteThere you are, two early memories. I must therefore have been 2 years old.
Thank you, Soz. Will look that one up. Daisies would be nice as my mum was called Daisy!
DeletePfizer injection this afternoon. All highly efficient at Whitby pavillion, with easy parking and a walk on the beach with the dog after. have taken note of your experiences after thank you and muck barrow emptied and enough logs piled up in the house to last for 3 days at least plus of course all housework done, only problem is if I feel ok what am I going to do ?
ReplyDeleteAnother one jabbed.
DeleteWell Done.
Enjoy your 3 lazy days, as I bet you deserve them.
Well done CG -
DeleteAren't we all doing well.
So far !
New embroidery ?
It is great to see so many are having the 💉
DeleteI am so happy for you all, but also slightly envious.
My turn will come, which now seems to be probably well into March. I can be patient and sensible.
I have just seen the news about - Sir Capt. Tom Moore.
ReplyDeleteHe is a fighter, so 🤞🤞
How about conversing with the spiders Cow Girl. I have one that spins down nearly to my nose. Makes me wonder how many I have swallowed in my lifetime! Don’t know what the average is.
ReplyDelete🤢
DeleteEek!
ReplyDelete😱😱😱
ReplyDeleteArcherphile how are Mr A head and ear problem at the moment 🤔
ReplyDeleteJust finished the cream today after using for 4 weeks as instructed. It was my job to apply the stuff every day as he obviously couldn’t see the top of his head. The past couple of weeks it looked exactly as if he had bad teenage acne on his head! Lots of red spots and, unfortunately one right in the middle of his nose! But the rough areas are much better now, the ear looks quite normal again and we are hoping the redness will fade in time.
DeleteHopefully Mr R is through the worst too?
Thank you AP yes Mr R head is good but his first outbreak looked horrendous whilst doing it’s job, like the surface of the moon and the craters would erupt and I will say no more but looked like a baby’s bottom afterwards .
DeleteSo glad Mr A’s head has responded well too - all down to us nurses🤣
I would Soz but at the moment they are in hiding, getting ready no doubt for the arrival in the spring of their little ones. Its a joy to behold and look forward to.
ReplyDeleteFlies I've swallowed but never a spider, far too precious.
I know an old woman who swallowed a fly ...
DeleteMe??? I'm merely a stripling.
DeleteI'm with you on spiders CowGirl, not eating them but looking after them.
DeleteI don’t know why she swallowed the fly...
Delete....Perhaps she’ll die!
(one of my favourites on Children’s Choice!)
Until the last line Ev 😂
DeleteDid those of you who are Countryfile watchers watch tonight.
ReplyDeleteStrouds wonderful 'The LongTable' featured and views of my daily walks everywhere.
I recognised the hedgehog lady too, but don't know her and didn't know until tonight that she was the hedgehog lady.
' There was an old lady' ? Not just one of my favourites but my dads too. He would often recite it.
Will be watching on catch up Mrs P thanks for the heads up!
Delete