Proud to be Yorkshire.December 17, 2021 at 8:14 PM 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.
Lady R - December 17, 2021 at 9:49 PM Daphne’s reward 🤣🤣🤣 love it 🍻 ptby!
Sorry, I can’t stand dogs in pubs. Having been jumped up at and slobbered on by uncontrolled dogs, especially when eating, in pubs. The excuse is usually “he’s only being friendly”! In my opinion they should be banned from pubs and definitely from those that serve food. Bah Humbug,
The same goes for uncontrolled children! Banning dogs altogether would affect the well behaved ones. Katy and I don’t frequent pubs except for occasional lunches and tend not to take the dogs. I do ask if visitors mind dogs as ours like to meet and greet! Up to now I have found islanders love dogs but I do respect the wishes of those who don’t.
The last 2 football matches Mabel has refused to go. She always loved it. Running in, up the stand to our usual seat. Thought her footy days were over now she’s 12.5.years old. But today she was full of it. Her usual blue jumper and scarf and a fair isle Christmas jumper that was a hand me down from our golden retriever, safety pinned on her. Everyone was pleased to see her. A trip to the pub after and a few crisps, happy days. With the weather being cold and extremely foggy with us today I have suddenly gone extremely Christmassy. Also helped that I had a mulled wine in the pub.
Wow I am worn out! How about you ptby and Archerphile and Miriam. Any others? Now we wait for the result. We did love AJ and Kai and sad for them that their journey ended the way it did 😢
I’m going to miss Strictly more this year than any other. The standard has been so high and the couples so likeable. I wanted Rose to win not forgetting Giovanni because I loved watching them dance and she seems a very genuine loveable person. But, any of the last 4 couples were good enough to hold that trophy in my opinion.
I have just shed a little tear, which was nothing to do with the onions I had just chopped. It was due to seeing a short vid.of the two older kids, greeting the other set of grandparents, for the 1st time since Dec 2019. They flew into Heathrow this morning, for 5 weeks in UK. As they have dual nationality, they used their British passports, to enter the UK.
What a gloomy foggy day, which lifted for a short while at lunch-time. It didn't last long though, as it now getting quite thick again. I live in a fog "hot spot" due to being near the river, and the stream which flows through the nearby nature park, which is just a short stroll away.
My son in Frankfurt was arriving tomorrow until Christmas Eve but when we gpt on the phone I said that perhaps he might not come as it was too difficult and might not get into Germany in time for Christmas. He said that hye had the same idea so maybe January? He has a British passport and has a residency in Germany but there could be something else in the next five days which might get him stuck! So the remainder of his presents, which had not arrived at half time, will have to wait! I have invited a friend for Christmas Day, ( she is a fellow scouter.) when she has finished her shift of being a police call handler from 6am to 2.00pm. Her son is a policeman but he is going up to his girlfriend in London so she'll be byself. She a veggie too so Jon will be outnubered on the dinner table. My youngest son and wife will be coming for breakfast and present opening, so we'll have breakfaast about 10 I would think! PYTB ,- I know what you mean about bloody annoying with the double vision. No problems when I first look at something then my eyes switch and get doubles! Hopefully I'll get something to put it right come January 25 but I'm not wanting to wish my life away so we take every day as it comes. Jon and I put up the Christmas tree about two weeks ago and there is one plastic bauble that Bagpuss used to get off the tree and play with. Jon put it under the tree 'Just so the ghost of Bagpuss get to play!' (She died in 2016. ) He is soppy! Yesterday morning, after some pressies got put under the tree and the ball was behind them, I found another new ball fallen off the tree and onto the carpet. I expect it wasn't firm enough on a tree but then again.....spooky!
I was thinking a couple of says ago, about my Dad who died on Dec. 23rd, knowing this date will soon be here. The following morning, whilst having a coffee and eating a weetabix, there was a feather on the floor next to my normal chair. It had just came out of the cushion, but I did find it a bit 'spooky". 😱
Just after Mike died Katy and I were in Newport and went for a coffee. On our way out of the shop there was a white feather on the floor. When later we went to enquire about having a dog, there was one on the path leading away from the office. Since then we have found them around the house and garden. Whatever you believe they have given a lot of comfort.
Suddenly the Christmas plans, although these I am very optimistic will still go ahead, seem to have suddenly lost the enthusiasm + expectation, I once had. It will be, what it will be. My mood is also reflected in that silly buy of the lemon tree, which is now dropping leaves + flower buds! At this rate, Big Sis + Hubbie, will get a stick in a pot come Christmas Day 🤣🤣.. I still haven't worked out, how to transport it in the best way. It is 🤞🤞 that when I remove all the shelves in the car boot, it will stand upright. I daren't do a dummy run. Next time I decide to buy something like this, it will be sent direct to the recipient/s - I have learnt the hard way. 🍋
Sorry - in every way. A silly story about a lemon tree does not relate at all, to so many hoping familes will be visiting . I was trying to lighten my own mood, which hasn't worked. Accept my sincere apologies, for wasting this space on this blog.
Don’t apologise, Miriam. It is stressful that your thoughtful present is losing leaves and flower buds. Have been looking at what might be wrong online and you could be over watering as they need little water over the winter but they do like humidity so spraying the foliage with tepid water could help. I expect more experienced gardeners than me among our friends here might help.
I really am sad for you Miriam. You had looked forward to getting and giving that Lemon tree to your sister and it’s quite understandable that you should be very disappointed at its present condition. I hope it picks up, but I do know that a Lemon tree is very difficult to grow.
I’ve been locked out yet again from my new account. Archerphile will I’m sure understand. I keep getting the ‘whoops’ message, or nothing at all, just a blank screen. When I attempt to re register yet again, I get the slightly changed name already used, so can’t even start over again, as I don’t get a new page allowing me to do so.
Miriam Ev could be right about too much water. I have a lemon tree that has been growing for years in a large airy shed with borders. I rarely water it in winter, maybe a real dowsing once in 8 weeks BUT it is right beside the large farm gate at the entrance and we get a lot of frequent rain that blows in there wetting the leaves. Think of the climate lemon trees get in a country like Spain. My brother's cattle got in there once and broke the main stem off , but it kept on growing. They are tougher than you think and I am sure it will recover. The leaves smell lovely when it is watered. If you want fruit you need to feed it coming up for summer. I am not an expert and must admit I don't get a lot of fruit from it, possibly because it is too shaded in the shed, and I forget to feed it. I have just had an email from Morrisons saying that my order due to arrive inbetween 9 and 10 is going to be 2 hours late!!! I shall be a very tired bunny by the time I have put it all away.
Mrs P...How are you doing your input, via Google Chrome or another site? I had problems initially logging in, but Chrome works for me. I am constantly logged in, so it is a quick tap on the "icon" on my home page on my Android 'phone. Just a simplistic thought only, so not sure it will help you. You are still coming through, which is great to see.
As said when I upgraded a while ago, all my data, including this site, was transferred via "Smart Switch" with the two devices side-by-side, both connected to wi-fi. but it was done in-store. Is this app. possible on your i-pad/s to do similar? No idea though, as I am a techno-phobe. I bet my 10yr old could sort you out...as she will be doing for me on Boxing Day. I cannot open the link for her class Christmas Concert, so I have missed this..I wait for the lesson and to see it.
Mrs P - this is what I have to do if I get a ‘Whoops’ screen , and I usually do it before even trying to post now:
Click on the 3 little dots on top rh corner of page Scroll down to History, click At bottom of the page that pops up click on ‘Clear Browsing History’ I do that 2 or 3 times to make sure it’s worked. Accept the ‘history cleared’ pop up. Go back up to the 3 little dots and click Click on ‘NewTab’ The Chrome screen appears with a search box Enter ‘Archersfan Blog’ When the selection of sites appears select Archerfan Blog and clickon it You should now be at the front page of our blogs Choose the one you want to comment on Write your post and Publish It should now work OK, 🤞🤞🤞
Now you all know why I don’t post as often as I used too- it’s all such a fag!
Miriam, I thought of your lemon tree when I came across this article in The Grauniad: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/04/want-to-ensure-your-lemons-survive-the-winter-bring-them-indoors I wonder if your little tree is hungry? All the best at nursing it back to health. I'm sure you'll find a way to get it to your sis when the time comes. Or perhaps you'll love it so much you'll keep it for yourself and grow some new little ones from pips - much easier to transport! When I get around to teying the pip approach myself I shall be coming to you and Janice for advice : 0
Thanks for the technical lesson Archerphile. I will write down your instructions and attempt your solution, but not right now.
I came on here to wish all my Archers friends a happy solstice day. I’m sure everyone, like me will be pleased to have the few minutes extra light each day. Within weeks that few minutes will have become an hour.
Janice - I am so impressed by your lemon tree of some years standing. Just sorry that your not able to have it close by you in the house.
Oh dear I so enjoy the dark evenings and cannot believe how time has galloped by since September! ( I will though enjoy the Spring flowers when they arrive) 🤗
Miriam, my sister in law saved her daughter’s lemon tree by overwintering it in her small bathroom. It thrived in the moist atmosphere. Another friend in Weymouth has many lemon trees in pots and they do produce fruit. In the winter she keeps them in a poly tunnel. Do read OWiaS’s recommended article - plenty of suggestions.
I did my last supermarket shop today. I was there by 9.15am and it was busy, with so many already having very full + over-flowing, big trolleys. I only needed a smallish "top-up", which was milk, bread, some fresh veg. and other meat products, to just top the freezer up. I managed to buy some braising steak, however I was unable to get other meat products I wanted. There was no pork mince, no lamb steaks, no pork chops. These shelves were filled with:- Fresh turkeys, large Pork, Beef + Lamb joints, Pigs in Blankets, various stuffings + stuffing balls, fresh gravy, stock, bread sauce etc.etc. This is fine, if catering for big family gatherings, but as a single house person, I found it hard to buy things to suit me. Rant Over.
Go to your farm shop Miriam. In my local farm shop they are willing to cut a joint to the size you want and their meat is good - very occasionally it is from one of our cows. I buy fish from the supermarket but rarely meat. I am lucky to have such a good farm shop on my doorstep.
Bro-in-law is off to a specialistic unit in Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool tomorrow, for a very overdue appointment. His condition has been controlled by "pills" for nearly 22 months now, as a result of this situation. Big Sis is being the driver but is not allowed in. She is taking a good book, water and sarni's with her, to camp out in her car in the car-park. The problem with "hubbie" is that he is very dyslexic, plus also very possibly undiagnosed, as to mildly autistic. He will sadly, not be able to tell all as to was discussed, in detail and won't understand it all.
My daughter is a psychologist and she specialises in autism. She works for the NHS and her job is to diagnose and treat it. Her waiting list has grown and grown; I think it is a two year wait at the moment. I feel for your b-in-law. I hope his pills have been checked regularly because there are many to choose from and it is important to find the one that best suits the patient.
He has a heart problem, but that seems well under control at the moment. He won a trophy in his senior golf section last week... But as to his OCD, that's another story...
If any out - patient has a problem that requires being accompanied (be it physical or mental) an adult is allowed to accompany them. At least at Basingstoke Hospital as I have done so with Mr R (physical difficulties) throughout lockdown. Only once did I wait outside A&E in the car for a couple of hours and then on one check in told I could stay and they had popped out to tell me so but could not spot me. Guess
My Christmas Day guests have all cancelled due to omicron fears. It will be a quiet day just like last year. Others are so much worse off than me though and I will make the best of it. Re dogs in pubs: uncontrolled dogs are a dog owner problem and irresponsible dog owners let down the responsible ones. I would never let my dog run rampage or jump up on people. I love the company of dogs though and so love to see them in pubs.
Re dogs in pubs….much rather see them than young kids and babies being allowed to do anything they want and shout about as modern parenting seems to allow.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Everything is actually fine for Mabel ( pronounced by her family MaBelle, which is prettier I think). Her family is safe. The centre of the typhoon hit the island Of Cebu very badly destroying what is a beautiful place. It apparently even brought down houses built of stone this time. They have been on holiday there before. There are about 7000 islands in the Philippines, and Cebu is about 5 hours ferry trip from the islands of Masbate province. Mabel's family are scattered among Ticao island, Masbate island, and on the main Manila island. BUT the wonderful thing from my point of view is that Dan and Mabel did not go back to the Philippines for the Winter ( she finds it cold here) because she is pregnant - a baby boy due in mid April, and the hospitals are in general much better here. I have heard so many horror stories of sick people dying because they cannot afford treatment that I realise how lucky we are here to have the NHS. There seems to be a big gulf there between the majority of poor people and a wealthy minority who can afford to go to privately run hospitals. Just as a point of interest, and this is probably politically incorrect but I am a bit off China because of Hong Kong, and the way the Uighurs are treated, BUT in the Chinese part of Manila (the capital) the Chinese have funded and built their own hospital and it is open for the free use of anyone who lives in the Chinese quarter regardless of what nationality they are, a generous thing for them to do. I find it quite amusing but Mabel can get quite fiery sometimes re the political situation there. Duterte is anathema to her, she considers him a murderer, and as for Bongbong Marcos the son of Ferdinand and Imelda ( of the many shoes fame) she considers that family totally corrupt, and as she is likely to be still here in May when the Philippine elections are being held she is going through quite a bureaucratic process to make sure she can have an online vote, especially to vote against the Marcos' son. I think because she had a tough time lifting herself out of poverty (via education) she feels strongly about those who misuse their positions. ( She told me once that when she was young she sometimes, particularly when she and her aunt who helped her, were struggling to pay the fees at training college, she often went hungry, and she used to dream of a day when she could afford to walk into a restaurant and order any meal she liked. I just feel like wrapping my arms round her when bits of her early life emerge) This will be my first grandchild, and it will also be lovely because we will be together for Christmas.
Simple meals for me now until Christmas. I am just keeping things low key, at the moment. My Christmas is still going ahead, just as has been planned, well so far that is...🤞 All adults are triple jabbed, and we are being so very careful to keep safe.. All will do "tests" before meeting up though!
I need to pop to a shop tomorrow. I am responsible for the pudding course. The 15 month old and home-made, Christmas Pudding has already been passed on. Sadly, I have forgotten to sort what it will be served with - be it a fancy cream, a fancy ice-cream, or even just make a traditional White Rum Sauce... I will think, decide, and then dash out to buy whatever. Like that puppet show:- "Christmas is now GO!" ...but no palm trees will need to have to flatten down, so I can drive away. 🧑🎄😂🎄
All Lateral Flow tests negative so we're travelling to my daughter's tomorrow. Now just got to work out if we can fit 4 dining chairs in the car as well as everything else we have to take!
This sounds like a Fun time - and you will fit the chairs in.. Have a Great Christmas, with your loved ones with the grand-kids and family, you will be sharing it with. 🤗 Have a safe journey. 🧑🎄
I will have a quiet moment tomorrow. It will soon be Dec. 23rd, a date firmly fixed into my mind. It is quite a few years now, but it is the date when I was woken up by the 'phone ringing at 3.30am. This was to learn that my father (who was in hospital after breaking his femur), had passed away in his sleep. It was a massive shock, as so unexpected.
To add - this is do with some thoughts posted a short while ago, re baubles + feathers with strange happenings. I had another such event.. I wanted to find my home front door key, which was on my late Dad's key-board, where there were very, very many. I went into his bungalow to search for this - to then find an individual key lying on the carpet with green garden twine on it. Yes - it was my spare key.. It was quite wierd + spooky at that time. 😱
Our Christmas Day has been saved to some extent by our daughter inviting us for lunch on Christmas Day (lateral flow tests permitting) It will be the first time we have seen our granddaughter for 6 months as she is home from University. Eldest grandson has just returned from a short holiday in Hungary so we are waiting for his PCR test to come back negative too. It strikes me that it is OK for the Gvt. to say, go ahead and enjoy Christmas with your family but take a test before you go. What if the test (or any of theirs) is positive? You cannot go, so you have to stay at home with no Christmas lunch!
I hope all your tests are negative, Archerfile. The only thing you can do if not is to have a standby lunch which you could then postpone until later in the week. Just wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a “Guid New Year to Yin and a’ “!!🥂😊🐾🥂
Lovely to read your update JANICE, thank you. Reading it, I do agree, we must all consider ourselves fortunate indeed, when comparing our lives to some elsewhere in the world. And you are indeed in a very good position to be able to welcome your first grandchild when it arrives. You must be hugging yourself with joy at the prospect.
I did my first test yesterday and it was negative. So I shall be off to Cornwall tomorrow if the test I do first thing is also negative. My granddaughter, has arrived home from university in London with Covid, so my younger daughter's family plans to travel to Northamptonshire for Christmas with inlaws have had to be adapted accordingly. We hope they will be joining my eldest, S I L and me sometime later next week.
I wish all friends on this blog a very merry Christmas and hopefully a better year in 2022. I think we all need to reflect on how fortunate we are to be born into and live in the west, where we are able to celebrate any form of holiday celebrations at all, regardless of whether we are able to join our families or eke out a frozen meal on our own because of the current restrictions.
I have never met any of those on this blog and dip into this inconsistently but I regard you all as friends. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
I am adding my good wishes to everyone else’s in our ‘blog family’. May you all have a peaceful and happy Christmas, however and wherever you are spending it and a blessed New Year to follow.
And I should like to thank every one for putting up with my moans and grumbles, for offering good advice when requested, for your support when things went wrong and your kind words when things went right this past year. And a very special thank you to Gary for accommodating us all on these blogs and making these valued friendships possible. Bless you all.🥰
This is a great place and I so concur with you, as we all have been able to do so many things:- Examples are - A Rant, A telling of a life story, A place to just give thoughts + ideas, A refuge at times, from what is happening, A place to just feel welcome with like-minded others... And so very much more..
And so, I also say like Archerphile, Bless You All. 🤗😍
This is to say:- Thanks for this wonderful site with such lovely contributers - which Gary must take a massive bow down + acknowledgement of gratitude, from me. I wish GG and the other Mr.GG, every Good Wishes..for the Festive Season..🎄🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄🎁🎁
Happy Christms To All... in whatever way it is being done
I Wish Everyone, every Happiness in this Festive Season. Take Care...Miriam Xxx
Janice, so lovely to hear your good news, and also very glad that Mabel's family are safe. I hope everyone here has a relaxing and peaceful Christmas break, and a much happier New Year xxx
A friend I met up with a week ago has found she has Covid this morning just as she was about to visit her family in Newcastle. I have therefore decided that I will not meet anyone over Christmas .
Janice the friend with the Covid was told that it was only people she had met up with in the previous 4 days that she needed to be concerned about. I met her seven days earlier . However I figured that if I went to friends and one of them got Covid they might think i had passed it on so decided to be safe rather than sorry. I ,and they have been triple vaccinated
Happy Christmas everyone whether with friends, family or on your own. May we all look forward to a much brighter 2022 !!
I watched Gareth Malone’s Christmas concert last night, was in tears from the start. It had a genuine feel good factor. I realise I prefer seeing programmes about real, ordinary folk ( who are often extraordinary) than ones using celebrities.
Totally agree with your last sentence. If quizzes for charity answers often embarrassing in the extreme and if “Gogglebox” too conscious of what they perceive their own fabulousness so having tried one never again.
Concur with your Christmas message to all! 🎄 🍸 🍺 🍷 🥃 🎄
I have just learnt, a nephew-in-law who lives near Stanstead, has tested +ve today, even though he had his booster 2 weeks ago. When will this nightmare end?
I am not doing a "solo" Christmas for a 2nd year, again!! So....let the festivities begin, to be enjoyed in the best way possible, at this time, and forget this ongoing problem.
...well for 2 days only, that is. We are still planning for 10 on Boxing Day, and I accept this might be a risk, but I want to see family again and enjoy them.
Happy Christmas to everyone here, and thank you for your company over the past year. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022. Christmas has begun here as we have just eaten a Noche Buena feast prepared by my daughter in law. It is apparently a Philippino tradition, which originated with the Spanish colonisers, to have a special meal on Christmas Eve around midnight. We have had it earlier and have eaten unfamiliar interesting things. I can recommend the dessert to finish, a very rich fruit salad soaking in condensed milk and cream.
Yum, Janice! Lovely to try traditional food from another country! We had small eats and I had a crate of goodies including a fleecy blanket with reindeer pattern, Santa socks and some shot glasses with flavoured vodka! We then watched “It’s a wonderful life” which always makes me cry at the end 😊 The sign of a good film! Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it!
We watched it’s a wonderful life this aft. I never get sick of it. It’s now a tradition that we watch it on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow aft we are going to watch national lampoons Christmas vacation. I love it. Our bubble friend who is coming for lunch hasn’t seen it. Then it’ll be strictly watching at 5pm.
Merry Christmas, everyone! I was lucky and got my Christmas wish: I had my second cataract e day before yesterday! The other thing on Santa’s list was the booster jab but that’s not till January 11th! Still, nice to have it booked at least! Hope you all have a lovely day.
What a wonderful gift for Christmas and an excellent way to start a new year Hilary. I wish you joy in the clarity of sight to enjoy the future.
I wish all my friends on this happy blog a joyous Christmas and the best new year possible in these difficult times. And from deepest Cornwall, I thank all my friends here for being a lifeline throughout the last year.
We took the boys to Appley beach yesterday and the y had a good run around. Dudley found a lively Beagle was a good playmate and Buddy just had the zoomies! They both had Christmas dinner, meat, veg and roast potato. Buddy, the fussy eater turned his nose up but Dudley took advantage and had two dinners! We await the result today! They are both still asleep so yesterday’s activities must have exhausted them! We had a quiet, restful day much needed after a busy run up to Christmas! Hope you all had a good day! 🥂😁
Well, delighted to report that our daughter and family really pulled out all the stops for us yesterday. An incredible amount of food, a lovely time spent with the English grandchildren catching up on all their news and plans for next year. And she even came to pick us up in the morning and return us early evening so we didn’t need to miss out on wine with the meal. We were so grateful to her for ‘saving’ the day for us but she said it was in return for all the Christmases we had hosted for the whole family over 40-50 years.
I now realise we have stepped down as the ‘heads of the family’ and ‘family organisers’ and a new generation has taken over the reigns. We can sink into our fireside armchairs with a metaphorical glass of Sherry and watch benignly as the ‘youngsters’ take over!
Well I as on the naughty list as all he brought me was a stinking cold. Rotten sod!! Not covid. I’ve done 2 tests in the last week. Voice gone today. Perk for Mr PtbY! Miserable and raining here today. Dogs not going out, concentrating on their large dental chewy toy things they got for Christmas. Tire them out. Ps.. strictly fans….moira was bloody useless…just walked around. Rest were pretty good I thought.
What a lovely clutch of posts today. I thank each of you for your cheer.
A quiet day here. Only two screaming matches from daughter and S in L. So far. A good lunch tho’, S in Ls traditional family day lunch of ham egg and chips with salad.
Over the last couple of days I’ve made a little velvet pouch for my granddaughters 21st B’day present. For my 21st my sister and her husband gave me a silver bracelet. Chosen when all three of us went to Portabello Antique Market. A Victorian Gentleman’s watch chain, worn by me every day until into my forties when my wrists thickened up rather too much. I’m passing it on to my eldest grandchild. Youngest daughter and family arrive tomorrow after spending Christmas with their in laws.
What a great Christmas of two days I have just had. Wonderful food, good company, playing silly games with not only the youngsters but all together, united again. What a difference - and I hope that there are no consequences as a result. It was just so nice to have a great meet + catch up, for the first time for such a long time. What will be, will be....
PS My 14 month old and well matured Christmas Pud, was worth waiting for. As to the much talked about Lemon Tree:- It was transported and delievered intact - and the recipients are thrilled with it. I was so glad to pass it on.
I didn't have a "merry "Christmas but I did have a much better Christmas than I expected. I was pleased I had decided to self isolate The one person I wanted to spend Christmas with wasn't there but I wasn't alone because I had my cats and quite a few 'phone calls. On the advice of my good Yorkshire friend I watched "It's a wonderful life" and I'm that I did. I didn't know my wonderful husband when he was a young man but I have seen photographs of him taken then and he looked just like James Stewart did in the film-tall,dark,slim and handsome . Thank you for telling me to watch the film,Helen.
I'm glad it was better than you expected, LanJan. I was thinking of you and wondering how you were managing. I think my difficulty is having 52 years of family Christmases of one sort or another (not necessarily enjoyable) behind me and having to start again from scratch. Not having Mr S with his black 'Bah, Humbug' Christmas hat is a start, and I expect I'll gradually work out what kind of Christmas I want (which up until now has never mattered), but at the moment I don't know how to do it. I had hoped that having a service to play on Christmas Day would help, but although after the dreadful isolation of last year it was a relief to be out and fulfilling my professional function, yet this year's content seemed 'flimsy' to me and didn't provide the joyful energy that I needed to carry me forward. I'm glad that 'It's a wonderful life' was able to provide some comfort for you. I watched it years ago and I'm afraid I thought it was cringesome.This year I've been 'binge-watching' Jonathan Creek.
Christmas has been very unChristmassy in my family. We were meant to be going to my daughter’s home for the day. Unfortunately my youngest granddaughter tested positive late on Christmas Eve . So we stayed at home and my poor granddaughter was isolated in her bedroom. I was FaceTiming her as she ate her Christmas dinner on her own. Whilst she has had excellent room service, she has remained isolated. Weird times. My daughter is left with food to feed a multitude while we had a makeshift meal on our own. My brother is in a nursing home near my daughter and she was visiting him. Now she can’t and his own family have Covid so he had no visitors. We are planning a delayed celebration when it’s possible. Lanjan I felt for you as I watched some of the Test in Australia. At least the bowlers didn’t let the side down last night but have not been supported by our lamentable batsmen. It’s very unlikely that Root, Stokes and Bairstow can save the day.
Please don’t wish that Sarnia. It is always interesting to hear your news and views. You were being positive and honest about yourself. I liked the fact that you are ‘gradually working out what kind of Christmas you want’. If I am honest, looking back, not all our Christmas celebrations were harmonious but I gloss over the bad bits and remember the peaceful joyful moments and try to bottle those. Often I wish we didn’t spend so much time thinking about it . Why do we always ask - “Did you have a good Christmas?” Which is fine if you have but very annoying if you haven’t. For my granddaughter and many others it was a rotten Christmas because of Covid but for many many more it will have been far worse.
I am feeling so upset for those, whose Christmas plans had to be changed suddenly, at the last minute. It was bad enough last year, but now to happen again another year on, is so harsh. I wish you all positive thoughts. My mantra is:- Be sensible, Take all the necessary precautions. Carry On as normal, as it suits each person.
I watched today a recorded programme, called Winterwatch, The 1963 Big Freeze. This was on BBC4 on Thurs. Dec 23rd, so must still be available on i-player. It was all about that winter, which I do recall, but not in any great detail. This was why I found it so interesting and amazing, as to what it showed, as to what actually happened.
Thank you ,Miriam I am going to watch that on Catch-up. I was expecting my first child that winter. We went away for Christmas to stay with my in laws and when we returned to the flat we were renting there were icicles inside the flat. There was of course no central heating. I went away in my high heel shoes! I had no boots. I had just bought a duffle coat though from C and A -unlined - for £4 10 shillings . It was unlined . Reader ,I and my unborn child survived.
I was sitting my 'mock' GCEs that winter. We were allowed to wear any thick jumpers and cardigans over top of our school uniform and any coloured thick tights to school. It was freezing in the Assembley Hall were we sat the exams! The buses were running in about foot deep snow on the roads and when I got off the bus in my village I picked up a sparrow who was sitting in a trench where the snaow was filled. It was allive and sat in my hands for about five minutes then it flew away. I think it must have been cold and my warmth of my hands warmed it I suppose!
I do think they were dance tights, certainly not the tights we have today! I never had tights but much longer socks or maybe stockings! (Long time ago!) Some time in the sixties we had a craze for long bloomers, although they were nylon and brightly coloured. Then they were decorated with various ribbons and bits of lace and then 'shown off' of the bus drive home! I once went into the department store in Tunbridge Wells and said 'Can I have 2ft of purple ribbon, 2 ft of pink and 2 ft of of that lace.' The young lady said 'Are you decorating bloomers then?' It may be the year we had the bloomers at the same time as that awful winter!
A quiet Christmas where not everything went to plan but enjoyable nevertheless. My youngest son and d-i-l came over for breakfast then opened presents. My one of my favourite ones was from my son was a pack of eye-patches! So I now where one when watching TV and it's bearable. I managed to get breakfast done but two sons and d-i-l got together to get the veges done , turkey and vegetarian dish while I suppervised. My son went to his parents-in-law for dinner and I had a friend round, who was alone on Christmas Day. We had dinner them then played a board game (Ticket to Ride) Tea time then she went home to exercise her three rescued greyhounds! Maybe I'll catch up on TV progs I have not yet watched today! When I had my first dvd player my youngest son gave me some dvds of my fims, which I had on video tape. His choices were: Dirty Dancing, Zulu and It's a Wonderful Life. Exactly my favourites!
Spicy ….you’ll be pressing all kinds of letters when you’ve got just the one eye. How nice to get a pack of eye patches! I’ve now got a blanked out glasses lens with black gaffer tape!!
Thank you, dear blogger friends, for your encouraging comments. I have been pleasantly surprised at having no discomfort at all after the second cataract op, except for the first few hours. It’s nice reading about the different ways you have spent Christmas. Mr H and I went to my son’s on Christmas day and his parents-in-law were there too. We all get on extremely well and had a lovely day together. Italians have different festive traditions depending on which part of Italy it is. Italy only became a united country in 1860 and it still shows! The north have panettone or pandoro, some southerners have strufoli. Southern Italians have a big fish meal on Christmas Eve so eat less on Christmas Day. I did turkey and all the trimmings on Boxing Day when they came to us!
Thank you for recommending the Big Freeze programme , Miriam. Amazingly the south had it worse than the north. The Thames froze at Kingston near where I live now for the first time in over a hundred years. Women were going down the road to collect drinking water wearing high heeled shoes ,coats and headscarves but no gloves. "Old ladies" of 60 ! ! ! were coping magnificently .
Yes I too thank you Miriam for telling us about the special Winterwatch. It brought so many memories back . For me at 12 it was a an absolutely magical time, and there was a great sense of satisfaction in finding sheep in the snow. Cornwall was actually completely cut off for a while, and it was weeks and weeks before the lanes were passable and the bus could take us to school again. I remember it as a wonderful winter, but watching the programme I realised how difficult it must have been for many people.
We came back home yesterday evening after a 6 hour drive that normally would take 3 and a half hours. Still, I'm not complaining as I feel very lucky that we had the family Christmas that we had planned, unlike al the people who had Christmas ruined by Covid.
I am loving this week between Christmas + New Year. It is a holiday week, not that I need an excuse! I just loving staying snuggled down in bed, to then have a lazy breakfast, and then just do what I want to do, as and when I want to it... Good news - my Nephew-in-law who tested postive last Thursday, is now showing negative, and my niece + young grand-niece are still symptom free..phew.
Thank you for that post, Miriam, it was very affirming. I now find myself spending exactly the kind of days that you describe, I'm not used to it, I find it bewildering and it feels like something I shouldn't be doing. By describing your own enjoyment you've somehow given me permission to try and shake off the feeling that I"m doing something wrong.
It’s very easy to feel guilty when you pause to just have a restful time but it is essential. Even God, according to the Bible, had a rest on the seventh day! We have had a week of sleeping until we wake and for me just doing what really needs to be done! Katy has had a few days of marking assessments. Now that it’s done she will relax a bit more! If the weather is good as forecast on Friday we may go to the Donkey sanctuary. One of the donkeys has been retired from Carisbrooke castle where along with others he took turns to work a tread wheel which hauled up a bucket from a well. This was of course for visitors and took about 10 minutes! The rest of the time they live a life of ease and luxury!
Trouble is, Ev, I seem to take too much rest in relation to the amount that needs to be done. I'm still trying to catch up with sorting the chaos from lockdown, which came on top of the chaos caused by the passing of Mr S. I suppose I'll get there eventually but I just wish I had the energy to get more done at a time. People t know me assure me that it's not laziness, but that's what it feels like! Alexa, bring back normal. Sarnia
I've just been watching one of my own favourite films on BBC 2, Wild tales from the village. Filmed over a year in a beautiful French village, the filming, especially the time-lapse sequences, is amazing and the sound track hilarious. Sarnia.
My major job to do tomorrow, is to start a new 1000 piece jigsaw. This is a Christmas pressie from my niece who lives in OZ. It was a lovely surprise and a very unexpected gift, which is so appreciated. I haven't seen her since 2018, but we do keep in touch.
I have a friend who once she starts doing a jigsaw can't stop. She relaxes and enjoys doing it. Relaxing is definitely not laziness. Relaxing is healing time I think. I usually get her a Christmassy jigsaw as a Christmas present but this year I was pleased because I managed to get, from Canada, a jigsaw of the Gatineau area in Autumn where she lived as a child.
Thank you, Janice, that is very helpful. One friend has suggested that I have a lot of accumulated difficulties to recover from. It's just immensely frustrating that it's taking so long.
I never think of doing a jigsaw as a job to be completed. They are a permanent feature in our lives and have saved our sanity during lockdown. We have a new Wasgij on the table at the moment and it’s proving very difficult. After that we shall tackle a very beautiful puzzle of one of those amazing Dutch Old Master flower paintings which we bought from the National Gallery. Hopefully it will take several weeds to complete.
Sarnia, as we get older we can do less and I find that I need to just sit down after doing.things which wouldn’t have tired me nearly as much years ago. I wonder how I managed then but had far more energy! You have also had to cope with losing your husband, a large shift in life and the mental effects of lockdown on top of that. I have found it not too bad as by nature I am a loner but even so the lack of contact with others such as my monthly meet ups with TG has been hard. Zoom art classes have helped but face to face meet ups have largely gone. I have of course walked the dogs and have valued their company. Pets can help a lot! Anyway, don’t feel you have not done enough but value every small achievement not hesitating to grab your rest in between! If like me you had a husband who was driven and had no time to stand and stare it takes some time to change gear and get out of that mindset without feeling guilty every time you relax while things still need to be done!
Sarnia, I too have words to say on this subject, but it must be later, as anxious to get started for home now.
After getting myself ready for bed last night when sitting on the lavatory I was stung several times by a very large wasp which must have been under the seat. As a result of anti histamines and a lot less sleep than required I’m struggling this morning to even feel awake. With a five hour drive ahead !
Sarnia, I for one have been highly impressed by all you've achieved in your garden this year. Don't forget the energy involved in that. Don't think about the clutter at present, unless it is causing an assault course that you need to climb over, concentrate on keeping on top of the day-to-day stuff like washing up and keeping yourself clothed and fed. Count anything else on top as a bonus. When you do feel up to some sorting, set a timer for 15 minutes (or 5 if you're really struggling). After that stint, have a rest for 15 or 30 minute. Repeat. You won't get a load done but you'll have achieved something. In my mind, clutter is like dust and cobwebs - if you don't look for it, it isn't there.This should give you a pretty accurate picture of my shoe : )
Oh MrsP! Not only are you tired for your drive but having to sit for so long having been stung like that must be very uncomfortable. You'll be glad to get home.
Mrs P, how really horrible. I hope you get home safely. I am allergic to insect stings and bites so I can imagine your discomfort. Anti histamines are great, I use daily tablets and a topical cream for any affected areas. Belt and braces.
Me too Mistral! Mrs P, You described my worst nightmare, even 1 wasp sting has very severe consequences for me and I have to take antihistamine immediately, I always carry some in my handbag just in case. I do hope you got/get home safely.
Poor Mrs P, how dreadful. Even without an allergic reaction some places are worse to be stung on than others. Ev and OWiaS, you are simply echoing the sentiments of friends who say I just expect too much of myself. And yes, Mr S spent every day proceeding from one task to another without a break. For him life consisted of a series of chores which had to be completed before anything else; quite frequently there was no time left for anything else. The quiet joy at the coloured spectrum of the sun on the raindrops hanging from the bare branches of the laburnum in the front garden is all too easily eclipsed by the disorder I left in the kitchen! Yes, OWiaS, those are my priorities too, but it never seems to be enough.
I am one of those, who can easily ignore that the kitchen floor needs cleaning, the kitchen is a sort of mess + needs a tidy, to prefer being outside in the garden. It is very wet + squelchy still, after the awful torrential rain over the Christmas weekend. I am loving seeing how the bulbs are really now showing above the soil, the flower buds on my lovely standard azelea (now dormant), are still inract and there, my wonderful poppies are now growing up again..and seeing the wonderful birds on my feeders + fat balls, is a delight.
PS Did a quick "top up" food shop at the S/market this morn. There were so many empty shelves with regard to basics, but there was lots of Christmas stock left, but not yet reduced..🤣🤣
An extra. The winter pansies (along with bulbs), which I planted in my window box, a winter hanging basket, a front garden tub and the front flower bed, are in full bloom and are still so healthy + colourful. It is still mild, which helps, as it is with constant growing weeds. I need to go out to sort, very soon.
To Archerphile. Thank you for letting me know about the Dick Francis, Whip Hand...on the other page. I have now downloaded it, to listen to very soon. I am certain that I have read the book, but can't remember the plot at all. Thanks, yet again and the info. you passed on, is so appreciated.
I left at midday but by just after Truro my brakes had failed twice, and I had to use the handbrake. I saw a service station ahead, and next door a Toyota dealership. I requested my brakes be looked at. Stripped down and parts available replaced, ( costing hundreds I haven’t got ! )a road test then revealed a clutch close to failing, and advised it was unlikely to get me home. By now 4.30 my daughter drove fifty miles to collect me, the plan being to return tomorrow morning for my insurance breakdown ( RAC ) to take me, car and dog home to Gloucestershire. Daughter purchased eggs and potatoes and suggested I make myself an omelette in the cottage I’m now relegated to, her NY guest now in the room vacated by me this morning. The male guest and S in L both sympathetic offering me North African cuisine cooked by guest, while daughter tried to be nice through gritted teeth.
After eating I phoned RAC breakdown as planned only to be told that by going into garage and having work done, I had invalidated my breakdown cover.
The Toyota dealership will be open for tomorrow morning only, the clutch replacement will, have to be booked in for after the NY break and I’m stuck here with the minimum of stuff since most of it is in the car. And with the prospect of yet more hundreds that I haven’t got needed to replace the clutch.
Be warned, if anything amiss, call breakdown. Don’t get it fixed first.
Apologies for relating a sorry tale. I’m feeling pretty stupid and very sorry for myself. And the multiple stings on the back of my thigh still giving me considerable gyp !
Oh dear Not the journey you were expecting. I am sorry too that the wasp stings are still given you gyp! Hopefully you get sorted all soon enough and you'll be home! But - Hopefully you'll have a happy new year and perhaps the move in the future will get you sorted! Stay safe!
MrsP, what a horrible day! Thanks for letting us know you are at least safe, I was concerned about you making the drive when you were feeling below par. I hope that the North African supper cheered you up and that you are able to get home somehow. Would it be feasible to set off from the garage and then call out the breakdown service if the clutch gives way before you get home? Or would your service claim that as you were driving with a known problem you’re not covered? Whatever take care and keep us posted, we’re all sending positive vibes.
Poor Mrs P. What a worry to have the thought of all those bills hanging over you. Might it be possible to arrange payment in instalments, do you think? Sarnia
Thinking about you today Mrs P The only good news is that the weather is mild . I am surprised that your cover was invalidated. Not that keen on the RAC . They used to be very good but I was with friends earlier this year and we waited hours for someone to come when the car broke down and in the end they had to telephone a local garage.
Very little to say. I’ve already thought of, and decided against options suggested. Repairs can’t be done until 17 th January. I cannot stay and would not be welcome to do so. The NY guest is willing to drive to get ( some of my ) belongings from the car. For which I am grateful. Many thanks for commiserations.
Try the RAC again. You could argue that regardless of the work having been done, the car is still incapable of taking you home because of a separate problem so is effectively broken down at the garage. The work on the brakes is a different problem which you have sorted. It might work as often when you speak to someone else in these organisations you get the result you want.
Mrs P, I am so sorry to hear your situation. The thing about it that upsets me most is the attitude of your daughter (gritted teeth) and you being kicked out to the bungalow amidst all these problems. If my daughter reacted like that I would be devastated, and ashamed. I hope you have enough kindly folk around you to help you achieve what you need to and I hate to think of you going home, where you will be alone with all these problems.
Now I actually logged in to wish everyone a much better New Year, with life getting back to normal and a healthy, safe future for us all That goes double for Mrs P and Spicey!
Oh Mrs P, what a truly awful situation you are in, on so many levels. Can you get home by train with Lady and just leave the car? This would give you time to think about options e.g. overdraft/loan or just selling it and getting another later on. Or hire a car for a couple of days to transport yourself, and luggage. Some hire places, (e.g. Enterprise) will deliver and collect the hire car from wherever you are. Of course, all this is extra expense and solutions are easier from a distance. With regards to your visit, I am very glad that the guest at least ensured you had some belongings and more essentially, a hot meal. All this will have been a shock and worry as well as upsetting. Speaking from my own experience, one hopes/ expects adult children to understand and empathise with our problems, but very sadly this is so often not the case, the disappointment can be huge and far-reaching. I hope you are warm and comfortable wherever you are, and I'm glad that you have Lady for company and occupation. The good thing about dogs are that they are always there, always need walking and are the best listeners. Good luck with sorting it all out, you are resourceful and will find a way.
RAC. My daughter was left stranded for 7 hours in a country lane in the Brecon Beacons last October. Her policy covered her for onward travel, taking her and car to final destination, failing that, they would put her in a hotel overnight and sort things out the following day. None of these things happened, she was propositioned 3 times, ended up locked in her car, crying, phoning me. The RAC finally got a taxi to her at midnight to drive her home. The driver said it was stupid, he wasn't going to do it, gave her a jump start and followed her for miles, she was terrified. She finally drive from Wales to South Devon slowly through the night, no exhaust, dare not stop and turn off dodgy engine, got home at 5 a.m. When she complained to the RAC, they cancelled her membership and gave her a refund to cover the remainder of the insured period. I would not recommend them to anyone, and they will never get my custom again.
Ooh Poor Mrs P. It seems an awful situation, with all that this is happening, on so very many levels. I wish her well, for a better + quick solution. I am an AA member, which are not the cheapest, but I have their App. on my 'phone. As such I can contact them asap, and via GPS, they will know exactly where I am. I haven't used them for a long while, but the one thing always asked was:- a you a female alone and do you feel safe? Not sure if this is still the same, these days - probably not!
I loved "Whip Hand", as Archerphile put me in touch with. I have today been listening to it via Sounds. As I said, I had read the book, so it was slightly familiar, but couldn't recall the actual plot. I really enjoyed it.
Please forgive me for writing my thoughts… I’m crying now, having read your kind posts, and thank you for them . Ev, I know from experience how right you are, but with no mobile signal here I would have to use the house phone, with my S in L shouting comments nearby, and my daughter probably telling me I’m wasting my time. Besides which the key will now be locked up in the dealership until Tuesday. But it might be worthwhile trying again then. My RAC breakdown cover is through my motor insurance which is an online one organised by my other S in L as being a lot less expensive than when with Saga.
I’m cold. My daughter said I could put the heating on and I tried but nothing happened. I’ve put on as many layers as I can. As I write she has just appeared with a tray of ( hot, I think ) food, and as she walked in she realised that the heating must be turned off, so has now gone to turn it on.
We did walk the dogs, along muddy farm tracks and green fields. Halfway around she stopped and asked if she could tell me something… Which was how she and her sister had suffered for years my negativity about everything which oozed from my every pore. You would be devastated ARCHERPHILE ? I’m not. It’s what I’ve become used to, and I was able to admit many years ago, that I am scared of and intimidated by ( especially) my eldest, but both of them. The hard truth is, they don’t like me and that must be hard for them. ( that is my perception of course.)
She has thought about the food for me, which I appreciate. And said she is not asking me over to the house tonight because she thinks we both need a break from each other. With which I agreed. I think both my daughters are frightened of and in denial that I am getting old. I’m not in denial and am trying to negotiate the process but I am frightened of losing the ability to do all the things I used to be able to do. And, yes, I know we are all feeling that ! Sarnia in particular, as well as Mistral.
I’m sorry to be so open…. Not in a good place at all. Please forgive me.
Funny old situation, mothers and daughters, Mrs P. From the age of 13 mine seemed to be under the impression that I enjoyed some kind of position of power and spent the next few years belittling and trying to oust me. Then as soon as she became a mother herself she acted and sounded just like me. At present we chat quite affectionately for nearly an hour most Fridays, but on the couple of occasions she has come back to visit, before very long it's as you were and I'm spoken to as if I'm useless and stupid again. I love her to bits, but when we're together she's my mother all over again and it makes me very sad. Perhaps it was ever thus. Sarnia
Mrs P, can your other SIL help out with advice over this having sorted your insurance? If you have a credit card preferably with 0% interest you could pay the garage bill with that and make a monthly Direct Debit to pay it off. If not you could apply for one. Tesco are quite good and you get extra Tesco points on your expenditure.
Mrs. P - have only just read some of your posts and wanted to say I am so sorry for the troubles you are experiencing. I hope that things will improve for you very soon and that your bites will heal quickly. Sometimes life can be one thing after another. Hang in there.
Mrs P, don't worry about being honest, it's a quality many more could use. You have spoken in the past about how proud you are of your daughter's success, I agree with Sarnia, these relationships are so complex that they defy close scrutiny from others. I'm glad you are now more comfortable and warm, and that you have a (hopefully) hot meal. I hope you can relax a little bit because with the bank holiday etc, the situation is out of your hands until Tuesday, so you have some time to think about your options. Take care.
Personally, I can never see why just because another day takes us into a different year we should expect it to be any happier than the one that went before, but that's the cynic in me, I'm afraid. In this case I think the Scots have a much more accurate grasp of the situation, so instead I wish you all a Guid New Year. Another big hug, Mrs P.
Happy New Year, dear blogger friends! At midnight on the dot from the window I watched many people’s fireworks being let off along with many Chinese lanterns, which I hadn’t seen in previous years. I think(hope!) the old southern Italian tradition of throwing old things, plates for instance, out of windows into the streets is no longer practised! I am very sorry to hear of the troubles some of you are going through. MrsP I am relieved that at least the heating was sorted and a hot meal provided. What an ordeal for you. It’s nice that this blog is helping us all a bit in different ways. Friendly virtual embraces to all of you.
You deserve a good year,Mrs P and I hope you get it.. When you get home ,relax . Give yourself a bit of time to work out exactly to where you want to move . When you feel up to it have a good old clear out so that when you do move you will be ready for the move. Very cathartic as I have found.. You are a strong woman. You are a kind ,thoughtful woman What goes round comes round You'll get through .
All the best to everyone for a happy ,healthy 2022 .
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Not into New year celebrations myself. A bit like Sarnia. Don’t get me started on the ruddy fireworks at midnight debacle! Even though we don’t do NYE and are usually tucked up in bed, Mr PtbY had to stay up with the dogs when fireworks started at 11.20 and continued for an hour. Thinking of you Mrs P. What a dreadful time you are having. Thoughts also go out to fellow pirate, Spicy…..I hope you get your vision sorted asap. 🥂🍾
To all my blogger “friend’s “ New year🎊 As always the year will be a mixture of highs to be cherished and enjoyed and lows for which we will need the love and support of each other. (Fingers crossed for more of the former for you all) Right now sending hugs to those of you having family / health problems I feel for you so much!
Sorry, PtbY, but I'm with Hilary on this one. I may be uncomfortable with the expectation of the new year being any happier than the old one, but I enjoy watching the fireworks. I have a very wide vista from my bedroom window, and this year they were spectacular. They started earlier, too, just after 11.30 so I thought I'd missed them, but they didn't really get going until midnight and lasted for almost half an hour. Even though I now watch them alone I found the spectacle uplifting and it left me with a sense of optimism. Sarnia
Fireworks would be fine if they were silent Why not have all the pretty sparkling lights but no noise? Fireworks started round here in the early evening. Fortunately the cats were in-Percy hiding - and stayed in. He is petrified of any noise. There was a brief respite but I was awakened at midnight by more loud bangs. I am with you .P tbY on this one
Dudley is beside himself with fireworks but last night it wasn’t too bad with a quick burst at about 10 and at midnight another relatively short one. After that he found it hard to settle down and was still a bit stressed this morning but after a walk down to the creek and breakfast he is much more relaxed. I don’t mind so much if it is confined to one or two nights per year but when it goes on night after night for a week each way it does become a problem with pets. Dogs like Dudley are easily wound up and it is hard to bring them down from that level of stress. I have even been reading of a German Shepherd, 5 years old, who died because she was so shocked by fireworks. I don’t believe they should be banned but a little thought would go a long way!
If there were nearby midnight fireworks, I wasn't aware of these as I slept through. There were lots, at around mid evening, which was much earlier than usual and great to see. The BBC broadcast of the London New Year "Fireworks", were very different and not as expected. I watched this, whilst eating my breakast this morning. At least Big Ben "bonged" live and for the first time for years, 4?
My 2022 wish is a simple one - Life becomes normal again and Corona fades away for good!
A quick extra. I did my normal Jan.1st "thing", which was to take down + pack up, the Christmas tree + decs. A new year has started, with a now bare looking lounge. 😒
I take mine down on 5th January, twelfth night. They don’t go up until a few days before Christmas and I’m normally happy to pack them away! I can’t help the feeling that it is bad luck to take them down earlier although I know that’s a load of rubbish!!
I take mine down when I get bored of it taking up space in my sitting room - usually some time in early February. The cards go up when I have finished writing mine and replying to the ones we have received - our friends know from experience that our round robin will arrive after the turkey has all been gobbled up. They come down again when we replace them on the window pelmet - either with birthday cards or with the following year's Christmas cards, depending on how organised I have been that year.
Our new year tradition is to watch the New Years Day Concert from Vienna, this year conducted by Daniel Barenboim, one of our favourite conductors. The filming in the place gardens was beautiful and reminded us of summer. We didn’t celebrate with the neighbours last night as usual, they had their son, home for Xmas from Borneo where he teaches and they hadn’t seen him for 2 years. It was his last night & we didn’t want to intrude. Unusually, there were no fireworks seen or heard from the village so presume everyone was celebrating quietly at home. All the very best to everyone, new picture is of a Hampshire Rose which I hope will be familiar to other Hampshire bloggers 😊
Proud to be Yorkshire.December 17, 2021 at 8:14 PM
ReplyDeleteDaphne 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.
Lady R - December 17, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Daphne’s reward 🤣🤣🤣 love it 🍻 ptby!
Dogs in the pub.
ReplyDeleteWell done Gary, you’ve done it again.
👍
ReplyDeleteLove pubs that welcome dogs.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I can’t stand dogs in pubs. Having been jumped up at and slobbered on by uncontrolled dogs, especially when eating, in pubs.
DeleteThe excuse is usually “he’s only being friendly”!
In my opinion they should be banned from pubs and definitely from those that serve food.
Bah Humbug,
The same goes for uncontrolled children! Banning dogs altogether would affect the well behaved ones. Katy and I don’t frequent pubs except for occasional lunches and tend not to take the dogs. I do ask if visitors mind dogs as ours like to meet and greet! Up to now I have found islanders love dogs but I do respect the wishes of those who don’t.
DeleteThe last 2 football matches Mabel has refused to go. She always loved it. Running in, up the stand to our usual seat. Thought her footy days were over now she’s 12.5.years old.
ReplyDeleteBut today she was full of it. Her usual blue jumper and scarf and a fair isle Christmas jumper that was a hand me down from our golden retriever, safety pinned on her. Everyone was pleased to see her. A trip to the pub after and a few crisps, happy days.
With the weather being cold and extremely foggy with us today I have suddenly gone extremely Christmassy. Also helped that I had a mulled wine in the pub.
Come on Rose…..win strictly.
Just came on to say the same 🤣
Delete💃💃💃
Wow I am worn out! How about you ptby and Archerphile and Miriam. Any others?
ReplyDeleteNow we wait for the result. We did love AJ and Kai and sad for them that their journey ended the way it did 😢
💃 yay Rose ⭐️ Stunning show!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad she won too
DeleteBetter of the two. I’m glad she won.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to miss Strictly more this year than any other. The standard has been so high and the couples so likeable. I wanted Rose to win not forgetting Giovanni because I loved watching them dance and she seems a very genuine loveable person. But, any of the last 4 couples were good enough to hold that trophy in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThat was the agony of it Soz 😳
DeleteI thought Strictly last night, was fantastic. On paper it was so close, but I expect the votes would show differently. 🌷⚘
ReplyDeleteI have just shed a little tear, which was nothing to do with the onions I had just chopped. It was due to seeing a short vid.of the two older kids, greeting the other set of grandparents, for the 1st time since Dec 2019.
ReplyDeleteThey flew into Heathrow this morning, for 5 weeks in UK.
As they have dual nationality, they used their British passports, to enter the UK.
What a gloomy foggy day, which lifted for a short while at lunch-time. It didn't last long though, as it now getting quite thick again.
ReplyDeleteI live in a fog "hot spot" due to being near the river, and the stream which flows through the nearby nature park, which is just a short stroll away.
Lovely sunshine in east Cheshire Miriam, but cold.
DeleteFreezing Fog now ❄
DeleteMy son in Frankfurt was arriving tomorrow until Christmas Eve but when we gpt on the phone I said that perhaps he might not come as it was too difficult and might not get into Germany in time for Christmas. He said that hye had the same idea so maybe January? He has a British passport and has a residency in Germany but there could be something else in the next five days which might get him stuck! So the remainder of his presents, which had not arrived at half time, will have to wait!
ReplyDeleteI have invited a friend for Christmas Day, ( she is a fellow scouter.) when she has finished her shift of being a police call handler from 6am to 2.00pm. Her son is a policeman but he is going up to his girlfriend in London so she'll be byself. She a veggie too so Jon will be outnubered on the dinner table. My youngest son and wife will be coming for breakfast and present opening, so we'll have breakfaast about 10 I would think!
PYTB ,- I know what you mean about bloody annoying with the double vision. No problems when I first look at something then my eyes switch and get doubles! Hopefully I'll get something to put it right come January 25 but I'm not wanting to wish my life away so we take every day as it comes.
Jon and I put up the Christmas tree about two weeks ago and there is one plastic bauble that Bagpuss used to get off the tree and play with. Jon put it under the tree 'Just so the ghost of Bagpuss get to play!' (She died in 2016. ) He is soppy!
Yesterday morning, after some pressies got put under the tree and the ball was behind them, I found another new ball fallen off the tree and onto the carpet. I expect it wasn't firm enough on a tree but then again.....spooky!
'Half term' when he last arrived!
DeleteI was thinking a couple of says ago, about my Dad who died on Dec. 23rd, knowing this date will soon be here.
DeleteThe following morning, whilst having a coffee and eating a weetabix, there was a feather on the floor next to my normal chair.
It had just came out of the cushion, but I did find it a bit 'spooky". 😱
Spicy and Miriam a fallen bauble 🐈⬛ and a feather 🪶I know what I believe - and I think you two do as well 🕊
DeleteJust after Mike died Katy and I were in Newport and went for a coffee. On our way out of the shop there was a white feather on the floor. When later we went to enquire about having a dog, there was one on the path leading away from the office. Since then we have found them around the house and garden. Whatever you believe they have given a lot of comfort.
DeleteI'm on tenterhooks wondering if our Christmas plans will survive the next few days.
ReplyDelete🙏🏼 I’d like to think so CC but……….🤔
DeleteMy son and family are hoping to come next week - that's if they're allowed out, of course!
ReplyDeleteSuddenly the Christmas plans, although these I am very optimistic will still go ahead, seem to have suddenly lost the enthusiasm + expectation, I once had.
ReplyDeleteIt will be, what it will be.
My mood is also reflected in that silly buy of the lemon tree, which is now dropping leaves + flower buds!
At this rate, Big Sis + Hubbie, will get a stick in a pot come Christmas Day 🤣🤣..
I still haven't worked out, how to transport it in the best way. It is 🤞🤞 that when I remove all the shelves in the car boot, it will stand upright. I daren't do a dummy run.
Next time I decide to buy something like this, it will be sent direct to the recipient/s - I have learnt the hard way. 🍋
Sorry - in every way. A silly story about a lemon tree does not relate at all, to so many hoping familes will be visiting . I was trying to lighten my own mood, which hasn't worked.
DeleteAccept my sincere apologies, for wasting this space on this blog.
Don’t apologise, Miriam. It is stressful that your thoughtful present is losing leaves and flower buds. Have been looking at what might be wrong online and you could be over watering as they need little water over the winter but they do like humidity so spraying the foliage with tepid water could help. I expect more experienced gardeners than me among our friends here might help.
DeleteI really am sad for you Miriam. You had looked forward to getting and giving that Lemon tree to your sister and it’s quite understandable that you should be very disappointed at its present condition.
DeleteI hope it picks up, but I do know that a Lemon tree is very difficult to grow.
I’ve been locked out yet again from my new account.
Archerphile will I’m sure understand.
I keep getting the ‘whoops’ message, or nothing at all, just a blank screen.
When I attempt to re register yet again, I get the slightly changed name already used, so can’t even start over again, as I don’t get a new page allowing me to do so.
Miriam Ev could be right about too much water. I have a lemon tree that has been growing for years in a large airy shed with borders. I rarely water it in winter, maybe a real dowsing once in 8 weeks BUT it is right beside the large farm gate at the entrance and we get a lot of frequent rain that blows in there wetting the leaves. Think of the climate lemon trees get in a country like Spain.
DeleteMy brother's cattle got in there once and broke the main stem off , but it kept on growing. They are tougher than you think and I am sure it will recover. The leaves smell lovely when it is watered. If you want fruit you need to feed it coming up for summer. I am not an expert and must admit I don't get a lot of fruit from it, possibly because it is too shaded in the shed, and I forget to feed it.
I have just had an email from Morrisons saying that my order due to arrive inbetween 9 and 10 is going to be 2 hours late!!! I shall be a very tired bunny by the time I have put it all away.
Mrs P...How are you doing your input, via Google Chrome or another site?
ReplyDeleteI had problems initially logging in, but Chrome works for me. I am constantly logged in, so it is a quick tap on the "icon" on my home page on my Android 'phone.
Just a simplistic thought only, so not sure it will help you.
You are still coming through, which is great to see.
As said when I upgraded a while ago, all my data, including this site, was transferred via "Smart Switch" with the two devices side-by-side, both connected to wi-fi. but it was done in-store. Is this app. possible on your i-pad/s to do similar?
DeleteNo idea though, as I am a techno-phobe.
I bet my 10yr old could sort you out...as she will be doing for me on Boxing Day. I cannot open the link for her class Christmas Concert, so I have missed this..I wait for the lesson and to see it.
Mrs P - this is what I have to do if I get a ‘Whoops’ screen , and I usually do it before even trying to post now:
ReplyDeleteClick on the 3 little dots on top rh corner of page
Scroll down to History, click
At bottom of the page that pops up click on ‘Clear Browsing History’
I do that 2 or 3 times to make sure it’s worked.
Accept the ‘history cleared’ pop up.
Go back up to the 3 little dots and click
Click on ‘NewTab’
The Chrome screen appears with a search box
Enter ‘Archersfan Blog’
When the selection of sites appears select Archerfan Blog and clickon it
You should now be at the front page of our blogs
Choose the one you want to comment on
Write your post and Publish
It should now work OK,
🤞🤞🤞
Now you all know why I don’t post as often as I used too- it’s all such a fag!
Miriam, I thought of your lemon tree when I came across this article in The Grauniad: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/04/want-to-ensure-your-lemons-survive-the-winter-bring-them-indoors
ReplyDeleteI wonder if your little tree is hungry?
All the best at nursing it back to health. I'm sure you'll find a way to get it to your sis when the time comes. Or perhaps you'll love it so much you'll keep it for yourself and grow some new little ones from pips - much easier to transport!
When I get around to teying the pip approach myself I shall be coming to you and Janice for advice : 0
Thanks for the technical lesson Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI will write down your instructions and attempt your solution, but not right now.
I came on here to wish all my Archers friends a happy solstice day.
I’m sure everyone, like me will be pleased to have the few minutes extra light each day. Within weeks that few minutes will have become an hour.
Janice - I am so impressed by your lemon tree of some years standing.
Just sorry that your not able to have it close by you in the house.
I always feel cheered when the days start getting longer. After that it's when my first snowdrop comes out.
DeleteOh dear I so enjoy the dark evenings and cannot believe how time has galloped by since September! ( I will though enjoy the Spring flowers when they arrive) 🤗
DeleteI’m with you Lady R. I love the dark nights. Lamps on, fire on, telly on, backside glued into armchair. Bliss.
DeleteMiriam, my sister in law saved her daughter’s lemon tree by overwintering it in her small bathroom. It thrived in the moist atmosphere. Another friend in Weymouth has many lemon trees in pots and they do produce fruit. In the winter she keeps them in a poly tunnel. Do read OWiaS’s recommended article - plenty of suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you + OWIAS I will pass this link onto the recipients of this gift, when I will very happily, pass the responsibilty on!!
DeleteThanks for that, Mrs P, I've been so inundated with 'stuff' I forgot to keep note. You've made my day.
ReplyDeleteI did my last supermarket shop today. I was there by 9.15am and it was busy, with so many already having very full + over-flowing, big trolleys.
ReplyDeleteI only needed a smallish "top-up", which was milk, bread, some fresh veg. and other meat products, to just top the freezer up. I managed to buy some braising steak, however I was unable to get other meat products I wanted. There was no pork mince, no lamb steaks, no pork chops. These shelves were filled with:- Fresh turkeys, large Pork, Beef + Lamb joints, Pigs in Blankets, various stuffings + stuffing balls, fresh gravy, stock, bread sauce etc.etc.
This is fine, if catering for big family gatherings, but as a single house person, I found it hard to buy things to suit me.
Rant Over.
Go to your farm shop Miriam. In my local farm shop they are willing to cut a joint to the size you want and their meat is good - very occasionally it is from one of our cows. I buy fish from the supermarket but rarely meat. I am lucky to have such a good farm shop on my doorstep.
DeleteBro-in-law is off to a specialistic unit in Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool tomorrow, for a very overdue appointment.
ReplyDeleteHis condition has been controlled by "pills" for nearly 22 months now, as a result of this situation. Big Sis is being the driver but is not allowed in. She is taking a good book, water and sarni's with her, to camp out in her car in the car-park.
The problem with "hubbie" is that he is very dyslexic, plus also very possibly undiagnosed, as to mildly autistic. He will sadly, not be able to tell all as to was discussed, in detail and won't understand it all.
My daughter is a psychologist and she specialises in autism. She works for the NHS and her job is to diagnose and treat it. Her waiting list has grown and grown; I think it is a two year wait at the moment. I feel for your b-in-law. I hope his pills have been checked regularly because there are many to choose from and it is important to find the one that best suits the patient.
DeleteHe has a heart problem, but that seems well under control at the moment. He won a trophy in his senior golf section last week...
DeleteBut as to his OCD, that's another story...
If any out - patient has a problem that requires being accompanied (be it physical or mental) an adult is allowed to accompany them. At least at Basingstoke Hospital as I have done so with Mr R (physical difficulties) throughout lockdown. Only once did I wait outside A&E in the car for a couple of hours and then on one check in told I could stay and they had popped out to tell me so but could not spot me. Guess
Delete(to complete) hospital’s may vary.
DeleteYour welcome Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow, even more light !
Especially as I've just done battle with two sets of lights, which are now on the tree!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas Day guests have all cancelled due to omicron fears. It will be a quiet day just like last year. Others are so much worse off than me though and I will make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteRe dogs in pubs: uncontrolled dogs are a dog owner problem and irresponsible dog owners let down the responsible ones. I would never let my dog run rampage or jump up on people. I love the company of dogs though and so love to see them in pubs.
Re dogs in pubs….much rather see them than young kids and babies being allowed to do anything they want and shout about as modern parenting seems to allow.
DeleteI don't mind well behaved dogs in pubs. My two daughters who are allergic to dogs might have a different view.
DeleteI remember that someone here, (Janice??), has a d.i.l. from the Phillipines. I hope that they and their family are safe.
ReplyDeleteOne thing after another.
Mistral,
DeleteI think your right, it is Janice.
And thank you for reminding me.
Please add my thoughts to your family concerns Janice and hope that your son and d I L are safe.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Everything is actually fine for Mabel ( pronounced by her family MaBelle, which is prettier I think). Her family is safe. The centre of the typhoon hit the island Of Cebu very badly destroying what is a beautiful place. It apparently even brought down houses built of stone this time. They have been on holiday there before. There are about 7000 islands in the Philippines, and Cebu is about 5 hours ferry trip from the islands of Masbate province. Mabel's family are scattered among Ticao island, Masbate island, and on the main Manila island.
DeleteBUT the wonderful thing from my point of view is that Dan and Mabel did not go back to the Philippines for the Winter ( she finds it cold here) because she is pregnant - a baby boy due in mid April, and the hospitals are in general much better here. I have heard so many horror stories of sick people dying because they cannot afford treatment that I realise how lucky we are here to have the NHS. There seems to be a big gulf there between the majority of poor people and a wealthy minority who can afford to go to privately run hospitals. Just as a point of interest, and this is probably politically incorrect but I am a bit off China because of Hong Kong, and the way the Uighurs are treated, BUT in the Chinese part of Manila (the capital) the Chinese have funded and built their own hospital and it is open for the free use of anyone who lives in the Chinese quarter regardless of what nationality they are, a generous thing for them to do.
I find it quite amusing but Mabel can get quite fiery sometimes re the political situation there. Duterte is anathema to her, she considers him a murderer, and as for Bongbong Marcos the son of Ferdinand and Imelda ( of the many shoes fame) she considers that family totally corrupt, and as she is likely to be still here in May when the Philippine elections are being held she is going through quite a bureaucratic process to make sure she can have an online vote, especially to vote against the Marcos' son. I think because she had a tough time lifting herself out of poverty (via education) she feels strongly about those who misuse their positions. ( She told me once that when she was young she sometimes, particularly when she and her aunt who helped her, were struggling to pay the fees at training college, she often went hungry, and she used to dream of a day when she could afford to walk into a restaurant and order any meal she liked. I just feel like wrapping my arms round her when bits of her early life emerge)
This will be my first grandchild, and it will also be lovely because we will be together for Christmas.
Simple meals for me now until Christmas. I am just keeping things low key, at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas is still going ahead, just as has been planned, well so far that is...🤞
All adults are triple jabbed, and we are being so very careful to keep safe..
All will do "tests" before meeting up though!
I need to pop to a shop tomorrow. I am responsible for the pudding course. The 15 month old and home-made, Christmas Pudding has already been passed on.
DeleteSadly, I have forgotten to sort what it will be served with - be it a fancy cream, a fancy ice-cream, or even just make a traditional White Rum Sauce...
I will think, decide, and then dash out to buy whatever.
Like that puppet show:-
"Christmas is now GO!"
...but no palm trees will need to have to flatten down, so I can drive away. 🧑🎄😂🎄
Oops, a typo. The Dec.25th pudding is only 13 months old, not 15..🙅♀️
DeleteAll Lateral Flow tests negative so we're travelling to my daughter's tomorrow. Now just got to work out if we can fit 4 dining chairs in the car as well as everything else we have to take!
DeleteThis sounds like a Fun time - and you will fit the chairs in..
DeleteHave a Great Christmas, with your loved ones with the grand-kids and family, you will be sharing it with. 🤗
Have a safe journey. 🧑🎄
I will have a quiet moment tomorrow. It will soon be Dec. 23rd, a date firmly fixed into my mind. It is quite a few years now, but it is the date when I was woken up by the 'phone ringing at 3.30am. This was to learn that my father (who was in hospital after breaking his femur), had passed away in his sleep. It was a massive shock, as so unexpected.
ReplyDeleteTo add - this is do with some thoughts posted a short while ago, re baubles + feathers with strange happenings.
DeleteI had another such event..
I wanted to find my home front door key, which was on my late Dad's key-board, where there were very, very many.
I went into his bungalow to search for this - to then find an individual key lying on the carpet with green garden twine on it.
Yes - it was my spare key..
It was quite wierd + spooky at that time. 😱
Our Christmas Day has been saved to some extent by our daughter inviting us for lunch on Christmas Day (lateral flow tests permitting)
ReplyDeleteIt will be the first time we have seen our granddaughter for 6 months as she is home from University. Eldest grandson has just returned from a short holiday in Hungary so we are waiting for his PCR test to come back negative too.
It strikes me that it is OK for the Gvt. to say, go ahead and enjoy Christmas with your family but take a test before you go.
What if the test (or any of theirs) is positive? You cannot go, so you have to stay at home with no Christmas lunch!
I hope all your tests are negative, Archerfile. The only thing you can do if not is to have a standby lunch which you could then postpone until later in the week. Just wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a “Guid New Year to Yin and a’ “!!🥂😊🐾🥂
Delete🤞🏼 🎄 🙏🏼 Archerphile
DeleteWe are off soon so I might not be able to post in the next few days. I wish everyone all the best for a happy and healthy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 🎄 time CC and thank you for your wishes 🥰
DeleteHappy Christmas CC, have a lovely time.
DeleteMistral and Mrs P see reply above.
ReplyDeleteLovely to read your update JANICE, thank you.
DeleteReading it, I do agree, we must all consider ourselves fortunate indeed, when comparing our lives to some elsewhere in the world.
And you are indeed in a very good position to be able to welcome your first grandchild when it arrives. You must be hugging yourself with joy at the prospect.
I would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and that we all stay safe over this holiday period. 😘🎉🎁🎄🎅
ReplyDeleteI did my first test yesterday and it was negative.
ReplyDeleteSo I shall be off to Cornwall tomorrow if the test I do first thing is also negative.
My granddaughter, has arrived home from university in London with Covid, so my younger daughter's family plans to travel to Northamptonshire for Christmas with inlaws have had to be adapted accordingly. We hope they will be joining my eldest, S I L and me sometime later next week.
I wish all friends on this blog a very merry Christmas and hopefully a better year in 2022.
I think we all need to reflect on how fortunate we are to be born into and live in the west, where we are able to celebrate any form of holiday celebrations at all, regardless of whether we are able to join our families or eke out a frozen meal on our own because of the current restrictions.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to every one on this blog, met and un-met!
ReplyDeleteI have never met any of those on this blog and dip into this inconsistently but I regard you all as friends. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI am adding my good wishes to everyone else’s in our ‘blog family’.
ReplyDeleteMay you all have a peaceful and happy Christmas, however and wherever you are spending it and a blessed New Year to follow.
And I should like to thank every one for putting up with my moans and grumbles, for offering good advice when requested, for your support when things went wrong and your kind words when things went right this past year.
And a very special thank you to Gary for accommodating us all on these blogs and making these valued friendships possible.
Bless you all.🥰
This is a great place and I so concur with you, as we all have been able to do so many things:- Examples are -
DeleteA Rant,
A telling of a life story,
A place to just give thoughts + ideas,
A refuge at times, from what is happening,
A place to just feel welcome with like-minded others...
And so very much more..
And so, I also say like Archerphile, Bless You All. 🤗😍
I am here also, for one massive reason.
ReplyDeleteThis is to say:-
Thanks for this wonderful site with such lovely contributers - which Gary must take a massive bow down + acknowledgement of gratitude, from me. I wish GG and the other Mr.GG, every Good Wishes..for the Festive Season..🎄🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄🎁🎁
Happy Christms To All... in whatever way it is being done
I Wish Everyone, every Happiness in this Festive Season.
Take Care...Miriam Xxx
Janice, so lovely to hear your good news, and also very glad that Mabel's family are safe.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone here has a relaxing and peaceful Christmas break, and a much happier New Year xxx
A friend I met up with a week ago has found she has Covid this morning just as she was about to visit her family in Newcastle.
ReplyDeleteI have therefore decided that I will not meet anyone over Christmas .
That is such a shame Lanjan. I think if you have had two doses of vaccine and if you self test twice and are negative then you can still visit people.
DeleteJanice the friend with the Covid was told that it was only people she had met up with in the previous 4 days that she needed to be concerned about.
DeleteI met her seven days earlier .
However I figured that if I went to friends and one of them got Covid they might think i had passed it on so decided to be safe rather than sorry.
I ,and they have been triple vaccinated
Happy Christmas everyone whether with friends, family or on your own. May we all look forward to a much brighter 2022 !!
ReplyDeleteI watched Gareth Malone’s Christmas concert last night, was in tears from the start. It had a genuine feel good factor. I realise I prefer seeing programmes about real, ordinary folk ( who are often extraordinary) than ones using celebrities.
Totally agree with your last sentence. If quizzes for charity answers often embarrassing in the extreme and if “Gogglebox” too conscious of what they perceive their own fabulousness so having tried one never again.
DeleteConcur with your Christmas message to all! 🎄 🍸 🍺 🍷 🥃 🎄
I have just learnt, a nephew-in-law who lives near Stanstead, has tested +ve today, even though he had his booster 2 weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteWhen will this nightmare end?
I am not doing a "solo" Christmas for a 2nd year, again!!
So....let the festivities begin, to be enjoyed in the best way possible, at this time, and forget this ongoing problem.
...well for 2 days only, that is. We are still planning for 10 on Boxing Day, and I accept this might be a risk, but I want to see family again and enjoy them.
DeleteCarols from Kings College Cambridge.
ReplyDeleteThis is the true feel of Christmas for me.
Happy Christmas to everyone here, and thank you for your company over the past year. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022. Christmas has begun here as we have just eaten a Noche Buena feast prepared by my daughter in law. It is apparently a Philippino tradition, which originated with the Spanish colonisers, to have a special meal on Christmas Eve around midnight. We have had it earlier and have eaten unfamiliar interesting things. I can recommend the dessert to finish, a very rich fruit salad soaking in condensed milk and cream.
ReplyDeleteYum, Janice! Lovely to try traditional food from another country! We had small eats and I had a crate of goodies including a fleecy blanket with reindeer pattern, Santa socks and some shot glasses with flavoured vodka! We then watched “It’s a wonderful life” which always makes me cry at the end 😊 The sign of a good film! Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it!
ReplyDeleteWe watched it’s a wonderful life this aft. I never get sick of it. It’s now a tradition that we watch it on Christmas Eve.
DeleteTomorrow aft we are going to watch national lampoons Christmas vacation. I love it. Our bubble friend who is coming for lunch hasn’t seen it. Then it’ll be strictly watching at 5pm.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky and got my Christmas wish: I had my second cataract e day before yesterday!
The other thing on Santa’s list was the booster jab but that’s not till January 11th! Still, nice to have it booked at least!
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Cataract op the day ....
DeleteSuch wonderful news Hilary 🤗
DeleteBest 🎄 gifts 🥰
As
Barbara Good would say
“Christmas Felicitations” to you all 😄
What a wonderful gift for Christmas and an excellent way to start a new year Hilary. I wish you joy in the clarity of sight to enjoy the future.
DeleteI wish all my friends on this happy blog a joyous Christmas and the best new year possible in these difficult times.
And from deepest Cornwall, I thank all my friends here for being a lifeline throughout the last year.
We took the boys to Appley beach yesterday and the y had a good run around. Dudley found a lively Beagle was a good playmate and Buddy just had the zoomies! They both had Christmas dinner, meat, veg and roast potato. Buddy, the fussy eater turned his nose up but Dudley took advantage and had two dinners! We await the result today! They are both still asleep so yesterday’s activities must have exhausted them! We had a quiet, restful day much needed after a busy run up to Christmas! Hope you all had a good day! 🥂😁
ReplyDeleteWell, delighted to report that our daughter and family really pulled out all the stops for us yesterday. An incredible amount of food, a lovely time spent with the English grandchildren catching up on all their news and plans for next year. And she even came to pick us up in the morning and return us early evening so we didn’t need to miss out on wine with the meal.
ReplyDeleteWe were so grateful to her for ‘saving’ the day for us but she said it was in return for all the Christmases we had hosted for the whole family over 40-50 years.
I now realise we have stepped down as the ‘heads of the family’ and ‘family organisers’ and a new generation has taken over the reigns. We can sink into our fireside armchairs with a metaphorical glass of Sherry and watch benignly as the ‘youngsters’ take over!
Happy Boxing Day everyone!
😃
Well I as on the naughty list as all he brought me was a stinking cold. Rotten sod!!
ReplyDeleteNot covid. I’ve done 2 tests in the last week. Voice gone today. Perk for Mr PtbY!
Miserable and raining here today.
Dogs not going out, concentrating on their large dental chewy toy things they got for Christmas. Tire them out.
Ps.. strictly fans….moira was bloody useless…just walked around.
Rest were pretty good I thought.
Commiserations, ptby. Mike was hopeless at buying presents too but ask him to put up a shelf and he was your man! Hope the cold gets better soon!
ReplyDeleteTesting yet again
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely clutch of posts today.
ReplyDeleteI thank each of you for your cheer.
A quiet day here.
Only two screaming matches from daughter and S in L. So far.
A good lunch tho’, S in Ls traditional family day lunch of ham egg and chips with salad.
Over the last couple of days I’ve made a little velvet pouch for my granddaughters 21st B’day present.
For my 21st my sister and her husband gave me a silver bracelet.
Chosen when all three of us went to Portabello Antique Market.
A Victorian Gentleman’s watch chain, worn by me every day until into my forties when my wrists thickened up rather too much.
I’m passing it on to my eldest grandchild.
Youngest daughter and family arrive tomorrow after spending Christmas with their in laws.
What a great Christmas of two days I have just had.
ReplyDeleteWonderful food, good company, playing silly games with not only the youngsters but all together, united again.
What a difference - and I hope that there are no consequences as a result.
It was just so nice to have a great meet + catch up, for the first time for such a long time.
What will be, will be....
PS My 14 month old and well matured Christmas Pud, was worth waiting for.
As to the much talked about Lemon Tree:-
It was transported and delievered intact - and the recipients are thrilled with it. I was so glad to pass it on.
Hilary..Good news after a long wait and that you are now seeing the difference.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly a merry one, but better than last year, at least. Nevertheless, I'm glad it's over.
ReplyDeleteI didn't have a "merry "Christmas but I did have a much better Christmas than I expected.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased I had decided to self isolate
The one person I wanted to spend Christmas with wasn't there but I wasn't alone because I had my cats and quite a few 'phone calls.
On the advice of my good Yorkshire friend I watched "It's a wonderful life" and I'm that I did.
I didn't know my wonderful husband when he was a young man but I have seen photographs of him taken then and he looked just like James Stewart did in the film-tall,dark,slim and handsome .
Thank you for telling me to watch the film,Helen.
I'm glad it was better than you expected, LanJan. I was thinking of you and wondering how you were managing. I think my difficulty is having 52 years of family Christmases of one sort or another (not necessarily enjoyable) behind me and having to start again from scratch. Not having Mr S with his black 'Bah, Humbug' Christmas hat is a start, and I expect I'll gradually work out what kind of Christmas I want (which up until now has never mattered), but at the moment I don't know how to do it.
ReplyDeleteI had hoped that having a service to play on Christmas Day would help, but although after the dreadful isolation of last year it was a relief to be out and fulfilling my professional function, yet this year's content seemed 'flimsy' to me and didn't provide the joyful energy that I needed to carry me forward.
I'm glad that 'It's a wonderful life' was able to provide some comfort for you. I watched it years ago and I'm afraid I thought it was cringesome.This year I've been 'binge-watching' Jonathan Creek.
Christmas has been very unChristmassy in my family. We were meant to be going to my daughter’s home for the day. Unfortunately my youngest granddaughter tested positive late on Christmas Eve . So we stayed at home and my poor granddaughter was isolated in her bedroom. I was FaceTiming her as she ate her Christmas dinner on her own. Whilst she has had excellent room service, she has remained isolated. Weird times. My daughter is left with food to feed a multitude while we had a makeshift meal on our own. My brother is in a nursing home near my daughter and she was visiting him. Now she can’t and his own family have Covid so he had no visitors. We are planning a delayed celebration when it’s possible.
ReplyDeleteLanjan I felt for you as I watched some of the Test in Australia. At least the bowlers didn’t let the side down last night but have not been supported by our lamentable batsmen. It’s very unlikely that Root, Stokes and Bairstow can save the day.
Sarnia says: poor Soz what a shambles,what dreadful disappointment all round. I really wish I'd kept my thoughts to myself.
ReplyDeletePlease don’t wish that Sarnia. It is always interesting to hear your news and views. You were being positive and honest about yourself. I liked the fact that you are ‘gradually working out what kind of Christmas you want’. If I am honest, looking back, not all our Christmas celebrations were harmonious but I gloss over the bad bits and remember the peaceful joyful moments and try to bottle those. Often I wish we didn’t spend so much time thinking about it . Why do we always ask - “Did you have a good Christmas?” Which is fine if you have but very annoying if you haven’t. For my granddaughter and many others it was a rotten Christmas because of Covid but for many many more it will have been far worse.
DeleteI am feeling so upset for those, whose Christmas plans had to be changed suddenly, at the last minute.
ReplyDeleteIt was bad enough last year, but now to happen again another year on, is so harsh.
I wish you all positive thoughts.
My mantra is:-
Be sensible,
Take all the necessary precautions.
Carry On as normal, as it suits each person.
I watched today a recorded programme, called Winterwatch, The 1963 Big Freeze. This was on BBC4 on Thurs. Dec 23rd, so must still be available on i-player.
ReplyDeleteIt was all about that winter, which I do recall, but not in any great detail.
This was why I found it so interesting and amazing, as to what it showed, as to what actually happened.
Thank you ,Miriam
ReplyDeleteI am going to watch that on Catch-up.
I was expecting my first child that winter.
We went away for Christmas to stay with my in laws and when we returned to the flat we were renting there were icicles inside the flat.
There was of course no central heating.
I went away in my high heel shoes!
I had no boots.
I had just bought a duffle coat though from C and A -unlined - for £4 10 shillings .
It was unlined .
Reader ,I and my unborn child survived.
I was sitting my 'mock' GCEs that winter. We were allowed to wear any thick jumpers and cardigans over top of our school uniform and any coloured thick tights to school. It was freezing in the Assembley Hall were we sat the exams!
DeleteThe buses were running in about foot deep snow on the roads and when I got off the bus in my village I picked up a sparrow who was sitting in a trench where the snaow was filled. It was allive and sat in my hands for about five minutes then it flew away. I think it must have been cold and my warmth of my hands warmed it I suppose!
Tights?
DeleteGosh we were still wearing our 15denier stockings up north.
Tights never reached us until the late 60s
I do think they were dance tights, certainly not the tights we have today! I never had tights but much longer socks or maybe stockings! (Long time ago!)
DeleteSome time in the sixties we had a craze for long bloomers, although they were nylon and brightly coloured. Then they were decorated with various ribbons and bits of lace and then 'shown off' of the bus drive home!
I once went into the department store in Tunbridge Wells and said 'Can I have 2ft of purple ribbon, 2 ft of pink and 2 ft of of that lace.' The young lady said 'Are you decorating bloomers then?'
It may be the year we had the bloomers at the same time as that awful winter!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA quiet Christmas where not everything went to plan but enjoyable nevertheless. My youngest son and d-i-l came over for breakfast then opened presents. My one of my favourite ones was from my son was a pack of eye-patches! So I now where one when watching TV and it's bearable.
ReplyDeleteI managed to get breakfast done but two sons and d-i-l got together to get the veges done , turkey and vegetarian dish while I suppervised.
My son went to his parents-in-law for dinner and I had a friend round, who was alone on Christmas Day. We had dinner them then played a board game (Ticket to Ride) Tea time then she went home to exercise her three rescued greyhounds!
Maybe I'll catch up on TV progs I have not yet watched today!
When I had my first dvd player my youngest son gave me some dvds of my fims, which I had on video tape. His choices were: Dirty Dancing, Zulu and It's a Wonderful Life. Exactly my favourites!
Delete 'My' on second line. Third line 'should be 'wear'!!!
DeleteSpicy ….you’ll be pressing all kinds of letters when you’ve got just the one eye. How nice to get a pack of eye patches!
DeleteI’ve now got a blanked out glasses lens with black gaffer tape!!
Thank you, dear blogger friends, for your encouraging comments. I have been pleasantly surprised at having no discomfort at all after the second cataract op, except for the first few hours.
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice reading about the different ways you have spent Christmas. Mr H and I went to my son’s on Christmas day and his parents-in-law were there too. We all get on extremely well and had a lovely day together.
Italians have different festive traditions depending on which part of Italy it is. Italy only became a united country in 1860 and it still shows! The north have panettone or pandoro, some southerners have strufoli. Southern Italians have a big fish meal on Christmas Eve so eat less on Christmas Day.
I did turkey and all the trimmings on Boxing Day when they came to us!
Thank you for recommending the Big Freeze programme , Miriam.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly the south had it worse than the north.
The Thames froze at Kingston near where I live now for the first time in over a hundred years.
Women were going down the road to collect drinking water wearing high heeled shoes ,coats and headscarves but no gloves.
"Old ladies" of 60 ! ! ! were coping magnificently .
Yes I too thank you Miriam for telling us about the special Winterwatch. It brought so many memories back . For me at 12 it was a an absolutely magical time, and there was a great sense of satisfaction in finding sheep in the snow. Cornwall was actually completely cut off for a while, and it was weeks and weeks before the lanes were passable and the bus could take us to school again. I remember it as a wonderful winter, but watching the programme I realised how difficult it must have been for many people.
ReplyDeleteWe came back home yesterday evening after a 6 hour drive that normally would take 3 and a half hours. Still, I'm not complaining as I feel very lucky that we had the family Christmas that we had planned, unlike al the people who had Christmas ruined by Covid.
ReplyDeleteTesting
ReplyDeleteDreadful trouble with signing in over last few days.
ReplyDeleteGreat help from family may have resolved it
🤞🏼Mrs P
DeleteI am loving this week between Christmas + New Year. It is a holiday week, not that I need an excuse! I just loving staying snuggled down in bed, to then have a lazy breakfast, and then just do what I want to do, as and when I want to it...
ReplyDeleteGood news - my Nephew-in-law who tested postive last Thursday, is now showing negative, and my niece + young grand-niece are still symptom free..phew.
Thank you for that post, Miriam, it was very affirming. I now find myself spending exactly the kind of days that you describe, I'm not used to it, I find it bewildering and it feels like something I shouldn't be doing. By describing your own enjoyment you've somehow given me permission to try and shake off the feeling that I"m doing something wrong.
DeleteIt’s very easy to feel guilty when you pause to just have a restful time but it is essential. Even God, according to the Bible, had a rest on the seventh day! We have had a week of sleeping until we wake and for me just doing what really needs to be done! Katy has had a few days of marking assessments. Now that it’s done she will relax a bit more! If the weather is good as forecast on Friday we may go to the Donkey sanctuary. One of the donkeys has been retired from Carisbrooke castle where along with others he took turns to work a tread wheel which hauled up a bucket from a well. This was of course for visitors and took about 10 minutes! The rest of the time they live a life of ease and luxury!
DeleteI do agree, Miriam! Lazy cozy days are lovely!
DeleteTrouble is, Ev, I seem to take too much rest in relation to the amount that needs to be done. I'm still trying to catch up with sorting the chaos from lockdown, which came on top of the chaos caused by the passing of Mr S. I suppose I'll get there eventually but I just wish I had the energy to get more done at a time. People t know me assure me that it's not laziness, but that's what it feels like!
DeleteAlexa, bring back normal.
Sarnia
I've just been watching one of my own favourite films on BBC 2, Wild tales from the village. Filmed over a year in a beautiful French village, the filming, especially the time-lapse sequences, is amazing and the sound track hilarious.
ReplyDeleteSarnia.
My major job to do tomorrow, is to start a new 1000 piece jigsaw. This is a Christmas pressie from my niece who lives in OZ. It was a lovely surprise and a very unexpected gift, which is so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen her since 2018, but we do keep in touch.
I have a friend who once she starts doing a jigsaw can't stop. She relaxes and enjoys doing it. Relaxing is definitely not laziness. Relaxing is healing time I think.
DeleteI usually get her a Christmassy jigsaw as a Christmas present but this year I was pleased because I managed to get, from Canada, a jigsaw of the Gatineau area in Autumn where she lived as a child.
Thank you, Janice, that is very helpful. One friend has suggested that I have a lot of accumulated difficulties to recover from. It's just immensely frustrating that it's taking so long.
ReplyDeleteI never think of doing a jigsaw as a job to be completed. They are a permanent feature in our lives and have saved our sanity during lockdown.
ReplyDeleteWe have a new Wasgij on the table at the moment and it’s proving very difficult. After that we shall tackle a very beautiful puzzle of one of those amazing Dutch Old Master flower paintings which we bought from the National Gallery. Hopefully it will take several weeds to complete.
Sarnia, as we get older we can do less and I find that I need to just sit down after doing.things which wouldn’t have tired me nearly as much years ago. I wonder how
ReplyDeleteI managed then but had far more energy! You have also had to cope with losing your husband, a large shift in life and the mental effects of lockdown on top of that. I have found it not too bad as by nature I am a loner but even so the lack of contact with others such as my monthly meet ups with TG has been hard. Zoom art classes have helped but face to face meet ups have largely gone. I have of course walked the dogs and have valued their company. Pets can help a lot! Anyway, don’t feel you have not done enough but value every small achievement not hesitating to grab your rest in between! If like me you had a husband who was driven and had no time to stand and stare it takes some time to change gear and get out of that mindset without feeling guilty every time you relax while things still need to be done!
Sarnia,
DeleteI too have words to say on this subject, but it must be later, as anxious to get started for home now.
After getting myself ready for bed last night when sitting on the lavatory I was stung several times by a very large wasp which must have been under the seat.
As a result of anti histamines and a lot less sleep than required I’m struggling this morning to even feel awake.
With a five hour drive ahead !
MrsP, Ow : (
DeleteSarnia, I for one have been highly impressed by all you've achieved in your garden this year. Don't forget the energy involved in that.
Don't think about the clutter at present, unless it is causing an assault course that you need to climb over, concentrate on keeping on top of the day-to-day stuff like washing up and keeping yourself clothed and fed. Count anything else on top as a bonus.
When you do feel up to some sorting, set a timer for 15 minutes (or 5 if you're really struggling). After that stint, have a rest for 15 or 30 minute. Repeat. You won't get a load done but you'll have achieved something.
In my mind, clutter is like dust and cobwebs - if you don't look for it, it isn't there.This should give you a pretty accurate picture of my shoe : )
Oh MrsP! Not only are you tired for your drive but having to sit for so long having been stung like that must be very uncomfortable. You'll be glad to get home.
DeleteMrs P, how really horrible.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get home safely.
I am allergic to insect stings and bites so I can imagine your discomfort.
Anti histamines are great, I use daily tablets and a topical cream for any affected areas. Belt and braces.
Me too Mistral! Mrs P, You described my worst nightmare, even 1 wasp sting has very severe consequences for me and I have to take antihistamine immediately, I always carry some in my handbag just in case.
DeleteI do hope you got/get home safely.
Poor Mrs P, how dreadful. Even without an allergic reaction some places are worse to be stung on than others.
ReplyDeleteEv and OWiaS, you are simply echoing the sentiments of friends who say I just expect too much of myself. And yes, Mr S spent every day proceeding from one task to another without a break. For him life consisted of a series of chores which had to be completed before anything else; quite frequently there was no time left for anything else.
The quiet joy at the coloured spectrum of the sun on the raindrops hanging from the bare branches of the laburnum in the front garden is all too easily eclipsed by the disorder I left in the kitchen! Yes, OWiaS, those are my priorities too, but it never seems to be enough.
Sarnia, repeat after me, 'My kitchen is tidier than OWiaS's'.
DeleteNow go and enjoy that rainbow!
Hee hee hee!
DeleteSarnia
I am one of those, who can easily ignore that the kitchen floor needs cleaning, the kitchen is a sort of mess + needs a tidy, to prefer being outside in the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt is very wet + squelchy still, after the awful torrential rain over the Christmas weekend.
I am loving seeing how the bulbs are really now showing above the soil, the flower buds on my lovely standard azelea (now dormant), are still inract and there, my wonderful poppies are now growing up again..and seeing the wonderful birds on my feeders + fat balls, is a delight.
PS Did a quick "top up" food shop at the S/market this morn. There were so many empty shelves with regard to basics, but there was lots of Christmas stock left, but not yet reduced..🤣🤣
An extra.
DeleteThe winter pansies (along with bulbs), which I planted in my window box, a winter hanging basket, a front garden tub and the front flower bed, are in full bloom and are still so healthy + colourful. It is still mild, which helps, as it is with constant growing weeds. I need to go out to sort, very soon.
To Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know about the Dick Francis, Whip Hand...on the other page.
I have now downloaded it, to listen to very soon.
I am certain that I have read the book, but can't remember the plot at all.
Thanks, yet again and the info. you passed on, is so appreciated.
No probs Miriam ( as my granddaughter would say!)
DeleteYay - I am now in possession of my very own garden incinerator, courtesy of Argos!
ReplyDeleteDoes life get any better than that?
Sarnia
Warning…
ReplyDeleteLikely to be a long read.
I left at midday but by just after Truro my brakes had failed twice, and I had to use the handbrake.
I saw a service station ahead, and next door a Toyota dealership.
I requested my brakes be looked at.
Stripped down and parts available replaced, ( costing hundreds I haven’t got ! )a road test then revealed a clutch close to failing, and advised it was unlikely to get me home. By now 4.30 my daughter drove fifty miles to collect me, the plan being to return tomorrow morning for my insurance breakdown ( RAC ) to take me, car and dog home to Gloucestershire.
Daughter purchased eggs and potatoes and suggested I make myself an omelette in the cottage I’m now relegated to, her NY guest now in the room vacated by me this morning.
The male guest and S in L both sympathetic offering me North African cuisine cooked by guest, while daughter tried to be nice through gritted teeth.
After eating I phoned RAC breakdown as planned only to be told that by going into garage and having work done, I had invalidated my breakdown cover.
The Toyota dealership will be open for tomorrow morning only, the clutch replacement will, have to be booked in for after the NY break and I’m stuck here with the minimum of stuff since most of it is in the car.
And with the prospect of yet more hundreds that I haven’t got needed to replace the clutch.
Be warned, if anything amiss, call breakdown.
Don’t get it fixed first.
Apologies for relating a sorry tale.
I’m feeling pretty stupid and very sorry for myself.
And the multiple stings on the back of my thigh still giving me considerable gyp !
At least I’m able to post.
ReplyDeleteOne result !
Oh dear Not the journey you were expecting. I am sorry too that the wasp stings are still given you gyp!
DeleteHopefully you get sorted all soon enough and you'll be home!
But - Hopefully you'll have a happy new year and perhaps the move in the future will get you sorted!
Stay safe!
What an awful journey Mrs P. I hope that you manage to get back home soon.
ReplyDeleteMrsP, what a horrible day! Thanks for letting us know you are at least safe, I was concerned about you making the drive when you were feeling below par.
ReplyDeleteI hope that the North African supper cheered you up and that you are able to get home somehow. Would it be feasible to set off from the garage and then call out the breakdown service if the clutch gives way before you get home? Or would your service claim that as you were driving with a known problem you’re not covered?
Whatever take care and keep us posted, we’re all sending positive vibes.
Poor Mrs P. What a worry to have the thought of all those bills hanging over you. Might it be possible to arrange payment in instalments, do you think?
ReplyDeleteSarnia
Thinking about you today Mrs P
ReplyDeleteThe only good news is that the weather is mild .
I am surprised that your cover was invalidated.
Not that keen on the RAC .
They used to be very good but I was with friends earlier this year and we waited hours for someone to come when the car broke down and in the end they had to telephone a local garage.
Very little to say.
ReplyDeleteI’ve already thought of, and decided against options suggested.
Repairs can’t be done until 17 th January.
I cannot stay and would not be welcome to do so.
The NY guest is willing to drive to get ( some of my ) belongings from the car.
For which I am grateful.
Many thanks for commiserations.
Try the RAC again. You could argue that regardless of the work having been done, the car is still incapable of taking you home because of a separate problem so is effectively broken down at the garage. The work on the brakes is a different problem which you have sorted. It might work as often when you speak to someone else in these organisations you get the result you want.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, I am so sorry to hear your situation. The thing about it that upsets me most is the attitude of your daughter (gritted teeth) and you being kicked out to the bungalow amidst all these problems.
ReplyDeleteIf my daughter reacted like that I would be devastated, and ashamed.
I hope you have enough kindly folk around you to help you achieve what you need to and I hate to think of you going home, where you will be alone with all these problems.
Now I actually logged in to wish everyone a much better New Year, with life getting back to normal and a healthy, safe future for us all
That goes double for Mrs P and Spicey!
Oh Mrs P, what a truly awful situation you are in, on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteCan you get home by train with Lady and just leave the car? This would give you time to think about options e.g. overdraft/loan or just selling it and getting another later on. Or hire a car for a couple of days to transport yourself, and luggage. Some hire places, (e.g. Enterprise) will deliver and collect the hire car from wherever you are. Of course, all this is extra expense and solutions are easier from a distance.
With regards to your visit, I am very glad that the guest at least ensured you had some belongings and more essentially, a hot meal. All this will have been a shock and worry as well as upsetting. Speaking from my own experience, one hopes/ expects adult children to understand and empathise with our problems, but very sadly this is so often not the case, the disappointment can be huge and far-reaching.
I hope you are warm and comfortable wherever you are, and I'm glad that you have Lady for company and occupation. The good thing about dogs are that they are always there, always need walking and are the best listeners. Good luck with sorting it all out, you are resourceful and will find a way.
RAC.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was left stranded for 7 hours in a country lane in the Brecon Beacons last October. Her policy covered her for onward travel, taking her and car to final destination, failing that, they would put her in a hotel overnight and sort things out the following day.
None of these things happened, she was propositioned 3 times, ended up locked in her car, crying, phoning me. The RAC finally got a taxi to her at midnight to drive her home. The driver said it was stupid, he wasn't going to do it, gave her a jump start and followed her for miles, she was terrified. She finally drive from Wales to South Devon slowly through the night, no exhaust, dare not stop and turn off dodgy engine, got home at 5 a.m.
When she complained to the RAC, they cancelled her membership and gave her a refund to cover the remainder of the insured period.
I would not recommend them to anyone, and they will never get my custom again.
Ooh Poor Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteIt seems an awful situation, with all that this is happening, on so very many levels. I wish her well, for a better + quick solution.
I am an AA member, which are not the cheapest, but I have their App. on my 'phone. As such I can contact them asap, and via GPS, they will know exactly where I am.
I haven't used them for a long while, but the one thing always asked was:- a you a female alone and do you feel safe?
Not sure if this is still the same, these days - probably not!
ReplyDeleteI loved "Whip Hand", as Archerphile put me in touch with. I have today been listening to it via Sounds. As I said, I had read the book, so it was slightly familiar, but couldn't recall the actual plot.
I really enjoyed it.
Have a lovely New Year 🎉🍾🥂🍹🍺
Wishing everyone all the best for the New Year.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miriam, you weren't to know - no one would expect you to.
Delete...and the second time and the third time, Miriam.
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me for writing my thoughts…
ReplyDeleteI’m crying now, having read your kind posts, and thank you for them .
Ev, I know from experience how right you are, but with no mobile signal here I would have to use the house phone, with my S in L shouting comments nearby, and my daughter probably telling me I’m wasting my time.
Besides which the key will now be locked up in the dealership until Tuesday.
But it might be worthwhile trying again then.
My RAC breakdown cover is through my motor insurance which is an online one organised by my other S in L as being a lot less expensive than when with Saga.
I’m cold. My daughter said I could put the heating on and I tried but nothing happened. I’ve put on as many layers as I can.
As I write she has just appeared with a tray of ( hot, I think ) food, and as she walked in she realised that the heating must be turned off, so has now gone to turn it on.
We did walk the dogs, along muddy farm tracks and green fields.
Halfway around she stopped and asked if she could tell me something…
Which was how she and her sister had suffered for years my negativity about everything which oozed from my every pore.
You would be devastated ARCHERPHILE ?
I’m not. It’s what I’ve become used to, and I was able to admit many years ago, that I am scared of and intimidated by ( especially) my eldest, but both of them.
The hard truth is, they don’t like me and that must be hard for them. ( that is my perception of course.)
She has thought about the food for me, which I appreciate. And said she is not asking me over to the house tonight because she thinks we both need a break from each other. With which I agreed.
I think both my daughters are frightened of and in denial that I am getting old.
I’m not in denial and am trying to negotiate the process but I am frightened of losing the ability to do all the things I used to be able to do.
And, yes, I know we are all feeling that ! Sarnia in particular, as well as Mistral.
I’m sorry to be so open…. Not in a good place at all. Please forgive me.
I’ve only just realised it’s New Year’s Eve.
ReplyDeleteI wish all my friends on the Archers fan blog spot a HAPPY NEW YEAR
and thank you for being a lifeline over the past year.
Its our privilege Mrs P.
DeleteFunny old situation, mothers and daughters, Mrs P. From the age of 13 mine seemed to be under the impression that I enjoyed some kind of position of power and spent the next few years belittling and trying to oust me. Then as soon as she became a mother herself she acted and sounded just like me.
ReplyDeleteAt present we chat quite affectionately for nearly an hour most Fridays, but on the couple of occasions she has come back to visit, before very long it's as you were and I'm spoken to as if I'm useless and stupid again.
I love her to bits, but when we're together she's my mother all over again and it makes me very sad.
Perhaps it was ever thus.
Sarnia
Mrs P, can your other SIL help out with advice over this having sorted your insurance? If you have a credit card preferably with 0% interest you could pay the garage bill with that and make a monthly Direct Debit to pay it off. If not you could apply for one. Tesco are quite good and you get extra Tesco points on your expenditure.
DeleteMrs. P - have only just read some of your posts and wanted to say I am so sorry for the troubles you are experiencing. I hope that things will improve for you very soon and that your bites will heal quickly. Sometimes life can be one thing after another. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!!
Mrs P, don't worry about being honest, it's a quality many more could use.
ReplyDeleteYou have spoken in the past about how proud you are of your daughter's success, I agree with Sarnia, these relationships are so complex that they defy close scrutiny from others.
I'm glad you are now more comfortable and warm, and that you have a (hopefully) hot meal.
I hope you can relax a little bit because with the bank holiday etc, the situation is out of your hands until Tuesday, so you have some time to think about your options.
Take care.
Here's to 2022, I wish us all good health, peace and tranquility.
ReplyDeleteGary, long time since we heard from you, Happy Hogmanay to you and Mr. G.G.
I'm about to open the gin and heat a mince pie, killing two 'resolutions' at once, a great way to see out this bloody year!
Happy New Year everybody.
ReplyDeleteMrs P a big hug for you.
Personally, I can never see why just because another day takes us into a different year we should expect it to be any happier than the one that went before, but that's the cynic in me, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteIn this case I think the Scots have a much more accurate grasp of the situation, so instead I wish you all a Guid New Year.
Another big hug, Mrs P.
Happy New Year, dear blogger friends!
ReplyDeleteAt midnight on the dot from the window I watched many people’s fireworks being let off along with many Chinese lanterns, which I hadn’t seen in previous years. I think(hope!) the old southern Italian tradition of throwing old things, plates for instance, out of windows into the streets is no longer practised!
I am very sorry to hear of the troubles some of you are going through.
MrsP I am relieved that at least the heating was sorted and a hot meal provided. What an ordeal for you.
It’s nice that this blog is helping us all a bit in different ways.
Friendly virtual embraces to all of you.
Happy New Year. I hope that it is a better one for us all.
ReplyDeleteMrs P - I'm so sorry to read of the difficult time you are having. My thoughts are with you.
Happy New Year, everyone!🥂
ReplyDeleteYou deserve a good year,Mrs P and I hope you get it..
ReplyDeleteWhen you get home ,relax .
Give yourself a bit of time to work out exactly to where you want to move .
When you feel up to it have a good old clear out so that when you do move you will be ready for the move.
Very cathartic as I have found..
You are a strong woman.
You are a kind ,thoughtful woman
What goes round comes round
You'll get through .
All the best to everyone for a happy ,healthy 2022 .
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Not into New year celebrations myself. A bit like Sarnia. Don’t get me started on the ruddy fireworks at midnight debacle! Even though we don’t do NYE and are usually tucked up in bed, Mr PtbY had to stay up with the dogs when fireworks started at 11.20 and continued for an hour.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Mrs P. What a dreadful time you are having.
Thoughts also go out to fellow pirate, Spicy…..I hope you get your vision sorted asap. 🥂🍾
To all my blogger “friend’s “
ReplyDeleteNew year🎊
As always the year will be a mixture of highs to be cherished and enjoyed and lows for which we will need the love and support of each other. (Fingers crossed for more of the former for you all)
Right now sending hugs to those of you having family / health problems I feel for you so much!
At least right now blue sky and SUN 🤗
Sorry, PtbY, but I'm with Hilary on this one. I may be uncomfortable with the expectation of the new year being any happier than the old one, but I enjoy watching the fireworks. I have a very wide vista from my bedroom window, and this year they were spectacular. They started earlier, too, just after 11.30 so I thought I'd missed them, but they didn't really get going until midnight and lasted for almost half an hour. Even though I now watch them alone I found the spectacle uplifting and it left me with a sense of optimism.
ReplyDeleteSarnia
Sarnia, do the Southampton ships still all sound their foghorns at midnight on New Year's Eve? I miss that.
DeleteHappy New Year to you all! (Or a good one if you prefer 😙)
I like fireworks but my dog doesn't.
ReplyDeleteI wish they were more regulated though, I don't like being taken by surprise.
Fireworks would be fine if they were silent
ReplyDeleteWhy not have all the pretty sparkling lights but no noise?
Fireworks started round here in the early evening.
Fortunately the cats were in-Percy hiding - and stayed in.
He is petrified of any noise.
There was a brief respite but I was awakened at midnight by more loud bangs.
I am with you .P tbY on this one
Dudley is beside himself with fireworks but last night it wasn’t too bad with a quick burst at about 10 and at midnight another relatively short one. After that he found it hard to settle down and was still a bit stressed this morning but after a walk down to the creek and breakfast he is much more relaxed. I don’t mind so much if it is confined to one or two nights per year but when it goes on night after night for a week each way it does become a problem with pets. Dogs like Dudley are easily wound up and it is hard to bring them down from that level of stress. I have even been reading of a German Shepherd, 5 years old, who died because she was so shocked by fireworks. I don’t believe they should be banned but a little thought would go a long way!
ReplyDeleteIf there were nearby midnight fireworks, I wasn't aware of these as I slept through.
ReplyDeleteThere were lots, at around mid evening, which was much earlier than usual and great to see.
The BBC broadcast of the London New Year "Fireworks", were very different and not as expected. I watched this, whilst eating my breakast this morning.
At least Big Ben "bonged" live and for the first time for years, 4?
My 2022 wish is a simple one - Life becomes normal again and Corona fades away for good!
....perhaps I mean - it is finally beaten.
DeleteA quick extra.
ReplyDeleteI did my normal Jan.1st "thing", which was to take down + pack up, the Christmas tree + decs.
A new year has started, with a now bare looking lounge. 😒
Oh, Miriam, I still haven't recovered from the effort of putting mine up!
ReplyDeleteI take mine down on 5th January, twelfth night. They don’t go up until a few days before Christmas and I’m normally happy to pack them away! I can’t help the feeling that it is bad luck to take them down earlier although I know that’s a load of rubbish!!
DeleteI take mine down when I get bored of it taking up space in my sitting room - usually some time in early February.
DeleteThe cards go up when I have finished writing mine and replying to the ones we have received - our friends know from experience that our round robin will arrive after the turkey has all been gobbled up. They come down again when we replace them on the window pelmet - either with birthday cards or with the following year's Christmas cards, depending on how organised I have been that year.
Our new year tradition is to watch the New Years Day Concert from Vienna, this year conducted by Daniel Barenboim, one of our favourite conductors. The filming in the place gardens was beautiful and reminded us of summer.
ReplyDeleteWe didn’t celebrate with the neighbours last night as usual, they had their son, home for Xmas from Borneo where he teaches and they hadn’t seen him for 2 years. It was his last night & we didn’t want to intrude.
Unusually, there were no fireworks seen or heard from the village so presume everyone was celebrating quietly at home.
All the very best to everyone, new picture is of a Hampshire Rose which I hope will be familiar to other Hampshire bloggers
😊
I am honoured Archerphile 🤣
DeleteTook my decs down this aft apart from the special Christmas cards on the mantle piece.
ReplyDeleteOWiaS: they do when they're about. I always watch the fireworks with the window open just in case, but this year I heard nothing.
ReplyDeleteSarnia