MrsP AmbridgeMarch 13, 2021 at 5:21 AM Do not feel guilty for being so pleased and to be able to tell us on here Janice. Wonderful news and good news to share. Others will get their turn in due course.
Hilary - March 13, 2021 at 6:52 AM That's heart-warming news, Janice! I think hearing happy news spreads the happiness around a little.
Ev - March 13, 2021 at 8:05 AM Lovely, Janice. I hope their tests will continue to be clear and you can have a hug before too long! 😊
Lanjan - March 13, 2021 at 8:35 AM Lovely to hear good news,Janice. It is out there. Amazingly I have had something good happening to or for me every day recently-some of them relating to kindnesses from Archersfan friends I met in London.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 9:57 AM That's good to hear and from you Lanjan.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 9:58 AM Great news Janice, getting closer with each day.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 10:47 AM Hello Spicy, if you read now and then. If you prefer to slip in on the other side I hope we didn't make too much noise, it made me smile when I saw your name.
Cheshire Cheese - March 13, 2021 at 11:08 AM That's good news Janice, there's no reason for you not to write your good news it's nice to hear some.
Janice too late to add my pleasure at your news on the old blog, but like everyone else it is so lovely to hear of something joyful happening. Thank you for telling us. (Or ‘sharing with us’ as people seem to say these days) 😃
And Lanjan, thank you for reminding us to find something nice to think about every day.
Today, I am enjoying seeing the first daffodils blooming along our driveway and watching a fat little Robin trying, so hard, to cling onto the bird feeder to peck at the birdseed. He’ll manage it soon!
Lanjan lovely to hear your blogger (London) meet up has resulted in them being able to show their sympathy and support to you at a more personal level something many of us would love to have been able to do. Gary has given us all a lift today with his gorgeous field of daffodils page header 🤗
I have a lovely clean kitchen floor, which is now a shade lighter. Also my feet don't stick to it any more! I hate washing it, as I do it on my hands + knees. The floor is ceramic tiles, but it is the grout between them, which is convex, so clean with a toothbrush! A mop or steamer, doesn't get into the slight grooves.
My front garden, is now awash with spring bulbs. I have taken a 'photo, to remind me which bulbs will need to be re-planted. When I finally organise my new paved driveway, this will be wider and encroach on the front flower bed.
I will need to relocate a bunch of hyacinths, and one of fanstatic narcissi. When should I move these - in that move them when they stop flowering and still green, or when have totally died down? Any advice, will be gratefully received.
My project of the replacement driveway + new side-gates, won't happen, for still many months, to come. Hence, my question.
When totally died down Miriam. Remove the dead flower heads but leave the leaves on to build up the bulbs for next year. Don’t cut them off but wait until they have gone yellow/brown. Then you can lift the bulbs. Alternatively transfer them (complete with leaves) to pots of compost, water & leave in sun until the above happens. Then, next autumn you can plant them straight from the pots into their new positions.
Not really close enough to tell Hilary, but certainly a fruit of some description. As the blossom is pink, probably cherry and we are soon coming to the famous cherry blossom time in Japan, so the timing could be right.
Thank you, Miriam. Italy is doing very badly at present. Shops have all been open in most areas for months, curfew at 10pm, schools open up to 14 year olds and 50% remote learning for older pupils but as from Monday most areas will be "red zone", ie top tier so schools and all non-essential shops closed. The vaccine roll-out is very slow but the good news is I can apply for my vaccination online as from Monday. So far only 80-year-olds, health workers and teachers have had their jabs.
We have been comparatively free up to now even if we were in the orange zone (in Emilia Romagna) As Hilary said we are all in red zone now. Except for Sardinia. My son and daughter-in law had their vaccinations on Tuesday as they are both teachers. They were both unwell for 3 days (slight temperature and headaches. It was the Astra Zeneca which both my sister and brother in law had without problems. We are now back to red zone probably until after Easter.
Archerphile and Others - will you watch tomorrows drama - Grace? I so know the Peter James books, and I have my own images + thoughts about the characters. In one way I would like to watch, but in another way, perhaps not. My conundrum is that a TV presentation and series, often changes the plot from the original book, and the characters are portrayed differently. I hope that this will not happen to Roy Grace. To me the Inspector Lynley series, was portrayed wrongly as to the characters, as was the Shetland tv series. Vera, my gripe was that the plots were changed too much, and not as per the original book. I think I will record, and then decide whether to continue watching, or just stop and delete.
I'm going to record it and will probably watch it. One concern I have is that John Simm, although a good actor, is 50 years old and Grace was age 38 in the first book. Squeezing two books into one 2hr (1hr 45m with the intro and ads) programme won't be easy. I'll be interested to see how it's done.
Two books? I thought it was only he first one. This intrigues me even more now... I so agree about the age difference, as he is meant to be a lot younger.
I hadn’t heard about this dramatisation. I certainly wouldn’t choose John Sim as my Grace either, so I doubt I’ll watch. Never forgotten how excited I was when they announced that Peter Robinson’s DCI Banks books were to be televised. Never forgotten how devastated I was to find they had chosen Stephen Tompkinson to play the part of Banks. Totally unbelievable. And the plots were mangled for TV.
Archerphile the nice thing that happened to me was .......... The daughter of a friend telephoned me to say that she would do an M and S shop for me ,drop it off and then we could have a walk in our nearby park. This is a working woman with two little daughters. She had a 70 mile round trip to do that including having to drive along a stretch of the M25.. It was really lovely. Aren't people kind?
Yes, indeed Lanjan. She certainly pulled out all the stops to be with you and that was exceptionally kind. She must also be brave to drive on the M25. Don’t think I could manage that. Glad you enjoyed your walk.
The nice thing for me today was that my daughter and younger G daughter came to visit and took me in the car to walk Lady in her, and my, favourite place. It was so lovely to see Lady free off lead running and sniffing out the rabbits. She has been walked, slowly, on lead for a week and has been so patient. Also very pleased to hear from GD that she is volunteering at the Bath hub for Covid vaccinations, and building up her points for her Duke of E Award and giving her experience to add to her application to medical school.
That's nice, Mrs P. Lady is a lucky dog. She would be the envy of all Italian dogs who are never allowed off the lead anywhere, except in small, fenced off designated areas in public parks and even there notices say they should officially be wearing a muzzle. And in towns the lead must be extended no more than 1.5 metres.
I think the part about length of leads in towns is sensible. I have often seen dogs on fully extended leads on pavements alongside a busy road. It is so easy for the dog to be distracted by something on the other side of the road and to dash out into the traffic. The owner has no control at all. Our boys have a joint lead. Buddy is let off it in the woods at Quarr and as he has been to training and has good recall that’s OK. Dudley finds it confusing being off lead so usually stays on it. Our dog walker goes to lovely countryside walks and Buddy has his freedom but Dudley would probably panic with all the other dogs milling around so he stays on the lead. Buddy keeps coming back to check he’s OK! Of course they have the freedom to roam around in the garden and Dudley likes a perambulation every morning! Dudley loves seeing the pigs and sheep at Quarr especially when the piglets and lambs appear. He is just fascinated by them!
On this Mother’s Day, I am thinking of poor Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe appearing before the court in Tehran again this morning. Apparently, although they were asked, the British Embassy have refused to send anyone to accompany her. Why? This poor woman and her family have been through hell and back and Britain seems to be doing very little to help her, or them.
There has been justified outcry at the murder of Sarah Everard this week. Time for a similar outcry about the treatment of Nazanin and for our government to take positive action to bring her home.
Sorry for the rant but I feel very strongly about thus and have done so since she was first arrested.
Motivation ? Embarrassment I would think. No British government is going to honour that tanks deal and they don't know what else to do, through either lack of imagination or some long held belief as to how to act in foreign dealings. And one woman and her family are sacrificed. Collateral damage. And inhumane.
I spend every news report about her muttering to myself ' poor woman, poor woman '. Disgusting !
Hilary - Thank you for telling us about the conditions and rules about dogs in Italy. Like Gary I had no idea. As you may remember, I've had conditions required of me about exercising Lady off lead with a requirement to muzzle her around other dogs. I am most reluctant to do so and choose instead to do a round trip of six miles daily to allow her freedom where I can see from afar other dogs, and so put her back on the lead. She is coping with this well, and uses the freedom that she is allowed, to run and leap over rough ground in a natural state. And it's working, as she understands and knows now that she is to be controlled when other dogs appear. Personally I consider it a cruelty to rescue a dog from whatever horrifying conditions they might previously have experienced but then to deprive them of the freedom that they must have felt along with the fear, in return for a home and the comforts that go with that. I believe they should have both, and that it's incumbent upon me to ensure that is so. Unfortunately, being unable to drive at the moment means that Lady is deprived for the time being. I feel very sorry for the dogs in Italy.
I think the ultimate cruelty is not walking a dog at all. Gypsy spent the first six years of her life in the house and garden of her first owner, an old lady. She was petted and indulged but deprived of the right of every dog to sniff around and enjoy walks. Even now in her twilight years although she is slow she walks along with waggy tail and having a good sniff around. At the moment I keep her on the lead as we just go up the road to a small grassy area by some bungalows but in the less muddy times coming up I will take her down to the creek where there is more open ground and I let her off the lead. Being blind she likes to go around in circles so is easily retrieved if another dog. comes along. She just ignores them but some like to investigate her! Buddy also spent his early life being confined to the garden. He is full of energy and loves his walks. He is very small but runs like a greyhound with ears streaming out behind him! Dudley is far more ponderous and if given the chance would just lie down all day when not guarding the house! Once you get him going he does enjoy walking and having a good sniff around! They both react with joy when the dog walker comes and can’t wait to get in the van with the other dogs who invariably give them a welcoming bark! It has been good exercise for them as well as socialising them with their mates! Mrs P, I admire you for the love and attention you give to Lady. It can’t be easy as you say after her early life of freedom tempered with the need to defend herself.
I am loving reading your posts about your Mothers Day and your dogs, esp. the Italian only way of excercisng dogs. This almost sounds cruel, as dogs need the outside excercise and should run free, when able to do so. At least PussCat takes herself off, to do just what she wants to do. I always know, when she has had a good "outing" as she then, charges around the house, her toys go everywhere. Sady these days, it takes her a couple of days to recover..😿 She was not happy, when I disturbed her this morning, when I changed the bed. She sat on the bedroom window-sill, just scowling at me! I cannot believe, how many facial expressions a cat can do. It is interesting.
Off to cook. A chicken, chorizo, pepper + rice dish, plus a braised red cabbage, apple mess. Both will cook in the oven together, at the same temp. and for the same time.. The herb + spice containers will appear - but not sure what to add in yet...but thinking smoked paprika, nutmeg, cloves or even sage, in the two dishes - not just in one. I will also experiment, with what stock - vegetable, beef or chicken, and who knows, I might just put in some cider!
PS I have a red onion, which needs using up, so it will be utilised. Sadly, I am like the saying - a pub with no beer - as I have no garlic! I cannot believe I have let myself run out..😣
I was pleased to see that Archerphile, at 9.03am, mentioned Nazamin Z Ratcliffe on Mothers Day. Last night I wrote a post, then deleted it almost immediately, as I felt it was far too sensitive. This was to do with the Sarah E. case, and how her mother must feel today..
This Mothers Day, this year, must be absolutely awful for so many, due to Covid. I feel for all those who have lost daughters, or Mum's, as a result of this ongoing Pandemic, over the last year.
My wishes and thoughts, are with all those, so affected.
Yes Miriam I thought of Sarah Es mother today. I am very grateful that my daughter and G daughter felt able to visit me yesterday and I had a long chat with my other daughter on the phone today.
But I also wonder how woman such as you Miriam, who do not have children and no longer have a mother feel on this day when it is usually so highly advertised.
Mrs P. It is just a day, which has no immediate feel now, for me personally. However, I enjoy hearing how others have been treated + spoilt I have just seen, some wonderful 'photos from family, eve, which mean a lot to me. It is something, I just accept and I am thrilled, for so many others...
We had daphne tested for hip displascia due to one of her litter mates being diagnosed with it and who is now awaiting a hip replacement op when he reaches 10 months. We were advised to just lead walk her whilst x-rays were sent to an orthopaedic surgeon. So we spent a week doing this whilst waiting. It was awful. She’s crap on a lead, constantly fighting her nose harness. Results were good and she is now off lead again. First time off after a week she was fair giddy with excitement. So back to walks in the forest, when it dries up a bit, chasing deer smells and having a jolly good romp about.
Relief for you and husband that you won't be having enormous vet bill for hip replacement PtbY. And I can imagine Daphne running and sniffing just like Lady.
I have noticed in my new tv book that tomorrow 15th March a new series of The Repair Shop is due to start - BUT to 4.30pm NOT 8pm! I thought it was moved to prime time because of its success.... Maybe the figures dropped in that slot because the BBC would call it an old people’s programme. Apparently that is why they stopped Eggheads ( I had not realised that they had) but Mr R read this online yesterday. However as with the The GBBO it has been picked up by an ITV channel once again - Channel 5 this time.
I read an article that said the BBC are going all out for younger audiences and are putting the awful ‘yoof’ Channel, BBC 3 back on mainstream TV again in the autumn. But Channel 5 are now picking up older audiences with the new version of All Creatures Great and Small, Susan Calman’s campervan trips round the country and Eggheads. I don’t mind that, but we can’t stand the adverts, so have to record every programme and watch later.
We didn’t get our copy of Radio Times delivered this week (we have an annual subscription) apparently due to hold ups at the Post Office. I just hope we get a refund for this week or an extension of the subscription because it’s a bl...dy expensive magazine these days.
Of course AP “ All Creatures” I’d forgotten that one. Also some way back the BBC turned down “Last Tango in Halifax” because there would be very little audience for a drama being headline by an older couple. How wrong could they have been the viewing figs for it on ITV were enormous 🤣 two points we keep hearing that youngsters do not watch tv but many older people do (through health issues many are very grateful for it) so why not make the most of this. Going forward if as those very youngsters do not conform then I can’t imagine what will be the fate of the industry.... The Adverts can be an issue but handy for a bathroom visit or making a drink 🤗 and one can pay to have them cut out from catch up 😱
I’m watching the original “All Creatures ...” I think it’s thursday on bbc 4. Although I enjoyed the new version, I don’t think it as good as the original which captured the essence of Yorkshire and its characters. The new one is too clinically clean by comparison. Would be interested to know what our Northeners think.
Archerphile, you might be able to get the online copy of Radio Times for free via your local library. We can - and I host of other magazines should we wish. It's not as convenient as the paper version but it's a lot cheaper! Might be worth a look when your subscription is up for renewal. (I used to look at the online version every week - but mainly for the crossword and Ambridge Diary, I lost the habit when I found the Standard then the Gruaniad's crosswords were easily accessible online.)
We watched on Amazon :”Catch me if you can” with Leonardo de Caprio and Tom Hanks this weekend and enjoyed it. It is based on a true story of a very young man who carried out elaborate cons. Entertaining. A good watch!
This week's statons were delayed due to the wrong sort of snow on the line: 22. Are these the brides for many brothers? = Seven Sisters 23. A regal movement = Queensway 24. A present for rabbits = Warren Street
The following stations will be open once they've fixed the broken air-conditioning: 25. Four-cornered philosopher 26. Des res (2 possibile answers - one point each) 27. Seasonal messenger
How is everybody doing? Only three more sets still to come! (Including one of my favourites, due to feature next week.) Have fun!
Whenever I come onto this blog, I get one from March 14th 2020. This is titled - Italians singing. Italy was already in lockdown, and were singing every night from their balconies. The posts are so interesting, one year on, to read with hopefully memories, be they good or bad. GG was very poorly, told to remove himself from society and his last trip out, was to get meds. from the hospital. Also he said he would do a 3D jigsaw of the Sistine Chapel. OWIAS stated her dream jigsaw was a 18000 piece one. Spicy was ill as was her son, but planned to paint the stairway of a 3-storey house.
We were all worried about shopping, as this was the time there were just empty supermarket shelves, due to panic buying - no tins, milk, bread, pasta, rice, flour, eggs, meat, loo rolls etc.etc. Our Italian friends told how they were now having to queue to go into shops. On-line delivery slots, were also few and far between. Archerphile posted about her over-ripe pears, manky mushrooms and a fatty + grisly pork joint, along with many missing items, in an on-line shop.
So many were very worried about family, in a lot of far flung places abroad plus closer to home.
I posted - "Life will never be the same again"!
Although things have changed for the better, there is still a long way to go...
I hope I haven't bored you, with what these memories.
I stopped my RT subscription a year ago, due to the cost. I found another, much cheaper one, which suits as it has all the radio programmes. My only complaint is that it does not have any cast lists - but I have got used to this now. At Christmas, I bought the 2 week RT, thinking it would be better, but I didn't actually use it, which surprised me. The reason was purely the lay-out.. I will stick to my cheaper TV/radio guide. I am not saying what this is. We all have different ideas, as to what we want, and mine will probably not be right for others but it is for me.
It's easy to Google cast lists if you type in the name of the programme. I do it quite often on my phone while I'm watching and see an actor that I am familiar with but can't put a name to.
Not at all bored Miriam, amused as the memory was jogged by you, ( how easily we can forget the everyday events that we read about once we have passed on a few days). I certainly remember your sage words " life..never....again " and thinking then how prescient your comment was. And here we are one year on ....... and your words still ring true.
OWIAS. Although I not partaking in the underground quiz I am thoroughly enjoying reading the questions + resulting answers. I am still anticipating if my worst memory of a tube station, will be included in your quiz. This is one I remember well as I totally hated. It only had a lift to get to the platform, which as a young child with poor eye-sight, then still un-diagnosed, I would scream + cry, in this awful, small space.
The ice-cream van has just appeared, for the 1st time for ages. How lovely to hear its chimes again, as it drove by, to stop at the bottom of my little cul-de-sac. Little things, make such a big difference. Off for left-overs for tonights meal, ready for 7.00pm.
To add, which I will not discuss now, and as to my reasons why:- I believe the Oxford vaccine is safe, until I see/read definitive proof to be otherwise. Now is not the time nor place, I know.
Full marks for last week’s though I wasn’t sure about Warren Street being a present but I couldn’t think of anything else to do with rabbits : Cabbage Square or Carrot Shard for example!! Thanks OWIAS, it is my Monday highlight! I must get out more........
Well, our vaccinations on Wed. are up in the air, merci M. Macron. Eye test today, recently made available at our local hospital 👍👍= much shorter waiting period! 👎= pressure within the eyes. Any experience would be helpful.
Soz, I used the forelegs, seasoned flour Inc. paprika, browned, then into the cazuela in the oven for around 1h v 150°, turned regularly in the sauce. Beans added late on as already pre-cooked. Hindlegs are much more meaty, but weren't available!
The sauce was tomato based, touch of sherry vinegar & w wine, beans were Coco de Paimpol from the garden, I had enough to sterilize a decent amount last year, so a cross - culture thingy...
It sounds delicious. Trouble is I have a husband who hates bones so fish can be a problem and when I cooked a rabbit recently I took most of the smaller bones out first. I was surprised how much meat was on the hind legs. I’ll definitely cook rabbit again. I used cider, bacon ,onion and carrots last time but I quite fancy your sauce. Merci.
Miriam - suspect the fuss about A-Z vaccine may be politically motivated, but then I've just got a naturally cynical outlook. It's the one I had and I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over it.
It’s a bit like the time when MMR jab was linked to autism. That resulted in a massive rise in measles just when it was being contained. As then, the fact is that these blood clots probably would have occurred anyway and it is in extremely small numbers when you think of the number of people who have had this jab. I had the Pfizer but if I had had this one would not be worried at all. I hope in the countries which have halted it they will soon resume again for everyone’s sake.
The sound of the icecream van always takes me straight back to childhood, Miriam!
17/24, OWIAS! I didn't get Warren Street. All I could think of was Covent Garden with lettuces on sale! None of the new three leaps out at me so I will be studying the tube map again.
Some of you doing jigsaws has inspired me to see how I get on and I have ordered a Breugel one with plenty of detail and different colours. Until it is delivered I have started Vitruvian Man.500 pieces which is cream coloured with brown lines Not sure I will get far!
Parsley - I really hope you get the Oxford Astra Zeneca jab, but you may, not because of this European ban. It’s making me furious that so many EU countries are denying their citizens the chance of having this life saving vaccination. They are risking further spread of the virus. The Oxford vaccine has been declared safe by the WHO and the incidents of blood clots are a very low 400 after over 17 million vaccinations, which is less than the usual amount of blood clot cases that would have been found in the population pre-Covid. In fact it could be said that the O.A.Z vaccine is preventing clots! Like others, I think there is an anti-British element to this EU ban on O.A.Z, probably because of Brexit. If that is the case, it’s unforgivable.
Thinking of Hilary and Parsley and Gianna last night, and so cross at the attitude being taken across Europe. Thank you Archerphile for writing my post for me. I won't repeat.
A couple of months ago my British friend living in Germany tried to convince me that the EU was being fair to all by rationing what vaccine available to allow each country in Europe to get the same amount, and that was why they were behind us in Britain in rolling out a vaccination programme.
I bit my tongue to prevent me answering 'bull shit' !
I haven't spoken to her since last week when she called. But I am wondering what fairy tale she's thought up since.
Not heard anything reported Soz. Apparently 1 woman in Austria died from a blood clot, but I don’t know if it can be proven that the vaccine caused it. In fact no causal link has been found between any of the clots and vaccines - they might have be due to happening anyway.
One report last night emphasised that Covid itself brought about blood clots. A fact that seems to have been forgotten when decisions made to ban the OAZ, plus the fact that blood clots are a fairly common occurrence in the general population.
I had an event that raised my BP yesterday. When the cat comes into the house, Lady sniffs him all over, mouth, feet and tail, to gain information on where he has been. Yesterday cat came in and she became extremely intent on him, obsessively sniffing his face and feet and then running around and sniffing the floor where ha had walked. It was evident that I needed to investigate, so put her on the lead and opened the door. She raced up the garden path then turned into a part of the garden not used and dived under some brush emerging with a squirrel clamped between her jaws.
I held her tight around her collar and tried to release her jaw, moaning weakly, ' help, I need help' my neighbour who was in her garden and who had understood what was happening barricaded her dog then came to my rescue.. She held Lady around the neck while I did my best to prise her mouth open, knowing that I was in danger of being bitten. I then held the tail of said S in one hand and the head in the other and pulled with all my strength. Slowly Lady relaxed her jaw and my final tug released it. Neighbour hung on to her while I took poor S, killed by cat, but considered dinner by dog, further up the garden. Got highly excited dog inside, newspapers and plastic bag outside, and S securely wrapped and into the dustbin.
I needed a cup of tea after that. Lady continued to sniff the floor and I felt extremely mean to deprive her of a treat.
Your story MrsP has reminded me of an incident when my little dog, very unusually, managed to either find a dead squirrel or actually killed one. The outcome was that she tried to bury it in the garden but didn't make the hole big enough and the squirrel's head was left above ground. It was quite a shock to come across it, like something out of a bad horror film.
A friend was bitten by a squirrel once. She and another lady were out dog walking when the other lady's dog caught the creature. They managed to rescue it but it was injured. Whilst dicussing getting it to the vet, the panicked rodent bit her thumb - right through the nail, ouch! Apparently the other lady's response was 'We were only trying to help it!' Obviously squirrel did not appreciate this fact. I've no idea whether it did go to the vet or not.
I'm not a fan of grey squirrels for several reasons but especially as my daughter had them in her loft recently. When she called out the pest control service they told her that they were building a nest with the loft insulation and had gnawed on the joists. Apparently they chew wires and pipes as well if not discovered in time.
My bro in law calls them “rats with good PR!” We certainly don’t want them on the island to wipe out our lovely red ones who live in trees not lofts as far as I know!
Until a few years back, you could still be fined £5 for not reporting a grey squirrel. This dates back to when they were less abundant and there was still some hope of eradiacating the critters.
We had one at our old shoe. The bird feeder was attached by a chain which hung from a curved hanging basket bracket attached to the fence post. I swear Tufty hung on by the fluff of his tail to reach the bird food...
I've had a lovely text this morning. I was invited to ring for an appointment for my Covid jab!!🎉🎉 Wasn’t expecting this just yet. So going on Saturday for first one and got appointment for second one on 5th June. I carry an epipen and had heard that pen carriers ought not to have jab but lady said reactions had been with Pfizer jab not the Oxford. So it seems I’ll be having the Oxford.
I am sitting in the observation area having just had my second Pfizer jab. On the way in the car the discussion on the AZ clot topic someone said there had actually been more clots with the Pfizer than the AZ, but still far fewer than the usual (non-vaccine) incidence. No actual figures were mentioned in the little bit I heard.
I would like to ask for some advice from the gardeners out there. I am getting a small greenhouse and would like some tips please. I am a lazy gardener (not only with gardening 😕), so want to start with simple non-intensive plants. I also have a small veg patch. I have already started some sweet pea and tomato seeds on a windowsill. Thank you in advance 😉
I am not a gardner, unlike the many experts here, but what about a few runner or french bean, plants. These grow easily, and just need supports such as canes, to grow up and around.They also do not take up much room. I grow mine in a big tub. All is needed is a sunny place, but also need and most important, plenty of water + feed. It is lovely going out and picking fresh beans for a meal.
I would agree with Miriam. The very best garden produce is green beans. Use them as a starter, steamed and buttered. Delicious and beats tomatoes any day.
Beans grow well outdoors but in a greenhouse the most trouble free are tomatoes and they come in much earlier than outdoors ones. I did try cucumbers once but not much success. You have to remember to water every day as greenhouse plants of course don’t benefit from the rain. Peppers and aubergines are another possibility and they will sit on the staging in pots.
Parsley 16 Re eye pressures. May I give you my exeperience? When my optician diagnosed my cataracts (a story from the past), it was found that I had increased pressure in one eye plus close to limit in the other. Three months later at hospital, I was told I had glaucoma in both eyes and immediatly presciribed eye drops. A month later, all was fine. The pressures in both eyes were well below normal, field of vision tests perfect, but I have a very small imperfection on one optic nerve. I was classed as only having intra-ocular eye pressures not glaucoma. Over 2 years on, things are still exactly the same. I just have to use eye drops every night, and will have to, for the rest of my life. This is no difference than taking a pill once a day. I go for regular appts. at the eye clinic for scans and pressure tests, which I just accept and understand. My advice - Don't panic and just attend all appoinments required. I hope this helps.
I was a glaucoma 'suspect' for some years and at my last check-up was prescribed drops which I have to put in twice a day. I hope that's taking care of the problem. My vision is fine thankfully.
Zoe - you can’t go very wrong with some tomatoes. If you have room, get a deep filled tomato bag filled with compost to put on the floor of your greenhouse. You’ll see markings to cut 3 holes in the top of the bag. This us where you plant 3 Tom plants. I would advise getting little tomato plants from a garden centre around April time. Much to fiddly to grow from seed. ‘Gardeners Delight is a good variety and will give dozens of small sweet fruit. You could choose 2 other different varieties to give a bigger, traditional sized tomato (Moneymaker or Alicante) and a large sized giant ‘beef’ tomato that you can slice such as Beefeater or Big Boy. All if these are grown as cordons and will need a stake or string from the bottom of the stem to a wire fixed across the roof of the greenhouse, up which you train them. I’d also recommend starting dahlia tubers off in pots or boxes of soil. When they start shooting and after all danger of frost you plant them out in the garden. Worth growing from seed are lettuce, radishes, and annual flowers such as nicotiana (for the heavenly evening scent), stocks, antirrhinums and nemesia all of which can be started out in your greenhouse before transferring to the garden. Good luck with your new venture! 🪴 💐 🍅 🥬
Big Sis grows red peppers in her greenhouse. She only has one plant, but always gets a good crop. Just another thought. It comes down to feeding + constant watering, whatever you decide to grow. Good Luck.
I realise that I am almost alone, recording and then watching, the day time serial drama Doctors. It is being so well done, with ongoing S/L's which interlink together for several episodes, along with stand-alone stories. What I most like, is the fact that is it based in a medical Health Centre, but at no times is Covid seeming relevant. This might sound very strange It is just nice to see a serial drama where:- no masks are constantly being put on + off, and life seems almost normal. The wonderful actors/actresses are doing so well in continuing this programme, being just socially distanced.. Others will disagree I know, but I appreciate the way it is being produced, as it shows some sort of normal life, which we all long for.
You are not almost alone Miriam. I watch every day too as, I believe, does our dear friend Spicy, who I very much hope is able to enjoy TV. . Unlike you though, I find the total absence of references to Covid, the non-wearing of face masks or self-distancing very annoying and unrealistic. Mothers give birth with all and sundry being allowed into their hospital room. Students at the University mingle freely and stage demonstrations. Surgery staff gather in the staff room to socialise freely and nobody mentions the fact that a pandemic is going on. If there is one soap that should be referencing the current situation, even lightly, it surely should be one set in a doctors surgery and hospital
Whilst doing my normal, 8.30am shop today, I was so dissapointed with the veg. available. I did get some, as fresh as possible -a big broccoli piece, a small cauli, some carrots and also sprouts, but it was all very poor. I have looked at veg. boxes available on-line, but these are very pricey and the contents cannot be determined as to what these will include. At least I know that I have the veg. thay I like to eat and will enjoy.
How I miss my trips to the nearby farm shops, but one is in Wales, and still cannot cross the border and the other cannot be classed as "local". I did try a visit to a local veg shop, but I walked out, as the produce just awful!
Getting our veg box was one of the best things about lockdown last year. They are a bit more expensive but they are very fresh having been picked that morning at a farm about 12 miles away and I do get a choice. The contents of my supermarket trolley have got smaller over the year. We get our milk delivered by a local diary farmer in glas bottles and, since Sainsburys closed their fish counter we go to a fish shop that we have found. We already went to a butcher formour meat. I'm currently looking into getting dry foods such as rice and pasta from a shop where you take in your own container to fill.
Yes, I believe we were warned that some fresh fruit and veg might be in short supply or poor quality because of the volume of paperwork now required for their import. Your reference to last year's blog has reminded me that it is now a whole year that I've only been able to leave the house once a week, or since |I was able to work. I'm not sure now that \I will ever be able to return, being so badly out of practice and muscles seizing up. Mothering Sunday was quite poignant: I received a beautiful bouquet from my son, I rang to thank him when it arrived and we did an afternoon tea zoom at 4.30. I was reminded that I saw him three times last year - March, just before the first lockdown, July when they were allowed out of Wales and September, which was the last time. Previously, the garden was my salvation, but although work is proceeding apace it is still mostly a 'no-go' area, and it is impossible to do even the most basic tidying. Since domestic arrangements have been in chaos since before Mr S's demise and I am unlikely to regain control of the garden before the end of this month there is no incentive to do anything and I seem to have been seized with inertia. I spend an awful lot of time gazing at the muddle but not seeing it until it's time for the next meal or as now, when it's too late to do that washing because it's time for the Secret |life of the Zoo, to which I have become addicted!
Just go with the flow for now Sarnia the situation you describe calls for this I feel. No one will know more than you, Ev and of course Lanjan that “ this (time) shall also pass” Sending thoughts 💐
I don’t think you are alone Sarnia. This lethargy and reluctance to go out and actually do Something is affecting me too. I keep looking out at the garden and worrying about how much there is to do, but cannot summon up the energy to go and do it. I tried digging over some borders last week but have become so unbalanced and wobbly it was impossible. I did manage to put some chicken wire cages over a few emerging plants (protection from rabbits) today but there is much, much more to be done.
But we have definitely decided to go with your idea of creating a gravel circle on the area that was under the fir tree. Mr A is waiting for any weeds to start growing and will then glyphosate the area, before putting a weed- stopping membrane down. Then we’ll get a dump-bag of gravel to go on top and pretty it up with lots of pots of agapanthus etc and that old sundial I was telling you about. I expect it will all get done eventually!
My "Get up and Go" attitude had also waneing. However, now the morning + evenings are so much lighter and the sun-shine is starting to feel warm,, I am starting to feel energised again. I hope this continues
That sounds lovely, AP, and I'm beginning top picture it in my mind. I hope you'll show us a micropic when it's done. I'm finding pots a bit of a problem: being new to gardening I haven't had time to acquire a collection, and decent (large) ones are SO expensive. Do you have a recommended source?
Sadly, no. The really big ones are extremely expensive,especially if you want genuine terracotta or stone ones rather than plastic imitations. There are quite a few reclamation yards around where they sell secondhand building materials, things like old fireplace, fencing, tiles and also garden ornaments and pots. We bought a lovely large birdbath from one last year. But you would need some kind friend to drive you to find one and help get any purchases home. Failing that it is garden centres and places like Homebase I’m afraid.
My thoughts are, that this Lockdown No.3 , in the dark, gloomy, snowy, frosty, cold winter-time, has affected all in a way not as expected, nor anticipated. Plus, another long period of being stuck at home, with nothing really to focus on in the forseeable future, has certainly affected me. This feeling is definitely going away now, be it slowly.
Miriam, thanks for your comments ré eyes. Pressure was just a bit élevé, I'm supposed to be checked again in 6 months. Did some research on line, as you do, possibility of glaucoma was mentioned... 🙄
Don't know if it's relevant, but my optician has given up using the 'puffer' method of testing the pressure in my eyes because as with many people apparently, it gives artificially elevated readings. Checking with the old-fashioned eye-drops, the readings are then normal.
Annieveggie - The head of a squidgle emerging from the ground has haunted me through today. Far worse an emotion than me having to prise the recently departed from Lady's grip yesterday.
My neighbour found a headless duck buried in her garden courtesy of the local foxes! They can’t get into my back garden as I have a high gate which goes down to the ground at the only access. In any case Dudley would soon let us know if any intruders!
Zoetrope along with all the other good advice and suggestions for a greenhouse and veg patch I would add cucumbers, maybe I was lucky last year because I had never grown them before but I planted a couple of plants in my greenhouse along with many tomatoes, and a I had masses of cucumbers which kept coming. Also sweet red peppers in a biggish pot. I have soil either side of the path and grew rocket under toms which is still growing! Outside you could try french dwarf beans - they don’t need staking.
Many thanks to Miriam, Mrs P, CC, AP, Ev and Soz (and anyone I may have missed), for all your advice and tips. I plan to definitely grow some beans in the veg patch and tomatoes in the greenhouse. AP, thanks for your tips on varieties and how to train on a corden. I love the idea of other salad veg including peppers. I may try aubergines. I'd been thinking of trying to grow dahlias from tubers so will definitely start some in the greenhouse. Love the idea of nicotianas - we have raised beds on the edge of the patio, will be lovely to have the scent close to where we sit. Thank you all 💐
Great, thanks Spicy. French or ?African? I love the ones with scented leaves, but can't remember which they are. How are you doing Spicy? It's great to see you back on the blog.
With tomatoes do remember to pinch out the shoots that grow in the axels off the stem. Might sound complicated but it’s obvious once they start growing otherwise things can get out of control. I find it quite therapeutic, like deadheading.
Wow it is under a month now to this blogs 3rd anniversary 🤗 how can that be!
Talk about working in mysterious ways - that after Ruthy instigating it for us it then followed with Gary meeting up with her in America whilst on his (work?) travels and because of that the subsequent handover was able to be achieved when it became necessary! 👏🏻 and a heartfelt thank goodness for that 🥰
Just to say Zoetrope that I doubt you will be bothered by Cabbage White caterpillars in a greenhouse but a friend has recently told me that thyme is a good deterrent for them, and she has thyme planted in each corner of her brassica border. My kale was decimated last year. I planted the kind that Stasia recommended and it was very good but the butterflies liked it too. This year I have put half hoops of that blue plastic water pipe over my borders to support a covering of very fine insect proof mesh. It lets rain/water through but butterflies out. I will, though, also plant a row of kale outside the borders for the butterflies.
Will do the memories later today Gary. I've arranged to have coffee in the park with a friend this afternoon. We've been meeting up for walks but it's the first time in ages that we will have been able to sit down and have a natter.
Just had an email from eldest daughter 53. She has booked her first vaccination for next Friday and the second one in June. I am to have my second jab also next Friday. Vit B12 and a blood test today.
A quick pop in, and I have not read todays posts just yet, so forgive me. My post comes down to again, the March 14th post, which I still get?
We have all been delighted to read that JANICE has her son home again. A post by J. on that day, told us about a video clip from her son in Masbate, The Philippines, and that they were now not allowed out.
Also mentioned was her daughter, the manager of a holiday park, who on visiting, insisted on spraying all door handles + surfaces, with "dettol" mixed with lavender oil, which apparantly stank. In hindsight, how sensible she was. I wonder how this daughter is now doing?
I have just read back, and such lovely posts, as usual. It is so nice to read these.
Is is really nearly 3 years, when this page started and when I joined in? It has so helped me, in very many ways.
GG A massive Thank-you, for taking it over, and continuing towards this anniversary.
I hope it goes on, but if it doesn't, for whatever reasons, then it is What Will Be Will Be in other words Che Sera, Sera.
I have put the date of the 3rd anniversary in my diary - which still is just empty pages 😂 All I have in it, is my 2nd jab in May. How I long to put a hair appointment in it - but this is stiil about 4/5 weeks away. My lockdown locks are now annoying me, but then all will be the same.
I last went to my hairdressers on Dec.8th 2020! Also I am using again, something I bought in Lockdown No1, nearly a year ago - a can of hairspray! It is the only way, I can control my dulux dog look again.
Yes Miriam the blogs will be 3yrs old on the 8th April (my mum’s “birthday”) and like The Archers feel it will it will be around for a long time - wee Gary willing 🤗
1. I would have been 3 yrs old and we were about to go on one of our frequent trips to France (mum was french). I had been taken to a family friend who was a hairdresser to have my hair cut ready to be presented to the relatives. The family next door to us had three daughters the youngest being the same age as me and we played together a lot. Before we departed for our trip I was at her house and we decided to play at hairdressers ending up cutting chunks out of each others hair. The abiding memory of this was mum bursting into tears when she saw me.
2. Mentioning the three girls next door reminded me of something else. Mum was very much a career person and a reluctant cook but did make the best chips. The next door girls used to ask her to make cook chips for them. I remember the process of peeling the potatoes, cutting them into chips, washing them and then drying them in a tea towel. they would then be partially fried then left for the fat to drain off before going in for a second fry. They were then put in a bowl in the middle of the table, a bit of salt sprinkled on then we would all sit round eating them.
3. I was age 4 and had just got a new dolls pram. Unbeknown to my mother I decided to take it to show my cousin who lived a few streets away but got lost on the way. I recall walking in tears in the middle of a road that had no pavements and a wooded area on one side and feeling frightened when approached by a man. The next thing I remember is sitting in a police station stroking a big dog and my parents walking in and mum rushing over to hug me. When it was time for them to take me home I had an almighty tantrum because I wanted to stay in the police station with the dog.
That last one, must have been awful, but it seems you were very lucky and that you don't remember too much!
I also remember drying potatoes, cut into chips, in a tea-towel. I hated when these were put into the chip pan, spattering and smoky, but I loved eating them.
After a very frightening "fat" fire on the gas hob, which was very many years ago, whilst cooking crispy pots in oil, I cook things differently now. I knew what to do, a wet tea towel over the pan, but it frightened me, at that time.
Oh Cheshire Cheese your poor mother. I can imagine her trying to hide the gaps or maybe you wore a scarf??? I like the chip memory. It’s funny how other children’s mothers’ food is remembered fondly. I remember loving baked beans on toast cooked in my friend’s house on their aga - the toast tasted so much better and my friend preferred my mother’s gravy.
GG, currently we have a nationwide curfew 6pm - 6am, weekend lockdown for certain areas Inc. Dunkerque, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes coastline & Pas de Calais dépt. Castex is due to make his weekly announcements at 6pm, almost certainly weekend lockdown coming for Paris, Île de France & Hauts de France région.
We remain v vigilant, even here in the back of beyond... heard this week that an ex-colleague is suffering quite badly from the S African variant, he picked it up away in Brive, he lives 20mins away.
Looks as though some of us might have a in getting jabbed. I am wondering if it will affect people due for second doses and how long the gap between. Vaccinations cam be. We had the Pfizer vaccine, which I don’t think is affected by Ursula von der Leyen’s ban on exports to Britain (how dare she?!) , but those waiting for their second OAZ may have a longer wait.
Dr Sarah Jarvis said this morning that those with a second appointment would be honoured so if that is the case that makes it ok for me on April 23rd with AZ. However yourselves (and in particular Mr R and 4 other older friends all Pfizer) did not get dates but I hope they do get their second jabs before me as the older ones should be first as before imo. We will see.....
Archerphile did you read that “The Hampshire Court Hotel” completed 50,000 jabs recently ⭐️ and Matt Hancock did a special thank you as all set up and run by the A31 group practices and some Basingstoke ones as well I would think?
Cheshire Cheese I liked your memory of your mum making chips. My job when little was to pat them dry with the tea towel. Nowadays I do the quick and easy thing and use oven chips. Getting lost with your doll's pram must have been very frightening, for you and your poor parents. I had a disaster with my doll's pram once. Our village was tiny so no chance of getting lost, but it has a little very narrow circular lane at its centre. For some unknown reason I decided to carry dolly home and left the pushchair by the hedge on a corner. Soon after the bread delivery man appeared at the door carrying my squashed pram. He had run it over. He was a nice man and I can still remember how sorry he was.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteMrsP AmbridgeMarch 13, 2021 at 5:21 AM
Do not feel guilty for being so pleased and to be able to tell us on here Janice.
Wonderful news and good news to share.
Others will get their turn in due course.
Hilary - March 13, 2021 at 6:52 AM
That's heart-warming news, Janice! I think hearing happy news spreads the happiness around a little.
Ev - March 13, 2021 at 8:05 AM
Lovely, Janice. I hope their tests will continue to be clear and you can have a hug before too long! 😊
Lanjan - March 13, 2021 at 8:35 AM
Lovely to hear good news,Janice.
It is out there.
Amazingly I have had something good happening to or for me every day recently-some of them relating to kindnesses from Archersfan friends I met in London.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 9:57 AM
That's good to hear and from you Lanjan.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 9:58 AM
Great news Janice, getting closer with each day.
BasiaMarch 13, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Hello Spicy, if you read now and then. If you prefer to slip in on the other side I hope we didn't make too much noise, it made me smile when I saw your name.
Cheshire Cheese - March 13, 2021 at 11:08 AM
That's good news Janice, there's no reason for you not to write your good news it's nice to hear some.
Janice too late to add my pleasure at your news on the old blog, but like everyone else it is so lovely to hear of something joyful happening. Thank you for telling us. (Or ‘sharing with us’ as people seem to say these days) 😃
ReplyDeleteAnd Lanjan, thank you for reminding us to find something nice to think about every day.
ReplyDeleteToday, I am enjoying seeing the first daffodils blooming along our driveway and watching a fat little Robin trying, so hard, to cling onto the bird feeder to peck at the birdseed. He’ll manage it soon!
Lanjan lovely to hear your blogger (London) meet up has resulted in them being able to show their sympathy and support to you at a more personal level something many of us would love to have been able to do. Gary has given us all a lift today with his gorgeous field of daffodils page header 🤗
ReplyDeleteJanice.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news..😁
I am so with every-one else, that it is just brilliant, which had to be shared, and rightly so...
I have a lovely clean kitchen floor, which is now a shade lighter. Also my feet don't stick to it any more!
ReplyDeleteI hate washing it, as I do it on my hands + knees. The floor is ceramic tiles, but it is the grout between them, which is convex, so clean with a toothbrush!
A mop or steamer, doesn't get into the slight grooves.
My front garden, is now awash with spring bulbs. I have taken a 'photo, to remind me which bulbs will need to be re-planted. When I finally organise my new paved driveway, this will be wider and encroach on the front flower bed.
I will need to relocate a bunch of hyacinths, and one of fanstatic narcissi.
DeleteWhen should I move these - in that move them when they stop flowering and still green, or when have totally died down?
Any advice, will be gratefully received.
My project of the replacement driveway + new side-gates, won't happen, for still many months, to come.
Hence, my question.
When totally died down Miriam. Remove the dead flower heads but leave the leaves on to build up the bulbs for next year. Don’t cut them off but wait until they have gone yellow/brown. Then you can lift the bulbs.
DeleteAlternatively transfer them (complete with leaves) to pots of compost, water & leave in sun until the above happens. Then, next autumn you can plant them straight from the pots into their new positions.
Thanks Archerphile 😀.
DeleteMy profile picture is now the beautiful tree in blossom I saw in the park this morning. I don’t know what it is though. Cherry? Plum?
ReplyDeleteInteresting your question, echoes mine, re plants.
DeleteThe garden experts, will help us both out.
Not really close enough to tell Hilary, but certainly a fruit of some description.
DeleteAs the blossom is pink, probably cherry and we are soon coming to the famous cherry blossom time in Japan, so the timing could be right.
Thank you, Archerphile! I will keep an eye on it and let you know when the fruit appear!
DeleteHilary + Gianna.
ReplyDeleteI have just seen the latest news, concerning you both.
I wish you well..
Thank you, Miriam. Italy is doing very badly at present. Shops have all been open in most areas for months, curfew at 10pm, schools open up to 14 year olds and 50% remote learning for older pupils but as from Monday most areas will be "red zone", ie top tier so schools and all non-essential shops closed. The vaccine roll-out is very slow but the good news is I can apply for my vaccination online as from Monday. So far only 80-year-olds, health workers and teachers have had their jabs.
DeleteWe have been comparatively free up to now even if we were in the orange zone (in Emilia Romagna) As Hilary said we are all in red zone now. Except for Sardinia. My son and daughter-in law had their vaccinations on Tuesday as they are both teachers. They were both unwell for 3 days (slight temperature and headaches.
DeleteIt was the Astra Zeneca which both my sister and brother in law had without problems. We are now back to red zone probably until after Easter.
The nice thing for me today was the first lot of frog spawn in the pond.
ReplyDelete😀👍
DeleteArcherphile and Others - will you watch tomorrows drama - Grace?
ReplyDeleteI so know the Peter James books, and I have my own images + thoughts about the characters.
In one way I would like to watch, but in another way, perhaps not.
My conundrum is that a TV presentation and series, often changes the plot from the original book,
and the characters are portrayed differently.
I hope that this will not happen to Roy Grace.
To me the Inspector Lynley series, was portrayed wrongly as to the characters, as was the Shetland tv series.
Vera, my gripe was that the plots were changed too much, and not as per the original book.
I think I will record, and then decide whether to continue watching, or just stop and delete.
I'm going to record it and will probably watch it. One concern I have is that John Simm, although a good actor, is 50 years old and Grace was age 38 in the first book. Squeezing two books into one 2hr (1hr 45m with the intro and ads) programme won't be easy. I'll be interested to see how it's done.
DeleteTwo books?
DeleteI thought it was only he first one.
This intrigues me even more now...
I so agree about the age difference, as he is meant to be a lot younger.
I hadn’t heard about this dramatisation. I certainly wouldn’t choose John Sim as my Grace either, so I doubt I’ll watch.
DeleteNever forgotten how excited I was when they announced that Peter Robinson’s DCI Banks books were to be televised.
Never forgotten how devastated I was to find they had chosen Stephen Tompkinson to play the part of Banks. Totally unbelievable. And the plots were mangled for TV.
Archerphile the nice thing that happened to me was ..........
ReplyDeleteThe daughter of a friend telephoned me to say that she would do an M and S shop for me ,drop it off and then we could have a walk in our nearby park.
This is a working woman with two little daughters.
She had a 70 mile round trip to do that including having to drive along a stretch of the M25..
It was really lovely.
Aren't people kind?
Yes, indeed Lanjan. She certainly pulled out all the stops to be with you and that was exceptionally kind. She must also be brave to drive on the M25. Don’t think I could manage that. Glad you enjoyed your walk.
DeleteHow heartening it is, Lanjan, to hear of people's kindness.
DeleteThe nice thing for me today was that my daughter and younger G daughter came to visit and took me in the car to walk Lady in her, and my, favourite place. It was so lovely to see Lady free off lead running and sniffing out the rabbits. She has been walked, slowly, on lead for a week and has been so patient.
ReplyDeleteAlso very pleased to hear from GD that she is volunteering at the Bath hub for Covid vaccinations, and building up her points for her Duke of E Award and giving her experience to add to her application to medical school.
Plus two bunches of roses, yellow and orange.
How lovely for you Mrs P. Sounds as if you have had a really good day.
DeleteThat's nice, Mrs P. Lady is a lucky dog. She would be the envy of all Italian dogs who are never allowed off the lead anywhere, except in small, fenced off designated areas in public parks and even there notices say they should officially be wearing a muzzle. And in towns the lead must be extended no more than 1.5 metres.
DeleteI didn't know that Hilary. That sounds so depressing. Poor dogs.
DeleteI think the part about length of leads in towns is sensible. I have often seen dogs on fully extended leads on pavements alongside a busy road. It is so easy for the dog to be distracted by something on the other side of the road and to dash out into the traffic. The owner has no control at all. Our boys have a joint lead. Buddy is let off it in the woods at Quarr and as he has been to training and has good recall that’s OK. Dudley finds it confusing being off lead so usually stays on it. Our dog walker goes to lovely countryside walks and Buddy has his freedom but Dudley would probably panic with all the other dogs milling around so he stays on the lead. Buddy keeps coming back to check he’s OK! Of course they have the freedom to roam around in the garden and Dudley likes a perambulation every morning! Dudley loves seeing the pigs and sheep at Quarr especially when the piglets and lambs appear. He is just fascinated by them!
DeleteOn this Mother’s Day, I am thinking of poor Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe appearing before the court in Tehran again this morning.
ReplyDeleteApparently, although they were asked, the British Embassy have refused to send anyone to accompany her. Why? This poor woman and her family have been through hell and back and Britain seems to be doing very little to help her, or them.
There has been justified outcry at the murder of Sarah Everard this week. Time for a similar outcry about the treatment of Nazanin and for our government to take positive action to bring her home.
Sorry for the rant but I feel very strongly about thus and have done so since she was first arrested.
Let’s hope that there is a good outcome. Who knows what the motivation behind the Embassy decision is? Seems very odd. I too feel for the poor lady.
ReplyDeleteMotivation ?
DeleteEmbarrassment I would think.
No British government is going to honour that tanks deal and they don't know what else to do, through either lack of imagination or some long held belief as to how to act in foreign dealings.
And one woman and her family are sacrificed.
Collateral damage. And inhumane.
I spend every news report about her muttering to myself ' poor woman, poor woman '.
Disgusting !
Hilary -
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling us about the conditions and rules about dogs in Italy.
Like Gary I had no idea.
As you may remember, I've had conditions required of me about exercising Lady off lead with a requirement to muzzle her around other dogs.
I am most reluctant to do so and choose instead to do a round trip of six miles daily to allow her freedom where I can see from afar other dogs, and so put her back on the lead. She is coping with this well, and uses the freedom that she is allowed, to run and leap over rough ground in a natural state. And it's working, as she understands and knows now that she is to be controlled when other dogs appear.
Personally I consider it a cruelty to rescue a dog from whatever horrifying conditions they might previously have experienced but then to deprive them of the freedom that they must have felt along with the fear, in return for a home and the comforts that go with that. I believe they should have both, and that it's incumbent upon me to ensure that is so.
Unfortunately, being unable to drive at the moment means that Lady is deprived for the time being.
I feel very sorry for the dogs in Italy.
I think the ultimate cruelty is not walking a dog at all. Gypsy spent the first six years of her life in the house and garden of her first owner, an old lady. She was petted and indulged but deprived of the right of every dog to sniff around and enjoy walks. Even now in her twilight years although she is slow she walks along with waggy tail and having a good sniff around. At the moment I keep her on the lead as we just go up the road to a small grassy area by some bungalows but in the less muddy times coming up I will take her down to the creek where there is more open ground and I let her off the lead. Being blind she likes to go around in circles so is easily retrieved if another dog. comes along. She just ignores them but some like to investigate her! Buddy also spent his early life being confined to the garden. He is full of energy and loves his walks. He is very small but runs like a greyhound with ears streaming out behind him! Dudley is far more ponderous and if given the chance would just lie down all day when not guarding the house! Once you get him going he does enjoy walking and having a good sniff around! They both react with joy when the dog walker comes and can’t wait to get in the van with the other dogs who invariably give them a welcoming bark! It has been good exercise for them as well as socialising them with their mates! Mrs P, I admire you for the love and attention you give to Lady. It can’t be easy as you say after her early life of freedom tempered with the need to defend herself.
ReplyDeleteI am loving reading your posts about your Mothers Day and your dogs, esp. the Italian only way of excercisng dogs. This almost sounds cruel, as dogs need the outside excercise and should run free, when able to do so.
ReplyDeleteAt least PussCat takes herself off, to do just what she wants to do.
I always know, when she has had a good "outing" as she then, charges around the house, her toys go everywhere.
Sady these days, it takes her a couple of days to recover..😿
She was not happy, when I disturbed her this morning, when I changed the bed. She sat on the bedroom window-sill, just scowling at me!
I cannot believe, how many facial expressions a cat can do. It is interesting.
Off to cook.
ReplyDeleteA chicken, chorizo, pepper + rice dish, plus a braised red cabbage, apple mess.
Both will cook in the oven together, at the same temp. and for the same time..
The herb + spice containers will appear - but not sure what to add in yet...but thinking smoked paprika, nutmeg, cloves or even sage, in the two dishes - not just in one.
I will also experiment, with what stock - vegetable, beef or chicken, and who knows, I might just put in some cider!
PS I have a red onion, which needs using up, so it will be utilised.
DeleteSadly, I am like the saying - a pub with no beer - as I have no garlic!
I cannot believe I have let myself run out..😣
The two dishes are now in the oven. These will be very interesting as to how they turn out...as I just used what I had..and adapted accordingly...😁😂
DeleteMiriam
DeleteI like the sound of braised red cabbage and Apple.
Please tell me how you make this dish.
I was pleased to see that Archerphile, at 9.03am, mentioned Nazamin Z Ratcliffe on Mothers Day.
ReplyDeleteLast night I wrote a post, then deleted it almost immediately, as I felt it was far too sensitive.
This was to do with the Sarah E. case, and how her mother must feel today..
This Mothers Day, this year, must be absolutely awful for so many, due to Covid.
I feel for all those who have lost daughters, or Mum's, as a result of this ongoing Pandemic, over the last year.
My wishes and thoughts, are with all those, so affected.
Now to get cheerful again. ☺
Yes Miriam I thought of Sarah Es mother today.
DeleteI am very grateful that my daughter and G daughter felt able to visit me yesterday and I had a long chat with my other daughter on the phone today.
But I also wonder how woman such as you Miriam, who do not have children and no longer have a mother feel on this day when it is usually so highly advertised.
A lovely sensitive post Miriam. 🥰 and glad you had such a lovely dat with family yesterday Mrs P 💐
Deleteday of course 🙄
DeleteMrs P.
DeleteIt is just a day, which has no immediate feel now, for me personally.
However, I enjoy hearing how others have been treated + spoilt I have just seen, some wonderful 'photos from family, eve, which mean a lot to me.
It is something, I just accept and I am thrilled, for so many others...
We had daphne tested for hip displascia due to one of her litter mates being diagnosed with it and who is now awaiting a hip replacement op when he reaches 10 months.
ReplyDeleteWe were advised to just lead walk her whilst x-rays were sent to an orthopaedic surgeon. So we spent a week doing this whilst waiting. It was awful. She’s crap on a lead, constantly fighting her nose harness.
Results were good and she is now off lead again. First time off after a week she was fair giddy with excitement. So back to walks in the forest, when it dries up a bit, chasing deer smells and having a jolly good romp about.
Relief for you and husband that you won't be having enormous vet bill for hip replacement PtbY.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can imagine Daphne running and sniffing just like Lady.
I have noticed in my new tv book that tomorrow 15th March a new series of The Repair Shop is due to start - BUT to 4.30pm NOT 8pm! I thought it was moved to prime time because of its success....
ReplyDeleteMaybe the figures dropped in that slot because the BBC would call it an old people’s programme. Apparently that is why they stopped Eggheads ( I had not realised that they had) but Mr R read this online yesterday. However as with the The GBBO it has been picked up by an ITV channel once again - Channel 5 this time.
I read an article that said the BBC are going all out for younger audiences and are putting the awful ‘yoof’ Channel, BBC 3 back on mainstream TV again in the autumn.
DeleteBut Channel 5 are now picking up older audiences with the new version of All Creatures Great and Small, Susan Calman’s campervan trips round the country and Eggheads.
I don’t mind that, but we can’t stand the adverts, so have to record every programme and watch later.
We didn’t get our copy of Radio Times delivered this week (we have an annual subscription) apparently due to hold ups at the Post Office. I just hope we get a refund for this week or an extension of the subscription because it’s a bl...dy expensive magazine these days.
Of course AP “ All Creatures” I’d forgotten that one. Also some way back the BBC turned down “Last Tango in Halifax” because there would be very little audience for a drama being headline by an older couple. How wrong could they have been the viewing figs for it on ITV were enormous 🤣 two points we keep hearing that youngsters do not watch tv but many older people do (through health issues many are very grateful for it) so why not make the most of this. Going forward if as those very youngsters do not conform then I can’t imagine what will be the fate of the industry....
DeleteThe Adverts can be an issue but handy for a bathroom visit or making a drink 🤗 and one can pay to have them cut out from catch up 😱
Thanks for mentioning The Repair Shop Lady R, I'd missed that!
DeleteI’m watching the original “All Creatures ...” I think it’s thursday on bbc 4. Although I enjoyed the new version, I don’t think it as good as the original which captured the essence of Yorkshire and its characters. The new one is too clinically clean by comparison. Would be interested to know what our Northeners think.
DeleteArcherphile, you might be able to get the online copy of Radio Times for free via your local library. We can - and I host of other magazines should we wish. It's not as convenient as the paper version but it's a lot cheaper! Might be worth a look when your subscription is up for renewal.
Delete(I used to look at the online version every week - but mainly for the crossword and Ambridge Diary, I lost the habit when I found the Standard then the Gruaniad's crosswords were easily accessible online.)
I really loved the new version,Soz .
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the older one I too.
✔️✔️
DeleteWe watched on Amazon :”Catch me if you can” with Leonardo de Caprio and Tom Hanks this weekend and enjoyed it. It is based on a true story of a very young man who carried out elaborate cons. Entertaining. A good watch!
ReplyDeleteThis week's statons were delayed due to the wrong sort of snow on the line:
ReplyDelete22. Are these the brides for many brothers? = Seven Sisters
23. A regal movement = Queensway
24. A present for rabbits = Warren Street
The following stations will be open once they've fixed the broken air-conditioning:
25. Four-cornered philosopher
26. Des res (2 possibile answers - one point each)
27. Seasonal messenger
How is everybody doing? Only three more sets still to come! (Including one of my favourites, due to feature next week.) Have fun!
Got all 3 almost at once, 19/24, but the new lot? no clue.
DeleteGot my usual 1 out of 3!
DeleteWhenever I come onto this blog, I get one from March 14th 2020. This is titled - Italians singing. Italy was already in lockdown, and were singing every night from their balconies.
ReplyDeleteThe posts are so interesting, one year on, to read with hopefully memories, be they good or bad.
GG was very poorly, told to remove himself from society and his last trip out, was to get meds. from the hospital. Also he said he would do a 3D jigsaw of the Sistine Chapel.
OWIAS stated her dream jigsaw was a 18000 piece one.
Spicy was ill as was her son, but planned to paint the stairway of a 3-storey house.
We were all worried about shopping, as this was the time there were just empty supermarket shelves, due to panic buying - no tins, milk, bread, pasta, rice, flour, eggs, meat, loo rolls etc.etc.
Our Italian friends told how they were now having to queue to go into shops.
On-line delivery slots, were also few and far between.
Archerphile posted about her over-ripe pears, manky mushrooms and a fatty + grisly pork joint, along with many missing items, in an on-line shop.
So many were very worried about family, in a lot of far flung places abroad plus closer to home.
I posted - "Life will never be the same again"!
Although things have changed for the better, there is still a long way to go...
I hope I haven't bored you, with what these memories.
I stopped my RT subscription a year ago, due to the cost.
ReplyDeleteI found another, much cheaper one, which suits as it has all the radio programmes. My only complaint is that it does not have any cast lists - but I have got used to this now.
At Christmas, I bought the 2 week RT, thinking it would be better, but I didn't actually use it, which surprised me.
The reason was purely the lay-out..
I will stick to my cheaper TV/radio guide. I am not saying what this is. We all have different ideas, as to what we want, and mine will probably not be right for others but it is for me.
It's easy to Google cast lists if you type in the name of the programme. I do it quite often on my phone while I'm watching and see an actor that I am familiar with but can't put a name to.
DeleteNot at all bored Miriam, amused as the memory was jogged by you, ( how easily we can forget the everyday events that we read about once we have passed on a few days).
ReplyDeleteI certainly remember your sage words " life..never....again " and thinking then how prescient your comment was.
And here we are one year on ....... and your words still ring true.
OWiAS, 22/24.
ReplyDeleteHad rabbit for supper last night!
With chorizo, black pudding, peppers & beans, not to forget the saffron & paprika, delish 😋
That's my type of food..except the black pudding.
DeleteOWIAS.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I not partaking in the underground quiz I am thoroughly enjoying reading the questions + resulting answers.
I am still anticipating if my worst memory of a tube station, will be included in your quiz.
This is one I remember well as I totally hated. It only had a lift to get to the platform, which as a young child with poor eye-sight, then still un-diagnosed, I would scream + cry, in this awful, small space.
Thank you OWIAS. I have 26 and 27 and working on 25.
ReplyDeleteThe ice-cream van has just appeared, for the 1st time for ages.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear its chimes again, as it drove by, to stop at the bottom of my little cul-de-sac.
Little things, make such a big difference.
Off for left-overs for tonights meal, ready for 7.00pm.
To add, which I will not discuss now, and as to my reasons why:-
ReplyDeleteI believe the Oxford vaccine is safe, until I see/read definitive proof to be otherwise.
Now is not the time nor place, I know.
Full marks for last week’s though I wasn’t sure about Warren Street being a present but I couldn’t think of anything else to do with rabbits : Cabbage Square or Carrot Shard for example!!
ReplyDeleteThanks OWIAS, it is my Monday highlight! I must get out more........
Miriam, most of the black pudding was melted into the sauce, just 3 slices each sautéed up crispy, with crispy chorizo, delish!
ReplyDeleteDid you use all the joints and did you take out most of the bones first?
DeleteWell, our vaccinations on Wed. are up in the air, merci M. Macron.
ReplyDeleteEye test today, recently made available at our local hospital 👍👍= much shorter waiting period! 👎= pressure within the eyes. Any experience would be helpful.
Soz, I used the forelegs, seasoned flour Inc. paprika, browned, then into the cazuela in the oven for around 1h v 150°, turned regularly in the sauce. Beans added late on as already pre-cooked. Hindlegs are much more meaty, but weren't available!
ReplyDeleteThe sauce was tomato based, touch of sherry vinegar & w wine, beans were Coco de Paimpol from the garden, I had enough to sterilize a decent amount last year, so a cross - culture thingy...
ReplyDeleteBones, just pick up the legs & chew'em!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds delicious. Trouble is I have a husband who hates bones so fish can be a problem and when I cooked a rabbit recently I took most of the smaller bones out first. I was surprised how much meat was on the hind legs. I’ll definitely cook rabbit again. I used cider, bacon ,onion and carrots last time but I quite fancy your sauce. Merci.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - suspect the fuss about A-Z vaccine may be politically motivated, but then I've just got a naturally cynical outlook. It's the one I had and I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over it.
ReplyDeleteDitto Sarnia.
DeleteI fear that some people may not take up their second injection because of the current hype and as jabs cannot be mixed would not be a good scenario.
It’s a bit like the time when MMR jab was linked to autism. That resulted in a massive rise in measles just when it was being contained. As then, the fact is that these blood clots probably would have occurred anyway and it is in extremely small numbers when you think of the number of people who have had this jab. I had the Pfizer but if I had had this one would not be worried at all. I hope in the countries which have halted it they will soon resume again for everyone’s sake.
DeleteThe sound of the icecream van always takes me straight back to childhood, Miriam!
ReplyDelete17/24, OWIAS! I didn't get Warren Street. All I could think of was Covent Garden with lettuces on sale! None of the new three leaps out at me so I will be studying the tube map again.
Some of you doing jigsaws has inspired me to see how I get on and I have ordered a Breugel one with plenty of detail and different colours. Until it is delivered I have started Vitruvian Man.500 pieces which is cream coloured with brown lines Not sure I will get far!
19/24. I didn’t get the rabbit one either as I was thinking of lettuce and greens too!
ReplyDeleteParsley - I really hope you get the Oxford Astra Zeneca jab, but you may, not because of this European ban.
ReplyDeleteIt’s making me furious that so many EU countries are denying their citizens the chance of having this life saving vaccination. They are risking further spread of the virus.
The Oxford vaccine has been declared safe by the WHO and the incidents of blood clots are a very low 400 after over 17 million vaccinations, which is less than the usual amount of blood clot cases that would have been found in the population pre-Covid.
In fact it could be said that the O.A.Z vaccine is preventing clots!
Like others, I think there is an anti-British element to this EU ban on O.A.Z, probably because of Brexit. If that is the case, it’s unforgivable.
Agree with every word AP.
DeleteThinking of Hilary and Parsley and Gianna last night, and so cross at the attitude being taken across Europe.
DeleteThank you Archerphile for writing my post for me. I won't repeat.
A couple of months ago my British friend living in Germany tried to convince me that the EU was being fair to all by rationing what vaccine available to allow each country in Europe to get the same amount, and that was why they were behind us in Britain in rolling out a vaccination programme.
I bit my tongue to prevent me answering 'bull shit' !
I haven't spoken to her since last week when she called. But I am wondering what fairy tale she's thought up since.
Warren Street = Warren's Treat does that help? : )
ReplyDeleteOf course🤔 Does it still count though I didn’t get the pun?
DeleteDoh! I didn't get it either.
DeleteHave got 25 (clever) and several that I would like for 26! but not 27 yet. We are doing better now we are using the map.
Soz, yes : )
DeleteJanice, keep trying. I look forward to hearing your several options for 26.
Do we know how many blood clots there have been with the other vaccines?
ReplyDeleteNot heard anything reported Soz.
DeleteApparently 1 woman in Austria died from a blood clot, but I don’t know if it can be proven that the vaccine caused it. In fact no causal link has been found between any of the clots and vaccines - they might have be due to happening anyway.
One report last night emphasised that Covid itself brought about blood clots.
DeleteA fact that seems to have been forgotten when decisions made to ban the OAZ,
plus the fact that blood clots are a fairly common occurrence in the general population.
Sorry Soz, you seem to have missed a 'y' from your question. But that really is no way to speak of our beloved PM ; )
DeleteAha! Just got No.25! Yay!
ReplyDeleteWithout map, to boot!,
DeleteDog tale ALERT
ReplyDeleteI had an event that raised my BP yesterday.
When the cat comes into the house, Lady sniffs him all over, mouth, feet and tail, to gain information on where he has been.
Yesterday cat came in and she became extremely intent on him, obsessively sniffing his face and feet and then running around and sniffing the floor where ha had walked.
It was evident that I needed to investigate, so put her on the lead and opened the door. She raced up the garden path then turned into a part of the garden not used and dived under some brush emerging with a squirrel clamped between her jaws.
I held her tight around her collar and tried to release her jaw, moaning weakly, ' help, I need help' my neighbour who was in her garden and who had understood what was happening barricaded her dog then came to my rescue..
She held Lady around the neck while I did my best to prise her mouth open, knowing that I was in danger of being bitten. I then held the tail of said S in one hand and the head in the other and pulled with all my strength. Slowly Lady relaxed her jaw and my final tug released it. Neighbour hung on to her while I took poor S, killed by cat, but considered dinner by dog, further up the garden.
Got highly excited dog inside, newspapers and plastic bag outside, and S securely wrapped and into the dustbin.
I needed a cup of tea after that. Lady continued to sniff the floor and I felt extremely mean to deprive her of a treat.
Sorry if offence caused to wild animal lovers.
What probs we have with these dogs!!!!
DeleteYour story MrsP has reminded me of an incident when my little dog, very unusually, managed to either find a dead squirrel or actually killed one. The outcome was that she tried to bury it in the garden but didn't make the hole big enough and the squirrel's head was left above ground. It was quite a shock to come across it, like something out of a bad horror film.
ReplyDelete😂
Delete😬
DeleteA friend was bitten by a squirrel once. She and another lady were out dog walking when the other lady's dog caught the creature. They managed to rescue it but it was injured. Whilst dicussing getting it to the vet, the panicked rodent bit her thumb - right through the nail, ouch! Apparently the other lady's response was 'We were only trying to help it!' Obviously squirrel did not appreciate this fact. I've no idea whether it did go to the vet or not.
DeleteI'm not a fan of grey squirrels for several reasons but especially as my daughter had them in her loft recently. When she called out the pest control service they told her that they were building a nest with the loft insulation and had gnawed on the joists. Apparently they chew wires and pipes as well if not discovered in time.
ReplyDeleteMy bro in law calls them “rats with good PR!” We certainly don’t want them on the island to wipe out our lovely red ones who live in trees not lofts as far as I know!
DeleteA friend of mine had squirrels nesting in her attic.
DeleteYep. Wires eaten, joists and insulation used in the making of nest.
Huge cost to eliminate them.
Until a few years back, you could still be fined £5 for not reporting a grey squirrel. This dates back to when they were less abundant and there was still some hope of eradiacating the critters.
DeleteWe had one at our old shoe. The bird feeder was attached by a chain which hung from a curved hanging basket bracket attached to the fence post. I swear Tufty hung on by the fluff of his tail to reach the bird food...
I've had a lovely text this morning. I was invited to ring for an appointment for my Covid jab!!🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteWasn’t expecting this just yet.
So going on Saturday for first one and got appointment for second one on 5th June.
I carry an epipen and had heard that pen carriers ought not to have jab but lady said reactions had been with Pfizer jab not the Oxford. So it seems I’ll be having the Oxford.
I am sitting in the observation area having just had my second Pfizer jab.
ReplyDeleteOn the way in the car the discussion on the AZ clot topic someone said there had actually been more clots with the Pfizer than the AZ, but still far fewer than the usual (non-vaccine) incidence. No actual figures were mentioned in the little bit I heard.
Fantastic news.
DeleteYou must be elated.
I would like to ask for some advice from the gardeners out there.
ReplyDeleteI am getting a small greenhouse and would like some tips please. I am a lazy gardener (not only with gardening 😕), so want to start with simple non-intensive plants. I also have a small veg patch.
I have already started some sweet pea and tomato seeds on a windowsill.
Thank you in advance 😉
I am not a gardner, unlike the many experts here, but what about a few runner or french bean, plants. These grow easily, and just need supports such as canes, to grow up and around.They also do not take up much room. I grow mine in a big tub. All is needed is a sunny place, but also need and most important, plenty of water + feed.
DeleteIt is lovely going out and picking fresh beans for a meal.
I would agree with Miriam.
DeleteThe very best garden produce is green beans.
Use them as a starter, steamed and buttered.
Delicious and beats tomatoes any day.
Climbing French Beans are a favourite of mine and I wouldn't be without fresh my salad in summer.
DeleteBeans grow well outdoors but in a greenhouse the most trouble free are tomatoes and they come in much earlier than outdoors ones. I did try cucumbers once but not much success. You have to remember to water every day as greenhouse plants of course don’t benefit from the rain. Peppers and aubergines are another possibility and they will sit on the staging in pots.
DeleteParsley 16
ReplyDeleteRe eye pressures. May I give you my exeperience?
When my optician diagnosed my cataracts (a story from the past), it was found that I had increased pressure in one eye plus close to limit in the other.
Three months later at hospital, I was told I had glaucoma in both eyes and immediatly presciribed eye drops.
A month later, all was fine.
The pressures in both eyes were well below normal, field of vision tests perfect, but I have a very small imperfection on one optic nerve.
I was classed as only having intra-ocular eye pressures not glaucoma.
Over 2 years on, things are still exactly the same.
I just have to use eye drops every night, and will have to, for the rest of my life. This is no difference than taking a pill once a day.
I go for regular appts. at the eye clinic for scans and pressure tests, which I just accept and understand.
My advice - Don't panic and just attend all appoinments required.
I hope this helps.
PS The slight imperfection on my R optic nerve, is what they are monintoring, but this is stable, at the moment.
DeleteAlso, my vision is not impaired in any way...
DeleteI feel lucky that my optician referred me, so quickly + efficiently, to the hospital eye clinic.
I was a glaucoma 'suspect' for some years and at my last check-up was prescribed drops which I have to put in twice a day. I hope that's taking care of the problem. My vision is fine thankfully.
DeleteZoe - you can’t go very wrong with some tomatoes. If you have room, get a deep filled tomato bag filled with compost to put on the floor of your greenhouse. You’ll see markings to cut 3 holes in the top of the bag. This us where you plant 3 Tom plants. I would advise getting little tomato plants from a garden centre around April time. Much to fiddly to grow from seed. ‘Gardeners Delight is a good variety and will give dozens of small sweet fruit. You could choose 2 other different varieties to give a bigger, traditional sized tomato (Moneymaker or Alicante) and a large sized giant ‘beef’ tomato that you can slice such as Beefeater or Big Boy. All if these are grown as cordons and will need a stake or string from the bottom of the stem to a wire fixed across the roof of the greenhouse, up which you train them.
ReplyDeleteI’d also recommend starting dahlia tubers off in pots or boxes of soil. When they start shooting and after all danger of frost you plant them out in the garden.
Worth growing from seed are lettuce, radishes, and annual flowers such as nicotiana (for the heavenly evening scent), stocks, antirrhinums and nemesia all of which can be started out in your greenhouse before transferring to the garden.
Good luck with your new venture! 🪴 💐 🍅 🥬
Big Sis grows red peppers in her greenhouse. She only has one plant, but always gets a good crop. Just another thought.
DeleteIt comes down to feeding + constant watering, whatever you decide to grow.
Good Luck.
I realise that I am almost alone, recording and then watching, the day time serial drama Doctors.
ReplyDeleteIt is being so well done, with ongoing S/L's which interlink together for several episodes, along with stand-alone stories.
What I most like, is the fact that is it based in a medical Health Centre, but at no times is Covid seeming relevant.
This might sound very strange It is just nice to see a serial drama where:- no masks are constantly being put on + off, and life seems almost normal.
The wonderful actors/actresses are doing so well in continuing this programme, being just socially distanced..
Others will disagree I know, but I appreciate the way it is being produced, as it shows some sort of normal life, which we all long for.
I do realise, that many of these episodes were recorded a while ago.
DeleteI just hope that it doesn't change its format, just like TA.
I can but hope...
You are not almost alone Miriam. I watch every day too as, I believe, does our dear friend Spicy, who I very much hope is able to enjoy TV.
Delete.
Unlike you though, I find the total absence of references to Covid, the non-wearing of face masks or self-distancing very annoying and unrealistic.
Mothers give birth with all and sundry being allowed into their hospital room.
Students at the University mingle freely and stage demonstrations.
Surgery staff gather in the staff room to socialise freely and nobody mentions the fact that a pandemic is going on.
If there is one soap that should be referencing the current situation, even lightly, it surely should be one set in a doctors surgery and hospital
Whilst doing my normal, 8.30am shop today, I was so dissapointed with the veg. available. I did get some, as fresh as possible -a big broccoli piece, a small cauli, some carrots and also sprouts, but it was all very poor.
ReplyDeleteI have looked at veg. boxes available on-line, but these are very pricey and the contents cannot be determined as to what these will include.
At least I know that I have the veg. thay I like to eat and will enjoy.
How I miss my trips to the nearby farm shops, but one is in Wales, and still cannot cross the border and the other cannot be classed as "local".
I did try a visit to a local veg shop, but I walked out, as the produce just awful!
I did get my garlic though, so very happy 😀
Getting our veg box was one of the best things about lockdown last year. They are a bit more expensive but they are very fresh having been picked that morning at a farm about 12 miles away and I do get a choice. The contents of my supermarket trolley have got smaller over the year. We get our milk delivered by a local diary farmer in glas bottles and, since Sainsburys closed their fish counter we go to a fish shop that we have found. We already went to a butcher formour meat. I'm currently looking into getting dry foods such as rice and pasta from a shop where you take in your own container to fill.
DeleteSorry about the typos
DeleteYes, I believe we were warned that some fresh fruit and veg might be in short supply or poor quality because of the volume of paperwork now required for their import.
ReplyDeleteYour reference to last year's blog has reminded me that it is now a whole year that I've only been able to leave the house once a week, or since |I was able to work. I'm not sure now that \I will ever be able to return, being so badly out of practice and muscles seizing up.
Mothering Sunday was quite poignant: I received a beautiful bouquet from my son, I rang to thank him when it arrived and we did an afternoon tea zoom at 4.30. I was reminded that I saw him three times last year - March, just before the first lockdown, July when they were allowed out of Wales and September, which was the last time.
Previously, the garden was my salvation, but although work is proceeding apace it is still mostly a 'no-go' area, and it is impossible to do even the most basic tidying. Since domestic arrangements have been in chaos since before Mr S's demise and I am unlikely to regain control of the garden before the end of this month there is no incentive to do anything and I seem to have been seized with inertia. I spend an awful lot of time gazing at the muddle but not seeing it until it's time for the next meal or as now, when it's too late to do that washing because it's time for the Secret |life of the Zoo, to which I have become addicted!
Just go with the flow for now Sarnia the situation you describe calls for this I feel. No one will know more than you, Ev and of course Lanjan that “ this (time) shall also pass”
DeleteSending thoughts 💐
I don’t think you are alone Sarnia. This lethargy and reluctance to go out and actually do Something is affecting me too.
DeleteI keep looking out at the garden and worrying about how much there is to do, but cannot summon up the energy to go and do it. I tried digging over some borders last week but have become so unbalanced and wobbly it was impossible.
I did manage to put some chicken wire cages over a few emerging plants (protection from rabbits) today but there is much, much more to be done.
But we have definitely decided to go with your idea of creating a gravel circle on the area that was under the fir tree. Mr A is waiting for any weeds to start growing and will then glyphosate the area, before putting a weed- stopping membrane down. Then we’ll get a dump-bag of gravel to go on top and pretty it up with lots of pots of agapanthus etc and that old sundial I was telling you about. I expect it will all get done eventually!
My "Get up and Go" attitude had also waneing. However, now the morning + evenings are so much lighter and the sun-shine is starting to feel warm,, I am starting to feel energised again.
DeleteI hope this continues
I think we all suffer with inertia at this time of year and like some animals maybe we should hibernate over the winter!
DeleteMy get up and go got up and went years ago : (
DeleteThat sounds lovely, AP, and I'm beginning top picture it in my mind. I hope you'll show us a micropic when it's done.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding pots a bit of a problem: being new to gardening I haven't had time to acquire a collection, and decent (large) ones are SO expensive. Do you have a recommended source?
Sadly, no. The really big ones are extremely expensive,especially if you want genuine terracotta or stone ones rather than plastic imitations.
DeleteThere are quite a few reclamation yards around where they sell secondhand building materials, things like old fireplace, fencing, tiles and also garden ornaments and pots.
We bought a lovely large birdbath from one last year. But you would need some kind friend to drive you to find one and help get any purchases home.
Failing that it is garden centres and places like Homebase I’m afraid.
My thoughts are, that this Lockdown No.3 , in the dark, gloomy, snowy, frosty, cold winter-time, has affected all in a way not as expected, nor anticipated.
ReplyDeletePlus, another long period of being stuck at home, with nothing really to focus on in the forseeable future, has certainly affected me.
This feeling is definitely going away now, be it slowly.
Miriam, thanks for your comments ré eyes. Pressure was just a bit élevé, I'm supposed to be checked again in 6 months. Did some research on line, as you do, possibility of glaucoma was mentioned... 🙄
ReplyDeleteDon't know if it's relevant, but my optician has given up using the 'puffer' method of testing the pressure in my eyes because as with many people apparently, it gives artificially elevated readings. Checking with the old-fashioned eye-drops, the readings are then normal.
DeleteAnneVeggie 12h25,
ReplyDelete😂🤣
Oh well, jabs officially postponed.. 😡
ReplyDeleteAnnieveggie -
ReplyDeleteThe head of a squidgle emerging from the ground has haunted me through today.
Far worse an emotion than me having to prise the recently departed from Lady's grip yesterday.
My neighbour found a headless duck buried in her garden courtesy of the local foxes! They can’t get into my back garden as I have a high gate which goes down to the ground at the only access. In any case Dudley would soon let us know if any intruders!
DeleteApologies MrsP. It was indeed a grotesque sight.
DeleteZoetrope along with all the other good advice and suggestions for a greenhouse and veg patch I would add cucumbers, maybe I was lucky last year because I had never grown them before but I planted a couple of plants in my greenhouse along with many tomatoes, and a I had masses of cucumbers which kept coming. Also sweet red peppers in a biggish pot. I have soil either side of the path and grew rocket under toms which is still growing! Outside you could try french dwarf beans - they don’t need staking.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to Miriam, Mrs P, CC, AP, Ev and Soz (and anyone I may have missed), for all your advice and tips. I plan to definitely grow some beans in the veg patch and tomatoes in the greenhouse. AP, thanks for your tips on varieties and how to train on a corden.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of other salad veg including peppers. I may try aubergines.
I'd been thinking of trying to grow dahlias from tubers so will definitely start some in the greenhouse. Love the idea of nicotianas - we have raised beds on the edge of the patio, will be lovely to have the scent close to where we sit.
Thank you all 💐
Marigolds, just two, planted in veg bags with tomatoes, deal with green fly!
DeleteGreat, thanks Spicy. French or ?African?
DeleteI love the ones with scented leaves, but can't remember which they are.
How are you doing Spicy?
It's great to see you back on the blog.
With tomatoes do remember to pinch out the shoots that grow in the axels off the stem. Might sound complicated but it’s obvious once they start growing otherwise things can get out of control. I find it quite therapeutic, like deadheading.
DeleteGood to hear from you Spicy.
DeleteHow infuriating parsley. Is France (or parts of it) still under partial lockdown? I've been reading about the new restrictions in Italy.
ReplyDeleteAnd hello Spicy- wonderful to see your posts again....x
*** MY EARLY MEMORIES ***
ReplyDeleteAfter a short hiatus, the next name out of the beautifully hand carved mortar is Cheshire Cheese! Enjoy!
Wow it is under a month now to this blogs 3rd anniversary 🤗 how can that be!
ReplyDeleteTalk about working in mysterious ways - that after Ruthy instigating it for us it then followed with Gary meeting up with her in America whilst on his (work?) travels and because of that the subsequent handover was able to be achieved when it became necessary! 👏🏻 and a heartfelt thank goodness for that 🥰
Just to say Zoetrope that I doubt you will be bothered by Cabbage White caterpillars in a greenhouse but a friend has recently told me that thyme is a good deterrent for them, and she has thyme planted in each corner of her brassica border.
ReplyDeleteMy kale was decimated last year. I planted the kind that Stasia recommended and it was very good but the butterflies liked it too. This year I have put half hoops of that blue plastic water pipe over my borders to support a covering of very fine insect proof mesh. It lets rain/water through but butterflies out. I will, though, also plant a row of kale outside the borders for the butterflies.
Janice, how very considerate of you, live and let live.
DeleteWill do the memories later today Gary. I've arranged to have coffee in the park with a friend this afternoon. We've been meeting up for walks but it's the first time in ages that we will have been able to sit down and have a natter.
ReplyDeleteOMiaS, another shoe-dweller and I have just had thw AZ jab : )
ReplyDeleteAs I have long suspected, Old Woman, you are not old at all!
DeleteDon't they say you're as old as you feel? Therefore, I should have been first in the queue.
DeleteI had mine this morning as well. Programme started a hundred days ago apparently.
DeleteOWiaS, I thought you might say something like that.
DeleteJust had an email from eldest daughter 53. She has booked her first vaccination for next Friday and the second one in June.
ReplyDeleteI am to have my second jab also next Friday.
Vit B12 and a blood test today.
A quick pop in, and I have not read todays posts just yet, so forgive me.
ReplyDeleteMy post comes down to again, the March 14th post, which I still get?
We have all been delighted to read that JANICE has her son home again.
A post by J. on that day, told us about a video clip from her son in Masbate, The Philippines, and that they were now not allowed out.
Also mentioned was her daughter, the manager of a holiday park, who on visiting, insisted on spraying all door handles + surfaces, with "dettol" mixed with lavender oil, which apparantly stank.
In hindsight, how sensible she was.
I wonder how this daughter is now doing?
The other main topic was about, the cancellation of choir rehearsals, theatre trips, parties for wedding anniversaries, birthdays etc. etc.
DeleteIt was very surreal at that time, but it is now, just the new normal life, which is accepted.
I have just read back, and such lovely posts, as usual.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to read these.
Is is really nearly 3 years, when this page started and when I joined in?
It has so helped me, in very many ways.
GG A massive Thank-you, for taking it over, and continuing towards this anniversary.
I hope it goes on, but if it doesn't, for whatever reasons, then it is What Will Be Will Be in other words Che Sera, Sera.
I have put the date of the 3rd anniversary in my diary - which still is just empty pages 😂
All I have in it, is my 2nd jab in May.
How I long to put a hair appointment in it - but this is stiil about 4/5 weeks away.
My lockdown locks are now annoying me, but then all will be the same.
I last went to my hairdressers on Dec.8th 2020!
DeleteAlso I am using again, something I bought in Lockdown No1, nearly a year ago - a can of hairspray!
It is the only way, I can control my dulux dog look again.
Yes Miriam the blogs will be 3yrs old on the 8th April (my mum’s “birthday”) and like The Archers feel it will it will be around for a long time - wee Gary willing 🤗
DeleteLucky you Miriam.
ReplyDeleteYou have hair !
Early memories:
ReplyDelete1. I would have been 3 yrs old and we were about to go on one of our frequent trips to France (mum was french). I had been taken to a family friend who was a hairdresser to have my hair cut ready to be presented to the relatives. The family next door to us had three daughters the youngest being the same age as me and we played together a lot. Before we departed for our trip I was at her house and we decided to play at hairdressers ending up cutting chunks out of each others hair. The abiding memory of this was mum bursting into tears when she saw me.
2. Mentioning the three girls next door reminded me of something else. Mum was very much a career person and a reluctant cook but did make the best chips. The next door girls used to ask her to make cook chips for them. I remember the process of peeling the potatoes, cutting them into chips, washing them and then drying them in a tea towel. they would then be partially fried then left for the fat to drain off before going in for a second fry. They were then put in a bowl in the middle of the table, a bit of salt sprinkled on then we would all sit round eating them.
3. I was age 4 and had just got a new dolls pram. Unbeknown to my mother I decided to take it to show my cousin who lived a few streets away but got lost on the way. I recall walking in tears in the middle of a road that had no pavements and a wooded area on one side and feeling frightened when approached by a man. The next thing I remember is sitting in a police station stroking a big dog and my parents walking in and mum rushing over to hug me. When it was time for them to take me home I had an almighty tantrum because I wanted to stay in the police station with the dog.
That last one, must have been awful, but it seems you were very lucky and that you don't remember too much!
DeleteI also remember drying potatoes, cut into chips, in a tea-towel. I hated when these were put into the chip pan, spattering and smoky, but I loved eating them.
After a very frightening "fat" fire on the gas hob, which was very many years ago, whilst cooking crispy pots in oil, I cook things differently now.
ReplyDeleteI knew what to do, a wet tea towel over the pan, but it frightened me, at that time.
The Ice-cream van is here again tonight
ReplyDeleteI just love hearing the chimes, as it goes past. I am not tempted just yet, but who knows when?
To All those who are Irish, have an Irish family with relatives etc. I wish you all a:-
ReplyDeleteA Great St. Patricks Day ☘☘
Oh Cheshire Cheese your poor mother. I can imagine her trying to hide the gaps or maybe you wore a scarf??? I like the chip memory. It’s funny how other children’s mothers’ food is remembered fondly. I remember loving baked beans on toast cooked in my friend’s house on their aga - the toast tasted so much better and my friend preferred my mother’s gravy.
ReplyDeleteI remember I preferred my Grandma's gravy, she used flour to thicken & my mum didn't.
ReplyDeleteGG, currently we have a nationwide curfew 6pm - 6am, weekend lockdown for certain areas Inc. Dunkerque, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes coastline & Pas de Calais dépt. Castex is due to make his weekly announcements at 6pm, almost certainly weekend lockdown coming for Paris, Île de France & Hauts de France région.
ReplyDeleteWe remain v vigilant, even here in the back of beyond... heard this week that an ex-colleague is suffering quite badly from the S African variant, he picked it up away in Brive, he lives 20mins away.
ReplyDeleteLooks as though some of us might have a in getting jabbed.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if it will affect people due for second doses and how long the gap between. Vaccinations cam be.
We had the Pfizer vaccine, which I don’t think is affected by Ursula von der Leyen’s ban on exports to Britain (how dare she?!) , but those waiting for their second OAZ may have a longer wait.
Please insert ‘delay’ between a and in!
DeleteI thought it was the Pfizer ones made in Belgium that Ursula Von Der Leyen was going to prevent the export of
DeleteNot entirely sure CC. Apparently there is a delay in getting OAZ vaccines from India too.
DeleteDr Sarah Jarvis said this morning that those with a second appointment would be honoured so if that is the case that makes it ok for me on April 23rd with AZ. However yourselves (and in particular Mr R and 4 other older friends all Pfizer) did not get dates but I hope they do get their second jabs before me as the older ones should be first as before imo.
DeleteWe will see.....
Archerphile did you read that “The Hampshire Court Hotel” completed 50,000 jabs recently ⭐️ and Matt Hancock did a special thank you as all set up and run by the A31 group practices and some Basingstoke ones as well I would think?
DeleteCheshire Cheese I liked your memory of your mum making chips. My job when little was to pat them dry with the tea towel. Nowadays I do the quick and easy thing and use oven chips.
ReplyDeleteGetting lost with your doll's pram must have been very frightening, for you and your poor parents. I had a disaster with my doll's pram once. Our village was tiny so no chance of getting lost, but it has a little very narrow circular lane at its centre. For some unknown reason I decided to carry dolly home and left the pushchair by the hedge on a corner. Soon after the bread delivery man appeared at the door carrying my squashed pram. He had run it over. He was a nice man and I can still remember how sorry he was.