this post is closed
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Popular posts from this blog
Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
A lovely tribute to Ev’s brother Gary. I am sure she will appreciate it.
ReplyDelete*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteEv - February 23, 2022 at 8:16 AM
I haven’t posted for a few days as my dear older brother died on Sunday. The cancer had progressed and in the event it was a blessing that he had a heart attack which probably saved further suffering. Christy’s did all they could and I can’t commend them more.
Re the Garlic farm, their produce is expensive. All you could do Archerfile would be to order 9 jars and get free postage! Or come to the island for your holidays! There is lots to do here and it is very beautiful!
Zoetrope - February 23, 2022 at 8:47 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your brother, Ev. My thoughts are with you x
Archerphile - February 23, 2022 at 9:09 AM
Sending love and condolences on the loss of your brother Ev. As you say, it sounds as though he was spared further pain and distress and was, perhaps, a merciful conclusion.
And yes, I should love to visit the island again, haven’t been since the 80´s when Mr A used to come on cricket club tours & he played at Shanklin & Sandown whilst I toured around lots of lovely and interesting places.
Cheshire - CheeseFebruary 23, 2022 at 10:04 AM
So sorry to hear about your brother Ev. A sad time for you.
Lady R - February 23, 2022 at 10:35 AM
Ev sorry to hear you have lost your brother it is a head and heart situation, head relief all suffering over for him and heart because you have lost a much loved brother 🌹
Thoughts are with you.
Ev, we too send our heartfelt condolences. x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry and sad for you EV.
ReplyDeleteBut also recognise the relief from your brothers suffering.
Mrs P
Ev - Much love from me.
ReplyDeleteSpicy
Very sorry Ev and Katy xxx
ReplyDeleteWouldn’t publish last night, but I got Wordle in my second word.
ReplyDeleteFirst word gave me two letters in the right place.
Couldn’t believe it !
MrsP, I got the very first wordle I did in two but it hasn’t happened since! Beginner’s luck it would seem. Got today’s in four.
DeleteMuch love, Ev & Katy ❤️😔
ReplyDeleteI was very sorry to hear your sad news ,Ev.
ReplyDelete,
Christy's is a wonderful hospital and I hope you will be comforted by the fact that the staff there did everything they possibly could for your brother and that he was saved further pain by the fatal heart attack
I am very sorry for your sad loss Ev.
DeleteI am sorry for your loss Ev.
ReplyDeleteThank you all. You are such good friends and many thanks too Gary for the heading to this blog. Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteWe are all friends here, and what a blessing it is at times like these
ReplyDeleteThinking of you at this sad time Ev and Katy. 💐💔
ReplyDeleteEv. What sad news, which you and Katy must be trying to adjust to.
ReplyDeleteTake Care and my thoughts are with you both, plus the rest of your family.
Miriam..
Sending you much sympathy Ev. 💐
ReplyDeleteHad a phone call today. 🤞 if everything goes ok I shall be having my eye operation on March 17th. Excited at prospect but some trepidation also.
ReplyDeleteSinsere condolences Ev.
ReplyDeleteDelighted to hear your news P tbY..
ReplyDeleteI know what a disappointment you had when your operation was cancelled last year.
Excellent news PtbY.
DeleteVery pleased for you.
Good luck with the operation PYTB. I'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteKeeping everything crossed for your operation PtbY!
ReplyDeleteAt last you have a date which must be a great relief and I’m’ sure everything will be fine.
Thank you all. Couldn’t sleep for thinking about it last night. Sure it’ll be back to normal tonight now it’s sunk in.
ReplyDeletePerfectly understandable ptby, so pleased you now have a date 🤙 👁
DeleteAt long last, eldest grandson accepted he won’t be able to visit Ukraine at Easter as planned! Now considering Tel Aviv instead
ReplyDeleteTalk about life on the edge!!
Delete😄
DeleteGreat news about the op, PtbY 👍
PTBY At last, after such a long wait. All will be fine of that I'm sure. It's so near now, but it's St Patricks Day, so I hope your surgeon isn't Irish....only joking of course! 🤣😉
ReplyDeleteThree weeks today, it will all be over and sucessful.
DeleteI have not come across any radio programs to recommend to others.
ReplyDeleteI am listening to:-
King Street Junior.
Debrief.
St. Swithens (with Richard Briars).
Conversations of a Long Marriage.
Platform at No. 4.
These are just light-hearted and funny, well to my sense of humour.. These help the chores go by...
Doctor in The House not St.Swithens 😒
DeleteI've been enjoying Conversations of a Long Marriage. Thank you Miriam.
DeleteI’m listening to maya angelou’s autobiographies. Enjoying them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely Spring Day. Sunshine but still very cool and breezy.
ReplyDeleteI have managed to wash, hang out and dry, the cover I have on my bed. This is Portugese in origin, and goes over my duvet.
It gives weight (which I love) and so prevents the duvet moving around.
PS Pusscat sleeps on this, hence why it needed a wash 🙀
To add.
ReplyDeleteIt is now 6.00pm and I am only now starting to put the lights on. How lovely this is and long may it last.
The snowdrops, daffs, crocci, along with the winter pansies plus hyacinths in the window box etc. are now giving wonderful colour.
It is up-lifting.
Now to try + cut the lawns!!
On doing a big supermarket shop, I was appalled as to how much prices have gone up in just a week
ReplyDeleteI have decided - it is what it is - so I will continue to buy just what I want to suit me, regardless of cost.
I am NOT going to "scrimp + save", I will just continue cooking, with the ingredients I love, in exactly the same way for as long as I can.
I agree Miriam it is uplifting to be in the light for noticeably longer. Not only that but I can feel some increase in the heat of the sun too.
ReplyDeleteSarnia, how is your garden? Any signs of Spring?
This will probably post twice now, my iPad is playing silly b*****s
ReplyDeleteMrNuts was surprised how much it cost him to fill his car up yesterday.
We’re glad we had our heating system changed to an air heat pump last year, electricity may have increased in cost but fuel oil has gone up too and the improved insulation we had to have has helped.
I’ve been noticing food prices climbing over the last few months and feel for anyone who is finding it tight.
I now need petrol, but methinks this will be a costly episode.
DeleteOh well - no council tax payments until April, so it will balance out.
Depending on your Council Tax band a £150 payment to your account inApril Miriam non repayable 🤗
DeleteThis is just a quick look in.
ReplyDeleteI woke up to frost this morning, but it didn't last long.
I have a busy Wattsapp family group at the moment. One family is enjoying constant sunshine and temps, on their Oman holiday.
Another family in Queensland, OZ, is experiencing horrendous torrential rain.
Now for 🏉 England v Wales.
My meal is all prepared, ready to be cooked, around this match.
Am I biased? Go 🏴
How lovely to see that Will, Kate + George are watching, as a family.
DeleteNo doubt a reprimand will come, but I just loved seeing a normal family group together. It is life, after all.
DeleteThese days when I am shopping, I buy a couple of extra items, normally from the cheaper S/market range. These I then put into the "food bank" donation container.
ReplyDeleteI donate breakfast cereals such as weetabix, porridge, but mainly tins:-
Carrot + pea mix, Mince Beef and onions, Chilli, Tuna, Baked beans, Toms, tinned potatoes, plus I also donate dried goods such as pasta and rice.
I only do a couple of items each visit, but I do hope that these might make a difference.
They definitely do Miriam and popping in a treat for the little ones is good too maybe a box of chocolate biscuits etc 🤗
DeleteI put in a 9 pack of toilet rolls whenI had a voucher for BOGOF. I know it’s not food, but I reckon they are needed too!
DeleteToo true AP plus we are told Sanitary products too as they are very costly items for a female household and of course washing up liquids and washing powders etc…..
DeleteI volunteer with the Trussell Trust, toiletries and especially sanitary wear are always welcome too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion, which hadn't crossed my mind. 👍
DeleteWell I’m blowed wrote my post before I saw Mistrals!
DeleteI am still re-thinking my thoughts re Alice/Chris/Martha.
ReplyDeleteI still believe though, that Alice and Chris will eventually realise that they are meant for each other, along with their daughter.
It will take months for this to happen.
It is being done in real time, and so it should be, especially when finances and a child are involved.
I hope Amy behaves accordingly, but that is debatable 🤫 🤐
Wrong blog...❌
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, and will not repeat elsewhere.
Delete⚽️ Hells bells LANJAN! Match not seen but followed penalties on iPad. Knew we would feel for whoever missed and we thought it would be one of the goalies but you must be over the moon.
ReplyDeleteReply re Football to Lady R and anyone else who may be interested
ReplyDeleteIf I am honest Lady R although I was delighted with the result ,I think we were very fortunate to win as I am not sure that we were the better side.
I liked the idea that Klopp didn't play his better goalkeeper because the second in line had played all but one (I think )of the matches before the final and he didn't feel he should be dropped for the final when he had helped the team to get there.
However I did not agree with Chelsea substituting their goalkeeper just before the penalty shootout .Their plan backfired .
My younger son was at the game.
Thanks for reply LJ and what a final for your son to witness in the flesh. Mr R is now watching Match of the day to catch-up. He could have watched the Sky match on his computer but as we had been out fancied feet up. Had it been shown on BT sport he would have been ok to recline and view.
DeleteI haven’t been able to post for several days but have continued Wordle. ( keep getting ‘whoops ‘ )
ReplyDeleteYesterday got the word in two, tonight in one.
My wordle average is still four! I do it quickly and sometimes do it in three but my score of two the first time I tried it has not happened again!
DeleteI have started doing the worldle but after a guess or two I get out the atlas and brush up my geography!
I have just seen something on the morning news that absolutely disgusts me.
ReplyDeleteA shop has opened in London, Fulham I think, that sells nothing but bottled water.
Water from all around the world
Including very expensive bottled water from Patagonia!
How green is that! All those air miles to import something we can get from a tap.
It shouldn’t have been allowed to open in my opinion.
Just depressing AP. I'm going to be in that neck of the woods in a few weeks time, so I think I'll go and laugh at them!
DeleteJolly good Gary, and you can give them a two fingers up from me too!
DeleteOff on a wee holiday to the Borders for a week, so if the blogs run over I will open new ones on my return.
ReplyDeleteWe have rented a little cottage on a working farm and are planning on doing lots of walking, lots of little drives in the countryside and lots of sitting around a roaring fire NOT watching the news...
Spot on Gary sounds utter bliss - fresh air, eating and a roaring 🔥 😊
DeleteEnjoy yourself Gary. I had to smile, and hope for you the farmer isn't like my dad who would cheerfully round up my mum's b. and b. guests and have them out on cattle drives and helping with haymaking. Children seemed to enjoy picking up the eggs and feeding chickens though, and I would lead them round the field on my pony. If I was very lucky their parents would give me sixpence.
DeleteSounds idyllic to me Janice.
ReplyDeleteI hope for Gary & Mr GG that the farmer is EXACTLY like your dad.
Have a nice holiday Gary! Keep away from other world events!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely Gary. Have a fun and relaxing time.
ReplyDeleteGosh Janice, I wish I’d been one of your mums BnB guests.
DeleteBut then I did have several country holidays with the Childrens Country Holiday Scheme so did experience some of what you describe.
Getting up at three am to go and make bread when I stayed with a bakers family is a fond memory.
Hope you get some farm stuff GG.
Enjoy your break Gary
ReplyDeleteArcherfile 9:14 AM
ReplyDeleteThat's just madness, I despair!
There was a place in Malvern where pure water ran off and people used to go there with large bottles which were filled for free! We went quite a few times. Apparently it came from rocks which extended as far as Scandinavia. It was fresh and clean. I bet in that shop Archerfile, the water costs a lot and posher Londoners will pay it. Ironic if like Delboy and Rodney they are just filling bottles from the tap and labelling them Patagonian Special!
DeleteI have just compared a photo from 24th Feb. to today, This showed my nieces back garden in Queensland, after her visiting Dad helped mow it and spruce it up.
ReplyDeleteToday, a vid. was shown as to this same garden - it is a torrent of fast running water and now have a lake instead of a lawn.
All schools are closed, all are working from home, and some isolated cut off areas, might get food drops..
At least my family are still safe + well, in a different type of lockdown..
It
My brother’s funeral is on 9th March and I am going up to Crewe by train, first class. I don’t usually do this but I just feel I have to make things as easy as possible. My younger brother is meeting me at Stafford station as I would have to change trains there. It seems strange that Malcolm is no longer with us but we do thank God that he is at peace and that it ended in the best way for him.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you both Ev + Katy.
DeleteI feel your sorrow and loss.
In my experience, it is best to celebrate the life of a very dear loved one, rather than mourn the tragic loss.
You both do, what is the most suitable for you and the rest of your loving family.
I hope that when Rosie visits, that the "gang-plank" is safe + secure, along with a suitably sized flotation vest....
DeleteSafety 1st.
Forgot to change site again.
DeleteSorry to all 🥵
Ev, xx
DeleteThe fuel price rises hit us hard this morning as we had to have our oil tank filled up.
ReplyDeleteFill up of oil last summer :-just over £500
Exactly same quantity this morning:-
Just over £800!
😱 Archerphile! Plus you will have electricity to add to that figure.
DeleteCome the end of this month we will all have to brace ourselves (already the Electric and Gas DD’s are soaring) I can’t imagine how some people are going to manage energy /food / petrol (or) diesel bills. Let’s hope that the the lighter evenings and hopefully warmer weather will help both mood and purse.
Same here Archerfile. I joined the local oil club some time ago and they do their best to get the least expensive quotes by bulk buying as a group, but it is still extortionate! Like you we have no gas pipe lines down here and even that seems to be going up.
DeleteWe buy ours through the village ‘group’ too. Fortunately we ordered, through the group, about 10 days ago.
DeleteWhen the driver came this morning he said ‘You’re lucky getting it at the price it was on the day you ordered, because it’s gone up again this morning and would have cost another £30 or £40! ‘
Ev my thoughts will be with you and Katy on the 9th 🙏🏼 A very good idea to make your journey as comfortable and smooth as possible.
ReplyDeleteEv, I agree with Lady R above.
ReplyDeleteI have now listened to the 2nd series of "For The Love for Leo".
ReplyDeleteThis I thought was far more interesting, than the 1st one.
I recomend it to all those,
who have not heard it yet.
Now for Series 3.
"Dewi Sant" 🏴 and my proper daffs have finally fully flowered today, but only just in time.
Of course St David’s Day 🤗
DeleteI worked in N. Wales for nearly 20 years, on + off.
DeleteMarch 1st was always a special day. I so remember visiting a residential home I supplied the meds for, to be greeted by Matron, dressed as a daffodil - and to think this was a proper + official, meds inspection + review!!
Yes indeed I can imagine that Miriam as my mums Care Home recognised every event going! It was a Council run home but absolutely brilliant in every way and I still thank god that it was.
DeleteMy thoughts will be with you Ev on 9th March.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you travelling first class on the train..I would do the same.
Daughter and I both saddened to hear that Shirley Hughes has died ( at the ripe age of 94) we both loved her illustrations. I passed on my fondness for “My naughty little sister” and was always happy to read Dogger and Alfie.
ReplyDeleteSame here KP. My Mum in law bought us "Lucy and Tom's Christmas" in about 1990 because she thought the children looked like my two. We still have it and bring it out, with some other special books, at Christmas time. Good illustrators are a joy.
DeleteMe too. Her illustrations were so lifelike and beautifully observed. A long and very productive life, a real loss to the world of children’s literature
DeleteKP, me too.
ReplyDeleteI strangely, have no knowledge of this children's author. I have heard of the Naughty Little Sister books, but I have no recall of them in any way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cold day. Beautiful yesterday. Cut the grass. Today….put heating on when mr PtbY went out with dogs! Roll on warm weather.
ReplyDeleteFinally got new boiler in on Monday. Water is definitely hotter. Just got to wait til I get some new taps on my bath to get able to appreciate it. There is a waterfall tap from the wall at the mo which puts out a dribble and is coated in limescale. We are in a very hard water area. Stupid idea to install trendy bathroom hardware I think. Looking at new taps the latest thing seems to be black taps. They will look lovely with a ring of limescale on them!!!
...bronze coloured taps seem to be another new trend.
DeleteI was out and about 2 days ago in so many different places + shops, for over 3 hours. I always wore a mask.
ReplyDeleteToday, I woke up feeling quite poorly, as chesty + coughing, head-ache, sore throat, blocked nose etc. I nearly went back to bed at 10 am. but instead I did get dressed.
I have been like a piece of limp lettuce all day, today.
Thankfully - the test I did 30 mins ago is showing -ve.
No idea what bug I have picked up
- and how 😒 🙅♀️
Hope that you feel better soon Miriam.
DeleteThank-you - I am.
DeleteI slept with a soaked tissue with Olbas Oil close by last night, which helped a lot.
Although I was grotty this morning, I have now a big dripping tap of a nose which means kitchen roll, not dainty tissues.
I actually feel like eating..
That’s good to hear Miriam 🤗 hope the running nose quietens down soon.
Delete(Ah the old Olbas Oil great stuff!)
If you put the tissue on the radiator you can unstuff an entire household!
DeleteTheir pastilles are good too - I reckon if you can manage to suck a whole one without spitting it out because it tastes so foul then you genuinely are bunged up. (Not sure what to make of the times I've managed to suck 3 in a row and still not noticed the taste ...)
WHAT! 😱 owias - respect.
DeleteNothing like Potters Cattarh Pastilles, which I have not seen for years, and were creosote based.
DeleteNow if one of those could be sucked to in its entirity, then that person had a problem!!
This is nothing to do with the Archers, but might interest some bloggers.
ReplyDeleteThere is an on-line charity event this weekend, potters and print-makers are donating and selling art works. There are some beautiful items, and over 100 charities being supported. Most contributors have a free prize draw.
It is worth a look.
The Great Charity Pot and Print Fair.
Will do. It sounds very interesting.
DeleteToday was the 1st day of collection and paying for garden waste in my area, since 2021.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky as I had nothing much to be put out, but at the same time I had had no information, as to how to pay for it.
I noticed a neighbour had put his bin out, with a bright yellow sticker on it.
With on-line research, I found out how to pay and so I will now get my permit, hopefully ready for next time.
As a result, I have sent a comment to the Council, as that no info. has been given in any way, such as on the various Cheshire News sites, to let residents know how to get this permit.
I am not alone in this "not knowing" situation.
Sounds complicated! We simply have a green bin with a brown lid. Garden waste has been collected fortnightly all through the pandemic. We are very lucky! I pay monthly by direct debit. If I fail to pay, they take the bin away!
DeleteMet up with a university friend at Quarry Bank today. It was so nice to have a walk in the woods and a catch up with an old friend.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely for you both CC (every happy moment must be enjoyed and cherished in this very tragically troubled world right now)
DeleteQuarry Bank is somewhere I also know well, enjoy + love.
DeleteI need to go again.
BBC4 now....Cilla At the BBC.
ReplyDeleteSome of the programme, might have been in b+w, but this did not detract from what was shown.
DeleteI so enjoyed it.
Cilla was shown exactly how she was, as both a person and a wonderful singer/ performer.
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Cilla.
..But not as much as the tragic loss of Victoria Wood -
That's for another time, perhaps or then not. 🤷♀️
Now for a controversional thought:-
St. Paul McCartney headlining Glastonbury on the Diamond Stage, aged 80.
I am not sure if he is really up to it vocally..
I agree Miriam, Sir Paul’s voice was pretty ropey at the 2012 Olympics, I doubt it has improved over the last 10 years
ReplyDeleteMy choice would be Brian May.
DeleteHe is perhaps, one of the true great electronic guitarists in this day + age. With suitable backing tracks + singers, it would be brilliant.
I still cannot forget him playing God Save The Queen, perched on top of Buckingham Palace for whichever Jubilee it was.
Now he is still a true star for me.
Paul McCartney is too old to head the stage at Glastonbury. When will these ‘old stagers’ realise they are way past their peak. Not a singer but I saw Rudolph Nureyev at his peak and it was mesmerising; he commanded the stage and you could not take your eyes off him. Dancing was his passion and he went on far too long so near the end, people saw a shadow of the star he had been. I think it sad and diminishes the memory of these talented stars if they continue way past their prime.
ReplyDeleteWell ill try again perhaps 3rd time lucky
DeleteDid you see him dance with Fonteyn ? I saw them twice in Paris though in the first occasion was somewhat marred by embarrassment when I went on a party with the then American cultural attache and we were late, his fault and instead of waiting for a suitable break we went in and of course we were centre row. Such arrogance. Such mesmorising performances, we were lucky to see them in the flesh
Never have been a fan of Paul McCartney even way back as a teen in the swinging sixties and think he's really past it now.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite Beatle, back in the day and for years afterwards was George Harrison.
DeleteMore reserved than the others in the group and a very good composer in his own right.
He didn’t seem to crave the publicity as much as the others and carried on a great career in music and a quiet life until his tragically early death.
I was far more upset at his passing than that of John Lennon.
And talking about unexpected passings, what a shock to hear about Shane Warne yesterday, a heart attack at the age of 52! Rodney Marsh earlier the day too, a black day for Australian cricket..
George was my favourite Beatle as well Archerfile
DeleteLan Jan My thoughts are with you today
ReplyDeleteLanjan a year🌹🥰
ReplyDeleteCan anyone me why that useless, failed minister of two government departments, Gavin Williamson has been given a Knighthood?
ReplyDeleteAnd why the news was very quietly announced whilst everyone’s attention was firmly fixed elsewhere this week?
He knows too many secrets!!! That’s why.
DeleteSending good vibes your way today Lan Jan. 👍
ReplyDeleteMe too Lanjan. Thinking of you and hoping as well as time for reflection you can settle into a pleasant day.
Delete💐 Thinking of you Lanjan.
DeleteHaving just come in, I was surprised that this blog on my android 'phone, is now showing as:-
ReplyDeleteersfan.blogspot.com 😆😲
At least it is an -e, and not an -a!!
My thoughts are with you LJ.
Where is AmbridgesMrsP??
ReplyDeleteShe has been missing for a while now.
I so hope that she is safe + well.
She had buyers for her home, so was looking for a new property for herself + Lady along with her cat.
Hopefully this is still going onwards + upwards, in a positive way.
As I settle down on this much lighter evening but very cold, with my meal not far away, my last comment is,
ReplyDeleteMy winter planted window box is now turning into a wonderful Spring one. The hyacinths + mini irises are now in full bloom so along with winter pansies, it is so colourful and now fragrant.
Along with the colourful impact, I am so delighted to see both butterflies + big bumble bees loving these flowers and so are "feeding" well.
I have never seen butterflies so early 🦋🦋
Just caught up - thinking of you Lan Jan.
ReplyDeleteJust testing.
ReplyDeleteThoughts with you Lan Jan.
Paul McCartney is too old for Glastonbury. His voice, not surprisingly, is not what it was.
I cannot post on the other blog so wonder if this will work.
Thank you blogger friends.
ReplyDeleteI came across an omnibus edition of a radio listen this morning..and it was not TA.
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear it all, as it started at 6.00am. I heard enough to know I want to listen to Part 1 in its entirity, followed by Part 2 next week.
This is The Librarian by Sally Vickers, read by Barbara Flynn.
This was followed by, the 1st omnibus of The L-shaped Room, again Part 1 of 2
I have listened to this before, but I still enjoyed it.
I mention this for only one reason, in that perhaps others might also enjoy these.
Have a great evening and keep warm on this ❄❄ night.
Thanks Miriam 👍 I will listen and I’ve checked out some of her books too 🤗
DeleteThank you Miriam, I’m still here, but frequently blocked, unable to post.
DeleteMy two months of acute anxiety has abated, but still searching for a home without success.
I have very much enjoyed her books, especially the one set in Venice, ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’
DeleteAP. It is a wonderful book, isn't it. I read it some years ago. It now needs another read.
DeleteGlad you are still here Mrs P. I think that more homes tend to come on the market in Spring and summer, so fingers crossed that something nice comes up for you soon.
ReplyDeleteI am about to decorate a birthday cake. My daughter made a chocolate one last night but didn't have time to finish it. It is daughter in law's birthday today, and she said that she had only ever had a birthday cake once in her life and that was on her 7th birthday, so we thought we would surprise her with one. We had a trip out yesterday to Newquay Zoo, where some of the animals are from the Philippines, plus plants that she is familiar with in the tropical house.
What a lovely mother in law you are Janice.
DeleteAnd thank you for your kind thoughts.
Just a warning to say to keep an eye out for anything saying Next Directory on your bank account. I had a shock this morning. Tried to pay my half year's water rates and my card was declined. That puzzled me as I knew there was enough money in my current account to cover it, so I checked online to find 2 withdrawals that I knew nothing about. One for £159 and one for ££80. After waiting an age I eventually managed to get through to the bank and was sent through to the fraud department, who had already stopped any more card payments going out, so I was impressed they were so on the ball. Apparently the same people had tried to take out two more payments of £75 and £30, and it would seem it has been happening to other people as well. The Bank is sending me a new card and have kindly refunded me. I am concerned because I tend to buy things online as we are not close to shops, and whenever possible go through PayPal so how on earth someone has got my card details I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI don't trust paypal at all, so I cancelled mine.
DeleteThese days I only pay for any on-line shopping I do, by a credit card.
I prefer to use PayPal rather than give my credit card details to lots of different places.
DeleteCC As long as we feel safe + secure as to how any on-line payments are done, then that is fine - says one who has just ordered an item using a credit card...🤣 😵 😨
DeleteI use a debit card online from a small current account which I just feed from my main account as necessary when I buy anything. I keep about £40 in there generally so if fraudsters got hold of account details at least I wouldn’t lose much.
DeleteJanice.
ReplyDeleteYou have been so very lucky.
From what that I have read, fraudsters start with small amounts to see if these go through un-noticed, before going for the big one.
Your bank did well and acted so quickly.
I was a bit scared of on-line banking, initially. Now I love it, as it is so quick + easy to check all accounts, bank, credit cards etc, which I now do regularly on a weekly basis.
Luckily I have not had the same problem, well just is that is.
My next book to read is by Anne Cleeves, The Herons Cry, the 2nd in the Devon series of books.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy, in a way the 1st one - The Long Call.
This though was introducing the new characters, along with a new setting, so I am interested as to Book No2. 📖
Miriam, I just popped in to see if you'd discovered The Librarian yet. Lo and behold, you have : )
DeleteI'm jusy about to listen to epidode 3 onwards whilst doing an online jigsaw. (Less fun than a real one but it takes up less room!)
OWIAS
DeleteJigsaws for me have to be done, on my lovely large board and on the lounge floor.
How lovely from you about the same listens. This is why I give my thoughts, when I hear something others might enjoy. I was annoyed when I had to stop listening to another series I am following this morning. This was due to the vacuum was so noisy. Still, my upstairs is sparkly clean.
What I was listening to was "Destination Fire", from the early 1960's. It is just different, but not that memorable nor a listen I would recommend. However I am enjoying these episodes, as a fire inspector certainly is a change from a detective etc. There are many similarities though 🔎
DeleteI doubt if you will be checking the blog tomorrow ,Ev so I would like to
ReplyDeletesay that I hope everything goes as well as possible tomorrow and that my thoughts will be with you and your family
Thanks LJ for the reminder.
DeleteI also wish you well Ev as I have so got the date wrong, as thought it was 9th!
At least I now know otherwise...
Ev, I hope the funeral tomorrow is a celebration of your brother and gives you evidence of others love of him that might equal yours.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSorry Ev I assumed you would be travelling to Cheshire tomorrow and wouldn't be looking at the blog but I know the funeral is on Wednesday .
Thinking of you Ev.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your thoughts. I am travelling tomorrow and just now feeling a bit nervous but I must do this and know that all will be well. My younger brother phoned to check time of arrival in Stafford and he and Rona, his partner will be joining me for dinner tomorrow night. I am staying at Premier Inn. My sister in law has not been doing too well and she needs all the support we can give her. She is 5 years older than my brother was so in her eighties and a bit frail. It is so hard to lose a partner of many years. I may not look at the blog over the next few days so am glad to receive your good wishes. 😊
DeleteAll best wishes, Ev. 💕
DeleteHave a safe journey Ev. Is Katy joining you? Will be thinking of you on Wednesday.
DeleteAll the best Ev. It will be a sad day for you all, but also, I hope, a chance for you all to share good memories of happy times.
DeleteHugs and prayers.💕
Dear Ev 🙏🏼 🕯🌹
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Ev. Take care. 🌹
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Ev x
ReplyDeleteEv and Katy….. safe journey. 🌷
ReplyDeleteKaty isn’t coming because of work commitments but has been very supportive and of course will be thinking of us.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure she will Ev and your 1st class carriage is going to be very packed anyway with all your blogger friends x
DeleteJoining with others in thoughts of Ev.
DeleteLanJan. I so mis-interpreted your post yesterday.
ReplyDeleteToday was a supermarket shop. The 1st thing I noticed was that petrol was 3p more than last week.
ReplyDeleteThe second was in-store:-
This was, just how much items have gone up so very quickly, many by 15 or even 20p. A lot of these were the needed basics, such as loo rolls, rice, washing powder, cat food, breakfast cereal etc.
There were again, very many empty shelves.
I did though get all on my shopping list, but at a higher cost, but I am lucky. So many house-holds must now be starting to struggle, which will only get worse, not monthly but weekly.
The 3rd comment, another in-store one:- This was the lack of staff, as there was only one person covering both self check-out sections. I waited for over 10 mins, for a verification due to 2 bottles of wine. Some customers just abandonded their shop at the tills, and walked out.
Is this what post pandemic is now going to be like - Out of the frying pan, into the Fire. By that I mean, that for so many, it might result in yet again:-- no going out for meals, theatre trips, cinema visits, limiting days out due to petrol/diesel costs and so family life will be affected.
Spent the some of today in the potting shed potting up 57 pelargonium cuttings. A welcome break from all that's going on in the outside world.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete...and that was why I almost, but not quite enjoyed, last nights TA offering.
DeleteIt definitely was a break from the outside world 🌎
This is a more light-hearted comment.
ReplyDeleteImagine the scene:-
8.05am this morning, warm + cosy, sitting watching the recording of last nights Corrie, eating a bowl of Weetabix with a fancy yoghurt (blueberry), as the window cleaner appeared!
I had to dash out, dressed in my long warm dressing gown with the matching slippers, to open the side-gate, so he could get to the back windows...
A job well done, but I now need to clean the insides 😵
Still, I have plenty of downloaded radio programmes to listen to, as I do this task tomorrow.
DeleteEv, will also be in my thoughts.
What is my topic for today??
ReplyDeleteI can't do cooking, as I know others do not like this as I have been informed of on several previous occasions.
I am relating to something I posted yesterday, re prices of goods.
Whenever I buy tins of beans, be they baked, kidney cannellini, haricot, along with tomaoes either chopped or plum...I always buy from the "el-cheapo" supermarket range. These are so very
much cheaper but just as good. There is a problem though, as they do not have ring-pulls.
I now have two different tin openers, and which one I use depends on the aluminium cans needed to be opened.
I have just put a chilli (very spicy and made with healthy 2% turkey mince) into the oven, but opening the tin of kidney beans was challenging. Both tin openers and a knife were used and I almost went to my neighbours to help out.
Hopefully it will be worth it, by 7.00pm + TA.
Home made herb + garlic bread is next to be done.
DeleteI do love garlic.
This is for info. only, in case others might be interested in this tip. When making a goulash or chilli, and other such dishes needing peppers, I use frozen ones. I buy a bag of sliced red/yellow/green ones from the freezer section. These are fine to be added frozen, into some of my recipes.
DeleteThey work out cost effective, and saves a lot of preparation time.
I have been adding chocolate to my chilli recipes. Gives a lovely depth of flavour. Either cocoa powder mixed with a little boiling water, or a few squares of a 100% cocoa chocolate bar
DeleteIt's a good thing I live alone, as my home + me, reek of garlic 🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteOh well. My experiment with different and silly comments, in order to try and introduce some sort of interaction, has failed miserably..😱
ReplyDeleteIt was a good idea at the time!
I know why...Silence says so much. 😉
DeleteI think it’s partly the current world situation Miriam following hot on the heels of Covid.
DeletePost appear to be few and far between just now.
Hope you have had a smooth journey home EV and that your brothers funeral was in its own way a comfort. You will naturally always hold him close in your ❤️
I've been quiet because on the advice of the midwife my son took his wife to Truro hospital yesterday. Baby not due until 11th of April and they thought it a false alarm but decided to play safe and keep Mabel in for a couple of days. My son came home for the night and had dinner with us. Then at 2am the hospital rang and woke him and he drove back down in a hurry and got there at 3am, in time for the birth at 3.30am.
DeleteFor a 35 week pregnancy the baby is a good weight, 6lb 5oz, but they will be kept in for a while as apparently the lungs don't fully develop until the end of a full term pregnancy. From the photos my son sent baby looks lovely and Mabel very happy. He will be back for dinner later so we will know more then. He still doesn't have a first name ! They originally had a list of 20 possibles from a baby names book, then whittled it down to 6 or 7, but thought they had another month to decide. I think a baby brings their name with them, so possibly they may have decided today.
I would love to visit but sadly because of Covid only the partner is allowed on the maternity wing.
Has anyone had any experience of premature babies? Apparently her waters broke after he gave a big kick so perhaps he just decided he was ready for the world.
Eye operation cancelled. Back on list. Some bureaucratic bullshit no doubt.
ReplyDeleteConsoling myself with chocolate brazils that I’d bought for my lounging recovery period. Lol.
Sorry to hear that PtbY. I love chocolate brazils too, and always throw out reminders to my kids at Christmas.
DeleteSo sorry that the op. is not taking place. Hope it will be soon.
DeleteA friend of mine's husband cancelled an op. at a private hospital last week, for a hip operation! No doubt private and NHS are all struggling to keep up with the backlog.
I am supposed to go to a funeral tomorrow of my first Group Scout Leader who died of cancer aged about 80 but once again I have a blister on my foot which doesn't allow a shoe and I am unable to drive so I won't be going.
Apparently primary schools are full of covid anyway. Many Cubs are taking days off!
Janice re prem babies. My second one was born at 35 weeks but much smaller at 4lb 14oz and was in special care for 10 days due to breathing problems. With treatment she got over it very quickly and has been fine since.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest daughter's first baby was also born at 35 weeks weighing 5lb 5oz. It was in August 2020 and was sent home far too early with little support due to Covid restrictions. Thankfully we were able to travel up to Edinburgh to help out until she and her husband felt able to cope. She has a very lively toddler now.
Your grandchild is a good weight so should do well. Looking forward to hearing news of baby's progress.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you CC and Esscee for telling me of your experiences and the positive outcomes. Baby is under a UV light at present but doing well. Think I'll tell them to look through the Radio Times 😊
DeleteCongratulations Janice! I hope you get to meet your new grandson soon.
DeleteI'm afraid I can't add any advice about caring for prem babies - mine were all a week late.
So very sorry to hear from PTBY of cancellation.
ReplyDeleteAfter waiting so long.
Such a disappointment. I do hope another date is given soon.
Good luck with new grandchild Janice.
Bummer PtbY.
ReplyDeleteSpot on parsley, so frustrating for you ptby - thank goodness for the choc brazils 👍
DeleteCongratulations, Janice! So much joy in store for you.
ReplyDeleteCommiserations, PTBY. Very disappointing for you. Stock up on the chocolate brazils!
PtbY - great commiserations on the delay to your op. It must be so frustrating having to wait even longer.
ReplyDeleteUnlike our 85 year old friend waiting 3years for hip replacement who fell off a ladder recently, broke the hip and got an instant replacement!
Now, I certainly don’t recommend you do anything like that but you must wonder what you have to do to get properly sorted out!
Congratulations Granny Janice! Lovely news even though earlier than expected. I wish all your family great joy with the new arrival.
Only a tiny bit of unimportant news from me today - I’m off to get my new teeth fitted this morning and hoping to get used to them before seeing the family in France in 10 days time!
Gnash, gnash! 😬
Testing
ReplyDeleteI got the whoops again after a long post! Just to let you know am home again and all went well. Younger brother and I managed our tributes to Malcolm which were appreciated. It was a celebration of his life and in spite of the sadness it was good to catch up with friends and family.
ReplyDeleteYounger brother, Mike, has tested positive for COVID so having spent the best part of two days w it’s him I will need to do several tests in the next week or so. I will not worry about it! Congrats to Janice and sympathy for Archerfile on the op cancellation. I hope they will slot you in before too long.😊
Sorry to hear about your cancelled op P tbY.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of thing seems to be happening a lot .
Get some more chocolate brazils down you.
Pleased to hear of the safe arrival of your little grandchild Janice.
By gum how things have changed for the better.
I wasn't allowed to see my premature baby for many days because they thought he might die..
I was 22 years old and In a ward where all the other mums had their babies.
However I am convinced that prem babies fight harder to survive and your little one is a good weight and things have improved so much.
I was in hospital for 3weeks.
Enjoy your new teeth Archerphile !
Like others, my condolences to PtbY and congratulations to Janice, I hope your grandchild goes from strength to strength.
ReplyDeleteEv, glad to hear you are home, hopefully if you have picked up the lurgy from your little brother it won’t be too severe.
Archerphile hope the teeth are comfortable 🤞
Yes thank you KP. Not only surprisingly comfortable (though obviously feel a little strange) but they look amazing. Exactly the same colour & sizes as my own remaining ones.
DeleteOnly slight annoyance is lisping a bit when I talk, but dentist says that will lessen as I get. used to them. I don’t want to sound like Jill Archer has been recently!