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Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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ReplyDeleteMiriam - August 1, 2021 at 5:03 PM
Family in OZ, were given just 5hrs notice of a 5 day Lockdown, yesterday.
Niece has learnt a lot about family experiences in the UK. As such she keeps her store cupboard and freezer, very well stocked up.
Luckily they have a large house, with a nice garden and a massive veranda/balcony, so her sons (5yrs + 2yrs) will have plenty of space, to play in.
She can work from home, but her hubbie can't, as he runs his own buiness - a kindergarten Circus school - and is self-employed.
She thinks that this Lockdown will be extended, as the contact tracing, has only just begun...
At least she + hubbie have had a 1st jab...which took a lot of organising.
In OZ it is up to the individual, to source and book a vaccine as when this is wanted. They are the only ones of their friends, to have done this. Others think that it is not needed, yet. If only they know, what the consequences might be..
Lady R - August 1, 2021 at 10:12 PM
Interesting Miriam, where in Oz does your niece live? Mr R has cousins in Toodyay WA in their case in their 80’s I believe they have had a first jab but been a slow process. Imagine the reaction here to 5hrs notice for a lockdown 😱
Janice - August 2, 2021 at 1:44 AM
Manila in the Philippines has been placed under greater restrictions because of the delta variant, and from 6th August they are going back into a very strict lockdown, but at least they had some warning there. It affects so many things. My daughter in laws brother is now not going to be able to go from his island Ticao to Manila for a specialist eye appointment.
Archerphile - August 2, 2021 at 9:02 AM
Our next door neighbour’s son lives in Kuching. Malaysia (on the north eastern tip of Borneo. He is a teacher there. He was going to get married last year and the neighbours were going out for the Wedding. But for months he has been confined to his flat, cannot go outside for anything, even essential shopping. Everything has to be delivered and he often cannot get things he needs. All teaching is done online. He cannot travel to the Capital to obtain the documents, needed for the marriage so that is on indefinite hold.
I thought we were restricted, but it’s nothing compared to some places in the Far East where the lockdown has been tightened to the extent of home imprisonment!
Archerphile - August 2, 2021 at 9:11 AM
Talking about TV coverage if the Olympics….
Can I add how delighted we were to see an (almost) normal, and very enjoyable first night of he Proms. Still self- distanced orchestra and choir but with a very appreciative audience this year, even if they are sitting apart and the Prommers were a bit sparse in the auditorium.
We loved the young female Finnish Conductor, and especially the Sibelius 2nd Symphony. Magnificent and quite emotional to hear such a stirring performance in the good old Albert Hall once again.
Thank you Gary for the picture of the Finnish Conductor (shamefully, I can’t remember her name!)
ReplyDeleteShe was tremendous, so much energy and a pleasure to watch.
Dalia Stasevska is her name - and we loved it too.
DeleteOf course, Dalia, such a pretty name. thank you!
DeleteWe also watch last nights Scottish Chamber Orchestra playing three Mozart Symphonies, Nos. 39, thé famous 40 and 41. They have a new young Russian conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev who was amazing and a real breath of fresh air. He did not stand on a podium but down with the Orchestra, no baton, throwing himself all over the place, dancing to the music, arms flailing and obviously thoroughly enjoying himself which gave us great enjoyment too! I hope you and Mr GG will be able to go and see them live sometime!
DeleteFor those bored with classical music talk, that’s it……for now!
I'm sorry not to have seen any of the concerts, although I have got radio 3.
DeleteGradually each of the television channels have become closed to me on my IPad and now even 5 is restricted.
My new IPad was ordered two weeks ago, with ten to fourteen days delivery, but no information on its progress so far.
I shall look forward to seeing the Russian conductor when it does arrive.
Your description of him Archerphile made me think of my dad.
I love Mozart's 40th along with any of the 9 Beethoven symphonies. I also love organ music and often went to the free lunch-time organ recital, in Chester Catherdral. These sadly have not happened for quite a while. Hopefully, they will start again.
DeleteThese recitals, were basically the organist "practicising", not that this was needed, as always fautless.
Miriam, it wouldn't be faultless if he didn't practise long and often.
DeleteI didn't watch the First Night of the Proms on purpose. I was tired, so I knew that I would not last entire concert.
ReplyDeleteMy plan is to watch it in its entirity, via I-player, sometime soon, so I can really appreciate and enjoy it.
How lovely that this wonderful female conducter, has had two great acknowledgments.
The Last Night, last year and the First Night, this year.
I was brought up learning and loving classical music. I still have a massive CD collection, but nothing to play them on at the moment. This needs to be changed and soon.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the youngsters in my family, will have the opportunity to learn, love and appreciate this music, in the same way.
Ev are you, Katy & doggies ok? Terrible weather scenes from the IOW on the local news earlier.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and b-i-l are arriving home tonight after a few days away hope their property is ok. Really feel so much for those so who were flooded out of the blue like that!
Yes, we were fine here. Not really too much rain. As I said before the island is strange with different weather in pockets quite near to each other. One day it was fine here while my neighbour went to the dump just a few miles away and was soaked in a deluge! We have the creek not far away, tidal but way downhill from here so not a threat. Coastal areas are often hit hardest especially in the West Wight and in the south. Hope your sister’s house is OK.
DeleteGlad you are all ok Ev 🤗
DeleteThanks for posting about weather on the island LADY R -
ReplyDeleteI've just messaged my friend in Ryde, but having looked at the videos it would seem that it's not too near Ev or my friend who is not far from Ev.
My daughters former house at Seaview would have been hit again. I was there once before when it was flooded as the rainfall came down Oakhill Road in a torrent.
More importantly from my point of view Ventnor where my heart resides, has been hit and more cracks appearing today as well as a minor landslide, but that's not so unusual.
Sorry..... I should have said, I hope your sister and husband are OK.
DeleteJust checking with sister now Mrs P via WhatsApp not sure of the time they expected to be back. I think from what I know of their location they should be ok but these reports make you think so it’s worth checking. My paternal grandfather came from Ventnor originally I remember the steep slope well with a handrail to assist either going up or coming down down, and the steam train. Memories memories 🤗
DeletePS They are just arriving at Cowes and will update later. As their property is not too far from a big supermarket I think that would have been reported had it been involved. Thank you though for your thoughts.
DeleteI regularly look at Ventnor on Rightmove, and the activity on here has made me look again tonight.
DeleteJust found a lovely flat in Bonchurch.
Be happy to end my days there.
No reply I see from Ev, but I think she is up the hill a little, not too far from the little Tesco, so think OK.
I treasure the very first postcard I ever bought at 11 or twelve of the church at Bonchurch. On school holiday at Ventnor, we had been going as a family every year to Sandown. I fell in love with Ventnor and persuaded my parents to take us there for one of our two weeks the following year.
I suppose it was my first proper experience as an independent person outside of the family and away from London. Though even then I did know the island well. Then to have married into an old established island family, and decades later my daughter making a home there, it has become very much part of my life.
Lady R, Mr P 's s-i-l lives in S Yunderup nr Mandurah, S of Perth, niece & family in Albany.
ReplyDeleteDo you know the Splendid Wren café in Dwellingup?
Parsley although Mr R’s relations are in Oz (one for many years and her sister for about 15yrs now) we have never visited. I am not a flyer by choice and do not like heat. They have been back to Uk very occasionally though. Luckily Mr R did his world wide travelling before I came upon the scene, however I have flown to Malta, Madeira, (The Channel Islands and Ireland 🤣) with him over the years. I have googled the cafe you mentioned and it looks most inviting 🌮🍷🥗🍰☕️ and I am assuming you have enjoyed its delights 🤗
DeleteHo hum
ReplyDeleteJust heard that the container ship carrying son’s family’s furniture, clothes, bikes and worldly goods etc has gone AWOL on its voyage from Dubai - Marseille. Apparently it turned East to India when it emerged from the Gulf, instead of West to the Suez Canal and the Med.
Now estimated they won’t get their stuff until at least September. They are not happy, to say the least 🤬
At least their aeroplane flew in a straight line. September will come soon.
DeleteI know it's most annoying, I know of people whose goods in storage were flooded or perished in a house fire.
Indeed. I feel sorry for our neighbours little granddaughter whose entire bedroom, all her clothes, toys and books she had had since babyhood had to be destroyed recently. Their house in the village suffered a split water tank in the attic when they were away for the weekend.
DeleteThe returned to find the house flooded and bedroom ceilings brought down. The insurers found asbestos in the ceiling debris of the little girls room so everything in the room had to be taken away and disposed of safely.
They have only just been able to move back home but the child is distraught to find everything she loved spirited away. Even being allowed to choose the new decoration and furniture hasn’t softened the blow.
Mrs P. If you have seen a flat you like, then go + visit it. It will be a nice jaunt and will satisfy your curiosity...
ReplyDeleteCould you do it as a day trip, taking Lady with you - or would you have to stay over?
Go for it, as nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Also, if you find your ideal home at the right price, then you can put pressure on your Estate Agent, for a sale.
DeleteIt would be lovely to realise your dream....which you so desire.
The ferry is expensive so Mrs P would need to find several properties to view to make it worthwhile. Some of the hotels etc offer a package of ferry plus accommodation so that’s a possibility! I should think at least an overnight stay would be advisable. Good luck, Mrs P!😊
DeleteWhilst waiting to 7.00pm and TA and meal almost ready, I am watching an episode of "Time Goes By".
ReplyDeleteWhy this is revelant to me is, I had a hair cut last week, and I have realised that this is identical to Dame Judi Dench, in this episode.
I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing...👩🔧😉
...at least I am not as "silver" as I still am partialy blonde.
DeleteMiriam - I hope you are happy with your new haircut.
ReplyDeleteIMHO pixie cuts only look good on ladies with smallish, neat features and smallish build. If you want short hair and don't have any of these features then go ahead and enjoy. These are just my opinions and, of course, anyone is free to choose any hairstyle they like.
Appt with coiffeuse tomorrow 9h30 😉
ReplyDeleteLady R, the Splendid Wren is superb, well known in the locality, beautifully situated in the forest, & so v. vulnerable. Picturesque railway line through the valley from Pinjarra to Dwellingup.
ReplyDeleteFond memories.
Also of Malta!!
but that's another story.. 😉
Ooh do tell 🤣
DeleteThanks to those posts of encouragement re ' a new home' .
ReplyDeleteStill only dreaming I'm afraid.
Joy, just opened an email from BBC re the proms on Iplayer, which I have not been able to access for several months, only to find ALL THE PROMS. the Mozart is playing now as I write. Such a joy to be able to access again.
I don't know what has changed as I haven't yet got my new IPad.
Go for it Mrs P. Get that house on the market and move to where you’d love to be. I imagine Lady would love it by the seaside.
ReplyDeleteI've just received a jolly missive from worldwidecancerresearch addressed to Mr S telling him that he will be one of the happiest people in the area because he might already have won £20,000 in their prize draw, and on prompt return of the enclosed form he could soon have a bright, shiny new mini parked outside the house. I wonder what they did with the donations from the undertaker in his name, for which they sent me a receipt.
ReplyDeleteI have despatched a terse reply.
That is awful and so insensitive.
DeleteYou are a strong person, but I bet it still affected you...even if just disbelief and anger.
Mrs P. Just remember that dreams DO come true, but often need a massive helping hand, along the way.
ReplyDeleteJust follow your dreams, as you might just regret it.
A new sea-side home, seems in your heart and Lady will love it.
Widen your search area along the southern coastal areas, as who knows what you will find.
Happy Home Hunting..
Miriam, thank you, but I have been doing that for months and months.
DeleteBut until I can sell my present property I can only continue to dream.
Find a property you love, and then put the pressure onto your estate agent, to sell!
DeleteBe feisty, it often works.
..or just tell them, you want a sale and what are they doing to try and secure one.
DeleteHave you thought about an Auction with a good reserve, but this might mean a lower selling price.
Just an idea.
There’s no easy way when selling property. It all depends on the right person coming along at the right time. It really is no good setting your sights on another property until you have a bite on yours but of course you can browse on the internet and if one or more appeal just hope they are still on the market when you are in a position t o make an offer. Property on the. Island is a bit cheaper than on the south coast generally but always worth looking in both areas. Mrs P be very careful about Ventnor property near the sea as there is a lot of erosion there especially after heavy rain. A footpath has just been closed as a precaution as in spite of netting over the cliff side there has been some movement. It is a very beautiful place but has drawbacks. Shanklin is also worth a look if you favour that side of the island.
DeleteI was annoyed, Miriam.
ReplyDelete....and rightly so.
DeleteOoh where is everyone? Sarnia I was appalled to read the content of your post regarding your mail from Cancer Research and felt annoyed for you for some people it could have set them back in the process of adjusting to their new way of life!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I heard that the isolation restrictions for travellers from France to the UK have been lifted. This still makes it easier for you to go over there I guess, having the "right" kind of vaccine...
ReplyDeleteOh yes Basia, not that quarantining would have been a problem for us anyway.
DeleteWe just have to wait for the family’s furniture & stuff to arrive & for them to get settled into their home. They are temporarily renting a couple of rooms & kitchenette in an old château until the container arrives.
Also we have heard that Norway is now a green country so our long delayed 7 night cruise should be able to go ahead in September ... if the nice Norwegians will let us scurvy Brits into their country!
On the subject of vaccines - I was delighted to hear over 50's, (plus NHS workers, vunerable persons) will be offered a booster one, in the autumn.
ReplyDeleteI was very pleased to hear today, that my niece + hubbie in OZ are getting their 2nd pfizer jabs, next week. These are just 3
weeks apart, which was the original reccomemdation.
Their lockdown has been extended for at least another week, but they are expecting this to become longer.
They are very well prepared.
Even though it is still winter, it is sunny + 21C.
Lady R, 4 August :
ReplyDeletelater, later... 😉😎
Is this the Malta story? It sounds fascinating. 😉
DeleteI was in Valetta, on the day the British left and watched the last navy ship, slip anchor and move out of the harbour. It was very moving.
Well, my experience was also moving but for more prosaic reasons..
DeleteLate 1990's, recently got it together with Mr P, attending a seminar in Valetta, WAGS invited. Hurrah, à beano!!
1st night meet'n'greet cocktail, of course got r.... d.
Night spent in intimate contact with bathroom floor, beautiful black and white tiles, soothing sea breeze wafting in to cool my fevered brow.
Just made it to the coach next morning for obligatory tour of the island.. 😱🤢 Botanical gardens, no idea. Can only imagine. Sitting v v still in the coach. Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, you must be b.... y joking. Sat on the clifftop, big hat, shades & book, only to be propositioned by a hopeful /desperate local😎😎 😱😱
Oh the powers of recovery 25 yrs ago..!
Fascinating evening in hotel bar, listening to Derek Jacobi holding forth to a circle of devoted accolites, of course Gladiator was being filmed on the island while we were there.
As you know.
Oliver Reed.. 😔
Well parsley! I did ask 🤣😂🤣😂
DeleteI’m sure you have many more tales to reveal currently still being held closely under your hat. You certainly sound a bit of a gal 😉
Well I have my moments..! 😂🤣
DeleteWe also have other precious memories from that visit, a bit more sober!!
Evening trip out to Medina on the local brightly coloured coaches, tour around the old city, lovely meal..
etc
😊
Lady R. 12.39 Oh,no, just annoying; for providing setbacks to my adjustment to the new way of life, I have a s-i-l to do that.
ReplyDeleteOh dear 😕
DeleteOur dining table and chairs arrived yesterday. Husband had to eat his tea without Bradley Walsh for once!!
ReplyDeleteMind you he paused him so he could go back and catch up with it without missing any.
It’s a start……
🤣👍
Delete😂😂!
DeletePoor Mr ptby please pass on my sympathies for his “Bradley” delay 😅
DeleteWho on earth is Bradley Walsh?
DeleteAt first I thought it was the cyclist but his surname is Wiggins
Second night of tea at the table. He had to leave the chase with 18 seconds to go!!!!!
DeleteLanjan….who is Bradley Walsh? …..can’t believe you don’t know. He’s the presenter of the chase quiz show.
Also enjoyed “Breaking Dad” when he travelled in a camper van with his son, Barney. Like most of us Barney was in fits most of the time over Bradley’s antics. It was a good travel program apart from anything else.
DeleteParsley 16.
ReplyDeleteHow I loved your post.
At least I kept my "moving" thoughts of Malta, more simplistic. All the rest are top secret..🤣😉😉😀
And no way will I post them!!
🤣🤣
DeleteWe did have an unforgettable time!
🤐
Miriam, you are the last person I would have suspected of having a shady past! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd I keep it, just that!
Delete😉😀
My philsophy of life, was to Work hard but also Play hard.
DeleteWhen I think back to my Wren days, three of us on a * pussers red singing “Raindrops keep falling on my head” ! Riding on the bonnet of a car at Chatham! The rest like Miriam I will not tell!
ReplyDelete* a bike painted red to show it belonged to the Navy! They were very basic! This one was steered by a pilot with us two Wrens on the seat and handlebars! The car was going very slowly and not on the public road ! Crazy times!
I never served in Malta but Mike had two years there. He told me about the submariners who trained their periscope on the Wren’s Quarters! I think he had a peek too! We had great laughs in the Navy with loads of characters. 😂😂😂⚓️⚓️🛥
Dad was in the Navy at the end of & post war, not for long, radio op.
DeleteIn Malta for a while.
Ok the truth is coming out now ladies 🤩 I think like Miriam I had better keep 💀💀💀 in the cupboard 😮🤫
DeleteParsley - if you were eyed up by Oliver Reed, then we have something in common.
ReplyDeleteI was a new mum at the time, but hubby and I left baby with my parents and had an evening at the fair on Putney Heath. O R lived locally and was eyeing up the local 'crumpet' the same evening. I gave a look, but he was never my type, so I walked in the opposite direction.
Ooh….I used to have a big of a thing about Oliver Reed. 😍
DeleteHmmm. I think I'd better start work on creating a shady past NOW, or I'll have nothing to look back on in my old age.
ReplyDelete🤣 I had better join you Sarnia.
DeleteMy past and personal life, is certainly not shady. It is just private and something, that I wish to keep to myself.
DeleteFor 'shady', just read 'more exciting', Miriam.
DeleteWe are just setting off for foreign lands with Daphne. We are meeting up with the other puppies and their mum and dad near Rochdale….ruddy Lancashire!!!
ReplyDeleteThink the others will dwarf our Daphers. It’s the birthday meet up. They are a year old in the 19th. Now where has that time gone!!!!!
Hope it goes better than when a year later we thought we would take our kitkat back to visit the animal centre where she and the rest of the litter had been living in a barn. Her mother just hissed at her and poor Tabitha hid under a table! I paid £10 for her, and reckon it was the best £10 I ever spent. She lived until 18 and gave us so much pleasure.
DeleteWish you a lovely day PtbY
DeleteLady and her best friend Misha were so enamoured of each other when they met, that my friend and I would love to find out about their past and whether they knew each other before we adopted them.
You know and can keep in touch.
With rescues its a lottery of course.
Heading back now.
ReplyDeletePoor old Daphers is wet through wrapped in a dog fleece jumper in her cage after being nothing but assaulted the whole way round the walk by her brother George. He’s a humpaholic! Then Rolo started too. It’s a bugger when you are the only girl in the litter! Lovely to see them though and a great place for a walk. Very quiet. Round a reservoir. It rained for the second half of the walk but I had me wellies on so was ok. On a sunny warm day it would have been spectacular. Watergrove reservoir near Rochdale.
Oh well, you gave it a go.
DeletePoor Daphne !
I am looking forward to the Proms (BBC2) tonight.
ReplyDeleteBroadway music. Just the right sort of Saturday night listening + viewing, well for me..🎶🎙
A strange day weatherwise. One moment, heavy torrential rain, the next sunshine + steaming fences.
It is suiting the garden, which is now looking quite good.
My plan with the new plants, which I bought earlier this year, is working, but there is room for improvement. This is as one plant passes its best, another takes over.
Enjoy your evening, everyone.
My daughter and family have just started keeping chickens. They bought 3 rescue hens, an Egglu coop and are becoming obsessed with them. They can’t keep a cat or dog because son-in -law is very allergic to animal hair but seems to be OK with feathers!
ReplyDeleteThe hens, all different breeds have been named after ‘feisty Queens’ i.e. Boudicca, Cleopatra and Bess. After a few days they have made themselves at home in the garden coming into the kitchen to peck at seed on the floor (and Cheerios, apparently) and have produced 2 eggs. A huge success with all the family
As my daughter said on Facebook - “I spent 3 years at Reading University studying Agriculture when all I needed to know was hens like Cheerios breakfast cereal!’ 🥚🐣 🐥 🐓
😊Still miss our chickens.. Dave/Dee Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Titch, followed by Gert & Daisy, Ethel & Mabel, Ginger & Babs.... Dozy was delicious 😔😋
Delete🤣🤣
DeleteParsley16.
DeleteWhat great names!
My son and family have also begun to keep chickens. The names originally chosen were Maggie Hatcher, Eggwina Curry and Pecca Bailey but these were overruled by my granddaughter in favour of Daisy, Ginger and Ashley. They seem to be an entertainment in themselves and there are regular updates on their antics. They eventually worked out where all their eggs were going and breakfast time was met with a scolding chorus of disapproval outside the kitchen door at the boiled eggs.
ReplyDeleteThe cat (enormous Maine Coon) has come to terms with the fact that despite her superior size she is no match for a hostile beak. However, the chickens have come to resent the fact that she is allowed indoors while they are not, so there are team relay attempts to gain access both to the house and my daughter-in-law's office in the garden. I am able to witness some of this during Zoom calls and it really is most comical. Daisy peers into Daniel's phone and listens intently while I cluck at her. While he works at the table she sits adoringly at his feet because he rescued her from a stand-off with Ginger, who was pecking her feathers out. To be fair, Ginger was only exacting revenge for a previous reverse falling out! It's like a children's playground with beaks!
Lovely tales of chickens and names.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me some entertainment.
Bet you are exhausted after your visit to "Ruddy Lancashire"
ReplyDeletePtbY .
Pity the weather hadn't been kinder.
Lovely place to go to though
It has now become virtually impossible to post comments via my iPad or iPhone without great difficulty.
ReplyDeleteSo I shall have to wait until the evening or bedtime to catch up, when I can use a different device. So please don’t think I am ignoring questions or comments, it will just be a question of ability to do so.
My Dad always had chickens in the back garden and I love hearing them making a noise , cooing and clucking at the same time. very restful.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has rescued hens in her garden in a small town just outide Melbourne. One lady has now mastered the cat flap and walks around the kitchen and usually eats the cat food! Not sure haw many she has but has flans, quiches and cakes all in the freezer and often has omelattes. She aims to get a few more and deliver fresh eggs to her neighbours!
Well they have to do something during their lockdowns.
My sister kept chickens and when she was ill I spent a year looking after them. They were very free range and though most of them had a favourite place to lay, a couple did their own thing. So I would spend much of my time searching under hedges, fruit bushes, hay bales and the like for those precious eggs. I did get very attached to them and am pleased to say I didn’t lose any though Mr Fox and Mr Badger were close by which meant the girls had a curfew. The bonus was the quality of the eggs - rich yellow colour and extremely tasty.
ReplyDeleteMy little Sis had a few chickens for a while.
DeleteThey were lovely, but it was Mr. Stoat, who found them. It is very sad that they were no more. They knew it was him, as it went to rest, in their log store.
After the devastation, she vowed that there would be no more chickens.
She fed them on a maize based food.
As a result the eggs had bright yellow yolks, and a Victoria Sandwhich made with these, was vibrant yellow and gorgeous.
My neighbour is having a problem with her chickens at present. One has started pecking and eating the eggs she lays, and others have begun to copy her. The old remedy of blowing a couple of eggs and filling them with mustard and replacing them in the nests hasn't worked. If anything the main offender seems to have got a taste for the mustard! The practical solution would be to give them the chop but these are like pets and loved by their owner.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the chicken has a calcium deficiency. Not sure what calcium medicine is available though!
DeleteI do not have any ideas about chickens, but is it a dietary problem. This is a gut reaction.
DeletePun not intended, sorry.
Will pass on your suggestions. Thanks.
DeleteI woke up this morning, to torrential rain, which luckily soon passed. This afternoon has been sunny and warm, so ideal for getting the pesky weeds dug up.
ReplyDeleteThere are areas, not too far from me, which have sadly been not so lucky, This has resulted in roads with stranded cars and homes, all flooded.
It amazes me, as to how just 30-40 miles, can make such a difference.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised daughter has started keeping chickens
ReplyDeleteAfter all her childhood was dominated by the fact that we had a chicken farm and she often helped collect and sort the eggs.
Mind you, she, and I, hated being pecked in the back of our legs by the quite aggressive cocks that had to run with the hens.
We were producing fertile eggs which were then sent to a hatchery and it made egg collecting quite hazardous!
My Dad kept chickens too. He started during the war as a means of producing eggs ‘off ration’
We mainly kept Rhode Island Reds but also had Blue Marans which were very pretty, with fluffy bottoms!
My sister had Rhode Island Reds and Marans not the blue ones though. Also Aracanas - they lay blue eggs. When my sister died I was lucky to find someone who let her hens range over a huge area, to take them on. They wouldn’t have coped otherwise.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, if your eggs were sent on to a hatchery did they have to be sent on the same day?
We had Marans, copper, local breed, lovely eggs, also Sussex, better layers, great escapologists.. 🙄
ReplyDeleteWe had Marans, beautiful, big black birds. They were enormous and laid gorgeous, dark brown eggs. I know I was in Primary school but the chicken stood up to my waist!
ReplyDeleteWe had a large white cockeral, not sure what breed it was. My brother and I used to run up the wire, on the garden side, and the cockeral used to chase us. Dad told us off and said that the cockeral would be like a 'greyhound when putting in the oven!'
My Dad used to go the the station at Paddock Wood to collect day old chicks which were sent by train! I wonder if any of them were yours Archerphile?
Sorry to interupt, the chicken chat.
ReplyDeleteI have a quick question for the gardners. This is, the Rowan tree in a neighbouring garden, already has an abundance of bright red berries.
Is this early?? and if so why?
My grandparents kept chickens throughout WWII and into the late 50's. My step- grandma was in sole charge in WWII as Grandad was a RN Captain, throughout the conflict. In the late 40's/early 50's, they kept some for the eggs and some for the meat, when rationing continued.
ReplyDeleteMy hypericum also has berries and the leaves of sumac and flowering cherry are both beginning to turn. We may only just be in August but the air feels to me more like September. I suppose it may be an effect of climate change, but I've known this happen in July before now.
ReplyDeleteYes. I have noticed that some mornings (I am an early riser at 7.00am) have seemed almost like September. This is cool + damp, with a heavy dew and loads of cobwebs, glistening with the dew.
DeleteStill it heats up through the day, with the sunshine and warmth, so my garden is now looking gorgeous, again after 2 years.
I have another thing added to my "to do" list, thanks to Jennifer + Alice.
ReplyDeleteI was sitting in the lounge, listening to TA via my 'phone with ear buds in so in brilliant stereo sound, whilst eating a pasta bowl of mince, mash, and.loads of veg.
Luckily I had almost finished, when that slap happened. I was taken so much by surprise that I jerked and the tray with my meal on, slipped off my lap, ending upside down on the carpet!
The extra item on my list is obviously now, shampoo that part of the carpet.
And all because, as I was a bit late in dishing up!
That will teach me.
I also blame Big Sis. I am off helping to look after the kids tomorrow. She messaged me, to ask if I would get some bread, milk and tomatoes, on my way there in the morning.
DeleteAs I immediatly replied, saying that was fine, my tea was late to the plate.
Yes Miriam, our Rowan is also covered in bunches of red berries, also a pyracantha which has more orange berries than I ever remember.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are going to have a feast this autumn!
I was delighted to get several questions right in University Challenge this evening.
ReplyDeleteAll the music ones and all of the embroidery stitches. Though it seemed daft asking a team of mainly male students to identify embroidery stitches of all things!
Yes indeed, but there again did you see those wonderful shots of Tom Daley knitting, and knitting well, between competitions at the Olympics.
DeleteI got more University Challenge answers right than in Only Connect! Although I only got three right!
DeleteI got the stiches right and one or two others right. I got many of the Only Connect 'part' responses but couldn't get the connection! Oh well it's all food for the brain!
I am about to start of a shawl for niece's baby due in February but haven't decide which pattern I should choose. First time I've done one for 'outside' family. Only my own children have been graced with my shawls! Seems I am the 'matriarch' for knitting shawls now. First grandmother, then mother, now me!
Oh well. Now for yet another blood test, then a zoom meeting for stroke survivors!
Don't I keep busy? -- not!
I have completed jigsaw puzzles, spent loads of money on books, worked on family tree, completed numerous card games and puzzles and, only slightly, done some gardening where I have to sit down every ten minutes or so to get my breath back. Am I bored ? - yes. totally!
My eldest son is keen to have me over in Frankfurt. Jon will take me up to Eurostar and get me put onto train, then Chris will drive to Brussels and collect me in his car and take a six hour drive to Frankfurt. Hopefully be able to get there after my birthday so as to come back first week in September! I'm very much thinking about it! It will make a change of the sitting-room walls!😁
Spiceycushion -
DeleteWhen I booked assistance for traveling by train to Cornwall, nothing about the assistance required went amiss.
I do hope you will feel able to go to Frankfurt and enjoy some time with another branch of your family.
I understand that you feel bored, but it seems to me that you have been very busy.
But whichever it is, it's so nice to see your posts and to know that you are still able to be part of our blog.
1st reply into the ether!
DeleteYou are to be admired for the fortitude you are showing in your current situation Spicy. It’s one thing to choose when to relax with a book or jigsaw another when a period of ill health dictates it! I wish you well with your decision making, of course you would love the change and to see your eldest son but 6 hr car drive 🤔 hw long would your trip be?
Holiday length I meant!
DeleteNot bad. We got down to Portland in 4 1/2 hours with just one stop. Hope there coffee shops on the way! Probably go for a fortnight! Health insurance about £100!
DeleteOoh yes must have coffee ☕️ Spicy! All current health issues taken into account not a bad Insurance quote…. Could be on your way soon I’m thinking if so I will be wishing you a safe and wonderful time.
DeleteGetting answers right in a "quiz" was definitely, what I did today.
ReplyDeleteAs per usual, I was the cavalry, as Aunty "Miriam" to calm things down.
As it was cool this morning, we played a game of Trivial Pursuit. This was the Family edition, with different questions for kids + adults.
I recommend it for families.
I did well in all categories, with the correct answer each time, until History. It took me 5 go's to answer a question correctly!
To add - I struggled with a lot of the Kids questions, as these were geared towards computer games, recent music artists etc.
The age gap certainly showed.
I laughed a lot, as Big Sis struggled to answer any questions correctly, in either category 🤣🤣
The important thing was, that Fun and Laughter, was shared by all.
Small Person in a Shoe got a place for a Foundation Year in English Lit today 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteA Levels have been a major struggle but Small Person persevered, cheered on by amazingly encouraging teachers.
Next challenge, living and studying away from home. We just hope the flatmates can cope with the repeated alarm clock snooze alarm! (Better still, they'll arrange a rota to bash on the door to remind Small Person to get up and stay focused on getting dressed ...)
⭐️👏🏻⭐️👏🏻⭐️ small person in a shoe, very well done!
DeleteMany congrats to small person!!! 🍾🎉🎉
DeleteCongratulations to Small Person!
DeleteWell done in studying Eng Lit! (as an English teacher and exam marking for Eng Lit for GCSE, but not for two years now!) Best degree available!!!!!!!
As well as WELL DONE for small person in a 👠 Well Done to the Old Woman looking after the 👠 for getting them all through the door that's labelled LIFE.
DeleteCongratulations small person, an exciting life awaits!
DeleteOWIAS
DeleteYou must be so very proud with the achievment of the Small Shoe dweller.
Take some credit for his/her sucess, as you must have so helped so much, when "home schooling" was normal.
Well Done to you both.
Many many congratulations to your compatriot shoe dweller on her success and may all her future shoes be comfortable and take her to fascinating places.
ReplyDeleteWell done, small person! Will the shoe now be empty?!🤭🏠
ReplyDeleteMrs P. Any news about your house selling + buying?
ReplyDeleteI hope things are progressing.
Not at the moment Miriam.
Delete🏠👢🎖️👩🎓👏
ReplyDeleteOops this can’t be right I’m first on 😮 (only because we have a workman here redoing kitchen ceiling. Bed for me at 2am and up at 7.40am 😱 still it’s raining here so now I can keep out of Darren’s way and relax with my book /iPad etc. I have all our requirements kettle / coffee machine etc with me in here. Sandwiches all ready done for lunchtime etc. Glad we made the most of Tuesday & Wednesday weather wise for drives out with tea one afternoon and lunch yesterday. Both places still had good Covid practices in place so we felt as safe as it was possible to be!
ReplyDeleteI remember having my kichen done. I camped in the lounge, with toaster, microwave, kettle for two days. I had to wait 6vdays, though for the new cooker to be installed due to the delay of the tiler, to lay the floor tiles. The microwave was well used. I was prepared with complete meals from freezer..
DeleteI hope it goes well.
Thanks Miriam just the ceiling this time and going well. Not a large area by any means but is having to have a treatment on it before plastering/ painting.
DeleteThe full kitchen thing some years back was 😱 at the time 😂
Well done to Small Person in a Shoe and the parents who gave support through such difficult times. Do I assume that there are still Even Smaller Persons in the Shoe who are yet to be guided through the same process?
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel like an endless Russian doll!
DeleteSmaller Person is the smallest. Some years ago they told me they we praying for a little brother or sister. I made it quite clear that that was not gong to happen!
Janice belated 🎂 🍷wishes. Trust you had a good day!
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh, when was Janice’s Birthday?
ReplyDeleteMany happy belated good wishes, Janice. I hope you had a lovely celebration and will have a good year to come
💐 🍷 🙋♀️
If I’m right the 10th ? If not I shall feel rather 🙃 silly.
DeleteAnother Leo then !
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday greetings JANICE
Joyeux anniversaire Janice ! 🍷🍷🍷
DeleteMieux tard que jamais 😉
Thank you folks. It was yesterday, the 11th, and it was a lovely day, from the birthday breakfast cooked by my daughter to the day out to a sanctuary where rare birds are bred and released back into the wild. The scarlet Macaws are allowed to fly free for 4 hours every day, and others for briefer periods. They apparently fly back to the aviaries at feeding time, but I bet some end up in people's gardens.
DeleteSarnia might be interested to know that Cornish choughs bred here have been released on the coast of Jersey, and are breeding there; and red squirrels have been released on Anglesey.
Tomorrow evening we are going to an open air theatre, but with an overhead cover in case of rain, for a production of HMS Pinafore. My daughter in law sings songs she has learnt from musicals, so this will be an opportunity for her to learn some more.
Out by a day Janice! Glad you had such a lovely time with another treat to come tomorrow 🤗
DeleteChuffed to hear the choughs are flourishing : )
DeleteThank you, Janice. Apart from a fortnight's holiday as a child and the odd day trip I don't really know Jersey at all, but I'm sure the local bird-watchers are delighted.
DeleteUna Stubbs has gone at 83.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in the same district in London for several decades and I saw her often.
Her bubbly personality came out in her acting. As a person to bump into locally she always seemed a rather quiet person.
Oh no! I had just recommended her for the job of judging the Scare row contest on the other blog! How strange.
DeleteI read that AP and agreed with your comment. Always came across as such a lovely person as Mrs P has confirmed.
DeleteThank you all for your kind words. I have passed them on the Small Person.
ReplyDeleteNo Ev, the shoe won't be empty yet. But Smaller Person got good GCSE results today 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉. Much relief all round, especially since Smaller Person really did not cope well with online lockdown learning.
Stress levels in the shoe should now be slightly lower for a few weeks. Or at least until the new terms start!
You are without doubt “ a young woman in a shoe” thank goodness there are a few like you in our blog mix. Miriam is another - others under 70 come forward.
DeleteOur leader GG of course (Gary where are you?) is in the young group. Not that I feel any older than my early 50’s just a little more tired (sometimes).
I reckon you're as old as you feel.
DeleteAs Mrs P. has posted, it was sad to hear about the loss of Una Stubbs at 84yrs.
ReplyDeleteI do remember her as Alf Garnetts daughter, but for me, it had to be as "Aunt Sally".
She was well known and entertained so many, for so many years.
I first saw her in "Summer Holiday" with Cliff Richard.
This film has a very poignant memory for me, as a Gt. Uncle worked on this film as the senior props man, at Elstree Film studios.
Testing
ReplyDeleteAnother refusenik night but through at last! Just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Una Stubbs who always came across as a lovely lady. Summer Holiday holds lovely memories for me as I went to see it in Dudley with my Auntie Mary. She was Mum’s sister and another lovely lady. Sadly she died at the age of 41 as she had Muscular Dystrophy. Another star in the film was Melvyn Hayes. He now lives in Ryde and he and his wife have fostered many children. Katy met him as two of the children, permanently with him went to her school. She said he was quite a quiet person and they had done a brilliant job of bringing up these two boys. Josh has cerebral palsy but has gone on to work for Hovertravel and is a valued member of staff. Jordan, his brother went into the army. If you google Melvyn Hayes fostering you can read more.
ReplyDeleteMrs P have just read your blog about your daughters’ relationship with their stepmother. I too have felt bitterness in the past as we took on the two girls immediately on our marriage when they were 6 and 8. Their mother was hopeless and easily gave them up into our care as they didn’t go down well with her second husband even though their relationship had broken up her marriage to Mike. Even so the girls excused her behaviour and gravitated towards her naturally I suppose as their mother. Now I don’t feel anything in particular but sadness for the older one who turned her back on us maybe as we were stricter with them having day to day care. Anyway, I feel the younger one, Michaela made it all worthwhile and shared her delight in the birth of Freddy, Harry and Alfie, her grandchildren. Haven’t met the twins yet but hoping to before very long. Mrs P, try not to feel bitter. Life has not been easy for you but maybe now you need to relax into a relationship with your grown up daughters. I know that looking ahead rather than back can be good therapy! Very best wishes to you,
ReplyDeleteThank you Ev.
DeleteThe bitterness is infrequent and my relationship with both my daughters is improving as they, and I, of course, age.
We have had a huge shock today.
ReplyDeleteMr A’s sister, from North Wales, was staying with us last week to go to the family funeral in London. That was last Thursday
This morning she rang to say her husband, same age as Mr A, had been found dead this morning, exactly one week after the funeral.
He had gone off for a few days on a motorcycling tour of Wales with some friends. They stayed in a Carmarthen hotel last night but John didn’t appear for breakfast. The hotel manager. Investigated and found John had died in the night. The friends had the unenviable job of phoning sister in law and telling her!
Fortunately she had an old school friend staying with her while her husband away, so she wasn’t on her own.
There is to be a post mortem tomorrow and the Coroner will phone to tell her the cause of death - we suspect a heart attack in his sleep.
They live is a large old rectory in the depths of the countryside. He had a huge garage filled with vintage motorbikes & masses of spares and equipment, all of which will need to be sorted out, to say nothing of all his personal effects
I expect we shall need to go up and help with funeral arrangements, retrieving his bike from Carmarthen and assisting in whatever way we can.
Only a week ago today, after the funeral we were musing over getting older, health concerns, what we’d do if left on our own etc etc. Little did we know how soon that would be, for or one of us.
DeleteSo sorry, Archerfile.
What a horrid shock : (
DeleteSo sorry.
xxx
So sorry for the shock to you and particularly Mr A, Archerphile.
DeleteYet another event to lead Mr A towards the need to move though.
Oh, so sorry, AP, what a shock. 😔
ReplyDeleteWhat awful news for you all AP (and 🙏🏼special thoughts to Mr A)
ReplyDeleteLife is so tenuous 😢
"Red for Ruth" day at the Lord's Test. V emotional.
ReplyDeleteLJ, I see Virgil Van Dijk has extended his contract through to 2025, 👍, hopefully his fitness will hold up 🤞
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, how sad. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible shock, for you both.
My thoughts are with you ..🤗🤗
It is also awful for you all to learn a PM and the Coroner, are necessary.
This gives so much extra angst.
That is so sad and must have been an awful shock to all of you.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you all Archerphile. You just never know when your number is up so live life to the full every day. 💐
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your thoughts and condolences
ReplyDeleteIt certainly makes us realise we need to make the most of every day and not take life for granted.
Any family bereavement is always upsetting but the particular circumstances of our brother in law’s death has made it so much more upsetting.
Never put off a doctor of hospital appointment, look after yourselves and your loved ones, and thank you all, once again.
AP & Mr AP, je vous embrasse.
DeleteHere I am first again as late in the day that it is. I have been sitting outside taking the air and chatting with my neighbour when all of a sudden we heard a mighty roar and thought what the hell is that and “that”was The Red Arrows only 5 in formation and no colours flying out of the back at our point anyway but absolutely splendid, thought that was it but they came across for a second time. My neighbours grandson texted her to say they had been doing a private event at Odiham. The second time I clapped and clapped 👏🏻🤗👏🏻🤗👏🏻🤗
ReplyDeleteLady R -
DeleteI read in a Gloucestershire News Feed that the Red Arrows were going to Cornwall for an event at Falmouth, so sent a message to daughter and S in L to watch out for them.
They are in a direct line SW from Falmouth and would be able to see the display, and the RAs would quite possibly fly across to them also.
Last week a Hurricane came over flying very low over the house.
When we lived in Malmesbury the R As were based at Kemble and every Tuesday afternoon would do a practice run. Tuesday afternoon was the highlight of my week as I would sit in my garden or at a window as I had a free display literally in front of my eyes.
At the same period of time, mid seventies, Concord was doing test flights prior to going into service, and again frequently flew over the house.
Concord went into service about two years before I returned to London. Since I lived in West London I had the pleasure of seeing it at five o'clock every afternoon. The thrill of the day for me.
My daughter, at that time in Peckham, was also under the flight path, and on occasion if we were on the phone at that time of day, I would hear it over her house, then see it over mine seconds later.
On the final day of service, I went to visit them and took my toddler granddaughter to the library. The times of the flight over different areas of London was widely advertised, and we exited from the library moments before
all three Concords flew over one after the other and my toddler GD watched as her crazy Nana jumped up and down with glee, tears pouring down her face.
Oh dear !
Sorry every one for an overwritten passion.
Not at all Mrs P I completely understand your pride and excitement!
DeleteReally enjoyed last nights gardeners world this morning.
ReplyDeleteHad Hillary’s blinds round this aft. Was very pleasantly surprised by the quote. We had a faux wood Venetian blind priced by a local firm…92” x 60” ……£415.
Hillary’s …..ok reckoned the faux wood was on offer and I had a voucher for 15% off due to moving but they priced a blind up at £178!
Couldn’t believe it. Everyone has been saying Hillary’s are really expensive. Considering we need 3 of these blinds there’s no point thinking about it.
Well done.
DeleteI’ve used Hillary’s before and good quality too!
DeleteSadly the Red Arrows are not going to be in my area, this year.
ReplyDeleteI have loved seeing them previously, flying in and out of Hawarden Airport, over my home.
There was a lovely photo in the local press a couple of years ago, the Red Arrows parked by a Beluga.
As a very very young child I still remember the sound of the bombers as they flew to Germany in WW2 .
ReplyDeleteAs a middle aged woman I remember being close to an airfield where a Lancaster bomber landed -well after the war.The sound was very loud and frightening.
Where I now live ,Concord used to fly over the house at ,I think ,about 10:40 am most days .
What a wonderful sight.
The sash-cord window in our dining room used to vibrate at 9pm most evenings, which we always assumed to be Concord-related.
DeleteI think my love of seeing planes derives from my wartime experience too.
DeleteI lived in south London with a mother twice 'bombed out' and I think a very anxious woman, so very aware of what was flying over.
The tale was always told that I as a three year old was able to tell aGerman from a British plane.
How true I don't know !
More than likely, Mrs P. At the age of 2+ my son could distinguish between the sound of a Norman-Britten Trislander and a Handley Page Dart Herald without needing to go out and look.
DeleteArcherphile, my thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to your sister in law happened to two of my close friends.
They took comfort from the fact that although it was a terrible shock ,their spouses had not had a lingering illness and were not in pain.
Parsley,Yes I see Virgil Van D has signed a new contract.
Iam delighted.
Very pleased with today's result too.
P tbY,
Great minds.
I have just ordered new blinds from Hillary's
Our old ones were from them too.
I am about to watch Gardeners World after all the excitement of the Test Match and Football.
Well done to Yorkshire's Joe Root .
He must be shattered.
Lancashire's James Anderson played his part too earlier in the game
I listened to TMS during the day but then problem came with the highlights of Test cricket, which usually come on at 7.00pm, but there was a Hundred Match on. Cue 'Red' button but I couldn't work it out. Jon did it for me.
DeleteI love Jimmy Anderson and hope he gets to play at least beyond this season.
Joe Root, I believe, will captain England for a long time and if records are to be believed he will overtake many of the records standing in the books.
I have dug up some potatoes and later on this morning will make a potato salad for a BBQ. (Nice warm weather out there at the moment.) Tomorrow the larger ones will make a Dauphnois Potatoes for Jon's chops and my veggie sausages!
My driving license will be running out on the 24 Aug as I am now having to renew every three years. I completed the forms but having had a stroke, needed to put it on, in case doctor needed it to authorise. Apparently there is a dramatic delay of 'months' in renewing because of some strike (and I expect Covid rules) so my licence will be valid for 1 year until my 74th birthday! Some advantage of getting old!
GARY
ReplyDeleteonly one very small post from you on August 2nd I do hope that you (and Mr GG) are ok …..
Talking about flights from Odiham, we are right on the practice run for Chinook helicopter pilots. They fly very low over the village and practice night time landings and take offs in the fields opposite us. The noise and vibration is tremendous and rattles all the plates on the dresser but we don’t mind because we know they are doing a tremendous job and have to practice somewhere.
ReplyDeleteUnlike the village residents and Parish Council who wrote to the Station Commander to complain.
We wrote and dissociated ourselves from the letter even though we are far more affected. I find it quite exciting seeing their landing lights & manœuvres opposite our bedroom window