Sarnia - July 2, 2021 at 10:12 PM I turned on BBC 2 for GW at 9.30 - No, TENNIS. I waited till 10pm on BBC 1 for News at 10 - No, FOOTBALL! I'm obviously the only viewer on the planet who wants something other than wall-to-wall sport.
MrsP Ambridge - July 2, 2021 at 10:21 PM No your not Sarnia.
Soz - July 2, 2021 at 11:24 PM By chance I found GW on BBC4. Were there any announcements that it had been put on another channel?
Sarnia - July 2, 2021 at 11:29 PM Not when I was around, Soz, but I only switch for specific programmes. This week the RT was a waste of money because the schedules are a work of fiction.
Archerphile - July 3, 2021 at 6:02 AM Same here Sarnia The BBC seems to think all the public are is interested in is Sport! How are they fulfilling their charter by giving wall to wall tennis & football on a Friday night? I ended up watching the news on BBC News, then raided my recordings of Public Eye with Alfred Burke from Talking Pictures TV, which I seem to be turning to more & more often these days A treasure trove of old films (some very old) and TV series
Archerphile - July 3, 2021 at 9:23 AM Oh, and just to add - I think the BBC, if not other channels, should be *required* to broadcast a news programme at the specified published time. If sporting event is at a critical point in a match or game on BBC 1 it should be transferred to another BBC channel. The news should *not* be delayed as has happened this week, sometimes for hours. I watch BBC1 at 7.45 on Saturday mornings when Samira Ahmed has a 15 minute slot of viewer comments on the news programmes of the past week during the BBC Breakfast programme. A sort of feedback on the BBC’s news output. Always very interesting. Today it was full of complaints about the scheduling of news programmes having been disrupted by sport. Thé public were very disgruntled about it. They always have someone from the BBC News production team to answer, usually the typical brush off but today the excuses didn’t satisfy me at all.
Cheshire Cheese - July 3, 2021 at 8:00 AM I've got a store of recordings that I made in preparation for this summer. Trying to record anything at the moment is very hit and miss with the schedules all over the place. I don't mind them putting the sport on but there must be a way of making it easier for those of us who would still like to watch our regular programmes like Gardener's World.
Apologies to those who are not enjoying all this summer sport.
I had a fabulous day out yesterday -courtesy of my younger son. I was treated to a day out at Wimbledon. I had a taxi there and back Saw all three Matches on Centre Court and doubles Matches in the morning on an outside Court which we could view from where we were dining. The food was great . Could have had champagne or wine but stuck to Pimms - three- . At one point was within a few yards of The Duchess of Cambridge . It is the first time I have been away from home for more than a few hours for over 20 months . Gosh I was tired when I arrived home and only woke up at 8:30 this morning.
Sounds as though you had a brilliant day Lanjan. I hope all those people running around hitting balls back and forth didn't disturb your food and Pimms ; )
8.30 am? That's practically the middle of the night!
Mrs P (previous blog) Yes, indeed, pingpong balls are indeed for target practice! A few years back someone pitched something similar on Dragons' Den. But his were blue, antibacterial, and weighted so the smily face always pointed forwards. But pingpong balls are cheaper! And don't have to be replaced every three months as the smiling blue imposters were supposed to be. As I type, I'm beginning to be very glad I never thought to draw faces on the pingpong balls...
Apparently men's urinals used to have a small picture of a bee for similar reasons. Quick quiz: what's the Latin for 'bee'? : )
A memory is triggered Once as a child we as a family were stranded on a remote railway station. My sister and I were both in need of relieving ourselves but the ladies lavatory was locked. Our father saw the solution as taking us into the gentlemans, mother was horrified. In addition to remembering the attitudes displayed I have a vision of lots of white and a horrid smell.
What a wonderful day you had LanJan. No strawberries and cream though ?
Not having a television and relying strictly on the wireless for all my news, comment and analysis, it doesn't bother me that television is overwhelmingly sports. But I do sympathise with the concerns expressed.
I hope to be visiting a small group of gardens this afternoon which will have been refreshed by the gentle rain that I heard overnight.
BBC sport has its disadvantages. Whilst watching Wimbledon earlier (the young female british player), I tackled a pile of ironing. I have never ironed the sheets + bedding, so quickly. I was very engrossed in the match and started ironing a pair of my favorite "microfibre" summer trousers. They melted before my eyes! I hadn't turned the dial down and also had to clean the iron. Oh well..
Mrs P, yes I did have strawberries and cream yesterday at Wimbledon. One has to! Miriam,I too noticed lots of slipping on the grass. You were right about the masks . I sat next to someone I didn't know. We chatted Neither of us was wearing a mask. The Centre Court roof was not on because the weather was fine and sunny but we were certainly not two metres apart. We had to prove that we had had two Covid injections
When we were eating we sat at a table for two by the large window and were not near to anybody else but other people were sitting at longer tables .
As regards the Commentators....... I don't mind any of them. Don't really know who is talking because I don't really listen properly
Miriam ,you don't seem to like Andrew Castle's commentary .I actually met him at a Wimbledon event a year or two ago and found ,him to be a very pleasant ,friendly and knowledgeable man and enjoyed the conversation I had with him. I do have an issue with one or two of the cricket commentators (female unfortunately) though.
I can tolerate Andrew Castle just..It is perhaps not what he says, but the way in which this is done. A firmer and stronger voice, would be much better. That's my thought.
I hadn't ever been to Wimbledon when I was your age,Miriam. You have plenty of time to go and when you do will last out better than I did. Twelve and a half hours is a long day for me. Do any tennis watchers find the grunting some players do ,annoying? My support goes first to any Brit who is playing and then to any non grunter. Yesterday the male Brit grunted so I was not too sorry when his young opponent who didn't grunt ,won.
LanJan, I went to Wimbledon with my school in 1964 - it was a treat for the 4th years before we had to tackle the harsh reality of o-levels. It was a lasting experience that I will never forget- afterwards I went every year until I married. We had entry tickets and rushed to the ( then) standing room on centre court. I saw some wonderful matches - Maria Bueno, John newcombe, Manuel Santana. I'm still glued to the tennis now. What a fantastic experience for you to go this year
I don’t know whether those of you who have lost pets feel this but just over a week since we lost Gypsy I just feel life has shifted and I need to reorganise. I’ve always been a one for routine and maybe when you lose a bit of a jigsaw you have to rearrange the other bits to fill the gap. I’m not putting it very well but hope you get the gist!
Sorry, I am very late to this party, only just read all yesterday’s comments so here are my thoughts:
1) Gary - I can understand you liking to arch sport on BBC with no adverts. They are very irritating & disruptive. I just wish they would have a dedicated sports channel (the old BBC3 perhaps) and would not mess up other scheduled programmes on 1 or 2
2)LanJan - a wonderful day for you. What a lovely surprise from your dear son My only experience of Wimbledon was, like
I'm late to this also but want to say I'm pleased you had a wonderful day out LanJan. I have memories of queuing for Wimbledon and not getting in but being successful the next time and watching Pete Sampras. I love how Wimbledon is so traditional and does not let standards drop. I am with Gary on the sport. Let's celebrate when our country wins!!
......Minty’s, a school trip for Fourth Formers. We went to see the Wightman Cup played on No 1 Court. This was a women’s event and we were horrified by the behaviour of one Billy Jean Moffat (later King, of course) who was so noisy and ill tempered compared with our demure Christine Trueman and Ann Haydon (later Jones) I don’t think I could stand all the grunting, shouting & bad behaviour these days. At least you can turn the sound down on TV!
And for me - I had a cream & strawberry’s tea too, but in the garden with daughter & family + neighbours for Mr A’s birthday. It was very convivial and he was on good form, considering what has been going on over the few disastrous days in Shropshire. Unfortunately I’m still feeling unwell & very tired with my throat infection and now having difficulty swallowing too but hoping the CR scab on Wed will help find out what’s wrong.
Oh yes! The Car. The car is still up in Shropshire with water leaking into the engine. It will cost more to repair (between £2,000 to £3,000) than it is worth. So very reluctantly, because he loved that car, Mr A has decided it will have go for scrap, simply not worth the expense of fetching it down here for our local garage go work on (and they know the car very well) So, the search will begin for a replacement this week. Mine was booked in for its MOT tomorrow but we are going to delay that, while we need it to get about. The MOT not due until end of month anyway.
Archerphile i do hope that your throat will feel better very soon. I have just re read your comment of 1st July regarding. MrA's car. You have enough on your plate without having to worry about cars. I know it is none of my business but ....... As soon as you feel better and your throat is sorted please consider the Move P tbY ,I and possibly others think would be in your interests to make. Go somewhere where there is a good transport system and Hospital . You need to be somewhere where you don't have to depend on the use of a car. I have just "SORNed" mine. I have decided to see if I can just use public transport and Uber and if so I will get rid of the car . I have driven for well over 50 years and if I feel the need I can always go back to driving. Sorry to interfere and ignore this if you wish.
Not interfering at all LanJan - just good advice, as always. And the point was not wasted on Mr A, I could not resist a little bit of propaganda and neither could our son & daughter He does accept the consequences now. I think one more year may well be seeing us on the market.
We've been wondering about downsizing for a little while as we still live in the family home. However, with the family spread out they always have to stay when they visit and it's nice to have the space. We will certainly appreciate it next week when our daughter and family arrive from Singapore. They are relocating to the UK (hurrah) and using our house as a base until they sort out somewhere to live which could be a few weeks! Life is certainly going to change for us, I'm making the most of the calm before the storm!
That’s lovely for you. We ended up sizing instead of downsizing. Our son lives away so ready for guests as he and his girlfriend increase in number. At least bedroom 4 is downstairs for when we are infirm!!!
LanJan ( and any other interested parties) You will be surprised (well I was) and no doubt pleased to hear that Mr A and I have been having a proper serious discussion about the future. I think the events of the last week have concentrated his mind. He completely surprised me by saying he had something to tell me…….that he was not really enjoying his gliding any more and was going to try and sell his share of the glider syndicate! He is still very attached to the group of friends he has at Lasham who are very important to him and wants to remain a ‘social’ member of the club so this will mean staying in reasonable distance. He realises that the garden is becoming hard work for him (first time he has ever admitted it) and that we need to consider our options.
We know the cottage will be difficult to sell for various reasons but could consider renting it out and finding something, smaller cheaper, or even rent ourselves. The idea being that the family would still have an interest in the property and perhaps one of the grandchildren might want to occupy it one day. So, it looks as though the thought is firmly in his mind that we need to downsize. He is going to confront his syndicate partners this week, who will no doubt try to persuade him not to sell, but he says his mind is made up. I have never asked exactly how much this hobby costs us each year but I am certain we will be making considerable savings!
Wonderful news for you. Everything happens at the right time. The stars have aligned themselves for decisions to be made. Im very pleased for you.
Wrote a post last night about W'donbut lost it. Have just heard from daughter that she and G daughter are on their way for a surprise visit. So must be brief now.
Archerphile. That is such a surprising turn around. Why not approach and talk to as agent, with regard to marketing the cottage, as:- For Sale/To Rent. This just might, give the answer.
All I can say is - onwards to suit you both, with whatever, you + Mr.A decide. It seems a turning point has now been reached. I wish you well, with all your discussions as to the many ideas and possibilities.
Remember though, that if you rent, then as the property owners, you will be responsible for any problems re upkeep, such as heating, plumbing and an awful lot more. Also rental tenants might not keep the garden neat + tidy esp. after all your hard work. I say this, as a rental property close-by, has a very overgrown garden which is not maintained. This overgrowth is, affecting a part of my garden.... A Bro-in-law has a rental property. He has on a couple of occaisions, needed to replace the windows, carpets, completely decorate throughout. This was due to tenants, who just did not respect the property. He only keeps it on, as it the inheritance "pot" for his kids. It is not an ideal situation, though. He put the rent up, and now every week, goes and maintains the garden, fences and all that entails.
Archerphile - I think MrA has made a very sensible decision to stay firmly on the ground, but will still maintain the social bond with his group. The release of funds will be useful too. It is also a good idea to keep your property in the family and give yourselves more options whatever you decide to do.
Great news Archerphile! Whatever you decide to do with your cottage, hard work ahead but the relief when it is done will be superb. “There is a season turn turn turn”……
I have just listened to The Byrds via You Tube, singing "Turn, Turn, Turn" It is really quite motivational, after what we all, have had to live through for such a long time.
Archerfile, I'm pleased for you that you and Mr A have come to a decision about moving. Mr CC used to fly a microlight but gave up and sold his plane a few years ago because he felt he wasn't doing enough hours to be safe. He still sees friends from the club and has no regrets.
I'm pleased that England had such an emphatic victory over Ukraine but find the constant calling it a thrashing by broadcasters not very nice, it's such a violent word.
Totally agree CC. I watched most of the match and was impressed with the England players on and off the pitch. I am sure that none of them would have described themselves as ‘thrashing’ the opposition. Poor journalism.
Apologies to all. I know that I have posted far too many times today, yet again 😣 I do realise that this, does take up a lot of Blog space. I must try better....and keep things more concise. At least, this does not include my thoughts on the Life in Ambridge page which are very limited.
Gary, I must congratulate you on your caption summing up every game of football that has ever been played. It strengthens my conviction that I don't need to watch any matches to know what happens!
Archerphile…..seize this opportunity with both hands now that Mr A has come round to your way of thinking. Good luck with whatever you both decide. Onwards and upwards!!
Archerfile, we had our house in Ledbury on the market for 18 months before it sold so may be worth considering putting yours up for sale right away if Mr A agrees. If I regret anything it is that we should have initiated the move earlier as Mike and I were always happy here not least because after several years apart we had Katy on the doorstep. In the event he only had just over two years on the island, Carpe Diem, AF!😊
I am so pleased Mr A has come round to the idea of moving. When you are feeling up to it,Archerphile ,start on the de cluttering. Very cathartic. In time, trust me,Mr A Will think it was his idea to move especially if you tell him what a good idea of his it was.
Thank you Lan Jan. I must say I have detected a bit of, um, don’t know how to put it exactly, slight depression, dissatisfaction in Mr A the last few months. Little did I know that he’d come to realise that he wasn’t enjoying his flying any more, or that the garden really was becoming a chore rather than a joy. I think he’d just realised that age was catching up with him but didn’t want to admit it. So, things should move ahead now. Lots to think about; sell or rent out cottage, where to look for new property, bungalow in village with small but pretty garden, retirement village? My preference would be a small town in Mid or North Wales to be near his sister and for the huge difference i property prices, but that would be away from his gliding friends. So what to do? Lots of thought and discussion on the horizon.
What a lot of thoughts, ideas and discusions will be needed by you + Mr. A When I need to make a big decision, I always write pro + cons lists. This is for the things which I want to achieve vs those what I just don't want. I find it helps me, to put things into some sort of perspective.
N.Wales. Think about the snow in winter, unless near the coastal areas. If a move northwards is part of your discussion, what about the area of the Shropshire/Welsh border?
i so appreciate that the current news, now being broadcast live, is so very important, but I can read all about this later, in a more concise way. I was engrossed in a Wimbledon match, and so had to suddenly load the i-player via a box, to continue to watch, something I was enjoying, and still am.
I have to give another massive Gripe. This is the "canned laughter" heard in radio programmes, when these have been recorded socially distanced, without an audience. I refer to I'm Soŕry I Haven't a Clue, before TA.
Archerphile- may I add another area of research. I know little of these gliding goings on, although I did have a go when I moved here. But there are two very close by me, and it occurs to me that there may be many, dotted around the country. Could you do some research and see where they are, and if any are in areas that might be worth looking at, Mr A could join the social side there. But I do realise that would take him away from his current long friendships. You would know if he would have any inclination to start new friendships within the same form of activity. And of course his long term friends could come and visit his new club if that were to happen.
Well Mrs P and Miriam - the club Mr A was visiting last week was at The Long Mynd, right on the Shropshire/ mid Wales border, exactly where Miriam suggested. Then there is another a little further south at Shobden in Herefordshire and one we know very well In the Lee of the Black Mountains at Talgarth, near Hay on Wye. All in beautiful areas which I would happily move to. We shall have to see.
Have you considered Shrewsbury if you are thinking of mid/north Wales Archerfile? An historic town centre, with art, music, book, food and flower festivals in spring/summer. It has a cinema, museum and art gallery and hospital ( not necessarily in that order of importance!) Also, I think the Long Mynd gliding club is about 20 minutes drive away. I think choosing a new place to live will be very exciting, and hope you find your perfect home. 🏡 😊
Archerphile think very carefully about the place you want to move to. You have lived for many years in Hampshire and during that time no doubt you have made many friends in the area. As we age and become less mobile it is more difficult to make new friends in a completely new environment. Downsize house and garden yes, but maybe not two or three hundred miles away from what has been “home” for so long.
I think it depends on your lifestyle. If you are a churchgoer you meet people and if Mr A continues his interests by being associated with the gliding club you will make new friends. In my case I joined Townswomen’s Guild and got to know people that way. I suppose with our life of moving around we hadn’t put down deep roots so maybe a bit easier for us. I think Archerfile will be able to weigh things up and indeed you may have friends or family not far away from where you move to.
I seem to be hogging this blog with our future plans, so this will be my last post t in the subject for a while. But I would like to answer a couple of the very helpful posts above:
Janice : yes, I know Shrewsbury quite well. It is a beautiful and historic town circled by the river ( and home to Brother Cadfael, of course). It is the town where my sister in law, who lives just over the border in Wales, does all her shopping. We first visited Shropshire around 30 years ago and were entranced by its towns like Ludlow and Bridgenorth and by the countryside. Like England used to be about 50 years ago! We have long said we should like to retire there one day. Now that my husbands sister lives very close to the border it is another draw. She is a very sociable person and would introduce us to the area.
But as Soz says, our friends are here in Hampshire - we’ll Mr A’s friends are. I have to admit I don’t have any actual close friends apart from our neighbour and the gliding wives ( one of whom died of Covid last year) , but we only meet up once or twice a year for a barbeque or Christmas dinner. I have never had close friends with whom I would exchange personal thoughts or worries and consider all of you here, on this blog, as my friends. Indeed I have confided far more to all of you all here than anyone else!
I think, at the moment, the likelihood is that we shall stay in this area, much as I long to get out of the busy, noisy, overcrowded South East, for the sake of Mr A’s social group. And our daughter & her family live near. But they are planning to move northwards in about 4 time years time when their youngest has finished school/6th form here. I have decided that I shall certainly relocate to either Wales, or near to where my daughter goes if and when I am left on my own and can please myself. I’m obviously not a Churchgoer but I could see myself joining the WI again!
Having to compromise on one's dreams is such a blinking pain in the neck! Can one's life be wasted in compromise? Or is there value in putting others needs in front of one's own?
I'm off on another cycling adventure - this time to The Borders! Going to visit all the ruined abbeys and cycle through the gentle rolling hills. On Thursday I'm going to Abbotsford House (the home of Sir Walter Scott) for dinner and an open-air performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Really looking forward to this trip as we have been shielding for 10 days due to MrGG having had another small op - all is good now!
I have visited Abbotsford . Love the borders I kid myself that because my maternal grandmother was a Scott we have a family connection with Sir Walter (as well as with Robert Falcon Scott.)
Well thought out Archerphile .. Stay in the area where Mr A has his gliding friends -but one with a good transport system ,hospital and shops within walking distance ("to get you out of trouble" ) I have never thought that one should follow ones children -unless it is to a Nursing Home near to them. What happens if the children move on? When my friend's husband died she moved counties to be near to her daughter in a lovely but remote village. She bought a large house across the road from her daughter. This year the daughter and husband divorced ,the house has been sold and the daughter has bought a house 20+ miles away to be nearer to her sons' schools. My friend worries abou t what will happen when she no longer drives.
I think the remote village was the mistake, Lanjan. When moving late in life you also have to look at the area around taking into consideration access to shops, medical facilities, public transport and so on. If you are also near to loved ones that’s a real bonus. I am lucky to have Katy actually living with me but if she moved on I could still function as although we are in a village it is situated with a main road running through, buses to Ryde and Newport and with doctors, vets and dentists very near together with shops and hairdressers! I recognise she has her own life and must have the freedom to move if necessary.
My further two pennorth Archerphile. When I moved from London in 2014 it was my third time of leaving. Twice I had been fortunate enough to get back on the property ladder in the metropolis. But this time I was not in my thirties or late forties, but in my mid seventies. I've had very few close friendships so wasn't too concerned about making new friends or any close friendships at all. But I was part of a close trio, a self supportive group, and strong. They still miss me, and I them and we are still in contact though not very regularly. I have made one friend over the last two years. Everyone else is little more than an acquaintance. I moved to a completely different part of the country and came hear principally for the glorious scenery. As LJ has suggested for you, and Ev has also spelt out the need to be close to amenities, I knew that I wanted to be in a town, but I failed to find a property in the town. Although everyone else considers that I have a 'cracking' cottage, I am not comfortable here and have difficulty with the hills so have to drive the less than a mile into the town, or any of the supermarkets. If it was flat or with even gentle hills I would be able to walk, but the hills here are crucifying. Given that Mr A knows the gliding airfields in the region and his sister is there already, and that you clearly like the area, I really think you should seriously consider the region around Shrewsbury. Also you have been very considerate towards his expensive (?) hobby for many years, and perhaps now he should make some changes. As I previously have said, he could become a social member at the several clubs you have identified.
I have to say that I would certainly gone to Shropshire / Herefordshire as a choice, for the countryside, the facilities and those lovely towns, but both my daughters are in the south. I would go to Cornwall but like LJs friend, the possibility of my daughters rocky marriage actually breaking is too great. And if it breaks, where will she go ? Back to the Isle of Wight I shouldn't wonder. Which again is somewhere I would very much like to be. But, but, but. ......... ?????
Archerphile you have a husband and I hope you keep him for a long time, but you are statistically likely to outlast him. You really must consider your personal options.
Talking of driving...... My car insurance was due on 1st July so I have not renewed it, have SORNed the car so it can not be driven ,had a £102 rebate for the road tax and will see how I go on using Uber taxis ,trains and possibly buses.. If I think it is OK I will get rid of the car.
Exactly what my son advised us to do Lan Jan. He had to sell their cars in Dubai in preparation for going home next week and they have been using the Dubai equivalent of Uber. He say the service is excellent, very reliable and much cheaper than keeping two cars on the road.
Archerphile. I love reading your thoughts and keep on giving these, as I for one, am intrigued and so very much enjoy them Why move locally now, to then move again in 4 years time. Do it now!! IF you were a relation of mine, then that is what I would suggest. Remember - two moves in 4 years, means 2 lots of solicitor, surveyors, estate agents and their fees, plus removal (with possible storage fees), stamp duty payments etc. It is so expected, that you will miss your Hampshire friends, but this will also be true in 4 years time.
I don't envy you, trying to work things out..
Fantastic news that your family will soon be back in France. This will mean a long awaited and deserved, meet-up soon, of that I am sure.
Still cleaning Miriam. About bottomed the 3 filthy toilets. Bought 5 litres of vinegar and 5 kgs of bicarbonate of soda that I’d helping greatly. Oven cleaning man coming on Monday. Just got a blocked bathroom sink to sort out tonight. Tried to clean the shower but gave up. It’s a definite health hazard and will have to go. Still love it though.
Thanks for the interesting update. It sounds like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" You will survive and I so hope, that your new home, will soon be magnificent and just as you want it to be. Will this be your fore-ever home??
Don't forget to register with a GP, and so get things into motion as to hospital transfers, so to get that troublesome eye sorted. Cleaning can then wait, as the eye is so much more important.
PtbY - Try using spray on lime scale remover on that shower. ( I note that you prefer vinegar and bicarbonate, so do I, but sometimes harsh chemicals need to be used.) I just thought I would try it and it worked wonders. Sprayed it on the glass and the tiles and scrubbed with a scrunchy and all the water marks disappeared along with any grime.
PTbY Citric acid! You can buy a box in Wilkinsons for about £1 Pour a kettleful of boiling water into the toilet, followed by about half the citric acid. Leave it until you get bored, or someone demands use of the loo. Brush and flush. You may need to repeat a couple of times if it's really bad but I find it works wonders.
Around the rim I find spray on vinegar helps.
I think I finally got my glass shower screen back to gleaming with vinegar and a stainless steel scourer - used very gently. Hard work but it did the job beautifully. Problem is, hard water is more persistent than I am, so I'm not sure why I bothered!
Ooh 😣 I have just realised that I should now, get my bus pass. This is purely to use, to go into town, when things get more normal. I am lucky, as I still have a 30min. bus service into town which is just a short walk away. All I need is a lovely photo!! That means, that hair is perfect + "slap" on..
Oh Miriam ! You should just see my bus pass photo. Bald head and no slap ! I am addressed as Sir fairly regularly, then of course that person is so embarrassed when they hear my voice, which isn't at all masculine. I do try to make people feel better though when they are embarrassed.
Just a comment. My sister trained to be a nurse and has been two years doing shifts and university. She now has announced that she is leaving nursing and has found another job. Why? Because she has worked night shifts, weekends and daytime shifts working in a hospice, holding hands with anyone who hasn't a relative while they die and comforting those relatives who have survived. Now she has a new job, sorting out arrangements and funeral directions with an undertakers. No weekends, no night shifts and to cap it all £1000 more over the year.
This though is so relevant to many other NHS services The hospital based:- Pharmacists who have to source all the meds needed for all the varying patients. Physios who have to work with patients, to get them up + walking again. Dieticians who have to ensure a good diet + nutrition for all. Occupational Therapists who work with patients to help to adapt homes, to suit. The porters. The list goes on + on.
All NHS staff are so very worthy, in whatever role they do. These are are so very vital + meaningful.
Haven't they all been offered the princely sum of 1% pay rise? There again, most film super-heroes work for free - perhaps the government thinks the super-heroes who are getting us through covid should do the same.
Do you think they will put it in a glass fronted case and move it from one hospital to the next for a six month sojourn ? Will each health centre and surgery get to keep it for a month ? If they were to create a system of ' loan' how many £KKKs would the management of that system accrue I wonder ?
Thanks Mrs P I’ll give it a go. Miriam we’ve only moved 4 miles so we are still with the same drs. Just got to change address when I’ve plucked up courage to ring the “pleasant” receptionist!
Archerphile CT scan today wishing you well with your Basingstoke trip. Change of subject how are you finding “Countdown” or have you finally after many years had to abandon it. I checked in on catch up for a 5 min nosey Anne Robinson - oh dear I only recognised her by her voice she seemed quite wooden to me but early days?
Just returned from hospital Lady R It was the first CT scan I have ever had and so I didn’t know what to expect. But is was much quicker, quieter and less scary than I had feared. The only problem was getting a canula into my arm for the dye they inject. They just couldn’t find a reliable vein, so I have come home with 4 dressing on my arms from the aborted attempts! I should be contacted with the result at the end of the week, or next.
As for Countdown, we have been catching up on recorded episodes and only saw the Series 83 Final with Nick Hewer’s last appearance yesterday ( loved the tribute from pm Alan Sugarj So this afternoon will be our first encounter with Anne Robinson. From some trailers we have seen, we are not looking forward to it! But to be fair we shall give her a week to see how she settles in before we decide.
Have been reading that a school in Scotland has banned “To kill a mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men” arguing that they show white supremacy. What they showed to me on first reading whilst still at school was that many are oppressed because of their race or status in society and only the bravest and the best will stand up for them. America at the time of Atticus was cursed by the same white supremacy in the Deep South. He went against the grain by standing up in court and defending an innocent black man. His supremacy didn’t come into it but his integrity did. When will these silly people who read offence into everything stop their stupid rhetoric! .??
I agree with you Ev about To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a wonderful story. Some people are so obsessed with ideas about white supremacy that it's hard to understand how their imagined ideas can be stopped. BTW Good luck England!!
I have taught 'To kill a Mocking bird' and 'Of mice and Men' for so many years I have lost count. I really don't understand the reasoning of the Scottish gentleman who objects to them. The compassion of Atticus, who prepares to protect Tom and stopping the white people from lynching him, then having his children attacked shows someone is beyond reproach. The same as George and Lennie with such a vivid description of the intolerance of the small minded and viscious life styles they lived. The literature and prose are exceptional in both books and I used to love it at the beginning of term starting the new book and delving into the characters and why they did this or that.
I haven't read either text but to me it shows the white supremacy for what it always has been. Nowadays, we are bombarded with some kind inverse political correctness. I too despair.
Countdown. I have only seen one episode, and no more. I am sure that there could have been a more suitable person, found as the presenter. Stephen Fry, Nigel Havers, Carol Vorderman, Sue Perkins, Fiona Britten, even Eammon Holmes!
In my opinion, these books are classics and should not be discarded. They portray the life at that time, which should not be forgotten. It is so important, that this period of history is remembered, to just show how times have changed and gone forwards. There is still modern "slavery" as TA portrayed so well, with the Philip + Gavin story.
I despair at very many books which are now published. Where are the wonderful descriptions, well spoken dialogues, and long sentences (which have been correctly written), along with a good + sensible story, which is well resolved? These are now becoming far less available, well in my opinion.
Ah Federer 🎾 🤭 would have loved him to win - but as you say Miriam it is now the young players that the senior ones inspired that are now coming through. I’d like today’s winner to make it to the final alongside Djokovic and for the match to have the same result 🤗 new blood and all that!
Well, we did watch Anne Robinsons first day on Countdown. Not quite as bad as we feared but very stilted, sticking rigidly to the script, no humour or little asides. Quite boring really. . But I expect she’ll get better as time goes on and she settles in. But it’s just not the same as with dear Nick Hewer and I really don’t think it works with an all woman team. You need a man in one of the roles for contrast.
On the subject of white supremacy and a school in Scotland denying their pupils the chance to study two thought provoking texts which highlight the injustices of the time . Surely Atticus epitomises justice and tolerance. The reader observes the action through the unbiased, innocent eyes of a child - Scout, Atticus’s daughter : with her we see how prejudice and hatred produce injustices but more importantly how we should defend the. vulnerable and fight prejudice.
I have taught both texts and loved them as did many of my pupils. As Spicy said - what is their reasoning behind the decision?
Well,Lady R I felt sorry for Denmark because I didn't think that it should have been a penalty although I did think that Kane should have had a penalty earlier . I didn't think Pickford was as good as he had been so I thought we would be in trouble if there had been penalty shoot outs . I am with Lord R . I think we will struggle against Italy My sister says I am miserable but I say I am realistic.
When I was 14/15 I went on a school trip to Italy. We slept on board ship, and in the evenings young lads, no doubt trying to impress, would play football alongside the ship and we would watch. I was amazed at the Italian dribbling skills and how light they were on their feet. I also remember how the senior mistress accompanying us gave us a serious talk saying that we were to be very careful and be aware and not too surprised if we got our bottoms pinched because Italian men liked to do that. I wonder, in these more egalitarian times if Italian men still do this.
Janice I moved to Italy in 1973. I was 25 a blue eyed blonde and was often chatted up by young Italians and eventually ended up marrying one but never had my bottom pinched nor ever heard of any of my friends having theirs pinched. I shall be watching the football match on Sunday with my family who will be supporting Italy so it's going to be quite a dilemma.
I watched last night and even stayed up past my usual bedtime to see the extra time. Yes it was very exciting, wonderful that we won, and the sense of euphoria in the ground was catching. Absolutely delighted for Gareth Southgate and his team
But why is this football game still the first and longest item covered in the news, almost a day later? Is nothing else happening in the world?
I agree Miriam. It is so nice to have the main item to be something that puts smiles on people's faces in this Country. I wonder whether Denmark thought they were the under dogs and although they would have been disappointed ,the Danes accepted it . That win will do such much to improve the wellbeing of millions of people in England which can't be bad.
How can the goverment now, renage on the "triple lock", which was part of the Conservative manifesto, to last until 2024? I am not political, but I do not understand this U-turn, breaking this intended promise to pensioners. It appears that government "promises" can be easily broken, if they just don't suit.. I will be contacting my local MP....
I’m not too worried about this. 8% rise seems an awful lot when compared to 1% for NHS workers and nothing at all for others in the Public sector. Covid has cost so much and feel we all should pull together to restore our economy. When the promise was made we had no idea what we would be facing in 2020 so maybe on this occasion a promise should be broken.
But 8% is not going to add much to the pathetic UK pension of approx £137 ( rising to £179 for new pensioners). It won't bring it anywhere near the German 507, the Spanish 513 or even the French 304. Okay if you have a professional pension to go with it but many don't. It says online the average nurses wage is £33,000 which to me seems a good wage.
Average wage for newly qualified nurses is about £24,907, minus tax and pensions. I think if you are earning £33,000 you must have taken on more responsibities.
The average nurses pay is £33,000 but of couse that is average.
And the 'average' couple with one child at home in London need at least £300,000 to 'scrape by'. Not counting the expense of de-John Lewising your home of course ...
Early bed tonight. I spent last night running up and down the Wembly football pitch, and today it's been the same at SW19, on different courts. I am exhausted... Goodness knows how I will cope on Sunday!
Japan has declared a Covid emergency in Tokyo and there will be no spectators allowed in the Olympic Stadium. The Olympic Games will be a TV only spectacle.
Whilst we, also in the middle of a huge increase in Covid cases which could rise to 50,000 cases a day soon, are allowing massive crowds at Wimbledon and 60,000 spectators at Wembley on Sunday none of whom, I predict, will be self distancing.
I’d take a guess at Tokyo Archerphile! The scenes around the UK well beyond Wembley Stadium itself were unbelievable. Stage 4 is already up and running Boris. No social distancing hardly a mask and climbing up double decker buses etc. Don’t mind me I am being a grumpy old woman - well grumpy anyway 🤣
The delta variant has been escalating in Cornwall. Caused, I think, by a mixture of the G7 summit with security forces from everywhere being placed all over the county and the influx of visitors.
The sister of a friend had a party for a group of friends and despite all of rhem having been vaccinated twice they are now all down with the delta variant. None of them so far have had to go to hospital, so it seems to me the vaccine doesn't stop you from catching it but does decrease the severity of it. I am going to continue to be as careful as possible.
At the risk of sounding frivolous, my Victorian greenhouse is arriving today. It won't be white, as per ALL the ones on the website because on application I discovered that to have it painted would cost a further £500, which the budget would not permit. However, two years ago the whole concept of this garden with the greenhouse as well was nothing more than a pipe-dream, so it's overwhelming to have it at all. It wasn't due until September, but I had a phone call late on Tuesday afternoon to say that they had a whole batch ready to go out, but the named customers did not have the bases ready; as mine was I jumped to the head of the queue. Wednesday was out of commission as the walk to the bus stop + Sainsbury's takes me out for the rest of the day, so yesterday was spent moving heavy pots around and cutting back hedges down the side of the house and further down the garden to give access without getting drenched or torn to shreds by holly. I have a sense of achievement on that front, but I'm nervous with anticipation.
I would love to see a picture when it is done. I am going to look online to see what a Victorian greenhouse looks like. Yesterday and today I am cutting back a hugely overgrown rose even though it is not really the time of year to do it. Really it is two roses grown together. I used to fall for the heights printed on plant labels until someone told me that that is the height at ten years old. It seems that after 30 years bush/shrub rosee can be massive. There is more rose than lawn at present. The ones I am cutting back are a lovely lemon colour with apricot buds. The old fashioned rampant pink rambler can wait as it is still flowering.
Janice, it's a wooden one on a dwarf brick wall, with a row of little spikes along the apex of the roof, a 6x4 version of the kind you see in stately 'omes and large Victorian properties. It was the only kind of greenhouse I ever saw while growing up, I suppose because all the greenhouses on the island were old - plus, of course, there was no access to the self-assembly, bulk warehouses in the UK. Consequently, when Mr S bought the previous one from Argos in the 1970s it was the first aluminium one I had ever seen and I was most disappointed. My current ident is my breakfast place on the terrace, but when the greenhouse is finished I'll change it.
Sounds lovely Sarnia. There is a local garden that has an original Vicky greenhouse as you describe. But although it is in poor condition, rotting timber.... it is still very much in use. The ancient and abandoned greenhouses very long and against a brick wall at Fulham Palace, was brought back to life about ten / twelve years ago, and became a delight to visit when in the grounds. It was one of my favourite local places to visit. Also love the one at Chiswick House.
Not sure from your post that yours IS painted white or not ? Please tell and send photo as before, so that we can all see.
I love the victorian greenhouses in the walled garden, at Tatton Park. These were used to grow pineapples, when this was a strange + unusual thing. Holkham Hall in Norfolk, has also restored the kitchen garden, including the original greenhouses. It was a shame that RHS Bridgewater, could not restore the original ones.
Come on England!! I shall be watching nervously on Sunday and really hope England can win. It would be such a lovely experience after 55 years of 'hurt'.
This is the second of the new delphiniums we bought from Hardy’s Cottage Garden plants a few weeks ago. Only small at the moment but the most intense royal blue with a white ‘bee’ at its centre. The variety is King Arthur.
Mine are doing brilliantly, particularly the lilac/purple one. I have loads of flowers on my runner beans plant, the only veg. I grow. There is nothing better than, going out and picking beans, for an evening meal.
I have a wonderful orchid in flower.. This was an "el cheapo" one from either S/burys or Tescos, from last year. I cut it back, left in on my kitchen window sill, and a new flower shoot appeared. This know has 9 flowers, with more to come into bloom. It is pink with white "veins" on, along with vibrant purple/yellow centres.
Spoiler alert only read if you are interested in veg.
Miriam I agree, it is sooooo nice to go and pick your beans or dig your potatoes and then cook them straight away. I’m digging our new potatoes at the moment ( or will be v shortly) and I’m going to pick a few broad beans which look ready - I do like them small. I’ve had a lot of trouble with my runner beans this year. First lot of seeds just disappeared, planted a second lot - when they didn’t appear bought small plants then the second sown ones decided to grow so I should have plenty now! In fact I’ve gone bean crazy with french beans and dwarf french beans which are growing well!!!!!
Sarnia your new greenhouse sounds lovely, so much prettier than the aluminium frame ones. Mine is a home made job - looks like a Heath Robinson affair but it does its job and I grow masses of toms, cucumbers and peppers in it. Also it is not in my garden but in an area we call our allotment.
No, Mrs P, I wanted a white one, but painted ones cost £500 more than the treated ones and with the other things that were part of my overall design, that was beyond my budget. It's actually a sort of natural wood colour. I was told that it can't be painted for at least four years because the paint won't take over the treatment. I guess I'll be celebrating my 80th with a paintbrush in my hand! Nice young chaps, the installers, but not the sharpest tools in the box: instead of keeping to the path right down the length of the garden and turning right along the bottom, I discovered that they'd been taking a short cut across my little wildflower meadow. It was looking really good before, but now it looks as if someone let the cattle out!
That looks fun with its ornamental top. I liked your breakfast place very much. When my son and his wife first arrived back in this country and we weren't supposed to have family/friends indoors I was laying up Sunday dinner on the garden table, and really got to like eating al fresco whereas I would always have served up food indoors before. Fortunately the weather was good.
There was a decrepit greenhouse in thr garden when my parents bought their second house. THey knocked it down but kept the red tiled floor. Mum thought straddling this floor was the perfect place to site the swing so we didn't scuff the grass. None of this safety surfacing, we were tuff in them days : ) Mind you, the greater danger was the whole swing toppling over. It had a A frame with bars joining the As across the base. Two metal pegs 'held' these bars on the ground. Swing too high and the whole frame lifted up at the front. Happy days!
I am ‘currently’ coping with a glut of soft fruit. I just can’t keep up with the ripening raspberries, blackcurrants and shortly gooseberries too. The black currants are a pain to prepare as you have to remove all the stalks and tiny stems, otherwise they make jam very bitty. Our raspberries grow in a huge undisciplined patch in the middle of the orchard. Originally there were just two rows, neatly fixed to horizontal wires, easy to see and pick. Having been neglected for a few years they now cover an area of about 40 square feet, new canes springing up everywhere. And Nettles & thistles grow underneath making picking the fruit quite hazardous. But when you see how much Sainsbury charges for a small punnet I know I shouldn’t grumble - just this afternoon I picked over 5 lbs of the berries!
Archerphile - You tell us that you live in a village, though I think a long, spreading one, and on a main road. Why aren't you sharing all that lovely fruit. Could you not set up a small table on the road ( edge) or take some down to the village and set up a table with an honesty box.
I have recently treated myself to an all singing all dancing blender and it blitzes fruit from the garden to make wonderful, and healthy, fruit smoothies. It will mill grain into flour as well. Our neighbour has a similar one, and she uses it to make soup using lots of different veggies that she has started growing, to improve her diabetic husband's diet as he was never brought up to eat much in the vegetable line. He said recently he had never eaten Swiss Chard, she laughed and said afterwards "oh yes he had" - in the soup she makes, but if he had known it was in it he probably wouldn't have eaten it. He has done well though. It is only about 6 months since his leg had to be removed below the knee, and about 3 weeks ago he hired/leased an adapted refrigerated van and is gradually beginning to work again, although only in this country now and not abroad. He has to test his blood sugar levels every 2 hours when driving because of the insulin. The garage was a week late in completing the adaptation so he had to cancelled his bookings except for one small order which was just in Cornwall and he borrowed my daughter's Chrysler and did the delivery in that.
Pleased to have an update on your neighbour Janice, and very pleased that he has had the motivation to get himself back into work. I sincerely hope he makes a good fist of it.
Question for Sarnia... I have been very interested in your garden revival, and need some work doing on mine, repairing a stone wall and installing block paving. How did you find a contractor? I am confused by builders, garden designers, landscapers etc. I just want a capable honest person who can do some hard work. I would appreciate your advice, thank you :)
Archerphile : make blackcurrant jelly instead! Sarnia : love your greenhouse. Whitecurrant jelly today, goosegog & mint last week, also blackcurrant. Recording session on Sunday, ex pupil has written a song cycle (pop) with string 4tet, meeting up with ex colleagues. Up to the big smoke! (Angoulême...)
Mistral: I think you probably need a landscape gardener. They deal with hard landscaping - paving, walls etc as well as planting, but also have training in design and can help you to focus your ideas and translate them into practical logistics of bricks and slabs. Having been sidelined by my first choice, I googled landscape gardeners in my local area. Of the several websites I found one listing the top three and had a closer look. One I rejected straight away because I felt there was too much emphasis on tarmac. The next one looked vaguely familiar, and it turned out that he was booked to work in the garden across the road and I'd seen the lorry outside. I had intended to invite tenders from both the other two, but never got beyond this one because he seemed in tune with what I wanted to do. the relationship was a bit bumpy to start with because he'd never tackled such a complex design before, but he has really excelled himself. They all have galleries of their work so you can gauge the use of materials and attention to finish.
Do you not belong to the local neighbourhood site ' Next Door ' ? Or a chit chat FB site locally. A request on one or tother asking for recommendations will give you a number of options.
Thanks everyone for the fruit suggestions Mrs P - years ago we did just that, had a table in the layby outside the cottage selling strawberries which we had lots of at the time. Not very successful I’m afraid, nobody wanted to stop as they zoomed past on their way to the West Country. Yesterday I had the idea of putting up a ‘Pick your own Raspberries’ sign so others could cope with the nettles and thistles but I’d probably be sued for stung legs!! And yes we do give loads away to neighbours and friends, especially when I’ve made lots of jam because neither Mr A should eat jam (diabetes) or me (weight gain).
Parsley, I’ll definitely try jelly and am also going to have a go at blackcurrant cordial. The farmer who used to own our old farm in the village used to grow fields and fields of blackcurrants which he sold to Ribena, so I think the soil in this area must be particularly good for growing them.
Freeze the fruit and eat it in the winter ,Archerphile.
I used to make crab apple jelly ,put it into little jam pots with pretty Laura Ashley cotton tops to give away for presents . However I still think it is a terrible waste to make jam with soft fruit . I have asked before on this site "What on earth do people do with all the jam"? There are only a certain number of sponge cakes and scones one can eat. Does anybody still eat bread and jam.?
Oh Lanjan, if you could see inside my freezer! There are more bags of soft fruit in there than anything else! And yes, all the people I know do still eat bead and jam, or scones and jam, or jam tarts or jam sponge pudding and both my offspring love nothing better than a few jars of Mum’s gooseberry jam ( which is difficult to find in supermarkets) But this year I have been specifically asked to make seedless raspberry jam (what a palava) because the pips get stuck in their teeth!
I too have a lot of fruit grown. Strawberries, raspberries, red currants, blackcurrants, and loads of potatoes! Next week I must get down to do whatever I do with them. We still have a couple of bags of plums in the freezer from last year. I do make jam for friends and Christmas presents though. I have about 4lbs of strawberries frozen and when I pick the next lot I;ll make some jam, especially if I manage to find the jars in the garage!
Lanjan -By the way I congratulate Anderson who got his thousands wickets but it was so awful of Kent that I was very ashamed of the performance, Our cricket club said they could do better than that!
Consultants gave me an increased prescription last Tuesday. Went to get a blood test on Friday for check up on drugs and if they are doing any damage but consultant has given me a date for a basal cell carcenoma removal two weeks time from my temple so Jon will have to take time off for surgery clinic. Exam board have asked me to mark last year so I think I will try. So many tests I take that if I don't make it they chuck me out!
All this delicious fruit! We have a tiny patch of raspberries behind the shed. Not much fruit but it tastes good. This year the blackcurrant I put in a couple of years ago has started to fruit as well : ) Not enough for jam or even freezing. It all goes on my breakfast porridge. We also have a cherry tree that is doing well. OMiaS says the cherries are lovely. I don't like cherries so I'll have to believe him on that.
My father-in-law used to grow mountains of fruit. As a boy, OMiaS spent many a summer picking the stuff - it tooks hours each day. Apart from the time Dad forgot to put netting over the top and there were of lot of smug, well-fed birds flying around. OMiaS's Mum made the most delicious jam with it. It was the most amazing stuff - so full of fruit you had to cut it with a knife. Apparently she used to wait until they'd had an argument before she screwed the lids on the jars. This meant you needed to have another argument to gain the strength to open the things again!
I have fond memories of crab apple jelly, 'jelly jam', my Granny made it using apples from the orchard behind her house. (The owner of the orchard didn't mind who used the apples - he'd bought the land to build an underground house although never got the permission to go ahead.)
OMiaS has recently bought a jelly bag with a stand. The chances of it actually being used are slim : (
Well Archerphile there is nothing for it but to move and the sooner the better. The main selling point for your lovely cottage will be your fabulous fruit and vegetable garden . That would have appealed to the (younger) me Why not put a notice in the local village shop if you have one to say that you are offering free "pick your own" If I were offered that chance I would take it up now and offer to help clear the weeds etc . We always went to pick blackberries in the late summer and early Autumn . We even went last year There were millions of large jiuicy ones on the Heath near to where I live but it is a place I would not want to go to alone so won't be going this year. We usually never saw another person. As children we always went blackberry picking. Enterprising youngsters could sell punnets of them . They are very expensive in Supermarkets.
Old Womam, I still have my jelly bag Whilst I am on my high horse about enterprising youngsters. Another thing we did ,which I have mentioned on this blog before I am sure ,is to go twice a year to dig up well rotted manure -always full of worms- from a Stables not far away. We were there last Autumn. Won't be going again sadly I reckon we must have collected well over 400 bin bags full in the time I have lived here.
On our three hour dog walk yesterday my friend and I were noting the best of the flowering blackberry bushes that we can return to later in the summer. I still pick blackberries and include them as part of my breakfast on my morning dog walk. I haven't made jam for years. I'm afraid I rely on others to make the jam that I consume. I buy most of my jam from gardens that I visit, or summer village fairs. And yes LanJan I often eat bread and jam.
My Dad, a Scot, used to say did we want a “piece n jam”. Gary will know a piece is a sandwich! Trouble was Dad would not let us have butter or margarine on it! Must have been his frugal past! We didn’t like the bread in Glasgow as it was rather dry to our taste. It had longer slices with a nearly black crust at the top and none at the sides. Our type of loaf was called a pan loaf I think. Dad always took a Scottish loaf home with us as he loved it! They did make lovely rolls up there though and we loved them with hot sliced sausage! Wish you could get sliced sausage in England!
I remember crab apple jelly well, which I have also made, with a hint of cloves in. My neighbours have such a tree in thier garden, so I can access this fruit. However, I now feel it is far better to leave the fruit on the tree. This is for the birds in the frosty + snowy months, as the fruit is such a good source of nutrition. I saw a massive flock of redwings on it, a couple of winters ago. This fruit is far better in thier bellies, than mine!!
As for finding contracters, odd job men, decorators etc., I am lucky as I am now getting a new, local, and monthly "Check-A-Trade" booklet through the door. This gives loads of trade-persons, who I believe have to be approved before being included in this, in my area and all the contact details.
That's me finished - except for one last thing. I popped to my local supermarket this morning, for a few extras and to pick up a needed, but forgotten precrisption. I couldn't believe the males with fully loaded trolleys - just beer + booze. 😁
I still make marmalade, but now have to use an adapted recipe, as I cannot now include grapefruit in it. This fruit is now forbidden, thanks to meds. taken. 😥
I hope GG will set up a new page, with a suitable heading, ready for tomorrow.... But will it be Wimbledon or Wembly, or both? The tennis match that I so want to watch - is the Mixed Doubles Final. Why? There is a british couple partaking, who I have followed closely via I-player coverage. These are J. Salisbury + H. Dart. I wish them well.
There is already one UK Wimbledon Champion..Andy Lapthorne, who was in the winning parternship, in the wheelchair doubles final. Sadly, these matches do not get much, or even, any coverage. This is in my thoughts, so needed, to motivate and inspire so many others. I so admire them, with thier ability and skill.. I have managed to see only a few matches. I admire these players in the highest regard, with the skill, technique, commitment and ability, that they show - in every way.
Yes, we also have a CheckaTrade booklet through the door. Mr S found what appeared to be an independent heating engineer in its pages and booked him to service our boiler. For some reason he paid £85 upfront before the work was done, only to be constantly fobbed off with excuses about being overbooked and not able to come. Turns out the man wasn't independent at all but working for SSE, the work was never done and Mr S refused to take steps to get the money back - probably felt too stupid. A friend engaged gardeners form its pages, who turned out to be two clueless young lads who did more harm than good. Beware CheckaTrade - it doesn't do what it says on the tin!
I do agree with you about Checka trade,Sarnia. The person I chose -he had the best ratings- to do some plumbing work for me was extremely unreliable . He never came when he promised . I think he was only interested in big jobs of work. I spotted him working at a nearby house and went across to remind him that he had not responded to my request His response was that I had telephoned him when he was out and he hadn't got his book with him but if I texted him he would get back to me straight away . He didn't of course. Why don't these people just say they are unfortunately very busy at the moment and are unable to take on any more work?
That would explain why my excellent landscape gardener isn't on the list _ he doesn't need to pay for recommendation. His lorry was seen outside the opposite neighbours' house for 6 weeks and then shortly afterwards, outside mine for another 2 months, He now gets plenty of work in this road!
Sarnia, thank you very much, that was very helpful. I will google landscape gardeners. I think someone trained would definately offer more solutions than I could imagine. Like others here, I plan to move house away from this area next year, moving to the south, and had planned to slowly and steadily sort out my house this year, but have been held up, principally because people just have too much on to come out and estimate. I have never been a great one for maintenence or spending money on the house, but now I want to, trying to get hold of people is almost impossible. Luckily I am not in a particular hurry, but I finally retire in October, (hurray!!), and would like to find my forever home sooner rather than later. Damp-proofers and electricians are scarcer than hens' teeth up here, so I will start backwards and do from outside in. I love my yard and garden, it will be a real pleasure to see them at their best.
MRS.P. I don't like facebook, used to have an account and found that I was becoming a proper nosey parker, so gave it up. I have heard/seen you recommend Next Door before, so I will look at it. In the meantime when I am out with my dog, I look at what others are doing for inspiration, and often think what I wouldn't do... :) :)
I've just seen your post of the 10 about your new juicer followed by your very positive news of your neighbour. So pleased he has been motivated to get back to work. I sincerely wish him well.
Re Checkatrade: We have always had positive experiences with booking tradespeople though this method. Especially an excellent heating engineer who came and corrected all the problems caused by the firm that installed our new oil-fired boiler who left us with oil leaking out over the kitchen floor! We now use the checkatrade man for regular servicing. We have also found a very good fencing contractor and a decorator.. They have all had very positive recommendations from us.
The only bad experience was last year with the firm that came to re-felt and re-slate our roof. He found there was less work to do than was expected but still charged the original quote even though he needed far fewer slates and wood. He also wanted money upfront which we were unhappy with. We challenged him and he wasn’t prepared to offer a partial refund but promised to come and replace the soffits and barge boards at no additional cost. After many months of reminders and excuses the work was finally done 9 months later. We obviously did not leave a recommendation on the Checkatrade site. But he was the exception to the usual high standard we have found.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteSarnia - July 2, 2021 at 10:12 PM
I turned on BBC 2 for GW at 9.30 - No, TENNIS.
I waited till 10pm on BBC 1 for News at 10 - No, FOOTBALL!
I'm obviously the only viewer on the planet who wants something other than wall-to-wall sport.
MrsP Ambridge - July 2, 2021 at 10:21 PM
No your not Sarnia.
Soz - July 2, 2021 at 11:24 PM
By chance I found GW on BBC4. Were there any announcements that it had been put on another channel?
Sarnia - July 2, 2021 at 11:29 PM
Not when I was around, Soz, but I only switch for specific programmes. This week the RT was a waste of money because the schedules are a work of fiction.
Archerphile - July 3, 2021 at 6:02 AM
Same here Sarnia
The BBC seems to think all the public are is interested in is Sport! How are they fulfilling their charter by giving wall to wall tennis & football on a Friday night?
I ended up watching the news on BBC News, then raided my recordings of Public
Eye with Alfred Burke from Talking Pictures TV, which I seem to be turning to more & more often these days
A treasure trove of old films (some very old) and TV series
Archerphile - July 3, 2021 at 9:23 AM
Oh, and just to add - I think the BBC, if not other channels, should be *required* to broadcast a news programme at the specified published time. If sporting event is at a critical point in a match or game on BBC 1 it should be transferred to another BBC channel. The news should *not* be delayed as has happened this week, sometimes for hours.
I watch BBC1 at 7.45 on Saturday mornings when Samira Ahmed has a 15 minute slot of viewer comments on the news programmes of the past week during the BBC Breakfast programme. A sort of feedback on the BBC’s news output. Always very interesting.
Today it was full of complaints about the scheduling of news programmes having been disrupted by sport. Thé public were very disgruntled about it.
They always have someone from the BBC News production team to answer, usually the typical brush off but today the excuses didn’t satisfy me at all.
Cheshire Cheese - July 3, 2021 at 8:00 AM
I've got a store of recordings that I made in preparation for this summer. Trying to record anything at the moment is very hit and miss with the schedules all over the place. I don't mind them putting the sport on but there must be a way of making it easier for those of us who would still like to watch our regular programmes like Gardener's World.
I LOVE sport on TV, and even more so when it's on the BBC and I don't have to endure advert breaks. I think there should be MORE live sport!
ReplyDeleteWell done Gary!
DeleteI don't watch anything and only check the score if I'm ReallY interested.
Apologies to those who are not enjoying all this summer sport.
ReplyDeleteI had a fabulous day out yesterday -courtesy of my younger son.
I was treated to a day out at Wimbledon.
I had a taxi there and back
Saw all three Matches on Centre Court and doubles Matches in the morning on an outside Court which we could view from where we were dining.
The food was great .
Could have had champagne or wine but stuck to Pimms - three- .
At one point was within a few yards of The Duchess of Cambridge .
It is the first time I have been away from home for more than a few hours for over 20 months .
Gosh I was tired when I arrived home and only woke up at 8:30 this morning.
What a fantastic sounding day out Lanjan!
DeleteSounds as though you had a brilliant day Lanjan.
DeleteI hope all those people running around hitting balls back and forth didn't disturb your food and Pimms ; )
8.30 am? That's practically the middle of the night!
Lanjan - What a fantastic day! Lovely, lovely sons!
DeleteLanjan - Wimbledon and Pimms, a perfect combination.
DeleteWhat a lovely day for you Lanjan, such a change.
DeleteFANTASTIC LJ so very very pleased for you what a treat and a wonderful thoughtful gesture from your son bless him 🥰
DeleteThoughts on The Duchess🤔
Owias 🤣 have to agree 😴😴😴
DeleteMrs P (previous blog)
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, pingpong balls are indeed for target practice!
A few years back someone pitched something similar on Dragons' Den. But his were blue, antibacterial, and weighted so the smily face always pointed forwards. But pingpong balls are cheaper! And don't have to be replaced every three months as the smiling blue imposters were supposed to be. As I type, I'm beginning to be very glad I never thought to draw faces on the pingpong balls...
Apparently men's urinals used to have a small picture of a bee for similar reasons.
Quick quiz: what's the Latin for 'bee'? : )
Ha, should have guessed, same in Italian.
DeleteThank you OWIAS -
ReplyDeleteI had no idea !
A memory is triggered
Once as a child we as a family were stranded on a remote railway station.
My sister and I were both in need of relieving ourselves but the ladies lavatory was locked. Our father saw the solution as taking us into the gentlemans, mother was horrified. In addition to remembering the attitudes displayed I have a vision of lots of white and a horrid smell.
What a wonderful day you had LanJan.
No strawberries and cream though ?
Not having a television and relying strictly on the wireless for all my news, comment and analysis, it doesn't bother me that television is overwhelmingly sports.
But I do sympathise with the concerns expressed.
I hope to be visiting a small group of gardens this afternoon which will have been refreshed by the gentle rain that I heard overnight.
OWiaS: apia - whoever would have thought it!
ReplyDeleteBBC sport has its disadvantages. Whilst watching Wimbledon earlier (the young female british player), I tackled a pile of ironing. I have never ironed the sheets + bedding, so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI was very engrossed in the match and started ironing a pair of my favorite "microfibre" summer trousers. They melted before my eyes!
I hadn't turned the dial down and also had to clean the iron.
Oh well..
GG. Just love the heading..😁
ReplyDeleteMrs P, yes I did have strawberries and cream yesterday at Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteOne has to!
Miriam,I too noticed lots of slipping on the grass.
You were right about the masks .
I sat next to someone I didn't know.
We chatted
Neither of us was wearing a mask.
The Centre Court roof was not on because the weather was fine and sunny but we were certainly not two metres apart.
We had to prove that we had had two Covid injections
When we were eating we sat at a table for two by the large window and were not near to anybody else but other people were sitting at longer tables .
As regards the Commentators.......
I don't mind any of them.
Don't really know who is talking because I don't really listen properly
Miriam ,you don't seem to like Andrew Castle's commentary .I actually met him at a Wimbledon event a year or two ago and found ,him to be a very pleasant ,friendly and knowledgeable man and enjoyed the conversation I had with him.
I do have an issue with one or two of the cricket commentators (female unfortunately) though.
I can tolerate Andrew Castle just..It is perhaps not what he says, but the way in which this is done.
DeleteA firmer and stronger voice, would be much better.
That's my thought.
I envy you for your visit to SW1 and the Pimms!
PS A Castle seems much better today 😁
DeleteI hadn't ever been to Wimbledon when I was your age,Miriam.
DeleteYou have plenty of time to go and when you do will last out better than I did.
Twelve and a half hours is a long day for me.
Do any tennis watchers find the grunting some players do ,annoying?
My support goes first to any Brit who is playing and then to any non grunter.
Yesterday the male Brit grunted so I was not too sorry when his young opponent who didn't grunt ,won.
LanJan, I went to Wimbledon with my school in 1964 - it was a treat for the 4th years before we had to tackle the harsh reality of o-levels. It was a lasting experience that I will never forget- afterwards I went every year until I married. We had entry tickets and rushed to the ( then) standing room on centre court. I saw some wonderful matches - Maria Bueno, John newcombe, Manuel Santana. I'm still glued to the tennis now. What a fantastic experience for you to go this year
DeleteI am having a lovely sunny, hot but humid, evening. So far there are no signs, as to the thunderstorms forecast.
ReplyDeleteI am multi tasking - watching the tennis and cooking my evening meal, but I know I can't say what this is. It will be a good one!
I am not if I will watch the football, just yet.
Lanjan tennis grunters 😱😡😱😡 can’t stand them!
ReplyDeleteMe too ... have had to turn a match off today, shrieks, grunts and attention seeking, just too much
DeleteI don’t know whether those of you who have lost pets feel this but just over a week since we lost Gypsy I just feel life has shifted and I need to reorganise. I’ve always been a one for routine and maybe when you lose a bit of a jigsaw you have to rearrange the other bits to fill the gap. I’m not putting it very well but hope you get the gist!
ReplyDeleteTotally understandable Ev and well put 🥰
DeleteDefinitely understand that Ev, being a routine sort of person myself.
DeleteLJ, what a day!
ReplyDeleteDeffo no grunters or shriekers for me 😠
So pleased for Emma - so full of promise!
Agree a fantastic day parsley and 🤞🏼Emma carries on as she has started such a lovely and talented young lady 🎾
DeleteSo pleased for Gareth Southgate ⚽️
Sorry, I am very late to this party, only just read all yesterday’s comments so here are my thoughts:
ReplyDelete1) Gary - I can understand you liking to arch sport on BBC with no adverts. They are very irritating & disruptive. I just wish they would have a dedicated sports channel (the old BBC3 perhaps) and would not mess up other scheduled programmes on 1 or 2
2)LanJan - a wonderful day for you. What a lovely surprise from your dear son
My only experience of Wimbledon was, like
I agreed wholeheartedly about a channel dedicated for the sport and retain the schedules for other programmes.
DeleteI'm late to this also but want to say I'm pleased you had a wonderful day out LanJan. I have memories of queuing for Wimbledon and not getting in but being successful the next time and watching Pete Sampras. I love how Wimbledon is so traditional and does not let standards drop.
DeleteI am with Gary on the sport. Let's celebrate when our country wins!!
......Minty’s, a school trip for Fourth Formers. We went to see the Wightman Cup played on No 1 Court. This was a women’s event and we were horrified by the behaviour of one Billy Jean Moffat (later King, of course) who was so noisy and ill tempered compared with our demure Christine Trueman and Ann Haydon (later Jones)
ReplyDeleteI don’t think I could stand all the grunting, shouting & bad behaviour these days. At least you can turn the sound down on TV!
And for me - I had a cream & strawberry’s tea too, but in the garden with daughter & family + neighbours for Mr A’s birthday. It was very convivial and he was on good form, considering what has been going on over the few disastrous days in Shropshire.
Unfortunately I’m still feeling unwell & very tired with my throat infection and now having difficulty swallowing too but hoping the CR scab on Wed will help find out what’s wrong.
Sorry for long post , that’s it for today!
Oh dear! Not CR Scab of course - CT Scan!!!
DeleteDid you get the car sorted out Archerfile?
DeleteBelated “Happy Birthday” to Mr A 🎂
ReplyDeleteA cream tea - yum!
Wishing you both much better days ahead (very soon!
Oh yes the car……
Oh yes! The Car.
ReplyDeleteThe car is still up in Shropshire with water leaking into the engine. It will cost more to repair (between £2,000 to £3,000) than it is worth. So very reluctantly, because he loved that car, Mr A has decided it will have go for scrap, simply not worth the expense of fetching it down here for our local garage go work on (and they know the car very well)
So, the search will begin for a replacement this week.
Mine was booked in for its MOT tomorrow but we are going to delay that, while we need it to get about. The MOT not due until end of month anyway.
Archerphile, whatever it is in your throat, I wish with you for it to go away.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile i do hope that your throat will feel better very soon.
ReplyDeleteI have just re read your comment of 1st July regarding. MrA's car.
You have enough on your plate without having to worry about cars.
I know it is none of my business but .......
As soon as you feel better and your throat is sorted please consider the Move P tbY ,I and possibly others think would be in your interests to make.
Go somewhere where there is a good transport system and Hospital .
You need to be somewhere where you don't have to depend on the use of a car.
I have just "SORNed" mine.
I have decided to see if I can just use public transport and Uber and if so I will get rid of the car .
I have driven for well over 50 years and if I feel the need I can always go back to driving.
Sorry to interfere and ignore this if you wish.
Not interfering at all LanJan - just good advice, as always.
DeleteAnd the point was not wasted on Mr A, I could not resist a little bit of propaganda and neither could our son & daughter He does accept the consequences now.
I think one more year may well be seeing us on the market.
We've been wondering about downsizing for a little while as we still live in the family home. However, with the family spread out they always have to stay when they visit and it's nice to have the space. We will certainly appreciate it next week when our daughter and family arrive from Singapore. They are relocating to the UK (hurrah) and using our house as a base until they sort out somewhere to live which could be a few weeks! Life is certainly going to change for us, I'm making the most of the calm before the storm!
ReplyDeleteThat’s lovely for you.
DeleteWe ended up sizing instead of downsizing. Our son lives away so ready for guests as he and his girlfriend increase in number. At least bedroom 4 is downstairs for when we are infirm!!!
LanJan ( and any other interested parties)
ReplyDeleteYou will be surprised (well I was) and no doubt pleased to hear that Mr A and I have been having a proper serious discussion about the future.
I think the events of the last week have concentrated his mind. He completely surprised me by saying he had something to tell me…….that he was not really enjoying his gliding any more and was going to try and sell his share of the glider syndicate!
He is still very attached to the group of friends he has at Lasham who are very important to him and wants to remain a ‘social’ member of the club so this will mean staying in reasonable distance. He realises that the garden is becoming hard work for him (first time he has ever admitted it) and that we need to consider our options.
We know the cottage will be difficult to sell for various reasons but could consider renting it out and finding something, smaller cheaper, or even rent ourselves. The idea being that the family would still have an interest in the property and perhaps one of the grandchildren might want to occupy it one day.
So, it looks as though the thought is firmly in his mind that we need to downsize.
He is going to confront his syndicate partners this week, who will no doubt try to persuade him not to sell, but he says his mind is made up. I have never asked exactly how much this hobby costs us each year but I am certain we will be making considerable savings!
Must reply instantly to your post AP !
DeleteWonderful news for you.
Everything happens at the right time.
The stars have aligned themselves for decisions to be made.
Im very pleased for you.
Wrote a post last night about W'donbut lost it.
Have just heard from daughter that she and G daughter are on their way for a surprise visit. So must be brief now.
Have a great time MrsP!
DeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a surprising turn around.
Why not approach and talk to as agent, with regard to marketing the cottage, as:-
For Sale/To Rent.
This just might, give the answer.
All I can say is - onwards to suit you both, with whatever, you + Mr.A decide.
DeleteIt seems a turning point has now been reached.
I wish you well, with all your discussions as to the many ideas and possibilities.
Remember though, that if you rent, then as the property owners, you will be responsible for any problems re upkeep, such as heating, plumbing and an awful lot more. Also rental tenants might not keep the garden neat + tidy esp. after all your hard work.
DeleteI say this, as a rental property close-by, has a very overgrown garden which is not maintained. This overgrowth is, affecting a part of my garden....
A Bro-in-law has a rental property. He has on a couple of occaisions, needed to replace the windows, carpets, completely decorate throughout. This was due to tenants, who just did not respect the property. He only keeps it on, as it the inheritance "pot" for his kids. It is not an ideal situation, though.
He put the rent up, and now every week, goes and maintains the garden, fences and all that entails.
Archerphile - I think MrA has made a very sensible decision to stay firmly on the ground, but will still maintain the social bond with his group. The release of funds will be useful too.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a good idea to keep your property in the family and give yourselves more options whatever you decide to do.
I agree, but with one reservation only.
DeleteWill a family member eventually want to buy + then move in?
This only Archerphile will know.
Great news Archerphile! Whatever you decide to do with your cottage, hard work ahead but the relief when it is done will be superb.
ReplyDelete“There is a season turn turn turn”……
The Byrds. I recognised it immediately and so looked up the full lyrics.
DeleteThe last is so pertinant -
"I swear it's not too late".
I have just listened to The Byrds via You Tube, singing "Turn, Turn, Turn"
DeleteIt is really quite motivational, after what we all, have had to live through for such a long time.
Rousing words based on a lovely passage from Ecclesiastes!
DeleteArcherfile, I'm pleased for you that you and Mr A have come to a decision about moving.
ReplyDeleteMr CC used to fly a microlight but gave up and sold his plane a few years ago because he felt he wasn't doing enough hours to be safe. He still sees friends from the club and has no regrets.
I'm pleased that England had such an emphatic victory over Ukraine but find the constant calling it a thrashing by broadcasters not very nice, it's such a violent word.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree CC. I watched most of the match and was impressed with the England players on and off the pitch. I am sure that none of them would have described themselves as ‘thrashing’ the opposition. Poor journalism.
DeleteApologies to all. I know that I have posted far too many times today, yet again 😣
ReplyDeleteI do realise that this, does take up a lot of Blog space.
I must try better....and keep things more concise.
At least, this does not include my thoughts on the Life in Ambridge page which are very limited.
Gary, I must congratulate you on your caption summing up every game of football that has ever been played. It strengthens my conviction that I don't need to watch any matches to know what happens!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile…..seize this opportunity with both hands now that Mr A has come round to your way of thinking. Good luck with whatever you both decide. Onwards and upwards!!
ReplyDeleteArcherfile, we had our house in Ledbury on the market for 18 months before it sold so may be worth considering putting yours up for sale right away if Mr A agrees. If I regret anything it is that we should have initiated the move earlier as Mike and I were always happy here not least because after several years apart we had Katy on the doorstep. In the event he only had just over two years on the island, Carpe Diem, AF!😊
ReplyDeleteI don’t mean time may be short for you , no two stories are the same, but moving isn’t easy and the older you get the less easy it is to cope!
DeleteI am so pleased Mr A has come round to the idea of moving.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are feeling up to it,Archerphile ,start on the de cluttering.
Very cathartic.
In time, trust me,Mr A Will think it was his idea to move especially if you tell him what a good idea of his it was.
Thank you Lan Jan. I must say I have detected a bit of, um, don’t know how to put it exactly, slight depression, dissatisfaction in Mr A the last few months. Little did I know that he’d come to realise that he wasn’t enjoying his flying any more, or that the garden really was becoming a chore rather than a joy. I think he’d just realised that age was catching up with him but didn’t want to admit it.
DeleteSo, things should move ahead now. Lots to think about; sell or rent out cottage, where to look for new property, bungalow in village with small but pretty garden, retirement village? My preference would be a small town in Mid or North Wales to be near his sister and for the huge difference i property prices, but that would be away from his gliding friends. So what to do? Lots of thought and discussion on the horizon.
What a lot of thoughts, ideas and discusions will be needed by you + Mr. A
DeleteWhen I need to make a big decision, I always write pro + cons lists. This is for the things which I want to achieve vs those what I just don't want. I find it helps me, to put things into some sort of perspective.
N.Wales. Think about the snow in winter, unless near the coastal areas.
DeleteIf a move northwards is part of your discussion, what about the area of the Shropshire/Welsh border?
i so appreciate that the current news, now being broadcast live, is so very important, but I can read all about this later, in a more concise way.
ReplyDeleteI was engrossed in a Wimbledon match, and so had to suddenly load the i-player via a box, to continue to watch, something I was enjoying, and still am.
I have to give another massive Gripe.
ReplyDeleteThis is the "canned laughter" heard in radio programmes, when these have been recorded socially distanced, without an audience.
I refer to I'm Soŕry I Haven't a Clue, before TA.
I thought the laughter sounded like that because the audience was on video
DeleteIt was. Jack Dee said that the laughter was from Northern Ireland ,I think.
DeleteArcherphile- may I add another area of research.
ReplyDeleteI know little of these gliding goings on, although I did have a go when I moved here.
But there are two very close by me, and it occurs to me that there may be many, dotted around the country.
Could you do some research and see where they are, and if any are in areas that might be worth looking at, Mr A could join the social side there.
But I do realise that would take him away from his current long friendships.
You would know if he would have any inclination to start new friendships within the same form of activity. And of course his long term friends could come and visit his new club if that were to happen.
Well Mrs P and Miriam - the club Mr A was visiting last week was at The Long Mynd, right on the Shropshire/ mid Wales border, exactly where Miriam suggested.
ReplyDeleteThen there is another a little further south at Shobden in Herefordshire and one we know very well In the Lee of the Black Mountains at Talgarth, near Hay on Wye.
All in beautiful areas which I would happily move to. We shall have to see.
I don't believe it! I hadn't refreshed the page for some time and have only just seen your post. See below.
DeleteHave you considered Shrewsbury if you are thinking of mid/north Wales Archerfile? An historic town centre, with art, music, book, food and flower festivals in spring/summer. It has a cinema, museum and art gallery and hospital ( not necessarily in that order of importance!)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think the Long Mynd gliding club is about 20 minutes drive away.
I think choosing a new place to live will be very exciting, and hope you find your perfect home. 🏡 😊
Archerphile think very carefully about the place you want to move to. You have lived for many years in Hampshire and during that time no doubt you have made many friends in the area. As we age and become less mobile it is more difficult to make new friends in a completely new environment. Downsize house and garden yes, but maybe not two or three hundred miles away from what has been “home” for so long.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on your lifestyle. If you are a churchgoer you meet people and if Mr A continues his interests by being associated with the gliding club you will make new friends. In my case I joined Townswomen’s Guild and got to know people that way. I suppose with our life of moving around we hadn’t put down deep roots so maybe a bit easier for us. I think Archerfile will be able to weigh things up and indeed you may have friends or family not far away from where you move to.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be hogging this blog with our future plans, so this will be my last post t in the subject for a while. But I would like to answer a couple of the very helpful posts above:
ReplyDeleteJanice : yes, I know Shrewsbury quite well. It is a beautiful and historic town circled by the river ( and home to Brother Cadfael, of course). It is the town where my sister in law, who lives just over the border in Wales, does all her shopping.
We first visited Shropshire around 30 years ago and were entranced by its towns like Ludlow and Bridgenorth and by the countryside. Like England used to be about 50 years ago! We have long said we should like to retire there one day. Now that my husbands sister lives very close to the border it is another draw. She is a very sociable person and would introduce us to the area.
But as Soz says, our friends are here in Hampshire - we’ll Mr A’s friends are. I have to admit I don’t have any actual close friends apart from our neighbour and the gliding wives ( one of whom died of Covid last year) , but we only meet up once or twice a year for a barbeque or Christmas dinner. I have never had close friends with whom I would exchange personal thoughts or worries and consider all of you here, on this blog, as my friends. Indeed I have confided far more to all of you all here than anyone else!
I think, at the moment, the likelihood is that we shall stay in this area, much as I long to get out of the busy, noisy, overcrowded South East, for the sake of Mr A’s social group. And our daughter & her family live near. But they are planning to move northwards in about 4 time years time when their youngest has finished school/6th form here. I have decided that I shall certainly relocate to either Wales, or near to where my daughter goes if and when I am left on my own and can please myself. I’m obviously not a Churchgoer but I could see myself joining the WI again!
Having to compromise on one's dreams is such a blinking pain in the neck! Can one's life be wasted in compromise? Or is there value in putting others needs in front of one's own?
DeleteI'm off on another cycling adventure - this time to The Borders! Going to visit all the ruined abbeys and cycle through the gentle rolling hills. On Thursday I'm going to Abbotsford House (the home of Sir Walter Scott) for dinner and an open-air performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to this trip as we have been shielding for 10 days due to MrGG having had another small op - all is good now!
Sounds like the perfect break Gary. Especially the open air Shakespeare performance .Hope the weather stays fine for you.
DeleteHope you have a great trip Gary
DeleteI have visited Abbotsford .
ReplyDeleteLove the borders
I kid myself that because my maternal grandmother was a Scott we have a family connection with Sir Walter (as well as with Robert Falcon Scott.)
Well thought out Archerphile ..
ReplyDeleteStay in the area where Mr A has his gliding friends -but one with a good transport system ,hospital and shops within walking distance ("to get you out of trouble" )
I have never thought that one should follow ones children -unless it is to a Nursing Home near to them.
What happens if the children move on?
When my friend's husband died she moved counties to be near to her daughter in a lovely but remote village.
She bought a large house across the road from her daughter.
This year the daughter and husband divorced ,the house has been sold and the daughter has bought a house 20+ miles away to be nearer to her sons' schools.
My friend worries abou t what will happen when she no longer drives.
I think the remote village was the mistake, Lanjan. When moving late in life you also have to look at the area around taking into consideration access to shops, medical facilities, public transport and so on. If you are also near to loved ones that’s a real bonus. I am lucky to have Katy actually living with me but if she moved on I could still function as although we are in a village it is situated with a main road running through, buses to Ryde and Newport and with doctors, vets and dentists very near together with shops and hairdressers! I recognise she has her own life and must have the freedom to move if necessary.
Delete✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️Ev
DeleteMy further two pennorth Archerphile.
DeleteWhen I moved from London in 2014 it was my third time of leaving.
Twice I had been fortunate enough to get back on the property ladder in the metropolis.
But this time I was not in my thirties or late forties, but in my mid seventies.
I've had very few close friendships so wasn't too concerned about making new friends or any close friendships at all.
But I was part of a close trio, a self supportive group, and strong.
They still miss me, and I them and we are still in contact though not very regularly.
I have made one friend over the last two years. Everyone else is little more than an acquaintance.
I moved to a completely different part of the country and came hear principally for the glorious scenery.
As LJ has suggested for you, and Ev has also spelt out the need to be close to amenities, I knew that I wanted to be in a town, but I failed to find a property in the town. Although everyone else considers that I have a 'cracking' cottage, I am not comfortable here and have difficulty with the hills so have to drive the less than a mile into the town, or any of the supermarkets.
If it was flat or with even gentle hills I would be able to walk, but the hills here are crucifying.
Given that Mr A knows the gliding airfields in the region and his sister is there already, and that you clearly like the area, I really think you should seriously consider the region around Shrewsbury.
Also you have been very considerate towards his expensive (?) hobby for many years, and perhaps now he should make some changes. As I previously have said, he could become a social member at the several clubs you have identified.
I have to say that I would certainly gone to Shropshire / Herefordshire as a choice, for the countryside, the facilities and those lovely towns, but both my daughters are in the south. I would go to Cornwall but like LJs friend, the possibility of my daughters rocky marriage actually breaking is too great. And if it breaks, where will she go ? Back to the Isle of Wight I shouldn't wonder. Which again is somewhere I would very much like to be.
But, but, but. ......... ?????
Archerphile you have a husband and I hope you keep him for a long time, but you are statistically likely to outlast him.
You really must consider your personal options.
I'll mind my own business now, and shut up.
Talking of driving......
ReplyDeleteMy car insurance was due on 1st July so I have not renewed it, have SORNed the car so it can not be driven ,had a £102 rebate for the road tax and will see how I go on using Uber taxis ,trains and possibly buses..
If I think it is OK I will get rid of the car.
Exactly what my son advised us to do Lan Jan. He had to sell their cars in Dubai in preparation for going home next week and they have been using the Dubai equivalent of Uber. He say the service is excellent, very reliable and much cheaper than keeping two cars on the road.
DeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your thoughts and keep on giving these, as I for one, am intrigued and so very much enjoy them
Why move locally now, to then move again in 4 years time.
Do it now!!
IF you were a relation of mine, then that is what I would suggest.
Remember - two moves in 4 years, means 2 lots of solicitor, surveyors, estate agents and their fees, plus removal (with possible storage fees), stamp duty payments etc.
It is so expected, that you will miss your Hampshire friends, but this will also be true in 4 years time.
I don't envy you, trying to work things out..
Fantastic news that your family will soon be back in France. This will mean a long awaited and deserved, meet-up soon, of that I am sure.
Keep us posted.
PtbY
ReplyDeleteHow is your new home progressing?
Still cleaning Miriam. About bottomed the 3 filthy toilets. Bought 5 litres of vinegar and 5 kgs of bicarbonate of soda that I’d helping greatly.
DeleteOven cleaning man coming on Monday.
Just got a blocked bathroom sink to sort out tonight. Tried to clean the shower but gave up. It’s a definite health hazard and will have to go.
Still love it though.
Thanks for the interesting update.
DeleteIt sounds like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly"
You will survive and I so hope, that your new home, will soon be magnificent and just as you want it to be.
Will this be your fore-ever home??
Don't forget to register with a GP, and so get things into motion as to hospital transfers, so to get that troublesome eye sorted.
DeleteCleaning can then wait, as the eye is so much more important.
PtbY -
DeleteTry using spray on lime scale remover on that shower.
( I note that you prefer vinegar and bicarbonate, so do I, but sometimes harsh chemicals need to be used.) I just thought I would try it and it worked wonders. Sprayed it on the glass and the tiles and scrubbed with a scrunchy and all the water marks disappeared along with any grime.
PTbY
DeleteCitric acid! You can buy a box in Wilkinsons for about £1
Pour a kettleful of boiling water into the toilet, followed by about half the citric acid. Leave it until you get bored, or someone demands use of the loo. Brush and flush. You may need to repeat a couple of times if it's really bad but I find it works wonders.
Around the rim I find spray on vinegar helps.
I think I finally got my glass shower screen back to gleaming with vinegar and a stainless steel scourer - used very gently. Hard work but it did the job beautifully. Problem is, hard water is more persistent than I am, so I'm not sure why I bothered!
Ooh 😣
ReplyDeleteI have just realised that I should now, get my bus pass.
This is purely to use, to go into town, when things get more normal. I am lucky, as I still have a 30min. bus service into town which is just a short walk away.
All I need is a lovely photo!!
That means, that hair is perfect + "slap" on..
Oh Miriam !
DeleteYou should just see my bus pass photo.
Bald head and no slap !
I am addressed as Sir fairly regularly, then of course that person is so embarrassed when they hear my voice, which isn't at all masculine.
I do try to make people feel better though when they are embarrassed.
Just a comment. My sister trained to be a nurse and has been two years doing shifts and university. She now has announced that she is leaving nursing and has found another job.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Because she has worked night shifts, weekends and daytime shifts working in a hospice, holding hands with anyone who hasn't a relative while they die and comforting those relatives who have survived.
Now she has a new job, sorting out arrangements and funeral directions with an undertakers. No weekends, no night shifts and to cap it all £1000 more over the year.
Don't you think the nurses deserve more money?
Yes, along with a lot more acknowledgement.
DeleteThey are true unsung heroes.
This though is so relevant to many other NHS services
DeleteThe hospital based:-
Pharmacists who have to source all the meds needed for all the varying patients.
Physios who have to work with patients, to get them up + walking again.
Dieticians who have to ensure a good diet + nutrition for all.
Occupational Therapists who work with patients to help to adapt homes, to suit.
The porters.
The list goes on + on.
All NHS staff are so very worthy, in whatever role they do. These are are so very vital + meaningful.
Haven't they all been offered the princely sum of 1% pay rise?
DeleteThere again, most film super-heroes work for free - perhaps the government thinks the super-heroes who are getting us through covid should do the same.
Never mind, they've all got a share in a George Cross instead!
ReplyDeleteDo you think they will put it in a glass fronted case and move it from one hospital to the next for a six month sojourn ?
DeleteWill each health centre and surgery get to keep it for a month ?
If they were to create a system of ' loan' how many £KKKs would the management of that system accrue I wonder ?
Thanks Mrs P I’ll give it a go.
ReplyDeleteMiriam we’ve only moved 4 miles so we are still with the same drs. Just got to change address when I’ve plucked up courage to ring the “pleasant” receptionist!
Archerphile CT scan today wishing you well with your Basingstoke trip. Change of subject how are you finding “Countdown” or have you finally after many years had to abandon it. I checked in on catch up for a 5 min nosey Anne Robinson - oh dear I only recognised her by her voice she seemed quite wooden to me but early days?
ReplyDeleteJust returned from hospital Lady R
ReplyDeleteIt was the first CT scan I have ever had and so I didn’t know what to expect.
But is was much quicker, quieter and less scary than I had feared.
The only problem was getting a canula into my arm for the dye they inject. They just couldn’t find a reliable vein, so I have come home with 4 dressing on my arms from the aborted attempts!
I should be contacted with the result at the end of the week, or next.
As for Countdown, we have been catching up on recorded episodes and only saw the Series 83 Final with Nick Hewer’s last appearance yesterday ( loved the tribute from pm Alan Sugarj
So this afternoon will be our first encounter with Anne Robinson.
From some trailers we have seen, we are not looking forward to it! But to be fair we shall give her a week to see how she settles in before we decide.
So pleased all went well today Archerphile.
DeleteI will forward to your “Countdown” review 🤔
Have been reading that a school in Scotland has banned “To kill a mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men” arguing that they show white supremacy. What they showed to me on first reading whilst still at school was that many are oppressed because of their race or status in society and only the bravest and the best will stand up for them. America at the time of Atticus was cursed by the same white supremacy in the Deep South. He went against the grain by standing up in court and defending an innocent black man. His supremacy didn’t come into it but his integrity did. When will these silly people who read offence into everything stop their stupid rhetoric! .??
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Ev about To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a wonderful story. Some people are so obsessed with ideas about white supremacy that it's hard to understand how their imagined ideas can be stopped.
DeleteBTW Good luck England!!
I have taught 'To kill a Mocking bird' and 'Of mice and Men' for so many years I have lost count.
DeleteI really don't understand the reasoning of the Scottish gentleman who objects to them. The compassion of Atticus, who prepares to protect Tom and stopping the white people from lynching him, then having his children attacked shows someone is beyond reproach.
The same as George and Lennie with such a vivid description of the intolerance of the small minded and viscious life styles they lived.
The literature and prose are exceptional in both books and I used to love it at the beginning of term starting the new book and delving into the characters and why they did this or that.
Yet more of the same going on in many other quarters EV - and SPICEYCUSHION ........
DeleteI too despair !
I haven't read either text but to me it shows the white supremacy for what it always has been. Nowadays, we are bombarded with some kind inverse political correctness.
DeleteI too despair.
I agree with the three of you .
ReplyDeleteThe world has gone mad.
Countdown.
ReplyDeleteI have only seen one episode, and no more.
I am sure that there could have been a more suitable person, found as the presenter.
Stephen Fry, Nigel Havers, Carol Vorderman, Sue Perkins, Fiona Britten, even Eammon Holmes!
✔️✔️✔️
DeleteIn my opinion, these books are classics and should not be discarded. They portray the life at that time, which should not be forgotten. It is so important, that this period of history is remembered, to just show how times have changed and gone forwards.
ReplyDeleteThere is still modern "slavery" as TA portrayed so well, with the Philip + Gavin story.
I despair at very many books which are now published.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the wonderful descriptions, well spoken dialogues, and long sentences (which have been correctly written), along with a good + sensible story, which is well resolved?
These are now becoming far less available, well in my opinion.
Oh well, Roger Federer has now gone.
ReplyDeleteNow bring on the next generation of tennis stars.
I am not a ⚽️ fan, but I hope things go well tonight.
Will I watch, I am still not sure..yet.
Ah Federer 🎾 🤭 would have loved him to win - but as you say Miriam it is now the young players that the senior ones inspired that are now coming through. I’d like today’s winner to make it to the final alongside Djokovic and for the match to have the same result 🤗 new blood and all that!
DeleteDid you see Bjorn Borgs son playing in the boys tournament?
DeleteHe is identical to his Dad.
No I will check this out - thanks!
DeleteWell, we did watch Anne Robinsons first day on Countdown. Not quite as bad as we feared but very stilted, sticking rigidly to the script, no humour or little asides. Quite boring really. . But I expect she’ll get better as time goes on and she settles in.
ReplyDeleteBut it’s just not the same as with dear Nick Hewer and I really don’t think it works with an all woman team. You need a man in one of the roles for contrast.
I agree 🙎🏼♂️
DeleteOn the subject of white supremacy and a school in Scotland denying their pupils the chance to study two thought provoking texts which highlight the injustices of the time . Surely Atticus epitomises justice and tolerance. The reader observes the action through the unbiased, innocent eyes of a child - Scout, Atticus’s daughter : with her we see how prejudice and hatred produce injustices but more importantly how we should defend the. vulnerable and fight prejudice.
ReplyDeleteI have taught both texts and loved them as did many of my pupils. As Spicy said - what is their reasoning behind the decision?
Does this mean that all literature must be approved by the state. What next - a bonfire?
Delete(We are watching the game and i can’t watch so need a distraction hence my comments on something I do know a little more about than football.)
Nail biting!!
ReplyDeleteBite no more Janice - until Sunday that is ⚽️ 🤣 (Mr R fears for England against Italy so its 🤞🏼)
DeleteThoughts Lanjan……
Well,Lady R I felt sorry for Denmark because I didn't think that it should have been a penalty although I did think that Kane should have had a penalty earlier .
ReplyDeleteI didn't think Pickford was as good as he had been so I thought we would be in trouble if there had been penalty shoot outs .
I am with Lord R .
I think we will struggle against Italy
My sister says I am miserable but I say I am realistic.
Quite Lanjan. Of course “Lord” R 😂 would like UK to win but realistically…..
DeleteWhen I was 14/15 I went on a school trip to Italy. We slept on board ship, and in the evenings young lads, no doubt trying to impress, would play football alongside the ship and we would watch. I was amazed at the Italian dribbling skills and how light they were on their feet.
DeleteI also remember how the senior mistress accompanying us gave us a serious talk saying that we were to be very careful and be aware and not too surprised if we got our bottoms pinched because Italian men liked to do that. I wonder, in these more egalitarian times if Italian men still do this.
The fast way Sterling ran and went round players reminded me of those long ago lads.
DeleteJanice I moved to Italy in 1973. I was 25 a blue eyed blonde and was often chatted up by young Italians and eventually ended up marrying one but never had my bottom pinched nor ever heard of any of my friends having theirs pinched.
DeleteI shall be watching the football match on Sunday with my family who will be supporting Italy so it's going to be quite a dilemma.
I watched last night and even stayed up past my usual bedtime to see the extra time.
ReplyDeleteYes it was very exciting, wonderful that we won, and the sense of euphoria in the ground was catching. Absolutely delighted for Gareth Southgate and his team
But why is this football game still the first and longest item covered in the news, almost a day later? Is nothing else happening in the world?
My exact words to Mr R Archerphile!
DeleteI agree, but I guess nothing of importance, save the end, is likely to happen until Sunday.
Delete..but it made such a refreshing change, rather than just "gloom".
DeleteI agree Miriam.
DeleteIt is so nice to have the main item to be something that puts smiles on people's faces in this Country.
I wonder whether Denmark thought they were the under dogs and although they would have been disappointed ,the Danes accepted it .
That win will do such much to improve the wellbeing of millions of people in England which can't be bad.
Gary G.
ReplyDeleteYour canals and magnet fishing on Open Country with Helen Mark this afternoon. 3 o'clock
I am glued to Wimbledon - the 1st mens doubles semi- which is just as exciting as last night.
ReplyDeleteI can't stop singing Sweet Caroline, but sadly I remember the original version from 1969 (I think I have the date right).
How can the goverment now, renage on the "triple lock", which was part of the Conservative manifesto, to last until 2024?
ReplyDeleteI am not political, but I do not understand this U-turn, breaking this intended promise to pensioners. It appears that government "promises" can be easily broken, if they just don't suit..
I will be contacting my local MP....
I’m not too worried about this. 8% rise seems an awful lot when compared to 1% for NHS workers and nothing at all for others in the Public sector. Covid has cost so much and feel we all should pull together to restore our economy. When the promise was made we had no idea what we would be facing in 2020 so maybe on this occasion a promise should be broken.
DeleteBut 8% is not going to add much to the pathetic UK pension of approx £137 ( rising to £179 for new pensioners). It won't bring it anywhere near the German 507, the Spanish 513 or even the French 304. Okay if you have a professional pension to go with it but many don't. It says online the average nurses wage is £33,000 which to me seems a good wage.
DeletePoint taken, Janice.
DeleteAverage wage for newly qualified nurses is about £24,907, minus tax and pensions.
DeleteI think if you are earning £33,000 you must have taken on more responsibities.
The average nurses pay is £33,000 but of couse that is average.
And the 'average' couple with one child at home in London need at least £300,000 to 'scrape by'. Not counting the expense of de-John Lewising your home of course ...
DeleteNo TA for me tonight, as too involved with the mixed doubles at Wimbledon (via i-player).
ReplyDeleteThis is a different priority.
Early bed tonight.
ReplyDeleteI spent last night running up and down the Wembly football pitch, and today it's been the same at SW19, on different courts.
I am exhausted...
Goodness knows how I will cope on Sunday!
Japan has declared a Covid emergency in Tokyo and there will be no spectators allowed in the Olympic Stadium. The Olympic Games will be a TV only spectacle.
ReplyDeleteWhilst we, also in the middle of a huge increase in Covid cases which could rise to 50,000 cases a day soon, are allowing massive crowds at Wimbledon and 60,000 spectators at Wembley on Sunday none of whom, I predict, will be self distancing.
Which Country is right?
I’d take a guess at Tokyo Archerphile! The scenes around the UK well beyond Wembley Stadium itself were unbelievable. Stage 4 is already up and running Boris. No social distancing hardly a mask and climbing up double decker buses etc.
DeleteDon’t mind me I am being a grumpy old woman - well grumpy anyway 🤣
I share your concerns Archerfile.
DeleteThe delta variant has been escalating in Cornwall. Caused, I think, by a mixture of the G7 summit with security forces from everywhere being placed all over the county and the influx of visitors.
DeleteThe sister of a friend had a party for a group of friends and despite all of rhem having been vaccinated twice they are now all down with the delta variant. None of them so far have had to go to hospital, so it seems to me the vaccine doesn't stop you from catching it but does decrease the severity of it.
DeleteI am going to continue to be as careful as possible.
At the risk of sounding frivolous, my Victorian greenhouse is arriving today. It won't be white, as per ALL the ones on the website because on application I discovered that to have it painted would cost a further £500, which the budget would not permit. However, two years ago the whole concept of this garden with the greenhouse as well was nothing more than a pipe-dream, so it's overwhelming to have it at all.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't due until September, but I had a phone call late on Tuesday afternoon to say that they had a whole batch ready to go out, but the named customers did not have the bases ready; as mine was I jumped to the head of the queue.
Wednesday was out of commission as the walk to the bus stop + Sainsbury's takes me out for the rest of the day, so yesterday was spent moving heavy pots around and cutting back hedges down the side of the house and further down the garden to give access without getting drenched or torn to shreds by holly.
I have a sense of achievement on that front, but I'm nervous with anticipation.
Excited and so pleased for you Sarnia 🤗 🪴⭐️
DeleteI would love to see a picture when it is done. I am going to look online to see what a Victorian greenhouse looks like. Yesterday and today I am cutting back a hugely overgrown rose even though it is not really the time of year to do it. Really it is two roses grown together. I used to fall for the heights printed on plant labels until someone told me that that is the height at ten years old. It seems that after 30 years bush/shrub rosee can be massive. There is more rose than lawn at present. The ones I am cutting back are a lovely lemon colour with apricot buds. The old fashioned rampant pink rambler can wait as it is still flowering.
DeleteJanice, it's a wooden one on a dwarf brick wall, with a row of little spikes along the apex of the roof, a 6x4 version of the kind you see in stately 'omes and large Victorian properties. It was the only kind of greenhouse I ever saw while growing up, I suppose because all the greenhouses on the island were old - plus, of course, there was no access to the self-assembly, bulk warehouses in the UK. Consequently, when Mr S bought the previous one from Argos in the 1970s it was the first aluminium one I had ever seen and I was most disappointed.
ReplyDeleteMy current ident is my breakfast place on the terrace, but when the greenhouse is finished I'll change it.
Sounds lovely Sarnia.
DeleteThere is a local garden that has an original Vicky greenhouse as you describe.
But although it is in poor condition, rotting timber.... it is still very much in use.
The ancient and abandoned greenhouses very long and against a brick wall at Fulham Palace, was brought back to life about ten / twelve years ago, and became a delight to visit when in the grounds.
It was one of my favourite local places to visit.
Also love the one at Chiswick House.
Not sure from your post that yours IS painted white or not ?
Please tell and send photo as before, so that we can all see.
I love the victorian greenhouses in the walled garden, at Tatton Park. These were used to grow pineapples, when this was a strange + unusual thing.
DeleteHolkham Hall in Norfolk, has also restored the kitchen garden, including the original greenhouses.
It was a shame that RHS Bridgewater, could not restore the original ones.
Come on England!! I shall be watching nervously on Sunday and really hope England can win. It would be such a lovely experience after 55 years of 'hurt'.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second of the new delphiniums we bought from Hardy’s Cottage Garden plants a few weeks ago. Only small at the moment but the most intense royal blue with a white ‘bee’ at its centre. The variety is King Arthur.
ReplyDeleteMine are doing brilliantly, particularly the lilac/purple one.
DeleteI have loads of flowers on my runner beans plant, the only veg. I grow.
There is nothing better than, going out and picking beans, for an evening meal.
I have a wonderful orchid in flower.. This was an "el cheapo" one from either S/burys or Tescos, from last year. I cut it back, left in on my kitchen window sill, and a new flower shoot appeared.
ReplyDeleteThis know has 9 flowers, with more to come into bloom.
It is pink with white "veins" on, along with vibrant purple/yellow centres.
Spoiler alert only read if you are interested in veg.
ReplyDeleteMiriam I agree, it is sooooo nice to go and pick your beans or dig your potatoes and then cook them straight away. I’m digging our new potatoes at the moment ( or will be v shortly) and I’m going to pick a few broad beans which look ready - I do like them small. I’ve had a lot of trouble with my runner beans this year. First lot of seeds just disappeared, planted a second lot - when they didn’t appear bought small plants then the second sown ones decided to grow so I should have plenty now! In fact I’ve gone bean crazy with french beans and dwarf french beans which are growing well!!!!!
Sarnia your new greenhouse sounds lovely, so much prettier than the aluminium frame ones. Mine is a home made job - looks like a Heath Robinson affair but it does its job and I grow masses of toms, cucumbers and peppers in it. Also it is not in my garden but in an area we call our allotment.
That's why I grow broad beans Soz, because I like them small.
DeleteNo, Mrs P, I wanted a white one, but painted ones cost £500 more than the treated ones and with the other things that were part of my overall design, that was beyond my budget. It's actually a sort of natural wood colour. I was told that it can't be painted for at least four years because the paint won't take over the treatment. I guess I'll be celebrating my 80th with a paintbrush in my hand!
ReplyDeleteNice young chaps, the installers, but not the sharpest tools in the box: instead of keeping to the path right down the length of the garden and turning right along the bottom, I discovered that they'd been taking a short cut across my little wildflower meadow. It was looking really good before, but now it looks as if someone let the cattle out!
Now we know Sunday's line up.
ReplyDeleteWimbledon Men's final - Djockarvic v. Berttini
Football - England v. Italy.
I hope Italy win in the afternoon, but not in the evening.
There were no takers for my breakfast place on the terrace, so here is the greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteHope that you get a lot of pleasure from it Sarnia.
DeleteThat looks fun with its ornamental top. I liked your breakfast place very much. When my son and his wife first arrived back in this country and we weren't supposed to have family/friends indoors I was laying up Sunday dinner on the garden table, and really got to like eating al fresco whereas I would always have served up food indoors before. Fortunately the weather was good.
DeleteThere was a decrepit greenhouse in thr garden when my parents bought their second house. THey knocked it down but kept the red tiled floor. Mum thought straddling this floor was the perfect place to site the swing so we didn't scuff the grass. None of this safety surfacing, we were tuff in them days : )
ReplyDeleteMind you, the greater danger was the whole swing toppling over. It had a A frame with bars joining the As across the base. Two metal pegs 'held' these bars on the ground. Swing too high and the whole frame lifted up at the front. Happy days!
I am ‘currently’ coping with a glut of soft fruit. I just can’t keep up with the ripening raspberries, blackcurrants and shortly gooseberries too. The black currants are a pain to prepare as you have to remove all the stalks and tiny stems, otherwise they make jam very bitty.
ReplyDeleteOur raspberries grow in a huge undisciplined patch in the middle of the orchard. Originally there were just two rows, neatly fixed to horizontal wires, easy to see and pick.
Having been neglected for a few years they now cover an area of about 40 square feet, new canes springing up everywhere.
And Nettles & thistles grow underneath making picking the fruit quite hazardous.
But when you see how much Sainsbury charges for a small punnet I know I shouldn’t grumble - just this afternoon I picked over 5 lbs of the berries!
Archerphile -
DeleteYou tell us that you live in a village, though I think a long, spreading one, and on a main road.
Why aren't you sharing all that lovely fruit. Could you not set up a small table on the road ( edge) or take some down to the village and set up a table with an honesty box.
I have recently treated myself to an all singing all dancing blender and it blitzes fruit from the garden to make wonderful, and healthy, fruit smoothies. It will mill grain into flour as well.
DeleteOur neighbour has a similar one, and she uses it to make soup using lots of different veggies that she has started growing, to improve her diabetic husband's diet as he was never brought up to eat much in the vegetable line. He said recently he had never eaten Swiss Chard, she laughed and said afterwards "oh yes he had" - in the soup she makes, but if he had known it was in it he probably wouldn't have eaten it.
He has done well though. It is only about 6 months since his leg had to be removed below the knee, and about 3 weeks ago he hired/leased an adapted refrigerated van and is gradually beginning to work again, although only in this country now and not abroad. He has to test his blood sugar levels every 2 hours when driving because of the insulin. The garage was a week late in completing the adaptation so he had to cancelled his bookings except for one small order which was just in Cornwall and he borrowed my daughter's Chrysler and did the delivery in that.
Pleased to have an update on your neighbour Janice, and very pleased that he has had the motivation to get himself back into work.
DeleteI sincerely hope he makes a good fist of it.
That sounds delicious Archerfile.
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Sarnia...
I have been very interested in your garden revival, and need some work doing on mine, repairing a stone wall and installing block paving.
How did you find a contractor? I am confused by builders, garden designers, landscapers etc. I just want a capable honest person who can do some hard work. I would appreciate your advice, thank you :)
Archerphile : make blackcurrant jelly instead!
ReplyDeleteSarnia : love your greenhouse.
Whitecurrant jelly today, goosegog & mint last week, also blackcurrant.
Recording session on Sunday, ex pupil has written a song cycle (pop) with string 4tet, meeting up with ex colleagues. Up to the big smoke! (Angoulême...)
Mistral: I think you probably need a landscape gardener. They deal with hard landscaping - paving, walls etc as well as planting, but also have training in design and can help you to focus your ideas and translate them into practical logistics of bricks and slabs.
ReplyDeleteHaving been sidelined by my first choice, I googled landscape gardeners in my local area. Of the several websites I found one listing the top three and had a closer look. One I rejected straight away because I felt there was too much emphasis on tarmac. The next one looked vaguely familiar, and it turned out that he was booked to work in the garden across the road and I'd seen the lorry outside. I had intended to invite tenders from both the other two, but never got beyond this one because he seemed in tune with what I wanted to do.
the relationship was a bit bumpy to start with because he'd never tackled such a complex design before, but he has really excelled himself. They all have galleries of their work so you can gauge the use of materials and attention to finish.
Mistral -
ReplyDeleteDo you not belong to the local neighbourhood site ' Next Door ' ?
Or a chit chat FB site locally.
A request on one or tother asking for recommendations will give you a number of options.
Thanks everyone for the fruit suggestions
ReplyDeleteMrs P - years ago we did just that, had a table in the layby outside the cottage selling strawberries which we had lots of at the time. Not very successful I’m afraid, nobody wanted to stop as they zoomed past on their way to the West Country.
Yesterday I had the idea of putting up a ‘Pick your own Raspberries’ sign so others could cope with the nettles and thistles but I’d probably be sued for stung legs!!
And yes we do give loads away to neighbours and friends, especially when I’ve made lots of jam because neither Mr A should eat jam (diabetes) or me (weight gain).
Parsley, I’ll definitely try jelly and am also going to have a go at blackcurrant cordial.
The farmer who used to own our old farm in the village used to grow fields and fields of blackcurrants which he sold to Ribena, so I think the soil in this area must be particularly good for growing them.
Freeze the fruit and eat it in the winter ,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI used to make crab apple jelly ,put it into little jam pots with pretty Laura Ashley cotton tops to give away for presents .
However I still think it is a terrible waste to make jam with soft fruit .
I have asked before on this site "What on earth do people do with all the jam"?
There are only a certain number of sponge cakes and scones one can eat.
Does anybody still eat bread and jam.?
Oh Lanjan, if you could see inside my freezer! There are more bags of soft fruit in there than anything else!
DeleteAnd yes, all the people I know do still eat bead and jam, or scones and jam, or jam tarts or jam sponge pudding and both my offspring love nothing better than a few jars of Mum’s gooseberry jam ( which is difficult to find in supermarkets)
But this year I have been specifically asked to make seedless raspberry jam (what a palava) because the pips get stuck in their teeth!
I too have a lot of fruit grown. Strawberries, raspberries, red currants, blackcurrants, and loads of potatoes! Next week I must get down to do whatever I do with them. We still have a couple of bags of plums in the freezer from last year. I do make jam for friends and Christmas presents though.
DeleteI have about 4lbs of strawberries frozen and when I pick the next lot I;ll make some jam, especially if I manage to find the jars in the garage!
Lanjan -By the way I congratulate Anderson who got his thousands wickets but it was so awful of Kent that I was very ashamed of the performance, Our cricket club said they could do better than that!
Consultants gave me an increased prescription last Tuesday. Went to get a blood test on Friday for check up on drugs and if they are doing any damage but consultant has given me a date for a basal cell carcenoma removal two weeks time from my temple so Jon will have to take time off for surgery clinic.
Exam board have asked me to mark last year so I think I will try. So many tests I take that if I don't make it they chuck me out!
By the way I have now started to knit a shawl for my niece who is expecting a baby. Last time I did knitting was five years ago!
DeleteAll this delicious fruit! We have a tiny patch of raspberries behind the shed. Not much fruit but it tastes good. This year the blackcurrant I put in a couple of years ago has started to fruit as well : )
DeleteNot enough for jam or even freezing. It all goes on my breakfast porridge.
We also have a cherry tree that is doing well. OMiaS says the cherries are lovely. I don't like cherries so I'll have to believe him on that.
My father-in-law used to grow mountains of fruit. As a boy, OMiaS spent many a summer picking the stuff - it tooks hours each day. Apart from the time Dad forgot to put netting over the top and there were of lot of smug, well-fed birds flying around.
OMiaS's Mum made the most delicious jam with it. It was the most amazing stuff - so full of fruit you had to cut it with a knife. Apparently she used to wait until they'd had an argument before she screwed the lids on the jars. This meant you needed to have another argument to gain the strength to open the things again!
I have fond memories of crab apple jelly, 'jelly jam', my Granny made it using apples from the orchard behind her house. (The owner of the orchard didn't mind who used the apples - he'd bought the land to build an underground house although never got the permission to go ahead.)
OMiaS has recently bought a jelly bag with a stand. The chances of it actually being used are slim : (
Well Archerphile there is nothing for it but to move and the sooner the better.
ReplyDeleteThe main selling point for your lovely cottage will be your fabulous fruit and vegetable garden .
That would have appealed to the (younger) me
Why not put a notice in the local village shop if you have one to say that you are offering free "pick your own"
If I were offered that chance I would take it up now and offer to help clear the weeds etc .
We always went to pick blackberries in the late summer and early Autumn .
We even went last year
There were millions of large jiuicy ones on the Heath near to where I live but it is a place I would not want to go to alone so won't be going this year.
We usually never saw another person.
As children we always went blackberry picking.
Enterprising youngsters could sell punnets of them .
They are very expensive in Supermarkets.
Old Womam, I still have my jelly bag
ReplyDeleteWhilst I am on my high horse about enterprising youngsters.
Another thing we did ,which I have mentioned on this blog before I am sure ,is to go twice a year to dig up well rotted manure -always full of worms- from a Stables not far away.
We were there last Autumn.
Won't be going again sadly
I reckon we must have collected well over 400 bin bags full in the time I have lived here.
On our three hour dog walk yesterday my friend and I were noting the best of the flowering blackberry bushes that we can return to later in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI still pick blackberries and include them as part of my breakfast on my morning dog walk.
I haven't made jam for years. I'm afraid I rely on others to make the jam that I consume.
I buy most of my jam from gardens that I visit, or summer village fairs.
And yes LanJan I often eat bread and jam.
My Dad, a Scot, used to say did we want a “piece n jam”. Gary will know a piece is a sandwich! Trouble was Dad would not let us have butter or margarine on it! Must have been his frugal past! We didn’t like the bread in Glasgow as it was rather dry to our taste. It had longer slices with a nearly black crust at the top and none at the sides. Our type of loaf was called a pan loaf I think. Dad always took a Scottish loaf home with us as he loved it! They did make lovely rolls up there though and we loved them with hot sliced sausage! Wish you could get sliced sausage in England!
DeleteJust taking a break from Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteI remember crab apple jelly well, which I have also made, with a hint of cloves in. My neighbours have such a tree in thier garden, so I can access this fruit.
However, I now feel it is far better to leave the fruit on the tree. This is for the birds in the frosty + snowy months, as the fruit is such a good source of nutrition. I saw a massive flock of redwings on it, a couple of winters ago. This fruit is far better in thier bellies, than mine!!
As for finding contracters, odd job men, decorators etc., I am lucky as I am now getting a new, local, and monthly "Check-A-Trade" booklet through the door. This gives loads of trade-persons, who I believe have to be approved before being included in this, in my area and all the contact details.
That's me finished - except for one last thing. I popped to my local supermarket this morning, for a few extras and to pick up a needed, but forgotten precrisption. I couldn't believe the males with fully loaded trolleys - just beer + booze. 😁
I still make marmalade, but now have to use an adapted recipe, as I cannot now include grapefruit in it.
DeleteThis fruit is now forbidden, thanks to meds. taken. 😥
I hope GG will set up a new page, with a suitable heading, ready for tomorrow....
ReplyDeleteBut will it be Wimbledon or Wembly, or both?
The tennis match that I so want to watch - is the Mixed Doubles Final. Why? There is a british couple partaking, who I have followed closely via I-player coverage. These are J. Salisbury + H. Dart. I wish them well.
..plus thier opponents, also include a british tennis player. At least the UK will have a Wimbledon champion tomorrow night.
DeleteThere is already one UK Wimbledon Champion..Andy Lapthorne, who was in the winning parternship, in the wheelchair doubles final.
DeleteSadly, these matches do not get much, or even, any coverage.
This is in my thoughts, so needed, to motivate and inspire so many others. I so admire them, with thier ability and skill.. I have managed to see only a few matches. I admire these players in the highest regard, with the skill, technique, commitment and ability, that they show - in every way.
Yes, we also have a CheckaTrade booklet through the door. Mr S found what appeared to be an independent heating engineer in its pages and booked him to service our boiler. For some reason he paid £85 upfront before the work was done, only to be constantly fobbed off with excuses about being overbooked and not able to come. Turns out the man wasn't independent at all but working for SSE, the work was never done and Mr S refused to take steps to get the money back - probably felt too stupid.
ReplyDeleteA friend engaged gardeners form its pages, who turned out to be two clueless young lads who did more harm than good. Beware CheckaTrade - it doesn't do what it says on the tin!
I do agree with you about Checka trade,Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteThe person I chose -he had the best ratings- to do some plumbing work for me was extremely unreliable .
He never came when he promised .
I think he was only interested in big jobs of work.
I spotted him working at a nearby house and went across to remind him that he had not responded to my request
His response was that I had telephoned him when he was out and he hadn't got his book with him but if I texted him he would get back to me straight away .
He didn't of course.
Why don't these people just say they are unfortunately very busy at the moment and are unable to take on any more work?
That would explain why my excellent landscape gardener isn't on the list _ he doesn't need to pay for recommendation. His lorry was seen outside the opposite neighbours' house for 6 weeks and then shortly afterwards, outside mine for another 2 months, He now gets plenty of work in this road!
ReplyDeleteSarnia, thank you very much, that was very helpful. I will google landscape gardeners. I think someone trained would definately offer more solutions than I could imagine.
ReplyDeleteLike others here, I plan to move house away from this area next year, moving to the south, and had planned to slowly and steadily sort out my house this year, but have been held up, principally because people just have too much on to come out and estimate. I have never been a great one for maintenence or spending money on the house, but now I want to, trying to get hold of people is almost impossible. Luckily I am not in a particular hurry, but I finally retire in October, (hurray!!), and would like to find my forever home sooner rather than later. Damp-proofers and electricians are scarcer than hens' teeth up here, so I will start backwards and do from outside in. I love my yard and garden, it will be a real pleasure to see them at their best.
MRS.P. I don't like facebook, used to have an account and found that I was becoming a proper nosey parker, so gave it up. I have heard/seen you recommend Next Door before, so I will look at it. In the meantime when I am out with my dog, I look at what others are doing for inspiration, and often think what I wouldn't do... :) :)
Janice
ReplyDeleteI've just seen your post of the 10 about your new juicer followed by your very positive news of your neighbour.
So pleased he has been motivated to get back to work. I sincerely wish him well.
Re Checkatrade:
ReplyDeleteWe have always had positive experiences with booking tradespeople though this method.
Especially an excellent heating engineer who came and corrected all the problems caused by the firm that installed our new oil-fired boiler who left us with oil leaking out over the kitchen floor!
We now use the checkatrade man for regular servicing.
We have also found a very good fencing contractor and a decorator.. They have all had very positive recommendations from us.
The only bad experience was last year with the firm that came to re-felt and re-slate our roof.
He found there was less work to do than was expected but still charged the original quote even though he needed far fewer slates and wood. He also wanted money upfront which we were unhappy with. We challenged him and he wasn’t prepared to offer a partial refund but promised to come and replace the soffits and barge boards at no additional cost. After many months of reminders and excuses the work was finally done 9 months later.
We obviously did not leave a recommendation on the Checkatrade site. But he was the exception to the usual high standard we have found.