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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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ReplyDeleteMiriam - June 16, 2021 at 5:41 PM
Gardeners, and all.
I have just seen a strange insect on a rose, which I have never seen before, cannot identify nor find on the internet.
It looked like a flying ant, as to the head + wings, but the body was quite large in comparison and bright yellow.
I have no idea.
Can any-one help? Also is it good bug or a bad one?
Miriam - June 16, 2021 at 5:49 PM
PS It didn't look like a weird ladybird as no spots nor hard shell.
Archerphile - June 16, 2021 at 6:32 PM
I’ll get Mr A to see if he can help, as a member of the Amateur Entomologist Society.
They might have some information on file.
Archerphile - June 16, 2021 at 6:29 PM
One of the peonies in my garden, they are just coming out beautifully but I fear they will be ruined by the heavy rain storms we are expecting tonight .
AP, one of our peonie bushes has already been and gone! It was looking fantastic for all of about 36 hours and then it was absolutely decimated by the rain. Still got one to go though, so here's hoping we get to enjoy it just a bit longer...
ReplyDeleteThat’s the problem with peonies, they look fantastic for a few days, and the rest of the time you have a large, not especially interesting green bush. I always cut a few to bring into the house as they come into flower, then watch the petals drop off two days later, but I still love them.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the beautiful photo of the peonies. Hope mine will be as spectacular as that soon, if not drowned.
ReplyDeleteAbout peonies; we had 2 plants in our garden that never flowered once in 10 years
I looked up the RHS help site and it said it’s very important they are not planted too deep as they will not flower.
So we dug them up, transferred them to a sunnier part of the garden, planted them much shallower and the very next year we had our very first flowers, large, blowsy and beautiful.
AP, I love the throw-away line 'so we dug them up'.
ReplyDeleteShortly after Mr S died when I was just beginning to get to grips with the overgrown garden, I found peonies lurking in all manner of unsuitable places where they hadn't a hope of flowering so I though I'd dig them up and move them to a better position. I found to my cost that even the most puny specimens had a giant, extremely un-co-operative tap root that seemed to terminate somewhere on the outskirts of Perth! I was exhausted for days afterwards and although now shallow-planted with plenty of light the rotters STILL don't flower.
My oriental poppies are like that. They take ages to grow up, produce the flower stems + buds. When they flower these are just beautiful but only last for about 7 days. This is then followed by months of straggly plants, as they die down.
ReplyDeleteMIRIAM : I have just tried to send you information about the insect on the rose 3 times and it just wouldn’t publish, keep getting the ‘Whoops there’s an error’ page!
ReplyDeleteSo I’ll try one more time and just give you the website to find it
Go to: www.naturespot.org.uk - go to galleries and choose Sawflies. The picture is 8th one down on right; Arge pagana , The Large Rose Sawfly. Tap on the photo and you’ll get a whole page of information. Funnily enough we found one our our rose Bush today so Mr A was able to identify it.
Just hope this publishes this time!
Thank-you so much and a big 🤗 to Mr. A for his idendification. This is definitely what I saw.
DeleteI researched again this morning, but didn't come across this.
Thank-you so much once again. It is so appreciated. 😀
I have never seen one before, but will look out for it now, as it is a rose "chomper".
DeleteOn looking again, the one I saw was more like the Arge ochropus - but not really sure. At least I know what it was. ✔
DeleteI’m so glad this was helpful Miriam. We often find this site useful for looking up odd insects. Perhaps keep it bookmarked?
DeleteI've seen one red lily beetle, but so far never a yellow rose one. fingers crossed! From my point of view the rain hasn't come a moment too soon. On Monday the well-worn spiral hose sprang a leak. Fortunately it was near the top, so I did what Mr S would have done, ie cut off the end above the split in the seam and fixed it back on the connector.
ReplyDeleteAlas yesterday, as anticipated, it split again, this time right in the middle with no hope of repair. I've now discovered that at present spiral hoses are as readily available as garden furniture. It'll be pots and raised beds only for the time being, as it's a long walk from the tap to the courtyard with a full watering-can.
I am still waiting very patiently for a sun lounger, which I ordered in April. Just another 4 weeks until the proposed delivery date, by which time it will be a wet summer.
DeleteI always have had a massive lily beetle problem until I was told, to look under the leaves. If there is a brown splodge, this is a new one growing in basically "poo".
I remove these with Fairy liquid + kitchen towel, it works.
My lillies have now a lot of intact buds so it is 🤞
I've been looking for them too, Miriam, and believe it or not the tip came from Susan's 'appearance' on GQT, long before I had responsibility for the garden and therefore there were no lilies to check for them! I only saw the one beetle and when I advanced on it, it jumped like a flea. My very first lilies (from Sainsbury's, of course), are turning pink - it's most exciting. My magenta calla lily with the white leaves edged in green, has also arrived and I have my eye on some purple ones for next week. I also have displays of 'illumination' begonias, which were so scary at first because the new leaves were so soggy and fragile. They've been making me nervous ever since I had them, but they are beginning to flower at last.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone interested in peonies, Kelways in Langport Somerset is well worth a visit. They have been growing peonies since the 1850s and their growing fields were a magnificent sight - I’m not sure if you have access to these today. Their catalogue is interesting and they probably do mail order.
ReplyDeleteI know their beauty is fleeting but if you have room for something which is so delicate yet so sumptuous they are worth it. My father grew a white one - Duchess de Nemours - which had a gorgeous scent and seemed to last longer than the others. ( Kelways say it is short flowering). A friend had a tree peony which produced 3/4 blooms if you were lucky and often they only lasted a few days or if it rained, one day! But he always said it was his favourite flower in his garden.
I have a tree peony which puts a great deal of effort each year into producing one double purple bloom lasting two days if I'm lucky. Before 2019 I never saw this at all because the moment of glory always occurred while we were away in Greece. The leaves have an interesting texture though, and the bud always looks surprisingly rough.
ReplyDeleteNo peonies but I do have a Camellia which has lovely flowers in the spring but they are quickly spoiled by rain and frost! I have a Magnolia Stellata in the front garden which looks very beautiful in spring with a host of white star like flowers and another Magnolia which will someday be a lovely tree. I just hope I’m here to see it then! Both of them then have a decent growth spurt after flowering so here’s hoping! I noticed when first moving here that there were many lovely Magnolia trees in front gardens so they obviously like it here!
ReplyDeleteEv I know the Solent is in the way but as the crow flies Hilliers outside Romsey is not far from you. There is a lovely avenue of magnolias there and plenty of camellias not to mention the beautiful herbaceous border.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was nearer Bridgewater after seeing last night’s programme. Cheshire Cheese and Miriam have you been yet or have I missed your comments?
I've always wanted a magnolia, but all the likely places are already spoken for, so it will probably never happen. However, I am thrilled with my new canna lily purchased on Wednesday. Having been told that they take 10 years to flower I had assumed that a mature plant in bud would cost the earth, but these were £9! That is to say, the ones with green leaves were in bud, but luckily for me there was just the one with the dark leaves that I wanted, and that one isn't, but I don't suppose there'll be that much difference.
ReplyDeleteSome years are 'magnolia years' when they are all more noticeable and seem extra beautiful. Perhaps this was one of them.
I have had very strange and disturbing side-effects from the drugs for my throat quinsy that I went to hospital for the other day.
ReplyDeleteI had to ring the GP this morning and report them and ask for help.
She thinks it is the dexamethazone I had, for only 2 days to reduce swelling. But 2 nights ago I couldn’t sleep at all because I was getting hallucinations inside my eyelids. Every time I closed them, swirling images of flying over forests, pictures of the moon surface or even swirling sheets of very colourful Christmas wrapping paper surrounding me!
The doctor thinks I still have dexamethazone in my body that is causing these hallucinations beacuse I have had the antibiotics before with no problems. Thank goodness they are clearing up my throat nicely.
Then last night it got really frightening. I decided to try sleeping in the spare room so as not to disturb Mr A. When I walked in, fully awake, the plain walls were covered in flowery paper, the white bed lined was dark red with Lacey panels. The curtains were flying around and then the walls turned bright red with Banksy type graffiti all over them
I got up and opened the curtains to let a little light in, got back in bed and clouds streamed in under the ceiling. Then puffs of smoke, so realistic I reached up and tried to catch one, but there was nothing there of course.
Eventually, very frighted, I wobbled my was downstairs on a carpet covered in ants and spiders, made myself a hot drink and spent the whole night down there with my iPod on trying to distract myself.
The GP has prescribed some sleeping tablets until the hallucinations go away and is doing a Yellow Card report, as shall I.
I’d be very interested to know if MIRIAM has ever heard of this side-effect or if anyone else has experienced such a thing.
Oh my archerphile. Scary. Sure you haven’t been on the wacky baccy???
ReplyDeleteHope they stop very soon.
Anyone watching clarksons farm on prime tv. Talk about laugh. I love clarkson, my irreverent sense of humour. Think I’ve learnt more about farming in the first 2 progs than I have in all my life.
Well worth a watch.
Oh how awful. I've had hallucinations in the past when an overworked out of hours doctor gave me penicillin by mistake, but nothing as lurid as that. You poor thing, you must have been terrified.
ReplyDeleteSounds horrendous Archerphile and very frightening. My son has been on anti depressants for long periods, one of them being seroxat but there were others which induced hallucinations, nightmares and voices in his head. Once off the drugs he asked me to make sure he never took them again even if they were prescribed.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever taken steroids before?
Only demexazone eye drops after my cataract operations last year. Same drug but don’t really get into the bloodstream and are much weaker than the tablets.
DeleteOnly demexazone eye drops after my cataract operations last year. Same drug but don’t really get into the bloodstream and are much weaker than the tablets.
DeleteThat’s appalling Archerphile and most distressing. I do hope you are back to normal very soon.
ReplyDeleteWhy some people actually pay for drugs to induce such symptoms I will never understand.
Some years ago my neighbour at that time was extremely bad the Dr not only visited but went to the Pharmacy to collect the prescription. However the poor lady had terrible effects from the necessary meds and living alone and in her (at least) late 80’s - but a very “young” lady in herself normally, not a nice experience at all as you have confirmed. Sending good wishes to you 💐
What such interesting posts.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile. In my 37 years in my proffesion, I have never heard nor come across, this affect of dexamethasone. I cannot even imagine what you have experienced and the reason why. Sadly, as I am no longer "registered", I cannot do any further research + reading as I have no access to the pharmaceuticil sites - but then, would I still understand these, after 6 years retired? 😂
As to RHS Bridgewater mentioned by SOZ.
My plan is simple - to have my 1st visit on my birthday in September.
I have not yet seen last night's programme yet, but it was recorded.
Even more eateries + bars in Chester, have now had to close over the last few days and a high school, now has 67 pupils in isolation. What a hot-spot!
After my hairdressers this morning, I went off shopping.
There are now more plants to be put into the garden tomorrow....
What a dreadful experience you are going through ARCHERPHILE
ReplyDeleteI've had quinsy myself whilst ensconced in a holiday caravan in Paignton in a heat wave.
Fortunately my mother aunt and sister were all there too to look after the children.
I've never had hallucinations but have suffered horrific and extremely vivid dreams under certain drugs for depression. And I really do sympathise.
However your recall of them and your ability to describe them is impressive and I very much admire that.
Perhaps you could paint some of what you describe.
For the 4th time trying to post - That’s a very interesting idea Mrs P.
DeletePerhaps I could try a Banksy graffito on a red wall and gets lots of money for it!
🎨 🤣
I think I've mentioned before that the woodland on my daughters property has many specialist trees.
ReplyDeleteOne she discovered earlier this year was a magnificent yellow magnolia.
I love peonies and a garden that I pass almost daily is creating a wonderful cottage garden with a growing collection of peonies which I enjoy seeing as I stop and look each time.
I was lucky today.
ReplyDeleteAs I was paying for my cut + blow at the hair salon this morning, a member of staff spotted the back of one of my earings, on the floor, where I had been sitting. I then realised that a earing was also missing. Three of us looked every-where, even going through my swept up and cut off hair, along with the bin with my disposable gown/towel in.
Nothing.
I decided to accept it was lost, when suddenly a staff member spotted a "sparkle" by the sink where my hair was washed. It was found 😁😁
I was so happy, as this was a small gold + sapphire earing with sentimental value. It was a 40th birthday present, but who gave it to me, well that is secret history.
I still have the matching sapphire ring - but it has lost a couple of stones.
If it had not been found, then I would have been sad, but not distraught.
‼️Miriam‼️please read post from Archerphile @ 1.01pm. Your name is there in capitals as she is asking for your advice / experience as a retired Pharmacist and was obviously hoping you would read today’s posts when you logged in today.
DeleteIt’s OK Lady R. Miriam has seen my post and kindly responded. thank you Miriam 😀
DeleteOops apologies!
DeleteLady R I did read + respond to Archerphile...but I couldn't help her sadly.
ReplyDeleteI also responded + replied to others.
DeleteApologies Miriam my senior moment 🙄
DeleteWe are currently on catch up watching the first episode of the building of the RHS Bridgewater Garden near to you and CC. What an undertaking!
Just catching up...
ReplyDeleteCrikey AP, what a to-do...
Allez GG, we're off !!
🏴🏴
Soz, re RHS Bridgewater, we visited a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful day out. Worth the RHS subscription on its own.
ReplyDeleteSorry to reply so late, we've had a busy day.
Ré peonies,
ReplyDeletelove their blowsy beauty,
lucky to have had several in previous lives in UK,
not possible here..
2nd driest area of France,
& getting drier... 😔
Miriam, I expect you know that you can have stones replaced. Some years ago I lost one of the sapphires in my engagement ring. A good jeweller in Plymouth replaced it matching the colour with the other two perfectly. I love sapphires as blue is my favourite colour. We bought the ring on Hampstead Heath where there were several shops and stalls selling second hand jewellery. I hadn’t wanted the ubiquitous at the time diamond solitaire having seen my fellow Wrens flaunting theirs about! The ring dates from 1917 and I often wonder who wore it and was she happy. I think so as it seems to have a happy glow!😊
ReplyDeleteMy engagement ring has a sapphire flanked by two small diamonds : )
DeleteOMiaS chose it, although he'd had some pretty unsubtle hints about the sort of thing I'd like. Not a rossette of stones, for example - they don't work on my dumpy fingers. And it had to be a cornflower blue sapphire - most sapphires you get are Austrian ones, much darker, almost black.
Two years ago I finally got my rings resized - up three sizes, ugg! Befoe that I'd spent some time wearing a replacement wedding ring - a silver £15 M&S model!
Well GG, the boos echoing around Wembley echo our feelings here.
ReplyDeleteDreary, negative, disappointing does not do it justice, from an England point de vue.
What do you reckon LJ?
Abysmal. If those are our best players we ought to throw the towel in.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointing from an English point of view.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand both Home teams now have a chance to progress.
England will have to do better than that though in their next game.
The problem was that two Liverpool players were missing from the England team but an excellent Liverpool player was captaining the Scottish team.
Archerphile I hope you never have that experience again.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been horrific.
I will be honest.
ReplyDeleteHad I been in your shoes not only would I have woken MrA I would have insisted he dialled 999 or at least 101
Well, off to bed with a whisky.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been terrifying Archerfile. Sometimes a mix of medicines can have side effects that one by itself wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteRe. peonies we did a long drive today to meet up with some friends of over 40 years. One has terminal cancer and wants to be able to see friends again while he is still able to get about. We met halfway at a favourite place of his, which we had never been to, called Hestercombe House and gardens. Much of the garden was classically designed in the 1700's with temples and follies overlooking landscaped views but later Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll designed the formal gardens. They were stunning, full of fragrant old roses, bright blue delphiniums, and lovely peonies, and those little pink and white daisies growing out of the walls. Well worth a visit, and with an art gallery and scrumptious cakes. I had never had gooseberry and elderflower cake before, and am now going to try to make it.
Janice, I have been to Hestercombe House and you are right, the gardens are beautiful. And I love anything, architectural or horticultural, designed by Lutyens & Jekyll.
DeleteAs for the drug, the hallucinations were much milder last night so it must be slowly leaving my body. I had been put on a very high dose of the steroid for 2 days and never had it before. The Gp said this side effect was known about but was very rare. So I am quite an interesting case!!
Erigeron or Mexican Fleabane, Janice. Sometimes also called 'St Peter Port daisies' because they arrived first in Guernsey at the end of the C19. My earliest memories are of the high granite walls banking St Julian's Avenue, the road up from the harbour, smothered in these daisies that love to grow on granite walls.
ReplyDeleteAP, here's to a much better night for you, now you have your sleeping tablets. You must be exhausted.
Thank you Sarnia, yes it was a bit better last night though I didn’t take the sleeping pill, to see if the disturbances were lessening - which they were, thank goodness. Managed to sleep until 5 am which was much better! 😴
ReplyDeleteSo glad things are on the up for you AP 🤗
DeleteDitto 👍
DeleteWhat a relief, AP. Let's hope tonight is even better.
ReplyDeleteAP glad to hear things seem to be calming down. As your GP says you are a rare case. I looked up side affects of steroids - difficulty sleeping and change of mood, even depression among many others but no mention of hallucinations. Weird.
ReplyDeleteI reckon it was the combination of whatever drugs you had AP.
ReplyDeletePleased it's diminishing and hope it continues to do so.
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteYour problems intrigued me, which showed my ignorance as to dexamethasone hallucinations.
As I posted last night, I cannot access many sites, as I no longer have a GPhC registration no. (needed to log in). What I did find was that it could be due to a combination of meds as Mrs P. has mentioned.
What I found was that dexamethasone, in very rare instances, can incur side-effects of opiate painkillers being taken, one of which can be hallucinations, but normally only at a high dose.
An opiate painkiller can be something simple like co-codamol.
I don't know if you take anything like this, but if you do then the combination, might and only might, have caused your frightful experience.
I wish I could have come up with something more useful.
I am glad that things are diminishing.
PS The research I did was on american sites, which I could access + read. Even so I found it very limited.
DeleteI planted some very cheap + small, bedding plants today. They are in a large concrete tub and the garden, in the front. They have been well watered in, despite the long awaited rain, being forecast for overnight.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have done, is far better than none!
I had an unexpected visit from neighbours this afternoon. They are re-organising their garden (as far as I can see, one huge rectangular lawn beside an equally huge rectangular area of grey decking, but each to his/her own!) and wanted rid of a lot of pots which they thought might be of interest to me.
ReplyDeleteDear people, it was like several Christmases and birthdays rolled into one: I have about a dozen beautiful glazed pots size medium to enormous, in assorted colours, pale Mediterranean blue, various shades of green, a dark blueish, reddish one which is a perfect match for the foliage of the new canna lily - I'm so overwhelmed I've reverted to 'lotus eater' mode and have done nothing since but look at them and be happy.
What is the difference between a calla + canna lily?
DeleteI ask this, as you seem to be an expert - and easier than another trawl on the tinternet.
What will you plant in your new, unexpected pots?
So happy for you Sarnia what a lovely gesture from your neighbours. They certainly knew where to take them to be deeply appreciated. Look forward to hearing of the planting up - when your time of admiration is over 🤗
DeleteMiriam: canna lilies are big, tall things with strappy leaves and large flowers not unlike an iris. I wanted the dark-leaved variety to visually serve the same function as the 'birds of paradise' that grow in the Greek hotel garden, and which are not going to flourish in this part of the country.
ReplyDeleteCalla lilies are the tiny, elegant arum lilies that come in very rich colours and are more often sold as house plants, although you can grow them out of doors in the right position.
Miriam THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteYour research has really reassured me!
That must have been exactly what happened, because when I went to bed, my throat was so painful I took 2 co-codamol tablets that had been prescribed after my knee operation last year.
I was hoping they would deal with the pain and help me sleep.
So the high dose dexamethasone combined with high dose co-codamol is more than likely the cause.
It is such a relief to know that and that I wasn’t having a psychotic episode,
It is something I will never, ever do again. I am indebted to you
💐. 😊
Sarnia, your pots sound lovely and you will enjoy planting in them. They will look good on your patio! Archerfile, hoping you have a good sleep tonight and so good that Miriam has provided an answer! Drug reactions can be bad and one antibiotic I was prescribed for a UTI resulted in complete loss of appetite and energy and I ended up in bed for the day! Nothing as dramatic as your experiences though!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ev. Several of them are earmarked for the re-potting of plants whose present home doesn't do them justice but was all I had available. One or two are SO huge that they'll have to bide their time. There is a pair of dark ruby red urns about 2' high that take my breath away, and could simply be displayed as features. My feet still haven't touched the ground!
ReplyDeleteAP I'm honestly not surprised that the culprit should turn out to be co-codamol, and if I'd known that you had taken it I might have twigged what the problem was. I had a very frightening experience the first time I was given it - it made my heart race, my limbs became so heavy that I couldn't move, I was gasping for breath and I honestly thought I was dying. Against my mother-in-law's wishes, I immediately stopped the tablets. After one of my operations the consultant insisted that I should have it like all the other patients because it was his medication of choice, but after watching me struggling for breath and using up my full day's worth of sambutamol inhaler in just one morning, the nurses rebelled and demanded a bedside conference. I've been given tramadol ever since. Please be careful not to combine it with anything else. I believe it's the codeine that causes the trouble.
I'm never happy taking the co-codamol either and take as little as I can get away with.
ReplyDeleteSarnia's reflection along with your experience AP has alerted me to my memory of my latter days in hospital after my knee replacement which was extended by two days because I became unwell.
My conclusion, accepted by the staff, was that a mistake had been made regarding my thyroid dosage. This conclusion was because my symptoms were very similar to those I used to get before I was stabilised.
However, like others I was getting very high doses of co- codamol and I now wonder if that was the culprit at the time, rather than my own conclusion of over medication of my thyroxin.
Vivid dreams and heavy night sweats were amongst the symptoms I experienced.
Many decades ago after an operation I came round afterwards and was treated as though I had emerged from the anaesthetic.
And technically I had.
I could hear, though not see, nurses talking to me, and then also my husband visiting, but I could not respond. I knew what was happening but was in a deep and at the time terrifying stupor. I wanted to respond and speak, but I couldn't move or respond in any way. I was like this for three days and since at the time a patient was expected to stay pretty comatose for several days after an operation knowbody seemed to think anything was amiss. But I knew it was and was extremely frightened.
Eventually I did come out of this ' coma' and accepted what had happened and did not think much more of it.
I was thirty at the time and I did not need to have an anaesthetic again until well into my fifties.
By that time anaesthesia had moved on, and when asked on the morning of my operation by the anaesthetist about previous occasions, I recounted what had happened over twenty years before. That female anaesthetist went off to do some research and possibly looked up my notes from before and returned to tell me that what I had recounted to her was a typical bad reaction to a particular anaesthetic used in the early seventies and because it produced such reactions had ceased to be used. It was apparently a short window of use of two or three years extent.
I was relieved and no longer frightened of the prospect of a repeat experience.
I have strangely always enjoyed 'going under', I find it a wonderful experience.
I date this to having had a tooth extraction as a small child and given gas to sedate me.
I woke to find a threepenny bit on my knee.
When I had my second C section I had an out of body experience, and hovering above myself, i was able to relate later, the direction of the cut from right to left.
Still under the influence of the anaesthetic I told all and sundry in an excited voice what I had experienced. This caused great alarm amongst the medical staff and resulted in a visit from the very worried doctors asking if I was intending to make a formal complaint.
Fortunately I was able to reassure them that I was not, that I was not alarmed by the experience and that I had found that experience to be very interesting.
Less sanguine was the woman in the next bed, due to go to theatre after me.
She was very frightened by my revelations and as it was her first time to be anaesthetised it must have been dreadful to hear me vocalising my adventure.
I should add that this happened in the very last week or so of the last unit at Charing Cross hospital to move to Hammersmith. Within a week that final unit had closed, but in those last few days, the facilities were somewhat diminished, and the few women in the surgical labour ward were all in the one small ward together.
So my daughter was one of the last babies to be born at the original Ch X hospital.
Sarnia, from your description of your newly acquired pots, and I can appreciate your delight, I would suggest that your neighbours have given you a very generous gift worth well over £100. Even though second hand.
ReplyDeleteBut a word of warning.
The large ones are very heavy, and once planted up cannot be moved.
Be careful and get help.
Several hundred, I should think, Mrs P. I move the smaller pots on a trolley, but I already have a limit beyond which I don't attempt to move them myself and call in the 'muscle'. The neighbours seemed as delighted to see my excitement as I was to choose which ones I wanted. They were glad to be able to re-home the pots, as otherwise they would have been thrown away. Sacre Bleu!
ReplyDeleteSacre Bleu indeed Sarnia !
DeleteDoesn't everybody know about FREECYCLING ! ! !
Don't dump....pass it on
Oh my goodness!
ReplyDeleteWhat memories I have inadvertently stirred up for some of you!
But it seems more and more likely that including co-codamol in the equation might have been the cause of such an awful experience.
I shall be packing up all my left-over co-codamol, especially the high dose ones, in a bag and taking them back to the Pharmacy. If I ever need painkillers in future, I shall stick to paracetamol as I can’t take aspirin or ibuprofen.
And I remember that when Mr suffered from months of bad sciatica, our GP prescribed Tramadol rather than anything with codeine in.
So thank you MIRIAM, for your research and SARNIA and MRS P for your recollections and to everyone for this wonderful blog where we can help each other……..so thank you to GARY, too.
And now, hopefully, back to gardening! 😊. 🪴 🌺 🌿
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Hurrah AP!
DeleteSo glad you stayed aboard with us Miriam 🙏🏼
Just one last word on the subject: don’t throw out the baby with the bath water! Although it is likely that APs reaction was caused by the combination of the 2 drugs, used carefully and separately, high doses of steroids reduce inflammation swiftly and codeine is an effective pain killer if you can tolerate it. Recently there has been a study comparing the effectiveness of paracetamol and codeine as painkillers; codeine came out on top. I have never found paracetamol very effective preferring aspirin but that has its own side effects.
ReplyDeleteWell done Miriam for making the link 👏
I echo that. Don't be too quick to get rid of them if they are not usually a problem, just be wary of combining them with other medication.
DeleteHaving terrible problems posting. Can’t seem to find any useful help on Blogger or Google. Have been met with a ‘Whoops that an error’ message 14 times this morning. If this doesn’t publish I may have to give up completely.
ReplyDeleteWell, it did publish, that’s a miracle!
DeleteNow I’ll try what I was going to say -
ReplyDeleteSoz - yes it must be the combination because I was given both pure codeine & co-codamol after my operations with no such side effects.
I’d forgotten the Covid tester was coming today…..goodness only knows what they are going to find in my throat swab and tube of blood! 😂
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteDO NOT discard your Co-codamol tablets....These give better pain killing affects than paracetamol alone. Also ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory, it can cause stomach problems
If co-cods suit you, then carry on with them, as it is very unlkely to have this combination of drugs again.
My research only found one paper, to support my thought of a drug interaction.
Who knows, it might not be the case.
I might be very wrong.
Please, continue with your co-cods as + when.
PS Co-cods is my own choice, if I need something a bit stronger.
DeleteAlso Mr AP's tramadol, is far stronger than both co-cods + codeine.
I digressed sorry. Now to post what I intended.
ReplyDeleteMy wish came true, in that I had rain overnight and woke up to a very wet garden and all the dust, washed off my car.
The sun has not long come out, but already the temp. is rising quickly.
I knew the rain had been heavy, as some plants were almost flat on the ground. These are already picking up.
At least there will be no need to go out to water tonight - phew. This means more time in the kitchen - as I am creating tonight....
Did you find my answer to your lily question, Miriam?
ReplyDeleteIt was a long way up, so here it is again:
DeleteMiriam: canna lilies are big, tall things with huge leaves and a large flower spike not unlike an iris. I wanted the dark-leaved red variety to visually serve the same function as the 'birds of paradise' that grow in the Greek hotel garden, and which are not going to flourish in this part of the country.
Calla lilies are the tiny, elegant arum lilies that come in very rich colours and are more often sold as house plants, although you can grow them out of doors in the right position.
I did miss it. Sorry 😣
DeleteThanks for posting this again. I now know which are which in my garden.
It is appreciated, as I had "computer" eyes yesterday.
Thanks. 😀
I have bright orange canna lilies in my front garden, which I now know. These are so like the Birds of Paradise plants, I first saw in a garden near to Capetown S.Africa.
DeleteI'm hoping this is what I've got, which is why I chose the only plant with the dark reddish purple leaves. Sainsbury's plants are mostly excellent (as long as the staff remember to water them!) but the information label is not very forthcoming on variety. I have another new one which has just come out; it has multiple stems and glorious, star-shaped deep pink flowers, but I don't know what kind it is. The label simply said 'Pink lily by Sainsbury's', so I call her 'Lily the Pink'.
DeleteShe is certainly most efficacious in terms of effect.
I often buy plants from S/burys and these usually do very well. But as you say, it is often not known exactly what I am buying.
DeleteI love "Lily the Pink"..
I have one lovely lily in a pot, which I know - it is "stargazer" and is well in bud.
I gather from GW that canna lilies are not completely hardy. Do you take yours in for the winter? Apparently Monty 'plunge plants' his and just takes the pot back into the greenhouse before the first frost. My greenhouse has not yet arrived, but it should be erected before the frost.
DeleteSorry, Health again, In case I’m not here for a few days
ReplyDeleteHosp phoned this morning to check on me, they want to see me again this morning. Possibility might have to stay in for intravenous antibiotics as I’m still not right.
I hope that all will be well with you soon Archerfile.
DeleteYou poor soul, the **** just keeps on coming! You could probably do with an infusion of fortitude while they're at it.
ReplyDeleteWell said Sarnia. Glad Basingstoke Hospital (as ever ) on the ball for you Archerphile 🤗
DeleteI'm currently at my daughter and son in law's house helping out with childcare for a few days. We haven't seen them for 11 months and it's been a joy to spend some time with them again. The weather's not great but has done nothing to dampen the spirits. We're having to adjust to the grandchildren being nearly a year older and more independent.
ReplyDeleteI had a very exciting fifteen minutes late last night.
ReplyDeleteLady is taken for her morning and late night pee up the farm track at the side of the cottage, the garden being up a steep and narrow unlit path.
Before going upstairs I opened the door and she was immediately lunging towards the gate. I controlled her lead and opened the gate but realised something was blocking it.
At the same time Lady was heaving towards something on the ground, behind the gate. It was dark but I could just make out a shape and realised it was a hedgehog. I heaved her back into the house and shut the door to return and check what I had seen. Lady was scrabbling inside and squeaking, the cat was interested and in the way, and I was excited to see a hedgehog, the first for decades.
I managed to get back inside, pick up a towel and torch and get out again and still keep the dog inside, with visions in my head of dead hedgehogs, determined that this would not happen.
I picked it up with the towel wrapped around it and took it up the track and put it under the hedge.
I then returned and took Lady for her pee, making sure she did not go as far up the track as where I had left Mr or Mrs H.
I checked ten minutes later and to my relief it had disappeared.
Forty years ago when we lived in Malmesbury we had dozens of hedgehogs in our very extensive garden. Some people came from N Ireland to live in a house that was adjacent to the bottom of the garden. They allowed their large dog to roam and it systematically decimated the whole colony of hedgehogs that lived in our ancient field hedge. It broke my heart to find them one after the other, torn to shreds.
That would have broken my heart too Mrs P
DeleteLatest Bulletin from Consultant at Basingstoke Hospital
ReplyDelete1). Hallucinations & sight disturbance definitely due to high dose dextramethasone ( showed me details from the drug information site online.). NOT codeine or co-codamol
2) Same drug has now given me a raging fungal infection in my mouth with is very sore and makes swallowing painful.
3) Another prescription, this time for anti-fungal gel
4) Have to go for a CT scan because they found my voice box was swollen last week and they need to check it
So taking the co-codamol out of the bin and hoping, if I ever have to have a steroid again, it might be a different one.
I did say I could well be wrong. I was talking about a drug interaction, not either drugs individuallly, just the combination together...
DeleteYou did say that Miriam.
DeleteDon't think for a moment that anyone is blaming you.
However your suggestion has alerted the rest of us to problems associated with drug interactions and I for one am very pleased to be reminded that this can happen.
You poor thing! One thing after another. I hope you have plenty of medicines to keep you going.
ReplyDeleteI went to hospital ( Jon took me!) on Saturday afternoon because I had woken up at 2.46am and just about reached the bathroom when I was sick. Trouble was there was blood and I didn't know if it was a reaction to tablets etc. So we spent 3-4 hours up there. The tragage nurse said that I must have eaten something. The blood must have been me wretching. Of I liked I could wait for a doctor but it was a 3-4 hours wait. I came home. Had little sips of water but can't fancy anything solid.
Yet again I had to cancel Cubs. I think I may have to retire!
Tried to get hold of Voque magazine for May for granddaughter but both times they had said it wasn't possible now in the past week I have had two!
Spiceycushion - you must have been quite frightened by seeing blood in your vomit.
DeleteLike Sarnia I wish so much that I could do something to help one or both of you and Archerphile.
It's all very well being sympathetic on here and I do realise that support from this blog counts for a great deal, but nevertheless one feels so helpless reading how awful the ongoing suffering is for some.
Mistral
How are you now ?
Hope you feel much better soon Archerfile, at least you now know what the problem is, which I find always helps.
ReplyDeleteMrs. P. I would have had a word with those neighbours. Hedgehogs are getting rare now.
There are lots around me at the moment, very prolific for the last two years. If I see tiny ones, I put tinned dog food out, but they never eat it. All the dogs I've ever had race up to them, but immedietly lose interest and leave them alone. My mother had a chow chow who was so stupid that he persisted in nudging and nosing around any hogs he found, until his nose bled. He never learned, and had a special hedgehog cry.
Mistral.
DeleteI was trying to remember this morning wether I did speak to those neighbours about their dog.
I think I probably didn't, I was in my early thirties at the time, and we had other issues with them applying to buy from the council an extension of our garden that we had been promised would be ours one day.
This was at the time of the boundary changes. The town council had said yes, but the county council overruled their decision and I was very sore.
Spicey, you're another one with never-ending tribulations. How I wish I could DO something for either of you!
ReplyDeleteI have a hospital visit to the eye clinic tomorrow, two appointments back to back.
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised to get these so quickly, as I was told last time, that it would be 9-12 mnths. My last visit was only 8 months ago.
I feel so lucky.
This was after reading about a 46yr old (?) with type 1 diabetes. Her eye exams were delayed for a year. As a result her diabetic eye problems have progressed to the extent, that she can longer drive and her licence has been taken away.
How awful and sad.
Indeed, Mr A always, always goes for his eye checkups and we were relieved that, in our area, they were still done last year during lockdown.
ReplyDeleteMiriam I have tried to publish a 2 line thank you for your effort SEVEN times, so if this does, it’s another miracle,
Wow, it worked,! Are others having these problems or is it only me. ? Has anybody found another way to get into the blogs apart from Chrome?
DeleteYes Archerphile it's happening to me from time to time, but nothing like as frequently it is for you.
DeleteI think I explained a few weeks ago, that when I get the 'error' message, I've found that I can do a backstop ( I don't know how else to describe it ) and get back into the blog with my post still intact. I then repeat the posting and sometimes it goes through.
This morning something happened for the second time.
I wrote a post on the other blog and posted it at precisely the time that Gary was closing that one and starting the new one.
Not feeling very bright, I couldn't be bothered writing it again.
I keep getting message to ‘clear my cache’ which I do over and over again. Then log in again on a new tab. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t !
DeleteIf this carries on I really think I am going to give up posting on the blog and like others, just read.
I mostly read and rarely post, but have no real problems, hm, that's how it is.
DeleteI hope you won't give up too easily Archerphile.
Basia
DeletePlease post again, as + when..
Your thoughts were always interesting + thought provoking, on both pages.
Have you tried switching your IPad off and then more or less switching it on again,Archerphile?
ReplyDeleteThat sometimes works.
If I am going to post anything I always go to settings and get rid of the cookies .
Sometimes that works.
I also copy the piece I have written to paste if it still goes pear shaped but sometimes it repeats itself more than once.
It never used to be like this.
What has gone wrong?
I should have said "more or less straight away "
ReplyDeleteI think it’s because Apple keep upgrading their system. I’m now on iOS 14.6
DeleteNever had any problems with old iPad.
I even tried downloading Firefox yesterday but I couldn’t get here through that either.
Might try using the Microsoft PC upstairs, but that means only being able to sit in Mr A’s office when he’s not using it …not very convenient!
Yes, I get the message periodically but then get in by googling archers fan blog spot and that usually works. Perhaps the Beeb is sabotaging us! Really the problem has occurred after updates. Sometimes I wish they would leave well alone
ReplyDeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem viewing + posting, which is so obvious 🤣😂 I use a separate google e-mail address (not my personal one), and use google chrome. I access fine, but I use an android 'phone or my ancient PC on windows 10, where my browser is also Chrome.
I cannot help at all and I feel your total frustation.
Please keep trying, as you are needed here...
This is the Covid situation still showing its affects. This is that no grand-kids etc have been able to visit. These are so techno savvy, and could perhaps sort the problems out.
DeleteIt’s four years today since Mike died. While thinking of him as I do every other day of the year I don’t dwell on it or go to bits but just get on with things. My sister in law though makes a point of remembering and sure enough phoned today. She knows better than to mention it but it was the elephant in the room so to clear the air, I brought it up. His family mark these anniversaries but I feel it is like opening old wounds. Mike would not want that. We are all different though and grieve differently. Maybe I should be more understanding! I have to get on with my life but I never will get over losing him. It does get so much easier though as time passes.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile and Spicy, thinking of you and hope you will soon feel better. Mrs P well done for saving Mrs Tiggywinkle!
My thoughts are with you EV.
DeleteI really understand, that this is still very difficult.
Just remember all the good times you had together in a positive way. Memories will never fade, but it is how you look at these.
It is far better to think about the very many happy times you had together, than dwell on sadness. This is harsh, I know.
At least Katy + your Boys are nearby, to give cuddles + hugs. 🤗🤗😍
Hi, I hope people’s tribulations ease up soon.
ReplyDeleteI find posting on here a bit hit and miss, I always clear my history before posting, and if I’m thinking I copy before trying to post so that I can paste if I need several attempts.
It’s hard to believe it is mid-summer day, really cold & miserable. I just hope it brightens up by the end of the week. We’re going to The Grange Park opera on Friday and it is so much nicer if the sun is shining ( and the parking is in a sloped field)
Yes The Soltice.
DeleteHigh winds + feeling cool, but this is typical.
By Timothy..
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the Paul Temple series on R4ex The Gilbert Case.
I haven't heard this one before and is so complicated + confusing.
I know that I have done too many posts today, more than I should have done. 😣😣 which irritates many, and agree and understand
I must think twice again, before doing any further posts
Hardly much more than others Miriam and if you’re contributing to an ongoing discussion no point in counting posts after all each day can vary 🙃
DeleteNo Miriam.... not too much.
DeleteYou are joining in discussions and your very welcome. And you seem to be reading posts now.
And...... you've been very helpful to several of us...So....... all good.
I only use a laptop and have no problems other than that my browser was switched from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge, and not understanding what it was about because there was no explanation involved, all my data was not transferred. Therefore, if I try to access the site through ME it demands my password, which I can't give because I can't remember what it is. Fortunately, Explorer is still listed with my programmes, so I have a separate means of access.
ReplyDeleteMrs.P.
ReplyDeletethank you for asking..I am feeling quite alot better, still some pain in my 'covid' arm, but nothing like it was, and fingers are working normally again, so hooray for that. Had a bit of a scare two weeks ago with arm pain, breathless and chest pains...phoned 111, high priority ambulance sent, (with SIRENS!!!), taken to hospital. 3 ecg's later, no heart attack, and even better, no blood clots, which has been my secret worry. Ah, the drama of it all.
My son has started work again today, totally amazing. Thank all the gods for the NHS.
Oh dear, Mistral, what a fright.
DeleteBut better to be checked out and know what's what.
A little story....... my mother had a clot, discovered just about the time the king died. She was forever squealing ' my leg, my legs, mind my legs, I don't want to die like the king'
She died at 82 and that bloody clot had never moved in sixty years.
I had a text from my granddaughter today, in Brighton for a weekend with friends but back in Bath tomorrow. She has a new holiday job in a wine bar and an interview in Jigsaw later in the week.
Don't you just love bureaucracy?
ReplyDeleteA friend gets PIP (Personal Independence Plan) for various health conditions. If, as you are supposed to, you inform them of any change in your condition (including a deterioration) they suspend payments whilst your case is reviewed. This is supposed to take a maximum of two weeks.
Two weeks was up on Friday, no payment. PIP office is closed at the weekend. On Monday she is told 'review is delayed because of Covid'.
Presumably, when she can't pay her bills on time, her creditors will be equally laid back about not receiving payment 'because of Covid'. Oh no, I forget, they don't work like that. They simply whack on a late payment surcharge.
One rule for the rich and another one for the poor ...
Trying to post at 3.45 aM cos can’t sleep as am in so much pain. It might distract me.
ReplyDeleteWanted to say ‘By Timothy’ too Miriam as I am a Paul Temple & Steve addict & dont mind how many times I listen to the same ‘case’.
The Coronation Scott music runs shivers of joy up my spine & brings back so many childhood
memories.
Sitting on the landing trying to eavesdrop on the old Echo radio from the dining room
No portables. of course.
Eventally Dad ran a wire upsrairs to a huge old speaker on top of my wardrobe so I could listen in bed - during my frequent bouts of illness.
It was wonderful to have radio up there but I couldn’t control the programme or volume & had to put up with what was being broadcast down stairS
Sorry I’m rambling now, probably due to meds
This probably not going to publish anyway!
Well it has!
DeleteArcherphile, are you in hospital or at home?
Yes, portable anything now...
Hopefully you've managed to get some rest.
Come back and ramble when you're ready.
This is a very draining health issue Archerphile and I do hope it begins to lessen for you soon. It seems our minds and bodies have maybe been more affected during this last year or so than we realised and only now rejoining the real world are these issues coming to light. Mistral so pleased to hear all is well with you now but totally understand your “secret worry” which only goes to highlight my point. My jaw has been affected where I am (mostly) unconsciously clenching it both day and night and the pain around my left jaw bone ear and back tooth can be really painful. Have discussed with dentist and if continues will have to consider having guard(s) Mr R has throat discomfort on and off no cause found even after tube up nose and down throat at Basingstoke Hospital last summer and he is a very laid back man - oh well onwards and upwards.
DeleteThoughts on the Euro football covid outbreaks LJ and other sport followers of course also upcoming Olympics and also Wimbledon with full capacity on both final days. I would think a mostly double vaccinated crowd by then 🤔
Eye clinic today and I was very pleased, with both the hospital + clinic. Strangely Covid has shown many things - how much better it is now organised, how the staff know where each "client" is + by name, and how much shorter the time in the waiting room is. It is providing a much quicker and better service + experience. I hope that will continue...
ReplyDeleteAll was well - so I am now down to just a visit once a year. I came out with a prescription for some different eye lubricating drops, and after one use are brilliant. I also have some very low dose antiobiotics, to be taken just once a day long term, as it seems I have both facial rosacea + eye rosacea, and I thought it was face-mask rash!
It just causes dry eyes and slight eye-lid swelling, which is not serious as to vision.
Like Mistral I still have a sore arm now + again, where my jabs were done. I still know the exact spot of each jab but "Am I Bovvered" to quote Catherine Tate (I think), certainly not. I am just thrilled as to the benefits.
ReplyDeleteLady R was mentioning mouth guards, a strange topic to discuss. I was a night-time teeth grinder and clamper, when I was working. The one made for my top teeth, didn't work as in my sleep I could, somehow remove it.
I had a new game - hunt the mouthgard. It was often under the pillow, on the bed cover or floor. The worst was when I was putting a foot into a slipper, I found it!!!
A new bottom guard was made, and this one worked so well.
I then had no jaw ache, teeth ache etc...
At home Basia, not hosp thank goodness. Been actually *told* by GP to take codeine for pain. Very woozy. Terrific pain in Jaw (like you Lady R) but due to infection swelling lymph glands.
ReplyDeleteCant ’t open mouth wide enough to eat or speak, but can sip water and squirt Nystatin into my mouth. Almost impossible to swallow codeine tabs so might ask for suspension.
Happy days!
Keep your fluids up with water in whatever way, which is so important.
DeleteHas any-one fully determined why you are suffering to such a severe extent???
This is just an idea.
Have you tried, very finely crushed up ice to be allowed to melt in your mouth? This does 2 things - give you fluids but also is very soothing + cooling.
It might help, but not sure.
Another thought, if I may be so bold.
DeleteTry crushing pills up very finely, between two spoons. Mix the powder into a larger spoonful of very cold yoghurt then try to swallow down, followed by ice cold water.
Oh thank you Miriam, that is a great idea, Yogurt ( + cup a soup) is about the only thing I can manage at the moment so it will be very useful - also the crushed ice idea - hadn’t thought of that.
DeleteAll these probs are entirely are due to that steroid according to GP. He thinks the hosp consultant was being a bit too enthusiastic about the dosage !!!
Do appreciate your help and experience 🥰
Archerphile, sorry to hear you’re still in a bad way. To follow up on Miriam’s suggestions, smoothies may offer a variety of flavours and some nutritional value, either shop bought or made yourself in a liquidiser. I’ve been making slushes for my daughter when she’s had tonsillitis, crushed ice, ice cream or sorbet, cordial and enough water in the blender to reach the appropriate consistency, very soothing she said.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add, a straw might help if your lips can manage that
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you to you too KP. Another thing I hadn’t thought off. Never usually have things like milkshakes but this is the time to start and experiment!
DeleteI do love all my friends here .. you are allowed so kind and helpful
To all football fans - Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI think tactics might be employed tonight, as to where the final table position is and so what the next matches will be.
LanJan should be able to explain more.
This was what my taxi driver + I talked about + discussed, on my way to clinic this morning. It made a change from the weather + hols.
Delete🤣 good thinking ⚽️ 🏴 and a win!
DeleteArcherphile did you have a better night last night?
ReplyDeleteWhere is everyone out in the ☀️ already I presume 🤗 our days start more slowly but will enjoy same later (minding Mr R head of course for the very reason AP and Mrs P will appreciate)
Well I am here collapsed in a chair having waved my nice cousin off after 11 days with us.
DeleteI need to recover. Not from the herculean clutter clearing I did beforehand, not from the getting up at an unearthly hour ( she is up and raring to go by 6 am), not from taking her out for scenic walks and visiting places like the Eden project, not from planning and cooking meals, but from, maybe, the fact that she once kissed the blarney stone and can talk non stop literally from 6am until 10 pm. I am no doubt an unsociable whatnot but the silence is blissfully deafening. Heaven!
Oh Janice - I feel for you !
DeleteEnjoy your silence.
Janice, your cousin sounds like OMiaS's Australian aunt!
DeleteFortunately she only stayed with us for 4 days. She did offer to stay longer, but we suggested her sister-in-law would be missing her. (Sorry other aunt!)
She also nearly put my electric kettle in the washing up water - I think we stopped her just in time.
Heart of gold, but mouth powered by Duracell.
Lady R, I’m afraid last night was the worst yet. Totally unable to sleep and in such pain that tears were running down my face & poor Mr A just didn’t know what to do, bless him!
DeleteEven the hospital strength painkillers were doing noting and I just walked around the house moaning!
But (shh) this afternoon it is wearing off., Can still only open my mouth a fraction but managed some Brie on a spoon, and a homemade yogurt. and I’ve just felt well enough to do the ironing that’s been piling up!
I think this wretched thing is on its way out at last, my eyes are a bit more open and though I still have a splitting headache I am feeling on the mend.
So now (or tomorrow perhaps) I have to try and sort out why our printer refuses to work since we we installed a new modem last week. Think we’ll just take it down to recycling and buy a new one, can’t bear the thought of crawling round under the desk!
Owias, was amused about your auntie nearly putting the electric kettle in the water. I was amazed when I found American homes generally don’t have an electric kettle. I did meet one lady when I was in Italy though who said she had one and her friends couldn’t believe it could boil water quicker than the microwave! She had strange ideas though as she was waiting for the kettle to cool before filling it up again. Americans have no idea how to make tea and a teapot is another item which is very rare in American homes!
DeleteArcherfile, really hope you are on the mend! A good sign that you could do the ironing!
I ditched electric kettles years ago when my just over 2 years old 'eco' kettle began to leak. Kenwood weren't interested and claimed they'd not heard of the problem. (Despite the articles in Which about a year before when they claimed to have fixed the issue.)
DeleteKevin the Kettle has sat happily on my gas hob ever since. The poor thing got dropped recently so now has a dent but still functions beautifully. And he *can* safely go in the sink when required : )
Took the boys down to the creek and it was so lovely down there that we just sat and enjoyed it. Am having work on garden - they are putting down astroturf - and it has all been dug out. Now awaiting hardcore. It means dogs are indoors as side gate is open. Gypsy has not ate breakfast this morning and has slept all morning. Her breathing is not good so am keeping close eye on her. She is nearly 14 and has a lot of health issues so we have to face losing her before too long. We have had her for 3 years now and hopefully have made her last few years good ones. 🐶
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt you have done so Ev but the loss when it comes will still be heartbreaking but as you know only too well grief is the price we pay for having loved and
Deletetherefore we are happy to pay the price. The Creek visit sounds wonderful for the soul Ev
🤗
🤞for Gypsy. She might be just stressed, as to the work being done.
DeleteI kissed the Blarney Stone when I was about 12yrs old.
ReplyDeletePerhaps this is why I chat + prattle on so much...😂😂😂
I have had light rain, all day.
DeleteI did not like kissing The Blarney Stone. This is high up in a battlement of Blarney Castle in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteI had to lie on my back, above an open space with iron bars, and jutted out over the normal walls so I could see to the ground. My arms went over my head, which had to hold into the bars and I had to bend my head backwards at an angle, to "kiss" it. I hated the experience and didn't want to do it. I only did this, so I was not left out!
I remember kissing it when I was about 17. As you say it was a strange experience with your head upside down. I was driving round Southwest Ireland on a the back of a scooter. One clear memory was that there were no public toilets in Limerick!!!
DeleteMy experience was in 1967 and I made my Dad, hold firmly onto my feet + ankles so I felt safe.
DeleteArcherphile…..we had the same problem with our printer when we got a new modem. Could not get it to work, even uninstalling the printer and installing it again. Ended up getting a new one. Bite the bullet and just get a new one, much less stressful.
ReplyDeleteHope you get better very soon. It all sounds horrific. 💐💐
When is moving day and how are things going?
DeleteAlso how is the eye?
Where is Lanjan? I hope she is doing well, and is just totally engrossed in the Euro Football.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear from our Italian friends - such as Gianna + Hilary. I wish them well.
I am still around ,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the posts and sympathise with those who are having health problems at the moment especially Archerphile who really has been in the wars recently
Lots of sport on the television.
At the moment I am watching the T20 match between England and Sri Lanka having just returned from an afternoon spent at Kew Gardens
I am enjoying the football so far and when a Lancashire Match is on I can.watch it on my IPad
Then of course Wimbledon starts next week
So sorry to hear that you had your worst night yet Archerphile I really hope you have reached the peak of your discomfort it all sounds just ghastly. 🤞🏼doing your ironing provided a distraction for awhile but where you found the energy to do it I cannot imagine. What did your Covid tester make of it all when he/she called by the other day?
ReplyDeleteLanjan a visit to Kew how lovely and I’m glad so much sport ⚽️ ⚾️ 🎾 is on for you to follow. Yes Wimbledon next week I always think how quickly the year in between goes but of it is 2 years - yikes it does not seem possible😱
Nothing to watch on TV! More time in the garden, as long as the rain keeps off.
ReplyDeleteMiriam. …..have had a few problems re the house move. Got fingers crossed that things might be sorted this week and we get exchanged because we are due to move next Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteI’ve said I can have op on eye any time after 5th July but they are still not doing non emergency ops at Manchester eye hospital. All the Indian variant over there won’t be helping with regards opening up the hospital. I reckon I’ll get to the top of the nhs list and have it done this side of the Pennines before it opens, which is fine.
When did a house move go smoothly, ptby!! Hope all sorted this week!😉😊 House is quiet, boys have gone with dog walker. Gyp still asleep. She is coping but a bit disorientated. However still walking around, eating and drinking although not so persistent about expecting unlimited food. We shall see. She is scheduled for a vet appointment next week so we will see what they say.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm still packing and cleaning because if it all falls through I'll have all the time in the world to unpack rather than being told you've got 2 days to pack up and clean!
DeletePtbY - I’m relieved to know that printer problem happened to you too. I did the same, uninstalled, reinstalled, searched dozens of helplines, both windows and HP but didn’t get anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI used to be very familiar with the workings of a PC and did all the maintenance on ours as Mr A is a technophobe.
But Windows keep ‘updating’ and messing around with settings so I can’t find where to enter the new modem/ router setting any more.
So we shall use the fees from our ONS Covid survey to buy a new printer!
B****y technologie!! Sounds like a plan to buy one. Hope they are in better supply than when we were looking for one. Had to wait months before one became available at a sensible price. It was in the middle of first lockdown when they were all being bought for home schooling I reckon. We got a cannon TS5100 series. Easy to set up, scans, copy's and prints. Did load of research into printers. Mind you I wanted one with the buttons on the front and not the top because it sits on a lowish shelf and it made it easier to use.
DeleteWe have had a very traumatic time as we still haven't moved. I am staying in a residence and my family are in a flat and have to move by the beginning of July. Fortunately the bank approved the mortgage yesterday so it shouldn't be long. My 16 year old grandson was taken to hospital 3 weeks ago with chest pains and was diagnosed with myocarditis and periocarditis. Inflammation of the membranes of the heart probably caused by mononucleosis. He was in hospital for 10 days and his mother was in with him in isolation. He has now recovered and has to be very careful for 3 months which is very hard for an active 16 year old who is also a scout.
ReplyDeleteThanks goodness we have an excellent NHS. We are hoping to move in 2 or 3 weeks.
Gianna -
DeleteWhat a very hard time you and your family are having.
After all the Covid difficulties going on for so long and now this extended moving time.
I do hope the treatment for your grandson helps him to recover and your health service enables him to stay recovered.
Wishing you all the best now that your mortgage has been approved.
Gianna, best wishes to you and your family looking forward to the future.
DeleteAnd from me too Gianna. What a worrying time you have had. I do hope your grandson improves and is able to curb his enthusiasm to rush out and resume all his activities. Very hard to do for a 16 year old boy, I know. Thinking of you all.
DeleteGianna - For your grandson! A get well message from all the scouts, cubs, beavers and Scouters from the 8th Gillingham, Kent. I do hope you get so well and get camping for all the summer!
DeleteArcherphile -
ReplyDeleteI do hope your symptoms are settling and you have a better day today.
It has all sounded so dreadful.
Mononucleosis aka. Glandular Fever, always seems prevalant in young teenagers It was nick-named the Kissing Disease, for obvious reasons.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite debilitating and the after effects can last up to 6 months.
A niece of mine also had this, at about the same age as Gianna's grandson.
She had long periods of sheer exhaustion for months...
I had the gas man here, for about 2.5hrs this afternoon. This visit was lengthened as his van had a problem. The RAC was called, so he spent some time outside sorting it out! Still, my system fault has been sorted out and fire plus boiler, have been fully serviced.
I am well into the book, The Tent, The Bucket and Me. It is so very funny, making me laugh out loud. It reminds me so much of my own family caravaning holidays, in the 60's + 70's.
I think that I might have to resort to Tena Ladies, to finish reading it. 😁
Oh no Miriam 🤣🤣🤣
DeleteLots of tears tonight. We had to say goodbye to Gypsy. For several days her breathing has been laboured and this evening she collapsed on the kitchen floor. She did come round and fortunately the vet was still open. We took her down and after discussing it with the vet we felt it the kindest thing. They had detected a liver problem previously and it had probably spread to her lungs. We came back home to a joyous welcome from the boys. At least we still have them. We knew it was coming but it’s never easy.
ReplyDeleteSo sad Ev, I hope you and your daughter find comfort from the other two.
DeleteEv -
DeleteI am so very very sorry for you and Katy.
It is so hard but you will always know that you did the right thing by her.
I wondered yesterday when you wrote about her liver problem that you might be anticipating the end quite soon.
You are so right, it is never easy.
Will the boys miss her do you think ?
It’s hard to tell about the boys. Gyp tended to stay aloof and Dudley in particular never really understood her. The boys are more of a team as they are both quite young. Buddy has been playing the fool to cheer Katy up. They are aware of our sadness I think. Thank you for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteOh Ev, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Even when it is expected the hurt is still intense. My thoughts go out to you and Katy and the boys,of course. 🥲
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Ev. She sounded like such a character. You had some happy years together. xxx
DeletePtby has said it all for me Ev sending love to you and Katy in your painful loss 🥰
DeleteEv, sending hugs to you all. X
ReplyDeleteEV. I am also 😭😭at your very sad loss.
ReplyDeleteYou however, gave Gypsy a wonderful new life. She ended her days, in total comfort with so much care, love; attention and affection
I understand your upset + grief.
Remember though; all the good times and what you did for her.
Feel Proud of what you acheived. 👏🤗
So sorry to hear your sad news Ev.
ReplyDeleteMay I add my condolences too ,Ev.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are part of the family .
You know you did the right thing .
You did not want Gypsy to suffer
It is still very sad though.
Re Glandular Fever .
ReplyDeleteAll the very best for a speedy recovery to your grandson,Gianna.
My younger son got it when he was taking his A levels though it seems it was a milder form that your poor grandson.
As I recall he was very tired and lacked energy.
At first i thought it was because he got up early each morning to do his Paper Round!
He still took the exams and when he finished them he decided it would do him good to walk with a friend from Lands End to John O Groats - as you would.
I said I would take him to see the Doctor and if he said he could do the walk then he would be allowed to do so.
I assumed the Doctor would say no .
Instead the Doctor said to him"Doesn't your mother fuss?
Doesn't she know there are hospitals and Doctors en route?"
They did the walk and he celebrated his 17th birthday on the way.
It didn't rain until they reached Scotland.
Condolences from me too Ev. Even as a notorious un- doggy person, I do appreciate how much the loss of a much loved pet can hurt.
ReplyDeleteYou all did your very best for Gypsy , which is a wonderful thing. She was a lucky animal to have you all looking after her,
Condolences to Ev in her loss of Gypsy. She'll be remembered in silly ways and things in future years so she will not be lost forever. 🌹🌹🌹
ReplyDeleteEv, sorry to hear your sad news. Our pets become so much part of our lives. Thinking of you, Katy and 'the boys'
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your kind words. Very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteEv, sorry to hear about Gypsy, but take comfort from knowing you did your best by her .
ReplyDelete