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Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
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ReplyDeleteSpicycushion - May 31, 2021 at 7:54 PM
Archerphile- I have used a gardening seat for four or five years which I needed to help me weed.
It is a Livivo Folding portable gardening seat and it is so useful.
I even sit on the stool and cut my grass with a long handled shears.
It is portable so can be used for kneeling, about three inches of the ground and can be handy as the handles can pull you up. Then it can be reversed, upturned, and the seat is about 18inches off the floor and can be used whilst sitting down. I hope I haven't described it well but google it.
I have a basic one which does include pockets but it's just right for me!
Found a link!
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/LIVIVO-Folding-Portable-Gardening-Adjusted/dp/B07262F678/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1285150262?_encoding=UTF8&hvadid=309920133577&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045025&hvnetw=g&hvpone=&hvpos=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvrand=13841112352724175491&hvtargid=pla-563009869611&ie=UTF8&linkCode=df0&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21
Archerphile - May 31, 2021 at 9:15 PM
Spicy, that is so kind of you, recommending this seat and going to the trouble of finding the link. I will most certainly follow this up, as something with handles that could help me get up would be ideal.
Last week I went headlong in the greenhouse and had to lie there for quite a while, until Mr A came up from the end of the garden and found me. It took ages for us to work out how I could get up in such a narrow space without demolishing the tomatoes!.
So something with handles would help me in there as well.
I really appreciate your help so thank you . ☺️
Soz - May 31, 2021 at 9:43 PM
Archerphile and Spicy I have had a stool/kneeler for a few years and it has given me the confidence to kneel down again. I have 2 new hips and the muscles were torn during one of the ops and it has reduced my mobility a lot. However, armed with the folding kneeler and a memory foam kneel rest I can weed and plant in comfort. Also I place forks and spades strategically to give me support when I feel stuck.
That fall in the greenhouse must have shaken you Archerphile. Did you trip or just over balance? I’m scared of doing the same and find it very frustrating having to move about so slowly. But, without those new hips I’d be in a wheel chair so thank goodness for replacement surgery!!
Archerphile - May 31, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Thank you too Soz, for your recommendation. I shall most certainly get a kneeler now and have already found Spicy’s one on Amazon.
The fall in the greenhouse was, I think, a trip over an uneven paving stone in the central path. Mr A has fixed it now. But I do get very unbalanced and, like you, have to have something to hold onto, even going up or down one step.
When walking in town people must think ‘look at that woman, bet she’s been drinking’ because my gait is uneven and wobbly. This may be due to having a new hip and knee on on opposite legs! In fact I have decided to use start using one of my old walking sticks again, that I needed before the operations.
Oh, the joys of getting old!
Through the magic of the internet (and one particular blogger!) I have been sent some wonderful photographs of Sarnia's new garden!
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning Sarnia - and I hope that the lovely weather continues to grace us with it's presence so you and your family can enjoy the fruits of your labour all year long...
As to me? Nothing much to report. Ankle is much better now I'm pleased to say. (AP, proof that falls and trips in the garden can happen at ANY age!)
ReplyDeleteHad a bit of a socially distanced birthday bash in the garden for a few close friends on Saturday and a fantastic time was had by all. Lots of food, a sufficiency of booze and it ended up with us sat round a blazing fire til the wee small hours. A much needed tonic.
Glasgow being still in Level 3 lockdown is just a fact of life now - I think we have all changed our lifestyles so much in the last year, that to a lot of us it doesn't even register in any meaningful way now. The last time I went for a pint was last October. (Pubs and restaurants ARE open but you can only drink outside. No matter how many attractive plants and tables they dress up the pavements with, we do live in Northern Europe. Rome it ain't...!)
Like everyone else lucky enough to have a garden I have been toiling away like a maniac in the sunshine. I too have planted out tons of antirrhinums and nicotiana, and am about to plant out 30 dahlia plants that I grew from seed. (Been getting loads of free seeds with our "Gardener's World" magazine subscription.) New to me this year are the gazanias that we have planted all round the pond. The "extra" daffodils and tulips that I planted in early December are all still in full bloom - a lot of things are very late this year.
MrGG is feeling better, but the procedure he had a few weeks ago needs to be repeated in 2 weeks time, so he is feeling rather despondent understandably. But he is well enough to be re-potting all the tomato plants as I type!
(Phew! That's a long post. "Nothing much to report" he said...)
It's really nice to see the pictures of Sarnia's garden. I like the idea of not having too much grass to cut, and the clarity of the open spaces. The pond area is magical, and I think I can see forget me nots there.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have any grass Janice, but it does mean that we get a LOT of weeds. The main part of the back garden is basically one giant flower bed with some trees and some paths. I much prefer flowers to a lawn.
DeleteHappy belated birthday Gary, and hope Mr G's treatment goes well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice.
DeleteSpeaking of birthdays, myself and a few friends who also turned 50 LAST year are planning on having a massive joint birthday party when all of this is over!
Thank you so much, Gary (and your anonymous supplier), and Janice for your comment. The courtyard is just the extra bottom bit. In the main garden, there is a shady ornamental cherry, large shrubs and a central swathe of grass, but not all of it is mowed, quite a lot has had things planted in it, or is just waiting to see what else turns up - hopefully NOT more aquilegia. My son cut it for me with the blades on the middle setting so it looks lush and a bit tufty, which suits the garden.
ReplyDeletePlans were changed for Monday, the meal out was cancelled and the rest of the family just came for the day. They were late arriving, due to difficulties with charging the car on the motorway, but everyone dispersed to corners of the house and garden and coming together from time to time for drinks and a chat. Of course, a drive in the new electric vehicle was compulsory, so we went to the garden centre to collect the cover for my swing chair and a cool drink in the garden. On the way out my DiL spotted bougainvillias through the window, on sale at half-price, so we each bought one. Then, of course, we had to buy suitably sized pots to put them in, also half-price. Then my son decided that I should have solar-powered lights in the courtyard. I'm not a great fan of garden lighting, as I'm very conscious of it intruding on neighbours, but I found a row of dainty little lanterns fashioned in what looks like copper wire. These have been fixed across the centre of the pergola and the tiny yellow lights are the size of the fireflies I saw in Corfu. These charged up while we had our barbecue and we enjoyed hot chocolate in 'firefly- light' before they left at 10pm.
You are most welcome Sarnia! And it sounds to me that yesterday worked out better than the planned meal - having people around the garden drifting about is a wonderful thing.
DeleteI'm with you completely on the garden lighting. We managed to find little bulbs on a string that MrGG managed to attach a dimmer to so that it wasn't too bright. Subtle is best when it comes to things like that in my opinion. When I see some people sat in a garden with what looks like Ack Ack lights from WWII it annoys the heck out of me. (And I absolutely DETEST it when people sit at night with the "big light" on in their living room or kitchen. So un-relaxing).
Thank you so much Gary for putting Sarnia’s lovely garden at the top of this blog. Much easier to understand how it all works and to admire the work.
ReplyDeleteSuper well done Sarnia, it’s lovely.
And Gary, it’s great to hear from you again, all about your birthday doings and the garden. It would be lovely to have a photo of yours for the next blog. Glad to hear your ankle has improved and wishing Mr GG well for his next procedure.
We too have a couple of those firefly lanterns hanging from a weeping birch over the fish pond. They are are so pretty and don’t bother anyone else.
Unlike the long line of around 25 steps up to our neighbours pavilion that overlooks our garden. Each one has been fitted with a long solar light in its riser so they can safely climb the steps in the dark. Unfortunately, from our bedroom window, it shines out like an illuminated escalator to the heavens, all night long!
Sarnia….what a lovely pond. Must be so relaxing to sit and watch. Do the birds come for a bath?
ReplyDeleteIt all looks very nice. What a good job.
Yes, they do, PtbY. there is a blackbirds' nest in the thick boundary hedge opposite and the fledglings of the second brood disport themselves in the waterfall. It's very funny to watch. At present it's almost too hot for me in the courtyard so I'm spending more time in the middle of the garden in the shade. Until the wisteria grows over the pergola I may have need of an umbrella. I am SO spoiled, but then it's been a long time coming - 54 years, to be precise!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see those photos of Sarnia's garden, thank you Gary.
ReplyDeleteSarnia, your garden looks like a lovely haven, so pleased that you are getting the weather to enjoy it.
We were out at friends for lunch yesterday. On Wednesday I'm meeting up with another friend and I've got appointments on Thursday and Friday. After so many months of not going out and about much, what would usually be a normal week seems ridiculously busy.
Sarnia's garden looks absolutely magnificent.
ReplyDeleteI worked hard in my back garden today, in the gorgeous and hot sunshine. This has been the best day as to the
weather for me, so far.
I was pleased with my efforts, and I5 thought it looked really good, until I saw Sarnia's 🤣🤣
At least it is looking so much better and neat + tidy. Some of the new perennials, which I planted a short while ago, are now in bud and one is starting to flower. I need to look at my planting plan, to remind me as to what I planted and where.
GG. Lovely to hear from you again, and wish Mr GG well.
Sarnia, I love your pond.
ReplyDeleteMuch prettier than mine which we put in a year ago.
However today I noticed seven fish for the first time for months so that has really pleased me
Love your patio too.
Given me an idea!
I was very relaxed whilst I was doing a s/market shop this morning. I could tell, even with the still existing "rules" in place, that others also felt the same. There was a lot of respect + patience still, which is justl so normal, What I noticed was, that other shoppers were also taking their time, rather than dashing around (to get in and out as quickly as possible).
ReplyDeleteThe "feel" is definitely changing.
I also had a lovely catch up + a long gossip, with a nearby nieghbour, and even though we were still socially distanced it seemed normal.
Archerphile a suggestion!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of getting some Nordic poles?
Some years ago I saw some women walking in Richmond Park with the poles and chatted to them.
Result I bought some and joined them each Wednesday morning in the Park.
Recently I got them out again when I went for a walk and realised how much better I walked with them .
One feels so much safer
Spicycushion- Have you got your Mother of the Groom outfit yet?
Today I met up with my younger son who has come down south to watch the Test Match at Lord's which starts tomorrow.
I wore the outfit I bought for my elder son's first wedding in 1989 which is lovely maxi cotton dress ideal for the sunny weather we had today.
(Today though I didn't wear the big hat I wore then.)
Question-on lovely hot summer days why do do many young women where black leggings?
Wear not where.
ReplyDeleteI hate black leggings and summer dresses! Something to do with childhood I think! Also can't stand summer dresses and black boots which seem all the rage!
ReplyDeleteNot yet decided about wedding dress for son's birthday. I did mean to wear a dress but new blister have arisen on legs so might have to wear trousers. Still undecided!
ReplyDeleteObviously I mean 'wedding day!'
DeleteOld habits I know, as I am posting again..
ReplyDeleteI have received today my new smoke alarm (fire service approved). This was really good service as I only orderded it on Friday. It is now in place, tested + working and as expected it fits the base plate, already firmly secured in the ceiing. This will last until May 2031, so I feel really safe overnight.
May 2031 Miriam! just think you’ll be 76(?) 🤣 😱😂 don’t know why I’m laughing I’ll be 10yrs older too🤞🏼and with luck we will still all be blogging!
DeleteSarnia, what a lovely garden. It must be a real haven of peace for you!
ReplyDeleteTwo firsts today. We went to our favourite garden centre and bought geraniums and other flowers for pots. Also for the first time I ventured into a shop! Little Tesco has just reopened after refurbishment. They have left most things in t he same places so navigation was good! I paid contactless, it was not busy and it was good and has been good over the last few days just to see and interact with other people! Tomorrow am treating myself to a facial followed by the long awaited haircut! Can’t wait!😊😉
Sarnia no wonder you are so thrilled with your garden transformation it looks superb 👏🏻
ReplyDeleteLovely pebble /galet stream, Sarnia, lovely garden.
ReplyDeleteOne plus side to visiting Dad in the care home near Scunthorpe (😱) back in the day was finding a garden seat /kneeler during a moment's respite in the local garden centre. Wouldn't be without it.
ReplyDeleteHa! I'll include a pic of the Greek cabin when it's got all its windows back. C propped the (fully-glazed) door up against the pergola while he fixed the hinges and the wind blew it over, smashing four panes and mangling part of the frame. It's presently all taped up until he has time to make the replacement.
ReplyDeleteI'm very relieved that it has all worked so well. Now you all can see the size of the plot you will understand why it was such a nightmare for me to deal with. There was no way I could keep it planted, and as Mr S had been quietly losing control of it himself for the last few years it was very overgrown and an absolute mess. As there is very little space for more than two people to sit in the rest of the garden it seemed to me that the only thing to do with it was to have it paved over and made into a 'people' space, and this accommodated four more family members very well yesterday. Now the pond has been restored the part nearest the house is also pleasant and restful to use in the shade.
Thank you, one and all, and I look forward to the day when a way is found for at least some of you to visit it in person.
At last I finally have neighbours, who enjoy gardening. The "boys" have done wonders and I can truthfully say, that garden has never looked so good. It is definitely spurring me on. My garden is much more mature (like me 😂) and established. This though, often creates much more work - any excuse!
ReplyDeleteGood news. This is a"party" will be happening on Tuesday - as the final 3 windows are being fitted, along with my annual heating/hot water service...
I could have rearranged one appointment but, to my mind it is just to get it all done, on the same day.
I am so lucky with my neighbours, as even though I am so much more senior than them, we chat so easily together. I am careful not do this very often, so that I do not encroach on them.
Joy, at Beechwood, will need to do the same with Helen + Lee.
I put this Archers comment here, as it a follow on, from my daily witterings which I am now ending.
I love being able to get gardening tips and advice from my neighbours. The fact that they've lived here for decades and decades means they have tons of experience in what works and what doesn't in our soil.
DeleteWe adore our neighbours. We swap food, plants and booze and look after each others cats and houses. We are very, very lucky. When we moved in, every single one of them popped round to introduce themselves and to drop off welcome gifts. And we're a good mix of older people on their own, middle aged couples and a young family. I am always banging on about how much we are all like one big daft family!
Miriam, I'm so glad that you have found something in common with your pleasant new neighbours. Hopefully there will be good things to come in the way of exchanging ideas as well as plants. I have always been so impressed at the way you plan and manage your garden as well as your home. Unfortunately, as with others on the blog, I have come late in life to the task of paring down a two-person household and garden to a state that is manageable by one person with limited physical mobility and energy, and I need an awful lot of help. I'm sure that if it isn't already, over the coming summer month your garden will be an absolute picture, and that will be all your own work.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, after your last most unfortunate time with your previous neighbours, at last you have friendly people who care as you do about keeping a good home.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very pleased for you.
I hope as well as tips and plants to swap, as well as chats, that perhaps as you get older, they may be a practical help for you too.
Spot on Mrs P! 🤗
DeleteI got my runner beans in today with a wigwam which is slightly wonky! Well that’s me! The tomato plants were put in bigger pots awaiting space on the raised bed after the overwintering broad beans come out. They will have a bit of a wait as the beans have only just started podding! I also planted out the courgettes hoping for a better year as not many produced last year. I am no expert but it is fun to experiment! I find it tiring but just do a bit every day and will eventually get there!
ReplyDeleteIt was too hot to garden today, but we did go and get loads of trailing and bush lobelia to plant out. They are one of my favourite plants.
DeleteMy runner beans have had a good feed tonight, as they are not doing very well at the moment. I am optimistic though.
ReplyDeleteThe birds have now almost disappeared, the dark clouds are gathering but it is still hot + humid. I think that the preducted storms, might just happen...
Well we had a good wetting today thank goodness, more to come with possible storms.. gets so dry here so quickly for so long, all water is welcome.
ReplyDeleteWe fill the old fosse septique !
We didn’t get rain until the afternoon, and I forgot I had changed our bed and, as I often do, hung the king size duvet out of our bedroom window to air!
ReplyDeleteResult: one very damp duvet, too big to put in tumble dryer, nowhere indoors to hang it, so it spent the night spread out on the spare bed and we spent the night under an empty duvet cover!
I am most impressed by all this gardening going on. Me? I leave it to the gardener. My 'gardening' consists of watering the pot plants when I notice that they're about to keel over. I do have four sunflowers sitting here in over-small pots - grown as part of a craft activity. THey really do need a chance in a bigger pot before being replanted in the big wide world.
ReplyDeleteWe have a new visitor to our garden.
ReplyDeleteHe or she is either a rook or a crow,
The bird sits on the table outside and is ignored by and ignores the cats .
OWiaS - some are born gardeners, some become gardeners and others have gardening thrust upon them... ...
ReplyDeleteYellow gartered gardeners all!
DeleteI’m very impressed with your garden Sarnia - a beautiful courtyard and a natural looking, pretty stream and pond. It’s lovely.
ReplyDeleteSarnia.
ReplyDeleteWhat you have said is so true.
However one's garden is maintained, it doesn't really matter.
The important thing, as far as I am concerned, is that we all have a lovely and a sort of idyllic place, to sit and enjoy, with or without having done the work.
I did have rain last night, but it was only enough - as the saying goes - to settle the dust.
Well, the swing chair is in situ and C turned up today to replace the broken glass panels so all is photogenic once more - and the sun has gone in. Checking the Argos website, I see that although my son did not receive the promised e-mail, my preferred sofa set is back in stock, so that will be the next move. However, the rotters no longer take orders by telephone so I'll either have to bother my son or wait until next week's trip to Sainsbury's and hope they're still in stock.
ReplyDeleteI love the twinkly little lanterns that Daniel insisted on buying and which now hang along the middle section of the pergola. They so remind me of the strings of fireflies I saw in Corfu all those years ago - a sort of Greek bonus! Each night before I go to bed I go down and sit in my swing chair, look at the stars and watch the fireflies swaying a little in the light air. I would never have believed that a garden could bring such joy.
Wonderful 😍
DeleteI often go into my back garden, when the weather permits, to just sit and look at stars. It is so magical...
Sarnia and Miriam, I need to take a leaf out of your books and remember to sometimes just SIT in the garden. I don't do it enough.
DeleteThe main problem I have when I am sitting and reading a book in the garden, is to spot something, that needs attention.
DeleteI am then off to find the garden implements to sort it!
Fortunately, if I'm reading a book, the world could blow up and I wouldn't notice.
DeleteIn my shoe there are so many things that need attention that a flame thrower might be the best option.
But I have just got some nice new teal sheetsfrom John Lewis to go with my teal duvet cover set. (My favourite review for the duvet cover was the one that mentionned its tendency to pass on its colour - resulting in the writer having a newly teal bulldog.)
Feeling about 95 this evening. I'd like to say a good night's sleep would help. But it won't make any difference : (
I can identify with that. Can I borrow your flame-thrower when you've finished with it?
DeleteI have just bought a new book which is, The Thursday Mystery Club.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a marmite one, in that it is one that others have either loved or hated.
I will read it and then form my own opinions...
I know that 2 family members raved about it, and they both recomended it to me.
I will wait and see....
Didn't a number of people on here comment on this book ?
DeleteLast year, I think.
Have been painting again! This time it is San Gimignano, a town of towers in Tuscany. I went there some years ago and marvelled at the frescoes in the church. Mike didn’t share my enthusiasm for paintings in Italy so the next year I had to agree to go on Safari with him!! Loved it though!😊
DeleteAnother first today, we went to The Breeze, a pub on the outskirts of Newport for lunch. We haven’t eaten out since before lockdown 1! Really enjoyed it and seeing others too in happy groups. If nothing else we will appreciate the little things in life after the past year! I had my facial yesterday which was so relaxing. Afterwards just down the road to the hairdresser. Only two people at a time, masks throughout and no tea and biscuits! I had it cut into a Bob and she really straightened it out. I always longed for straight hair but guess what, it doesn’t suit me! Can’t wait to wash it and fluff it up a bit! The cut was good so should be easy to manage!
Voila - pergola in the evening.
ReplyDelete😍
DeleteIdyllic.
DeleteSo relaxing Sarnia.
DeleteI envy you that meal, Ev. We had one booked for Monday, but the plans went awry and the rest of the family were only here for the day. Just as well, really, because I'm so used to being alone and in silence that in the end a cold drink in the garden at Haskins, well spaced out from the other tables and quiet conversation in the open air was all I could cope with.
ReplyDeleteHad my overdue eye test this morning and need new varifocals. I also have glasses for use with the PC as I end up with neck ache with varifocals. I chose some frames and went through the fitting process, then came the time to pay - gulp!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean! I decided when I had the major optician appointment (after both cataract procedures), that I would choose the frames I liked and which suited me, for my readers + the prescription sunglasses. Whilst I was choosing and deliberating, at no time did I ask the costs so I also had, a very nasty shock.
DeleteAll I can say now is, I chose well then and feel, it was money very well spent and worth it..
My most expensive pair was the prescription sunglasses, which I wear whenever I am out driving. These just tweak my far distant vision, I love them.
Never use a "flame thrower" unless it is very carefully used, as this is what caused the awful fence fire, now over a year ago.
ReplyDeleteThe person concerned had used one to burn weeds in a driveway and path. It was put away in the shed, still red hot so other things ignited, causing the gas canister to explode. The rest is history.
Next door neighbour accidentally set fire to a small ornamental fence in the front garden the other day using one - he was zapping the weeds and then went round to the back garden and luckily his wife smelt the smoke. I have one but haven't used it for years.
DeleteGot loads and loads done in our garden over the last two days. Am now slumped in front of the TV with a cold lager and am planning on remaining here until midnight at least...
I think the flamethrower that OWiaS would like to use on her household belongings, and which I asked to borrow, is an imaginary one, Miriam.
Delete🤣
DeleteScary prices, CC by the time you add lenses, etc., etc! I have reading glasses for the computer and reverted to distance glasses for everything else but having been to the supermarket I think I need my reading glasses to read prices etc!
ReplyDeleteToday I took Gypsy for a walk and Katy was out in her office in the garden. Usually I lock the door at the side but for some reason I forgot it today. When I came back there was a shredded box on the floor and a further one in the kitchen. I should explain that Dudley’s favourite sport is shredding the post as it comes into the house. The postman must have tried the door and put the boxes inside which he really shouldn’t have done. Dudley had had a field day. That’s not the worst of it though. One of the boxes was for a neighbour! Again that’s not the worst of it. Not realising it wasn’t for us we looked at the contents which he had extracted, still mercifully encased in bubble wrap.It was charcoal tablets to reduce farting! We checked and from the remnants of the address found who it was for! I took them over to the neighbour with great apologies but hopefully the disturbed bubble wrap will be attributed to Dudley. Being British we will never be able to look them in the eye again in case they are embarrassed by the thought that their privacy on a sensitive matter might have been breached! Further to this, last year the lady of that house arrived at our door carrying Buddy. She had found him in the road outside. He liked to chase flies and the only way he could have got out was by falling out of the open window in the bedroom while in hot pursuit! This window is now firmly locked! Honestly, they must think we are the most rubbish dog owners!! After getting over our embarrassment a bit, we did have a laugh over the incongruity of the whole thing. Never a dull moment with our woofers!🐾🐾🐾🐶🐶🐶
I LOVE embarrassing things like that Ev!
DeleteThat brought a smile to my face Ev.
DeleteEv.
ReplyDeleteSan Gimimgno is a favourite place of mine in Tuscany.
I had a wonderful 2 week holiday, in a villa with a hire car, just outside this wonderful place, to the north. We loved it and chose this, after a day visit the year before. It was so busy during the day, but in the early morning and in the evening, it was such a wonderful place.
I felt almost like a local, at the end of our holiday. We used to sit outside our villa with a view of San.Gim. in front of us, only a mile away.
Have you seen the film "Tea with Mussolini", as some parts were filmed there.
I recorded "Tea With Mussolini" the other night Miriam and am planning on watching it over the weekend.
DeleteI hope you enjoy it. It is a good cast and well acted.
DeleteIf there had been a "favourite holiday" chat, and I had been pulled out of Gary's mortar, then this would have been my choice.
ReplyDeleteSadly, a Great-aunt of mine, passed away, but she was 98! What the whole family were surprised at was, the very genorous inheritance she left.
One neice + self, decided to travel and see a part of the World which would not be possible.
I went to Ecuadour for a 3 week holiday. The highlight of this was a 7 day cruise, on a very luxury yatch (only 30 persons) around the Galapogos Islands. Words cannot describe what I saw and experienced. I consider myself so extremely lucky to have had this true "trip of a lifetime".
My great aunt would so have approved, as to how I spent a lot of my inheritance. It was my choice, which I have never had any regret about.
My opinion on Tea with Mussolini was that all 'The Dames' got together for a fun holiday, allowing them to dress up in all the fineries they had missed wearing as each born a little too late, and to have a natter with a script.
ReplyDeleteThey clearly enjoyed their time doing so, and I believe have got together at least once each year, for tea, since.
There was a programme on TV 2 or 3 years ago with 'The Dames' doing just that and reminiscing about their lives and careers.
DeleteYes, I watched it and from doing so formed my opinion ZoeT.
DeleteFurther to yesterday, postman called and apologised as he thought the door led to an outdoor area, it being his first day delivering here. He popped the boxes in then realised that one of them was not for us. He opened the door again after knocking a few times only to see the box in shreds across the kitchen floor. He confessed all to his supervisor who had delivered here in the past to be told “Just leave it by the door!” Good advice with a viscous Shih Tzu around! We are working on Dudley and his passions but the desire to demolish anything which comes through the door I fear will never leave him Anyway was able to assure postman that the contents of the parcel had been delivered to neighbours but of course did not divulge what they were!😉🐾🐾🐶
ReplyDeleteLove it Ev.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I’ve had my second Covid jab. I’m using it as an excuse to lay on my swing seat, read and sup white wine in the sunshine as I don’t want to over tax myself and become poorly!!!!
Did plan on dismantling a bed and bottoming the spare bedroom but, sod it, it can wait for another day when it’s not beautiful sunshine.
👏👏👏
DeletePut new profile pic on of Daphne after her first trip to the groomers. She is now 9 months old.
ReplyDeleteShe’s gorgeous! Dudley likes the groomers and last time it was Buddy who was troublesome. He’s a bit of a wimp and when Katy collected them he was shrieking as Donna, the senior lady was clipping his face. You’d have thought she was hurting him! 🐶
DeleteEnjoying my new swing seat too, PtbY, especially last thing at night with my hot chocolate, watching my 'firefly' lanterns and looking at the stars. I now have the proper cover for it, which is proving to be a bit of a challenge. I find I'm not anything like tall enough to get it over the top of the frame, and even using a step it's still a long way up and heavy to heave. I then have to bend double to pass the straps under the base, and there are other elasticated fandanglies round the bottom whose purpose escapes me. I managed it (nearly)all once, but this morning I got a tall friend to take it off again. This will obviously only be happening in prolonged bouts of rain - but then, the cushions are made of re-cycled plastic bottles, so are guaranteed waterproof.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a wierdo, as I am loving the Masked Dancer.
ReplyDeleteIt is for me, such frivolous, light-hearted and just pure fun.
It is a feel good factor, which has made me smile and laugh.
We are all different. 😁
To add this was definitely confirmed tonight, when I continued to water my plants, in the rain.
DeleteAs I expected, it was only a short, sharp passing shower.
I was fine yesterday after my 2nd jab. Today my joints ache like mad. Anyone else have this? How long did it last?
ReplyDeleteI’m hoping I’ll be back to normal tomoz. Given up trying to work and have flumped with a book instead.
Which vaccine was it PtbY.?
DeletePtbY.
DeleteI also, after having my 2nd jab which was AZ, had muscular aches + general tiredness. It was nothing I experienced after the first, very welcomed, jab. It lasted for no more than 48hours.
I had aches after the second jab but only on the first day after it. It was Pfizer. It was so bad I could hardly walk! Soon cleared up though.
DeleteArcherphile ….. it was the Astra Zeneca jab.
DeleteI feel quite a bit better now. Be back to normal tomoz I reckon. Bit of a shock when I was fine after the first one.
Notice to any viewers of ‘Doctors’ on BBC1 - it appears that they are now back to broadcasting 5 episodes a week, according to my Radio Times.
ReplyDeleteCome on Radio 4, if they can write, produce and film 5 episodes of a TV Soap, surely it’s time Radio could do the same?
I’m not even asking for 6; 5 would do for a start!
Yes. I have noticed this, I have Doctors on "serial record".
DeleteYesterday that is Saturday, I was surprised to see an episode, which recorded (unknown to me) on Friday.
This episode was obviously recorded recently, as they was a lovely backdrop of daffodils, in full flower.
I'm not back to fully listening yet, I select which episodes I want to listen to. However I do agree that they should be able to stretch to five episodes now, considering what they are managing on TV.
DeleteI am having "snow" now, but it is dandelion fluff which is very prolific.It is just like seeing snow falling!
ReplyDeleteI know why - as the council has not cut the grass verges for such a long time and are very overgrown.
I so much prefer this situation, rather than the recycle bins not being emptied on a weekly basis.
There is a very strong suggestion, that my council will soon charge households £40 a year, to have the garden refuse bin emptied.
Does any-one else pay for this service?
We have to buy a refuse bin which costs £29 (I think it was cheaper for us because we were over 75 years of age.)
ReplyDeleteThe garden rubbish is collected every fortnight from 1st May until 31st October.
I pay £21 :25 for this Service but younger folk pay £27.
New customers pay more I believe .
We used to have a year round collection which cost more but many was the time when we didn't use the Service in the winter.
I am happy with the Service.
I don't have the garden service Miriam but I believe that Stroud DC does charge, and I believe it is about £40 per annum.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your replies. I now realise that this proposed charge, is quite normal and I will accept it. I love having my green bin emptied every 2 weeks, as it so easy.
ReplyDeleteThank-you. 😁🤗👍
...especially as my bin is nearly always full. A A yearly £40 charge, will be so much better, than having to go to a council dump, in order to dispose of my garden waste and having to bag it up, beforehand.
DeleteIt works out at about £3.50 per month, so that is neglible.
I pay £6 per month year round. Collections are fortnightly on the same day as recycling bin but usually earlier in the day. You have a good deal, Miriam!
DeleteOur garden/food waste bin is still collected free of charge. Mind you I would prefer to pay towards that if it meant we could get some of our horrendous potholes mended properly.
ReplyDeleteMine is also still free at the moment. This is a Cheshire West Council proposal which I was going to object to, which I am now not going to do.
DeleteGarden bin here is £50 pa and waste is collected fortnightly all year. When shrubs are being cleared mine is often not big enough. Nigel-the-neighbour (all 6'3'' of him) climbs into the bin and jumps up and down on the contents to squash them down and make more room. It's a most entertaining sight!
ReplyDeleteRe jabs: I had the A-Z, headaches, heaviness and aching joints for 3 days or so for the first one, nothing much to speak of at all after the second. As Miriam is wont to point out, we are all different.
Can you lend me Nigel? 😂
DeleteYes. We are all very different in our lives, expectations and outlooks.
DeleteThis is why I love this site, as so many can just express their differing feelings and ideas, which often give rise to other topics.
What a lovely name has been given to, the 11tth great grandchild of HM.
ReplyDeleteIt is rather similar to Charlotte’s second name and same as third name though.
DeleteIt is a bit like a big ✔
DeleteOoh..😨
It's what the queen used to call herself when she was too little to manage 'Elizabeth', and remained her pet name as she was growing up.
DeleteYes, it turned into a real term of endearment for the Queen.
DeleteI could not disagree more.
DeleteThe name is personal to the Queen.
None of her children nor grandchildren have used that name .
I think they are just trying to get back into the Royal family's good books
What about Megan's mother?
Why did they not consider using her name?
✔️ good point well made LJ
DeleteWe pay £36 a year for our green bin. Collections are fortnightly all year round.
ReplyDeleteThe alternative option is to buy bags from the council and then book collections
I figured it was easier to pay annually than faff around buying and booking.
I also think as an optional extra, people without gardens are not contributing to the cost of a service they wouldn't use.
Thanks. I am now understanding the reasoning for the charge, due to the so many appartment blocks in my nearest town, who do not have a garden.
DeleteWhere is Mistral?
ReplyDeleteWe have to pay for garden waste collection, approximately £70 pa fortnightly all year round. The bin is always full and we often need extra trips to the dump, and only one of those per household per week allowed.
ReplyDeleteRelaxing with a glass of wine after a very satisfactory supper of squid stuffed with a paprika, rice tomato mix then baked & served with a green salad & fried potatoes. The squid was an impulse buy in the farmer’s market this morning and I prefer cooking to any household chores. I do like that most market stalls now take card payment, the only problem being that I end up buying more 😋
Tried squid once KP. Never again.
DeleteTea With Mussolini was watched and enjoyed. There's worse ways to spend a Sunday evening.
ReplyDeleteSpent the day preparing for a cycling trip down to Dumfries and Galloway where I will be camping in my oldest friends garden for a few days and visiting various castles and beaches. Looking forward to it immensely.
That sounds lovely Gary. I do hope the weather is kind enough for cycling, camping and exploring.
DeleteCycling freedom at last, Gary! Enjoy!
DeleteLast night Katy was busy out in her office so Buddy and I cuddled up on the sofa and watched Mamma Mia mark 2! I know some of us don’t like the film but just to see the magnificent Cher singing “Fernando” is worth it alone! Dudley was on the sofa in the chalet as he is Katy’s shadow and Gypsy was in her bed!
Wastebins : Medway Council has 3 collection: one of a white bag/or white sacks filled with recycling material such as cans, plastics, bottle, and clean foil; blue bag of paper, cardboard straight to merchandisers and finally a large brown bin for food waste, garden rubbish, pizza boxes and waste material from home storage shedders. All at no cost but included in council tax, without fail on Tuesday. Think I must be a lucky one!
ReplyDeleteLanjan: I heartedly agree with you. I think that the name of Sussex's daughter is a insult to the Queen. I see that the DT says that the Queen was asked. However when Tony Benn when minister for post offices and requested that special celebration stamps will not have Queen head on them and she agreed, Harold Wilson replied ' She is too nice' and reversed the request!
My family name, because my brother was unable to pronounce my name, is just for family and in-laws. I think it is disrespectful.
My immediate thought when hearing the announcement of the new baby to Harry and Meghan, was, 'they are currying favour '.
ReplyDeleteIf the Queen agreed with the use of her family pet name, she is indeed being very nice to them !
I don’t want to be too political but feel H & M have alienated themselves from being in the heart of the family and naming the little girl as they have will not heal the rift. Also both in this country and USA they have blotted their copybook big time. Heaven knows what the future holds for them.
ReplyDeleteSorry folks, but I really haven't the energy to become exercised about it.
ReplyDeleteI genuinely have no idea why people care about the names strangers have given their baby. I couldn't give a shiny shite about any of it.
DeleteIndeed, Gary. Presumably whatever else has occurred, Harry and his Granny are still fond of each other, the couple had the manners to consult her over the name and Granny has given it the OK. I see it as a matter for their family, and whatever motives behind it none of my concern.
DeleteWell I felt disgust at the name of Lilibet for H & M daughter for the very reason Mrs P has stated.
ReplyDeleteThey should also be known as just Harry & Meghan as they can do nothing to help any causes or attended any celebrations in Sussex from where they are. When will the photo of baby’s finger or toe be published I wonder 🤣
ReplyDeleteGood to see you all getting on with life.
I'm still listening and I'll post when I have something to say.
Thank you for your messages here and on the other blog.
Basia
Thank you Basia. I'm glad. I know you said you aren't one for hugs but a virtual one is perhaps okay so 🤗
DeleteThank you, Basia, I'm still working on my wildflower mini-meadows. Hoping to persuade Argos to find a way for me to order my sofa set this week, without having to pester my son to do it for me 'on line'. Spent half the morning trying to negotiate my way through the bank's automated system to try and cancel a DD and find out why I wasn't sent a statement for last month. They warn that people are working from home, but when I finally managed to get through to a real human being the voice was so faint she must have re-located to Outer Mongolia. Next on the list - demolishing very large cardboard boxes for the re-cycling bin.
DeleteThere you are, some of us really know how to live!
I think Harry is the product of the damaged marriage of his parents, the damage being due to there " being three in the marriage" , and of the lack of care/protection given by the royal machine to his mother; and I think his grandmother will be well aware of that and will make allowances for it. Family is always family no matter what.
ReplyDeleteJust as an aside, I think I mentioned the local holiday park having 25 of their 27 chalets booked up by a G7 security contingent (four per chalet so a hundred of them), and as well as the normal welcome pack of Cornish biscuits and tea etc a request was made that they would like a cream tea when they arrived. So my daughter has ordered 200 scones from the village bakery which will be keeping them very busy, and homemade jam and cream from a local farm food shop. A very generous payment was made so my daughter is also making up cream teas for the one chalet with a family coming to it , and for the remaining chalet which is lived in all year round even though he isn't supposed to. They decided to warn the family before they arrived in case they found it strange, but apparently the family think it is exciting and the little boy is hoping they are going to play soldiers with him. 👨✈️
I think the owner who doesn't let his chalet out but lives there all year may take off in his campervan for the duration. 😂
DeleteJanice : My Cub Scout leader, who is also a policeman, was due to go to Cornwall today. I wonder why????
DeleteHe was told Sunday that he won't be needed.
Tonight we will be able to have all 27 Cubs now for so many months. I wonder if I will cope!😕
I’m a bit old fashioned, I prefer children to have “proper” given names rather than diminutives or nick names, ie Henry rather than Harry, Charlotte rather than Lottie…..
ReplyDeleteThe family can abbreviate as they wish. Alfie is fine for a small boy but as a man he may prefer Alfred or Fred. And as someone else said what about honouring some of her family.
All I am prepared to say is, that the Duke + Duchess of Sussex have decided on their life + life-style, which seems to be suiting them. They are are a loving couple and so they have chosen to things in their own way.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering though, that the lovely name that they chosen for their new daughter, has to be a type of "damage limitation"
I so wish, that when these times are easier, this little girl will visit the UK. This will allow her great-grandmother, grandfather plus everyone else related to her, to meet + greet her.
This is a problem that many families are having. This is not being able to meet up and hug, those family members, along with the newest ones recently born, who live in other countries.
Basia.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to see you again today.
I for one, miss your very insightful and thought provoking posts.
Time has now passed by, so please join in again.
Basia
ReplyDeleteVery pleased to see your still with us.
On your own terms..... good enough for me !
Non cricket followers look away now.
ReplyDeleteWell done Oliver Dowden the Culture Secretary for showing common sense regarding the Ollie Robinson situation when what should have been the best day of his life was possibly turned into the worst day because of something he did at the age of 18 years of age ,9years ago which someone felt obliged to point out.
I hope the ECB change their mind and allow the young man to play in the next Test Match.
I wonder if there are other "Celebrities" who are looking over their shoulders now in case former misdeeds come to light?
With you all the way!
DeleteMe too Lanjan, as you know. Delighted that a Cabinet Minister had the guts to speak out and apparently the PM supports him.
DeleteI have read today, that there is a partial eclipse of the sun (only 30%) on Thursday morning, culminating at about 11.10am.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that it will be a cloudy day 😆
Pleased to see you posting again.,Basia .
ReplyDeleteI now have a lovely clean kitchen floor, which was not planned for tonight. The tale is:-
ReplyDeleteI was so organised to time my evening meal in time for TA.
I had prepared all the veg. along with the main meat portion in full readiness. I noticed that a couple of plants needed a good water.
Off I trotted outside, to get a watering can. I duly filled it up but when I lifted it out of the sink, it suddenly split into two pieces.
All I can do is quote the "Ancient Mariner" - water, water everywhere and ne'er a drop to drink.
Why me?
PS Meal Will be ready to enjoy whilst listening to TA, be it that I will be wearing wet trousers and sandals....
DeleteOops 😲these things happen, but no major damage I hope.
DeleteBasia - lovely to see your name here again, you have been missed.
ReplyDelete