Lady R - April 8, 2021 at 6:55 PM Anyone else watching the new series of “Canal Boat Diaries” that started on BBC 4 Monday evening at 7pm. Just 4 nights and tonight’s 7.10pm. Lovely scenery and for us not doing the work restful 🤣 Interesting facts along the way.
Cheshire Cheese - April 8, 2021 at 10:04 PM We are watching it, we are familiar with a lot of the scenery. Part of the first series was on canals local to us.
Archerphile - April 8, 2021 at 10:15 PM Yes we are watching too and saw the first series. It is a lovely programme and Robbie is an excellent presenter, explaining his love of canals and industrial heritage. We have travelled along much of the canal system he has been covering in our daughters narrow boat. It was lovely to ‘travel’ those canals again. But we are in awe of him doing the whole journey on his own. Navigating 30 locks in a staircase is extremely hard work and we should have thought it near impossible to do by yourself. He is a lovely and very hard working man.
Miriam - April 8, 2021 at 7:05 PM I have just realised I missed David Serdaris, yet again. I have subscribed via Sounds, to catch up.
MrsP Ambridge - April 8, 2021 at 7:24 PM Tonight Miriam David S was talking a great deal about his relationship with Hugh. It was less entertaining this evening IMP of V
MrsP Ambridge - April 8, 2021 at 7:25 PM Sorry ! Was less entertaining than usual this evening.....
Cheshire Cheese - April 8, 2021 at 10:05 PM I agree Mrs P, don't think this series is up to his usual standard.
Thanks AP (and others) for wishing me well - it's mainly from my first vaccination that I received yesterday. It's knocked me for 6 a little bit. Achy bones and shivers and whatnot. Will be fine in a day or two. Will spend the next 24 hours or so shuffling about the house mumbling to myself as I move from sofa to bed to sofa to bed. All will be well!
I don’t know whether I’m right but I often think that those who have a bad reaction to the vaccine would have been very ill indeed if they had caught Covid. Wishing you well, Gary and hope you feel better very soon!
I have my appointment for second jab on 14th, 10 weeks after the first so not a bad timeframe. No reactions at all with first one but no guarantee this one will be the same! However will be mightily relieved to be 95% safe!
Ev, I think you are correct in your thinking. I'm sure that a day or so ago, it was put forward by one scientist or doctor, that a poor reaction to the vaccination suggests that the illness if contracted would have been very bad indeed. The reverse being so, that a mild reaction or none at all would suggest good antibodies. I think that's what I understood.
It is confusing, isn't it? I thought it was, the worse the reaction, the better the immune response... Also the different vaccines, seem to give different reactions. Who knows what is good or bad, as have tests been done re antibodies, after vaccination - not sure. Every-one reacts to things in different ways, such as why I am allergic to aspirin, sea-food, dust but I am fine with pet hair, which others are allergic to. We are all so individual.
Very often you meet people with immaculate house and garden with seemingly little effort and then you look around your own and feel totally inadequate. Then when you have a glimpse at domestic chaos it makes you feel so much better and that you’re not so bad after all!
I hope you feel much better soon Gary. I do believe that every BODY is different and no-one can predict our individual reaction. I have had both the infection and the first vaccination, and in my case, the vaccination was far, far worse, in fact, after eight weeks (tomorrow), I still have side-effects of deep muscle pain, headaches, extreme tiredness, rashes. I have reported these via the yellow card scheme, spoken to a dedicated covid doctor via nhs111, and had an actual visit with my g.p. The concensus is that I have an over-reactive immune system, but, nobody at all can explain why, how long etc, etc, all I hear is that they haven't got the data, which reinforces my view that this is being tested on us as human guinea pigs, goodness knows what the advice will be in the future. Despite all this, I will attend for my second jab on 1st May, and will take advice then about whether or not to have it. I would much rather know if my previous infection has given me enough immunity already, but who knows? I had the A-Z jab, and will probably have the second one, but I am neither sure nor happy about it. I am not advocating for anyone else, just explaining that every person is different, one rule does not fit all.
I, so sorry that you are suffering so badly, particularly since you had the illness yourself earlier last year. I do hope for you that this is not Long Covid. I wish you the best and hope that you will be looked after well by your health team as they are able to understand more.
Just returned home to hear of the death of Prince Philip He and my brother were born in the same year, 1921. My brother made it to 91 but was nor in such good shape as Prince Philip always appeared to be. He was always very upright, never seen walking with a stick, or needing a wheelchair. It is such a shame that he didn’t quite make it to his 100th birthday. I don’t expect the Queen to go into the deepest mourning as Queen Victoria did, but I do wonder what lies ahead for the Royal family now that it’s ‘head of family’ has gone.
I feel deeply for The Queen - right now she will be feeling as bereft as any other person does when their other half dies. Plus she has hardly any peers left not even her younger sister. Bless her 🕯🙏🏼
I saw the news announcement live. I often have the TV on, as background just like the radio. This might sound silly, but it means that I can see other human beings, in my home! I was working in the kitchen, when the TV went quiet, so on thinking there was a problem, I went to see what was happening (complete with Marigolds). On screen there was a message, An Important News Announcement. I immediately sat down, guessing what it was, and watched as the official statement was read out. The BBC announcer, dressed in black, seemed quite tearful.
It is very sad, but not unexpected. It would have been lovely if the 100yr mark, had been reached.
There is a limit to anyone going to the funeral, up to 30. It was suggested that there will be a memorial ceremony later on in date when we are free to go about our business.
I had the radio on.... always is in my home, when the programme was interrupted. I was actually reading my emails at the time, but immediately closed it and put it down. Yes expected. Sad that he didn't make it to 100. She will miss him, but I'm so pleased that they were at Windsor together for his last weeks.
As sad as the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is - what I want to know is:- When will the Final of Masterchef, now be broadcast? I was so eagerly waiting to view this..but it won't be tonight, as planned. This sounds selfish, I know and apologise for this. My thought is, why can't the BBC, just have one channel showing some of the programmes, as scheduled, rather than the same, identical/similar broadcasts showing, on both BBC1 and BBC2? I am sorry if this upsets others. 😣
Perhaps I am just being a bit over insensative, which won't be for the 1st time, as just thinking about me! I have been accused of being "self-centered" many times before...
It is a momentous day. My heart goes out to Her Majesty who has lost half of herself. He has shown such incredible support to her over the years and has served this country to an extent we hardly know. Maybe for one day we can miss our favourite programs and reflect on the loss of a great man. The Queen is a very strong woman but this passing will hit her very hard. She will need her family around her.
From my earlier post Ev you will know that I like you feel so much for the Queen in her loss for all the reasons you say. However after all day coverage I agree with Miriam especially for people like her and my 95yr old relative living alone in a pandemic and not able to have access to some of the regular programmes to watch to take the sting of death away. My relative has no access to catch up services and so this tv situation will hit her hard. (Neither I’m sure deny Prince Phillips contribution to this country)
Yes, Lady R. I was getting a bit pompous! I admit to getting away from the coverage into IPlayer etc. It has been overdone on TV and radio. Apologies if offending anyone.
Certainly not offended me Ev. I just wanted to make the point which I did re people without access to catch up or company at the moment. All the main stations have about 4 channels so could have used one to cover other programmes.
Mrs P. thank you. I have thought about the possibility of long covid myself. I did a test today, will get the result tomorrow, but am not clear if long covid results are the same. Some of my symptoms are specific to post-vaccine, i.e. i did not have them with the actual infection. Be that as it may, it is a bit boring and has been very uncomfortable, but really I am fit and healthy in general, and very lucky indeed that this is all I have to bother about :)
Sad to hear about Prince Philip, but like Miriam, I wish we didn't have blanket coverage.
I am enjoying listening to an e-book from the library, only just found out about this service, it is great. Listening to 'Islands of Mercy' by Rose Tremain, a new author to me, it's very good.
Is this from your local library Mistral ? I must find out if my local has a similar service. When you have an e-book read is it complete, or adapted ? And who is it read by ?
1. My sister and her friend who lived next door to us set up a 'wedding' between me and the friend's younger brother. They put daisies in my hair to prepare me to be the bride. I don't remember what words were said but they told the brother to give me a kiss. I remember it was a very wet one!! I was about four years old. 2. I remember walking down the road after getting off the bus with my Mum. I suddenly realized that I'd left my golly on the bus. Horror - I cried all the way home. Never saw him again. (I realize that gollies are not pc nowadays but they were very popular at the time). Again I was about four or five. 3. I remember sitting in the kitchen when the lady from the RSPCA came in with our new dog who was given the name Judy. The lady was kind and had brought Judy all the way from the other side of London on the bus to us. Apparently Judy had a litter and had been badly treated. I remember my Dad saying "Don't worry, she'll be fine with us". We loved her and had her for many happy years. She was a tan fox terrier mix. I think I was five at the time.
I am sure you looked very sweet with daisies in your hair. I wonder if you know what happened to your little "husband". I too had a golly, and am sad yours got lost but I expect he found another home. Mine was a knitted one, as I think most were, and so they were comfortable and soft to hold. I know they are not considered acceptable now, but don't really see that they are any worse than say a white ragdoll.
Thank you Janice. No I don't know what happened to my 'husband' but I hope he's doing well. I'd like to think that my lost golly was found by another child who loved him.
Sorry to be controversial but I do not think it is wrong that programmes have been replaced with programmes about Prince Phillip. This is the first time that the spouse of a living monarch has died in my lifetime. For goodness sake ,who cares a fig when the final of Masterchef is to be broadcast? If you don't want to watch anything about the Duke of Edinburgh then there is an on/off switch on the TV. Yes Miriam, you are being selfish as you say you are . Don't let television rule your life. When King George VI died ,somber music was played all day. Nobody complained then.
I do not feel that you need to apologise ,Ev. We can surely put up with not watching a particular television programme for one day or even more. None of us can know how Her Majesty feels at this moment although you and I and several others of us on the blog will have a rough idea. She ,of course is in the public gaze whilst we are able to hide our feelings to some extent . Had the Duke of Edinburgh been a commoner I feel that he would not have had to endure having ,at 99years of age ,an operation recently and had to spend a month in hospital. Had my lovely husband been younger he would have been able to have an operation but we were told that it would have been too dangerous and he was more than 10 years younger than the Duke. My heart goes out to Her Majesty.
When the Queen and Prince Philip visited a Naval establishment where Mike was serving, the prince asked Mike had they met before. He replied that they hadn’t. Philip moved on then came back “Are you SURE we haven’t met before!” He came across as someone who had the common touch, basically caring if outspoken at times! Yes, people can put up with missing their programs but at the same time maybe there should be alternative viewing. I had an inkling that programs had been put aside for somber music when the King died but wasn’t sure about that. It must have been a tremendous burden for the young Princess becoming Queen at the age of 25 and for the Duke having to give up his Naval career for his new role as consort. He always supported her and put her first and you have to admire that.
I support you Lan jan. The years and years of dedicated service to Queen and country cannot be over estimated. Who cares about the pre-recorded programme. It is only one day.! I wish I had joined the DofE award but we couldn't find someone to lead us! Nowadays my son is a DofE leader!
Mrs P, 6.36 pm Yes, it is through the local library service. I went to the council's website, looked up 'library services' and followed the links. They do e-books to read at home, but, my discovery, e-audio-books. (sounds like I am auditioning for Old MacDonald now). I can choose up to 6 at a time, download each one into a zip file, and listen at leisure. The novels are unabridged and read by various actors. This Rose Tremain one is read by a woman with a lovely irish accent, can't remember her name. They haven't got a huge selection, but have new releases, best-sellers, and prize-winners. I'm glad I found it, I like the continuity when i am cooking, jigsawing, or just lying down!
As you are there Mistral I thought I would say I doubled the amount of eggs used for my Yorkshire puddings , not quite as many extra eggs as you suggested but more than usual, and YES! beautifully risen puddings. Really pleased so thank you. I can't beat your Christmas decorations, but I do still keep finding pine needles in odd places.
Mistral, some years ago I didn't get around to removing the fairy lights strung up across our bow window. They're still there, I dust the cobwebs off from time to time : ) Well, they look cheerful and give a bit of extra light. And the Christmas cards stay up on the pelmet above the bay until they're removed for the next lot. (Well, they do usually. Last Christmas I didn't get around to putting them up - the pelmet looks very bare!) The tree, however finally came down in late February because it was getting in the way.
Mr A and I are lucky enough to have a treasured memento of Prince Philip. When our son Corrin was 18 he was awarded a scholarship to learn to fly by a charitable organisation of which Prince Philip was president. Corrin and about a dozen other teenagers were able to take a flying course that took them up to flying solo. Not all of them made it but those that did , and their proud parents, were invited to St James’s’s Palace to receive they flying certificates from Prince Philip himself. So we had the wonderful experience of going to the palace, being plied with wine and a delicious buffet, then watching our offspring receive their certificate from the Prince. He spoke to each lad individually for several minutes and seemed to be very interested in their future plans. Our memento is an official photograph of Corrin talking with the Prince and receiving his certificate. It will be even more precious now.
The Boscawens invited him to their Tregothnan estate in 2014 and while there he planted a tea bush and an oak tree. I hope they treasure and take care of them in his memory. An oak tree is probably an appropriate symbol for him, strength, wisdom and endurance. Much respect. Poor Queen.
I'm with LanJan and Spiceycushion as far as usual television programmes being put aside. Apart from the serial and Front Row so has Radio 4 been broadcasting tributes and memories of Prince Philip through the day since midday. To all who object, I suggest you reflect on the time when Her Majesty herself departs this life. It might be a lot longer than a day that you are deprived your choice television moments. If you were living in Russia it would be solemn music for a month !
I was fully expecting a day of tributes and alteration of programmes on TV and radio and didn’t mind at all. Channel 4 was the only one that seemed to keep to their usual schedule, more or less.
But what did surprise me a little, was that the BBC completely closed down BBC4 from 7pm when it usually starts. The entire evening was cancelled and not even tribute programmes shown. Perhaps it saved a little money?
And there being no Archers episode on Fridays saved the SWs from having to arrange a topical insert - I wonder if there will be one on Monday. I don’t think they can, or should, totally ignore the passing of such an important Royal figure.
All the best to you Gary for a speedy recovery and I will be thinking about you on 1st May ,Mistral when you have your second jab. I had my second injection yesterday .I have been feeling very tired today which may or may not be connected to my having had the injection. However recently I have been binge watching"The Line of Duty" from Series1 and staying up some nights past 11pm. This is something new to me!
It is a hard watch, isn’t it Lanjan? We only started watching at series 3 (the one with Thandie Newton) so decided to catch up on the first 2 series before this new one started. There were scenes in series 2 with Keeley Hawes where I had to hide my eyes, but the series is so well written and complicated that I think binge watching is the only way to understand all the complexities.
So upsetting. Hadn't expected to be. But what a man, such a loss. Don't want to imagine how the Queen must be feeling. Not to mention the extremely disturbing storyline re Alice & Martha. Finding it all very difficult.
I tuned in at 9pm for the first time today expecting Gardeners' World, to find the tribute programmes to Prince Philip instead. As I had no idea that he'd died I found the resume of his life story fitting and interesting. Hopefully it will serve to redress the balance of much of the negative media coverage aimed at him over the years.
I didn’t realise that he was so hands on with his children, making all the decisions about their education etc. I think he made a mistake on insisting that Prince Charles attend his own old school of Gordonstoun, ‘to toughen him up’. Apparently Charles hated it but I expect it was much more suited to Prince Andrew. I remember, as a child, feeling so sorry for Charles and Anne when they were left at home for moths without their parents who had to go on a world tour. And the sight of poor little Charles, bowing to his mother when they were finally reunited. He was only 5 or 6 at the time. A very strange family life for children.
Oh dear Gary - yet another of my typos! I really am going to have to buy a keyboard for my new iPad. It is a bit bigger than my old one so the letters on the screen are further apart than I’m used to and I keep hitting the wrong ones! 🥲
I must confess that I found the blanket coverage across the major TV channels slightly irritating, surely they could have just taken over one channel per broadcaster, BBC1, ITV1, Ch5 with a banner across the bottom of the the screen directing viewers seeking their usual programs to their other channels. Everyone now has digital TV with multiple choices. Channel 4 had an extended news/ tribute, but still showed most of its schedule. I had the impression of the radio broadcasters slotting in the tributes, which they had on standby and taking the day off. I did have to gently chide my republican daughter for her reaction to the news, empathy isn’t her strong suit.
I remember the day King George VI died and there was nothing but sombre music on the radio ( didn’t have TV then) Mum and I had been shopping in the nearby town and passed a shop where the window display had been cleared and a large portrait of the King, draped in black cloth, had been put there instead. Mum told me the King had been very ill and must have died. When we got home we found that had happened. I remember being upset that I couldn’t hear Listen with Mother and Children’s Hour was cancelled!
I'm assuming you didn't have a fancy car on your wedding day back then, but found this cute pic!
I remember a primary school trip to Yorkshire when we were about 11 years old and we stopped off at Gretna Green and got to go through a "wedding" in the Ye Old Blacksmiths Shop. The couple that got "married" did actually end up going out with each other for a while a few years later...
Ha ha, I love the picture Gary! No we didn't have a fancy car and I think we just carried on playing in the garden afterwards. Glad you're feeling better today.
Glad to report that I am feeling MUCH chipper today. Yesterday went by in some sort of hazy fug, with occasional trips to joint and muscle pain. Not nice, but in the grand scheme of things nothing to write home about really.
Pleased to hear that others are now binging on Line Of Duty, as I did before series six started. As said, very well written and so convoluted, a serious teaser. I've also joined the LOD Facebook group and avidly followed all the speculation for a couple of weeks. But in the last few days I've been giving it a miss as the posts add to the mystery in such a way that my brain has become overwhelmed.
Pleased you've passed the through the bad reaction Gary and you had only tiredness LanJan. I too felt a day of listlessness after my second injection and am relieved I've suffered so little.
Janice, 11.21 pm, I am delighted about your Yorkshire puds, and will pass on your compliments, and Archerphile's, to my friend, who's recipe this is. I always feel a bit guilty about using so many eggs myself, but I get over it.
OWiaS, I can't compete with fairy lights, but lots of people have them. I am talking SERIOUS themed decorations, i.e. garlands entwined in the bannisters up the stairs, directly opposite the front door, so any casual visitor can see my tardiness. I should remove them because I can't hold on, have to hang on to individual spindles now....
LanJan, thank you, and I hope you feel less tired today, Gary too. I LOVE Line of Duty, love Adrian Dunbar and recently rewatched the whole lot, fantastic. I recently watched a series called DNA, (iplayer), Danish thriller also very gripping.
I watched the 41 gun salute today - a True and Meaningful Tribute. I am not sure when this was last done. I expect, the historians, amongst us, can inform me, as just don't know.
I read an interesting article today, saying the risk of a clot after an AZ vaccine, is no different as on a long-haul flight, or taking the "Pill". These has have an similar risk profile.. Well, I believe what I read!
I had no qualms about receiving the AZ vaccine on Thursday. Apparently there is a higher risk of being involved in a car accident Miriam, but funnily enough there's not too many people refusing to use roads for fear of being involved in one!
Just remembered that around 20 years ago my nephew was invited to a dinner at Mansion House in London when he was 14 (he had set up an internet café in his home town and the event was to celebrate "young people's achievements") and he was sat at a table with Prince Philip, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Patrick Moore. He said they were all boring...🙄
My elder sister got her gold Duke of Edinburgh's, award in either 1969 or 1970, not sure when. As such, she went inside Buckingham Palace, to receive this from HRH The Prince Philip, himself. She remembers it well.
This might sound strange, but I am not surprised, as to how quickly things have been done and so brilliantly, which are still being done. My eldest niece, a director in a Council situation, told me ages ago, that plans were already in place, for such an event.
The funeral next Saturday, will still be memorable, even under Covid Rules. This might be even more poignant, and meaningful, for the close family. The sad part is the social distancing required, as per the rules. But then, this has applied to so very many families, like LJ, at this time.
Goodness, it’s our 51st Anniversary today and we are still waiting to celebrate our Golden one of last year which was cancelled by lockdown. Who’d have thought a whole year later we’d still be in the same position? Never mind, we are going to celebrate with croissants for breakfast, a real treat! 😋
Just seen that our village pub is waiting to welcome us back tomorrow, to a marquee erected in the garden. Full menu available. Is that any safer that going inside, I wonder?
Archerphile - and your Hubbie.. I wish you both Heartfelt and very warm Congratulations, for your 51st Anniversary. I bet there will be a surprise or more, planned...
Annieveggie - I so remember the Robertson's badges, which came from the jams. There was always a fight between us sisters, who got the latest! Mine were pinned onto my school blazer, which would be so abhorrent now! We also had a shared "Golly", but then did we know better, or why?
Back to todays situation. Going outside, in a group of 6 or 2 households, is far safer than being indoors. Social distancing still has to observed, between those not in a bubble or a household. Fresh air disperses any virus etc. much quicker than an inside enviroment. This is why it was recommended that there should be open windows, for a draught etc, if have workers inside a home.
Another icy + frosty morning! It's been so cold all day even though sun shone, and snow is forecast for tomorrow morning.
How I want to discard my now, very "tatty" warm, winter clothes, and go into something lighter. I would love to buy some new ones, but although shops open again tomorrow, things still cannot be tried on. I will not buy with the hope, an item will fit. I can take 4 pairs of trousers, all the same size, into a fitting room, only to find one or even zero fit and suit me!
I love R4ex. Although I so appreciate the situation + the public mourning, what I can't understand is:- R4ex has been since Friday, and is still now, just broadcasting a duplicate of R4? Why?
As my younger sister said:- - The thing about this situation, is how well you adapt to a picnic lunch, or coffee + cake, sitting on a rug on a wet + soggy lawn. The upside being, meeting grandsons (5 +3yrs) and parents under the Rules, wrapped up in many warm layers - She found eating a lunch, with warm gloves on, a bit difficult!
A quick extra! I had a "boyfriend" when I was about 5/6yrs old (late 50's, early 60's). We were going to get married + live on the moon, he loved and was fascinated by the starry skies etc. Then I was relocated so moved away. Obviously this didn't happen. What is interesting, he is now a professor of Astrology or Astronomy, at Cambridge University. ...and the point is, absolutely nothing.😣 Off to make a turkey curry for evening meal.
Anneveggie - apropos your story of the golly, and Miriam’s mention of Robertson’s Gollies. You may remember I mentioned our son, aged about 4, imitating me by swallowing something and having to be X- rayed ( though not operated on like me!j Well, what he swallowed was a Robertson’s Golly enamel brooch of a cricketing Golly - with the pin open! Both our children loved collecting the paper Gollies from the jam jars and saving them up for a brooch. I had done the same when I was a child. Before Gollies became quite so derided our daughter had amassed a vast collection of them, all displayed in a lovely wooden showcase. She still has this and a collection of the plaster golly musicians, advertising posters and other memorabilia. At one time rare broches were fetching a high price in antique shops and her husband sometimes found a particularly rare golly badge as a Christmas or Birthday gift for her. It seems strange that such an innocent childhood pastime has now become so unacceptable.
I think it’s a shame as we all collected the labels for badges or had a golly because we loved them what was so wrong in that we were not deriding them because of colour quite the opposite they were just seen as normal to us as any other toy to be enjoyed and as I have said loved.
I didn't have a golly, but I did have a lovely black soft doll with a red gingham dress and a red scarf around her curly hair. She was much loved. As you say Lady R. Sad to have lost them !
As for the Robertsons Golly, we lived near a Robertsons factory and in summer would go collecting jam jars by knocking on doors and asking. We would fill up our dolls proms and walk to the next district, ( Bellingham for the benefit of Seasider and Esscee ? ) and we would get money for them, pennies per dozen I suppose.
I have a golly called Lalla, couldn't pronounce Dalla, Dad's houseboy when he was working in Nigeria in the 50's. He's black velvet. I did have another one, Momo, long since gone. Also guitar-playing golly badge! Attached to Ted's coat..
Mrs P, you have reminded me of my much loved black doll called Topsy. She had a white dress trimmed with blue gingham and soft black plaits tied with blue gingham bows. I had specially asked for a black doll one Christmas and was thrilled to get her. Strange thing is I remember she had bright blue eyes (not brown) which closed when you laid her down.
I had a knitted golly and I cut his hair short thinking it would grow again! They did cease to exist sadly and for all the wrong reasons. We didn’t associate them with looking down on black people. I am constantly amused by Woman’s Hour where they persist in saying women of colour. What’s wrong with black? I don’t mind being white although I think pink is more apt!!
Further pondering - I'm browner than most, but like Southern Europeans, classed as white because we're not brown enough to qualify as brown, if you see what I mean (or more accurately, not the particular race) Daft.
I think 'People of Colour' is an attempt to recognise that not everyone identifies as White or Black - mixed race or Asian people, for example. The earlier term, 'Coloured', has too many racist connotations.
How many more generations will it take before the terms all become irrelevant and we are all simply 'People', regardless of our skin colour? Too many I suspect : (
I agree with what you say ,Ev. I made a very tall golly with floppy arms for my boys. If either of them was ill Big Golly would wrap his arms round the little boy and make him better. Big Golly now lives in the Lake District . (He has had surgery on his face in the past 50 years though )
I remember the Robertson's badges too - I might even have owned a couple. They were fun, and children happily collected them. And the Golly dolls that Ev, MrsP, and Lanjan have written about sound like loved and cherished members of the toy cupboard. BUT the Golly figure is inherently racist. (There's a very good article about it's beginnings here: https://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/golliwog/.) It is based on demeaning stereotypes of Black people. And it was the origin of the 'W---' word.
Golly is not a neutral figure. He is offensive to many people - a symbol of past, and continuing, humiliation, pain, and oppression.
Yes, as individuals we may have been unaware of the dark symbolism behind our collection of badges or beloved dolls. But in an age where we are, slowly, learning to value all members of the human race, whatever their skin colour, Golly's place is in the history books, not the story books. Nor in the toy shops or on the jam jars.
A PS. I'm not saying we shouldn't have Black dolls. Children of all colours deserve to have dolls that ressemble them and their friends. There are some lovely ones on the market now, for a whole range of ethnicities. BUT these dolls designed to resemble normal little children, they are not based on out-dated and offensive caricatures.
Lady R - as I recall, some time ago you described yourself as being tall and slim, so added to that your porcelain complexion is a clear indicator of your aristocratic lineage!
Ooh Sarnia did I? Well average height really 5’5”” and in lockdown 9/7 to 9-8 😱 So sounds like I oversold myself and therefore my “aristocratic lineage” 🤭
The opening lines of LP Hartley's "The Go Between" "The past is another Country they do things differently there." I certainly never associated a golly with anyone of colour. It was just a soft toy. Where I grew up a new girl came to join the junior school. She was 'a girl of colour'. She had lovely dark ringlets and previously lived in Bournemouth so I assumed that it must have been hotter there as she just looked sunburnt to me. Nobody was racist then.
Childhood is another country! Children have a refreshing tendency to ignore differences such as skin colour. Sadly, as they grow up, they learn the prejudices of the families and societies they live in. As I said, to us as children, gollies were fun toys. But that does not mean the symbolism and racist caricature didn't exist, just that we, and probably our parents, weren't aware of it. But others were aware, and painfully so. For their sake, we waved goodbye to Golly.
Sadly, even a cursory google will disprove your last sentence. Yesterday I was reading about the Battle of Cable Street, a part of British history of which I was shamefully ignorant. The rise of Fascism is just one example from our 'non-racist' past.
Janice, great taste in books : ) Guess what I've just finished reading? I have to confess, it was a younger shoedweller who alerted me to the real-life inspiration for Prachett's tale.
It was my father who alerted me to them - back in my teens most of my family devoured them. One of us was always waiting someone to finish reading the latest one from the library.
I read The Carpet People back in the 70s and then, probably mainly through library books read the Discworld series. Brilliantly funny writer with serious depths. I miss reading a new book each year.
The outer layer of skin is about one millimetre thin, almost translucent, that's where the race lies, underneath we are all the same and our blood is red. Still, all this is very PC and academic because as far as I know we are all Caucasian on this blog.
Returning to our wonderful multi-coloured Tube map: 34. Subcontinental = East India 35. Home for a glass princess = Crystal Palace 36. Mother Brown dances here = Upney
Last call for our final destinations: 37. In an East American fashion 38. A gap comes into existence 39. ‘I’m sorry, I haven’t a clue’
That's All Folks! Final answers next week. Number 26 (Des Res) had two official answers, so the final score will be out of 40. I granted a few bonus points along the way, but I don't think anyone is on course for 42/40. It has been a close run race. Lanjan has been a front runner, but others are snapping at her heels. Who will get the gold medal? Thanks for playing. Tune in next week for the final results.
I think I shall have to let you have that one, Janice. Next time I try a music clue I shall ask the sportingly inclined shoedwellers whether any teams have adopted that song as their own. (What I know about football could be written on a postage stamp. As far as I'm concerned, if you paint a wall then sit and watch it, it will be dry by the time the final whistle blows.)
Hmmmm I wonder if Raggedy Ann is taboo as well now, because she is a caricature and traditionally has red hair, and might suggest that a raggedy appearance is the domain of the redheaded. I love that line Lanjan, and I think we can only look to improve the future not dwell on the past.
I meant this to follow Lanjan's comment but must have been slow to press publish. I will add that my son married to a beautiful coloured young woman has a theory that as travel becomes more and more commonplace there will eventually be so much inter marrying that we will in time all be the same colour.
One of Mr S's cousins was married to a Jamaican woman who was a vicar's daughter: local mother, Scottish father, who produced three children. Sasha dined out on their parallel with the punch-line of the well-known limerick, as she said they were 'one black, one white and one khaki'. (She was the 'khaki' one). Although some here might find the joke in bad taste she was after all, making it herself and thought it hilarious.
So very many interesting memories about "gollies". I think the problem is, is in the way they were portrayed, at that time, such as in the Black + White Minstral Show. It was just portrayal, as caritacures. I know that there are black dolls available, and rightly so, in this age of equality, re race and religious beliefs. A niece + partner, had trouble with a question of ethinicty on the recent census form. They, themselves were easy - white british + black british - but they didn't fill this part in for their children, as there were was no category suitable. As they are of mixed race, their skin colours are quite different. The girl has a deep olive skin colour, but the boy has, a much lighter olive skin colour. They both have gorgeous thick black hair, black eyelashes and the most wonderful dark eyes.
I admire all those starting Ramadan tonight. I couldn't do this, as I could not go through a day, with no fluid intake. Hopefully this year, mosques can hold important services in some way, unlike 2020. I was in Morrocco in a Ramandan time (September that year). It was interesting and fascinating, to see this first hand, to understand it and what it entailed. It affected the staff in the hotels, we stayed in. We soon completely re-arranged our meal times to suit them, pre- bought our drinks for the evening, and learnt where the light switches were, so to switch of when we finally staggered back to our rooms! It gave another aspect to a brilliant trip, and now respect Ramadan.
I would love to go to Mecca Miriam and witness the Haj in full flow, but unless I convert to Islam there's not a chance! When things get back to "normal", high on my list is Jerusalem & Istanbul.
As to Ramadan (and even Lent) I can't last more than about 3 hours without snacking...
I find it interesting Miriam that your great niece and nephew have different skin colours. I had assumed that any children my son and daughter in law had would be identical in skin colour, but realise now that they might not.
I would love Jordan and Israel, but then I so want S.Africa again. My thought for my next holiday, is a canal boat, mooring up by a good eatery + pub, each night.
No, Janice, they could be any shade from pale to dark - hence the reported comments before Meghan's baby was born. My Mum taught twins once; one had black skin, one had white.
There are so many canal boats for hire near to me, so very feasible. What I dread is the Frontyslic Aquedact outside Llangoĺlen. If I go over it, I will be nowhere to be seen. It is a magnificent structure, but I find it frightning, even looking at it from the ground. I worked in a pharmacy for a few days, where this was the view from our staff room. It mesmorises me, in a strange way. Sadly like Beachy Head, it is a suicide hot spot.
Re your comment OWIAS I wonder if the black child would relate more to the black parent and vice versa, and how the twins felt about being different to each other. I suppose as children they would just accept the difference.
My comment has overlapped with others, with so many similar thoughts. It just took me quite a while to compose + to then correct my thoughts, to keep them socially acceptible.
OWIAS. I think I can, sadly, answer no 39, but I hope this is a red herring, and you teasing us? My answer has been my answer for the previous 38 clues. I So hope that I am wrong - as I want to win by being "Pointless"!
Miriam, if you don't get 39 right I shall be very disappointed. However, I'm happy to deduct one point from your final score if you wish because you used repeated answers.
You're all too good at finding clever alternatives! However, East India is an entire subcontinent whereas West India Quay is just the gateway to one. So I'll give you half a mark because I'm feeling generous : )
Janice - It is an interesting outcome, as to how genetics take over. Nothing can be assumed. Whatever the skin colour/tone is, this is immaterial, as they are my family and just adore them.
The GollyW and other associated words were created by an American writer during the time of the Jim Crow laws, state laws passed to discriminate against African Americans. They enforced segregation and disenfranchisement. The golly was,as described by Old Woman, a caricature of a black minstrel who was created for children in a book by FK Upton. It is in essence a negative imagine of black Americans and whilst many British children had such a doll, and I’m sure loved it. Nevertheless that imagine was subliminally registered in our minds. Our own PM has recently used theses negative words, as a bit of a laugh, knowing they were racist.
We had a holiday on a narrow boat many years ago and went over the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. I'm really bad with heights but managed to cope with that somehow and it was certainly worth it.
That's my problem - heights! I can get that vertigo feeling, just watching the TV. I saw when Prue + Timothy went over it, on one of their Canal Boat journeys. I couldn't watch it!
I love Llangollen though, and will visit it again soon, as the border is now open again. I know the most suitable place to park and where the best shops/eateries are. It has lovely, what I call "quirky" shops, individual and just different. I will wait for a week though, until the "hype" goes and the schools return.
OWIAS 34 and 36 correct but 35 I had trouble with because I couldn’t find Crystal Palace in the list of underground stations so I thought I had better have an alternative. After some time I came up with Kew Gardens, my reasoning was there is a glass house there which I remember being named after Princess Diana.
Soz, Crystal Palace is on the London Overground. As I reminded people last week, this quiz is Underground, Overground (Wombling free). So if you came up with Crystal Palace, you still get the point, even if you found an alternative as well. BTW, this clue was thanks to Janice who suggested it as a very posh aswer to 'Des Res' a month or so ago.
I've always wanted to have a canal boat holiday, but the most I've ever managed was a day trip. I do know that it's possible to do alone, but I'd rather share the experience and assume now it will never happen. Gary, Jerusalem and Constantinople have also been two of the places I would so like to experience. But I there was only one country that I could visit it would be Syria. Sadly much of what Syria held has now been destroyed.
I wouldn’t recommend a solo canal boat holiday Mrs P. Unless you are on a river like the Thames, where there are lock-keepers, It is well nigh impossible to navigate locks on your own as someone has to steer the boat whilst someone else operate the lock gates. There is a lot of jumping on and off the boat and ensuring you are securely tied up fore and aft otherwise you can find your boat swinging out and blocking the canal. My daughter and S.I. L are away on their boat, Charity, this week, exploring the Kennet and Avon. There is no way either of them would go far on their own as there are so many locks to operate within a short distance at Devizes. It can be quite exhausting even with two of you.
In Scotland all the locks are operated by Scottish Canal staff so you "only" have to steer the boat. Has anyone seen the amazing Falkirk Wheel? I cycle past it on my trips along the canal. It's an absolutely amazing contraption!
Archerphile, yes, that's what I meant by not doing it alone. I do know all about the hard work doing the locks. Since I've always walked on canals I've often watched the 'business' on the locks, and have on occasion helped.
Further to my post about our canal boat holiday I rooted out the "Captains Log" that we kept. It was a great trip down memory lane and a reminder of what a good holiday it was in spite of the rain!
OWiAS, East India, Crystal Palace, (up the road from where I lived in Sydenham, anyone know the Dulwich Woodhouse?) like Janice, West Ham! Plan B Upton Park, Hammers' old ground.
I think the " Knees Up " is an older one associated with the North Bank fans. Have just looked it up and apparently before seated stadiums became more common people could do the jig at the same time as singing the song. "I'm forever blowing bubbles" is a lovely song BUT it does have the rather despondent line "then like my dreams they fade and die"!
Parsley, did you see the posts a while back between me and ( I think ) esscee or it might have been annieveggie, about living in nearby places as children. She lived in Penge, I grew up at Southend Pond and went to school in Forest Hill / Sydenham. Many decades later my daughter spent her early married years in Peckham / East Dulwich borders, so I was re treading my past haunts. I really enjoyed taking my grandchildren to Hornimans where I had spent so much time myself when young.
I'm not a pub person myself, but do know the Woodhouse.
Interesting Mrs P, I lived in Sydenham for a while (v good butchers at the top of the high st, also 2nd hand bookshop further down) before moving to Clockhouse then Chislehurst. Used Forest Hill station regularly. Worked in Bromley & SE London. My aunt & uncle lived in Upper Norwood since the late 60's, so I knew the area quite well.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteLady R - April 8, 2021 at 6:55 PM
Anyone else watching the new series of “Canal Boat Diaries” that started on BBC 4 Monday evening at 7pm. Just 4 nights and tonight’s 7.10pm. Lovely scenery and for us not doing the work restful 🤣 Interesting facts along the way.
Cheshire Cheese - April 8, 2021 at 10:04 PM
We are watching it, we are familiar with a lot of the scenery. Part of the first series was on canals local to us.
Archerphile - April 8, 2021 at 10:15 PM
Yes we are watching too and saw the first series. It is a lovely programme and Robbie is an excellent presenter, explaining his love of canals and industrial heritage. We have travelled along much of the canal system he has been covering in our daughters narrow boat. It was lovely to ‘travel’ those canals again. But we are in awe of him doing the whole journey on his own. Navigating 30 locks in a staircase is extremely hard work and we should have thought it near impossible to do by yourself. He is a lovely and very hard working man.
Miriam - April 8, 2021 at 7:05 PM
I have just realised I missed David Serdaris, yet again. I have subscribed via Sounds, to catch up.
MrsP Ambridge - April 8, 2021 at 7:24 PM
Tonight Miriam David S was talking a great deal about his relationship with Hugh. It was less entertaining this evening IMP of V
MrsP Ambridge - April 8, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Sorry !
Was less entertaining than usual this evening.....
Cheshire Cheese - April 8, 2021 at 10:05 PM
I agree Mrs P, don't think this series is up to his usual standard.
*** MY EARLY MEMORIES ***
ReplyDeleteAnneveggie, you are the chosen one today! Enjoy!
Hope you are feeling a bit better Gary. Perhaps the weekend will help if you can get outside for some fresh air?
ReplyDeleteThanks AP (and others) for wishing me well - it's mainly from my first vaccination that I received yesterday. It's knocked me for 6 a little bit. Achy bones and shivers and whatnot. Will be fine in a day or two. Will spend the next 24 hours or so shuffling about the house mumbling to myself as I move from sofa to bed to sofa to bed. All will be well!
DeleteI don’t know whether I’m right but I often think that those who have a bad reaction to the vaccine would have been very ill indeed if they had caught Covid. Wishing you well, Gary and hope you feel better very soon!
DeleteI have my appointment for second jab on 14th, 10 weeks after the first so not a bad timeframe. No reactions at all with first one but no guarantee this one will be the same! However will be mightily relieved to be 95% safe!
Ev, I think you are correct in your thinking.
DeleteI'm sure that a day or so ago, it was put forward by one scientist or doctor, that a poor reaction to the vaccination suggests that the illness if contracted would have been very bad indeed.
The reverse being so, that a mild reaction or none at all would suggest good antibodies.
I think that's what I understood.
It is confusing, isn't it?
DeleteI thought it was, the worse the reaction, the better the immune response...
Also the different vaccines, seem to give different reactions.
Who knows what is good or bad, as have tests been done re antibodies, after vaccination - not sure.
Every-one reacts to things in different ways, such as why I am allergic to aspirin, sea-food, dust but I am fine with pet hair, which others are allergic to.
We are all so individual.
PtbY -
ReplyDeleteI would like to know more about your interest in hoarding / dirty homes.
Please explain.
Very often you meet people with immaculate house and garden with seemingly little effort and then you look around your own and feel totally inadequate. Then when you have a glimpse at domestic chaos it makes you feel so much better and that you’re not so bad after all!
ReplyDelete🤣 ✔️ 🤣✔️ exactly Ev!
DeleteWe keep our shoe untidy as a service to the parish. However untidy your house is, you can reassure yourself - 'It's not as bad as OWiaS's' : )
DeleteI hope you feel much better soon Gary.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that every BODY is different and no-one can predict our individual reaction. I have had both the infection and the first vaccination, and in my case, the vaccination was far, far worse, in fact, after eight weeks (tomorrow), I still have side-effects of deep muscle pain, headaches, extreme tiredness, rashes. I have reported these via the yellow card scheme, spoken to a dedicated covid doctor via nhs111, and had an actual visit with my g.p.
The concensus is that I have an over-reactive immune system, but, nobody at all can explain why, how long etc, etc, all I hear is that they haven't got the data, which reinforces my view that this is being tested on us as human guinea pigs, goodness knows what the advice will be in the future.
Despite all this, I will attend for my second jab on 1st May, and will take advice then about whether or not to have it. I would much rather know if my previous infection has given me enough immunity already, but who knows? I had the A-Z jab, and will probably have the second one, but I am neither sure nor happy about it.
I am not advocating for anyone else, just explaining that every person is different, one rule does not fit all.
Mistral
DeleteI, so sorry that you are suffering so badly, particularly since you had the illness yourself earlier last year.
I do hope for you that this is not Long Covid.
I wish you the best and hope that you will be looked after well by your health team as they are able to understand more.
Just returned home to hear of the death of Prince Philip
ReplyDeleteHe and my brother were born in the same year, 1921. My brother made it to 91 but was nor in such good shape as Prince Philip always appeared to be. He was always very upright, never seen walking with a stick, or needing a wheelchair. It is such a shame that he didn’t quite make it to his 100th birthday.
I don’t expect the Queen to go into the deepest mourning as Queen Victoria did, but I do wonder what lies ahead for the Royal family now that it’s ‘head of family’ has gone.
They, like any family, will adapt, accept and carry on, as before.
DeleteI feel deeply for The Queen - right now she will be feeling as bereft as any other person does when their other half dies. Plus she has hardly any peers left not even her younger sister. Bless her 🕯🙏🏼
DeleteI saw the news announcement live. I often have the TV on, as background just like the radio. This might sound silly, but it means that I can see other human beings, in my home!
ReplyDeleteI was working in the kitchen, when the TV went quiet, so on thinking there was a problem, I went to see what was happening (complete with Marigolds). On screen there was a message, An Important News Announcement. I immediately sat down, guessing what it was, and watched as the official statement was read out. The BBC announcer, dressed in black, seemed quite tearful.
It is very sad, but not unexpected. It would have been lovely if the 100yr mark, had been reached.
Like any family, who have suffered a death in this Pandemic era, how will the funeral be done?
DeleteThere is a limit to anyone going to the funeral, up to 30.
DeleteIt was suggested that there will be a memorial ceremony later on in date when we are free to go about our business.
I had the radio on.... always is in my home, when the programme was interrupted.
ReplyDeleteI was actually reading my emails at the time, but immediately closed it and put it down.
Yes expected.
Sad that he didn't make it to 100.
She will miss him, but I'm so pleased that they were at Windsor together for his last weeks.
To me - this was why he was discharged from hospital, to return to Windsor.
DeleteSad to say this, though...
Gary - and the rest! I have my second visit next Wednesday so I dread the anti vaccine illness!
ReplyDeleteAs sad as the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is -
ReplyDeletewhat I want to know is:-
When will the Final of Masterchef, now be broadcast?
I was so eagerly waiting to view this..but it won't be tonight, as planned.
This sounds selfish, I know and apologise for this.
My thought is, why can't the BBC, just have one channel showing some of the programmes, as scheduled, rather than the same, identical/similar broadcasts showing, on both BBC1 and BBC2?
I am sorry if this upsets others. 😣
No Corrie either...😭
DeletePerhaps I am just being a bit over insensative, which won't be for the 1st time, as just thinking about me!
DeleteI have been accused of being "self-centered" many times before...
It is a momentous day. My heart goes out to Her Majesty who has lost half of herself. He has shown such incredible support to her over the years and has served this country to an extent we hardly know. Maybe for one day we can miss our favourite programs and reflect on the loss of a great man. The Queen is a very strong woman but this passing will hit her very hard. She will need her family around her.
DeleteFrom my earlier post Ev you will know that I like you feel so much for the Queen in her loss for all the reasons you say.
DeleteHowever after all day coverage I agree with Miriam especially for people like her and my 95yr old relative living alone in a pandemic and not able to have access to some of the regular programmes to watch to take the sting of death away. My relative has no access to catch up services and so this tv situation will hit her hard. (Neither I’m sure deny Prince Phillips contribution to this country)
Yes, Lady R. I was getting a bit pompous! I admit to getting away from the coverage into IPlayer etc. It has been overdone on TV and radio. Apologies if offending anyone.
DeleteCertainly not offended me Ev. I just wanted to make the point which I did re people without access to catch up or company at the moment. All the main stations have about 4 channels so could have used one to cover other programmes.
DeleteMrs P. thank you. I have thought about the possibility of long covid myself. I did a test today, will get the result tomorrow, but am not clear if long covid results are the same. Some of my symptoms are specific to post-vaccine, i.e. i did not have them with the actual infection.
ReplyDeleteBe that as it may, it is a bit boring and has been very uncomfortable, but really I am fit and healthy in general, and very lucky indeed that this is all I have to bother about :)
Sad to hear about Prince Philip, but like Miriam, I wish we didn't have blanket coverage.
I am enjoying listening to an e-book from the library, only just found out about this service, it is great. Listening to 'Islands of Mercy' by Rose Tremain, a new author to me, it's very good.
Is this from your local library Mistral ?
DeleteI must find out if my local has a similar service.
When you have an e-book read is it complete, or adapted ?
And who is it read by ?
RIP Prince Philip.
ReplyDeleteI feel for the Queen after so many years of marriage now on her own.
Gary - my early memories will follow later. Thanks.
Thank you AV!
DeleteMrs P.
ReplyDeleteDon’t think I need to add anything to what I already stated. They just make me feel better about my house and cleaning situation.
✔️ Ptby
DeleteThey make me feel I'm not alone in this world.
DeleteBut I don't watch them since they treat the subject far too glibly.
Real people, ME , live like this. And it's unkind to make it entertainment.
My early memories, here goes:-
ReplyDelete1. My sister and her friend who lived next door to us set up a 'wedding' between me and the friend's younger brother. They put daisies in my hair to prepare me to be the bride. I don't remember what words were said but they told the brother to give me a kiss. I remember it was a very wet one!! I was about four years old.
2. I remember walking down the road after getting off the bus with my Mum. I suddenly realized that I'd left my golly on the bus. Horror - I cried all the way home. Never saw him again. (I realize that gollies are not pc nowadays but they were very popular at the time). Again I was about four or five.
3. I remember sitting in the kitchen when the lady from the RSPCA came in with our new dog who was given the name Judy. The lady was kind and had brought Judy all the way from the other side of London on the bus to us. Apparently Judy had a litter and had been badly treated. I remember my Dad saying "Don't worry, she'll be fine with us". We loved her and had her for many happy years. She was a tan fox terrier mix. I think I was five at the time.
Happy days (apart from the golly loss).
I am sure you looked very sweet with daisies in your hair. I wonder if you know what happened to your little "husband".
DeleteI too had a golly, and am sad yours got lost but I expect he found another home. Mine was a knitted one, as I think most were, and so they were comfortable and soft to hold. I know they are not considered acceptable now, but don't really see that they are any worse than say a white ragdoll.
Thank you Janice. No I don't know what happened to my 'husband' but I hope he's doing well.
DeleteI'd like to think that my lost golly was found by another child who loved him.
Sorry to be controversial but I do not think it is wrong that programmes have been replaced with programmes about Prince Phillip.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that the spouse of a living monarch has died in my lifetime.
For goodness sake ,who cares a fig when the final of Masterchef is to be broadcast?
If you don't want to watch anything about the Duke of Edinburgh then there is an on/off switch on the TV.
Yes Miriam, you are being selfish as you say you are .
Don't let television rule your life.
When King George VI died ,somber music was played all day.
Nobody complained then.
I do not feel that you need to apologise ,Ev.
ReplyDeleteWe can surely put up with not watching a particular television programme for one day or even more.
None of us can know how Her Majesty feels at this moment although you and I and several others of us on the blog will have a rough idea.
She ,of course is in the public gaze whilst we are able to hide our feelings to some extent .
Had the Duke of Edinburgh been a commoner I feel that he would not have had to endure having ,at 99years of age ,an operation recently and had to spend a month in hospital.
Had my lovely husband been younger he would have been able to have an operation but we were told that it would have been too dangerous and he was more than 10 years younger than the Duke.
My heart goes out to Her Majesty.
When the Queen and Prince Philip visited a Naval establishment where Mike was serving, the prince asked Mike had they met before. He replied that they hadn’t. Philip moved on then came back “Are you SURE we haven’t met before!” He came across as someone who had the common touch, basically caring if outspoken at times! Yes, people can put up with missing their programs but at the same time maybe there should be alternative viewing. I had an inkling that programs had been put aside for somber music when the King died but wasn’t sure about that. It must have been a tremendous burden for the young Princess becoming Queen at the age of 25 and for the Duke having to give up his Naval career for his new role as consort. He always supported her and put her first and you have to admire that.
ReplyDeleteI support you Lan jan. The years and years of dedicated service to Queen and country cannot be over estimated.
ReplyDeleteWho cares about the pre-recorded programme. It is only one day.!
I wish I had joined the DofE award but we couldn't find someone to lead us! Nowadays my son is a DofE leader!
Mrs P, 6.36 pm
ReplyDeleteYes, it is through the local library service. I went to the council's website, looked up 'library services' and followed the links.
They do e-books to read at home, but, my discovery, e-audio-books. (sounds like I am auditioning for Old MacDonald now). I can choose up to 6 at a time, download each one into a zip file, and listen at leisure.
The novels are unabridged and read by various actors. This Rose Tremain one is read by a woman with a lovely irish accent, can't remember her name. They haven't got a huge selection, but have new releases, best-sellers, and prize-winners. I'm glad I found it, I like the continuity when i am cooking, jigsawing, or just lying down!
For those of us who have problems with Delayed Maintenence...
DeleteI've still got some Christmas decorations up.
Beat that!!
As you are there Mistral I thought I would say I doubled the amount of eggs used for my Yorkshire puddings , not quite as many extra eggs as you suggested but more than usual, and YES! beautifully risen puddings. Really pleased so thank you.
DeleteI can't beat your Christmas decorations, but I do still keep finding pine needles in odd places.
Mistral, some years ago I didn't get around to removing the fairy lights strung up across our bow window. They're still there, I dust the cobwebs off from time to time : )
DeleteWell, they look cheerful and give a bit of extra light.
And the Christmas cards stay up on the pelmet above the bay until they're removed for the next lot. (Well, they do usually. Last Christmas I didn't get around to putting them up - the pelmet looks very bare!)
The tree, however finally came down in late February because it was getting in the way.
Mr A and I are lucky enough to have a treasured memento of Prince Philip.
ReplyDeleteWhen our son Corrin was 18 he was awarded a scholarship to learn to fly by a charitable organisation of which Prince Philip was president.
Corrin and about a dozen other teenagers were able to take a flying course that took them up to flying solo. Not all of them made it but those that did , and their proud parents, were invited to St James’s’s Palace to receive they flying certificates from Prince Philip himself.
So we had the wonderful experience of going to the palace, being plied with wine and a delicious buffet, then watching our offspring receive their certificate from the Prince. He spoke to each lad individually for several minutes and seemed to be very interested in their future plans.
Our memento is an official photograph
of Corrin talking with the Prince and receiving his certificate. It will be even more precious now.
Wow!
DeleteThe Boscawens invited him to their Tregothnan estate in 2014 and while there he planted a tea bush and an oak tree. I hope they treasure and take care of them in his memory. An oak tree is probably an appropriate symbol for him, strength, wisdom and endurance. Much respect. Poor Queen.
ReplyDeleteI'm with LanJan and Spiceycushion as far as usual television programmes being put aside. Apart from the serial and Front Row so has Radio 4 been broadcasting tributes and memories of Prince Philip through the day since midday.
ReplyDeleteTo all who object, I suggest you reflect on the time when Her Majesty herself departs this life. It might be a lot longer than a day that you are deprived your choice television moments.
If you were living in Russia it would be solemn music for a month !
Have some respect !
It will be 12 days according to Google.
DeleteI was fully expecting a day of tributes and alteration of programmes on TV and radio and didn’t mind at all. Channel 4 was the only one that seemed to keep to their usual schedule, more or less.
DeleteBut what did surprise me a little, was that the BBC completely closed down BBC4 from 7pm when it usually starts. The entire evening was cancelled and not even tribute programmes shown. Perhaps it saved a little money?
And there being no Archers episode on Fridays saved the SWs from having to arrange a topical insert - I wonder if there will be one on Monday. I don’t think they can, or should, totally ignore the passing of such an important Royal figure.
All the best to you Gary for a speedy recovery and I will be thinking about you on 1st May ,Mistral when you have your second jab.
ReplyDeleteI had my second injection yesterday .I have been feeling very tired today which may or may not be connected to my having had the injection.
However recently I have been binge watching"The Line of Duty" from Series1 and staying up some nights past 11pm.
This is something new to me!
It is a hard watch, isn’t it Lanjan? We only started watching at series 3 (the one with Thandie Newton) so decided to catch up on the first 2 series before this new one started. There were scenes in series 2 with Keeley Hawes where I had to hide my eyes, but the series is so well written and complicated that I think binge watching is the only way to understand all the complexities.
DeleteSo upsetting.
ReplyDeleteHadn't expected to be.
But what a man, such a loss.
Don't want to imagine how the Queen must be feeling.
Not to mention the extremely disturbing storyline re Alice & Martha.
Finding it all very difficult.
I tuned in at 9pm for the first time today expecting Gardeners' World, to find the tribute programmes to Prince Philip instead. As I had no idea that he'd died I found the resume of his life story fitting and interesting. Hopefully it will serve to redress the balance of much of the negative media coverage aimed at him over the years.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realise that he was so hands on with his children, making all the decisions about their education etc. I think he made a mistake on insisting that Prince Charles attend his own old school of Gordonstoun, ‘to toughen him up’. Apparently Charles hated it but I expect it was much more suited to Prince Andrew. I remember, as a child, feeling so sorry for Charles and Anne when they were left at home for moths without their parents who had to go on a world tour. And the sight of poor little Charles, bowing to his mother when they were finally reunited. He was only 5 or 6 at the time. A very strange family life for children.
DeleteAP - "left at home for moths" sounds about right...
DeleteOh dear Gary - yet another of my typos! I really am going to have to buy a keyboard for my new iPad. It is a bit bigger than my old one so the letters on the screen are further apart than I’m used to and I keep hitting the wrong ones! 🥲
DeleteIt really made me laugh!
DeleteI must confess that I found the blanket coverage across the major TV channels slightly irritating, surely they could have just taken over one channel per broadcaster, BBC1, ITV1, Ch5 with a banner across the bottom of the the screen directing viewers seeking their usual programs to their other channels. Everyone now has digital TV with multiple choices. Channel 4 had an extended news/ tribute, but still showed most of its schedule.
ReplyDeleteI had the impression of the radio broadcasters slotting in the tributes, which they had on standby and taking the day off.
I did have to gently chide my republican daughter for her reaction to the news, empathy isn’t her strong suit.
I remember the day King George VI died and there was nothing but sombre music on the radio ( didn’t have TV then)
ReplyDeleteMum and I had been shopping in the nearby town and passed a shop where the window display had been cleared and a large portrait of the King, draped in black cloth, had been put there instead. Mum told me the King had been very ill and must have died.
When we got home we found that had happened.
I remember being upset that I couldn’t hear Listen with Mother and Children’s Hour was cancelled!
Thanks Anneveggie!
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming you didn't have a fancy car on your wedding day back then, but found this cute pic!
I remember a primary school trip to Yorkshire when we were about 11 years old and we stopped off at Gretna Green and got to go through a "wedding" in the Ye Old Blacksmiths Shop. The couple that got "married" did actually end up going out with each other for a while a few years later...
Ha ha, I love the picture Gary! No we didn't have a fancy car and I think we just carried on playing in the garden afterwards.
DeleteGlad you're feeling better today.
Not even a wee honeymoon? Disgraceful!
DeleteGlad to report that I am feeling MUCH chipper today. Yesterday went by in some sort of hazy fug, with occasional trips to joint and muscle pain. Not nice, but in the grand scheme of things nothing to write home about really.
ReplyDeletePleased to hear the you're feeling better Gary.
DeletePleased to hear that others are now binging on Line Of Duty, as I did before series six started.
ReplyDeleteAs said, very well written and so convoluted, a serious teaser.
I've also joined the LOD Facebook group and avidly followed all the speculation for a couple of weeks. But in the last few days I've been giving it a miss as the posts add to the mystery in such a way that my brain has become overwhelmed.
Pleased you've passed the through the bad reaction Gary and you had only tiredness LanJan. I too felt a day of listlessness after my second injection and am relieved I've suffered so little.
Janice, 11.21 pm, I am delighted about your Yorkshire puds, and will pass on your compliments, and Archerphile's, to my friend, who's recipe this is. I always feel a bit guilty about using so many eggs myself, but I get over it.
ReplyDeleteOWiaS, I can't compete with fairy lights, but lots of people have them. I am talking SERIOUS themed decorations, i.e. garlands entwined in the bannisters up the stairs, directly opposite the front door, so any casual visitor can see my tardiness. I should remove them because I can't hold on, have to hang on to individual spindles now....
LanJan, thank you, and I hope you feel less tired today, Gary too.
I LOVE Line of Duty, love Adrian Dunbar and recently rewatched the whole lot, fantastic.
I recently watched a series called DNA, (iplayer), Danish thriller also very gripping.
Hoping you get much, much better soon too Mistral.
DeleteAnd Spicycushion - I very much hope that any fears you have for next Wednesday will turn out to be just that, and you will continue to improve.
I watched the 41 gun salute today - a True and Meaningful Tribute.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure when this was last done.
I expect, the historians, amongst us, can inform me, as just don't know.
I read an interesting article today, saying the risk of a clot after an AZ vaccine, is no different as on a long-haul flight, or taking the "Pill".
ReplyDeleteThese has have an similar risk profile..
Well, I believe what I read!
I had no qualms about receiving the AZ vaccine on Thursday. Apparently there is a higher risk of being involved in a car accident Miriam, but funnily enough there's not too many people refusing to use roads for fear of being involved in one!
DeleteJust remembered that around 20 years ago my nephew was invited to a dinner at Mansion House in London when he was 14 (he had set up an internet café in his home town and the event was to celebrate "young people's achievements") and he was sat at a table with Prince Philip, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Patrick Moore. He said they were all boring...🙄
ReplyDeleteMy elder sister got her gold Duke of Edinburgh's, award in either 1969 or 1970, not sure when.
ReplyDeleteAs such, she went inside Buckingham Palace, to receive this from HRH The Prince Philip, himself.
She remembers it well.
This might sound strange, but I am not surprised, as to how quickly things have been done and so brilliantly, which are still being done.
ReplyDeleteMy eldest niece, a director in a Council situation, told me ages ago, that plans were already in place, for such an event.
The funeral next Saturday, will still be memorable, even under Covid Rules.
This might be even more poignant, and meaningful, for the close family.
The sad part is the social distancing required, as per the rules.
But then, this has applied to so very many families, like LJ, at this time.
Gardeners' World, not broadcast last night for obvious reasons, is on BBC2 at 8.00pm tonight.
ReplyDeleteShould have read the blog earlier - blessed be i-player!
Delete"Girl Power" - The winning jockey of the Grand National was female, for the first time ever. 🐎 👍👏
ReplyDelete....and my point is, nothing meaningful at all.
DeleteIt is just nice for a difference, and shows equality.
It's meaningful enough Miriam.
ReplyDeleteHistory was made.
It's really not so long ago that woman were allowed to enter the jockey ring at all.
The Milky Bars are on you!
DeleteGoodness, it’s our 51st Anniversary today and we are still waiting to celebrate our Golden one of last year which was cancelled by lockdown. Who’d have thought a whole year later we’d still be in the same position?
ReplyDeleteNever mind, we are going to celebrate with croissants for breakfast, a real treat! 😋
Many congratulations AP! Maybe we could have a joint party at some point and I could celebrate my 50th birthday from last May? Have a lovely day...
DeleteLovely idea Gary, and we could invite everyone who was prevented from celebrating something special in the past 12 months. 🎉 🪅 🎁 🎂 🥂
DeleteThe more the merrier!
DeleteWith Bucks Fizz I hope! Congrats!🥂
ReplyDeleteOoo, yes, thanks Ev, except I don’t actually like champagne (or any fizzy drinks come to that) so a nice hot filter coffee will be fine!
DeleteFélicitations AP ! 🥐🥐☕☕
ReplyDeleteMerci ma chère Parsley!
DeleteFeeling more positive today, keep on wittering please!
ReplyDeleteHere's a witter for you Parsley.... even better tomorrow I hope.
ReplyDeleteJust seen that our village pub is waiting to welcome us back tomorrow, to a marquee erected in the garden. Full menu available. Is that any safer that going inside, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteAt lunchtime tomorrow feels like temp due to be 4 - 6 degrees at most brrr not for me!
DeleteCongratulations AP & Mr AP on your 51st anniversary 🥰 💐 🎊
Congratulations Archerphile!!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy anniversary Mr& Mrs A P
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - and your Hubbie..
ReplyDeleteI wish you both Heartfelt and very warm Congratulations, for your 51st Anniversary. I bet there will be a surprise or more, planned...
Annieveggie - I so remember the Robertson's badges, which came from the jams.
There was always a fight between us sisters, who got the latest! Mine were pinned onto my school blazer, which would be so abhorrent now! We also had a shared "Golly", but then did we know better, or why?
Back to todays situation.
Going outside, in a group of 6 or 2 households, is far safer than being indoors. Social distancing still has to observed, between those not in a bubble or a household.
Fresh air disperses any virus etc. much quicker than an inside enviroment. This is why it was recommended that there should be open windows, for a draught etc, if have workers inside a home.
Another icy + frosty morning!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so cold all day even though sun shone, and snow is forecast for tomorrow morning.
How I want to discard my now, very "tatty" warm, winter clothes, and go into something lighter.
I would love to buy some new ones, but although shops open again tomorrow, things still cannot be tried on. I will not buy with the hope, an item will fit. I can take 4 pairs of trousers, all the same size, into a fitting room, only to find one or even zero fit and suit me!
That's me now:-
DeleteShaggy blonde/grey hair + "tatty" clothes...😂🤣
I love R4ex.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I so appreciate the situation + the public mourning, what I can't understand is:-
R4ex has been since Friday, and is still now, just broadcasting a duplicate of R4?
Why?
As my younger sister said:-
ReplyDelete- The thing about this situation, is how well you adapt to a picnic lunch, or coffee + cake, sitting on a rug on a wet + soggy lawn. The upside being, meeting grandsons (5 +3yrs) and parents under the Rules, wrapped up in many warm layers -
She found eating a lunch, with warm gloves on, a bit difficult!
A quick extra!
ReplyDeleteI had a "boyfriend" when I was about 5/6yrs old (late 50's, early 60's). We were going to get married + live on the moon, he loved and was fascinated by the starry skies etc. Then I was relocated so moved away.
Obviously this didn't happen.
What is interesting, he is now a professor of Astrology or Astronomy, at Cambridge University.
...and the point is, absolutely nothing.😣
Off to make a turkey curry for evening meal.
Well he certainly knew what he wanted to be when he grew up Miriam! 🤗
DeleteSorry. Far too vocal + wittering on..😣😭
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary Archerfile and Mr. A.
ReplyDeleteA lovely description of what one gets out of listening to The Archers on today's Pick of the Week.
ReplyDeleteLovely !
Thanks. I will find it on Sounds, to then listen to.
DeleteAnneveggie - apropos your story of the golly, and Miriam’s mention of Robertson’s Gollies.
ReplyDeleteYou may remember I mentioned our son, aged about 4, imitating me by swallowing something and having to be X- rayed ( though not operated on like me!j
Well, what he swallowed was a Robertson’s Golly enamel brooch of a cricketing Golly - with the pin open!
Both our children loved collecting the paper Gollies from the jam jars and saving them up for a brooch. I had done the same when I was a child.
Before Gollies became quite so derided our daughter had amassed a vast collection of them, all displayed in a lovely wooden showcase. She still has this and a collection of the plaster golly musicians, advertising posters and other memorabilia. At one time rare broches were fetching a high price in antique shops and her husband sometimes found a particularly rare golly badge as a Christmas or Birthday gift for her.
It seems strange that such an innocent childhood pastime has now become so unacceptable.
I think it’s a shame as we all collected the labels for badges or had a golly because we loved them what was so wrong in that we were not deriding them because of colour quite the opposite they were just seen as normal to us as any other toy to be enjoyed and as I have said loved.
DeleteI didn't have a golly, but I did have a lovely black soft doll with a red gingham dress and a red scarf around her curly hair.
DeleteShe was much loved.
As you say Lady R. Sad to have lost them !
As for the Robertsons Golly, we lived near a Robertsons factory and in summer would go collecting jam jars by knocking on doors and asking.
We would fill up our dolls proms and walk to the next district, ( Bellingham for the benefit of Seasider and Esscee ? ) and we would get money for them, pennies per dozen I suppose.
I have a golly called Lalla, couldn't pronounce Dalla, Dad's houseboy when he was working in Nigeria in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteHe's black velvet.
I did have another one, Momo, long since gone.
Also guitar-playing golly badge!
Attached to Ted's coat..
Golly Parsley, how exotic that sounds ... a black velvet golly.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, you have reminded me of my much loved black doll called Topsy. She had a white dress trimmed with blue gingham and soft black plaits tied with blue gingham bows. I had specially asked for a black doll one Christmas and was thrilled to get her. Strange thing is I remember she had bright blue eyes (not brown) which closed when you laid her down.
ReplyDeleteI had a knitted golly and I cut his hair short thinking it would grow again! They did cease to exist sadly and for all the wrong reasons. We didn’t associate them with looking down on black people. I am constantly amused by Woman’s Hour where they persist in saying women of colour. What’s wrong with black? I don’t mind being white although I think pink is more apt!!
ReplyDeleteYes that's interesting because if we are pink then we are women of colour too.
DeleteI wonder what a woman of no colour looks like... ...
DeleteFurther pondering - I'm browner than most, but like Southern Europeans, classed as white because we're not brown enough to qualify as brown, if you see what I mean (or more accurately, not the particular race) Daft.
DeleteMe probably Sarnia 🤣🤣🤣 Summer or Winter (although it is described as porcelain in make up terms)
DeleteI think 'People of Colour' is an attempt to recognise that not everyone identifies as White or Black - mixed race or Asian people, for example. The earlier term, 'Coloured', has too many racist connotations.
DeleteHow many more generations will it take before the terms all become irrelevant and we are all simply 'People', regardless of our skin colour? Too many I suspect : (
I agree with what you say ,Ev.
ReplyDeleteI made a very tall golly with floppy arms for my boys.
If either of them was ill Big Golly would wrap his arms round the little boy and make him better.
Big Golly now lives in the Lake District .
(He has had surgery on his face in the past 50 years though )
I had a black doll called Chloe when I was a child. I loved collecting the stamps off Robertson’s jars. I remember having one golly badge.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Robertson's badges too - I might even have owned a couple. They were fun, and children happily collected them. And the Golly dolls that Ev, MrsP, and Lanjan have written about sound like loved and cherished members of the toy cupboard.
ReplyDeleteBUT the Golly figure is inherently racist. (There's a very good article about it's beginnings here: https://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/golliwog/.) It is based on demeaning stereotypes of Black people. And it was the origin of the 'W---' word.
Golly is not a neutral figure. He is offensive to many people - a symbol of past, and continuing, humiliation, pain, and oppression.
Yes, as individuals we may have been unaware of the dark symbolism behind our collection of badges or beloved dolls. But in an age where we are, slowly, learning to value all members of the human race, whatever their skin colour, Golly's place is in the history books, not the story books. Nor in the toy shops or on the jam jars.
OWIAS, I couldn't agree more.
DeleteA PS.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying we shouldn't have Black dolls. Children of all colours deserve to have dolls that ressemble them and their friends. There are some lovely ones on the market now, for a whole range of ethnicities. BUT these dolls designed to resemble normal little children, they are not based on out-dated and offensive caricatures.
Lady R - as I recall, some time ago you described yourself as being tall and slim, so added to that your porcelain complexion is a clear indicator of your aristocratic lineage!
ReplyDeleteOoh Sarnia did I? Well average height really 5’5”” and in lockdown 9/7 to 9-8 😱
DeleteSo sounds like I oversold myself and therefore my “aristocratic lineage” 🤭
The opening lines of LP Hartley's "The Go Between"
ReplyDelete"The past is another Country they do things differently there."
I certainly never associated a golly with anyone of colour.
It was just a soft toy.
Where I grew up a new girl came to join the junior school.
She was 'a girl of colour'.
She had lovely dark ringlets and previously lived in Bournemouth so I assumed that it must have been hotter there as she just looked sunburnt to me.
Nobody was racist then.
With the greatest of respect Lanjan, you weren't racist then OR now - but a hell of a lot of people were and still are.
DeleteChildhood is another country!
DeleteChildren have a refreshing tendency to ignore differences such as skin colour. Sadly, as they grow up, they learn the prejudices of the families and societies they live in.
As I said, to us as children, gollies were fun toys. But that does not mean the symbolism and racist caricature didn't exist, just that we, and probably our parents, weren't aware of it. But others were aware, and painfully so. For their sake, we waved goodbye to Golly.
Sadly, even a cursory google will disprove your last sentence.
Yesterday I was reading about the Battle of Cable Street, a part of British history of which I was shamefully ignorant. The rise of Fascism is just one example from our 'non-racist' past.
I think the Night Watch had quite a battle too 😉
DeleteJanice, great taste in books : ) Guess what I've just finished reading?
DeleteI have to confess, it was a younger shoedweller who alerted me to the real-life inspiration for Prachett's tale.
It was my father who alerted me to them - back in my teens most of my family devoured them. One of us was always waiting someone to finish reading the latest one from the library.
DeleteI read The Carpet People back in the 70s and then, probably mainly through library books read the Discworld series. Brilliantly funny writer with serious depths. I miss reading a new book each year.
DeleteWell my golly story certainly has stirred up a lot of memories which I have enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteThe outer layer of skin is about one millimetre thin, almost translucent, that's where the race lies, underneath we are all the same and our blood is red.
ReplyDeleteStill, all this is very PC and academic because as far as I know we are all Caucasian on this blog.
Returning to our wonderful multi-coloured Tube map:
ReplyDelete34. Subcontinental = East India
35. Home for a glass princess = Crystal Palace
36. Mother Brown dances here = Upney
Last call for our final destinations:
37. In an East American fashion
38. A gap comes into existence
39. ‘I’m sorry, I haven’t a clue’
That's All Folks! Final answers next week.
Number 26 (Des Res) had two official answers, so the final score will be out of 40. I granted a few bonus points along the way, but I don't think anyone is on course for 42/40.
It has been a close run race. Lanjan has been a front runner, but others are snapping at her heels. Who will get the gold medal?
Thanks for playing. Tune in next week for the final results.
Drat! I put West Ham for 36 because it's their song.
DeleteI think I shall have to let you have that one, Janice. Next time I try a music clue I shall ask the sportingly inclined shoedwellers whether any teams have adopted that song as their own. (What I know about football could be written on a postage stamp. As far as I'm concerned, if you paint a wall then sit and watch it, it will be dry by the time the final whistle blows.)
DeleteHurrah! Got my usual one point.
DeleteAll three.
DeleteYaaay. Thank you OWIAS!
DeleteHmmmm I wonder if Raggedy Ann is taboo as well now, because she is a caricature and traditionally has red hair, and might suggest that a raggedy appearance is the domain of the redheaded.
ReplyDeleteI love that line Lanjan, and I think we can only look to improve the future not dwell on the past.
I meant this to follow Lanjan's comment but must have been slow to press publish.
DeleteI will add that my son married to a beautiful coloured young woman has a theory that as travel becomes more and more commonplace there will eventually be so much inter marrying that we will in time all be the same colour.
One of Mr S's cousins was married to a Jamaican woman who was a vicar's daughter: local mother, Scottish father, who produced three children. Sasha dined out on their parallel with the punch-line of the well-known limerick, as she said they were 'one black, one white and one khaki'. (She was the 'khaki' one). Although some here might find the joke in bad taste she was after all, making it herself and thought it hilarious.
DeleteSo very many interesting memories about "gollies". I think the problem is, is in the way they were portrayed, at that time, such as in the Black + White Minstral Show. It was just portrayal, as caritacures.
ReplyDeleteI know that there are black dolls available, and rightly so, in this age of equality, re race and religious beliefs.
A niece + partner, had trouble with a question of ethinicty on the recent census form. They, themselves were easy - white british + black british - but they didn't fill this part in for their children, as there were was no category suitable. As they are of mixed race, their skin colours are quite different.
The girl has a deep olive skin colour, but the boy has, a much lighter olive skin colour.
They both have gorgeous thick black hair, black eyelashes and the most wonderful dark eyes.
I admire all those starting Ramadan tonight. I couldn't do this, as I could not go through a day, with no fluid intake.
Hopefully this year, mosques can hold important services in some way, unlike 2020.
I was in Morrocco in a Ramandan time (September that year). It was interesting and fascinating, to see this first hand, to understand it and what it entailed. It affected the staff in the hotels, we stayed in. We soon completely re-arranged our meal times to suit them, pre- bought our drinks for the evening, and learnt where the light switches were, so to switch of when we finally staggered back to our rooms!
It gave another aspect to a brilliant trip, and now respect Ramadan.
I would love to go to Mecca Miriam and witness the Haj in full flow, but unless I convert to Islam there's not a chance! When things get back to "normal", high on my list is Jerusalem & Istanbul.
DeleteAs to Ramadan (and even Lent) I can't last more than about 3 hours without snacking...
I find it interesting Miriam that your great niece and nephew have different skin colours. I had assumed that any children my son and daughter in law had would be identical in skin colour, but realise now that they might not.
DeleteI would love Jordan and Israel, but then I so want S.Africa again.
DeleteMy thought for my next holiday, is a canal boat, mooring up by a good eatery + pub, each night.
No, Janice, they could be any shade from pale to dark - hence the reported comments before Meghan's baby was born.
DeleteMy Mum taught twins once; one had black skin, one had white.
We are investigating a canal holiday right now. Loved Tim & Pru when they were on. Looks like heaven to me, rain or sun. (But preferably sun!)
DeleteThere are so many canal boats for hire near to me, so very feasible.
DeleteWhat I dread is the Frontyslic Aquedact outside Llangoĺlen. If I go over it, I will be nowhere to be seen.
It is a magnificent structure, but I find it frightning, even looking at it from the ground. I worked in a pharmacy for a few days, where this was the view from our staff room. It mesmorises me, in a strange way. Sadly like Beachy Head, it is a suicide hot spot.
Spelling error.
DeleteIt's the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.
I get so confused with the welsh lingo and spelling.
Re your comment OWIAS I wonder if the black child would relate more to the black parent and vice versa, and how the twins felt about being different to each other. I suppose as children they would just accept the difference.
DeleteSee above comment posted at 9.07pm re Jamaican cousin, the vicar's daughter
DeleteMy comment has overlapped with others, with so many similar thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt just took me quite a while to compose + to then correct my thoughts, to keep them socially acceptible.
OWIAS.
ReplyDeleteI think I can, sadly, answer no 39, but I hope this is a red herring, and you teasing us?
My answer has been my answer for the previous 38 clues.
I So hope that I am wrong - as I want to win by being "Pointless"!
Miriam, if you don't get 39 right I shall be very disappointed.
DeleteHowever, I'm happy to deduct one point from your final score if you wish because you used repeated answers.
Owias - 34 - I had West India Quay - does it qualify?
ReplyDeleteYou're all too good at finding clever alternatives!
DeleteHowever, East India is an entire subcontinent whereas West India Quay is just the gateway to one. So I'll give you half a mark because I'm feeling generous : )
Thank you.
DeleteJanice - It is an interesting outcome, as to how genetics take over. Nothing can be assumed.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the skin colour/tone is, this is immaterial, as they are my family and just adore them.
Thank you for the insight into your own family Miriam.
DeleteThe GollyW and other associated words were created by an American writer during the time of the Jim Crow laws, state laws passed to discriminate against African Americans. They enforced segregation and disenfranchisement.
ReplyDeleteThe golly was,as described by Old Woman, a caricature of a black minstrel who was created for
children in a book by FK Upton.
It is in essence a negative imagine of black Americans and whilst many British children had such a doll, and I’m sure loved it. Nevertheless that imagine was subliminally registered in our minds.
Our own PM has recently used theses negative words, as a bit of a laugh, knowing they were racist.
Well I did get all three correct last week,Old Woman
ReplyDeleteHowever these next lot seem harder!
It is a good job that you give us a week to do them.
Well Done!
DeleteWe had a holiday on a narrow boat many years ago and went over the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. I'm really bad with heights but managed to cope with that somehow and it was certainly worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat's my problem - heights!
DeleteI can get that vertigo feeling, just watching the TV. I saw when Prue + Timothy went over it, on one of their Canal Boat journeys. I couldn't watch it!
I love Llangollen though, and will visit it again soon, as the border is now open again.
DeleteI know the most suitable place to park and where the best shops/eateries are. It has lovely, what I call "quirky" shops, individual and just different.
I will wait for a week though, until the "hype" goes and the schools return.
PS My older sister had her 2nd marriage in a hotel in Llangollen. It was wonderful.
DeleteOWIAS 34 and 36 correct but 35 I had trouble with because I couldn’t find Crystal Palace in the list of underground stations so I thought I had better have an alternative. After some time I came up with Kew Gardens, my reasoning was there is a glass house there which I remember being named after Princess Diana.
ReplyDeleteSoz, Crystal Palace is on the London Overground. As I reminded people last week, this quiz is Underground, Overground (Wombling free).
ReplyDeleteSo if you came up with Crystal Palace, you still get the point, even if you found an alternative as well.
BTW, this clue was thanks to Janice who suggested it as a very posh aswer to 'Des Res' a month or so ago.
I've always wanted to have a canal boat holiday, but the most I've ever managed was a day trip.
ReplyDeleteI do know that it's possible to do alone, but I'd rather share the experience and assume now it will never happen.
Gary, Jerusalem and Constantinople have also been two of the places I would so like to experience.
But I there was only one country that I could visit it would be Syria. Sadly much of what Syria held has now been destroyed.
I wouldn’t recommend a solo canal boat holiday Mrs P. Unless you are on a river like the Thames, where there are lock-keepers, It is well nigh impossible to navigate locks on your own as someone has to steer the boat whilst someone else operate the lock gates. There is a lot of jumping on and off the boat and ensuring you are securely tied up fore and aft otherwise you can find your boat swinging out and blocking the canal.
DeleteMy daughter and S.I. L are away on their boat, Charity, this week, exploring the Kennet and Avon. There is no way either of them would go far on their own as there are so many locks to operate within a short distance at Devizes. It can be quite exhausting even with two of you.
In Scotland all the locks are operated by Scottish Canal staff so you "only" have to steer the boat. Has anyone seen the amazing Falkirk Wheel? I cycle past it on my trips along the canal. It's an absolutely amazing contraption!
DeleteArcherphile, yes, that's what I meant by not doing it alone.
DeleteI do know all about the hard work doing the locks.
Since I've always walked on canals I've often watched the 'business' on the locks, and have on occasion helped.
Thank you for three more OWIAS. I only got one right with the last three - Crystal Palace - and I should have as I lived very close to it as a kid.
ReplyDeleteFurther to my post about our canal boat holiday I rooted out the "Captains Log" that we kept. It was a great trip down memory lane and a reminder of what a good holiday it was in spite of the rain!
ReplyDeleteOWiAS,
ReplyDeleteEast India, Crystal Palace, (up the road from where I lived in Sydenham, anyone know the Dulwich Woodhouse?)
like Janice, West Ham!
Plan B Upton Park, Hammers' old ground.
Loved Tim & Prue's canal trips, still have their journey down the Douro, memories of our visits to n Portugal.
ReplyDeleteI thought the West Ham chant was 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'.
ReplyDeleteI think the " Knees Up " is an older one associated with the North Bank fans.
DeleteHave just looked it up and apparently before seated stadiums became more common people could do the jig at the same time as singing the song.
"I'm forever blowing bubbles" is a lovely song BUT it does have the rather despondent line "then like my dreams they fade and die"!
Parsley, did you see the posts a while back between me and ( I think ) esscee or it might have been annieveggie, about living in nearby places as children. She lived in Penge, I grew up at Southend Pond and went to school in Forest Hill / Sydenham.
ReplyDeleteMany decades later my daughter spent her early married years in Peckham / East Dulwich borders, so I was re treading my past haunts.
I really enjoyed taking my grandchildren to Hornimans where I had spent so much time myself when young.
I'm not a pub person myself, but do know the Woodhouse.
Interesting Mrs P, I lived in Sydenham for a while (v good butchers at the top of the high st, also 2nd hand bookshop further down) before moving to Clockhouse then Chislehurst. Used Forest Hill station regularly. Worked in Bromley & SE London. My aunt & uncle lived in Upper Norwood since the late 60's, so I knew the area quite well.
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