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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteLanjan - February 23, 2021 at 6:59 AM
Still haven't had time to prune the roses or to check the clematis ,Soz but I have done this week's quiz questions.
I particularly liked number 16 ,Old Woman.
Thank you.
Archerphile - February 23, 2021 at 8:30 AM
NEW FISHING ALERT
Or at least a variation on the endless calls from “Amazon”
Yesterday we had three phone calls that went like this:
‘Dear Customer, we are ringing about your recent order for an iPad.
If you did not place this order please speak to our Billing Dept by pressing ...”
I had recently ordered my new iPad from Amazon, so, of course, didn’t need to speak to anyone because it had arrived safely, the morning after I ordered it and the item has already appeared on my credit card statement, all done and dusted.
But I was worried. If this was a scam, how did they know I’d recently ordered an iPad? Iwas very worried my Amazon account had been hacked. So later on, after the 3rd call, I logged into the Amazon security Dept and had one of those online chats. They assured me this was a fishing attempt and checked that my account had not been broken into. They advised ne to change my passwords be safe and I have done so. Apparently the mention of ordering an iPad was purely coincidental and thinking about it, in 99 calls out if a 100, the victim would not have ordered one and would ring the number to sort out their billing!
Just lucky for me I *had* ordered the item the mentioned so wasn’t tempted to reply!
Hilary - February 23, 2021 at 11:09 AM
Tube station quiz: 3 out of 3 last week! None so far of the new ones! Will have to get my map out! Thank you OWIAS!
I enjoyed last night's Just A Minute. I thought Paul Merton was excellent and handled a poignant first episode without Nicholas Parsons very sensitively.
Talking of rabbit, my mother-in-law used to keep a few rabbits and one recipe was to remove all the bones keeping the meat in one flat piece; she then added mortadella, the liver, garlic and herbs, rolled it up like a Swiss roll and baked it in white wine.
Sorry for allowing the last blog to run over, very sleepy last night and this morning. "Laziness", I believe it's called...
ReplyDelete*** MY EARLY MEMORIES ***
Old Woman In A Shoe, it's now over to you! Enjoy!
Brilliant Gary. Obviously the two rabbits I’m cooking didn’t run fast enough!
DeleteWonderful heading Gary.
DeleteLove the song!
ReplyDeleteMy earliest memories are very sketchy:
ReplyDeleteOnce from playgroup we went to the home of one of the leaders to pick flowers. I think we must have pressed them, probably to make mother's day cards.
Then when I visited my new classroom prior to starting infant school, I hung my coat on Corrine Scot's peg. I couldn't tell you anything else about Corrine except that she had white curly hair.
As I said, very sketchy - but they must have had an impact on me at the time for me to remember even that much!
Not quite such an early memory:
My first doll's house was printed cardboard, three floors high, each with one cubic room. The family that lived there were my wooden Fisher Price dolls, including the dog (who got his ears chewed off!). My older brother used to hide things in the roof to annoy me.
Then Mum found a dolls' house in the free-adds - a bungalow with 3 rooms at the front for me, three at the back for my sister. It had green laticed windows that opened and closed, and lighting in each room, thanks to the battery stored in the chimney. (Later on there were several shoebox extensions to accommodate the growing family.) Sadly, Mum made me give away my cardboard house : ( I think the Fisher Price family went at the same time.
The bungalow was on legs. My sister and I argued that this was dangerous as the family would walk out of the door and fall to the floor. Mum said taking the legs off and putting the house on the floor was inconvenient and impractical. We won when one of the legs broke. But Mum got the last laugh because we later got tired of it being on the floor and put it on a table.
No memory whatsoever:
Apparently in infant school I was convinced I would be able to fly if I tried hard enough. So I practised by jumping off the concrete humps in the playground! My teacher, the lovely Mrs Nursey, was very concerned about this and finally took me aside to explain it would never work - spoilsport!
As I say, I have no memory of this. But Mrs Nursey did, and delighted in telling the tale to everyone in the staffroom when I visited the school several years later prior to starting my teacher training!
Well done LanJan, and anyone else who has solved this week's stations already. Yes, 16 is quite fun : )
ReplyDeleteNo 16, IF my sister is right, it's hilarious, I went to bed laughing and resumed in the morning.
DeleteSound as though she probably is, Basia. Glad it made you laugh : )
DeleteTesting
ReplyDeleteMe and my sisters, whilst still very young, had a wonderful dolls house.
ReplyDeleteThere was a couple who lived up the road, who sadly had no children. This couple loved us -no idea why - but were like an aunty + uncle, often taking us out to the park etc.
The husband was a fireman, but brilliant at woodwork. He made us each a money box in the shape of a swiss chalet. Each was in different colours, with our names painted on the balcony. I still have mine, but it is a very delapitated now. He also made us a wonderful 2 storey dolls house, in the style of a large 50's "posh" detached house, with lights run by a battery. No idea what happened to it.
I love the names of persons appearing in the early memory posts.
ReplyDeleteWe have had Mrs Truckle from Mistral, now Mrs Nursey from OWIAS.
I am just floating an idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat do we do, after Our Earliest Memories end, alongside the London Tube quiz?
My idea, is simple and, just that!
Many enjoy their gardens and telling about what planting etc.
I have the idea of:-
My Favourite Plants.
This could be a favourite outdoor, or indoor species. Then again a favourite plant in either house or garden, which for whatever reason, means a lot.
This came to mind, whilst looking at my back garden (which is is still too wet to work in).
DeleteI looked at the plants, damaged by the fence fire last year, wondering how they have survived and will they revive, to their previous glory, or not.
Mr A and I went for a walk around our garden this afternoon. After all the tree removals and new fencing / trellising before Christmas we now have huge open spaces to fill. Instead of being divided up into little spaces there are now bare edges and rough ground under where the conifers were, a huge round bare area in the middle of the lawn and it all looks awful. The rabbits have dug up the lawn so it’s all uneven and rough.
ReplyDeleteSo I think we shall be spending a lot of time and money at garden centres before long and doing an awful lot of planting and re- turfing. Not sure whether I’m looking forward to it or not!
I need
Sarnia, I need you to help us redesign please. Your revamped garden sounded lovely
Does this mean, that you are staying put and not thinking of moving?
DeleteIf a move is still a viable option, then keep things to a minimum, re planting + costs.
How are your Son + family doing in Dubai?
DeleteLike me, with family in OZ, it is still not known when we will be able to see them again.
This must apply to many others on this, wonderful site.
Then again, this also applies to my family in the UK, just 25miles away, and not seen since before Christmas. We are all the same with this, but it is hard.
Apart from the shoe-dwellers, I last saw any of my family in person a year ago at my father-in-law's funeral. (Mercifully before Covid struck, he would have hated lockdown.)
DeleteTuesdays have become our family Zoom night. I am looking forward to seeing them in person though. Big hugs all round!
It's a year since I've seen my son and they had planned to come back from the Philippines last June! Not long now hopefully. Just glad there is Whatts app.
DeleteI have an answer for no. 16 but still working on the others.
ReplyDeletePeople may remember that some of us are regular viewers of the BBC series Doctors. There have been quite a few actors who have appeared in TA who started off on Doctors.
ReplyDeleteWell the TA scriptwriters ought to have a look at today's episode. Doctors is being filmed socially distanced and sometimes it looks a bit contrived. But today was the excellent culmination of a story about a month old and featured three separate two person dialogues. It was perfectly executed, believable and well acted.
The script was also outstanding and the crew of TA would do well to see how it's done!
Oh Spicy, can you possible tell me what happened right at the end today?
DeleteI was glued to the two interviews one with the boy and one with his father, then Karen found the little girl had gone back to her old house and she was looking for something in the garden.....then the wretched phone rang & I had to answer it and missed the last 5 minutes! So was it the girl or thé boy who killed the mother? And was the father covering for them? Please can you put me out of my misery and kept me know.?
SPOILER ALERT
DeleteElla was digging in the garden and uncovered a plastic bag with a blood stained garment in it. Rob was there and Ella told Karen it was her top.
Simon broke down and admitted to Daniel that his wife used to not only hit him but the children too. Tom admitted to Jimmi that his mother was trying to strangle his father and he got involved to try and get her off his dad. Ella came down to see what the noise was, grabbed a statuette from the mantelpiece and hit her mother on the back of her head, not meaning to kill her.
Rob escorted her to the police station and basically that's where it ended.
If you get chance do try and see the episode. It was brilliant acting, writing and direction.
I've not seen such quality in production for a long time, even though I suppose it counts as a 'soap.'
Miriam - re our garden. A move is still on the cards but the big garden refurbishment is part of getting the property into a good saleable condition. The biggest asset is our very large garden, long drive and privacy. We had the huge conifers taken down because they cut out a lot of light and were unattractive. Now It all looks bigger, more open and lighter but needs a lot of plants replacing and the lawns renovating to get it looking it’s best before we try going to market.
ReplyDelete( and for our own enjoyment whilst we are still living here)
Regarding family in Dubai. They will be going back to their home in France at the end of the summer when our son’s contract comes to an end. He will slot back into his old job at Airbus in Toulouse but a big worry at the moment is whether the boys can return to their old school. The company may not be willing to continue paying for their education, which was part of son’s original contract, so they may have to find a French school for the boys to go to, instead of returning to the International School. Negotiations are under way! They are all well, though Covid cases have increased greatly recently, like here, and there are still a lot of restrictions.
AP: How huge is the circular bare patch in the centre of the lawn? Too big to be surfaced with gravel with a central, planted stone feature that looks as if that was exactly as you intended it to be? I have recently bought a replica stone trough of re-constituted stone which looks very convincing indeed. The circle could be edged with something like clumps of campanula which will be only too pleased to join forces in a very short time.
ReplyDeleteTalking about circular patches in the lawn puts me in mind of my daughter and son-in-law. They wanted a trampoline for the children but hated the idea of how obtrusive it would be with the added netting. They solved the problem by digging a circular hole in the lawn so that they could sink the trampoline into it making it level with the grass. It was a lot of hard work but works really well.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I thought you said on the other blog that the Doctors abandoned any pretence of C-19, or was it another series?
ReplyDeleteYes, it was Doctors Basia. Certainly no mask wearing or distancing in recent episodes that I have seen, and definitely no reference to vaccine clinics.
DeleteSorry, AP, my above suggestion of a circular, gravelled area with central stone planted featured has been completely upstaged - of course, the answer would be to install a sunken trampoline! I wish I'd thought of that.
DeleteI like the dog, Gary, but he would have been a bit big for the dolls' house!
ReplyDeleteI've updated my profile pic to show what my family were like. Except mine were wooden. And the dog's ears got chewed. I really don't recall the mum having such an awful face!
I think I’ve solved this week’s clues. The one that took the most time was the mayor one - I had to look at the map for that and then it took time to sink in - then it’s obvious! I liked 18.
ReplyDeleteI now have images of Mr and Mrs AP bouncing ever higher in their garden. Now knowing one had a rather accident prone childhood - Take Care AP.
ReplyDeleteI have tried 5 times today to reply to Sarnia. Every time I have had a ‘whooops, there is an error’ notice and my post won’t publish. I have tried all the usual ploys so here gives again:
ReplyDeleteSarnia
Thank you so much for your lovely suggestion.
I love it and so does Mr A. We had already done a miniature version in another part of the garden where plants just refused to grow under some fir trees
( you may, just, be able to see this in the tiny photo above)
We put down weed proof material, laid gravel on top and edged with some of those Victorian rop-topped edging tiles. Now we keep a collection of blue pots there holding my Heuchera collection and they are so much easier to look after.
It just hadn’t occurred to us to do the same on a much bigger scale on the dead circle. And we have an old sundial, which belonged to Mr A’s grandma to put in the centre. It will be perfect!
So thank you again for the excellent suggestion 😃 🪴🪴🪴
Mr & Mrs AP - that's made my day!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to send for your consultation fee Sarnia 🤣
DeleteSpicy - Only replying now, better than later.
ReplyDeleteYesterday's Doctors was so well done, with so many parallel scenes.
I am not telling all, as this would so spoil it - just watch again via i-player to keep the continuity to the climax.
I am liking that again, life is almost normal in Letherbridge, as in Ambridge.
I cannot see how Doctors could have been recorded, if all the staff of the medical centre, were in PPE all the time. It can be easily seen, as in other programmes, how social distancing is being done when recording.
I like seeing/hearing this sort of "normality". This helps due to all we see, around us, in our own daily lives.
PS There are still signs, relating to Covid visible and give a reference. To me only, it is nice that the siuation is being highlighted and not forgotten, but just more subtly.
DeleteI am missing posts from the Italian participants - Hilary and Gianna - plus mant others, both in Italy + also, world-wide
ReplyDeleteI hope, that all are well. I would love to know, how things are going, in different parts, in this world-wide situation.
Miriam I thought Hilary wrote a short post yesterday ?
DeleteHaving deleted Chrome from my iPad and reinstalled it I am going to try posting AGAIN !
ReplyDeleteReply to Soz - very amusing but you won’t get me in a trampoline. My balance is so bad that I’d spend all my time flat on my face. Think I’ll stick with Sarnia’s lovely idea and gaze at a sundial instead ! But thanks for making me laugh! 😂
Last time I tried a trampoline - over ten years ago - I managed two bounces then had to go inside and sit down for half an hour to get my balance back.
DeleteMiriam
ReplyDeleteI do not understand your post. I praised the programme yesterday and then Archerphile asked me what had happened as she missed the ending? I replied, telling her and suggested that she ought to watch it, as it was so well done.
I do not usually post spoilers or give-aways but in this case I was specifically asked.
I do not need to watch it via i-player as I saw the whole programme!
Very sincere and heartlfelt, apologies. I misunderstood obviously...Sorry 😣😣
Delete...and thanks for yet another reprimand!
DeleteI am not reprimanding you!
DeleteI do not recall ever 'reprimanding' you!
And reply to Spicy - thank you for putting me in the picture re Doctors. I managed to see a repeat of the episode on my iPad this afternoon whilst Mr A was glued to the cricket.
ReplyDelete(I’ m banished to the dining room with iPod whilst he hogs the main TV all day!)
It was certainly very well acted, especially by the boy who is a fantastic actor for one so young.
And I agree that the script and production were superb, so much better than when they returned after the first lockdown.
Thought today’s episode was very good too but don’t want to annoy Miriam by discussing the story!
Oh deary me - am in the dog house yet again, but that is totally fine..
DeleteThis site is to discuss any topic whenever when regardless
How lucky we are to have it..
Archerphile - I have had the cricket on all day too! I nearly lost heart mid-day as it was so dire but thought that perhaps the English bowlers could be equal to the Indians. Not yet anyway it appears!
DeleteBetter keep on with it though as I was so pleased that those of us without Sky could at last watch 'proper cricket.'
I'm hoping to go to our club in the summer. I obviously won't be doing the teas. Probably won't be permitted under Covid rules.
At present enjoying myself ordering outfits for youngest son's wedding in June. Then Jon has to then go to the carriers agents to return them!
Yes, isn’t it wonderful to have proper coverage (ignoring the adverts) of Test Match Cricket on ordinary TV again. I did watch some but it was a bit depressing seeing England doing so badly. I’m looking forward to seeing the new series in the summer if that will also be ordinary TV and if so, I think the gardening is only going to get done after dark!
DeleteGood news, but for me only.
ReplyDeleteMy little Sis, 64yrs, with a liver problem and other conditions, gets her 1st jab on Saturday morning.
She is so excited and I am so pleased for her, as she needs it.
It is lovely to hear any sort of positive news, no matter how small.
That’s not small news Miriam it’s great news 👏🏻 and so pleased for your little sis and a relief for all family too I suspect.
DeleteMy grand-nephew has his 7th birthday next week. I have ordered his pressie, on-line, to be delievered direct to neice, who will wrap it up, on my behalf to then give him.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hatsh, that so many kids, are spending birthdays in Lockdown, so no parties and outing with friends, etc.
They are missing so much fun, which must be detrimental to them, at the moment, as still subject to home schooling.
Two causes for celebration Miriam : )
DeleteI'm sure your neice will make sure your grand-nephew has a lovely birthday. Yes, 'tis a shame about lack of parties - but he should be able to have a fab one next year. Or perhaps a delayed one this summer.
Love your new profile photo OWiaS!
DeleteWhere is everyone -I’m first on 😀 as there are many ex teachers on here and daughters etc who are teachers, what are the thoughts on Summer Holiday teaching this year?As I understand it it will not be compulsory for either the children or the teachers who will be paid but I will be interested to hear thoughts. Some of it to be focused on the fun / social side I believe.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter who is a teacher has been doing her job on line as well as home schooling her own two children. She is going to have the extra work of doing all the pupil assessmens for those who won't be doing their exams. She's already exhausted so I doubt that she would want to work in the holidays and she would have the problem of childcare.
DeleteTotally agree I feel exhausted on her behalf 😴
DeleteLast year extras like university students were recruited. Katy’s feelings are that although she would be paid £10 per hour, she would rather have her summer holidays. Teachers do work hard and have a fair amount of stress so these holidays are very much needed. As it happens most of her students are on vocational courses which entail a lot of coursework and modules and none of them are behind in their work.
ReplyDeleteThat’s good to know Ev and teachers have certainly been working their socks off from what I hear. My neighbours daughter tells of the great support her sons school has given not only online but phone calls to her and her son who at 16yrs would have been due the big exams this summer. He has recently completed some mocks (?) as they used to be called...
DeleteHer other son is at the local college and has been very diligent with his online work but badly missing the practical side of his course and at 18yrs will be due to finish there this summer.
Watching Cricket and nobody could say it’s been uneventful this morning! 🏏
ReplyDeleteAnd it’s lovely seeing the sunshine, men in short sleeves and proper shadows on the grass, almost forgotten what a shadow looks like. ☀️
Wow for a minute there I though you meant sunshine here 🤣
DeleteArcherphile: I'm an avid watcher of 'Escape to the Chateau'. I find it truly absorbing, as I'm not only picking up ideas for the re-styling of my home, but noting with interest simple and canny ways of beautifying the large expanses of garden around the buildings which need careful but inexpensive dressing.
ReplyDeleteMany of them, such as the idea I passed on to you, are readily adaptable to much smaller gardens.
Had a face time call with my G daughter last night.
ReplyDeleteReally pleased to hear that her tutor who also teaches textiles on line in a college in New Orleans, has included in one of her on line courses, five examples, including Gdaughters, of work submitted by her present Westminster pupils, to illustrate how she wants work to be presented.
G daughter has worked diligently through lockdown and seems to be enjoying her work,
And pleased now to be back at University.
I'm very pleased that G d likes and admires her tutor.
All those teachers out there...... being such role models and inspiring our young.
Thank you.
You must all be so proud of her, Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteA niece of mine (no 5 as to my nieces + nephews) teaches primary children. She has been working, in school, contintually throught all the, now 3 lockdown periods.
ReplyDeleteShe has been teaching, many children of essential key workers, in her class.
Sadly, her own two young sons, are still at home with Dad, who is working from home and schooling, at the same time.
I do not know I they have coped.
I posted last night about Little Sis getting her jab on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI have just heard, her hubbie is getting his tomorrow. However he is booked into a centre, nearly 50 miles away, but decided to do it, regardless of the drive.
That will be all us more family seniors, being done with 1st dose.
Now for the next generation down, those in early 40's and younger.
It is amazing how quickly this is actually happening.
I just have, total admiriation for all, doing this vaccination programme.
I am booked into my surgery in 10days time, for normal (overdue) blood tests. This does not worry me at all, as important. I could have defered this, but it is needed, so why put it off.
DeleteYou can travel for medical reasons
DeleteAbsolutely Miriam 👏🏻
ReplyDelete(Wow that’s some drive 🚘 💉 for your b-i-l)
Sarnia - I have only seen one or two of the Chateau programmes but do admire the enterprise and sheer hard work of Mr Strawbridge and his wife. They seem able to take on any task, and nothing deters them. How I wish there was the same ethos in my immediate family!
ReplyDeleteThis is one TV program, that I just cannot watch nor relate to.
DeleteNot sure why - I just think that it has been very contrived and financed by Ch.4 to create a "show" but then, what do I know?
As usual, not a lot 🤣
I just enjoy the enterprise and sheer creativity of it. I wish our charity shops were like the French ones, brimming over with second-hand vintage china, furniture and garden features, instead of repositories for unwanted shoes and handbags!
DeleteDon't think many people round here have much vintage china, furniture and garden features on hand to donate.
DeleteBut as soon as the charity shops re-open they're going to be well-stocked with the results of everybody's latest lockdown clearout! I'm glad our shoe has a utility area to store the bags waiting to go to our local shop.
Their idea of 'vintage china' amuses me, as it looks identical to the crocks we had in the school staff room in 1967 - but then, they're all so much younger... ...
DeleteOWIAS - I have solved the latest three clues and thank you for the questions which I think are fun and challenging.
ReplyDeleteWell done Anneveggie, keep up the good work. There will be three more on Monday.
DeleteI'm very impressed at the speed of vaccinations in Great Britain. We are proceeding very slowly. Here in Emilia Romagna the over 70s are due for vaccinations in April. My son and daughter-in-law are teachers so will probably be vaccinated soon. We are now back in tbe orange zone as numbers keep going up. The schools have been open since September except for the seniors who go on alternate weeks.
ReplyDeleteThe weather has turned very warm so there are a lot of people out.
It is going amazingly well, but, and this is a big BUT, immunity is not immediate. The 2nd dose is the most important one, to finally get this, well hopefully. If further variants are found, then who knows?
DeleteStill, it is looking hopeful.
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ReplyDeleteGianna.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see you again.
It is interesting reading about your life in Italy.
Keep joining in as I love this.
🤗😁
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
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ReplyDeleteI have removed many comments I posted recently. They were just some inate rambling thoughts, which I doubt, would have been of any interest, to so many others.
ReplyDeleteNote to self:-
Must try harder + remember others.
...meant inane - not inate!
DeleteWhere is everyone today? Outside enjoying the sunshine I hope.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Gianna. Yes our rollout of vaccinations is going well. Most of the older people on this blog have had their first jab. I hope the increase in numbers in Italy is temporary.
I wanted to say to Janice and Miriam and anyone who might be interested, my rabbit meal was a success. I used a Hairy Bikers recipe in the end and the sauce was delicious. Preparation was a bit of a pain - it took a long time to joint and remove as many bones as possible but it was worth it. Janice I’ve made a copy of your recipe and will make a pie next time. Thank you.
✔😊
DeleteYes Soz - I have been outside most of the day or in the greenhouse trying to sort it out, get rid of junk stored there over the winter and generally get it ready for the tomatoes, cues and all the boxes of seeds we’ll be sowing and Dahlia tubers to start off under glass. It was so warm in there, like a fine summer day. I also planted up several tubs with violas, they are so pretty with their little faces in so many different shades.
ReplyDeleteThen the ONS Covid tester came to do this month’s tests and told us they are going to continue doing this until at least March next year to assess the effectiveness of whichever vaccine we have had. So the study has moved on a bit from the original purpose of just monitoring the spread of the virus.
We are just glad to be doing a little something to help.
Our tester came today too. Didn't mention the test extension though.
DeleteSoz, I'm glad your rabbit turned out well and tasty.
ReplyDeleteI think Lady had one yesterday, but she doesn't bother to cook hers before eating.
I heard a yelp, then silence. Called and called. When she finally appeared I could hear the end of the bones being chomped.
She also appeared to flush out two deer.
I was watching the installation of my 'little Greek house (ie new summerhouse) from time to time, but also feeling restless at being unable to find the customary peace in the garden. Still, the wall and reservoir for the spouting lion are prepared, the area has been levelled and prepared for the paving as well the base for the greenhouse. Next week I think it might be fencing and finally my wonderful Alhambra screens.
ReplyDeleteAP: I really liked your display of heucheras in their blue pots, so much so that if I may I would like to adapt the idea for the 'dead', more or less inaccessible corner beyond the summerhouse. C had already suggested cobbles around the sumac saplings to go in the corner, and I wasn't keen to start with, but now I've seen your arrangement I can see what to do with it.
Of course Sarnia, I should be flattered if you were to do the same. Over the years we had amassed so many garden pots and none matched. So a few years ago, when many garden centres had displays of beautiful blue glazed pots ( from Italy I think) that I decided all future pots and tub would be blue. Old ones were given to family and jumble sales.
DeleteNow we have a big collection, all sizes, some tall ones, some quite bulbous ones, but all BLUE! And it does bring a sort of symmetry to the garden and is perfect for showing off collections. I’ll try to improve the rather distant photo of that corner so you can see better.
Miriam, over the last few years my home gradually seems to have acquired a selection of en-suite teddy bears. Mr Fluffy the birthday bear turned up in 2019, Bertie the university bear is a memento of my very belated spell at Middlesex, Baby Bear, though cute, is of totally unknown provenance, possibly something to do with my daughter, and Old Ted (ie my utility bear, vintage 1945 and beloved by my son since his birth, holds court on a bed in the guest room, his poor old furless body now dressed in warm woolly clothes, waiting for Daniel to be allowed out of Wales.
ReplyDeleteI tell you this because they serve a very useful purpose: although they are not the world's greatest conversationalists they are excellent listeners, and I can ramble on with inconsequential thoughts to my heart's content in almost every room in the house, and they don't think any the less of me - or if they do they are far too polite to mention it!
Our dogs are good listeners too. Since we had them I have never felt lonely when Katy isn’t here. After years of being with Mike especially the 17 years or so of his retirement it was tough being on my own during the day which is why I took Gypsy on. Then of course she needed a dog companion and Buddy came along but he was only 6 months old and turning into a little old man so we thought he needed a younger companion hence Dudley. I never thought we would end up with three! Being rescues they all had their problems but they have been such good therapy for me. I should think cats are also good for loneliness easing but have never been a cat person myself.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, a lovely day, Katy was in her chalet with the door open and looked out to see Buddy doing a slow March towards her followed in line by Dudley and they duly arrived and settled on her sofa! They are so comical sometimes! Gypsy has just woken up and is barking for breakfast. In about an hour’s time after I have showered she will bark again for toast! Her appetite is not faltering although she is! She has certainly slowed down but still enjoys pottering on her walks.🐶🐶🐶
I always used to iron in the upstairs spare bedroom and talk to the wall whilst doing it to get things off my chest. Don't seem to need to do that anymore. Think it's because I walk about talking to myself all the time now. People in the supermarket must think I've escaped from some loony bin.....yes, I know, politically incorrect but that's me!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Shirley Valentine but I bet you didn’t go to Greece !
DeleteOnce upon a time, possibly so, PtbY, but since the widespread use of mobile phones, not any more. No one notices because they will assume you are conversing with someone on that facility that sounds like a disease of sheep - blue-tongue?
DeleteOoh, Ev, if I want to do a Shirley Valentine I'll soon just have to go to the bottom of the garden! No silver-tongued Greek fishermen, though :(
DeleteI do just the same. I talked to myself before lockdown but now it’s all the time. I even answer myself - at times it’s a full on discussion. I’ve always talked to plants.
ReplyDeleteWhen I eventually made it to Trent Bridge, I sent my father a text from the Green Room to tell him how England were doing. It seemed right though he had been dead for some years.
I think plants grow better if you say nice things to them!🌱🌷
DeleteI always talk to my Pusscat, and to any-one else, when it's possible, to do so.
ReplyDeleteI never talk to myself out-loud,
just only in my head.
....and yes, I reply do to myself, be it in mind only.
DeleteI have a smoked gammon joint, on a slow cook in the oven, along with cider + stock, and loads of veg.
ReplyDeleteIt will be "pulled" when eventually cooked, and this will provide me many meals.
Serving it tonight, with mashed pots, brussell sprouts, broccoli + green beans.
I will sort the the excess into many freezer containers, whilst listening to the Archers Omnibus tomorrow morning.
I’m with the talk out loud to yourself(ers) 🤣 and don’t forget if outside wearing a mask you are doing it under cover anyway - oh dear!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue tongue comment Sarnia no doubt it will follow the tooth before too long 😂
I have just watched the highlights of the funeral of Capt.Sir Tom Moore. It was very moving and brought a tear to my eye...BUT..
ReplyDeleteI just feel so much for so very, many others, who have also lost loved ones to this awful Covid virus, and could not give, nor attend,
a final service. To just say not to be able to say "Goodbye" in a dignified and heartfelt way, must have been so heartbreaking.
I hope others will understand what I meant, which was said, without any bias.
DeleteI understand precisely what you have said Miriam and agree with you.
DeleteIn the last fortnight I have been unable to support my oldest friend of sixty
years at the funeral of her husband.
Having lost a family member and a couple of close friends to Covid I agree that it's really hard not being able to support those left behind in the way one would want to.
DeleteSadly Miriam, many of us know exactly what you mean.
Delete*** MY EARLY MEMORIES ***
ReplyDeleteAutumnleaves, the blog is yours.... Enjoy!
Regarding talking to oneself, I not only do so out loud but I also talk to inanimate objects.
ReplyDeleteAt work I always thanked the drinks machine when it dispensed a coffee
I ask the fridge what it’s got inside for dinner to night
I praise the oven for cooking a meal especially well.
I always talk to plants I am pricking or or repotting and encourage them to grow well and enjoy their new compost.
I am constantly commenting about the stock, or lack of it, on supermarket shelves, saying things like ‘ I think I’ll try you this week’ to a new variety of soup.
I thought most people did this but now I’m not so sure. My family make fun of me when I thank the washing machine as I get the clothes out .
My motto is Manners Maketh Man, but perhaps I take it to far?
Just wonderful Archerphile I may just join your club it sounds (very polite) fun 🤗
DeleteIt's only when they answer you back that you need to worry ; ) (Mind you, with smart fridges, etc, that will probably become the norm soon ...)
DeleteAs a teacher, I was always very polite to the photocopier, even when it wasn't doing exactly what I wanted. Any hint of annoyance or impatience would provoke it into snarling up big time in order to cause me maximum hassle.
There is no need for such politeness with home printers. They just snarl up for the heck of it, whether you're nice to them or not, particularly when you have some urgent printing to do. Or else they are 'busy' or 'in use by another computer'. I suspect they are all made with a special 'teenager' chip.
I sometimes thank my car for working Archerphile. I've also been known to thank traffic lights which go my way. I always talk to my little dog and think it would be weird not to. Dogs can pick up on our moods and maybe the gist of what we are saying.
ReplyDeleteI used to give other drivers a piece of my mind. (From the safety of my car.) My driving instructor told me he'd never known there were so many stupid drivers until he'd taken me out for lessons a few times.
DeleteAP, your family may mock, but you are most certainly not alone!
ReplyDeleteTo add to my above comment it is the thank you that is the nice thing to do - I often dam and blast them 😂 so will ensure I change my ways immediately.
ReplyDeleteThe opposite with people though I love to be able to thank and praise more than complain ❤️
My dishwasher has given up after only three years and my washing up bowl has sprung a leak! I am happy though as the sun is shining! I may have to replace the dishwasher. It is slimline and integrated. Has anyone got a recommend re make and where best to buy a new one? I usually use Curry’s but willing to shop around.
ReplyDeleteSorry can't help as such.
DeleteWhen I need to replace an item, I just search for an equivalent item, with the needed essential features, such as size etc. and then wait to see what appears.
Remember:- delivery costs, installation costs + is the defunct one removed - which are all hidden costs.
Ev....I would usually go straight to curry’s but my son got his appliances for his new, first home from AO.COM. Excellent service. Their fridge wouldn’t fit due to the slope of the ceiling, after a phone call they got it taken away and a replacement the next morning.
DeleteI got a food mixer from them just before Christmas. Again, excellent service.
Will always check them if I need electricals now.
Also meant to say....I’ve always had Bosch dishwashers. Seem good.
DeleteWhen a niece needed a new wash machine a month ago, she also found that AO.com, had exactly what she wanted and the service was great, as installed + plumbed in, within 48hrs of ordering. Also the old one was taken away.
DeleteWorth looking into.
Ev, any make except the one you've currently got! Three years sounds pretty pathetic for a dishwasher : (
DeleteI avoided having one for years but then my parents moved and the new house had one built in. So they persuaded us to take the old one, a Bosch that was about 6 years old.
It was fine at first but then stopped draining properly. We learnt to unload it, scoop out the water, then do a pre-rinse to reset it. When we finally called an engineer he told us it was likely to be the main circuit board and it would be cheaper to buy a whole new machine.
Other disadvantages of the dishwasher:
The plates and bowls we had at the time didn't fit the racks too well.
The big pans, casseroles, etc that OMiaS uses don't fit too well either.
OMiaS packs it very inefficiently then sets it going half empty.
Half the stuff came out with baked on food still on it.
Something always turned upright and ended up full of water.
So several years ago we gave up and went back to the washing up bowl : )
I always thank people, for a job done well, those who serve me in shops politely, and my family.
ReplyDeleteThe latter comment sounds strange, as it is about family. This is when they take the time, to just get in touch, and just ask - How are you doing?
I thank them for thinking about me, which is so appreciated.
I don't take it for granted.
An example - Big Sis rang me every day for 3 days, after my first jab, just to see how I was doing and was I OK. I did thank her for this. I hope she appreciated, that it meant a lot, no matter how small.
PS I also thanked the person I talked to, at HRMC by 'phone, who quickly sorted things for me, as I needed.
Never thought I would thank the tax office...🤣🤣
Sorry, I digressed....
DeleteAs yet I haven't talked to my 'fridge, washing machine, cooker - but who knows?
Indeed Miriam - come on 😂🤣
DeleteWhen one of the shoe-dwellers was a baby, they always had to say 'hello' to whoever I was talking to on the phone. Then they would let me continue the call uninterupted. They even said 'hello' to the tax man - I think it made they guy's day!
DeleteMy Lil Sis + her hubbie, celebrate 40 years of marriage, in early May. As such they booked a property in Southwold, for themselves, the 3 children + 2 grandsons, for a getaway weekend and, for just a simple celebration.
ReplyDeleteShe has just heard, that this is now cancelled.
So many significant events have been cancelled over the last year, mind you any event would be significant at the moment. We haven't planned anything for the foreseeable future apart from ordering tickets for the Tatton Flower Show in July. I thought numbers might be restricted so took the plunge. 🤞
DeleteI love the Tatton Show, which I have visited very many times, but not for a while. I might just do the same, book, and then just hope!.
DeleteThanks for the reminder, as it is something to really enjoy.
On one visit, I watched Monty Don, doing a tv slot. What I enjoyed, was not him as such, but the cameras, sound booms, the production team etc. After 20mins, when on about the 4th take, I went off to view the wonderful gardens. After all, this was why I was there - along with the pig roast in a bun, lunch spot!
I’ve never been to the Tatton Show. I like Hampton Court show but have been told northerners do it better!!! So maybe I’ll venture up there if not this year then next.
DeletePerhaps a northern meet up, at Tatton RHS Show in 2022?
DeleteSounds like a good idea.
DeleteI went to the very 1st RHS Tatton Show. I cannot believe, after looking it up, that this was in 1999!
DeleteAlso I went on the members day, that year, the day before the general opening, but still not sure how nor why....
I'm really looking forward to the opening of the new RHS garden Bridgewater in May, it looks as though it's going to be amazing with its 11 acre walled garden.
DeleteThe last 2 weeks have seen wave after wave of cranes heading in your direction, Basia, also storks, set fair for this week. 🙂
ReplyDeleteAll 3 OWiAS! 🤣
ReplyDeleteMy dishwasher is called ........ (ie, Sarnia) and it only operates very reluctantly.
ReplyDeleteHave always held conversations with myself. Not always productive.
ReplyDeleteCats have always been & continue to be very helpful.
Our dishwasher is Mr P.
ReplyDeleteDuring the last year I have become increasingly reluctant to do my washing up.
ReplyDeleteCurrently every third day.
I've never wanted a dishwasher.
Deep down I feel that they are immoral.
We first had a dishwasher when we lived in Hong Kong. In the relentless heat I was finding it difficult to cope with a baby and two older girls and we decided to make life easier by buying a microwave and a dishwasher. We then carried on with both when we came back to UK. Apart from the convenience dishwashers sterilise crockery and cutlery and make glasses sparkle. Immoral, Mrs P? Why? No more immoral than not washing up if you don’t mind me saying!😊
ReplyDeleteI think it may be connected with the energy use of a dish washer. Depends a lot whether you have an eco efficient one and if you wait until you can completely fill it before using it, in which case a small household might not be washing dishes for a day or two or three.
DeleteI rather like hand washing dishes, think I never grew out of the childhood love of making pretty bubbles.
Mrs P: although use of the word 'immoral' is possibly a bit strong, I understand your concern for water conservation. Younger family members with dishwashers assure me that they are more economical that hand-washing, but I gather that's only compared with the American habit of washing dishes under running water. A one- person household generates few dishes and one session a day is the most frequent of options.
DeletePersonally, I'm finding this bereavement rather like a jellyfish with a very long tail: every time I think I think I've dealt with the last of it, another bit creeps up on me and I'm stung all over again. As well as managing the details of landscaping, which are far more complex than I had realised, I'm still overwhelmed by the logistics of household re-organisation with the constraints of lockdown and drowning in postponed paperwork. Often I'm too tired and the dishes just have to wait.
I would endorse Miriam ‘s recommendation of AO. Com (Appliances Online )
ReplyDeleteThey have a tremendous selection of appliances from all manufacturers, give very good descriptions of each one, let you compare between models, have really reliable customer comments, often have excellent offers and, best of all, wil deliver next day if you want.
I never buy replacement domestic appliances from anywhere else now, and neither does my daughter.
When my tall freezer finally broke down in the middle of last years early heatwave, I ordered a new one from AO and it was delivered next morning, meaning I didn’t loose any frozen food. And for a few £s extra they took away and disposed of the old one which is difficult to do these days.
We tend to use John Lewis, although I have used AO without issue. I just have more faith in John Lewis if something happens as occasionally it does.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve just had trouble with our 13 month old microwave and had to deal with Panasonic directly as it came under the manufacturer’s warranty. A slow & complex affair requiring us to send multiple photos before they agreed with our diagnosis, we had read the manual, and sent us a code to give the supplier for a replacement or refund. We now have a Samsung!
I should also like to add my praise for Bosch appliances
ReplyDeleteOur Bosch dishwasher now 19 years old and has only ever required a new door lock switch in all that time, easily fitted by Mr A
My Bosch washing machine is 15 years old and still working perfectly
My Bosch tumble drier is 8 years old and ditto
My new Bosch freezer is only 1 year old, but so much better & quieter than the old Hotpoint one
My Bosch kettle is 6 years old and doesn’t leak like my old Phillips one.
I am so impressed with their build quality, reliability and features that I look to this brand first whenever we need a new appliance.
P.S. note to Bosch ...after all that praise can I have a discount on my next purchase please? 😉
Oh, and I nearly forgot:
ReplyDeleteHapus Dydd Gwl Dewi!
Happy St David’s Day to any of our Welsh bloggers and their families. 🌼
Well said Archerphile on all counts! Especially your St David’s day greetings actually in Welsh 👏🏻
ReplyDeleteLike you (Bosch) fridge / freezer combined 19 yrs old this year - will have to brave a new one before too long I think.
Bosch coffee machine
Bosch washing machine about 6/7 years old replaced quickly when Mr R was indisposed was a lower model than my previous Hotpoint and is not a good spinner of towels in particular which model do you have AP and does it spin well?
Cusinart kettle with temp control - recently replaced with same model (after 9 yrs) only difference is that new one has a shiny lid and part handle combined with the same brushed stainless steel body.
Microwave needs replacing b-i-l says to get a flat bed Hotpoint I had never heard of such a thing no plate involved so more room when / if needed. Has anyone here got such a microwave 🤔
Hello everyone! Here are my earliest memories. They all happened when I was around 3.
ReplyDelete1. I remember trying to copy a glamorous singer called Kathy Kirby.she was a Marylin Monroe lookalike. But the thing that struck me the most was her glossy lips and this was on a little black and white tv.
So every time i got a tube of smarties I used to take the red ones and smear them over my lips to look like her.👄👄
2. My younger sister was born in the house and I vividly remember the district nurses coming to the house to check on my mum. Of course I had no idea where this sister would sprout from as in those days children were never told and the word pregnant was never used in front of us. Anyway the nurses came to give my mum a check up and for some reason they were using my bedroom (I had Huckleberry Hound wallpaper). I must have kicked up quite a stink because one of the nurses took me in and went straight to the window and told me I had to watch for my daddy coming home for his dinner. Every time I tried to turn round, she turned my head back to the window. But I did catch a glimpse of my mum lying on my bed with the other nurse holding a huge egg timer on my mum's tummy while she had her ear on the other end.
3. My dad had a cousin who used to come and visit. He thought it was great fun to catch me and tickle my feet. It was torture and every time he came I would hide under the couch. Everyone thought it was funny.
The memory I have is that his brother was getting married and I was to present a horseshoe to the bride outside the church. My mum took me by the hand towards the bride and all was fine until I saw "the cousin" standing right behind the groom. Of course he had been the best man. I remember starting to pull away from my mum to run away and hide and she ended up having to drag me up with tears running down my face.
I have a photo of the event.
Parsley - my sister sent me a video of two storks fighting over a nest and the one who won made loud victorious clacking noise.
ReplyDeleteHieronymus Bosch - a Dutch painter, but not to my liking.
Autumnleaves - what lovely clear memories you have.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad ( who sometimes moonlighted playing in dance bands in the evenings) was besotted with Kathy Kirby. Whenever she came on TV he would start singing her praises and saying how good she was. My Mum got very jealous of this TV singer and refused to watch, always going out of the room with some excuse! I loved her short blonde hairstyle, turned up at the ends and was desperate to have my hair cut like it.
“Once I had a secret love” 🎼🎤 a little Marilyn Monroe ish?
DeleteDoris Day - Calamity Jane ?
DeleteDidn't she sing with Billy Cotton's band?
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteOur currently unused dishwasher is a Bosch it was a little over 6 years old when it started playing up.
ReplyDeleteOur first washing machine was a Creda it lasted about 5 years, with various repairs. When it broke down shortly before the second shoe dweller was born we replaced it. The next lasted about 4 years. In that time the motor brushes worn down and had to be replaced, and we had to get the engineer out twice because coins, etc had got stuck in the inaccessible filter. The last time it broke down we didn't even bother to call the engineer.
Our Miele lasted about 19 years. It would have gone on longer if we had got around to having the torn rubber door seal replaced. Several months of Heath Robinson fixes with Duck Tape probably weren't good for it.
I have high hopes of our current Miele giving similar service.
About ten years ago we bought a fridge-freezer with good eco credentials. I was fine for some time but then we noticed the milk didn't keep and the top shelf wasn't very cold. The very nice engineer told us it had developed a leak and engineers were not allowed to fix and refill them. The was OK at the time but would also die at some stage. So, he told us, we basically had 'a cupboard with a light'.
Current fridge-freezer is Samsung, it's doing well - so long as you don't look at the chaotic way everything is stored inside it!
Our friends replaced their washing machine with a Miele quality at the price required special pods needed but self cleans the dispenser drawer (if I’ve got that bit right) and I believe their vacuum cleaner is the same make.
DeleteKevin the Kettle is unbranded but has never leaked (unlike our previous 'eco' jugkettle for m Kenwood). Nor has he ever developed an electrical fault. He is easy to descale with vinegar and if the outside needs cleaning he goes in the sink.
ReplyDeleteBefore anyone has a fit at my lack of electrical safety awareness, I should point out that Kevin has no electrical wiring and sits happily on our gas hob when we require boiling water : )
👏 🤣
DeleteMind the Gap....
ReplyDelete16. Former Mayor appears quite sick = Kensal Green (one of my favourite clues)
17. A crossing for Sir Lancelot = Knightsbridge
18. Keeping the low-tech classroom supplied = Chalk Farm
Stand clear of the closing doors please ...
19. Mad as a dog
20. Maidstone, for example
21. Dark monks
How are people getting on? This week's stations shouldn't be too tricky. Have fun!
Well, I wasn't too hopeful and was right, so only 14/18.
DeleteKensal Green very good, we came up with Borough!
Chalk Farm, we lived there, but came up with Oak Wood.
We'll try harder this week.
Thank you Owias.
I've got 19 & 21 without looking and possibly 20 on further thought.
DeleteAll last week’s correct but still leaves me 16/18😕. Thought Chalk Farm a clever clue - brought back memories of years, piece of chalk in hand scrawling on the board, hoping there were no spelling mistakes!
DeleteBasia, this quiz is showing its age! You can have a point and a gold star for Borough. I've added it to my list of answers, thank you.
DeleteI thought Mrs.P's 'immoral' might be linked to a feeling that a dishwasher is a luxurious, decadent thing, a view that my family took. As soon as I got a kitchen big enough to house one, I bought one, and they were won over within the first week. My last one broke about three years ago, and I couldn't justify the expense of replacing it, however, just before Christmas, I needed a pick-me-up, and got another. It was the cheapest model I could find, it is loud, ugly and clanky, I call it Svetlana, it is made by Bush, bought from Argos, and I love it.
ReplyDeleteI use it at least once every day on a quick cycle, I don't cook every day, but certainly eat, no bother filling it, and I do the dog dishes every 2/3 days on a seperate wash.
I regard it more as a magic cupboard than an appliance, I store used things in it, and they come out clean!
👏👏👏
DeleteGary, your heading picture of the Fisher Price dog just makes me feel sad. Later on, I will put up my little dog, now 60+, the one toy I kept from childhood. He is in much better fettle than yours! I used to spend a lot of time spinning his ears, and sometimes still do....
ReplyDeleteRunning total 16/18, last lot ✔️✔️✔️, enjoyed Kensal Green & Chalk Farm! The latest clues look OK 😊
ReplyDeleteAO.com certainly have a really good range of dishwashers. They can’t fit it though as the delivery people on the island are not directly employed by them and they haven’t got the expertise so I will have to get a plumber in to do that. I’m still debating but impressed they will deliver to the island free. With a lot of large items there is a hefty surcharge because of the ferry!
ReplyDeleteEV.......It's nowt of a job to plumb in dishwasher. I just make sure I put a jubilee clip round the pipe where it's over the plumbing piping. If you are unsure just watch a you tube vid. Save trying to find a plumber and the expense.
DeleteWHAT 😱 no home mechanics for us! So Ev......
DeleteIt would be easy but it is an integrated job so needs to be attached to cupboard door. I had my doubts about this when the kitchen was fitted but was persuaded into it. It does limit choices now and makes life complicated!
DeleteI feel I was a bit hard on Mrs P and apologise. I can see concerns about the electricity and water used by these machines which is why I am looking at the best rating for both. My washing machine is eco friendly and I do try to cut down my energy usage.
Lovely thoughts re electrical appliances I have a costly Bosch integrated fridge, put in when my kitchen last done, purely as the interior design, suited how I use + organise my fridge.
ReplyDeleteMy Niece, who bought the new washing machine recently, chose a Miele. This is a "smart" one, so she can operate it from her 'phone and has a 10year gaurantee.
Why? She + partner, are both working from home, so can easily put the "on" switch on, manually, when needed. The utility room is only off the kitchen
This has to be a generation thing. Why pay for gizmo's not actually needed..
This just baffles me. 😣😐
I need to replace my freezer, this summer.
DeleteI will do this, like-to-like. All I need is one to suit my needs, and not a fancy one, and an electric efficient one.
However, I would hope that I can go + see what is available, to then be able to decide.
That’s exactly what I think about cars Miriam. I love my little 21 year old Micra which doesn’t have:
DeleteElectric Windows (I can easily wind them up and down)
Air conditioning (not necessary for my once a week trip to Sainsburys)
CD or Cassette player ( the radio is fine for my short trips)
Central Locking ( what’s wrong with a key for a 2 door car)
A dashboard that looks like Blackpool illuminations ( which simply confuses me)
As long as it keeps on passing it’s MOT it’s all I need. 🚗 🥰
For me a "smart" washing machine machine would be one that sorted the washing, loaded and unloaded the machine and put it on the line to dry
DeleteArcherphile.
DeleteIs that comment about a car, directed to me?
Yes. I did buy a new car last year, with lots of extra features, and just love it. It suits my needs. I love the reversing camera, the automatic headlights + wipers, the ergometral comfortable seats, the GPS system and what the screen shows me.
My Mini had cental locking: you could reach out your arms and lock both doors at once ; )
DeleteThank you for making me laugh on a pretty gloomy day😃
DeleteAutumnleaves.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for your lovely memories.
I can relate to these in some ways
- new babe suddenly appearing in the home, with midwives visiting
- a wedding, where Dad was the Best Man.
Me + Big Sis, were dressed in identical tartan dresses with white collars, with identical hair + hair-slides. I still have a small B+W photo of this. Little Sis, only 18 months old, went to the park and was cared for elsewhere.
Thank-you, for bringing other memories to me.
My dad, age about 6, was a pageboy once. He wore a kilt and was not impressed. (The suitcase containing the kilt nearly got lost on the bus but, unfortunately for Dad, it got rescued in time.)
DeleteMany years later we were at Granny's funeral. All these relatives kept coming up to Dad saying, 'The last time we saw you, you were so high and wearing a kilt.' Dad was not amused.
(Later he learnt to appreciate his Scots heritage and wear the family tartan with pride.)
Lanjan usually looks in for the Owias Quiz on Mondays, hopefully she'll do later...
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, and others.
ReplyDeleteI am 2/3rds through the Anne Cleeve book - The Long Call.
This is the first of a new series set in Devon.
I am enjoying it as a read, but I am not sure if Anne Cleeves actually wrote it. It seems the story was told and another "ghost" writer, then put it onto paper.
However, it is a new character, whose personal life + police career, needs to be developed in a more substanial way.
I am not dismissing this new series of books, just yet.
Rubbish
ReplyDeleteChalk Farm
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started teaching I had a blackboard.
As fellow teachers will know, clean boards have to be primmed by coating the whole surface with chalk, otherwise it's very hard to wipe off anything written on them.
So, the first September I dutifully scribbled over the whole surface with my chalk.
The second September I realised it was quicker to use the side of the chalk.
The third September I watched my head of department do it in seconds with the board rubber - doh!
I didn't have much luck with OHPs either. Mine was thoughtfully fitted with a spare bulb in case one blew. What I never did remember was that you needed to turn the projector off before switching bulbs. Hence my bulbs always needed replacing in pairs - double doh!
I just so hope, that every-one, are all still well and healthy.
ReplyDeleteMistral what do you eat on non cook days - salad?
ReplyDeleteI love a salad, but not just now.
DeleteOn my non-cook days, I just ping a portion of a meal, from the freezer. I do cook veg to go with it. Does this count as cooking?
I need a Rant.
ReplyDeleteI hope that this is OK...
This is about what I have seen + read today, about parties in flats/houses with 50 persons, gatherings of 250 people at outside events, plus the many who flocked to beaches/parks in the very welcome sunshine, with a total lack of social distancing.
What my rant is - the break of the Lockdown rules. This could now put the way out of this situation, back for all.
I just wish, many can just understand why the rules are in place and why breaking them, will not only effect them, but the whole country.
I think that many just do not understand the implications, of their actions.
Rant Over!! 😣
Yes I have been very OTT.
DeleteIt is a selfish thought, I realise this.
All I want to do, is to drive to very many different UK areas, to then be able to visit and stay with,family + friends, and to hug them all.
This is my dream, but will it happen?
Well The Queen tried her best 💉 bless her.
DeleteThank you for the clues. I have 20 and 21 and am working on 19.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your early memories Autumnleaves. Would the tickling on a child who's not enjoying it be called child abuse nowadays?
Yes, Annieveggie, that thought re abuse occurred to me too.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to several comments re my 'immoral ' comment about washing machines.
Yes, water and energy use my reasoning, but I do know that manufacturers are improving the ecological benefits. But it hasn't changed my mind (yet ! )
Some may remember that I am obsessed (?), certainly highly engaged, with the flagrant use of water. Nothing comes out of my taps to be immediately flushed down the drain.
Spare water ( if needing hot, for instance the cold water until hot) is collected in plastic milk bottles, and then used for rinsing. If the collection of bottles becomes too many then it is poured into the washing machine for the next wash. This also applies in the bathroom and collected cold water used in the bath.
My family are irritated by this habit, but ( on the whole) respect it.
In turn I am incensed by the amount of water that is wasted in both daughters households. Despite one SinL being an environmentalist.
The other SinL is just profligate in most area of life and I despair.
That daughter and him, have two washing machines and two dishwashers due to creating a very large property which when rented out as a holiday home to a certain kind of 'social class' requires ' the very best (!).
I am incensed, but bite my tongue. They were raised by me with my values, but as adults
they have chosen their own values and are no longer my responsibility.
All of this ' water' thing has developed throughout my life, but the origins derive from my fathers experience in Africa, and the paucity of water there.
Daily I am aware that the world is full of places where woman ( sometimes children) are required to walk distances amounting to miles for some, each day, to fetch water for use by the family for cleanliness and cooking.
I am getting towards the end of my life, but my grandchildren will, without doubt witness
water wars somewhere in this world during their lifetime.
Ev - thank you for your apology, but it wasn't necessary. I wasn't offended.
Archerphile- as you know I am deeply envious of you still having your Micra.
I finally had to abandon mine at twenty two years. I hope you can do better than me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteShould have inserted DISH before washing machines.
ReplyDeleteI did feel the same about washing machines for many years, but eventually overcame my disdain. But I don't use my washing machine now as much as once weekly, so forgive myself my profligacy.