Soz - April 25, 2021 at 10:23 PM Mrs P I hope this gets through. I have just written a long piece - the main purpose was to thank you very much for the name of the vintage pattern shop. It’s a fascinating site and I will ring them tomorrow.
MrsP Ambridge - April 25, 2021 at 10:39 PM Good ! Hope they find your stuff of interest and want to buy.
Lady R - April 26, 2021 at 1:02 AM Archerphile - Hinton Ampner visit made last Thursday.
Arrival time booked online as required ours was for 2 -2.30pm and we were very surprised at the huge number of cars there! Usually we go in at another entrance and park in front of the house re disabled disc. Once through reception directed straight into the immediate entrance to the walled garden where one particular bed of tulips was absolutely stunning this was as well as a border of them and some surviving daffodils and the usual veg etc. After this we were able to walk more freely and could be unmasked but we and quite a few others choose not to do this.
I was disappointed that there were not (at least some) socially distanced tables outside to enjoy a cuppa and scone. The tearoom sensibly was only accessed from one side ( by the shop which was open by the way - mask required of course as in the takeaway cafe) and out other side but of course a queue and as no seating Mr R could not stand even with his crutches while I queued and then have nowhere to sit and partake so we could only manage 45 mins there in total but enjoyed it and got a few interesting photos.On the way out different which was different to entrance we found a seat in the shade for a few minutes opposite a large toperied hedge fantastic. Followed up by a ride around the countryside so all in all a pleasant afternoon.
Opening a couple of new blogs earlier than usual as we are off to our beloved Tinkerbell Cottage in the Cairngorms today! I won't be able to look at the blog or edit it or remove any unwanted posts until late Saturday.
Thank you KP for your memories - sorry I didn't have the time to properly look for a suitable image or little video. (There must be millions of videos on YouTube of French gendarmes drinking...!!)
Have a great week everyone and "see" you all in 5 or 6 days. Play nice now....xx
Lady R - thankyou for describing your visit to Hinton Ampner, it sounded lovely, if a bit different to usual. My next door neighbours have been going to lots of NT gardens lately, The Vyne, Claremont and others. They don’t mind booking in for specific time and have no mobility problems, but I think we are going to wait until things are a bit back to normal. Anyway, we have so much to do in the garden here we need to use every fine day to get on with the restoration and replanting ..... but we do desperately need some rain!!
Probably too late now to message you Gary as you will be well on your way by now. But did think of you when listening to the news at 1 o'clock today re Scotland and Glasgow in particular opening up. Remembered that you had booked Tinkerbell and were very much looking forward to getting there. Have a lovely week.
As said previously, I did not renew my Zoo subscription when it expired in February, but will do for Sept. 1st. My thought was right - as there are so many limited entry tickets, no inside enclosures open yet, school hols coming up such as to May half-term 2 weeks, and then the Long Summer. I will wait, as I like value vs cost...and prefer not to pre-book.
I have today, set going again my 3 new replacement upstairs windows, ordered in December and put "on hold". The surveyor is coming in to do final measurements, in a few days time, but installation will still be in 2-3months time. There is no rush nor urgency, but just glad things are going forward. As to things going forward, my OZ niece + family move into their new family home on Thursday. It is just so idyllic, in a lovely area.
After a 'phone chat, I have just learnt that there is a new RHS garden opening this year, on May 18th. This is in Worsley, Salford near to Manchester. I am interested to visit this, as and when it becomes possible, but will need to learn how to use my Satnav, to go. Another project 🤣🚘 🤣
I've already got my tickets Miriam. As an RHS member I was able to get them prior to opening up to the general public. I'm really looking forward to it as the opening was postponed from last September.
PS I am enjoying listening to King Street Juniors Series 3. This is new to me, and I am enjoying it. I am also loving "Alison + Maud" along with "Ayres on the Air". Why - this is simple, as are pure entertainment, set in much earlier times so no technology, such as smart phones + internet. It is just life.
Just tuned in ready for the TA next installment, be it interesting or not. As much as I love Just a Minute, I don't enjoy it when Gyles B.is a participant...personal preference only.
I bet the Garden Centre is at Worsley Old Hall. Two of my grandfather's sisters were laundry maids there. The Bridgewater canal at Worsley was /is? rusty coloured because of (I think) the iron works In order to go to Manchester when I was a young girl we had to get two buses and went through Worsley. Took ages. Later when we moved closer to the railway we were able to travel by train-steam of course.
Devastated to hear that Nazanin has been sentenced to another year in jail in Iran, and then a further year of a travel ban. If I were the PM I would order the SAS to carry out a rescue mission. The way this poor woman has been treated is appalling. Why is nothing seemingly being done to free her?
Hundreds of billions have apparently been spent on surviving the pandemic. Compared to that 400 million doesn't seem so much to pay off our tank debt to Iran, and they would then presumably release the Iranian British nationals they are holding hostage. Tempting though it might be to send in the SAS rescue missions can have a knock on effect with revenge being taken and collateral damage. Entebbe on the surface was a triumph, but hundreds of Kenyans were killed afterwards because they had let their airport be used for, I think, refuelling. I do feel terribly sorry for Nazanin and have signed every online petition I have come across. There was supposed to be a UK meeting I think on the 19th of this month to sort out the debt question and it seems to have been postponed- again - and so not surprisingly Nazanin is back in prison.
I wasn’t being entirely serious about the SAS Janice & Mrs P! I just wish the powers that be, our government, the UN, anyone, would do something to help her.
Mrs P. Sorry for the delayed reply re King Street Juniors. It is indeed on R4ex, and I have it on suscribe via BBC Sounds, so not to miss it. I hadn't heard this series, which is not a good, yet still entertaining.
I baked an Earl Grey Tea Loaf today, which started last night, soaking the dried fruit in hot earl grey tea, overnight. All went fine, put it in oven and then forgot about it, as ate lunch and only remembered, on smelling it. I think it might be overcooked, as was in the oven for nearly 2 hours instead of 1 1/2 hours as per recipe. It looks + smells OK so will find out later. At least it isn't burnt.
Final comment. This is on my S/bury's shop this morning - there was not a single tin of their own brand tuna, available. No idea why. I also noted others items totally missing...but there were plenty of alternatives available, but not what I usually buy, such as the XL free range eggs I love, unable to buy for 2 weeks now.
I have a very excited eldest niece, who at 43yrs, has her 1st jab booked for Saturday. She is having quite a drive to get it, but just doesn't want to wait any longer. Isn't it strange, how this is now the "highlight" of our lives. Mind your her partners highlight, is going to the pub again, and meeting up with his mates...different priorities.
I have been shorn too! My fringe no longer covers my eyes.
The hair dresser comes to our shoe and we sat in the garden. This has the pleasant advantage of saving me the bother of sweeping up after she goes. And the birds get plenty of soft hair to line their nests. Today they got a mixture or black, reddish brown, brown and white. If small shoe-dweller had had her way they would also have had pink. However, small shoe dweller didn't, and won't, get her way - I'm quite happy with my natural colouring, thank you.
The birds have enjoyed our dogs’ fur as Katy has home groomed them. I put it in flower pots. All Gypsy’s went but they were a bit choosy about the boys’! I am silver too but no cut until 2nd June unless they have a cancellation. Perhaps small shoe dweller hopes she will be excluded form school with pink hair!
Shoe dweller's school recently removed its prohibition on hair dyeing. At one stage shoe dweller had half black and half orange! Pink was the colour she had planned for me - it aint gonna happen!
Oh yes! Obvious now you have pointed it out that she had designs on you! I had an auntie who in her latter years had blue hair. It really suited her! Pink is not so appealing though and don’t blame you for refusing to co operate! I can see why school removed prohibition as when they do things en masse it is too hard to enforce rules. I went to a girls’ grammar school and the uniform was brown. A fashion for thick black stockings grew, hitched up with suspenders (remember them?). These were forbidden by headmistress but when practically everyone wore them she gave up! Like all fashions it did pass!
In my early years at grammar school, it was suspender belts with ribbed, navy stockings. Luckily tights were soon the norm, but these had to be American Tan! We had a prefect or member of staff, who inspected us on entering school, to check the length of the skirt was the regularity knee length. Plus similar on leaving, as had to wear our school hat - an oval grey felt one in winter, a straw boater in summer. Both had a blue hat band with a small scho badge on, along with 2 blue "dangly" ribbons on the back. These were soon stuffed into school bags (satchels or brief cases 😊).
I woke up in the night, to hear torrential rain. This has 2 good outcomes - no watering of plants today, and the dust on my car, has been washed away.
I now have a sore arm - due to the massive pile of ironing done today. This became necessary, on going to change the bed, only to find the clean bedding was still in the ironing pile. Luckily I had stripped the bed!
Good news, as niece + hubby, have picked up the keys for their new home in OZ on The Gold Coast. Also they have no Covid restrictions, so no problems at all.
I never thought I’d say this , but, Hooray, it’s raining! Not very hard but enough to darken the soil and it means I won’t have to lug several water cans down to the new trees today!
Esscee. What are you celebrating? It sounds like a great family fun get together. Regardless of the weather, as long as it is dry, an extra layer can easily be worn and not be too detrimental as to the fun and enjoyment. It sounds an event, to look forward to.
Mistral - I have to report I tried the Toad in the Hole recipe again this evening. This time I used Just over half the ingredients specified. I used a ramekin dish to measure out the flour ( about 3 oz) and it took 3 eggs and a ramekin of milk. It has worked perfectly in my size tin. Raised to dramatic levels, beautifully brown and crispy and not too much thick batter underneath the sausages. MrA declares it the first really successful Tin the H I have ever made in 51 years and sends his grateful thanks to you!
That's sounds a total success. Sadly, as much as I love sausages and Yorkshire pudding, I just do not like toad-in-the hole!. I think it is the amount of yorkshire pud. vs the sausages, but that's only according to my palate.
Miriam - as said previously I don't do toad ......... hole, but my mum always made extra Yorkshire pud for me, which I would consume with delight spread with golden syrup. Perhaps you could do the same with leftover batter.
Things progressing well I think. Just waiting for solicitors to do their bit now. Surveys all done. Some packing done, just attic and spare room, but it’s a start. Will pester solicitor again on Friday to see how things are going. Thanks for asking Miriam.
Had consultation with my eye surgeon yesterday in Manchester. What a lovely man. I feel very confident about him carrying out the op. Just got to wait for the eye hospital to open up for non urgent ops. As soon as we get a moving date I can get in touch to get me on the list for the surgery. Hoping surgery will be June/July.
Archerphile, 28/4, 7.42 p.m. Ah, that was nice to read, thank you. So glad it was a success. Isn't it interesting that we can all re-learn. I have always used a Good Housekeeping cookery book, published in the 1970's, as my 'go-to' for all family meals, including batter mix, which makes lovely pancakes, but no good for y/p. When my friend demonstrated her way, I was a little bit horrified at the massive quantity of eggs, don't know why, they are cheap enough! However, it works. I find that my cookery book is really out of date now, not great on veg recipes, very heavy on lard and butter. I usually use the bbcfood and bbcgoodfood websites now when looking for inspiration, and especially like Mary Berry recipes for her complete no-nonsense approach and perfect results every time. I don't understand why I persisted in following Good Housekeeping for years, even when I expected poor results, I always blamed my oven!
I use my very 1970 books too, especially the Hamlyn Cookery in Colour and Dairy cookbookI bought from the milkman when I first got married. My main reason is that they use lbs and oz - I have never been able to convert recipes to metric!
I too have the Good Housekeeping cookery book, mine dates to the early 1980’s and was from my grandmother on my 21st birthday, so although a bit outdated and not frequently referred to I would never get rid of it. Mostly I look online for recipes then print them off if they work, I won’t print initially as I’m too tight, but if I think I will use the recipe again then it gets printed and filed. Today I am happily plotting what I am going to cook for afternoon tea with friends on Saturday. Thinking in terms of carrot cake, dark chocolate and ginger tiffin, and scones with clotted cream ( obviously) Thoughts of food definitely takes me to my happy place!
I had a 1970's Good Housekeeping cook book. It was so well used, it sadly had to be discarded, as was so messy. The replacement was nothing like that one. 🙁 My "bible" is the Delia Smith Complete Cookery Course from 1978. My other favourite is The Complete Farmhouse Kitchen cook book. This is a hard back edition of the compilation of all the smaller paperback books. This is from 1984, but the individual smaller books, date back to the late '70's.
I still prefer lb/ounces, but I am equally happy in gm/kg. My weighing scales do both, by changing the scale.
Delia’s CCCourse is my ‘go to’ recipe book and my son’s as well. I love cookery books and can spend much time looking at recipes I’ll probably never make but sound delicious.
I still hate having to use cm/metre. I so prefer feet + inches. At least there is still gallons when buying petrol, the speedometer and odometer, are still in miles and miles per hour. Also it is still mpg, as to the fuel usage, thankully.
Soz. In Delia's CCC, I love the Spanish Pork Casserole recipe, a staple of mine. It includes olives which I loathe, so substitute with button mushrooms. Lovely with a baked pot + a red cabbage/apple concotion.
On "Morning Life" this morning, there was a wonderful short "video" as to the planning + planting of the new RHS garden in Salford. I hope that this was only of a snippet from a full hour long future broadcast, to be seen, in the near future. It was fascinating in so many ways - unless I have already missed it.
The surveyor has been today, to do the accurate measurements for the new 3 windows. What a lovely bloke and I felt quite happy with him being in my home. He was wearing a mask + plastic shield and I stayed socially distanced. I also had many windows open, so sure all was done correctly. He intimated that installation could be in 3 weeks. This I doubt, as apparantly there is a problem getting the glass. I don't mind how long this takes, as this is only up-grading windows, which are at least 25+ yrs old. I am in no rush. I think it will be more like 6-8 weeks.. At least my order is now active again, and is in the system.
PS Not sure if I have mentioned this already, but.. I am having trouble buying tins of tuna? Am I alone with this problem?
As to the talk about metric vs imperial, I am having a thought about something that I have bought recently. This is the birthday present for my eldest great niece, who will be 10 in a few weeks time. She is an avid reader so I have bought a set of books, set in 1909 in a department store based on the original Selfridges. What concerns me, on reading little bits, is the money aspect as is it in pounds, shillings + pence. She won't have a clue, and niether will her parents, so I think either Grandma or self, will have to explain "old + new" coins and values. Still, I still love what I have bought. These are mystery stories, whilst learning some social history, I hope.
I cannot believe that is 10years since that wedding. I remember it well, as went into my work premises to do a big "catch up" as to things left over from the day before. I did this to help me on the Saturday after, when was working. I got home after 2 hours work, but in plenty of time. As Kate started walking down the aisle, the refuse collectors arrived, doing their job along with lots of clatter + noise. I think this was done as a protest, as having to work on what was a public holiday.
I have just watched the BBC1 programme as to that day.
I compared it to the sad event, not quite 2 weeks ago. These was so very different, due to the times and events - BUT - both were equally meaningful, heartfelt and sincere.
Parsley…….I was very tempted to use a photo of Lily of the Valley today, it being the flower of the month, and ours are in full bloom opposite the front door, but just as well I chose a Maypole instead! I absolutely love the scent of Lily if the Valley, it’s such a pity they don’t flower for longer.
Happy Mayday everyone. For the second year running the Mayday festival at Padstow is cancelled 😥 although no doubt there will be some playing of accordions in people's gardens. Here we tend to welcome in summer with cowslips and bluebells tied to the maypole, but lily of the valley are lovely. I had some pink ones once but they seem to have vanished.
I think you must be in a minority there Miriam! I don’t know anyone who dislikes the scent or the delicacy of the little bells. My plants have come from some harvested from my parents garden over 50 years ago and still bloom every year!
That's so lovely to hear. I agree, I am in the minority but I just don't like the scent. This might well be due to an ancient memory, of Great Aunts, Grandmothers etc. using too much Lily of the Valley, perfume along with buying me soaps, bath salts etc for Christmas, with the same smell. 🙊
I know what you mean - my disliked scene from ancient Aunts was ‘Devon Violets,’ probably brought back from West Country holidays. Sickly sweet and overpowering. Yuk!
What a quiet board today - But this is brilliant, as it means all are out + about, and just enjoying themselves or just busy. I planned an afternoon of gardening, but it chucked it down with rain whilst eating lunch. Sadly it didn't happen, esp. as the wind has also picked up. Tomorrow will, apparantly be worse..👎
My lawn treatment will be done on Tuesday. The lawn should be leaf-free, but the wind is blowing leaves off my copper beach hedge, onto the grass. I hope I can try + sort tomorrow, even in the rain.
PS No watering needed tonight. My new plants are looking very healthy and are starting to grow, but only slowly. I have done a "feed" to help them, but seem established and happy. Can this be said about plants, as to being happy?
For those who follow football - can someone explain why so many rioted, alomg with breaking the current Covid Rules, at Old Trafford today. I don't understand it. This action must have put many at risk of injuries, infections etc. A protest could surely have been done in a different, and a much safer way. Perhaps I am being too idealistic and realistic.
Well, I had to wrestle the TV controller from Mr A’s hands tonight so that I could watch the final episode of Line of Duty. I couldn’t possibly miss it after having having caught up on all the previous series recently so I could understand tonights revelations. I must say I found it a bit disappointing, after all the buildup, but at least most of the loose ends were tied up.
I have had to endure non-stop coverage of every snooker ball potted in the World Championships at the Crucible for the past 2 weeks. Tonight was the second session of the final so it was touch and go whether I’d be allowed an hour of something different. Mr A refused to watch LOD (he can never remember what happened the previous week) so sat in the dining room sulking over the jigsaw while I was glued to the doings of AC12 and the dishy Martin Compston & Adrian Dunbar!
I have to confess that since my binging of Line of Duty prior to the beginning of series six, I joined a Facebook group. I was underwhelmed by tonight's final episode and have spent time since reading HUNDREDS of mostly one line posts from half the nation who, like LJ and Archerphile were disappointed. Some disapointed to the point of anger. It was clearly a ruse to prepare us all for series seven.
I have not written all of the above because I am only on second part episode three of Line of Duty! I shall note in my diary the comments above and re-read them when I get to the series finale (about three weeks time!) 😁 Tonight I am going to Cub meeting where we will be 'Tracking' I am not going to speak much! Sometimes I speak too much and then sometimes I speak gobbledegook! My speech therapist signs me off when visiting next week as she thinks I have too much to say! Occupational therapist allowed me to cook soup but in three cases I have omitted one item of a recipe. Firstly, soup: omitted the olive oil, secondly omitted the pepper from the kebabs for an indoor barbeque ( because rain suddenly started), and thirdly I omitted rice from indoor stuffed peppers. So not all bad! Obviously will have to check recipe or write out recipe to remind myself! Not raining yet but will soon start, so feed birds and squirrels then curl up with a book!
Spicy it is so good to see you back and writing a sizeable chunk! Thank goodness you have recovered your voice!!!! I hope you enjoy tonight’s cub meeting.
Sounds like you are doing fine, Spicy and it’s lovely to read your posts again. Don’t worry for leaving things out when cooking. I am well known as the person who regularly forgets to put teabags in the teapot and pours out boiling water into the cups!
You must be doing well if the speech therapist is signing you off. Forgetting ingredients is something I naturally do 😏. Just call it a recipe experiment!
I was underwhelmed with LOD ending too. I hope there will be another series though, but feel that perhaps the writer has run out of ideas. I LOVE Adrian Dunbar.
I was also underwhelmed by the ending of LoD. Loose ends were tied up but it still left unanswered questions as if Jed Mercurio didn't know if there was going to be another series but was hedging his bets.
Yes, I find newly promoted DI Arnott dishy. He may be short but he’s got gorgeous eyes and a very sensitive mouth under that beard! He also dresses beautifully - Oooo those waistcoats!
But realistically, age-wise, it would have to be Hastings. He has a lovely head of hair, unlike my fella. 😉
At last a decent amount of rain for the garden. We were away last week in Edinburgh helping our daughter with a childcare problem (allowed under Scottish rules if the child is under one) and a few things in the garden have suffered from lack of water. It was worth it though just to get to know our 9 month old grandaughter as we haven't seen her since last September. It was also lovely to have a change of scenery having stayed local since last July.
Spicy - if that is all you are forgetting whilst cooking, then you do better than I do! I often forget to put an ingredient into something eg. I made a chicken + chorizio dish, but didn't put the chorizio in. We all do it.
My kitchen is always a massive mess when I cook. It is easy to tell what this is - as just need to look at the kitchen floor 😂
It is definitely www. this afternoon. Wild, Wet + Windy.
Good News, as I have now put another date into my diary. It is lovely to write things in, at last. This is a good one. On May 23rd, I will be catching up with a neice and my latest grand-neice, inside my "Big Sis's" home. I will be 10days past my 2nd jab. so perhaps I can actually, have a cuddle? I have only seen her once, which was July 2020 and totally distanced. I hope it is not the case, this time. But if it has to be - then I will accept + understand. Still, a lovely upcoming event, to so look forward to.
Niece in OZ moved into to their new amazing home 4 days ago. The rental they were living in, is being professionally cleaned tomorrow, as the lease ends in 2 days time. They are expecting a bill for "damages" as to the two young boys bedrooms, but then, boys will be boys.
They were all so excited yesterday, as a Wallaby appeared in their new garden, with a joey in it's pouch. Sadly there were no cameras to hand..😣
I have LOD recorded but not yet watched. I am thinking now, to just delete it, as it it seems not worth watching. Also I will free up, a lot of storage space.
At last,tonight, my evening meal will be ready in time for 7.00pm and TA . I will listen for once, without juggling saucepans, and then eating a burnt or overcooked food, later! What a treat for me 😂
May I just say, how much I like this blog. I have only a limited experience as to such. I I did previously join in to 2 others, but I quickly left these, due to the many nasty + personal comments constantly posted, some being quite venomous.
This blog has been a massive help, and life-line, over the last year. I apologise for getting too vocal, but thst is just me, and cannot change. I will return...
Miriam, I do look forward to your comments but I think Esscee means that instead of posting several one sentence comments, put them all into one or maybe two. I often find I haven’t put all my thoughts down and add another comment so understand that but Gary does have to start new blogs on the basis of number of posts, not the length of them and to be fair to him we need to gather our thoughts into one post when possible. I usually sign in late afternoon to see what you have been up to! Hope you and Pusscat are well!
Buddy isn’t eating well at the moment. It looks as if anal glands are a problem so Katy is booking him in at the vets tomorrow! He is a very fussy eater which is fine but he is very small and slight and can’t afford to lose weight. Gyp is slowing down and is constantly hungry because of Cushings disease so driving us mad barking for food! Shih Tzus are so demanding! Dudley is fine and eating well devouring Buddy’s as well given half the chance!!
May bank holiday is over and May has come in with strong wind and rain. I expect the Needles are rattling tonight!! Goodnight, everyone and sleep tight!
Miriam. May I add my voice to those asking you to try to post all your thoughts for the day in one or two posts. I have been thinking this for some time but have resisted saying anything as you seem to get very upset by anything you feel is criticism. This is not criticism but a friendly request that you amalgamate your many posts each day into one. It would help those of us with scrolling problems and Gary who won’t have to keep Opening so many new blogs Many thanks
I'm a bit puzzled, why does a blog have to be changed every 150/200 comments? Would it matter if it ran on to say 300? That would make less work for Gary. I hadn't twigged that a longer comment rather than several short ones would be more helpful for our administrator so I have learnt something as well.
It would take an age to scroll through that many comments. Fairly easy to do on a PC, where you just slide the marker to the bottom of the page, but on iPads or mobile phones you have to keep pushing the page up and up. It makes me feel a bit giddy and I keep inadvertently bringing up the home bar at the bottom too. You also have to go onto a second page at some point when it says ‘ no more posts’ or something like that which is another pain.
I also wanted to make the suggestion of amalgamated posts when Gary went away, I hope he had a good time, I haven't seen anything from him. I did ask him a while ago what mattered, the length of a post or the number of them. It is the number of posts as we know that fill up the blog. I only use a PC, so can easily slide to the bottom of the blog and work my way upwards. All the same, when a blog is full I can only go to "load more" and start again, so I normally don't bother and can see that for those on other devices it is even more difficult.
Yes the ' similar issue ' has been raised along with other 'issues' with the same person, many times, in the past and when we were with the BBC and that person used another moniker. I too use an IPad, but the scrolling down doesn't seem to affect me as it does you and others. Nevertheless the inane two or three line comments, self obsession and what would appear to be loneliness, along with an apparent inability or wish to read other posts, I find to be more than a little irritating. The lonely aspect is understandable and sad, and I along with others try to ameliorate it with a degree of kindness. But I am also critical at times too, and then am criticised, kindly, myself for being so. We are, I'm sure, all capable of having a quick fuse from time to time. Your post yesterday was gently put, as other posts have been in the same tone previously when making the same request. And too, Basia following up by asking Gary about the number of posts. All to no avail, as said, others posts are not read.
I wonder if my tablet is easier to use. I do a quick upward flick of my finger and then close my eyes. When I judge it has stopped scrolling down I open my eyes, and generally by then it has reached about a half to three quarters way down the page which is usually about the point I have read to before. This saves having to slowly pass through lots of comments that have been read previously. If I subsequently realise from a comment I may have missed something then I will scroll back.
I learnt from someone three years ago that on a PC - imac in my case - to press cmd (on the right of space bar) + up arrow and that takes me to the bottom of the blog.
I am impulsive and impatient. I often post on this blog and regret it later
For some reason I am unable to delete anything after I have posted a comment but recently I have typed a post and deleted it before sending. This is because having written something down I realise that nobody is going to be in the least interested in what I have put. I was going to post a comment last night but decided to wait until nearer 4pm.
I wonder ,Miriam ,if you might think of doing a similar thing I may be alone but I have not got the slightest interest in what you or anybody else is going to have for an evening meal. I do not care if someone has a new car with six gears or one with only four. I realise that if one if writing a comment it will be his or her idea only and since we all enjoy the blog or we wouldn't be subscribing to it there is no need to keep saying how grateful we are to Gary. He knows We know
..........and (this might sound heartless ) I am heartily sick of constantly being told that you are wanting to be hugged. Lots of us are in the same boat and trust me some of us have had a far more difficult time than you have-Spicy cushion and PtbY to name but two. What I am saying is that I think you should think before you write something and wonder whether it is really of interest to the rest of us.
Lanjan, I do admire your straight talking and writing at Miriam's allocated time for joining this blog, therefore I don't think loneliness plays a large part. To me hug has become my bug bear rather than a bear hug! The item about hugging was on Woman's Hour one day and my sister happened to be listening (I always do) and she said she found it over the top, I was glad not to be the only one to feel this way. Nevertheless, the following day they were visiting their plot to compost etc and she texted to ask if they could come for a hug, I replied, well if you must! It was before we had a 10km rule (finished yesterday and they were to visit but we were both too tired). On the way down into town last Friday, trundling with my shopping trolley I saw a man sitting on the pavement, holding his head, there was another and our post lady standing over him and soon an ambulance arrived, we're 10/15 minutes' walking distance from the hospital. I recognised him as the man who always walks with his head bent towards the ground and recently with the aid of a walking stick. He carries a baguette or two in his cloth sack, but his usual bakery was closed, the next closed down for good, so the walk must have been too much for him. On the way back I saw traces of blood on the ground, still there. There are couple of other elderly people I used to pass on my way and no longer see. In my local bio shop a regular customer was pleased to see me, because behind the mask, glasses and a hat on top, she only knew it was me once I started talking. I often ask the manager if certain regular customers still come and we maintain a friendly interest in one another.
That's the thing with online blogs, everyone gets to read/see everything. If we were meeting in person, we could break into smaller groups to talk about food, or gardens, or Line of Duty, or cricket - keeping half an ear out in case one of the other groups said something that caught our attention. On here, I tend to skim read and quickly pass over topics that don't particularly interest me. (For the record, I think I have watched one episode of Line of Duty.) Although I do always read the blog on my laptop so I don't encounter the scrolling problems you get on the phone.
I wonder, Miriam, if you have considered Twitter? That is made for the short observations you enjoy making. Who knows, your evening meals could develop quite a following - #Miriam'sMarvellousMeals - perhaps. Don't stop posting in here - but perhaps write your comments first in Word, say. When you've got half a dozen or say, decide which two or three are most interesting, edit them, then copy and paste them into one blog post here. That's what I do sometimes - 'though my fault tends to be very lo-o-o-o-o-ng posts rather than lots of little ones.
🤗 - for anyone who wants one, albeit virtual. If you don't, assume it's just a smiley 😊
Sounds like a good solution for Miriam. A helpful suggestion ! I don't understand these smileys, they all look the same to me.
Basia
I do so agree with the point you are making about hugs. At the start of the first lockdown there was so much media twittering about people missing hugs. And then it all got worse ! And I was shouting at the wireless every time I heard about it. I live alone, as everyone knows, just like Miriam, you, I think, and others on this blog..... and all across the globe to some extent.... In the last twenty years I've had no daily and for most part weekly physical contact with anyone other than an animal. I was brought up in a family where physical affection was in short shrift. Not unkindly, but perhaps prosaically. I therefore was not a person used to showing or receiving affection and I think that I have never been particularly physically affectionate myself. Until all this, to me, exaggerated expression of the lack of 'hugs' was brought to the fore, I was not very engaged with my lack of opportunity of and for physical expression of affection. It was what it was. But when it became apparently so very important to all and sundry it made me feel outraged that so much attention was given to a small act that many ( especially old) people didn't have in their lives at all. It has for me felt like rubbing salt in a wound.
LanJan Well done !
Miriam
Please read others comments. You say you can't change the way you are. I don't think any one on this blog wants you to change. Just modify.... a little. And take notice of what people are saying to you without taking umbrage, if you can.
I'm a great fan of hugs. They're particularly good when you want to comfort or encourage people. But I think we all need physical touch from other people - or from pets, perhaps. Even a touch on the hand can be a boost to people. (Usually - perhaps not so much at present!) I was at a retreat centre the other year. Before I left I hugged the people I'd got to know. Since that was over half the people in the smallish dining room, I offered the rest a hug too. One particular dear lady accepted gratefully, with the comment that she hardly got any hugs these days. As you know, I live with a shoeful of people. But if I were on my own, I think I'd miss physical touch very much. And when I read about what some of you are going through, I want to reach out and give you a big hug. Since I can't, I make to do with this little emoji 🤗 (Windows tells me that's a hug. The next option is 🐫 - presumably for 'hump'.)
(Not trying to rub salt into any wounds, MrsP - just hoping that when lockdown ceases, fewer people will be deprived of these 'small acts', in whatever form suits them best.)
Certainly people have become nicer, kinder and more receptive of and to, others. We have it seems returned to greeting total strangers by giving the time of day. That is a habit I have never neglected so to see it returning is a joy. I hope this is happening in cities as well as in more provincial areas. However I hope all this hugging business is more restrained than previously once life becomes a little more normal. As far as I feel gushing hugs of total strangers is intrusive of personal space. If it is a genuine joy of sharing with a friend or family member then it's acceptable and welcome.
Oh Old woman I am to blame as you know when it comes to Cricket or recently Line of Duty and I can quite understand somebody telling me to put a sock in it when I mention Liverpool Football Club as well. (I haven't done so recently for obvious reasons) You are quite right to mention those topics. However I have tried to improve . You have no idea what rubbish there would have been on the blog had I sent everything I had thought of sending. My excuse for writing the previous comment is that I am feeling particularly raw at the moment.
You've had a tough time, Lanjan, it's understandable that you're not always full of the joys of spring. I have a shoe-dweller who, given half the chance, could tell me about a Line of Duty episode in three times the time it would take me actually to watch it. As for films, by the time she's finished telling you about it, you could have watched the film, the director's cut, the voice-over commentary, and the next film, and still have time to buy popcorn. I've got quite expert at tuning out ; ) Fortunately, the football fans in the shoe know I find it as intersting as watching paint dry so don't even bother trying to tell me about it. Cricket is a little better - just don't ask me to remember where silly-mid-on-lbw stands.
We're all living through 'Interesting Times' at present - both covid and our own personal challenges - let's continue to be kind to each other in our wonderful little lifeboat.
I hope that we continue to post on a range of topics as we are a bunch of people with many different interests. Some posts I just skim over, others I read in more detail, occasionally something crops up that I don't know much about and find that I want to learn more.
Haven’t heard from Cow girl for sometime. I expect she is busy outside. I saw someone on a tricycle the other day and wondered how she is. The lady on the tricycle looked very comfortable and secure. If I were to cycle on our roads again I think I’d opt for one. Our village is on a Lycra clad circuit. There is a very good shop and cafe in the next village situated round the village green; on weekends and sunny days the place is full of brightly coloured Lycra of all shapes and sizes.
Sarnia is there anything other part of your garden you are changing? I hope you are looking after that rose behind the summerhouse!!! My roses are taking a long time to leaf up this year. It is soooo cold. Has anyone any suggestions on getting rid of ground elder?
Been lovely to see some rain today. The gardens definitely needed it. Started packing up framed photos today. Husband stood and told me how to do it!! “Have you been watching you tube vids on how to pack?” I ask. No he says. “ well bugger off and do something useful instead of standing and watching me then!”
Also, finally got a haircut today. Now I don’t recognise myself as I pass a mirror!!
I'd have handed him the packing materials and told him to get on with it!
The first time we moved shoe we packed ourselves. All a bit of a rush because the removal company got organised late. And I was feeding a two month baby. Once at the new shoe we ordered two tall Billy bookcases which arrived damamged. Then they were out of stock so we waited two or more weeks for replacements. In the meantime, the books stayed in their packing boxes.
We couldn't find the cutlery so were using plastic stuff for some time. Guess where we finally found the proper stuff? ---- In with the books! OMiaS's practice is to put anything in any box where there is space. So we got other odd combinations too, and they weren't always well labelled! (The baby play mat was lost for months until the building work on his college study was completed and he was able to unbox the computer ...) After a later move, when we got packed for, I discovered a 5cm high plastic dinosaur carefully wrapped in a whole large sheet of packing paper! By the time they got upstairs our movers were getting tired of all our clutter, sorry, important items. My ornaments travelled wrapped up in the duvet.
This blog started so that we could talk about subjects other than The Archers - because on the old BBC blogs we often got told off for mentioning anything ‘off topic’. I think the BBC even deleted posts that were about anything else. But here we have the freedom to discuss anything that concerns us, ask for advice, compare notes about favourite films, books, sports etc etc. Talk about our pets, holidays (whatever they are!) and our families.
Hopefully though, it is not to keep recounting the same daily routines, what we are having for dinner (unless it’s a particularly special meal) or congratulating ourselves on how wonderful we all are.
I have been very seriously considering giving up reading this blog and like Maryellen, just sticking to the Archers blog - mainly to avoid having to scroll through umpteen mini-posts which are of no interest to me.
I might still do that if things don’t improve and thereby, at the same time, save you all from having to read my tedious tales of gardening, vaccinations and what my family are up to. 😉
I would echo OWIAS’s advice to Miriam to try Twitter which has various threads about The Archers as well as a million other subjects. It is ideal for those quick thoughts that pop into your head. And you can’t write screeds, it is limited to short comments only. I don’t tweet myself as I just haven’t got time to keep connected and only use my mobile for WhatsApp. Miriam could join in with Archers chat, cooking, gardening, fellow owners of the car she likes and even Chester zoo-ophiles. It might be ideal.
In these times of not going out and about as much it is inevitable that we talk about the trivia of our everyday lives whether it interests everyone or not! We all express ourselves in different ways and I think that Miriam has sudden thoughts which she then posts. The other day there were seven in a small timeframe. I suggest she jots down her thoughts and then puts them into one or maybe two posts. It would be easier to read. This lady lives alone and has been deprived of the company of her hitherto close and tactile family. There is no excuse then for making personal attacks on her. I am sure many of you have no interest in my dogs as in return I have no interest in LOD which I haven’t watched or in sport, rather watch paint dry! However, others are interested in these things and I can just skirt over them. I hope Miriam returns, she is far too quick at taking offence at criticism however well meant but I for one like hearing about her days. Let’s live and let live and preserve the amiability of our blog!
Escee, I am currently on a train to Edinburgh going to The National Galleries of Scotland to see an exhibition about the special effects genius Ray Harryhausen.
My 6 days away were absolutely amazing thanks. Lots of just enjoying being elsewhere. Lots of sitting by the fire, a few walks, a few drives and as much nature as you could wish for. Saw a pine marten which was exciting!
So glad you had a wonderful time Gary. Is that really Tinkerbelle at the top of this blog? It looks like a réal fairytale cottage. Enjoy your trip to the exhibition and sorry you have returned to another slightly awkward discussion.
I consider this blog as social history, though the sample is limited. I usually check to see if everyone is safe and well. I don't often contribute as either I have nothing to say, am not interested or upset by the discussion. I have lived alone all my adult life and don't need company, there are always choices, subconscious or not and I hold myself responsible for what happens to me. I've never liked the French way of greeting people by kissing on the cheek, although this is what I do with family. Well, there was one exception, when I was enamored of my hairdresser and not the only one. He was twenty years younger and he knew, so we just flirted. At the bio shop I kissed the girl (sounds like Katy Perry!) when she came back after having her baby. I'm on very friendly terms with her and the manager but we have never as much as shaken hands.
Are all the cottages like that Gary? In a place like that I would pretend I was right there in a Tolkien story. Would love to be of the elven race but more probably a rider of Rohan.
Pleased your safely back from your latest Tinkerbell outing Gary. Sounds like a proper holiday IMO. Very very envious of your pine marten sighting. That was my most wanted 'to see' hope on my only visit to the highlands, but no luck I'm afraid. Lucky you.
The many posts regarding Miriam and her frequent short comments over the last few days, for good or ill, may well not be read by Miriam herself. Her last post suggested that similar concerns towards her had been expressed on other sites causing her to leave those forums. As most of us are aware Miriam often tells us that she is leaving this site, but usually returns within days. Her final words this time were ' I will return' and inevitably she will. It seems to me that she then does not read the posts of others, whether kindly or cross, and seems determined that she should not change her ways, however irritated some others may be by the form of communication she uses.
As I stated a day or so ago...... it is all wasted effort from us, including of course myself.
Perhaps Cheshire Cheese has the wisest advice, by being responsible herself for what she reads. I for one will try to adhere to that advice in the future, and choose to scroll on, ignoring Miriam's posts, and refraining from commenting if I do read them.
I'm pleased to hear you had a good trip Gary and how lovely to see a pine marten. I dip in and out of this blog, mostly out actually, but enjoy reading and occasionally commenting. I don't enjoy gardening, cricket or cooking too much and have my own passions but that's OK and, as I've said before, I regard everyone on here as a friend.
Mrs P said that "I will return". This I am doing for this one and only last time. My final post is:- I have undergone a total character assassination over the last few days. I have been talked about, and discussed, in very strong and negative ways. This has been so hurtful to read. I wonder how others would feel, on reading such comments about themselves if in a similar position? It has been suggested I go onto Twitter, but I don't do this, f/book, Instagram or similar for my own reasons. I was on other blogs,and left by my choice and nothing else. These were awful as there was a "clique" who just took over, and if others posted different thoughts or ideas, then very nasty replies were made.It was nothing to do with me!
I don't expect that this be read, as it will be scrolled over by all.
There have been some bad comments usually from those who have their own issues but please also look at the more caring remarks. Rather than taking umbrage it would have been more positive if you could see the point at the centre of this that instead of posting as the other day seven times it could be said in one post thus making the blog go further. The original critique was said firmly but kindly and unfortunately it turned into an impassioned debate. Sorry if you are going but please reconsider as like me you have found the blog very comforting. We can’t get on with everyone but sometimes we need to be laid back and think if they don’t like me that’s their problem. I have followed this mantra for most of my senior years and believe me at one time I desperately wanted to be liked! If we don’t meet again, good luck and best wishes. It was lovely to know you even if virtually!😊
Miriam, I haven't scrolled. The issue was a technical one. You always praise Gary for running this blog but choose to write many posts which creates more work for him and makes it difficult for others to read. You were offended.
May I remind you that at some point you even thought that Gary told you to stop posting and he was unaware of having upset you.
We all know how much you enjoy the Chester Zoo, so when it came as the top attraction in the UK some wrote posts addressed to you, thinking that you'd be delighted. Unfortunately those posts appeared not at the time when you join the blog, so you missed them and didn't bother to read. You then became offended by reminders to read the posts which were aimed at sharing the good news with you.
Miriam, I was the one who suggested Twitter. I did so because I thought your short one-liners would suit the format. If it's not for you, fine, I don't use it either, but many people do.
You have *not* undergone a total character assassination. Yes, hurtful things have been said - but please don't assume we all agree with them. I, and others, have done our best to speak up for you.
Blogs are great, but misunderstandings and tensions can arise that would be more easily resolved if it were a face-to-face encounter. Since that's not an option, we all need to do our best to maintain harmony in here. Sometimes a gentle suggestion may need to be given, and accepted. Other times we may need to bite our tongues and recognise that we all have different expectations from the blog. And different ways of coping with difficult circumstances.
Take a week or so away from the blog if you need to. But then come back - you have just as much right to be on this lifeboat as the rest of us. 🤗
I don’t come here very often. So today I decided to read the comments regarding how a blogger is expected to convey their thoughts, other endeavours and trivia on this site. I believe there is a fine line between giving personal feedback and how such opinions can then morph into a form of cyber mobbing. Miriam has taken on (somewhere in the past) the role of victim through reacting to the disapproval of some bloggers who express views re her style of commenting and the tediousness of the content. . We can all make choices about what we read and if we should respond to a remark or opinion expressed by another. The choice we make should IMO always be positive otherwise continued negativity could be construed as verging on controlling the content and accepted rightness of the blog content. Censure is a very dangerous activity and continued chastisement of another can infantilise behaviour. Miriam, if you read this, do not deny your maturity by responding with a huff. You say that, in a professional capacity you managed and ran a pharmacy. Apply those skills of confidence and reflect on how to respond when other comments differ to your own. “We’re all different”. I decided not to comment here because of the negative response to another’s comment and the finality of the responses didn’t allow for discussion. That was censure. Should you wish to comment the option is yours. The volition to act is entirely up to you. Just as I have done.
Hello Stasia. I do miss both your and Caroline's comments. An interesting summary to ponder on I think. I do agree that we are all different. I expect that you and Cowgirl are both busy with your vegetable beds now. I have planted Nero Cavolo kale again this year which I believe was the one you recommended, but here things seem to be slow taking off. My Philippina daughter in law has never had a garden before and is having fun with the one at the cottage. She has realised that the things out there won't grow here and has persuaded my son to buy her a sort of small upright indoor greenhouse type thing, and has bought some exotic things to put in it. She is thinking if she can propagate them she may be able to sell them on ebay. On Ticao one of her brothers works a small piece of land and as well as growing enough rice for his family he grows beautiful orchids which they sell. I have seen photos and they are grown in containers fixed to tall vertical poles.
I have been shopping at the Marks and Spencer store today, the first time in heaven only know when! I tried to find something which would maybe be attractive to myself for the wedding. (forgive slightly odd grammar. I try to find alternative words when I can't memorise the right words.) I thought I liked a summer dress and also a pink jacket so if everthing else fails that M&S outfit will do. I also managed to get a wedding acceptance card because the one Jon got wasn't really suitable! I also got a birthday card which could apply to anyone of my sisters. It says 'Prosecco' 'Prosecco' 'Prosecco' 'Floor' !
Well done for your shopping trip, Spicy. I hope when you make your final choice of wedding outfit you'll change your profile picture so we can all admire it : )
Bravo, Spicy! Good to hear you’re out and about! I haven’t ventured into a shop since before first lockdown and today had to pay at the vets (Buddy’s anal glands!!). I had forgotten the pin for my credit card which did come back to me over the course of the day, so had to pay with debit card for which I remembered the pin as I had done a couple of ATM withdrawals in the last year. It’s funny how the pandemic has changed things! I rarely use cash nowadays!
I've been reminded this week of a girl who was in my form at secondary school. She was a right pain, a bit of a drip, and used to hang around like a bad penny. I'm afraid we were not always kind to her. She moved away after a year and started at a different school. I heard later that she was flourishing in her new school. I do wonder just how much that was down to her finding new friends who were prepared to accept her as she was and look for the positives in her character rather than focusing on those traits that we had found irritating.
What we see in another person often depends on what we're looking out for ...
It could be that the girl in question took on board some of the feedback she had received and was able to put on a new persona that helped her gain acceptance, or she may have just found a couple of other slight misfits to link up with. A lot of us just need a few good friends rather than a large gang, that is certainly my personal experience.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteSoz - April 25, 2021 at 10:23 PM
Mrs P I hope this gets through. I have just written a long piece - the main purpose was to thank you very much for the name of the vintage pattern shop. It’s a fascinating site and I will ring them tomorrow.
MrsP Ambridge - April 25, 2021 at 10:39 PM
Good !
Hope they find your stuff of interest and want to buy.
Lady R - April 26, 2021 at 1:02 AM
Archerphile - Hinton Ampner visit made last Thursday.
Arrival time booked online as required ours was for 2 -2.30pm and we were very surprised at the huge number of cars there! Usually we go in at another entrance and park in front of the house re disabled disc. Once through reception directed straight into the immediate entrance to the walled garden where one particular bed of tulips was absolutely stunning this was as well as a border of them and some surviving daffodils and the usual veg etc. After this we were able to walk more freely and could be unmasked but we and quite a few others choose not to do this.
I was disappointed that there were not (at least some) socially distanced tables outside to enjoy a cuppa and scone. The tearoom sensibly was only accessed from one side ( by the shop which was open by the way - mask required of course as in the takeaway cafe) and out other side but of course a queue and as no seating Mr R could not stand even with his crutches while I queued and then have nowhere to sit and partake so we could only manage 45 mins there in total but enjoyed it and got a few interesting photos.On the way out different which was different to entrance we found a seat in the shade for a few minutes opposite a large toperied hedge fantastic. Followed up by a ride around the countryside so all in all a pleasant afternoon.
Opening a couple of new blogs earlier than usual as we are off to our beloved Tinkerbell Cottage in the Cairngorms today! I won't be able to look at the blog or edit it or remove any unwanted posts until late Saturday.
ReplyDeleteThank you KP for your memories - sorry I didn't have the time to properly look for a suitable image or little video. (There must be millions of videos on YouTube of French gendarmes drinking...!!)
Have a great week everyone and "see" you all in 5 or 6 days. Play nice now....xx
Oh Gary how wonderful- enjoy your much deserved and longed for break!
DeleteGary - the Tinkerbelle Cottage must seem a dream come true. Have a wonderful time and see you Saturday!
DeleteHave a lovely time. It looks like it should belong in Hobbit land.
DeleteIf that is Tinkerbelle Cottage at the top of the page, I don’t think Gary will ever want to come back!
ReplyDeleteIt’s so pretty, what an exquisite holiday home.
Lady R - thankyou for describing your visit to Hinton Ampner, it sounded lovely, if a bit different to usual.
ReplyDeleteMy next door neighbours have been going to lots of NT gardens lately, The Vyne, Claremont and others.
They don’t mind booking in for specific time and have no mobility problems, but I think we are going to wait until things are a bit back to normal. Anyway, we have so much to do in the garden here we need to use every fine day to get on with the restoration and replanting ..... but we do desperately need some rain!!
Probably too late now to message you Gary as you will be well on your way by now. But did think of you when listening to the news at 1 o'clock today re Scotland and Glasgow in particular opening up. Remembered that you had booked Tinkerbell and were very much looking forward to getting there.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week.
As said previously, I did not renew my Zoo subscription when it expired in February, but will do for Sept. 1st.
ReplyDeleteMy thought was right - as there are so many limited entry tickets, no inside enclosures open yet, school hols coming up such as to May half-term 2 weeks, and then the Long Summer. I will wait, as I like value vs cost...and prefer not to pre-book.
I have today, set going again my 3 new replacement upstairs windows, ordered in December and put "on hold".
ReplyDeleteThe surveyor is coming in to do final measurements, in a few days time, but installation will still be in 2-3months time.
There is no rush nor urgency, but just glad things are going forward.
As to things going forward, my OZ niece + family move into their new family home on Thursday. It is just so idyllic, in a lovely area.
I bet GG will have a great time in "Tinkerbell".
ReplyDeleteIt looks so cute.
After a 'phone chat, I have just learnt that there is a new RHS garden opening this year, on May 18th.
ReplyDeleteThis is in Worsley, Salford near to Manchester.
I am interested to visit this, as and when it becomes possible, but will need to learn how to use my Satnav, to go. Another project 🤣🚘 🤣
I think it is called, The Bridgewater Garden, but not sure.
DeleteI've already got my tickets Miriam. As an RHS member I was able to get them prior to opening up to the general public. I'm really looking forward to it as the opening was postponed from last September.
DeleteMy son just moved to Worsley last year. I will deffo be going to the new garden and combining a visit to him sometime this year.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds an amazing outing + meet-up. Such a womderful to look forward to + enjoy together. 😁😁
DeleteI didn't read my post back before posting.
DeleteI meant "Such a wonderful time, to look forward to. .."
PS I am enjoying listening to King Street Juniors Series 3.
ReplyDeleteThis is new to me, and I am enjoying it. I am also loving "Alison + Maud" along with "Ayres on the Air". Why - this is simple, as are pure entertainment, set in much earlier times so no technology, such as smart phones + internet. It is just life.
Just tuned in ready for the TA next installment, be it interesting or not.
DeleteAs much as I love Just a Minute, I don't enjoy it when Gyles B.is a participant...personal preference only.
I bet the Garden Centre is at Worsley Old Hall.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my grandfather's sisters were laundry maids there.
The Bridgewater canal at Worsley was /is? rusty coloured because of (I think) the iron works
In order to go to Manchester when I was a young girl we had to get two buses and went through Worsley.
Took ages.
Later when we moved closer to the railway we were able to travel by train-steam of course.
You are correct Lanjan. I'm really looking forward to what they've done with the 11 acre walled garden.
DeleteI used to love King Street juniors.
ReplyDeleteSo many years or possibly decades ago.
Is this on R4 extra Miriam.
Seems like yesterday Mrs P 🤭
ReplyDeleteDevastated to hear that Nazanin has been sentenced to another year in jail in Iran, and then a further year of a travel ban.
ReplyDeleteIf I were the PM I would order the SAS to carry out a rescue mission. The way this poor woman has been treated is appalling. Why is nothing seemingly being done to free her?
I quite agree AP. How she will continue to cope mentally I cannot begin to imagine and similarly her family 🙏🏼
DeleteSo was I Archerfile. She's been through enough.
DeleteHundreds of billions have apparently been spent on surviving the pandemic. Compared to that 400 million doesn't seem so much to pay off our tank debt to Iran, and they would then presumably release the Iranian British nationals they are holding hostage. Tempting though it might be to send in the SAS rescue missions can have a knock on effect with revenge being taken and collateral damage. Entebbe on the surface was a triumph, but hundreds of Kenyans were killed afterwards because they had let their airport be used for, I think, refuelling.
DeleteI do feel terribly sorry for Nazanin and have signed every online petition I have come across. There was supposed to be a UK meeting I think on the 19th of this month to sort out the debt question and it seems to have been postponed- again - and so not surprisingly Nazanin is back in prison.
Janice - ✔️✔️
DeleteI wasn’t being entirely serious about the SAS Janice & Mrs P!
DeleteI just wish the powers that be, our government, the UN, anyone, would do something to help her.
Lanjan - Seems like Kent didn't get the runs. Or Lanc came up with some terrific bowling!
ReplyDeleteMrs P. Sorry for the delayed reply re King Street Juniors. It is indeed on R4ex, and I have it on suscribe via BBC Sounds, so not to miss it. I hadn't heard this series, which is not a good, yet still entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI baked an Earl Grey Tea Loaf today, which started last night, soaking the dried fruit in hot earl grey tea, overnight.
ReplyDeleteAll went fine, put it in oven and then forgot about it, as ate lunch and only remembered, on smelling it.
I think it might be overcooked, as was in the oven for nearly 2 hours instead of 1 1/2 hours as per recipe. It looks + smells OK so will find out later. At least it isn't burnt.
Final comment. This is on my S/bury's shop this morning - there was not a single tin of their own brand tuna, available. No idea why.
ReplyDeleteI also noted others items totally missing...but there were plenty of alternatives available, but not what I usually buy, such as the XL free range eggs I love, unable to buy for 2 weeks now.
I have a very excited eldest niece, who at 43yrs, has her 1st jab booked for Saturday.
ReplyDeleteShe is having quite a drive to get it, but just doesn't want to wait any longer.
Isn't it strange, how this is now the "highlight" of our lives.
Mind your her partners highlight, is going to the pub again, and meeting up with his mates...different priorities.
Like the sheep, I have been shorn!
ReplyDeleteI look like me again but almost totally grey.....I mean silver!
Stick to being silver!
DeleteMy hair was silver and I loved it. A very pretty colour, and much softer as an outline for an older softer face.
DeleteThank you both - that’s cheered me up!
DeleteI love being pepper & salt!
DeleteResult of 1st lockdown.
At least our hairdressers were able to carry on working through this latest one.
I have been shorn too! My fringe no longer covers my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe hair dresser comes to our shoe and we sat in the garden. This has the pleasant advantage of saving me the bother of sweeping up after she goes. And the birds get plenty of soft hair to line their nests. Today they got a mixture or black, reddish brown, brown and white. If small shoe-dweller had had her way they would also have had pink. However, small shoe dweller didn't, and won't, get her way - I'm quite happy with my natural colouring, thank you.
The birds have enjoyed our dogs’ fur as Katy has home groomed them. I put it in flower pots. All Gypsy’s went but they were a bit choosy about the boys’! I am silver too but no cut until 2nd June unless they have a cancellation. Perhaps small shoe dweller hopes she will be excluded form school with pink hair!
ReplyDeleteShoe dweller's school recently removed its prohibition on hair dyeing. At one stage shoe dweller had half black and half orange! Pink was the colour she had planned for me - it aint gonna happen!
DeleteOh yes! Obvious now you have pointed it out that she had designs on you! I had an auntie who in her latter years had blue hair. It really suited her! Pink is not so appealing though and don’t blame you for refusing to co operate! I can see why school removed prohibition as when they do things en masse it is too hard to enforce rules. I went to a girls’ grammar school and the uniform was brown. A fashion for thick black stockings grew, hitched up with suspenders (remember them?). These were forbidden by headmistress but when practically everyone wore them she gave up! Like all fashions it did pass!
DeleteIn my early years at grammar school, it was suspender belts with ribbed, navy stockings.
DeleteLuckily tights were soon the norm, but these had to be American Tan!
We had a prefect or member of staff, who inspected us on entering school, to check the length of the skirt was the regularity knee length.
Plus similar on leaving, as had to wear our school hat - an oval grey felt one in winter, a straw boater in summer. Both had a blue hat band with a small scho badge on, along with 2 blue "dangly" ribbons on the back. These were soon stuffed into school bags (satchels or brief cases 😊).
I woke up in the night, to hear torrential rain. This has 2 good outcomes - no watering of plants today, and the dust on my car, has been washed away.
ReplyDeleteI now have a sore arm - due to the massive pile of ironing done today.
This became necessary, on going to change the bed, only to find the clean bedding was still in the ironing pile. Luckily I had stripped the bed!
Good news, as niece + hubby, have picked up the keys for their new home in OZ on The Gold Coast. Also they have no Covid restrictions, so no problems at all.
Mean't ...I hadn't stripped the bed.
DeleteI never thought I’d say this , but, Hooray, it’s raining!
ReplyDeleteNot very hard but enough to darken the soil and it means I won’t have to lug several water cans down to the new trees today!
You are in my part of the country and it was heavy overnight..
ReplyDeleteEsscee. What are you celebrating?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great family fun get together.
Regardless of the weather, as long as it is dry, an extra layer can easily be worn and not be too detrimental as to the fun and enjoyment.
It sounds an event, to look forward to.
I think all need, similar.
ReplyDeleteMistral - I have to report I tried the Toad in the Hole recipe again this evening. This time I used Just over half the ingredients specified.
ReplyDeleteI used a ramekin dish to measure out the flour ( about 3 oz) and it took 3 eggs and a ramekin of milk.
It has worked perfectly in my size tin. Raised to dramatic levels, beautifully brown and crispy and not too much thick batter underneath the sausages.
MrA declares it the first really successful Tin the H I have ever made in 51 years and sends his grateful thanks to you!
That's sounds a total success.
DeleteSadly, as much as I love sausages and Yorkshire pudding, I just do not like toad-in-the hole!. I think it is the amount of yorkshire pud. vs the sausages, but that's only according to my palate.
Also it is almost impossible to make a yorkshire batter for one person, so left overs have to be discarded, whether raw or cooked..
DeleteMiriam - as said previously I don't do toad ......... hole, but my mum always made extra Yorkshire pud for me, which I would consume with delight spread with golden syrup.
DeletePerhaps you could do the same with leftover batter.
Not sure ...I think I will stick to toast + marmalade, or golden syrup on hot crumpets, but then that is almost the same 🤣😂
DeleteYou can make pancakes with left over batter.
DeleteOn a different topic:-
ReplyDeleteHow are the house sellings and buyings going, for those in the process of doing these?
Not good for me.
DeleteI took mine off the market three or four weeks since.
I hope PtbY is progressing.
Things progressing well I think. Just waiting for solicitors to do their bit now. Surveys all done. Some packing done, just attic and spare room, but it’s a start.
ReplyDeleteWill pester solicitor again on Friday to see how things are going.
Thanks for asking Miriam.
Had consultation with my eye surgeon yesterday in Manchester. What a lovely man. I feel very confident about him carrying out the op. Just got to wait for the eye hospital to open up for non urgent ops. As soon as we get a moving date I can get in touch to get me on the list for the surgery. Hoping surgery will be June/July.
Fingers and toes crossed for you ptby but not eyes 👀 🤣
Delete😂😂😂😂
DeleteWhat a relief to hear that PtbY. Hoping it will be sooner rather than later.
Delete2nd Covid jab now on Friday morning. Extended wait as original appointment was at inaccessible surgery (to me, anyway).
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that your visit across the Pennines was so satisfactory P tbY.🌺
ReplyDeleteHave a good pester tomorrow.!
🤞PtbY
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, 28/4, 7.42 p.m.
ReplyDeleteAh, that was nice to read, thank you. So glad it was a success.
Isn't it interesting that we can all re-learn. I have always used a Good Housekeeping cookery book, published in the 1970's, as my 'go-to' for all family meals, including batter mix, which makes lovely pancakes, but no good for y/p. When my friend demonstrated her way, I was a little bit horrified at the massive quantity of eggs, don't know why, they are cheap enough!
However, it works. I find that my cookery book is really out of date now, not great on veg recipes, very heavy on lard and butter. I usually use the bbcfood and bbcgoodfood websites now when looking for inspiration, and especially like Mary Berry recipes for her complete no-nonsense approach and perfect results every time. I don't understand why I persisted in following Good Housekeeping for years, even when I expected poor results, I always blamed my oven!
I use my very 1970 books too, especially the Hamlyn Cookery in Colour and Dairy cookbookI bought from the milkman when I first got married.
DeleteMy main reason is that they use lbs and oz - I have never been able to convert recipes to metric!
I too have the Good Housekeeping cookery book, mine dates to the early 1980’s and was from my grandmother on my 21st birthday, so although a bit outdated and not frequently referred to I would never get rid of it. Mostly I look online for recipes then print them off if they work, I won’t print initially as I’m too tight, but if I think I will use the recipe again then it gets printed and filed.
ReplyDeleteToday I am happily plotting what I am going to cook for afternoon tea with friends on Saturday. Thinking in terms of carrot cake, dark chocolate and ginger tiffin, and scones with clotted cream ( obviously) Thoughts of food definitely takes me to my happy place!
Your afternoon tea sounds wonderful KP.
DeleteCan l come too? 😂
Sounds an idyllic afternoon to me KP ☕️ 🍰☕️
DeleteOh, KP! Are you willing to divulgue your recipe for dark chocolate and ginger Tiffin?
DeleteIt sounds wonderful! 😋😋😋
Ooh. Room for a "Little One"? I will bring a cake...
DeleteI make an lovely moist Almond+Apple with Apricot cake...
DeleteI had a 1970's Good Housekeeping cook book. It was so well used, it sadly had to be discarded, as was so messy. The replacement was nothing like that one. 🙁
ReplyDeleteMy "bible" is the Delia Smith Complete Cookery Course from 1978.
My other favourite is The Complete Farmhouse Kitchen cook book. This is a hard back edition of the compilation of all the smaller paperback books. This is from 1984, but the individual smaller books, date back to the late '70's.
I still prefer lb/ounces, but I am equally happy in gm/kg.
My weighing scales do both, by changing the scale.
Delia’s CCCourse is my ‘go to’ recipe book and my son’s as well. I love cookery books and can spend much time looking at recipes I’ll probably never make but sound delicious.
DeleteI still hate having to use cm/metre. I so prefer feet + inches.
DeleteAt least there is still gallons when buying petrol, the speedometer and odometer, are still in miles and miles per hour. Also it is still mpg, as to the fuel usage, thankully.
Soz. In Delia's CCC, I love the Spanish Pork Casserole recipe, a staple of mine. It includes olives which I loathe, so substitute with button mushrooms.
DeleteLovely with a baked pot + a red cabbage/apple concotion.
On "Morning Life" this morning, there was a wonderful short "video" as to the planning + planting of the new RHS garden in Salford. I hope that this was only of a snippet from a full hour long future broadcast, to be seen, in the near future. It was fascinating in so many ways - unless I have already missed it.
ReplyDeleteThe development of the RHS Bridgewater garden has been very interesting Miriam, I've been following it since they first chose the site.
DeleteInteresting comments re the metric versus imperial measurements, I must admit I'm a convert to metric, I find it so much easier to work in.
ReplyDeleteThe surveyor has been today, to do the accurate measurements for the new 3 windows. What a lovely bloke and I felt quite happy with him being in my home. He was wearing a mask + plastic shield and I stayed socially distanced. I also had many windows open, so sure all was done correctly.
ReplyDeleteHe intimated that installation could be in 3 weeks. This I doubt, as apparantly there is a problem getting the glass.
I don't mind how long this takes, as this is only up-grading windows, which are at least 25+ yrs old. I am in no rush.
I think it will be more like 6-8 weeks..
At least my order is now active again, and is in the system.
PS Not sure if I have mentioned this already, but..
I am having trouble buying tins of tuna?
Am I alone with this problem?
I can still get then from my Morrisons online order.
DeleteAs to the talk about metric vs imperial, I am having a thought about something that I have bought recently.
ReplyDeleteThis is the birthday present for my eldest great niece, who will be 10 in a few weeks time.
She is an avid reader so I have bought a set of books, set in 1909 in a department store based on the original Selfridges.
What concerns me, on reading little bits, is the money aspect as is it in pounds, shillings + pence.
She won't have a clue, and niether will her parents, so I think either Grandma or self, will have to explain "old + new" coins and values.
Still, I still love what I have bought. These are mystery stories, whilst learning some social history, I hope.
I cannot believe that is 10years since that wedding.
ReplyDeleteI remember it well, as went into my work premises to do a big "catch up" as to things left over from the day before. I did this to help me on the Saturday after, when was working. I got home after 2 hours work, but in plenty of time.
As Kate started walking down the aisle, the refuse collectors arrived, doing their job along with lots of clatter + noise. I think this was done as a protest, as having to work on what was a public holiday.
I have just watched the BBC1 programme as to that day.
ReplyDeleteI compared it to the sad event, not quite 2 weeks ago.
These was so very different, due to the times and events - BUT - both were equally meaningful, heartfelt and sincere.
What wedding was this Miriam ?
ReplyDeleteBravo, Mrs P!
DeleteKate and William's wedding, not Kate in the Archers 😊
ReplyDeleteHappy May, everyone!
ReplyDelete"brin de muguet", bunch of Lily of the Valley, for May Day!
ReplyDeleteParsley…….I was very tempted to use a photo of Lily of the Valley today, it being the flower of the month, and ours are in full bloom opposite the front door, but just as well I chose a Maypole instead!
DeleteI absolutely love the scent of Lily if the Valley, it’s such a pity they don’t flower for longer.
😀 we'll be picking some of ours from the garden later on, I cheated for the photo!
DeleteHappy Mayday everyone. For the second year running the Mayday festival at Padstow is cancelled 😥 although no doubt there will be some playing of accordions in people's gardens. Here we tend to welcome in summer with cowslips and bluebells tied to the maypole, but lily of the valley are lovely. I had some pink ones once but they seem to have vanished.
ReplyDeleteOn a trip out a short while ago, it was lovely to see Cowslips growing in the verges, of roads.
DeleteI hate Lily of The Valley - not sure why though.
I think you must be in a minority there Miriam!
DeleteI don’t know anyone who dislikes the scent or the delicacy of the little bells.
My plants have come from some harvested from my parents garden over 50 years ago and still bloom every year!
That's so lovely to hear. I agree, I am in the minority but I just don't like the scent.
DeleteThis might well be due to an ancient memory, of Great Aunts, Grandmothers etc. using too much Lily of the Valley, perfume along with buying me soaps, bath salts etc for Christmas, with the same smell. 🙊
I know what you mean - my disliked scene from ancient Aunts was ‘Devon Violets,’
Deleteprobably brought back from West Country holidays. Sickly sweet and overpowering. Yuk!
It might be Mayday, but it is so cold. CH going on again 😣
ReplyDeleteWhat a quiet board today -
ReplyDeleteBut this is brilliant, as it means all are out + about, and just enjoying themselves or just busy.
I planned an afternoon of gardening, but it chucked it down with rain whilst eating lunch. Sadly it didn't happen, esp. as the wind has also picked up.
Tomorrow will, apparantly be worse..👎
My lawn treatment will be done on Tuesday. The lawn should be leaf-free, but the wind is blowing leaves off my copper beach hedge, onto the grass. I hope I can try + sort tomorrow, even in the rain.
DeleteWouldn't it be nice to have a beach, but typo as to beech hedge.
DeletePS No watering needed tonight. My new plants are looking very healthy and are starting to grow, but only slowly. I have done a "feed" to help them, but seem established and happy. Can this be said about plants, as to being happy?
DeleteFor those who follow football - can someone explain why so many rioted, alomg with breaking the current Covid Rules, at Old Trafford today.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand it.
This action must have put many at risk of injuries, infections etc.
A protest could surely have been done in a different, and a much safer way.
Perhaps I am being too idealistic and realistic.
...or should that perhaps read - unrealistic!
DeleteMiriam, if you look at the bbc news site, next to iplayer/sounds etc, it gives a full explanation.
ReplyDeleteBecause I was unable to understand what was going on in the much heralded
ReplyDelete"Line of duty " I can only say if asked what I thought
"Definately (sic) no comment"
Watchers will understand my final phrase.
Clever Lanjan, very clever!
DeleteWell, I had to wrestle the TV controller from Mr A’s hands tonight so that I could watch the final episode of Line of Duty. I couldn’t possibly miss it after having having caught up on all the previous series recently so I could understand tonights revelations.
ReplyDeleteI must say I found it a bit disappointing, after all the buildup, but at least most of the loose ends were tied up.
I have had to endure non-stop coverage of every snooker ball potted in the World Championships at the Crucible for the past 2 weeks. Tonight was the second session of the final so it was touch and go whether I’d be allowed an hour of something different. Mr A refused to watch LOD (he can never remember what happened the previous week) so sat in the dining room sulking over the jigsaw while I was glued to the doings of AC12 and the dishy Martin Compston & Adrian Dunbar!
I have to confess that since my binging of Line of Duty prior to the beginning of series six, I joined a Facebook group.
ReplyDeleteI was underwhelmed by tonight's final episode and have spent time since reading HUNDREDS of mostly one line posts from half the nation who, like LJ and Archerphile were disappointed. Some disapointed to the point of anger.
It was clearly a ruse to prepare us all for series seven.
I binge watched Line of Duty recently and think I may have missed out one of the Series.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember James Nesbit in the series at all.
He wasn't Lanjan. Apparently he told Jed Mercurio that he'd like to be and I think his inclusion in the final episode was a nod to that.
DeleteThank you CC.
ReplyDeleteMartin Compston "dishy" Archerphile?
I thought he was a titchy man with a funny walk .
I have not written all of the above because I am only on second part episode three of Line of Duty!
ReplyDeleteI shall note in my diary the comments above and re-read them when I get to the series finale (about three weeks time!) 😁
Tonight I am going to Cub meeting where we will be 'Tracking' I am not going to speak much!
Sometimes I speak too much and then sometimes I speak gobbledegook! My speech therapist signs me off when visiting next week as she thinks I have too much to say!
Occupational therapist allowed me to cook soup but in three cases I have omitted one item of a recipe. Firstly, soup: omitted the olive oil, secondly omitted the pepper from the kebabs for an indoor barbeque ( because rain suddenly started), and thirdly I omitted rice from indoor stuffed peppers. So not all bad! Obviously will have to check recipe or write out recipe to remind myself!
Not raining yet but will soon start, so feed birds and squirrels then curl up with a book!
Spicy it is so good to see you back and writing a sizeable chunk! Thank goodness you have recovered your voice!!!! I hope you enjoy tonight’s cub meeting.
DeleteSounds like you are doing fine, Spicy and it’s lovely to read your posts again.
DeleteDon’t worry for leaving things out when cooking. I am well known as the person who regularly forgets to put teabags in the teapot and pours out boiling water into the cups!
You must be doing well if the speech therapist is signing you off. Forgetting ingredients is something I naturally do 😏. Just call it a recipe experiment!
DeleteI was underwhelmed with LOD ending too. I hope there will be another series though, but feel that perhaps the writer has run out of ideas.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Adrian Dunbar.
I was also underwhelmed by the ending of LoD. Loose ends were tied up but it still left unanswered questions as if Jed Mercurio didn't know if there was going to be another series but was hedging his bets.
ReplyDeleteYes, I find newly promoted DI Arnott dishy. He may be short but he’s got gorgeous eyes and a very sensitive mouth under that beard! He also dresses beautifully - Oooo those waistcoats!
ReplyDeleteBut realistically, age-wise, it would have to be Hastings. He has a lovely head of hair, unlike my fella. 😉
At last a decent amount of rain for the garden. We were away last week in Edinburgh helping our daughter with a childcare problem (allowed under Scottish rules if the child is under one) and a few things in the garden have suffered from lack of water. It was worth it though just to get to know our 9 month old grandaughter as we haven't seen her since last September. It was also lovely to have a change of scenery having stayed local since last July.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been writing, at the same time I was.
DeleteYour week-end sounds so lovely, esp. seeing your grand-daughter again.
Spicy - if that is all you are forgetting whilst cooking, then you do better than I do!
ReplyDeleteI often forget to put an ingredient into something eg. I made a chicken + chorizio dish, but didn't put the chorizio in. We all do it.
My kitchen is always a massive mess when I cook.
It is easy to tell what this is - as just need to look at the kitchen floor 😂
It is definitely www. this afternoon. Wild, Wet + Windy.
Good News, as I have now put another date into my diary. It is lovely to write things in, at last.
This is a good one.
On May 23rd, I will be catching up with a neice and my latest grand-neice, inside my "Big Sis's" home.
I will be 10days past my 2nd jab. so perhaps I can actually, have a cuddle? I have only seen her once, which was July 2020 and totally distanced. I hope it is not the case, this time. But if it has to be - then I will accept + understand.
Still, a lovely upcoming event, to so look forward to.
Niece in OZ moved into to their new amazing home 4 days ago. The rental they were living in, is being professionally cleaned tomorrow, as the lease ends in 2 days time. They are expecting a bill for "damages" as to the two young boys bedrooms, but then, boys will be boys.
DeleteThey were all so excited yesterday, as a Wallaby appeared in their new garden, with a joey in it's pouch.
Sadly there were no cameras to hand..😣
I hate to know the 🐍 situation.
DeleteMeant to be a snake.
I have LOD recorded but not yet watched. I am thinking now, to just delete it, as it it seems not worth watching.
ReplyDeleteAlso I will free up, a lot of storage space.
At last,tonight, my evening meal will be ready in time for 7.00pm and TA . I will listen for once, without juggling saucepans, and then eating a burnt or overcooked food, later!
DeleteWhat a treat for me 😂
May I just say, how much I like this blog. I have only a limited experience as to such. I
ReplyDeleteI did previously join in to 2 others, but I quickly left these, due to the many nasty + personal comments constantly posted, some being quite venomous.
This is so different.
OK Will take your advice, and will not post again for a while.
ReplyDeleteI can take the hint 😁.
This blog has been a massive help, and life-line, over the last year.
ReplyDeleteI apologise for getting too vocal, but thst is just me, and cannot change.
I will return...
Miriam, I do look forward to your comments but I think Esscee means that instead of posting several one sentence comments, put them all into one or maybe two. I often find I haven’t put all my thoughts down and add another comment so understand that but Gary does have to start new blogs on the basis of number of posts, not the length of them and to be fair to him we need to gather our thoughts into one post when possible. I usually sign in late afternoon to see what you have been up to! Hope you and Pusscat are well!
ReplyDeleteBuddy isn’t eating well at the moment. It looks as if anal glands are a problem so Katy is booking him in at the vets tomorrow! He is a very fussy eater which is fine but he is very small and slight and can’t afford to lose weight. Gyp is slowing down and is constantly hungry because of Cushings disease so driving us mad barking for food! Shih Tzus are so demanding! Dudley is fine and eating well devouring Buddy’s as well given half the chance!!
May bank holiday is over and May has come in with strong wind and rain. I expect the Needles are rattling tonight!! Goodnight, everyone and sleep tight!
Miriam.
ReplyDeleteMay I add my voice to those asking you to try to post all your thoughts for the day in one or two posts. I have been thinking this for some time but have resisted saying anything as you seem to get very upset by anything you feel is criticism.
This is not criticism but a friendly request that you amalgamate your many posts each day into one.
It would help those of us with scrolling problems and Gary who won’t have to keep
Opening so many new blogs
Many thanks
Wasted breath !
ReplyDeleteOver the period of three years .... and before, many have tried.
And failed !
I'm a bit puzzled, why does a blog have to be changed every 150/200 comments? Would it matter if it ran on to say 300? That would make less work for Gary. I hadn't twigged that a longer comment rather than several short ones would be more helpful for our administrator so I have learnt something as well.
ReplyDeleteIt would take an age to scroll through that many comments. Fairly easy to do on a PC, where you just slide the marker to the bottom of the page, but on iPads or mobile phones you have to keep pushing the page up and up. It makes me feel a bit giddy and I keep inadvertently bringing up the home bar at the bottom too.
DeleteYou also have to go onto a second page at some point when it says ‘ no more posts’ or something like that which is another pain.
I also wanted to make the suggestion of amalgamated posts when Gary went away, I hope he had a good time, I haven't seen anything from him.
ReplyDeleteI did ask him a while ago what mattered, the length of a post or the number of them.
It is the number of posts as we know that fill up the blog.
I only use a PC, so can easily slide to the bottom of the blog and work my way upwards.
All the same, when a blog is full I can only go to "load more" and start again, so I normally don't bother and can see that for those on other devices it is even more difficult.
Esscee -
DeleteYes the ' similar issue ' has been raised along with other 'issues' with the same person, many times, in the past and when we were with the BBC and that person used another moniker.
I too use an IPad, but the scrolling down doesn't seem to affect me as it does you and others. Nevertheless the inane two or three line comments, self obsession and what would appear to be loneliness, along with an apparent inability or wish to read other posts, I find to be more than a little irritating.
The lonely aspect is understandable and sad, and I along with others try to ameliorate it with a degree of kindness. But I am also critical at times too, and then am criticised, kindly, myself for being so.
We are, I'm sure, all capable of having a quick fuse from time to time.
Your post yesterday was gently put, as other posts have been in the same tone previously when making the same request. And too, Basia following up by asking Gary about the number of posts.
All to no avail, as said, others posts are not read.
So I repeat from yesterday...... wasted effort !
PS - I do recognise my effort along with all others too !
DeleteI wonder if my tablet is easier to use. I do a quick upward flick of my finger and then close my eyes. When I judge it has stopped scrolling down I open my eyes, and generally by then it has reached about a half to three quarters way down the page which is usually about the point I have read to before. This saves having to slowly pass through lots of comments that have been read previously. If I subsequently realise from a comment I may have missed something then I will scroll back.
DeleteI learnt from someone three years ago that on a PC - imac in my case - to press cmd (on the right of space bar) + up arrow and that takes me to the bottom of the blog.
Deletedown arrow obviously
DeleteI am impulsive and impatient.
ReplyDeleteI often post on this blog and regret it later
For some reason I am unable to delete anything after I have posted a comment but recently I have typed a post and deleted it before sending.
This is because having written something down I realise that nobody is going to be in the least interested in what I have put.
I was going to post a comment last night but decided to wait until nearer 4pm.
I wonder ,Miriam ,if you might think of doing a similar thing
I may be alone but I have not got the slightest interest in what you or anybody else is going to have for an evening meal.
I do not care if someone has a new car with six gears or one with only four.
I realise that if one if writing a comment it will be his or her idea only and since we all enjoy the blog or we wouldn't be subscribing to it there is no need to keep saying how grateful we are to Gary.
He knows
We know
..........and (this might sound heartless ) I am heartily sick of constantly being told that you are wanting to be hugged.
Lots of us are in the same boat and trust me some of us have had a far more difficult time than you have-Spicy cushion and PtbY to name but two.
What I am saying is that I think you should think before you write something and wonder whether it is really of interest to the rest of us.
Lanjan, I do admire your straight talking and writing at Miriam's allocated time for joining this blog, therefore I don't think loneliness plays a large part.
ReplyDeleteTo me hug has become my bug bear rather than a bear hug!
The item about hugging was on Woman's Hour one day and my sister happened to be listening (I always do) and she said she found it over the top, I was glad not to be the only one to feel this way. Nevertheless, the following day they were visiting their plot to compost etc and she texted to ask if they could come for a hug, I replied, well if you must! It was before we had a 10km rule (finished yesterday and they were to visit but we were both too tired).
On the way down into town last Friday, trundling with my shopping trolley I saw a man sitting on the pavement, holding his head, there was another and our post lady standing over him and soon an ambulance arrived, we're 10/15 minutes' walking distance from the hospital. I recognised him as the man who always walks with his head bent towards the ground and recently with the aid of a walking stick. He carries a baguette or two in his cloth sack, but his usual bakery was closed, the next closed down for good, so the walk must have been too much for him. On the way back I saw traces of blood on the ground, still there. There are couple of other elderly people I used to pass on my way and no longer see.
In my local bio shop a regular customer was pleased to see me, because behind the mask, glasses and a hat on top, she only knew it was me once I started talking. I often ask the manager if certain regular customers still come and we maintain a friendly interest in one another.
That's the thing with online blogs, everyone gets to read/see everything. If we were meeting in person, we could break into smaller groups to talk about food, or gardens, or Line of Duty, or cricket - keeping half an ear out in case one of the other groups said something that caught our attention. On here, I tend to skim read and quickly pass over topics that don't particularly interest me. (For the record, I think I have watched one episode of Line of Duty.) Although I do always read the blog on my laptop so I don't encounter the scrolling problems you get on the phone.
ReplyDeleteI wonder, Miriam, if you have considered Twitter? That is made for the short observations you enjoy making. Who knows, your evening meals could develop quite a following - #Miriam'sMarvellousMeals - perhaps. Don't stop posting in here - but perhaps write your comments first in Word, say. When you've got half a dozen or say, decide which two or three are most interesting, edit them, then copy and paste them into one blog post here. That's what I do sometimes - 'though my fault tends to be very lo-o-o-o-o-ng posts rather than lots of little ones.
🤗 - for anyone who wants one, albeit virtual. If you don't, assume it's just a smiley 😊
OwiaS
DeleteSounds like a good solution for Miriam. A helpful suggestion !
I don't understand these smileys, they all look the same to me.
Basia
I do so agree with the point you are making about hugs.
At the start of the first lockdown there was so much media twittering about people missing hugs.
And then it all got worse !
And I was shouting at the wireless every time I heard about it.
I live alone, as everyone knows, just like Miriam, you, I think, and others on this blog..... and all across the globe to some extent....
In the last twenty years I've had no daily and for most part weekly physical contact with anyone other than an animal.
I was brought up in a family where physical affection was in short shrift.
Not unkindly, but perhaps prosaically. I therefore was not a person used to showing or receiving affection and I think that I have never been particularly physically affectionate myself.
Until all this, to me, exaggerated expression of the lack of 'hugs' was brought to the fore, I was not very engaged with my lack of opportunity of and for physical expression of affection. It was what it was. But when it became apparently so very important to all and sundry it made me feel outraged that so much attention was given to a small act that many ( especially old) people didn't have in their lives at all.
It has for me felt like rubbing salt in a wound.
LanJan
Well done !
Miriam
Please read others comments.
You say you can't change the way you are.
I don't think any one on this blog wants you to change.
Just modify.... a little.
And take notice of what people are saying to you without taking umbrage, if you can.
I'm a great fan of hugs. They're particularly good when you want to comfort or encourage people. But I think we all need physical touch from other people - or from pets, perhaps. Even a touch on the hand can be a boost to people. (Usually - perhaps not so much at present!)
DeleteI was at a retreat centre the other year. Before I left I hugged the people I'd got to know. Since that was over half the people in the smallish dining room, I offered the rest a hug too. One particular dear lady accepted gratefully, with the comment that she hardly got any hugs these days.
As you know, I live with a shoeful of people. But if I were on my own, I think I'd miss physical touch very much. And when I read about what some of you are going through, I want to reach out and give you a big hug. Since I can't, I make to do with this little emoji 🤗 (Windows tells me that's a hug. The next option is 🐫 - presumably for 'hump'.)
(Not trying to rub salt into any wounds, MrsP - just hoping that when lockdown ceases, fewer people will be deprived of these 'small acts', in whatever form suits them best.)
Certainly people have become nicer, kinder and more receptive of and to, others.
DeleteWe have it seems returned to greeting total strangers by giving the time of day.
That is a habit I have never neglected so to see it returning is a joy.
I hope this is happening in cities as well as in more provincial areas.
However I hope all this hugging business is more restrained than previously once life becomes a little more normal.
As far as I feel gushing hugs of total strangers is intrusive of personal space.
If it is a genuine joy of sharing with a friend or family member then it's acceptable and welcome.
Oh Old woman I am to blame as you know when it comes to Cricket or recently Line of Duty and I can quite understand somebody telling me to put a sock in it when I mention Liverpool Football Club as well.
ReplyDelete(I haven't done so recently for obvious reasons)
You are quite right to mention those topics.
However I have tried to improve .
You have no idea what rubbish there would have been on the blog had I sent everything I had thought of sending.
My excuse for writing the previous comment is that I am feeling particularly raw at the moment.
You've had a tough time, Lanjan, it's understandable that you're not always full of the joys of spring.
DeleteI have a shoe-dweller who, given half the chance, could tell me about a Line of Duty episode in three times the time it would take me actually to watch it. As for films, by the time she's finished telling you about it, you could have watched the film, the director's cut, the voice-over commentary, and the next film, and still have time to buy popcorn. I've got quite expert at tuning out ; )
Fortunately, the football fans in the shoe know I find it as intersting as watching paint dry so don't even bother trying to tell me about it. Cricket is a little better - just don't ask me to remember where silly-mid-on-lbw stands.
We're all living through 'Interesting Times' at present - both covid and our own personal challenges - let's continue to be kind to each other in our wonderful little lifeboat.
I hope that we continue to post on a range of topics as we are a bunch of people with many different interests. Some posts I just skim over, others I read in more detail, occasionally something crops up that I don't know much about and find that I want to learn more.
ReplyDeleteHaven’t heard from Cow girl for sometime. I expect she is busy outside. I saw someone on a tricycle the other day and wondered how she is. The lady on the tricycle looked very comfortable and secure. If I were to cycle on our roads again I think I’d opt for one. Our village is on a Lycra clad circuit. There is a very good shop and cafe in the next village situated round the village green; on weekends and sunny days the place is full of brightly coloured Lycra of all shapes and sizes.
ReplyDeleteSarnia is there anything other part of your garden you are changing? I hope you are looking after that rose behind the summerhouse!!! My roses are taking a long time to leaf up this year. It is soooo cold.
Has anyone any suggestions on getting rid of ground elder?
Glyphosate, if you can still find any!
DeleteBeen lovely to see some rain today. The gardens definitely needed it.
ReplyDeleteStarted packing up framed photos today. Husband stood and told me how to do it!! “Have you been watching you tube vids on how to pack?” I ask. No he says. “ well bugger off and do something useful instead of standing and watching me then!”
Also, finally got a haircut today. Now I don’t recognise myself as I pass a mirror!!
I'd have handed him the packing materials and told him to get on with it!
DeleteThe first time we moved shoe we packed ourselves. All a bit of a rush because the removal company got organised late. And I was feeding a two month baby. Once at the new shoe we ordered two tall Billy bookcases which arrived damamged. Then they were out of stock so we waited two or more weeks for replacements. In the meantime, the books stayed in their packing boxes.
We couldn't find the cutlery so were using plastic stuff for some time. Guess where we finally found the proper stuff? ---- In with the books!
OMiaS's practice is to put anything in any box where there is space. So we got other odd combinations too, and they weren't always well labelled! (The baby play mat was lost for months until the building work on his college study was completed and he was able to unbox the computer ...)
After a later move, when we got packed for, I discovered a 5cm high plastic dinosaur carefully wrapped in a whole large sheet of packing paper! By the time they got upstairs our movers were getting tired of all our clutter, sorry, important items. My ornaments travelled wrapped up in the duvet.
This blog started so that we could talk about subjects other than The Archers - because on the old BBC blogs we often got told off for mentioning anything ‘off topic’. I think the BBC even deleted posts that were about anything else.
ReplyDeleteBut here we have the freedom to discuss anything that concerns us, ask for advice, compare notes about favourite films, books, sports etc etc. Talk about our pets, holidays (whatever they are!) and our families.
Hopefully though, it is not to keep recounting the same daily routines, what we are having for dinner (unless it’s a particularly special meal) or congratulating ourselves on
how wonderful we all are.
I have been very seriously considering giving up reading this blog and like Maryellen, just sticking to the Archers blog - mainly to avoid having to scroll through umpteen mini-posts which are of no interest to me.
I might still do that if things don’t improve and thereby, at the same time, save you all from having to read my tedious tales of gardening, vaccinations and what my family are up to. 😉
I would echo OWIAS’s advice to Miriam to try Twitter which has various threads about The Archers as well as a million other subjects. It is ideal for those quick thoughts that pop into your head. And you can’t write screeds, it is limited to short comments only.
DeleteI don’t tweet myself as I just haven’t got time to keep connected and only use my mobile for WhatsApp. Miriam could join in with Archers chat, cooking, gardening, fellow owners of the car she likes and even Chester zoo-ophiles. It might be ideal.
Testing
ReplyDeleteIn these times of not going out and about as much it is inevitable that we talk about the trivia of our everyday lives whether it interests everyone or not! We all express ourselves in different ways and I think that Miriam has sudden thoughts which she then posts. The other day there were seven in a small timeframe. I suggest she jots down her thoughts and then puts them into one or maybe two posts. It would be easier to read. This lady lives alone and has been deprived of the company of her hitherto close and tactile family. There is no excuse then for making personal attacks on her. I am sure many of you have no interest in my dogs as in return I have no interest in LOD which I haven’t watched or in sport, rather watch paint dry! However, others are interested in these things and I can just skirt over them. I hope Miriam returns, she is far too quick at taking offence at criticism however well meant but I for one like hearing about her days. Let’s live and let live and preserve the amiability of our blog!
ReplyDelete✔️ 🙂
DeleteI'm happy for people on here to blog about whatever they want to, within Gary's rules. I can pick and choose what I want to read.
ReplyDeleteEscee, I am currently on a train to Edinburgh going to The National Galleries of Scotland to see an exhibition about the special effects genius Ray Harryhausen.
ReplyDeleteMy 6 days away were absolutely amazing thanks. Lots of just enjoying being elsewhere. Lots of sitting by the fire, a few walks, a few drives and as much nature as you could wish for. Saw a pine marten which was exciting!
So glad you had a wonderful time Gary. Is that really Tinkerbelle at the top of this blog? It looks like a réal fairytale cottage.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip to the exhibition and sorry you have returned to another slightly awkward discussion.
I consider this blog as social history, though the sample is limited. I usually check to see if everyone is safe and well. I don't often contribute as either I have nothing to say, am not interested or upset by the discussion. I have lived alone all my adult life and don't need company, there are always choices, subconscious or not and I hold myself responsible for what happens to me.
ReplyDeleteI've never liked the French way of greeting people by kissing on the cheek, although this is what I do with family. Well, there was one exception, when I was enamored of my hairdresser and not the only one. He was twenty years younger and he knew, so we just flirted. At the bio shop I kissed the girl (sounds like Katy Perry!) when she came back after having her baby. I'm on very friendly terms with her and the manager but we have never as much as shaken hands.
Are all the cottages like that Gary? In a place like that I would pretend I was right there in a Tolkien story. Would love to be of the elven race but more probably a rider of Rohan.
ReplyDeletePleased your safely back from your latest Tinkerbell outing Gary.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a proper holiday IMO.
Very very envious of your pine marten sighting. That was my most wanted 'to see' hope on my only visit to the highlands, but no luck I'm afraid. Lucky you.
The many posts regarding Miriam and her frequent short comments over the last few days, for good or ill, may well not be read by Miriam herself.
Her last post suggested that similar concerns towards her had been expressed on other sites causing her to leave those forums.
As most of us are aware Miriam often tells us that she is leaving this site, but usually returns within days.
Her final words this time were ' I will return' and inevitably she will.
It seems to me that she then does not read the posts of others, whether kindly or cross,
and seems determined that she should not change her ways, however irritated some others may be by the form of communication she uses.
As I stated a day or so ago...... it is all wasted effort from us, including of course myself.
Perhaps Cheshire Cheese has the wisest advice, by being responsible herself for what she reads.
I for one will try to adhere to that advice in the future, and choose to scroll on, ignoring Miriam's posts, and refraining from commenting if I do read them.
I'm pleased to hear you had a good trip Gary and how lovely to see a pine marten.
ReplyDeleteI dip in and out of this blog, mostly out actually, but enjoy reading and occasionally commenting. I don't enjoy gardening, cricket or cooking too much and have my own passions but that's OK and, as I've said before, I regard everyone on here as a friend.
I would be happy to hear about your passions Anneveggie
DeleteMe too Anneveggie
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know what you did at university in your fifties MrsP, as mentioned on the other blog.
DeleteMrs P said that "I will return".
ReplyDeleteThis I am doing for this one and only last time.
My final post is:-
I have undergone a total character assassination over the last few days. I have been talked about, and discussed, in very strong and negative ways.
This has been so hurtful to read.
I wonder how others would feel, on reading such comments about themselves if in a similar position?
It has been suggested I go onto Twitter, but I don't do this, f/book, Instagram or similar for my own reasons.
I was on other blogs,and left by my choice and nothing else. These were awful as there was a "clique" who just took over, and if others posted different thoughts or ideas, then very nasty replies were made.It was nothing to do with me!
I don't expect that this be read, as it will be scrolled over by all.
Good-bye + Good Luck All, anyway.
There have been some bad comments usually from those who have their own issues but please also look at the more caring remarks. Rather than taking umbrage it would have been more positive if you could see the point at the centre of this that instead of posting as the other day seven times it could be said in one post thus making the blog go further. The original critique was said firmly but kindly and unfortunately it turned into an impassioned debate. Sorry if you are going but please reconsider as like me you have found the blog very comforting. We can’t get on with everyone but sometimes we need to be laid back and think if they don’t like me that’s their problem. I have followed this mantra for most of my senior years and believe me at one time I desperately wanted to be liked! If we don’t meet again, good luck and best wishes. It was lovely to know you even if virtually!😊
DeleteMiriam, I haven't scrolled. The issue was a technical one. You always praise Gary for running this blog but choose to write many posts which creates more work for him and makes it difficult for others to read. You were offended.
DeleteMay I remind you that at some point you even thought that Gary told you to stop posting and he was unaware of having upset you.
We all know how much you enjoy the Chester Zoo, so when it came as the top attraction in the UK some wrote posts addressed to you, thinking that you'd be delighted. Unfortunately those posts appeared not at the time when you join the blog, so you missed them and didn't bother to read. You then became offended by reminders to read the posts which were aimed at sharing the good news with you.
I hope you will reconsider.
Miriam, I was the one who suggested Twitter. I did so because I thought your short one-liners would suit the format. If it's not for you, fine, I don't use it either, but many people do.
DeleteYou have *not* undergone a total character assassination. Yes, hurtful things have been said - but please don't assume we all agree with them. I, and others, have done our best to speak up for you.
Blogs are great, but misunderstandings and tensions can arise that would be more easily resolved if it were a face-to-face encounter. Since that's not an option, we all need to do our best to maintain harmony in here. Sometimes a gentle suggestion may need to be given, and accepted. Other times we may need to bite our tongues and recognise that we all have different expectations from the blog. And different ways of coping with difficult circumstances.
Take a week or so away from the blog if you need to. But then come back - you have just as much right to be on this lifeboat as the rest of us.
🤗
I don’t come here very often. So today I decided to read the comments regarding how a blogger is expected to convey their thoughts, other endeavours and trivia on this site.
ReplyDeleteI believe there is a fine line between giving personal feedback and how such opinions can then morph into a form of cyber mobbing. Miriam has taken on (somewhere in the past) the role of victim through reacting to the disapproval of some bloggers who express views re her style of commenting and the tediousness of the content.
. We can all make choices about what we read and if we should respond to a remark or opinion expressed by another. The choice we make should IMO always be positive otherwise continued negativity could be construed as verging on controlling the content and accepted rightness of the blog content.
Censure is a very dangerous activity and continued chastisement of another can infantilise behaviour. Miriam, if you read this, do not deny your maturity by responding with a huff. You say that, in a professional capacity you managed and ran a pharmacy. Apply those skills of confidence and reflect on how to respond when other comments differ to your own.
“We’re all different”.
I decided not to comment here because of the negative response to another’s comment and the finality of the responses didn’t allow for discussion. That was censure.
Should you wish to comment the option is yours. The volition to act is entirely up to you.
Just as I have done.
Stasia, both you and Carolyn received a full and heartfelt apology from Gary and an invitation to come back.
DeleteHello Stasia. I do miss both your and Caroline's comments. An interesting summary to ponder on I think. I do agree that we are all different.
DeleteI expect that you and Cowgirl are both busy with your vegetable beds now. I have planted Nero Cavolo kale again this year which I believe was the one you recommended, but here things seem to be slow taking off. My Philippina daughter in law has never had a garden before and is having fun with the one at the cottage. She has realised that the things out there won't grow here and has persuaded my son to buy her a sort of small upright indoor greenhouse type thing, and has bought some exotic things to put in it. She is thinking if she can propagate them she may be able to sell them on ebay. On Ticao one of her brothers works a small piece of land and as well as growing enough rice for his family he grows beautiful orchids which they sell. I have seen photos and they are grown in containers fixed to tall vertical poles.
I have been shopping at the Marks and Spencer store today, the first time in heaven only know when!
ReplyDeleteI tried to find something which would maybe be attractive to myself for the wedding. (forgive slightly odd grammar. I try to find alternative words when I can't memorise the right words.)
I thought I liked a summer dress and also a pink jacket so if everthing else fails that M&S outfit will do.
I also managed to get a wedding acceptance card because the one Jon got wasn't really suitable!
I also got a birthday card which could apply to anyone of my sisters. It says
'Prosecco'
'Prosecco'
'Prosecco'
'Floor' !
Well done for your shopping trip, Spicy. I hope when you make your final choice of wedding outfit you'll change your profile picture so we can all admire it : )
DeleteSpiceycushion
DeleteSo pleased you've been out for a shop.
Did you go to Bluewater ?
My thoughts on pink jackets ??????
A Pink Jacket gives any outfit instant glamour and pizzazz, whether a pretty floral number underneath or simple black trousers and black top.
When it happens I wish you a very happy day.
Bravo, Spicy! Good to hear you’re out and about! I haven’t ventured into a shop since before first lockdown and today had to pay at the vets (Buddy’s anal glands!!). I had forgotten the pin for my credit card which did come back to me over the course of the day, so had to pay with debit card for which I remembered the pin as I had done a couple of ATM withdrawals in the last year. It’s funny how the pandemic has changed things! I rarely use cash nowadays!
DeleteI've been reminded this week of a girl who was in my form at secondary school. She was a right pain, a bit of a drip, and used to hang around like a bad penny. I'm afraid we were not always kind to her.
ReplyDeleteShe moved away after a year and started at a different school. I heard later that she was flourishing in her new school. I do wonder just how much that was down to her finding new friends who were prepared to accept her as she was and look for the positives in her character rather than focusing on those traits that we had found irritating.
What we see in another person often depends on what we're looking out for ...
It could be that the girl in question took on board some of the feedback she had received and was able to put on a new persona that helped her gain acceptance, or she may have just found a couple of other slight misfits to link up with. A lot of us just need a few good friends rather than a large gang, that is certainly my personal experience.
Delete"I just called to say I love you" - all of you, reading or not. I'll be back after my shopping trip and a daily dose of Woman's Hour.
ReplyDelete