Proud to be Yorkshire - December 4, 2021 at 7:56 AM I’m probably being thick but why can’t you recycle shredded paper with the council? We always put a bag out of shredded at our other house and it was always taken. Now we just take it on a tip run and empty it into the cardboard recycling.
Lanjan - December 4, 2021 at 8:26 AM Are we particularly fortunate where we live with regard to the waste disposal? We have one container for paper and cardboard and another for plastic ,glass and metal. The "bin men" come each week and our garden waste is collected every fortnight.
Sarnia - December 4, 2021 at 9:36 AM Yes, you are, LanJan. Our general/garden waste collection alternates with glass/recycling, and the list of items that can't be re=cycled is so long there's often hardly anything in mine. For some reason, my general waste bin is often missed, but reporting it is a waste of time because they never come back for it, so it's left for a month.
MrsP Ambridge - December 4, 2021 at 10:50 AM My understanding is that all local authorities have their own regulations and those regs depend on where they pass their recycling on to, and what form of equipment is available there. In the latter years of living in Wandsworth SW London both my daughters in Bath and on the Island had food waste bins. In Wandsworth, and possibly the rest of London too, it was not considered feasible ( due to expected low take up ) to implement that service. But I now understand that thinking has changed and food bins will be supplied, but I don't know when. Currently here, we have food bins emptied weekly, General waste and recycling on alternating weeks. It works well. Interesting that in Yorkshire PtbY takes shredded paper to her tip.
SozDecember 4, 2021 at 10:57 AM That is disgusting Sarnia. Have you tried putting your waste bin close to your neighbour’s bin - they might be less likely to miss it. You pay for that bin collection in your council tax.
Janice - December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM Apparently the recycling paper mills can't cope with shredded paper. I suppose it clogs their machines up or something, and can't be so successfully used. A suggestion made is to use a permanent marker to block out names and account numbers instead of shredding. I have noticed that some companies are now using shredded cardboard as packaging to protect items, which is a good way of reusing cardboard, but I am wondering now if that should be kept out of the recycling and composted as well.
Just to add. I checked our local council and we can put out shredded paper, it can be put in the paper recycling bag but it has to be in a separate tied bag. Also here in Cornwall there are no active landfill sites left and rubbish goes to an Energy Recovery Centre which produces enough electricity in a year to power 21,000 homes.
Yes here in Gloucestershire too Janice. When I first came here there was the residue of extreme opposition to this recovery site, it being felt that it would be a blot on the landscape. Now I see that site on a daily basis and it doesn't stand out much in the landscape. It could do with being painted green though, and then it would be almost completely camouflaged.
I will guarantee that no one will guess the important !!! job I have been doing this morning. I wanted a new wicker laundry basket and found what I needed in a Charity Shop . However it didn't have a top.so this morning I have been weaving some hazel branches to make a circular lid for it. It should do until I find exactly what I want .
I got my booster last Sunday along with my first ever flu shot. One of them knocked me for six. I took to my bed for 48 hours I felt so sick and achey. All back to normal but I can now completely empathize with those of us who suffered similar. Not fun.
Mr GG continues to recover extremely well thank goodness. Well enough to have planned a couple of tiny trips away in a few weeks time. Nowhere exotic, but lovely places nonetheless!
MrsP - I could procrastinate for Britain when I'm in the mood. When it comes to the house I am on the ball 100% and there is never any backlog of chores or tasks waiting to be done, but anything that's outside of that sphere I only ever do at the very last possible moment. I genuinely don't think I care enough about things outside of my immediate control so don't bother investing the time or the worry! It seems to work for me. (But then, MR GG loves minutiae and is the sort of person who has spreadsheets and folders for this and folders for that so I "allow" him to deal with all of the other real world gubbins!)
We have just signed off on getting a new kitchen in January and are about to start re-doing the dining room from top to bottom. The thought of builders and carpenters and plumbers being in my house for days on end is already filling me with abject horror so I think I will just magically make myself disappear when they are here. A quite B&B in the wilds methinks. Early mornings, mess, noise and strangers are not a good combination in my eyes...
Thank you for the grandson good wishes Gary. Really looking forward to meeting him tomorrow. Having recently had a new bathroom I empathise with you re the early mornings, mess, noise and strangers. We need to have the hall, landing and stairs decorated in the New Year, not looking forward to that.
How lovely to hear all your news Gary, and especially that Mr GG is doing so well. It would be a good idea to co-ordinate a few days away with works to the house.. Not sure I could do that though, as I’d want to be on hand to supervise what the builders were doing! We had a very small extension built 5 years ago to give us a laundry room and downstairs loo. Because I wasn’t there on the day the windows were being installed, I got home to find a plain glass window had been fitted in the cloakroom, right opposite the loo so every time someone walked past they could look in & see who was on the toilet! We had assumed the builder would have known to fit a window with patterned glass for privacy! It would have been too big and messy a job to replace so we have put up with it and installed a blend instead.
Regarding waste collections, I think I reported that back in May we paid our Council £90 for a brown garden waste bin and fortnightly collections for a year. We had the first collection in August and we have just had the second one!! The Council’s excuses were, at various times, Covid (naturally!) , lack of drivers, lack of vehicles, too big a backlog and goodness knows what else. But to have had only 2 collections in 6 months is definitely NOT good value for money!
It seems I am lucky. Both the re-cycle and food waste containers, are emptied weekly. The garden + general waste ones, are on alternate weeks. It is interesting that only a few of us, just some of us more senior ones but not all, put food waste containers out. It shows how people cook + eat. Mine is always full! I always cook from scratch, use fresh veg. so there are many peelings, along wirh egg shells, tea bags etc. My veg. peeler/apple corer is very well used. I have had it for decades and it suits me. Goodness knows what I will do when it is no longer suitable. Mind you, it has been "lost" but then "found" again, usually in the food waste container, luckily before bin day!!
PS. I can put a single, but sealed bag of shredded paper, into my paper recycle bin. It helps, as does the kerbside recycling of small electrical goods + batteries. This saves so much hassle and toing + froing.
I have so many batteries and small electricals to dispose of but never know where. We have a ' Share and Repair ' volunteer outfit in one of our satellite towns, but only open in the mornings, and I struggle to do mornings.
I have had, yet another very wet + windy day again. It was nowhere near as bad as Storm Arwen a week ago, but more than expected. I have a story to tell:- about how a roofer tried to con me, a few days ago. This is for another time. I at least proved, that I was not the walk-over he expected. He conned a lovely neighbour, but I will never mention this to him. Until next time..... Take Care All.
Archerphile. I still so hope you make it to France and back again, for your Christmas, with the news announced recentley. It adds extra pressure on, but it will be worth it, to meet your family again after such a long time.
Gary - lovely to hear that Mister is continuing to recover. Yep, disappearing when the builders come is a good idea....... If...... as Archerphile says you can let go of the reigns. Like her I couldn't and wouldn't. I've had the builders in on most of my homes to date. The first and only time we decamped and left them to it, the work continued five months beyond its due date. At all other times I've stayed put. Once bitten, twice shy ! This last time here, I camped upstairs while the downstairs floor was excavated four foot down into the bedrock and had a little bridge from the bottom of the stairs out through the front door. I didn't have the animals until after the building work though.
I have to say that the glamour of the maisonette in Minehead has been/ was/is - to do with the possibility of moving in to a home where literally nothing would need doing. Bliss ! Nothing from the agents today...... " didn't hear anything from the vendors yet " So Monday then. In the meantime another property in Minehead has come to the market. Exactly what I expected to find in a Minehead, as I've seen frequently there in the past. There is an area of large Edwardian terrace houses. Most now divided into flats, guest houses or nursing homes. A ground floor flat with two large bedrooms and a sitting room with French windows into a decent garden. And with low - ish service charges and no restrictions on pets. But the difference between this area and the one where the maisonette is is extreme. One being very very nice indeed. You pays for what you get !
Only you can decide. Look at the suitability for you, Lady + pusscat, the finances, along with where are the nearest amenities such as shops, a chemist and a GP surgery...and would you feel content? It's such a huge decision for you. All I wanted to do, was to give you some other things to consider and think about, in hopefully a helpful way, when considering all your options.
Thank you Miriam, your suggestions are welcome and so far they are, each one on my list of requirements. One of the reasons for my looking at Minehead is its central part consisting of shops and activities surrounded by the residential areas. Easily accessed by foot. Plus it's light and open aspect surrounded on one plane by ocean and the other by forested hills topped by Exmoor just a mile or so away. And very beautiful those wooded hills are at the moment.
Congratulations to both of the new Grandmothers! How brave of you Gary to book builders to re-do your kitchen. Mine desperately needs an update but I just cannot face the upheaval, noise, mess, chaos etc etc. so keep putting if off. I think the floor will fall inwards before I get up the nerve to do something about it. Glad to hear that Mr. G is doing well.
Good Luck Mrs P As you know I believe in fate and am rather impulsive but you are giving the situation a lot of thought so well done you. You know what I think of stairs! Will say no more.
Looks like our trip to see the family in France may have to be cancelled. France has put the UK on its Amber list of countries, meaning we will have to have PCR negative test results 48 hours before travelling there and fill in no fewer that 4 forms relating to health & vaccines etc Then our Govt. is now saying we have to have negative tests 48 hours before returning to England AND have booked PCR tests to be done within 48 hours of arriving home.
With the tests costing around £80 - £90 each his could cost us about £350 + whatever the tests in France will come to. We are warned that prices will rise as we get nearer to Christmas and the demand increases. Our son says the whole family recently had to have PCR tests as one of the boys was in close contact with Covid & the charge was €50 each, so that would be around another £100. We are not sure what to do. Much as we are dying to see them all, the test costs are prohibitive and take a lot of organising. I fear that our visit may have to be put on hold until this wretched Omicron variant is sorted out….and who knows when that will be?
Very sorry to hear that, Archerphile, it should be so much easier to visit family in France than Dubai, but no. I think that if 'the authorities' are demanding PCR tests,perhaps they should pay for them. It just seems endless, doesn't it. I'm waiting for lockdown, because I keep reading it won't happen. I hope you manage to sort something out, but yet again, there seems little planning or information from the govt, but I'm sure they will enjoy their festive gatherings.
To us, it seems ridiculous to take a test in France 24-48 hours before we leave and another one back home within 48 hours. Some experts are saying the home one should be after 8 days to ensure we didn’t pick anything up on the plane. But then, all the ‘experts’ seem to have different ideas and we just have to accept whichever one the Govt. decides to choose !
What is annoying me is what I have seen on TV yesterday + today. This is football matches, with stadiums full and spectators all so close together. Grand-nephew + his Dad were at Old Trafford today, travelling by coach without masks. This is far more of a concern, than air travel and visiting family at Christmas for the first time, just because these are in another country.
I have just seen a video from Old Trafford where all were standing, squashed in like sardines, and no masks worn. At least they had fun together, a Dad + son outing together. Perhaps I am worrying without any reason 🙅♀️
Thank you all for your congratulations! I am a very happy granny right now as I came today to my son’s to spend a couple of days seeing ny new little grandson. Feeling very blessed. I saw not a single person without a mask throughout my train journey to Switzerland. I just hope new rules don’t require a negative covid test to return to Italy. I have been scouring internet trying to find out and don’t think so but not absolutely sure v
So pleased for you Hilary that you have been able to travel reasonably freely to be with your family and to see your grandson. Have a happy time.
I attended a Christmas event yesterday in a large school hall. I'm pleased to be able to report that most of the audience were wearing masks although we were not able to sit two metres apart. And at the beginning when I asked the young girl next to me if she had a mask, she did comply and wore it throughout the time there. There were refreshments at the end and all masks were removed. We are living through confusing times.
SOZ: I've found the Pass Book!!! In recent days I've begun to tackle the unattended piles of paperwork that accumulated during lockdown and it turned up right at the bottom of the one by the telephone. It wasn't left in the handbag at all. Still no luck with the bottles of shampoo, but as that type has been discontinued,(that always happens the minute I find the one shampoo with no side-effects!) but the same company has a new one with no obvious formaldehyde-releasing chemical in it and smells as is it might work, ie, no identifiable perfume. Oh frabjeous joy!
Well done Sarnia. Tackling the pile. That alone was courageous. To find the pass book is a bonus. I did some more filing over the weekend.
I heard today that my offer has been rejected. It was apparently one of three. I am relieved !
But it's been a mixed day nonetheless. Took my friend over from Germany to visit her mother in a nursing home in a nearby town. When we got back to Sainsbury's car park my car refused to start. This is the second time this has happened recently despite having been serviced within this last month. And in addition the passenger door keeps locking and refusing to open. At one point this afternoon me, friend and Lady all had to clamber in over the drivers seat. My friend found two young men who kindly push started the car and I managed to get home. Absolute stars !
I had a lovely day with Big Sis today in Wales. She is going to both Essex + Norfolk in a few days time, to see some family members. I could have gone as well, but due to the sometimes strange behaviour of my cat, I didn't want to put her into kennels for 5/6 days, for the 1st time for at least 2 years I realise that pets should not rule our lives, which I do agree with, but I don't want to cause any further problems which could be disturbing + upsetting for both me + 😺 I did the "Santa" drop off, so Xmas pressies will be delievered in a car, rather than on a sleigh 🧑🎄 We planned the Boxing Day menu as there will be 10 to feed 🤞🤞, with the two of us preparing + cooking. Part of my Christmas outfits to wear, will be my apron!
Well, we now have three cases of Omicron in Basingstoke, one involving a teacher at a local Junior school so lots of teachers and children have had to isolate
Just heard from son that cases are increasing in France even faster than here and new restrictions are to be imposed. Our Christmas visit is rapidly disappearing into the far future and don’t suppose we shall be able to get any refund of the fares. At least I ordered the grandsons Christmas gifts from Amazon France so they will get them whether we go or not which is a relief. Not so, son’s gift of a hamper I made up for him containing quantities of Worcestershire Sauce, huge jars of Marmite and Earl Grey tea, all of which he really misses!
Sarnia I’m so pleased you’ve found the elusive Pass book. The joy and satisfaction on finding something almost makes the frustration and occasional panic worth it!!!! A few years ago I spent many months searching for deeds for my late sister’s property. After an expensive and time consuming exercise to obtain replacements, I found the original deeds hidden in a pile of old Garden magazines. I can’t say I felt much joy, more like frustration. I can’t blame her though as it is the kind of thing I might do myself.
Mrs P: I'm curious about your relief that your offer was rejected. Was it because the arrangements concerning the occupancy were too complicated, that the lure of Minehead was not as great as you thought it was, or that in theory anyway, for the time being it lets you off the hook as far as sorting out your present cottage is concerned?
Sarnia My relief is because of your first suggestion. Plus the two flights of stairs. I do know what I want. A ground floor flat with a garden that I can step out into. I do not want to be seduced by a beautiful property that would have been perfect twenty years ago. It had a lovely staircase that gave space and drama to the property, but the garden was remote and the communal area might replicate the difficulties that I have with my present home. There was another flat, nearby in the same very nice part of Minehead, and that did have a garden with direct access from the flat, but the flat itself had one main bedroom that would just about house a bed but nothing else and a second bedroom that didn't have room for even a single bed. What's more the flat itself didn't appeal at all. Both my daughters pointed out that the flat that came up this week in the Edwardian area of Minehead was dark, no window in kitchen or bathroom. But it had two very large bedrooms at the front with multiple windows. And a garden directly off the sitting room. Nothing is going to be perfect. A case of continuing the search.
Archerphile Don't give up just yet. Things might just work out, once you know the situation as it settles down. Just think of the posititives of being with your family, against the negatives, so weigh one up against the other. As to your parcel, it is my taste exactly except Bovril rather than Marmite. I use Worcester sauce a lot, and so love Early Grey tea.
I mentioned a while ago about a lemon tree. This I ordered and arrived today, far earlier than expected and is 3ft tall.. It has leaves curled down, but I hope that this is due to just how it was packed for transit and not a disease nor pests. I cannot see any evidence of these yet. My challenge is to keep it alive until Dec. 25th. I have put it in the bathroom for overnight, so the heat + humidity should help. Tomorrow I need to find a sunny spot, and hope it survives. This is a massive challenge for me. I have read so many on-line articles, about what to do so 🤞🤞 It was a good idea at the time, which I might now regret.
Yes, I have been wondering that too Basia And Parsley, are you OK over there in France? Son tells me Covid cases have risen dramatically in France recently. I do hope you are all OK.
Storm Barra finally left my area overnight, after a bad 24hours but I believe that, other areas are now getting the full force of this. My Christmas haircut was done this morning, and it is as perfect as ever. This is just as well, as it has to see me into 2022. I am going through the motions now, as to Christmas. It seems that things might be changing again, just like last year. I am not being positive I know, as there is no reason not to be.
I have just realised that I haven't told you, about how I think I was being conned. After Storm Arwen, I checked the roofs with binoculars and all seemed well. On talking with a neighbour, I realised there was one tile, very very slightly dislodged. I don't think it was the storm that night, as this part of roof was in the lee. It was more likely from last winter before. When I saw a neighbour opposite having his tiles replaced, I cheekily asked the roofer, to put this tile back in place. This was done in a few seconds. I was told that this tile was cracked, and other works as done on my neighbours property, were also needed on my property - as if! I smiled sweetly and said when I decide, my neighbour has the contact details. One of his workers who also came onto my property, came up close to me and said something like - You have just lost us £350! With binoculars, I still cannot see a crack in that tile, nor any other problems, esp. as all the soffits have been replaced with UVP ones. It was a good try...🤣😉
I am not one of those who "tips" persons, for just doing their job..
When I was a Pharmacist, we had lots of boxes of biscuits and chocolates given to all the staff. Some were opened and eaten, then the rest were devided up equally between all the staff, regardless of part- or full- time. The thought was so appreciated.
As I have said, I had my Christmas haircut done yesterday. After paying for this, my stylist was given a personal Christmas card with her year "tips" inside, as so deserved.
I have just learnt that a grand-niece and her brother, a grand-nephew, ages 10 and 7, are now Covid positive. All I can do, is to wish them well, as the entire family are now in total isolation. I am a bit 😔 😨
It doesn’t seem fair that tips are expected in some jobs such as hairdressing and restaurants and not in others. Mike , as a property manager in a Naval establishment, was not allowed to accept anything as it could be misconstrued as a bribe. Years ago when we lived in Hong Kong and rules weren’t as strict, one of the Chinese contractors had a bit too much to drink one Christmas and decided to send everyone a cooked turkey which arrived in the early evening. We had already had a heart Christmas lunch in the Mess and were replete so the sight of it was a bit nauseous! I think we managed to see it off eventually!
Personally I regret the passing of giving tips to dustmen and postpersons. Such people turn out weekly and daily to perform their jobs. In particular postmen and women also keep a weather eye on elderly residents, as did milkmen in previous times. Nobody was ever required to give tips, but many chose to do so. Both my parents were against tipping in general but always had an envelope ready with some money for all of the above, and probably the coalman as well. I did the same for as long as it was acceptable to do so, and I still miss doing so.
Vicars don't get tips but we sometimes get Christmas gifts from funeral directors. Wine, if OMiaS is lucky, or calendars usually. I always found it a bit disconcerting going into the local chemist's and seeing a funeral director's calendar on the counter!
It is indeed all very odd. My son in law in Bath has Covid. He went to the Seychelles last week. Aeroplanes and airports come to mind. Granddaughter, grandson and mother have all stayed home since, are doing tests, but have each had Covid themselves at different times throughout 2021. So far all three appear to be free of infection.
It is strange how some people seem to get it and others don't. Someone at my daughter's work went down with covid (after visiting relatives upcountry) despite having had all her vaccinations; and because she both works with and sits with her at lunchtime my daughter was worried she would get it and pass it on to me. NHS advised the others that as long as it remained the same little group of them they could continue to work ( but without any direct contact with holidaymakers), and they had to test themselves every other day. We spent a good ten days with my daughter avoiding me by spending her off work time in her bedroom and with me leaving her dinner outside her door. Crazy times! But, and I found this interesting, that despite close contact neither my daughter or any of her colleagues got it.
My daughter had covid back in January, identified by her routine weekly PCR required by her employer - she worked in home care. She developed symptoms between sending the test and getting the result. We had gone out in her car that day. She lives at home and we had the same arrangement that Janice describes. I'd had my first vaccination 4 days earlier. Mr Z and I both escaped infection.
I have been watching an episode of All Creatures Great + Small from the original series. How things have changed from that era - fillet steak 1/2s per lb. This set me thinking as to things have changed. I remember in the mid 60's, that 4 gallons of petrol cost £1. I still have a cash book, from ages 17 to 19 yrs, the last years of school going into further education and living away from home. It is laughable now. My student digs was £7 a week for b+b, including our own lounge, all cleaning, bed changing, heating etc. All I had to supply was my evening meal, in our own kitchenette. My cash book showed that I bought loose fishcakes and beefburgers, for 3p each. It is hard to believe these prices now. PS A new 'bra was the costly sum of £1.20 😆
Indeed, Miriam, and that was in the days when a newly-qualified teacher's take-home pay was £12 per week. Building Societies were no keener then than they are now.
Thank-you "Unknown", for reminding me that, a duplicate post can be removed. I had forgotten this, but I have now done so. I will remember that posts by the origianator, can be cancelled. It is some worthwhile knowledge to remember, and act on, when needed. Thanks Again.
That particular 'Unknown' is me, Miriam. I try not to comment on my phone because I can never be sure if it has published or not, my ident doesn't come up - and I can't delete something that shows twice.
Just posted to say since IOS 15.1 update no problems then lo and behold the long post following that remark lost the blasted thing 😡 no luck retrieving this time either. Be back later 🤞🏼
Well, that’s it! France is off. 😢 Just spent morning cancelling flights and trying to arrange refunds. All the new tests required and umpteen forms to be filled in have got the better of us, plus the fact that new restrictions could be imposed in the next couple of weeks. If we left it any longer we couldn’t get refunds so had to make the decision this weekend. Which reminds me, must remember to cancel taxi to & from Airport too! 🚕 Decided to try going in the Spring when restrictions might be less daunting - might even drive down, and take all the Christmas pudding, mince pies and other goodies with us for Easter!
Oh Archerphile what a disappointment feel for you all so much. Maybe if the mask wearing ( have always worn ours anyway) social distancing and strict hand washing had remained…….🤔 Back to Zoom then a small compensation.
Very sorry Archerphile, who would have thought it would come to this again. Easter will be good though, nice weather, and something to look forward to. I was going to Devon on 22/12, but bringing it forward because I'm scared of more restrictions if I leave it, will stay there for a couple of weeks and get some house hunting in if possible. I would have left my now but got builders in, fantastic men even working over the weekend to get the job finished asap. I have never felt less christmassy in my life.
Hello Sarnia, it's difficult to remember last year, but there was a lot of tension about who would be where etc, and I did get a tree and do the usual stuff, so in the end it was really nice until my eldest son disclosed his cancer diagnosis, obviously that is what I remember. The difference this year is that he is 'o.k.' and we have spent some time together. Apart from that, there isn't any community feeling up here, people have been very late to put up decorations, many, including me, not doing it at all, no communal carol services etc. It may be that I don't go shopping any more except to Sainsbury's, so am not involved in much, but everyone I know is really low key, some in very low moods. Also I finally retired in October, so there isn't the hustle and bustle of work preparations/festivities. It doesn't greatly matter, but I wouldn't think we are two weeks off. I am more interested in getting past the winter solstice and regaining lighter nights, and for once, I'm looking forward to the new year and the changes it will bring, in terms of moving on to my next life phase. The builders have been here all day, and back tomorrow, when they hope to finish, as soon as they've gone I am packing up and heading south, will sort this mess out better for having a break. I am now washing dishes in the bathroom and there isn't a single room in a useable state, no water or electricity downstairs, so that's probably why I feel that nothing usual is happening, because it isn't! I don't feel at all upset or despondent, more bemused. I had wanted a final family Christmas in this house, but in the end it was more important to get the repairs done, which I've been trying to organise since April, and I will benefit from it. So I don't know if it's me, society or Covid that have made the difference this year, but it just seems really under-whelming. That was a really long answer, sorry.
Don’t apologise for along answer Mistral. It is very interesting and enlightening to hear about your circumstances and how you are feeling. I’m relieved to hear your son is ‘OK’, I’m not surprised he was your main area of concern last year. I don’t feel Christmassy either and like you have only been going food shopping in Sainsburys, so have no idea what is going on in town or whether the usual Christmas tree and lights have been put up. Because we thought we would be away, I have nothing about decorating the cottage and simply can’t be bothered now. It will just be a few cards on the mantelpiece this year!
I am spending Christmas in N. Wales this year. I am just waiting to see what the Welsh do, with the new restrictions, which are due next week. Last year, the border was closed, a few days before Christmas, but I am sure that this won't happen again. I will be buying things for a Christmas Lunch for one, just in case. I am though, very optimistic that this won't happen this year.
The two covid +ve youngsters are doing well, with very few symptoms. Although both parents are double jabbed, so theoritically they don't need to isolate, they are. They can both work from home and are both still -ve, but don't want to carry it to others. Also his parents are flying into Heathrow on Thursday, to travel by train to them. They just do not want to jeopardise things, understandibly.
So sorry Archerphile that your Christmas arrangements that you so hoped for have now been cancelled. But I applaud your pragmatism in choosing to cancel before the deadline. You seem to be so very good at planning ahead, that I hope your Easter trip will bring your family physically close again at last.
Mistral, I know how you feel. You may remember that I camped upstairs while building my downstairs and kitchen took place, and I remember more than anything else the washing up in the bath. Good luck with your house hunting in Devon when it happens.
I'm off to suss out Western Super Mare tomorrow. I've discovered that there are plenty of ground floor flats with gardens, in what I gather is an old fashioned place.
My Christmas invitation from eldest daughter has been firmed up in a conversation this afternoon. I had decided that if I was relegated to one of the Cottages again then I would decline the invitation. I feel alone and isolated enough on a daily basis without feeling put out in the cold and dark at the end of each day over the 'festive' season. It seems other daughter and family are to come after there Christmas with SIL family, so the compromise is for me to stay in the house over the two days then move to a cottage after. The younger teenagers will also be in the other cottage. And I've discovered why it's 'difficult ' to have me in the house. Lady, is a dominant animal and does bully Perdie my daughters black Lab, to the extent that Perdie will not enter a room when Lady is in it. Although my daughter understands about dominance my SIL is offended on behalf of his dog. I will need to be ' dominant ' myself with my dog !
It's very odd ! Sometimes, like Lady R, and me earlier in the week, a post does not publish, then on other occasions a post will come up twice ! As it did then.
Think you are being very sensible Archerphile, cancelling your trip as you have. Disappointing, I know, but let’s hope things improve in springtime re covid variants. I’ve been for my booster today. So far, so good….no side effects.
Good luck with Weston Super Mare Mrs P. Keep my fingers crossed for you.
I’ve put up a few decorations but will not be going mad with them. We will be at home for Christmas with our covid bubble friend coming for lunch. So nice and quiet. Our son, his girlfriend and mad dog are coming on the 28th for a few days if covid restrictions stay the same. Strictly been really good tonight. Not bothered who wins it next week though. Lowering the tone a bit….I’d like Simon, coronation street guy, to win I’m a celebrity.
I am hoping Rose and Giovanni will win Strictly, they have been exceptional in my view, especially considering her loss of hearing. And despite my initial reservations John and Johannes make a perfect couple and have been amazing to watch For some strange, unexplained reason I just do not like AJ. I know she has become a very talented dancer and probably deserves a placing but I just can’t take to her. In fact, I find I am hoping she will be voted out of the final tonight, though I expect not.
We have had a lovely, if exhausting, week in Edinburgh helpjng out with our new grandson and his16 month old sister. Lots of cooking, cleaning and nappy changing but also lots of cuddles. Now hoping we will be able to go to another daughter for Christmas 🤞
Mrs P, WSM is lovely. My sister moved to a nearby village a few years ago after about 45 years in Canada. She shops in Weston for everyday things. She has joined a few groups - it has a thriving U3A - if you're into that sort of thing. Clevedon is also lovely, with probably more independent shops. Good luck with your search.
Thanks Zoetrope. I didn't join U3A here but did intend to do so, and is one of the areas of research I'm looking into in each place I'm looking. Cleveland I've kept my eye on for several years now, but like S it's hilly, and although the central area is flat, it's also expensive. It does have that lovely cinema tho'. But ZoeT - do tell me why you think it's ' lovely '. Your definition, please. My friend says it's ' old fashioned' and that was a complement. I'm happy with old fashioned.
Mistral, it's dreadful to receive a cancer diagnosis at any time of the year, but for it to happen at Christmas is a real hammer blow. We were in the same position in 2013. We decided to continue with the usual arrangements and didn't tell anyone else until the New Year. Last year, with no family visiting allowed, no services, no anything, I didn't really notice Christmas at all. This year we have a Carol Service of sorts (HR isn't keen) and I've moved a table into position, but I'm still pondering whether I can be bothered to use up precious energy putting up the tree and wrestling with all those pesky tree lights, only to have to take them all down again afterwards. For you, I'm so glad that your son is still well and that things will be better for you this year. I wish you every enjoyment with your family.
Thank you Sarnia, very kind. I think your comment of not noticing Christmas is where I am, it's odd. My son wasn't going to tell me, but I knew something was wrong and pressed him, he got the diagnosis two days earlier, we were all in shock. However, life does go on, and it's important to me to find positives and enjoy something every day, although motivation and energy can be hard to find. One of the positive things about this blog is understanding that other people feel the same, it makes me feel more ordinary and less 'lazy'. I'm not lazy, but often think that others might perceive me as such. I feel as though there are kindred spirits here, so thank you.
Mrs. P, very odd to wash up in the bathroom. Today's achievement has been making a casserole on the ironing board in my bedroom. I bought a slow cooker for this very purpose, and having never seen the point of them, I am very impressed.🍲
Hello Lady R, yes, it's essential works being done, the entire gable wall and bedroom walls have been taken back to bare brick, damp proofed, replastered etc. The damp was knocking out the electrics so needed a complete rewiring too, I only had the cooker and one socket working downstairs and had a series of extension cables to keep things going. It is all going to improve the house, and the builders have finished indoors today, except for replacing skirting boards, and then they have a few external jobs. I have been really careful not to get carried away, I know that what I am doing is not for me to live with, so redecoration will be neutral, new kitchen cupboards minimal. I have lived here for 34 years, and have now reached the point where I can't wait to move. Everything being done now was last done 20 years ago, and next time it will be someone else's task. It's an old, cold end-terraced building, and I would like to move to a small, modern place, future-proofed for my next few years as I really don't want to move again after this.
Thank you for your reply Mistral wow that’s quite a work load you’ve had to endure but good to get done. Hope your new home when you find it will be project free 🤗
Mrs P, I'm thinking of the beach - a huge expanse of sand when the tide is out, which it seems to be most of the time! Estuary waters too, which I remember reading that you like. Great for beach walks, but avoid in summer! Nearby Sand Bay is quieter and good for walks on the beach and Sand Point, with a regular bus service from WSM sea front. Good bus and rail links. There are some lovely Victorian houses, many converted into flats. 'the quarry' is a community arts place with a cafe and 'wilded' area. There's a church in Grove Park which sometimes has concerts and recitals performed by known musicians. Sadly, like so many coastal towns there are 'run down' and deprived areas, but parts are thriving. There is a community hospital, which is part of Bristol Royal Infirmary group (UHBW)
It seems that Christmas is falling flat again this year. I am one whose Christmas feeling is also now starting to fizzle out. I have spent a short while this afternoon, planning my meals for the next fortnight. This might sound a bit OCD and I suppose it is, but it helps me plan shopping. As others have said, all I am doing now, is a big shop in S/bury's plus a farm shop visit. It is too early to know, what the situation will be in 2 weeks time.
I will certainly be putting my tree + decs. up next Saturday, to then watch the Strictly Final. Also I admit that I will be watching the castle tonight 😆. I know exactly where it is, and it always looked so forlorn on driving past it. It now has a new lease of life, thanks to ITV.
What a finish to the Grand Prix. I put our tree up whilst listening to most of the race. We have a brown, twiggy tree that has lights already on it. Get some white and silver baubles on it and it looks fab. No messing around with strings of lights. I’ve put it on a piece of wood on top of the dog cage. Hope it stays upright!! It does slightly wobble when Mabel goes into her bed.
Archerfile, I'm so sorry to hear about the cancellation of your visit to family in France. I can well understand how disappointed you are. Mistral, what a difficult time you have been having recently. I hope that things look up for you soon. Mrs. P, I hope that you soon find a house or flat that you really like. Like you Miriam I'm preparing for Christmas not going as planned. We will all do lateral flow tests just before we are due to depart and keep,our fingers crossed. In fact I test whenever I'm going to have contact with friends or family.
I e been to Weston S M today, and the sun shone, the tide was out, as Z says ( and as I remember from my brief trip on Boxing Day 1974 ) and the vast expanse of sand was nicely busy but not overcrowded. Lady had a short run on the beach, and I've established that there is indeed a plethora of suitable flats. However WSM itself is vast, too big for me to feel comfortable I think. I had studied a map of the town, drawn my own, and memorised it as well as having it with me, but nevertheless it took several times driving round and round before I could get my bearings. Some of the roads and houses higher up are absolutely lovely. I will keep my eye on what comes up for sale but I did feel overwhelmed by the size of the place. Thank you Zoetrope for your positive comments. I envy your sister becoming settled after so long away from the UK. Two of us, Mistral and me are still to achieve that.
Mistral - your casserole is very ambitious under the circumstances. I'm afraid that during my sojourn upstairs I relied on the microwave.
Update on the Lemon Tree bought for Big Sis + Hubbie for Christmas. I think I have read every web-site re care, but these are so very conflicting. I am doing my best. It has been watered with a winter feed, sprayed for pesticides and is now in a cooler bedroom. This has a good north light, and the temp. in thst room does not fluctuate as much, so more ambient. I feel like a new Mum, caring for a new-born, not knowing what to do!. I don't like the responsibilty, so I am considering taking it to them this week. This will be easier, esp. not knowing how things could well change! Need to think.
I do intend to send cards this year, having totally ignored last Christmas when I didn't even attempt to display my cards. I haven't had a tree since my last partner left over twenty years ago. I've always disliked Christmas since a child, and I feel that I have become a real bah humbug as I've aged. But I don't want to put any kind of a curse on others enjoying the preparations and so wish Miriam and all others joy in their excitement as the time approaches.
I am writing my Christmas Cards tomorrow, just for family members, who I haven't seen for quite a while. I was appalled though, at how much the stamps for these cards cost. I don't mind so much in true reality, as it is something I just want to do.
Lady R, Cheshire Cheese, Mrs. P Thank you. Indoor work completed today, outdoor work starts tomorrow, I am busy packing to go away on Wednesday. Whilst away I will be researching likely areas in East Devon, so everything is falling into place. My casserole was delicious, and will last for three days, even better. What wasn't so easy was making 2.5 lbs of marzipan for three Christmas cakes, had a problem finding the space and time, but finished now. I absolutely love marzipan, both the word and the product.
Making all that marzipan under those circumstances is incredible Mistral. I bought the marzipan that I put on my Christmas cake today, I shall have to up my game!
Sorry, can't bear the stuff - much too sweet and sickly for my taste, but Mr S liked it A LOT, so every Christmas cake was lathered in it by his own hand. That way, he got my share as well as his own, while my portions of cake were considerably reduced. I now have a small Sainsbury's cake which is relatively sparing with the marzipan!
I cut my cakes in two and put a layer of m/pan in the middle too. It's really easy to make, but takes a few days to dry and set. I'm icing them today, but nothing fancy, but they need to go tomorrow. This time tomorrow I should be setting off, lovely :)
My sister hates marzipan! When we were children, my brother decided that Mum would notice half a packet of marzipan in the larder but wouldn't notice no packet. So, having enjoyed his half, he forced his little sister to eat the rest. She hasn't touched the stuff since!
Probably not as cruel as my other brother who convinced a friend to eat a spoonful of Marmite having given the impression that he had previously managed the feat himself. When the friend did so, and responded accordingly, my lovely brother said something along the lines of, 'Yes, I've heard it's quite revolting.'
Oh, I love marzipan too! And, back in the day, when I made a huge Christmas cake every year (always a big square one, easier to portion) I made the marzipan too. And made enough to have some left over for stuffing dates and making into little marzipan fruits, painted with food colouring to look realistic. Sadly, since Mr A developed diabetes, the children left home and I am on a permanent semi-diet I no longer make Christmas cake, or puddings and I really miss them!
I am another marzipan lover. Years ago I used to make petit fours and a local delicatessen sold them. Don't ask me why I did it. I was teaching full time and my boys used to box them up for me. I did fudge, Turkish delight ,marzipan fruits , dairy cream chocolate truffles.and peppermint creams . This year I have only made the chocolate truffles and marzipan petit fours which include stuffed dates and also walnuts sandwiched together with the marzipan.
This year will be a strange Christmas for me. Surprisingly I have really enjoyed decorating the room. Yesterday I hosted our Reading Group meeting and though I says it myself as shouldn't I was chuffed when folk commented on the decorations. Briefly 1) Pictures taken down and replaced with wooden garden trellis ,once sprayed gold to which the Christmas cards are pegged with ordinary clothes pegs (also once painted gold) 2) Home made Christmas wreaths -base from hazel branches. 3) Little white lights on wreaths 4) Scented candles and real Christmas tree on mantle piece with lights 5) Home made (years ago by me) stable and crib I started the first year with Mary ,Joseph and Jesus only but now have the full company including animals
Lanjan your room sounds just beautiful and described so well I can see it in my minds eye. Well done and glad it has brought you pleasure and comfort. Have Poppy and Percy shown their approval? 🤗
Lady R ,Poppy has not been well and at the weekend I was very worried but ............
After John died a kind friend from Gloucestershire checked to see if there was a florist near to where I live and found Lucy Honeyball . Less than 5 Hours after John died there was a large jar of beautifully arranged flowers on my doorstep. I learned later that Lucy was a dog walker and cat sitter but because of Covid she had diversified and become a florist who would deliver locally. Lucy has since become a cat sitter for me when I have had a couple of short Breaks. Back to the weekend.......... I telephoned Lucy who said it sounded to her that Poppy had fur balls and advised me to get some fur ball paste . It came from Amazon the following day and fingers crossed it seems to be working. Percy approves of the decorations and is spending a lot of time sitting by the little stable . Poppy is more concerned with catching up with her eating !
I hate marzipan. In fact I hate anything that is almond flavoured yet adore almonds themselves. I can't fathom it either ! I don't like icing either, but do love fruit cake, so my teaplate as a child was always left in a messy state. I always made a good fruit cake, but none of my family like it so making one has become another item that has disappeared from my life.
Lanjan I applaud your ability to make Christmas for yourself especially in your first without John. I wish I had your ability, and hope you have a very happy festive Christmas.
When I first had my present cat Puss, he suffered greatly with fur balls and I used various products designed to alleviate the problem. Your comments about Poppy remind me that Puss rarely has that problem now.
Does anyone else groom their cats ? Mine loves it, but will only tolerate a certain amount on each occasion.
Katy drinks and enjoys lots of coffee but does not like coffee cakes, coffee flavours in chocolates etc but thankfully she does like coffee flavoured Baileys!!
Best wishes to Lanjan. That first Christmas can be difficult but enjoy it anyway. Friends and family help so much! I like marzipan and home made is much better than the supermarket version. I used to make it and then a Weigh and Save shop in Newport sold a very good one. I haven’t been in to Newport since before first lockdown and guess the shop might not have survived. This year have bought a gluten free supermarket cake, very small but enough for us! I always found Inworked very hard making the cake, we never ate it at Christmas and it was still hanging around in February! It was just one of those things you felt you had to do!!
I am another lover of Marzipan but I have never made it myself. I used to buy "home-made", from the market stall in the indoor market, which sold all things for baking. I am not sure if it is still there - as I have not been to that market since the pandemic started, as I need to travel by bus, which I am still not doing - Silly, I know!
Oh dear, I've been using the bus ever since my second jab came to fruition - but then, I'd already been housebound for 8 months, during which my mobility had become seriously compromised. If I don't use the bus or taxis I can't leave the house at all.
For those of you living alone make the choice that suits you best and I can completely understand your need to use the bus Sarnia in order to get back out into the world again and am quite sure you are very particular regarding hand gel etc. If it’s two of you with one perhaps more vulnerable than the other it can complicate the issue as if the less vulnerable one goes alone into some situations the concern is will you take anything back into the home. Mr R would not be able to travel anywhere other than by car anyway now (as I always add he is only orthopedically challenged very bright and cheeky other than that 🤗) and as I am the only driver no other mode of transport comes into it.
I don’t like marzipan or icing. In our early years I tried icing a Christmas cake but after so long it always ended up being a snow scene! Now I don’t make a proper Christmas cake. I always end up eating it. I will be attempting a last minute Christmas cake of delia’s next week sometime. I’ve tried 3 different makes of mince pies so far this year. Our local bakery ones are usually unbeatable but I didn’t reckon much this year. Not bothered with the other 2 either. Think I must have just gone off them. Not bothering with any more now.
Taste is strange isn't it? I wouldn't ever eat fruit cake normally, but live Christmas cake, like Archerphile I make big square one for myself, and two smaller round ones for family. I get through mine too quickly, and often eat it as a meal substitute, thank goodness it's only once a year. My mother used to do a simnal cake at Easter, complete with 12 marzipan balls to represent the apostles, but one cake a year is enough for me. I will definitely try Lanjan's walnut/marzipan CBO, two of my favourite things...
I have a great recipe, for mince pies with a difference. These are done in a muffin tin, with mincemeat + marzipan..as the main ingredients... Delicious, but very calorific.
My Sainsbury's "Big Shop" was done today.The freezer + cupboards are all very full, so all I need next week are, milk, bread, and fresh veg. I even bought a very small turkey breast joint (found in the freezer and only 1.5kg) just in case circumstances change, which hopefully they won't. I am staying home now, even though I have had my booster, except for a quick shop next week, as I don't want to jeopordise my planned Family Christmas.
PS I didn't know what to buy for the Boys, my lovely neighbours. As one doesn't drink alcohol, I couldn't buy wine Instead, I bought a box of Bendicks dark chocolate mint collection. I have no idea if this is suitable, but they will also have a jar of my home-made marmalade!
Excellent choice Miriam. Even if they don't like them much, they will be appreciated by any guests they might have at Christmas or NY. Bendicks always acceptable !
I am slowly passing my new email address on to friends. That's not the problem, as I'm able to do that on my old IPad which I'm still able to use.
This blog .... and other things I'm signed up to are coming through on my new IPad, but when I tried today, to post a couple of comments I just got a blank screen. No message to tell me that I can't post, and nothing else either. Just nothing. Were others with new devices able to transfer this blog, or other ' stuff' over to the new device. I do understand that the problem is my new email account which will not be recognised by the new IPad. But I cannot remember what I need to do if I have to re register into this blog.
I upgraded a few months ago but this was an android mobile phone. All my data, such as e-mail, photo's, contacts, phone no. etc went onto the new one, but it was all done by an expert. All I had to do, was to put my passwords in, to access various sites again. I have no idea, sadly about i-pads. All I can remember, there is a way to switch data between the two devices, which was called "smart switch/transfer" found in the menu..but that is on my phone.
Mrs P - Google “How do you Sync 2 iPads together” it may help and many other questions that have been asked pop up so likely you will find some help…Actually I ought to do the same my old old iPad is now 9yrs old and has a lot of photos on and other bits I should really try to transfer. Like all actions it will necessitate going into settings and I think general and says (weirdly) on Google to transfer all even if not enough space on new device. I only suggest google as a starting point because that is what I always do but hopefully someone here is fully tech savvie (Gary or Mr GG 🤔) Or you could contact Apple.
Just to let everyone know that Mrs P’s old iPad has given up the ghost and she is having to try to sort out her new one. That is why she hasn’t responded to your reply Lady R. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed she gets it sorted quick sharp.
ha ha Archerphile. No I was just trying to get him on to the blog through his ipad so I could tell Mrs P what I'd done. I don't have an ipad so didn't know how to advise her.
I woke up this morning, to two wonderful vids. via Wattsapp from OZ. This was the 4yr old grand-nephew, in his day-care Christmas concert + morning "tea" party. I have learnt two new, + very different Christmas songs. It was a delight to see and enjoy, all that was shown. I still find it hard to believe, that they are having constant sunshine, high temps. and all were wearing shorts/T-shirts/sandals and sun hats. 🎄🎄 🎅 and 🌊🌊
So B.J. said in his press conferance - something like - that all will look back on this Christmas, and remember it. Has he forgotten the non Christmas all endured, just 12 months ago?? I am not a political person, as such, but....
Just as well we cancelled our flights as the French Gvt. has just announced a ban on all UK visitors due to our ‘tsunami’ of Omicron cases. You can only travel to France if you are a French citizen going home or have a very urgent reason like visiting a dying relative.
Fortunately our refund consists of Avios and airport taxes we can still use up to Sept 2023, so hopefully we shall be able to go sometime before then……unless there is another wretched variant!
I thought of you when I saw the news this morning. Our uk testing system is very good, and I suspect France has just as many cases as us, in the same way years ago they had BSE/ mad cow disease rife in their country but turned a blind eye to it/didn't test for it and yet had the cheek to ban British beef while still exporting beef to us. A young vet from this area did part of her training in France and it was quite obvious cattle had it but it wasn't being reported.
I remember way back at the beginning Ruthie gave advice as to how to join the blog if that can still be accessed, but am not sure if it would be the same for iPads.
Archerphile. As others have said:- it was heart-breaking to read that you and Mr. Archer (one of many 🤣 🤣), cancelled your french trip. In hindsight you made the decision at the right time, so to get refunds, accept and adapt to the new situation, upsetting though it is..
Does any one want a Puss Cat? I did a massive pile of ironing today, then took it all upstairs to put into the airing cupboard, which I did - blouses put onto hangers, as were trousers + jeans. The last thing to go in, was my wonderful well ironed duvet, pillowcases + sheet. I left it, very well folded on my bed, and yes, PussCat was curled up on top of it!! I now have "mohair" bedding 😺😺
At least she didn’t do something far worse on your bed Miriam! We had a cat who responded to being brought home from the cattery, after our holiday, by immediately going up to our bed room and emptying her insides all over the bed. Nor only did we have to buy new bed linen, but a new duvet and, even worse a new mattress too! It was impossible to remove the stains and smell! She was never sent to the cattery again. 😵💫 👿 💩
Mrs P. I do groom her, but PussCat doesn't really tolerate it much and not as she used to do, sadly. It is little + often now, but not enough to stop the hair shedding, which is also an "age" problem, due to her lack of own grooming.
Daphne had her first proper wash in our dog shower today. She’d had her final check up after being spade last Friday. She wasn’t too thrilled with it. Talk about excess fur coming out whilst being blow dried, masses of it. As a reward she went to the pub with her dad at teatime.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteProud to be Yorkshire - December 4, 2021 at 7:56 AM
I’m probably being thick but why can’t you recycle shredded paper with the council?
We always put a bag out of shredded at our other house and it was always taken. Now we just take it on a tip run and empty it into the cardboard recycling.
Lanjan - December 4, 2021 at 8:26 AM
Are we particularly fortunate where we live with regard to the waste disposal?
We have one container for paper and cardboard and another for plastic ,glass and metal.
The "bin men" come each week and our garden waste is collected every fortnight.
Sarnia - December 4, 2021 at 9:36 AM
Yes, you are, LanJan. Our general/garden waste collection alternates with glass/recycling, and the list of items that can't be re=cycled is so long there's often hardly anything in mine. For some reason, my general waste bin is often missed, but reporting it is a waste of time because they never come back for it, so it's left for a month.
MrsP Ambridge - December 4, 2021 at 10:50 AM
My understanding is that all local authorities have their own regulations and those regs depend on where they pass their recycling on to, and what form of equipment is available there.
In the latter years of living in Wandsworth SW London both my daughters in Bath and on the Island had food waste bins.
In Wandsworth, and possibly the rest of London too, it was not considered feasible ( due to expected low take up ) to implement that service.
But I now understand that thinking has changed and food bins will be supplied, but I don't know when.
Currently here, we have food bins emptied weekly, General waste and recycling on alternating weeks.
It works well.
Interesting that in Yorkshire PtbY takes shredded paper to her tip.
SozDecember 4, 2021 at 10:57 AM
That is disgusting Sarnia. Have you tried putting your waste bin close to your neighbour’s bin - they might be less likely to miss it. You pay for that bin collection in your council tax.
Janice - December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Apparently the recycling paper mills can't cope with shredded paper. I suppose it clogs their machines up or something, and can't be so successfully used. A suggestion made is to use a permanent marker to block out names and account numbers instead of shredding.
I have noticed that some companies are now using shredded cardboard as packaging to protect items, which is a good way of reusing cardboard, but I am wondering now if that should be kept out of the recycling and composted as well.
Just to add. I checked our local council and we can put out shredded paper, it can be put in the paper recycling bag but it has to be in a separate tied bag.
DeleteAlso here in Cornwall there are no active landfill sites left and rubbish goes to an Energy Recovery Centre which produces enough electricity in a year to power 21,000 homes.
Yes here in Gloucestershire too Janice.
DeleteWhen I first came here there was the residue of extreme opposition to this recovery site, it being felt that it would be a blot on the landscape.
Now I see that site on a daily basis and it doesn't stand out much in the landscape. It could do with being painted green though, and then it would be almost completely camouflaged.
Whoops - hadn't realised the blog had got full to bursting.
ReplyDeleteCheshire Cheese & Hillary, many congratulations on the new grandchildren!
Thank you, Gary! And for the lovely page heading! And thank you, CC and AP and all.
DeleteI will guarantee that no one will guess the important !!! job I have been doing this morning.
ReplyDeleteI wanted a new wicker laundry basket and found what I needed in a Charity Shop .
However it didn't have a top.so this morning I have been weaving some hazel branches to make a circular lid for it.
It should do until I find exactly what I want .
That's amazing LanJan! What a satisfying little project.
DeleteWell done LJ.
DeleteWhy should you need another lid if this works well.
I still use daily a basket I made sometime in the eighties.
I got my booster last Sunday along with my first ever flu shot. One of them knocked me for six. I took to my bed for 48 hours I felt so sick and achey. All back to normal but I can now completely empathize with those of us who suffered similar. Not fun.
ReplyDeleteMr GG continues to recover extremely well thank goodness. Well enough to have planned a couple of tiny trips away in a few weeks time. Nowhere exotic, but lovely places nonetheless!
MrsP - I could procrastinate for Britain when I'm in the mood. When it comes to the house I am on the ball 100% and there is never any backlog of chores or tasks waiting to be done, but anything that's outside of that sphere I only ever do at the very last possible moment. I genuinely don't think I care enough about things outside of my immediate control so don't bother investing the time or the worry! It seems to work for me. (But then, MR GG loves minutiae and is the sort of person who has spreadsheets and folders for this and folders for that so I "allow" him to deal with all of the other real world gubbins!)
We have just signed off on getting a new kitchen in January and are about to start re-doing the dining room from top to bottom. The thought of builders and carpenters and plumbers being in my house for days on end is already filling me with abject horror so I think I will just magically make myself disappear when they are here. A quite B&B in the wilds methinks. Early mornings, mess, noise and strangers are not a good combination in my eyes...
Thank you for the grandson good wishes Gary. Really looking forward to meeting him tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHaving recently had a new bathroom I empathise with you re the early mornings, mess, noise and strangers. We need to have the hall, landing and stairs decorated in the New Year, not looking forward to that.
How lovely to hear all your news Gary, and especially that Mr GG is doing so well. It would be a good idea to co-ordinate a few days away with works to the house.. Not sure I could do that though, as I’d want to be on hand to supervise what the builders were doing!
ReplyDeleteWe had a very small extension built 5 years ago to give us a laundry room and downstairs loo. Because I wasn’t there on the day the windows were being installed, I got home to find a plain glass window had been fitted in the cloakroom, right opposite the loo so every time someone walked past they could look in & see who was on the toilet! We had assumed the builder would have known to fit a window with patterned glass for privacy! It would have been too big and messy a job to replace so we have put up with it and installed a blend instead.
Regarding waste collections, I think I reported that back in May we paid our Council £90 for a brown garden waste bin and fortnightly collections for a year. We had the first collection in August and we have just had the second one!!
The Council’s excuses were, at various times, Covid (naturally!) , lack of drivers, lack of vehicles, too big a backlog and goodness knows what else.
But to have had only 2 collections in 6 months is definitely NOT good value for money!
‘blind’
ReplyDeleteIt seems I am lucky.
ReplyDeleteBoth the re-cycle and food waste containers, are emptied weekly. The garden + general waste ones, are on alternate weeks.
It is interesting that only a few of us, just some of us more senior ones but not all, put food waste containers out. It shows how people cook + eat. Mine is always full! I always cook from scratch, use fresh veg. so there are many peelings, along wirh egg shells, tea bags etc.
My veg. peeler/apple corer is very well used. I have had it for decades and it suits me. Goodness knows what I will do when it is no longer suitable.
Mind you, it has been "lost" but then "found" again, usually in the food waste container, luckily before bin day!!
PS. I can put a single, but sealed bag of shredded paper, into my paper recycle bin. It helps, as does the kerbside recycling of small electrical goods + batteries.
DeleteThis saves so much hassle and toing + froing.
Kerbside recycling of electricals Miriam ?
DeleteWell done that Cheshire local authority.
I have so many batteries and small electricals to dispose of but never know where.
We have a ' Share and Repair ' volunteer outfit in one of our satellite towns, but only open in the mornings, and I struggle to do mornings.
I have had, yet another very wet + windy day again. It was nowhere near as bad as Storm Arwen a week ago, but more than expected.
ReplyDeleteI have a story to tell:- about how a roofer tried to con me, a few days ago. This is for another time. I at least proved, that I was not the walk-over he expected.
He conned a lovely neighbour, but I will never mention this to him.
Until next time.....
Take Care All.
Archerphile. I still so hope you make it to France and back again, for your Christmas, with the news announced recentley.
ReplyDeleteIt adds extra pressure on, but it will be worth it, to meet your family again after such a long time.
Gary - lovely to hear that Mister is continuing to recover.
ReplyDeleteYep, disappearing when the builders come is a good idea.......
If...... as Archerphile says you can let go of the reigns.
Like her I couldn't and wouldn't.
I've had the builders in on most of my homes to date.
The first and only time we decamped and left them to it, the work continued five months beyond its due date.
At all other times I've stayed put.
Once bitten, twice shy !
This last time here, I camped upstairs while the downstairs floor was excavated four foot down into the bedrock and had a little bridge from the bottom of the stairs out through the front door.
I didn't have the animals until after the building work though.
I have to say that the glamour of the maisonette in Minehead has been/ was/is - to do with the possibility of moving in to a home where literally nothing would need doing.
Bliss !
Nothing from the agents today...... " didn't hear anything from the vendors yet "
So Monday then.
In the meantime another property in Minehead has come to the market. Exactly what I expected to find in a Minehead, as I've seen frequently there in the past.
There is an area of large Edwardian terrace houses. Most now divided into flats, guest houses or nursing homes.
A ground floor flat with two large bedrooms and a sitting room with French windows into a decent garden. And with low - ish service charges and no restrictions on pets.
But the difference between this area and the one where the maisonette is is extreme.
One being very very nice indeed. You pays for what you get !
As others have said... fate decides.
Only you can decide.
DeleteLook at the suitability for you, Lady + pusscat, the finances, along with where are the nearest amenities such as shops, a chemist and a GP surgery...and would you feel content?
It's such a huge decision for you. All I wanted to do,
was to give you some other things to consider and think about, in hopefully a helpful way, when considering all your options.
Thank you Miriam, your suggestions are welcome and so far they are, each one on my list of requirements.
DeleteOne of the reasons for my looking at Minehead is its central part consisting of shops and activities surrounded by the residential areas. Easily accessed by foot. Plus it's light and open aspect surrounded on one plane by ocean and the other by forested hills topped by Exmoor just a mile or so away.
And very beautiful those wooded hills are at the moment.
Congratulations to both of the new Grandmothers!
ReplyDeleteHow brave of you Gary to book builders to re-do your kitchen. Mine desperately needs an update but I just cannot face the upheaval, noise, mess, chaos etc etc. so keep putting if off. I think the floor will fall inwards before I get up the nerve to do something about it.
Glad to hear that Mr. G is doing well.
I fully understand and agree with your thoughts Anneveggie - upheaval 😱 🤦♀️
DeleteTo repeat Anneveggie
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both the new grandmothers.
Also pleased to hear that Mr G is doing well ,Gary .
Good Luck Mrs P
ReplyDeleteAs you know I believe in fate and am rather impulsive but you are giving the situation a lot of thought so well done you.
You know what I think of stairs!
Will say no more.
Looks like our trip to see the family in France may have to be cancelled.
ReplyDeleteFrance has put the UK on its Amber list of countries, meaning we will have to have PCR negative test results 48 hours before travelling there and fill in no fewer that 4 forms relating to health & vaccines etc
Then our Govt. is now saying we have to have negative tests 48 hours before returning to England AND have booked PCR tests to be done within 48 hours of arriving home.
With the tests costing around £80 - £90 each his could cost us about £350 + whatever the tests in France will come to. We are warned that prices will rise as we get nearer to Christmas and the demand increases. Our son says the whole family recently had to have PCR tests as one of the boys was in close contact with Covid & the charge was €50 each, so that would be around another £100.
We are not sure what to do. Much as we are dying to see them all, the test costs are prohibitive
and take a lot of organising. I fear that our visit may have to be put on hold until this wretched Omicron variant is sorted out….and who knows when that will be?
Oh Archerphile 😥
DeleteVery sorry to hear that, Archerphile, it should be so much easier to visit family in France than Dubai, but no.
ReplyDeleteI think that if 'the authorities' are demanding PCR tests,perhaps they should pay for them.
It just seems endless, doesn't it. I'm waiting for lockdown, because I keep reading it won't happen.
I hope you manage to sort something out, but yet again, there seems little planning or information from the govt, but I'm sure they will enjoy their festive gatherings.
To us, it seems ridiculous to take a test in France 24-48 hours before we leave and another one back home within 48 hours. Some experts are saying the home one should be after 8 days to ensure we didn’t pick anything up on the plane.
DeleteBut then, all the ‘experts’ seem to have different ideas and we just have to accept whichever one the Govt. decides to choose !
What is annoying me is what I have seen on TV yesterday + today.
ReplyDeleteThis is football matches, with stadiums full and spectators all so close together.
Grand-nephew + his Dad were at Old Trafford today, travelling by coach without masks.
This is far more of a concern, than air travel and visiting family at Christmas for the first time, just because these are in another country.
😱
DeleteI have just seen a video from Old Trafford where all were standing, squashed in like sardines, and no masks worn.
DeleteAt least they had fun together, a Dad + son outing together.
Perhaps I am worrying without any reason 🙅♀️
Thank you all for your congratulations! I am a very happy granny right now as I came today to my son’s to spend a couple of days seeing ny new little grandson. Feeling very blessed.
ReplyDeleteI saw not a single person without a mask throughout my train journey to Switzerland.
I just hope new rules don’t require a negative covid test to return to Italy. I have been scouring internet trying to find out and don’t think so but not absolutely sure v
Thrilled for you Hilary 🤱 and 🤞🏼re test.
DeleteThat's lovely Hilary, and congratulations to C.C. also.
DeleteSo pleased for you Hilary that you have been able to travel reasonably freely to be with your family and to see your grandson.
DeleteHave a happy time.
I attended a Christmas event yesterday in a large school hall.
I'm pleased to be able to report that most of the audience were wearing masks although we were not able to sit two metres apart.
And at the beginning when I asked the young girl next to me if she had a mask, she did comply and wore it throughout the time there.
There were refreshments at the end and all masks were removed.
We are living through confusing times.
SOZ: I've found the Pass Book!!! In recent days I've begun to tackle the unattended piles of paperwork that accumulated during lockdown and it turned up right at the bottom of the one by the telephone. It wasn't left in the handbag at all. Still no luck with the bottles of shampoo, but as that type has been discontinued,(that always happens the minute I find the one shampoo with no side-effects!) but the same company has a new one with no obvious formaldehyde-releasing chemical in it and smells as is it might work, ie, no identifiable perfume.
ReplyDeleteOh frabjeous joy!
Well done Sarnia.
DeleteTackling the pile. That alone was courageous.
To find the pass book is a bonus.
I did some more filing over the weekend.
I heard today that my offer has been rejected. It was apparently one of three.
I am relieved !
But it's been a mixed day nonetheless.
Took my friend over from Germany to visit her mother in a nursing home in a nearby town.
When we got back to Sainsbury's car park my car refused to start.
This is the second time this has happened recently despite having been serviced within this last month. And in addition the passenger door keeps locking and refusing to open. At one point this afternoon me, friend and Lady all had to clamber in over the drivers seat.
My friend found two young men who kindly push started the car and I managed to get home.
Absolute stars !
I had a lovely day with Big Sis today in Wales. She is going to both Essex + Norfolk in a few days time, to see some family members. I could have gone as well, but due to the sometimes strange behaviour of my cat, I didn't want to put her into kennels for 5/6 days, for the 1st time for at least 2 years I realise that pets should not rule our lives, which I do agree with, but I don't want to cause any further problems which could be disturbing + upsetting for both me + 😺
ReplyDeleteI did the "Santa" drop off, so Xmas pressies will be delievered in a car, rather than on a sleigh 🧑🎄
We planned the Boxing Day menu as there will be 10 to feed 🤞🤞, with the two of us preparing + cooking. Part of my Christmas outfits to wear, will be my apron!
Well, we now have three cases of Omicron in Basingstoke, one involving a teacher at a local Junior school so lots of teachers and children have had to isolate
ReplyDeleteJust heard from son that cases are increasing in France even faster than here and new restrictions are to be imposed.
Our Christmas visit is rapidly disappearing into the far future and don’t suppose we shall be able to get any refund of the fares. At least I ordered the grandsons Christmas gifts from Amazon France so they will get them whether we go or not which is a relief. Not so, son’s gift of a hamper I made up for him containing quantities of Worcestershire Sauce, huge jars of Marmite and Earl Grey tea, all of which he really misses!
Sarnia I’m so pleased you’ve found the elusive Pass book. The joy and satisfaction on finding something almost makes the frustration and occasional panic worth it!!!!
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I spent many months searching for deeds for my late sister’s property. After an expensive and time consuming exercise to obtain replacements, I found the original deeds hidden in a pile of old Garden magazines. I can’t say I felt much joy, more like frustration. I can’t blame her though as it is the kind of thing I might do myself.
Testing :
ReplyDeleteMy frustration is in trying to post my comment re Hazel Woolly on the ' other side '
Twice ! Without success.
Mrs P: I'm curious about your relief that your offer was rejected. Was it because the arrangements concerning the occupancy were too complicated, that the lure of Minehead was not as great as you thought it was, or that in theory anyway, for the time being it lets you off the hook as far as sorting out your present cottage is concerned?
ReplyDeleteSarnia
DeleteMy relief is because of your first suggestion.
Plus the two flights of stairs.
I do know what I want.
A ground floor flat with a garden that I can step out into.
I do not want to be seduced by a beautiful property that would have been perfect twenty years ago. It had a lovely staircase that gave space and drama to the property, but the garden was remote and the communal area might replicate the difficulties that I have with my present home.
There was another flat, nearby in the same very nice part of Minehead, and that did have a garden with direct access from the flat, but the flat itself had one main bedroom that would just about house a bed but nothing else and a second bedroom that didn't have room for even a single bed. What's more the flat itself didn't appeal at all.
Both my daughters pointed out that the flat that came up this week in the Edwardian area of Minehead was dark, no window in kitchen or bathroom.
But it had two very large bedrooms at the front with multiple windows. And a garden directly off the sitting room.
Nothing is going to be perfect.
A case of continuing the search.
Archerphile Don't give up just yet.
ReplyDeleteThings might just work out, once you know the situation as it settles down. Just think of the posititives of being with your family, against the negatives, so weigh one up against the other.
As to your parcel, it is my taste exactly except Bovril rather than Marmite.
I use Worcester sauce a lot, and so love Early Grey tea.
I mentioned a while ago about a lemon tree. This I ordered and arrived today, far earlier than expected and is 3ft tall.. It has leaves curled down, but I hope that this is due to just how it was packed for transit and not a disease nor pests. I cannot see any evidence of these yet.
ReplyDeleteMy challenge is to keep it alive until Dec. 25th. I have put it in the bathroom for overnight, so the heat + humidity should help. Tomorrow I need to find a sunny spot, and hope it survives.
This is a massive challenge for me. I have read so many on-line articles, about what to do so 🤞🤞
It was a good idea at the time, which I might now regret.
Good luck with the Lemon tree Miriam.
DeleteI wish you all the best.
I seem to remember it's as a present for your sister.
Miriam, if my Mum can keep a lemon tree alive, anyone can, especially someone as green fingered as you : )
DeleteBasia
ReplyDeleteWe haven't heard from you for some time.
Are you still with us ?
Yes, I have been wondering that too Basia
DeleteAnd Parsley, are you OK over there in France?
Son tells me Covid cases have risen dramatically in France recently.
I do hope you are all OK.
Storm Barra finally left my area overnight, after a bad 24hours but I believe that, other areas are now getting the full force of this.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas haircut was done this morning, and it is as perfect as ever. This is just as well, as it has to see me into 2022.
I am going through the motions now, as to Christmas. It seems that things might be changing again, just like last year.
I am not being positive I know, as there is no reason not to be.
I have just realised that I haven't told you, about how I think I was being conned.
ReplyDeleteAfter Storm Arwen, I checked the roofs with binoculars and all seemed well. On talking with a neighbour, I realised there was one tile, very very slightly dislodged. I don't think it was the storm that night, as this part of roof was in the lee. It was more likely from last winter before. When I saw a neighbour opposite having his tiles replaced, I cheekily asked the roofer, to put this tile back in place.
This was done in a few seconds.
I was told that this tile was cracked, and other works as done on my neighbours property, were also needed on my property - as if!
I smiled sweetly and said when I decide, my neighbour has the contact details.
One of his workers who also came onto my property, came up close to me and said something like - You have just lost us £350!
With binoculars, I still cannot see a crack in that tile, nor any other problems, esp. as all the soffits have been replaced with UVP ones.
It was a good try...🤣😉
So did he charge you for the ' small job ' that took only seconds Miriam ?
DeleteHe daren't..🤣
DeleteIt was only worth 50p - if that!
DeleteOpen country today Radio 4 - The west Coast line to Malaig which some of you were discussing recently after Gary's trip.
ReplyDeleteI am not one of those who "tips" persons, for just doing their job..
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a Pharmacist, we had lots of boxes of biscuits and chocolates given to all the staff.
Some were opened and eaten, then the rest were devided up equally between all the staff, regardless of part- or full- time.
The thought was so appreciated.
As I have said, I had my Christmas haircut done yesterday. After paying for this, my stylist was given a personal Christmas card with her year "tips" inside, as so deserved.
Testing
ReplyDeleteI have just learnt that a grand-niece and her brother, a grand-nephew, ages 10 and 7, are now Covid positive.
ReplyDeleteAll I can do, is to wish them well, as the entire family are now in total isolation.
I am a bit 😔 😨
It doesn’t seem fair that tips are expected in some jobs such as hairdressing and restaurants and not in others. Mike , as a property manager in a Naval establishment, was not allowed to accept anything as it could be misconstrued as a bribe. Years ago when we lived in Hong Kong and rules weren’t as strict, one of the Chinese contractors had a bit too much to drink one Christmas and decided to send everyone a cooked turkey which arrived in the early evening. We had already had a heart Christmas lunch in the Mess and were replete so the sight of it was a bit nauseous! I think we managed to see it off eventually!
ReplyDeleteThat’s a hearty lunch!
DeletePersonally I regret the passing of giving tips to dustmen and postpersons.
DeleteSuch people turn out weekly and daily to perform their jobs.
In particular postmen and women also keep a weather eye on elderly residents, as did milkmen in previous times.
Nobody was ever required to give tips, but many chose to do so.
Both my parents were against tipping in general but always had an envelope ready with some money for all of the above, and probably the coalman as well.
I did the same for as long as it was acceptable to do so, and I still miss doing so.
Vicars don't get tips but we sometimes get Christmas gifts from funeral directors. Wine, if OMiaS is lucky, or calendars usually. I always found it a bit disconcerting going into the local chemist's and seeing a funeral director's calendar on the counter!
Delete😱 🤣
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYes, Mr Sarnia's great-nephews have it as well, but both parents are double-jabbed, so don't have to self-isolate. Odd arrangement.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mr Sarnia's great-nephews have it as well, but both parents are double-jabbed so don't have to self-isolate. Odd arrangement.
ReplyDeleteHm! Can't delete duplicates on my phone!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed all very odd.
DeleteMy son in law in Bath has Covid.
He went to the Seychelles last week. Aeroplanes and airports come to mind.
Granddaughter, grandson and mother have all stayed home since, are doing tests, but have each had Covid themselves at different times throughout 2021.
So far all three appear to be free of infection.
It is strange how some people seem to get it and others don't. Someone at my daughter's work went down with covid (after visiting relatives upcountry) despite having had all her vaccinations; and because she both works with and sits with her at lunchtime my daughter was worried she would get it and pass it on to me. NHS advised the others that as long as it remained the same little group of them they could continue to work ( but without any direct contact with holidaymakers), and they had to test themselves every other day. We spent a good ten days with my daughter avoiding me by spending her off work time in her bedroom and with me leaving her dinner outside her door. Crazy times! But, and I found this interesting, that despite close contact neither my daughter or any of her colleagues got it.
DeleteMy daughter had covid back in January, identified by her routine weekly PCR required by her employer - she worked in home care. She developed symptoms between sending the test and getting the result. We had gone out in her car that day. She lives at home and we had the same arrangement that Janice describes.
ReplyDeleteI'd had my first vaccination 4 days earlier. Mr Z and I both escaped infection.
I have been watching an episode of All Creatures Great + Small from the original series.
ReplyDeleteHow things have changed from that era - fillet steak 1/2s per lb.
This set me thinking as to things have changed. I remember in the mid 60's, that 4 gallons of petrol cost £1.
I still have a cash book, from ages 17 to 19 yrs, the last years of school going into further education and living away from home. It is laughable now.
My student digs was £7 a week for b+b, including our own lounge, all cleaning, bed changing, heating etc. All I had to supply was my evening meal, in our own kitchenette. My cash book showed that I bought loose fishcakes and beefburgers, for 3p each.
It is hard to believe these prices now.
PS A new 'bra was the costly sum of £1.20 😆
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DeleteThe fillet steak to clarify, was 1s/6d per lb..
DeleteIf I have worked it out correctly, this equates to 7.5 pence per lb. today.
Indeed, Miriam, and that was in the days when a newly-qualified teacher's take-home pay was £12 per week. Building Societies were no keener then than they are now.
DeleteThank-you "Unknown", for reminding me that, a duplicate post can be removed. I had forgotten this, but I have now done so. I will remember that posts by the origianator, can be cancelled. It is some worthwhile knowledge to remember, and act on, when needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Again.
That particular 'Unknown' is me, Miriam. I try not to comment on my phone because I can never be sure if it has published or not, my ident doesn't come up - and I can't delete something that shows twice.
ReplyDeleteJust posted to say since IOS 15.1 update no problems then lo and behold the long post following that remark lost the blasted thing 😡 no luck retrieving this time either.
ReplyDeleteBe back later 🤞🏼
Well, that’s it!
ReplyDeleteFrance is off. 😢
Just spent morning cancelling flights and trying to arrange refunds.
All the new tests required and umpteen forms to be filled in have got the better of us, plus the fact that new restrictions could be imposed in the next couple of weeks. If we left it any longer we couldn’t get refunds so had to make the decision this weekend.
Which reminds me, must remember to cancel taxi to & from Airport too! 🚕
Decided to try going in the Spring when restrictions might be less daunting - might even drive down, and take all the Christmas pudding, mince pies and other goodies with us for Easter!
Oh Archerphile what a disappointment feel for you all so much. Maybe if the mask wearing ( have always worn ours anyway) social distancing and strict hand washing had remained…….🤔 Back to Zoom then a small compensation.
DeleteThat is such a shame Archerfile. The Christmas pudding will still be nice at Easter though. I wish this dratted thing would end.
DeleteVery sorry Archerphile, who would have thought it would come to this again. Easter will be good though, nice weather, and something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI was going to Devon on 22/12, but bringing it forward because I'm scared of more restrictions if I leave it, will stay there for a couple of weeks and get some house hunting in if possible.
I would have left my now but got builders in, fantastic men even working over the weekend to get the job finished asap.
I have never felt less christmassy in my life.
Not even last year, Mistral?
ReplyDeleteHello Sarnia, it's difficult to remember last year, but there was a lot of tension about who would be where etc, and I did get a tree and do the usual stuff, so in the end it was really nice until my eldest son disclosed his cancer diagnosis, obviously that is what I remember.
DeleteThe difference this year is that he is 'o.k.' and we have spent some time together. Apart from that, there isn't any community feeling up here, people have been very late to put up decorations, many, including me, not doing it at all, no communal carol services etc. It may be that I don't go shopping any more except to Sainsbury's, so am not involved in much, but everyone I know is really low key, some in very low moods.
Also I finally retired in October, so there isn't the hustle and bustle of work preparations/festivities.
It doesn't greatly matter, but I wouldn't think we are two weeks off. I am more interested in getting past the winter solstice and regaining lighter nights, and for once, I'm looking forward to the new year and the changes it will bring, in terms of moving on to my next life phase. The builders have been here all day, and back tomorrow, when they hope to finish, as soon as they've gone I am packing up and heading south, will sort this mess out better for having a break.
I am now washing dishes in the bathroom and there isn't a single room in a useable state, no water or electricity downstairs, so that's probably why I feel that nothing usual is happening, because it isn't! I don't feel at all upset or despondent, more bemused. I had wanted a final family Christmas in this house, but in the end it was more important to get the repairs done, which I've been trying to organise since April, and I will benefit from it. So I don't know if it's me, society or Covid that have made the difference this year, but it just seems really under-whelming.
That was a really long answer, sorry.
Don’t apologise for along answer Mistral. It is very interesting and enlightening to hear about your circumstances and how you are feeling.
DeleteI’m relieved to hear your son is ‘OK’, I’m not surprised he was your main area of concern last year.
I don’t feel Christmassy either and like you have only been going food shopping in Sainsburys, so have no idea what is going on in town or whether the usual Christmas tree and lights have been put up.
Because we thought we would be away, I have nothing about decorating the cottage and simply can’t be bothered now. It will just be a few cards on the mantelpiece this year!
Archerphile..
ReplyDeleteI feel your hearbreak and disappointment.
A big 🤗 to you and Mr. A from me.
I am spending Christmas in N. Wales this year.
ReplyDeleteI am just waiting to see what the Welsh do, with the new restrictions, which are due next week.
Last year, the border was closed, a few days before Christmas, but I am sure that this won't happen again.
I will be buying things for a Christmas Lunch for one, just in case.
I am though, very optimistic that this won't happen this year.
If it does Miriam it will be more likely to come from Welsh rules than ours I bet!
DeleteDefinitely. It's wait + see as to what is decided.
DeleteBig Sis is in N. Wales by about 6 miles. Her postcode is a Shropshire one, which is an english one!
The two covid +ve youngsters are doing well, with very few symptoms.
ReplyDeleteAlthough both parents are double jabbed, so theoritically they don't need to isolate, they are. They can both work from home and are both still -ve, but don't want to carry it to others. Also his parents are flying into Heathrow on Thursday, to travel by train to them. They just do not want to jeopardise things, understandibly.
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DeleteNiece will pop out quickly on Tuesday, if after testing she is still -ve. This is to get her booster jab.
DeleteThe youngest grand-niece, not yet 2, has now got chicken pox and is very spotty!
DeleteSo sorry Archerphile that your Christmas arrangements that you so hoped for have now been cancelled. But I applaud your pragmatism in choosing to cancel before the deadline. You seem to be so very good at planning ahead, that I hope your Easter trip will bring your family physically close again at last.
DeleteMistral, I know how you feel. You may remember that I camped upstairs while building my downstairs and kitchen took place, and I remember more than anything else the washing up in the bath.
Good luck with your house hunting in Devon when it happens.
I'm off to suss out Western Super Mare tomorrow. I've discovered that there are plenty of ground floor flats with gardens, in what I gather is an old fashioned place.
My Christmas invitation from eldest daughter has been firmed up in a conversation this afternoon.
I had decided that if I was relegated to one of the Cottages again then I would decline the invitation. I feel alone and isolated enough on a daily basis without feeling put out in the cold and dark at the end of each day over the 'festive' season. It seems other daughter and family are to come after there Christmas with SIL family, so the compromise is for me to stay in the house over the two days then move to a cottage after. The younger teenagers will also be in the other cottage.
And I've discovered why it's 'difficult ' to have me in the house.
Lady, is a dominant animal and does bully Perdie my daughters black Lab, to the extent that Perdie will not enter a room when Lady is in it.
Although my daughter understands about dominance my SIL is offended on behalf of his dog.
I will need to be ' dominant ' myself with my dog !
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DeleteIt's very odd !
DeleteSometimes, like Lady R, and me earlier in the week, a post does not publish, then on other occasions a post will come up twice !
As it did then.
Think you are being very sensible Archerphile, cancelling your trip as you have. Disappointing, I know, but let’s hope things improve in springtime re covid variants.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been for my booster today. So far, so good….no side effects.
Good luck with Weston Super Mare Mrs P. Keep my fingers crossed for you.
I’ve put up a few decorations but will not be going mad with them.
We will be at home for Christmas with our covid bubble friend coming for lunch. So nice and quiet. Our son, his girlfriend and mad dog are coming on the 28th for a few days if covid restrictions stay the same.
Strictly been really good tonight. Not bothered who wins it next week though.
Lowering the tone a bit….I’d like Simon, coronation street guy, to win I’m a celebrity.
Is that because he is an arty farty guy ptby 🤣
DeleteAgree SCD just fantastic tonight torn between AJ (those legs wow!) and Rose can we have a draw please 😳
I so agree with you Lady R about Rose and AJ.
DeleteLady R. Very arty farty!! Lol.
DeleteI am hoping Rose and Giovanni will win Strictly, they have been exceptional in my view, especially considering her loss of hearing. And despite my initial reservations John and Johannes make a perfect couple and have been amazing to watch
DeleteFor some strange, unexplained reason I just do not like AJ. I know she has become a very talented dancer and probably deserves a placing but I just can’t take to her.
In fact, I find I am hoping she will be voted out of the final tonight, though I expect not.
We have had a lovely, if exhausting, week in Edinburgh helpjng out with our new grandson and his16 month old sister. Lots of cooking, cleaning and nappy changing but also lots of cuddles.
ReplyDeleteNow hoping we will be able to go to another daughter for Christmas 🤞
Aww. That’s lovely.
DeleteMrs P, WSM is lovely. My sister moved to a nearby village a few years ago after about 45 years in Canada. She shops in Weston for everyday things. She has joined a few groups - it has a thriving U3A - if you're into that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteClevedon is also lovely, with probably more independent shops.
Good luck with your search.
Thanks Zoetrope.
DeleteI didn't join U3A here but did intend to do so, and is one of the areas of research I'm looking into in each place I'm looking.
Cleveland I've kept my eye on for several years now, but like S it's hilly, and although the central area is flat, it's also expensive. It does have that lovely cinema tho'.
But ZoeT - do tell me why you think it's ' lovely '. Your definition, please.
My friend says it's ' old fashioned' and that was a complement.
I'm happy with old fashioned.
Mistral, it's dreadful to receive a cancer diagnosis at any time of the year, but for it to happen at Christmas is a real hammer blow. We were in the same position in 2013. We decided to continue with the usual arrangements and didn't tell anyone else until the New Year. Last year, with no family visiting allowed, no services, no anything, I didn't really notice Christmas at all. This year we have a Carol Service of sorts (HR isn't keen) and I've moved a table into position, but I'm still pondering whether I can be bothered to use up precious energy putting up the tree and wrestling with all those pesky tree lights, only to have to take them all down again afterwards.
ReplyDeleteFor you, I'm so glad that your son is still well and that things will be better for you this year. I wish you every enjoyment with your family.
Thank you Sarnia, very kind. I think your comment of not noticing Christmas is where I am, it's odd.
DeleteMy son wasn't going to tell me, but I knew something was wrong and pressed him, he got the diagnosis two days earlier, we were all in shock. However, life does go on, and it's important to me to find positives and enjoy something every day, although motivation and energy can be hard to find. One of the positive things about this blog is understanding that other people feel the same, it makes me feel more ordinary and less 'lazy'. I'm not lazy, but often think that others might perceive me as such.
I feel as though there are kindred spirits here, so thank you.
Mrs. P, very odd to wash up in the bathroom. Today's achievement has been making a casserole on the ironing board in my bedroom.
DeleteI bought a slow cooker for this very purpose, and having never seen the point of them, I am very impressed.🍲
Mistral where there’s a will etc 🤣 👏🏻
DeleteWill you still want to move when you have had all your building works done I guess it’s to increase sale value 🤔
Hello Lady R, yes, it's essential works being done, the entire gable wall and bedroom walls have been taken back to bare brick, damp proofed, replastered etc. The damp was knocking out the electrics so needed a complete rewiring too, I only had the cooker and one socket working downstairs and had a series of extension cables to keep things going.
DeleteIt is all going to improve the house, and the builders have finished indoors today, except for replacing skirting boards, and then they have a few external jobs.
I have been really careful not to get carried away, I know that what I am doing is not for me to live with, so redecoration will be neutral, new kitchen cupboards minimal.
I have lived here for 34 years, and have now reached the point where I can't wait to move. Everything being done now was last done 20 years ago, and next time it will be someone else's task. It's an old, cold end-terraced building, and I would like to move to a small, modern place, future-proofed for my next few years as I really don't want to move again after this.
Thank you for your reply Mistral wow that’s quite a work load you’ve had to endure but good to get done. Hope your new home when you find it will be project free 🤗
DeleteMrs P,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of the beach - a huge expanse of sand when the tide is out, which it seems to be most of the time! Estuary waters too, which I remember reading that you like. Great for beach walks, but avoid in summer! Nearby Sand Bay is quieter and good for walks on the beach and Sand Point, with a regular bus service from WSM sea front. Good bus and rail links. There are some lovely Victorian houses, many converted into flats. 'the quarry' is a community arts place with a cafe and 'wilded' area.
There's a church in Grove Park which sometimes has concerts and recitals performed by known musicians.
Sadly, like so many coastal towns there are 'run down' and deprived areas, but parts are thriving. There is a community hospital, which is part of Bristol Royal Infirmary group (UHBW)
It seems that Christmas is falling flat again this year.
ReplyDeleteI am one whose Christmas feeling is also now starting to fizzle out.
I have spent a short while this afternoon, planning my meals for the next fortnight. This might sound a bit OCD and I suppose it is, but it helps me plan shopping.
As others have said, all I am doing now, is a big shop in S/bury's plus a farm shop visit.
It is too early to know, what the situation will be in 2 weeks time.
I will certainly be putting my tree + decs. up next Saturday, to then watch the Strictly Final.
Also I admit that I will be watching the castle tonight 😆. I know exactly where it is, and it always looked so forlorn on driving past it.
It now has a new lease of life, thanks to ITV.
What a finish to the Grand Prix.
ReplyDeleteI put our tree up whilst listening to most of the race. We have a brown, twiggy tree that has lights already on it. Get some white and silver baubles on it and it looks fab. No messing around with strings of lights. I’ve put it on a piece of wood on top of the dog cage. Hope it stays upright!! It does slightly wobble when Mabel goes into her bed.
Archerfile, I'm so sorry to hear about the cancellation of your visit to family in France. I can well understand how disappointed you are.
ReplyDeleteMistral, what a difficult time you have been having recently. I hope that things look up for you soon.
Mrs. P, I hope that you soon find a house or flat that you really like.
Like you Miriam I'm preparing for Christmas not going as planned. We will all do lateral flow tests just before we are due to depart and keep,our fingers crossed. In fact I test whenever I'm going to have contact with friends or family.
I e been to Weston S M today, and the sun shone, the tide was out, as Z says ( and as I remember from my brief trip on Boxing Day 1974 ) and the vast expanse of sand was nicely busy but not overcrowded. Lady had a short run on the beach, and I've established that there is indeed a plethora of suitable flats. However WSM itself is vast, too big for me to feel comfortable I think.
ReplyDeleteI had studied a map of the town, drawn my own, and memorised it as well as having it with me, but nevertheless it took several times driving round and round before I could get my bearings. Some of the roads and houses higher up are absolutely lovely.
I will keep my eye on what comes up for sale but I did feel overwhelmed by the size of the place.
Thank you Zoetrope for your positive comments.
I envy your sister becoming settled after so long away from the UK.
Two of us, Mistral and me are still to achieve that.
Mistral - your casserole is very ambitious under the circumstances.
I'm afraid that during my sojourn upstairs I relied on the microwave.
Update on the Lemon Tree bought for Big Sis + Hubbie for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think I have read every web-site re care, but these are so very conflicting.
I am doing my best. It has been watered with a winter feed, sprayed for pesticides and is now in a cooler bedroom. This has a good north light, and the temp. in thst room does not fluctuate as much, so more ambient.
I feel like a new Mum, caring for a new-born, not knowing what to do!.
I don't like the responsibilty, so I am considering taking it to them this week. This will be easier, esp. not knowing how things could well change!
Need to think.
I do intend to send cards this year, having totally ignored last Christmas when I didn't even attempt to display my cards.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a tree since my last partner left over twenty years ago.
I've always disliked Christmas since a child, and I feel that I have become a real bah humbug as I've aged.
But I don't want to put any kind of a curse on others enjoying the preparations and so wish Miriam and all others joy in their excitement as the time approaches.
And thank you CC for your good wishes.
I am writing my Christmas Cards tomorrow, just for family members, who I haven't seen for quite a while.
DeleteI was appalled though, at how much the stamps for these cards cost.
I don't mind so much in true reality, as it is something I just want to do.
Lady R, Cheshire Cheese, Mrs. P
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Indoor work completed today, outdoor work starts tomorrow, I am busy packing to go away on Wednesday. Whilst away I will be researching likely areas in East Devon, so everything is falling into place.
My casserole was delicious, and will last for three days, even better.
What wasn't so easy was making 2.5 lbs of marzipan for three Christmas cakes, had a problem finding the space and time, but finished now. I absolutely love marzipan, both the word and the product.
Making all that marzipan under those circumstances is incredible Mistral. I bought the marzipan that I put on my Christmas cake today, I shall have to up my game!
DeleteI really like marzipan too, but have never attempted to make it. Not sure I would even know how!
DeleteSorry, can't bear the stuff - much too sweet and sickly for my taste, but Mr S liked it A LOT, so every Christmas cake was lathered in it by his own hand. That way, he got my share as well as his own, while my portions of cake were considerably reduced. I now have a small Sainsbury's cake which is relatively sparing with the marzipan!
DeleteI cut my cakes in two and put a layer of m/pan in the middle too.
DeleteIt's really easy to make, but takes a few days to dry and set. I'm icing them today, but nothing fancy, but they need to go tomorrow.
This time tomorrow I should be setting off, lovely :)
My sister hates marzipan! When we were children, my brother decided that Mum would notice half a packet of marzipan in the larder but wouldn't notice no packet. So, having enjoyed his half, he forced his little sister to eat the rest. She hasn't touched the stuff since!
DeleteProbably not as cruel as my other brother who convinced a friend to eat a spoonful of Marmite having given the impression that he had previously managed the feat himself. When the friend did so, and responded accordingly, my lovely brother said something along the lines of, 'Yes, I've heard it's quite revolting.'
Oh, I love marzipan too! And, back in the day, when I made a huge Christmas cake every year (always a big square one, easier to portion) I made the marzipan too.
ReplyDeleteAnd made enough to have some left over for stuffing dates and making into little marzipan fruits, painted with food colouring to look realistic.
Sadly, since Mr A developed diabetes, the children left home and I am on a permanent semi-diet I no longer make Christmas cake, or puddings and I really miss them!
I am another marzipan lover.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I used to make petit fours and a local delicatessen sold them.
Don't ask me why I did it.
I was teaching full time and my boys used to box them up for me.
I did fudge, Turkish delight ,marzipan fruits , dairy cream chocolate truffles.and peppermint creams .
This year I have only made the chocolate truffles and marzipan petit fours which include stuffed dates and also walnuts sandwiched together with the marzipan.
Marzipan and Turkish Delight 😱🤮
DeleteChocolate Truffles and Peppermint Creams - now you’re talking 🤗 👏🏻 😋🤣
This year will be a strange Christmas for me.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly I have really enjoyed decorating the room.
Yesterday I hosted our Reading Group meeting and though I says it myself as shouldn't I was chuffed when folk commented on the decorations.
Briefly
1) Pictures taken down and replaced with wooden garden trellis ,once sprayed gold to which the Christmas cards are pegged with ordinary clothes pegs (also once painted gold)
2) Home made Christmas wreaths -base from hazel branches.
3) Little white lights on wreaths
4) Scented candles and real Christmas tree on mantle piece with lights
5) Home made (years ago by me) stable and crib
I started the first year with Mary ,Joseph and Jesus only but now have the full company including animals
Lanjan your room sounds just beautiful and described so well I can see it in my minds eye. Well done and glad it has brought you pleasure and comfort.
DeleteHave Poppy and Percy shown their approval? 🤗
Lady R ,Poppy has not been well and at the weekend I was very worried but ............
ReplyDeleteAfter John died a kind friend from Gloucestershire checked to see if there was a florist near to where I live and found Lucy Honeyball .
Less than 5 Hours after John died there was a large jar of beautifully arranged flowers on my doorstep.
I learned later that Lucy was a dog walker and cat sitter but because of Covid she had diversified and become a florist who would deliver locally.
Lucy has since become a cat sitter for me when I have had a couple of short Breaks.
Back to the weekend..........
I telephoned Lucy who said it sounded to her that Poppy had fur balls and advised me to get some fur ball paste .
It came from Amazon the following day and fingers crossed it seems to be working.
Percy approves of the decorations and is spending a lot of time sitting by the little stable .
Poppy is more concerned with catching up with her eating !
How very interesting Lan and wonderful to have your very own (known) cat sitter.
DeleteIt seems I shall have to rename myself Poppy 🍳 🍧 🍰 🤣
I hate marzipan.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I hate anything that is almond flavoured yet adore almonds themselves.
I can't fathom it either !
I don't like icing either, but do love fruit cake, so my teaplate as a child was always left in a messy state.
I always made a good fruit cake, but none of my family like it so making one has become another item that has disappeared from my life.
Lanjan I applaud your ability to make Christmas for yourself especially in your first without John.
I wish I had your ability, and hope you have a very happy festive Christmas.
When I first had my present cat Puss, he suffered greatly with fur balls and I used various products designed to alleviate the problem.
Your comments about Poppy remind me that Puss rarely has that problem now.
Does anyone else groom their cats ?
Mine loves it, but will only tolerate a certain amount on each occasion.
Years back I had one 🐈⬛ that I used to hoover 😂 when moulting and she loved it - but hated the dustcart /men!
DeleteKaty drinks and enjoys lots of coffee but does not like coffee cakes, coffee flavours in chocolates etc but thankfully she does like coffee flavoured Baileys!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Lanjan. That first Christmas can be difficult but enjoy it anyway. Friends and family help so much! I like marzipan and home made is much better than the supermarket version. I used to make it and then a Weigh and Save shop in Newport sold a very good one. I haven’t been in to Newport since before first lockdown and guess the shop might not have survived. This year have bought a gluten free supermarket cake, very small but enough for us! I always found Inworked very hard making the cake, we never ate it at Christmas and it was still hanging around in February! It was just one of those things you felt you had to do!!
I am another lover of Marzipan but I have never made it myself.
ReplyDeleteI used to buy "home-made", from the market stall in the indoor market, which sold all things for baking. I am not sure if it is still there - as I have not been to that market since the pandemic started, as I need to travel by bus, which I am still not doing - Silly, I know!
Miriam-
DeleteI don't think it's at all silly to avoid using the bus in these difficult times.
It makes sense to me.
Oh dear, I've been using the bus ever since my second jab came to fruition - but then, I'd already been housebound for 8 months, during which my mobility had become seriously compromised. If I don't use the bus or taxis I can't leave the house at all.
DeleteFor those of you living alone make the choice that suits you best and I can completely understand your need to use the bus Sarnia in order to get back out into the world again and am quite sure you are very particular regarding hand gel etc.
DeleteIf it’s two of you with one perhaps more vulnerable than the other it can complicate the issue as if the less vulnerable one goes alone into some situations the concern is will you take anything back into the home. Mr R would not be able to travel anywhere other than by car anyway now (as I always add he is only orthopedically challenged very bright and cheeky other than that 🤗) and as I am the only driver no other mode of transport comes into it.
I don’t like marzipan or icing. In our early years I tried icing a Christmas cake but after so long it always ended up being a snow scene! Now I don’t make a proper Christmas cake. I always end up eating it. I will be attempting a last minute Christmas cake of delia’s next week sometime. I’ve tried 3 different makes of mince pies so far this year. Our local bakery ones are usually unbeatable but I didn’t reckon much this year. Not bothered with the other 2 either. Think I must have just gone off them. Not bothering with any more now.
ReplyDeleteTaste is strange isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't ever eat fruit cake normally, but live Christmas cake, like Archerphile I make big square one for myself, and two smaller round ones for family. I get through mine too quickly, and often eat it as a meal substitute, thank goodness it's only once a year. My mother used to do a simnal cake at Easter, complete with 12 marzipan balls to represent the apostles, but one cake a year is enough for me. I will definitely try Lanjan's walnut/marzipan CBO, two of my favourite things...
Combo...
ReplyDeleteI have a great recipe, for mince pies with a difference.
ReplyDeleteThese are done in a muffin tin, with mincemeat + marzipan..as the main ingredients...
Delicious, but very calorific.
My Sainsbury's "Big Shop" was done today.The freezer + cupboards are all very full, so all I need next week are, milk, bread, and fresh veg.
I even bought a very small turkey breast joint (found in the freezer and only 1.5kg) just in case circumstances change, which hopefully they won't.
I am staying home now, even though I have had my booster, except for a quick shop next week, as I don't want to jeopordise my planned Family Christmas.
PS I didn't know what to buy for the Boys, my lovely neighbours. As one doesn't drink alcohol, I couldn't buy wine
DeleteInstead, I bought a box of Bendicks dark chocolate mint collection. I have no idea if this is suitable, but they will also have a jar of my home-made marmalade!
Excellent choice Miriam.
DeleteEven if they don't like them much, they will be appreciated by any guests they might have at Christmas or NY.
Bendicks always acceptable !
Stephen's Mum, Rosie, who lives not far away will love them, even if the Boys don't..
DeleteThey won't go to waste.
My absolute favourite selection Miriam and always well received when taken as a gift ⭐️
DeleteI love Bendicks too!
DeleteI've got a problem and need help.
ReplyDeleteI am slowly passing my new email address on to friends.
That's not the problem, as I'm able to do that on my old IPad which I'm still able to use.
This blog .... and other things I'm signed up to are coming through on my new IPad, but when I tried today, to post a couple of comments I just got a blank screen.
No message to tell me that I can't post, and nothing else either.
Just nothing.
Were others with new devices able to transfer this blog, or other ' stuff' over to the new device.
I do understand that the problem is my new email account which will not be recognised by the new IPad.
But I cannot remember what I need to do if I have to re register into this blog.
Help please !
I upgraded a few months ago but this was an android mobile phone. All my data, such as e-mail, photo's, contacts, phone no. etc went onto the new one, but it was all done by an expert. All I had to do, was to put my passwords in, to access various sites again.
DeleteI have no idea, sadly about i-pads.
All I can remember, there is a way to switch data between the two devices, which was called "smart switch/transfer" found in the menu..but that is on my phone.
Mrs P - Google “How do you Sync 2 iPads together” it may help and many other questions that have been asked pop up so likely you will find some help…Actually I ought to do the same my old old iPad is now 9yrs old and has a lot of photos on and other bits I should really try to transfer. Like all actions it will necessitate going into settings and I think general and says (weirdly) on Google to transfer all even if not enough space on new device. I only suggest google as a starting point because that is what I always do but hopefully someone here is fully tech savvie (Gary or Mr GG 🤔) Or you could contact Apple.
DeleteSorry I can't help Mrs P, my phone and tablet are both Android.
DeleteJust to let everyone know that Mrs P’s old iPad has given up the ghost and she is having to try to sort out her new one. That is why she hasn’t responded to your reply Lady R.
ReplyDeleteLet’s all keep our fingers crossed she gets it sorted quick sharp.
Thanks for your message ptby. Blasted tech - does Mrs P know any 2yr olds they’d sort it out in less than 10 mins I expect 😂
DeleteTesting
DeleteSo...... not quite given up the ghost, but pretty much close to doing so.
ReplyDeleteThanks PTbY
Please help... anyone know how to register as a newcomer on the blog.
Gary can't remember either !
But he did try.
Why would you need to do this Mrs P your posts are coming through now?
DeleteTesting
ReplyDeleteMr PTBY ??
DeleteDo hope there is nothing amiss with Mrs PTBY?
ha ha Archerphile. No I was just trying to get him on to the blog through his ipad so I could tell Mrs P what I'd done. I don't have an ipad so didn't know how to advise her.
DeleteWell done Mr P tbY
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, that my favourite bedding set + flat cotton sheet, dried on the outside line today.
ReplyDeleteNow to iron it all!!
...to add, so it wiil be ready for The Festive Season.
DeleteI do so love to sleep in quality bedding, it's just an extra I love..🛌 💤
I woke up this morning, to two wonderful vids. via Wattsapp from OZ.
ReplyDeleteThis was the 4yr old grand-nephew, in his day-care Christmas concert + morning "tea" party.
I have learnt two new, + very different Christmas songs.
It was a delight to see and enjoy, all that was shown.
I still find it hard to believe, that they are having constant sunshine, high temps. and all were wearing shorts/T-shirts/sandals and sun hats.
🎄🎄 🎅 and 🌊🌊
So B.J. said in his press conferance - something like - that all will look back on this Christmas, and remember it.
ReplyDeleteHas he forgotten the non Christmas all endured, just 12 months ago??
I am not a political person, as such, but....
Testing
ReplyDeleteI’m not at all sure that I’m in and feeling very wobbly
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for help from PtbY and MrPtby.
ReplyDeleteThe method suggested did not work, but trying it gave me enough experience to try another way, and that did work.
It’s beyond me how it did so however.
Woo Hoo!!!!
DeleteWell done Mrs P.
Yay Mrs P 🎉
DeleteWe were a bit ahead of ourselves congratulating Mrs P. She’s back to not being able to post or get on the blog again.
ReplyDeleteJust as well we cancelled our flights as the French Gvt. has just announced a ban on all UK visitors due to our ‘tsunami’ of Omicron cases. You can only travel to France if you are a French citizen going home or have a very urgent reason like visiting a dying relative.
ReplyDeleteFortunately our refund consists of Avios and airport taxes we can still use up to Sept 2023, so hopefully we shall be able to go sometime before then……unless there is another wretched variant!
I thought of you when I saw the news this morning. Our uk testing system is very good, and I suspect France has just as many cases as us, in the same way years ago they had BSE/ mad cow disease rife in their country but turned a blind eye to it/didn't test for it and yet had the cheek to ban British beef while still exporting beef to us. A young vet from this area did part of her training in France and it was quite obvious cattle had it but it wasn't being reported.
DeleteTesting again to see if I'm still able to be in contact.
ReplyDeleteJust heard the news Archerphile and thought of you and your cancellation.
Hope the months ahead will enable your trip.
I remember way back at the beginning Ruthie gave advice as to how to join the blog if that can still be accessed, but am not sure if it would be the same for iPads.
DeleteTesting again
ReplyDeletePlease ….. no comments.
ReplyDeleteLet’s not tempt fate !
Archerphile. As others have said:- it was heart-breaking to read that you and Mr. Archer (one of many 🤣 🤣), cancelled your french trip.
ReplyDeleteIn hindsight you made the decision at the right time, so to get refunds, accept and adapt to the new situation, upsetting though it is..
Good news that Mrs.P is still here..👍👍
ReplyDeleteDoes any one want a Puss Cat?
ReplyDeleteI did a massive pile of ironing today, then took it all upstairs to put into the airing cupboard, which I did - blouses put onto hangers, as were trousers + jeans. The last thing to go in, was my wonderful well ironed duvet, pillowcases + sheet. I left it, very well folded on my bed, and yes, PussCat was curled up on top of it!! I now have "mohair" bedding 😺😺
You need to groom your cat Miriam !
DeleteGet a Shih Tzu instead! They don’t shed hair!!😉🐾🐶
DeleteAt least she didn’t do something far worse on your bed Miriam!
DeleteWe had a cat who responded to being brought home from the cattery, after our holiday, by immediately going up to our bed room and emptying her insides all over the bed.
Nor only did we have to buy new bed linen, but a new duvet and, even worse a new mattress too!
It was impossible to remove the stains and smell!
She was never sent to the cattery again.
😵💫 👿 💩
Mrs P. I do groom her, but PussCat doesn't really tolerate it much and not as she used to do, sadly.
DeleteIt is little + often now, but not enough to stop the hair shedding, which is also an "age" problem, due to her lack of own grooming.
Ah yes Miriam !
DeleteI had forgotten the age of your cat.
Please accept my apologies.
Mrs. P. No need to apologise in the slightest way.
DeleteI do the best I can with PussCat, but we are both senior citizens now, and it tells at times...😺🤣🙀
Daphne had her first proper wash in our dog shower today. She’d had her final check up after being spade last Friday. She wasn’t too thrilled with it. Talk about excess fur coming out whilst being blow dried, masses of it. As a reward she went to the pub with her dad at teatime.
ReplyDeleteDaphne’s reward 🤣🤣🤣 love it 🍻 ptby!
Delete