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Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteLanjan - August 14, 2021 at 8:37 PM
Archerphile, my thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
What 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.
I am 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
Spicycushion - August 15, 2021 at 7:47 AM
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.
I 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!
Lady R - August 15, 2021 at 11:12 AM
GARY
only one very small post from you on August 2nd I do hope that you (and Mr GG) are ok …..
Archerphile - August 15, 2021 at 11:35 AM
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.
Unlike 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 & manΕuvres opposite our bedroom window
When Mike was at HMS Raleigh which is the training place for all new entries, they were on divisions (or parade)every day in the morning. People complained about the sound of the Royal Marines band! I used to enjoy their accompaniment when putting the washing out! As you said, Archerfile, they have to practice somewhere and if you choose to live near a military base it’s just something you have to expect and put up with or as in your and my case just enjoy it!
DeleteWith all the talk of aircraft I thought I would post a pic of the anti aircraft turrets that we pass all the time on one of our favourite walks in the hills just outside Glasgow in Mugdock Country Park. We can actually see them from our house in the distance. It's amazing to stand on top of them and look down the Clyde Valley towards the city and imagine what the people manning it would see, picturing the night sky being strafed with bullets and the noise of the aircraft combined with the shock of seeing massive explosions all over the city. It's hard to fathom that it really wasn't all that long ago in the great scheme of things..
ReplyDeleteAP - we extend our sympathies to you and your family. What a terrible few weeks for you all. xx
Lady R - I was just being a moody lazy sod! And when I do lazy, I DO lazy. No half measures from me! If I'm going to be in a bit of a strop and do nothing, then I'm doing NOTHING. All is good. Very good.
π totally agree GG but glad all is ok with you both. I will now Join you in lazing π€
DeleteArcherphile- I so envy you the excitement of seeing the helicopters training routines, although I do find them irritating when they are buzzing around.
ReplyDeleteWhen in London in the latter years helicopters had become very frequent at all times of the day and also at night because I lived so very close to Wimbledon Common. Very often they were searching for a criminal or a lost soul thought to be on the common.
So when I came here I thought I had escaped them, and the only evidence of a helicopter was when the Princess Royal went to work. She frequently uses a helicopter taxi service to travel.
Six years later helicopters have become far more in evidence, and occasionally yet again they are searching the common which is just above me at night.
Ambivalent about helicopters ?
Yes, I am.
I had a lovely visit from my eldest niece and her daughter; my eldest grand niece, on their way home from, the Cheshire Oaks outlet park.
ReplyDeleteWhat surprised me, when on trying on my grand nieces new school shoes, they were too big for me! She is only 10 and already takes an adult size 5.
I am proud of her, as she was made a "patrol leader" in her scout group, last week.
She is only 10yrs in age, but is in all other aspects, a person much older.
I find this sad in a wierd way. She has matured, far too quickly.
I often have helicopters flying past, but I really hate to see these.
ReplyDeleteThis is because, they are either the Police helicopter, or the Air Ambulance helicopter. This means incidents + problems, for persons unknown.
I have read on the other board, that LanJan is no longer interested in TA, at the moment, that is.
ReplyDeleteI so hope that she will continue to contribute to this site. I for one, would love her to keep in touch and to let us know, how she is doing.
LanJan. Do keep in contact.
I am spitting feathers!!
ReplyDeleteI have just spent 1 hour and 47 minutes on the phone to my bank.
I discovered this morning that they had failed to make a payment to my credit card company, thought they had done so for Mr A
Consequently I have been charged interest and a late payment fee, the first time it has ever happened.
We do telephone banking and I usually have no problems but this morning it was dreadful trying to get the mess sorted out. The assistant was obviously working from home ( which he confirmed), so every time he needed to check up on something, he put me on hold whilst he went off and phoned another department. This happened several times and I was kept on hold for 20 minutes on one occasion with no tone or, recorded message to assure me I had not been cut off.
Eventually they agreed it was their error and have offered compensation for the interest and late payment fee and some sort of refund for the almost 2 hr phone call
The sooner bank staff get back to their offices, the better. π‘
Just an update on our family bereavement.
ReplyDeleteThe Post Mortem on our brother in law proved ‘inconclusive’ so blood and other samples have to be sent off for analysis and Mr A’s sister won’t get the results for at least 13 weeks.
But she has been given an interim death certificate so she can go ahead with the funeral, which is to be on Friday week. We shall have to find somewhere to stay overnight as it’s too far to travel there & back in one day
The strange coincidence is that our next door neighbours also had a relative die in Wales last year and the same thing happened. ‘Inconclusively PM, a wait or several months for the death certificate which caused difficulty in accessing accounts, getting probate etc.
I cant help wondering if this is especially common in Wales. Do their mortuaries not have all the equipment needed to provide a timely decision, are they located too far from hospital laboratories? It is already causing S.I.l great distress and making life even more difficult for her at the moment.
Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare as to all the many problems, you are experiencing and have experienced.
As you say, why do these results as to PM tests, take so long? It's not right, to keep grieving partners/relations, waiting, resulting in many other problems and difficulties.
I was woken up in the early hours of the morning, by torrential rain + high winds.
ReplyDeleteI heard, garden bins being blown over, gates banging, so much so that I had to get up to close all my windows, which were only slightly open to circulate fresh air.
It's still very windy, and to think this is August...and no sun.
PS I did a Shula or Jennifer at lunch-time today - I had a bowl of soup for lunch. This was instead of my normal healthy salad, but it was so cold. I needed comfort food.
DeleteOh, I have mentioned food again, which is a no-no for me. Sorry.π£
I have been experimenting with my blender that cooks the soup as well as blending it, and tried a recipe using peas(80gm), leeks(80gm), some mint leaves, a little onion, one clove garlic, and vegetable stock. It tasted very good. You could blend it and then cook it on a cooker just as well. The blender uses the speed of the blades to heat the soup, and it does so so briefly that I think the vitamins are not destroyed.
DeleteI would be interested to know the name of that device Janice.
DeleteI've never been interested in gadgets, having watched as a child as parents bought gadgets, showed lots of interest for a time, then pushed them to the back of a cupboard. For ever unused again.
But yours sounds very useful.
Lanjan - Pity about the Test but it was exciting. I didn't do anything (partly because I have extra tablets today which make me feel sick!) So I listened to it all day, now I can't watch it while Jon watches the highlights!
ReplyDeleteI was rehearsing from 1:30, regular texts from Mr P keeping me up to date with how dire it all was, followed by masochistic watch of the highlights when I got home..
DeleteYes, a huge disappointment. I had not listened all day and was looking forward tothe highlights on BBC2 to see the result.
DeleteWhat was all the arguing between the players about, so angry that the umpire had to intervene?
A great let down by our batsmen, but credit due to the Indian bowlers I suppose.
I was there!
ReplyDeleteEh!! tell us more LJ ⚾️
DeleteMy younger son was at Lord's for the whole of the Test Match and when it went into a fifth day he managed to get me a ticket.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of his poor captaincy I would like to thank Joe Root because were it not for his good score in the second innings I would not have been able to go at all.
We had very good seats in the Warner Stand.
The bacon sarnies were super.
The atmosphere was great
At first we thought England would win but then........
I really enjoyed my day.
Bravo! Even though the experience was so bad, there is nothing like the atmosphere of a 'live' encounter!
DeleteOn a trip to a large s/market this morning, for a big shop, I was amazed as to how many empty shelves there were.
ReplyDeleteI was also sad to see, that the butcher counter and fresh fish counter, are now no more. These were closed down at the start of covid in 2020, for obvious reasons. Today, the areas are now shelves with special offers on.
I know of a few great, but pricey, nearby butchers, but not a fishmonger for fresh fish.
I am fed up with buying pre-packed or frozen fish, but this now seems to be the only option.
Retail is certainly changing Miriam but is patchy in doing so.
DeleteIn this town we have had our 'mall' not large, rejuvenated and replenished in a partnership with a northern retail company and our town council.
They have created an area as a food market in the style of Borough Market in London and it seems to be working well with a good footfall.
A butcher from near Cheltenham has come in and is wonderful. Expensive but extremely good quality with meat that you can see has been well hung. And they do frozen pet mince packs, as well as some deli items, all from local sources. I prefer to buy from them and eat less meat. There is an artisan baker, and a number of diverse cooked food outfits such as piri piri and Spanish food, as well as a greengrocer, and a French delicatessen.
Over the years that I have lived here many independent food outlets have gone, so I find this initiative to be a welcome change.
Much of what I have described above is available in Stroud at our famous farmers market on Saturdays but I don't often go as though excellent produce it's far too expensive for my pocket.
We're lucky to have a fishmonger in town which is where I was this morning stocking up my freezer. They are really friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble.
DeleteI've also found that there have been a lot of empty shelves in the supermarket recently Mriam with some of my favourite items not available.
My daughter and her family are still based with us following their relocation from Singapore and don't get the keys to the house they are going to rent till the end of August. It's been a hectic time for them sorting out somewhere to live, a school for the older child, buying a car and all the paperwork associated with moving from a different country. They are visiting other relatives this week so we have got some time to recharge our batteries and catch up on some much needed gardening and cleaning!
Cheshire Cheese. I am sure you are enjoying the quality time with your family, after such a long separation. You will miss them; when they leave.
DeleteMy niece + family in OZ, have a great life, but I can tell by the many messages she sends, they are all missing their UK families. Like so many others, it is now 2yrs since any visits and hugs.
I am so lucky to have family close by, some near and some far but none more than a 5 hour drive away.
I am very proud of all of them, as all have been and still are; very sensible. No family member, so far that is, as had a +ve covid test in the 18 of us in the UK.
Ahgg π± a top right side tooth has just broken off (luckily pretty much out of sight) but feels peculiar of course. A phone call to the dentist in the morning - I shall be coming round with my begging bowl π€£
ReplyDeleteMr P 's broken tooth is having to hold out till our appt on the 10th September, with the help of bouts of antibiotics...
DeleteOur dentist retired il y a deux ans, devil's own job to find another, a real crisis out here in the sticks...
Our checkups were cancelled last summer because the dental practice closed except for real emergencies. When they eventually reopened in the Spring I was told I needed a filling but because they had a huge back log and also because of the time consuming anti covid cleaning being done between each patient I had to wait over 2 months for the appointment by which time the tooth had broken off and all she could do then was pull the remaining bit out.
DeleteI went for a checkup yesterday and need a filling as one of mine is breaking down. They offered an appointment today at 9.45 but I have to be in Ryde for a podiatrist appointment at 11 so a bit close. However the next time I could be seen was at the end of September so have opted to take today’s warning podiatrist might be late if dental one overruns. Dentist is just round the corner and is a private practice. I have Denplan now £40 per month and affordable for me but not for many others. 6 monthly hygienist and check up costs about £100 and am covered for the filling so in this instance £40 is well spent. It is expensive though. Vet bills are high too and it makes you grateful for NHS for medical needs!
DeleteGot an appointment for Fri am to sort my π¦· problem ππ»
DeleteMy filling was a bit complicated as she had to put “scaffolding” round the tooth! Apparently it could have cost up to £300. I also found that a checkup and hygienist appointment costs over £120 as they are charging an additional amount for PPE. I’m glad to get it over and done with. My right foot was shaking although the left one was steady. The body and its reactions are a funny thing! All the best for Friday, Lady R!πππ
DeleteDoes anyone know if putting alcohol in jelly will stop it setting?
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to make a boozy jelly for a barbecue tonight.
I soaked a load of mixed red berries in sloe gin last night and have added 2 raspberry jellies but nothing seems to be happening yet!
It’s supposed to accompany my usual raspberry cheesecake.
The barbecue is at the Gliding club to celebrate (?) Mr A’s leaving his syndicate & giving up gliding. Strange reason but first chance to hold a social event since lockdown!
You could ask Mr Google AP. Have a lovely evening I’m certain Mr A is a worthy recipient of his do π€
DeleteDid that Lady R. The results, some say alcohol can reduce the setting of gelatine, other say it does not! So not much help there. and I didn’t use gelatine, just sugar free lemon jellies. I’ll just have to wait and see!
DeletePerhaps the Universe is telling you there is going to be a recovering alcoholic at the do ! ( I am still thinking about Alice you see) and although they would know not to touch alcoholic drinks they might not think of it being in jelly.
DeleteOne Christmas I made a raspberry jelly with rose wine and that set. The sloes may be the culprits if it doesn’t set as I know fresh pineapple and kiwi fruit prevent jelly setting. Hope it does eventually set as it is so disheartening when things go wrong with cooking. Have a lovely party!
DeleteHave just googled and there are recipes for jelly made with sloe gin in it so hopefully you will be OK, Archerfile!π
DeleteI’m just watching a 1957 film on Talking Pictures about a jewellery robbery in London.
ReplyDeleteAll bomb sites and women in aprons talking on their doorsteps.
A little boy has just run across a bomb site shouting to his friends:
Eeny meany mackeracker
Rare rye dominacker
Chickeracker
Lollipopper
Om pom push!
Oh the nostalgia! Just what we used to chant in the playground when picking someone to be ‘he’
Does anyone else remember this rhyme? (I had to guess at the spelling)
Remember the eany meany but nought else. Certainly don't recognise yours.
ReplyDeleteBut then sarf lundun not posh like Hertfordshire !
If your boozey jelly makes it to the table AP, I do hope you will label it as alchoholic, as Janice suggests, there might be some present who would prefer to know.
I remember a very similar playground rhyme beginning Eeny meeny miney mo, catch a nigger by his toe, if he hollers let him go, eeny meeny miney mo. It would be considered, quite rightly, very racist nowadays. I don't think as children we knew the meaning of the words, just that we had to catch the person who was "it".
ReplyDeleteThat's the rhyme I remember Janice.
DeleteEven way back in 1900 and frozen to death a school friend's younger sister in the Brownies was taught to say 'goblin'.
ReplyDeleteI am not racist, very far from it, as I have mixed race gt. nephew + niece. I loved my toy golliwog, when a young child in the late '50's, but I didn't know better at that time as did most.
ReplyDeleteMy eldest grand niece, now 10yrs old, is becoming aware that her hair, eye + skin colour, is different from her school class and friends. She is accepted by all, but it is starting to concern her. This is just so silly and not needed.
DeleteI have had a long chat with her about this, which I hope helped. I know she loves me, and perhaps I might have made a difference.
If your niece is living in a predominantly white are Miriam she will be aware of her different colouring.
DeleteWhen living in a small Wiltshire market town in the seventies a local girl, black and adopted daily scrubbed and scraped her skin in the hope that she was white underneath. This was not silly, but very real for her.
Her brother, also black and adopted did not feel as she did.
They were the only black children in the town.
All their friends and relatives were white.
In London so many families are now mixed race and the diversity so widespread that all children are accepted by their peers whatever their colour.
This is the problem, as the family now lives in a lovely town in East Cheshire where things are a bit different. She is strong and will be fine..
DeleteI’ve had a tea time trip to the local cinema today to see Benedict Cumberbatch in The Courier. Was like old times. The film was excellent. Based on the story of Greville Wynn and the Cuban missile crisis. I’d never heard of him. Really recommend seeing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks PtbY. I had read the reviews and thought I might like to watch it. I'll certainly look out for it. Maybe Jon will take me!
DeleteOf course I was old enough to remember the Cuban Missile Crisis!
Just to reassure everyone, the sloe Gin infused fruit jelly set perfectly and was declared delicious by everyone.
ReplyDeleteI knew everyone going to the barbecue very well and that none of them had a drink problem.
I also knew that 2 of the attendees were diabetic so ensured that both the jelly and the cheesecake were sugar free.
ππ»ππ»ππ» AP glad the evening was so successful!
DeleteTYPEWRITER
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I can remember reading of someone with a young relative demanding an 'old-fashioned' typewriter for her birthday and expressing doubts that such a thing might no longer be available. Search as I might I can't find the original post.
If whoever it was reads this, the following might be useful:
SCOTT'S OF STOWE Manual Typewriter, comes with a two-colour ribbon and carrying case.
322 5955 Manual typewriter £229.95
322 5968 Replacement ribbons (pack of two) £24 95.
Pricey, but if it's what she wants... ...
Was it Mrs P for her Granddaughter?
DeleteMrsP, obtained one for her Granddaughter, but don't think any of us were able to locate a replacement ribbon.
DeleteIt was several years ago now, and it's probably now pushed to the back of a cupboard, or up in the loft.
( daughter doesn't tolerate ' mums rubbish ' )
I think I paid about £15 for it.
Thanks for the thought though Sarnia.
Archerphile 11:58 am.
ReplyDeleteWe used to chant that too
However we finished it off with ram,tam toosh.
When I was in junior school.a new girl came to the school who was mixed race .
She was never bullied.
I was envious of her lovely back hair and assumed that because she had come from Bournemouth it must have been sunnier in the south of England.
Black not back
ReplyDeleteThis is a typical Thursday afternoon. The reason is that it is pouring with torrental rain, again.
ReplyDeleteFriday is my "bin" day, so I sort all into the right containers and put out ready for collection, which can be as early as 7.00am the following morning.
It happens every week!
I was so interested reading Archerphile's posts, doing food for others with differing dietary needs.
ReplyDeleteAt least this is so much more understood and far easier to do, nowadays.
I do "sugar free" items for the kids, otherwise they go hyper active, which is not nice
A niece is both gluten- and lactose- interolerant.
A nephew-in-law, cannot have even a miniscule of alcohol in any form, but there are wonderful 0% alcohol wine, cider, beers etc in the supermarkets. They are a good substitute.
It is so much easier now, than even just a few years ago and enjoy the challenge.
If anyone knows of a wine with 0% alcohol that tastes anywhere near as good as the real thing, please let me know. I have yet to find one.
DeleteI thought of Ev this morning, whilst watching Animal Park.
ReplyDeleteThere was a white tailed eagle seen there, for quite a while. It is believed it was one of the ones from the IOW, just exploring.
I have a Sparrow Hawk or two, in my vincinity, at the moment.
This is for the 1st time seen here.
Soz, I wish I could recommend an alcohol free wine!
ReplyDeleteI decided to buy some for when we were having friends to dinner recently and I was still on the course of antibiotics which prevented me from drinking.
I searched in Sainsbury’s and found a Hardy’s Australian white, reduced to £5.99 from £7.99
Being a well known winery and not exactly cheap I thought it would be OK.
But 1 glass was enough!
It was too sweet and more like sugary grape juice. Horrible when drunk to accompany lamb shanks!
The rest of the bottle went down the sink!
I never have been able to understand why anyone wants to replace the 'real' with a manufactured alternative.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't drink wine, drink something nice to replace it not something pretending to be wine without the alcohol.
It's like vegetarians who don't wish to eat meat, so eat soya and other manufactured stuff to resemble meat. I once had a vegetarian sausage and it was disgusting.
Surely If you have given up meat, you've given it up.
Does any one else feel as I do, or are there arguments for ?
I had a lovely but garrulous colleague who once spent about half an hour extolling the virtues of wine boxes. When she finally left the room, my other colleague turned to me and said, 'I didn't have the heart to tell her we used to own a family wine business.'
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, what I know about wine could be written on the back of a raisin.
I've been forcibly 'on the wagon' for years now, as combining alcohol with my medication produces the most unfortunate results. I'm reduced to drinking elderflower cordial, far too sweet and syrupy for my taste but redeemable to a certain extent by a slice of lime.
ReplyDeleteI've heard reasonable reports about Nosecco, which I suppose is fine if you liked Prosecco in the first place.
Mrs P, when I stopped eating meat 40 years ago, I tried 'sosmix' for a while to make sausage rolls, but that was nothing like the manufactured.meat substitute around now. I have used quorn chicken style pieces and beef mince when my children were younger, for family meals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the fake meats available now - I don't see the point.
The same with alcohol. I'd rather have a nice cordial or what I call posh fizz. Although I still enjoy the alcohol π
Same with coffee, if I've had enough caffeine I'll choose something else rather than decaff.
Surely the reason why people become vegetarian is because they don't agree with eating slaughtered animals.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't mean that they don't enjoy the taste of the food in question so for example I could understand someone liking a vegetarian sausage.
My son would agree with you Lanjan. About 15 years or more ago when he still ate meat he would choose steak and ale pie if we went out for a meal, and really enjoyed it. This is possibly the thing he misses most. I think Quorn is pretty good nowadays, and although difficult to find in most shops Tescos sometimes has Quorn "steak strips" which are a fair approximation. There seems to be research going on now to grow real meat from cells taken from animals, and as this doesn't involve killing the animal I suppose this would be acceptable to a vegetarian, although not to a vegan.
DeleteYes LanJan, I understand why many people become vegetarian, and that they miss the taste of meat, but if you give something up, surely it might be an expectation that you would miss it.
DeleteIsn't it the point that in giving up the meat for your principles you are making a sacrifice ?
If you've given up meat for animal welfare reasons then surely point is the well-being of the animals rather than any hair shirt sacrifice. (Though if you're vegan I guess you could only wear the shirt if you used your own hair to weave it.)
DeleteA Smallish Person Sometimes in a Shoe tried feeding me Tofu 'Chicken' curry a while ago. I didn't ask for second helpings.
Well I've been a vegetarian for 31 years and I still miss 'meat,' especially bacon.
DeleteI do like Quorn mince and chicken style strips so I can make spag bol, currys and pies.
However I do not like veggie meats such as bacon, chicken slices with stuffing as they all taste far too sweet. I cannot stand Tofu!
I have many recipes with veggies, lentils and beans so I can get some protein in me.
I gave up meat because I thought animals were not being cared for and looked after. Then one day I heard a programme on Radio 4 which was a broadcast from a slaughterhouse. It did not broadcast animal squealings or creating 'rumpus' but I felt that I did not wan't to participate in that industry.
I didn't feel I could let my children omit meat. They would do it if they felt as strongly as I did (daughter immediately went veggie) so I cooked two separate meals, one for myself and daughter and one for three sons.
I do not feel that I am thinking about doing a good thing for not eating meat. It's just that I prefer it and do not think about it.
I do however eat fish once a month because my son (who researched it!) felt that I ought to have whatever it was that only fish have! (sorry can't remember!)
(I hope my post has been understood. I do remember a poster saying that I didn't make sense. Sometimes I feel as if I have written something down, then on re-reading it wasn't the word I had hoped for!)Three times I have checked this!
I agree with all who say no to substitutes. In India where some have always been vegetarian, they don't eat food which is supposed to resemble meat. If you don't eat meat, eat beans, pulses etc for protein. I don't label myself a vegetarian/vegan, I just very rarely eat meat, if my sister prepares it. The same goes for alcohol. I drink tea: black/green and coffee but mostly warm water throughout the day - it has a calming effect.
ReplyDeleteWhen you entered the garden of Epicurus you were welcomed with a bowl of a well cooked porridge and a goblet of water. A very good welcome I think.
I’m sorry Mrs P didn’t approve of me buying fake wine! It was the first time we had been able to entertain since my protracted illness and still being on the particular antibiotics that don’t allow you to drink, I didn’t want to be left out!
ReplyDeleteI shan’t be buying any again because it was horrible. But I dont see why anyone should be castigated for buying non alcoholic drinks if they need to. Or, indeed, if they find them a suitable alternative.
I would find elderberry cordial too sweet and loaded with sugar so my favourite alternative drink is a diluted non-sugar lime cordial with a splash of non-sugar lemonade. Refreshing and not very sweet.
Sorry, that should have been elderFLOWER cordial.
DeleteLove it in gooseberry jam but not as a drink
Spicy cushion, yes, perfectly clear, and I agree. Like Basis. I eat some meat, but possibly two or three times a month.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was vegan for a while and I found some lovely recipes which I preferred to eat. She started to eat fish for a while, but saw a documentary recently which has put her off it again.
I absolutely love fish.
I do eat meat as I feel in nature animals eat each other but I respect vegetarians and I do try to source meat from UK as our standards are higher than some. I don’t see anything wrong with meat substitutes as they provide variety. There’s only so much you can do with veg, lentils, pulses etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat such interesting comments re alternative substitutes, for drinks + meals.
ReplyDeleteI could never give up meat. However I use turkey mince, chicken and fish, far more often, these days.
I do "padded" red meat though, This is I add Puy lentils, or even oats, into a mince dish. I also add butter beans or similar, into a hearty beef stew.
A chicken casserole, often has loads of swede, celery, carrots added in.
Doing this, I eat less meat with more pulses.
It is just a balance which suits me.
PS My favourite non- alcoholic drink, is lime cordial with soda water, a sprig of fresh mint + ice. It's so refreshing.
Oh dear, I have talked food again...π£
The comments re fascinators, on the other board, amused me, particularly SARNIA's comment, as what she has viewed, whilst organ playing.
ReplyDeleteI am a hater of hats, as they just don't suit me.
For the last 2 weddings, that I have attended, I have worn a fascinator. This was the matching one, purchased at the same time, to match what I bought + wore.
Neither of these fascinators were OTT, as just complemented my short hair style + dress.
Dare one say - outfit with ensuite bluebottles then, Miriam ;)
DeleteNo.bluebottles, as far more subtle than that idea. π
Delete
ReplyDeleteToday I visited my step granddaughter and her boyfriend who live in a flat in Mrs P's former neck of the woods ,Putney Hill
I was a fool to myself and treated them to lunch.
Some of you know of my love for Wetherspoon's pubs and there is a particularly good one near to Putney Bridge called "The Rocket."
I had a vegetarian breakfast and the veggie sausage was really good.
Excellent value.
I agree with your post Old Woman 10:43 am .
DeleteI am totally illogical.
I am unable to eat venison (I always think of Bambi's mother ) and I don't eat lamb now and would never eat veal.
I do eat beef stew and pork sausages and bacon though .
(Has anybody been watching the programme about Jeremy Clarkson's Farm on TV?
I love it.)
LJ I love lamb, but I only now buy welsh lamb. It is a real treat, due to the cost.
DeleteI do eat venison, but only buy from a NT property shop, when the necessary yearly cull, has been done.
It is a very lean meat, and very low cholesterol.
Veal, is a definitely an ardent and debatable topic. I love it, but it is not available to purchase, well locally.
These days, veal comes from the unwanted bull calves. As such these are so not raised in the inhumane conditions, which so many still think veal calves, are raised in.
It is just a by-product, of farming life.
Lanjan, we love Caleb and the way he tells Jeremy off! Also the dry wall man. Can’t tell a word he’s saying and don’t think Jeremy can either. Best of all is Jeremy who blunders on in spite of Caleb!
DeleteRegarding veal, the bull calves are killed off very early. I seem to remember Vicky, Mike Tucker’s wife, trying to save them way back. It seems a waste not to use the meat.
The one thing I would never, ever eat, is "suckling pig".
DeleteThat is obvious why.
Years ago, Smallest Person in a Shoe visited a pig farm and held 6 week old piglets.
DeleteFor a while after that, we weren't allowed to eat meat from any animals that were 'cute'. So, piglets were out, obviously, and probabably lambs. But grown pigs, and chickens were fine.
If it isn't too late ,P tbY ,I hope you are having a really happy birthday..
ReplyDeleteI second that πππ ptby. I’ve let the side down being late….
DeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteI’m at an open air concert waiting for Nile Rodgers and Chic. Fab birthday treat. Be dancing soon!!!
Archerphile ππ·π π₯³ π “Happy Birthday” what are your plans for today
ReplyDeletePtby how did the dancing go π€
Thank you so much Lady R, and happy birthday wishes to all my fellow August birthday celebrants
ReplyDeleteI’m actually have a two-day birthday. Yesterday my daughter visited with cards and present as they are away this weekend. And our next door neighbours put on a rather sumptuous BBQ up in their pavilion last night. It turned out to be a very convivial evening.
Today, Mr A insisted on having his full English breakfast (cooked by me) in bed as he does every Saturday. I had thought, just for once, as it is my birthday, that he might forego the above and come and join me downstairs but no such luck so I am feeling slightly miffed!
No other plans for today except a Zoom session with the family in France as they now have wi-fi connected. It. Will be the first time we have ‘seen’ them since they left Dubai so I’m really looking forward to that.
I'd have thought that after all the celebrations last night you might have 'accidentally' burnt the bacon and undercooked the eggs ; )
DeleteHa! Didn’t think of that! But I didn’t do the usual toast and marmalade as there wasn’t any bread in the bin and I ‘forgot’ to get another loaf out of the freezer.
DeleteOoh Archerphile naughty Mr A π‘
DeleteLoved owias suggestion π€£ still no toast that was a start - a woman scorned and all that!
Sounds like a lovely celebration last night and with daughter yesterday. Enjoy your zoom call.
To let him off the hook, he has just presented me with a beautiful Daniel Deronda Clematis for our new trellis, a cyclamen houseplant, garden centre vouchers to spend as I like and a sketching kit for our cruise. I have forgiven him for breakfast!!
DeleteSo have I π€£
DeleteLovely gifts, what date is your cruise?
Many happy returns of the day Archerfile. πππEven though those are extremely nice thoughtful presents I think your first sketch should be of a lady, recognisable as your self, in bed being brought breakfast by her husband, and then leave it lying around where it can be seen. π
DeleteLady R.
ReplyDeleteDancing went great. I had 4 free seats beside me and a walkway behind us so we spread out a bit and weren’t so on top of other people.
Got to admit it wasn’t Mr PtbY’s cup of tea and he stood looking miserable but I decided to ignore him and just enjoy myself.
Son coming for a visit this aft. All in all a right good birthday.
ππ»ππ»ππ» good for you ptby πΌ πΈ π
DeleteWishing you a belated happy birthday, and hope the year ahead is a good one for you. ππ
ReplyDeleteLooking in briefly and seeing birthdays, so........... belated BIRTHDAY wishes to
ReplyDeleteArcherphile and PtbY
I am So Sorry, that I have missed Two Brilliant Birthdays.
ReplyDeleteARCHERPHILE + PTBY - please accept my apoligies.
Belated "Happy Birthday" - to you both. π€ π π π and πΆ.
I must still, be a candidate in the "Amnesia Conference", with whovever said it...
ReplyDeleteI love this excuse. ππ
The promised storms have not arrived, thank goodness.
Instead, it is hot, slightly cloudy and so humid and sultry.
Last night, I chopped off all the dead and burnt branches, from my beautiful hibiscus. This were due to that fence fire, 18 months ago. I was so surprised, as to how much needed to be removed. I did this now, as it is in flower, and could see where the new growth is flourishing.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA hibiscus flower.
ReplyDeleteThis is in my garden, and I know it is out of focus. π―
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA month and a day older than me, AP!
ReplyDeleteJuly 20th Sarnia?
DeleteShe's older than me! September.
DeleteThe Hundred Cricket.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, that it not the cricket, I know and love. Talk about a gimmick, based on such a wonderful game.
This is my personal view only.
I bet others will think differently and that's ackowledged and understood.
Happy birthdays to my fellow Leos on this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anneveggie, and happy birthday to you too. πππ
DeleteHappy birthday all you August people! Mike was a Leo and I am a Taurus. Not a good match but the years we were born in according to the Chinese are very compatible so I go with them! πππ π¦
ReplyDeleteA lion and a bull wow, but you proved it worked π
DeleteWhere as Mr R is a ram and I am a pair of scales - what’s to be made of that! π€£
DeleteMine is the only inanimate object star sign…
A good combination it seems. Mr Google says it is a steamy one!
DeleteOohhhh ππ» Ev π€ π€£
DeleteHope you’ve had a lovely birthday archerphile.
ReplyDeleteMy 2 started watching that ruddy cricket. I gave up and came to bed at 7.40!
Belated joyeux anniversaire to my fellow Leo's, πΎπΎπΎ
ReplyDeletelike Janice 's idea for your first sketch, AP π
in Les Sables d'Olonne for a week, good to be by the sea!!
We were a pair of Virgos, birthdays a week apart. 'Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteYikes Sarnia we’re you both typical ones (like Miriam and my ex very tidy and routine minded) or blow the theory apart π€ of course one can be on the cusp as is Archerphile as today is the last day of Leo also we inherit characteristics from parents etc. However certain things do seem to be fairly common to a sign with mine it appears to be eating and talking π
DeleteMr S was VERY routine minded. He also thought he was very tidy, which largely consisted of disposing of stuff (ie, other people's belongings) deemed to be in his way in the unlikeliest of places never to be seen again. He also considered himself to be well-organised - travel documents with the winter pyjamas, tool box upstairs in spare bedroom, wooden mallet with miscellaneous electrical bit and pieces in the filing cabinet, that sort of thing. A solicitor cousin eventually worked out which Building Society held the house deeds, but the location of the birth and marriage certificates remains eternally his.
DeleteMe? I like a working framework with room for flexibility and a system with a certain amount of logic behind it. Other than that - if it's a beautiful day like today, let's not waste it on mundane household tasks; the clear sky, the glow on the flowers and pattern of shadows on the grass won't look like this on any other day.
I agree with your sentiments on life Sarnia π
DeleteThank you Parsley and everyone else for good wishes.
ReplyDeleteMust apologise for slowness in responding, there have been lots of posts I have wanted to say something about but it’s so difficult & hit or miss to do so on my iPad now.
I have to wait for time/opportunity to use the PC
I keep searching for a solution but can not find help anywhere. It’s such a pain!
I’m trying out (before even opening chrome) going to settings / Safari /clear all history & data then when back to main icon screen double click the white button and swipe away any open sites. If I forget and a post goes to blogger error then I come out and do it then. Sounds a lot but barely 30secs in reality.
ReplyDeleteNon cricket fans stop here!
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly I would like to say a few words in support of the new Hundred form of the game.
I love cricket: as a child I didn’t understand it but spent many happy hours playing on all sorts of cricket grounds from the tiny one at Nomansland in the New Forest to more formal ones in towns.
I married a keen cricketer and have been a member at Trent Bridge for many years. My knowledge and appreciation of the game has grown over the years. I enjoy test cricket and the one day game but am not so keen on the 20/20 format.So when this hundred ball game was suggested I was sure that I wouldn’t be interested.
However I have been drawn into watching some of the games and yesterday saw the finals with my brother and grandson. I don’t like the hype that is forced on you at every spare moment but I am pleased to see so many young spectators. It is not a watered down version of the longer game as I think 20/20 is. It highlights some skills from the traditional game and suits some cricketers more than others but there is still that contest between bowler and batsman which I find fascinating.
If cricket is to survive we have to entice youngsters from noncricketing backgrounds into the game. I have taught in many state schools where cricket is hardly played unless the PE dept have an enthusiastic cricketer among them. I have sat with a handful of supporters at county games. So I look forward to next year’s Hundred with the hope that the forced hype that has surrounded its initiation is no more.
“Playing around on cricket grounds” I don’t mean that I was playing cricket myself!!!
DeleteI couldn't disagree with you more,Soz.
ReplyDeleteThere is already a watered down version of the game in the form of T20 .
Youngsters from all backgrounds seem to like that .
Why did we need another version?
Players have no connection with the team for which they are playing.
Liam Livingstone a Lancashire County cricketer has been doing brilliantly for,I believe the Birmingham Something or other.
He is not therefore able to play for the team which are paying his wages.
Members want to see their star players .
If the 100 continues it will be the death of County Cricket .That will be a very ,very sad day .
Soz, do you come from Nomansland?
ReplyDeleteNo I don’t but I know the Forest very well. My aunt lived in Houghton near Stockbridge and my sister in Hyde ( I lived with her when she was ill) so my route between the two took me through Nomansland.
DeleteAs a child I remember driving into the forest to collect horse manure for my grandmother’s garden. She made sure there was a cardboard box and shovel in the boot!!!
I can't even post, what my professional N-i-L cricket coach, said about The Hundred.
ReplyDeleteHe coaches juniors, at Essex County cricket club, plus he is the senior coach at a cricket accademy, along with his own private cricket coaching sessions.
His words and comments, cannot be repeated. He was just appalled.
Another sad loss -
ReplyDeleteDon Everley, from the Everley Brothers.
Saw Don and Phil Everly when they came to Liverpool,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteThey were great.
Ah memories of my youth - RIP Don πΏ πΈ π―
Delete