Lady R - March 25, 2022 at 12:05 AM It is now officially the 25th so it’s time to wish my special Mr R a very Happy “90th” Birthday 🎂 It does not seem possible as apart from his orthopaedic problems he is no different to when he was in his 60’s. A low key day though 5 of us getting together at our friends house with their beautiful garden surrounded by fields. Ooh I sound like Mrs Bucket talking about her sister Violet 😂 Enjoy the weather for the next few days as soon as the clocks go forward the temps are going to drop- wouldn’t you just know it!
Proud to be Yorkshire - March 25, 2022 at 8:56 AM Wishing his Lordship a very happy birthday. What lovely weather for it. 🎂🎁☕️ or. 🍺
Ev - March 25, 2022 at 9:36 AM Happy birthday to Lord R! We have a centenarian living just round the corner and over the winter have noticed his car has gone from the drive and the usually immaculate front garden was looking a bit unkempt. I thought he had gone to meet his Maker but yesterday there he was chatting to a lady no doubt making a start on tidying his front garden! This year he will be 101 and still going strong. It makes me feel quite young!
Lady R - March 25, 2022 at 9:42 AM Well Ev - Mr R too at only 90yrs 🤣😂 in fact he had a card with 80 on so even better!!!
Wishing His Lordship a very happy Birthday Lady R!
Apologies for being a lazy sod with regards to opening new blogs - the weather has been so amazing up here that we invited the neighbours round for drinks and a big fire in the garden, and to be honest with you I got absolutely roaring drunk and spent all day yesterday in a darkened room whining softly to myself. Feeling MUCH better today.
To compound the laziness I had just got back from a 2 day trip to that fancy London for a friend's 50th. And what with there being a free bar for the ENTIRE evening til 3am, I think it's safe to say that I didn't have the best train journey in the world the next day. Would totally do it all again though!
Many thanks Gary his Lordship ( in his dreams 🤣 ) sends many thanks for your birthday wishes and thinks your recent activities just the job and good on ya 🥃🍷🍺🍰🌭🍟
Little Sis in Norfolk is selling up, to move to Suffolk to be nearer her family + grandsons. The property has been on the market for just 2 days, so far 4 viewings booked, an offer already in , and it still isn't showing on either Rightmove nor Zoopla. The property will sell fast. She is in a panic already, as she feels the need to find a rental property, to locate to until finding the new forever home.
What a lovely time of year to have a birthday Lord R . Enjoy your day. I am sure the weather is as good if not better where you live as it is here. My neighbour's hundredth birthday is two days after your 90th Lord R.
Congratulations to Louise Lear,the BBC weather presenter who ,when forecasting the weather for Sunday 27th March ,the mid Sunday of Lent correctly stated that it was the forecast for Mothering Sunday and not the awful Mothers' Day
LJ I am with you. It is still to me, Mothering Sunday. I always bought a card, for my late Mother, one with Mothering Sunday on, which she so well appreciated.
I know - another post, which will infuriate so many - but I just have to add:- Today I bought a gorgeous and vibrant orchid, when shopping this morning. It is so healthy, full of buds and so cheap at £10, a good price at the best of times, let alone so close to Mothering Sunday. I know a good buy, and a good orchid.
Mr (Lord) R has had a wonderful day with friends we are now replete and very happy tonight. He thanks you all for your kind wishes. We loved your quip Miriam regarding the little known EJ 🤣 His picture is appearing here for one day only taken a few months ago on a ride out to Cut Mill pond in Surrey.
Agree totally LJ and Miriam “Mothering Sunday” it most definitely is in my book. My one and only niece always marks it as such for me it is just something she loves to do I think she worries I may feel left out bless her. Remember at Church we used to queue up to receive a small bunch of daffodils to give to our mothers. Happy Days.
Many congratulations to dear Mr R. We both hope he enjoyed his birthday tremendously, and you too, Lady R.
We had a special day here too. Corrin was presented with his certificate of French Nationality at the Prefecture in Auch, thé capital of this region. Usually there is a big ceremony with many people invited, presentation by the Mayor and singing of the Marseillais. But sadly, Covid restrictions have caused the ceremony to be slimmed down. However the prefecture is a beautiful building next to the Cathedral, high on a hill in the centre of the city, so quite special. Afterwards we had a celebratory lunch, then drive home through the lovely countryside hereabouts. A very special, and proud day for us all
Archerphile. What a memorable occaision for You, your Hubbie and all your family. It was so heart felt to hear, and that you were able to be there so to partake in this event. You must be so thrilled.
Just to say that Little Sis has had a full asking price offer on her Norfolk home, this morning. Not bad after 3 days on sale, at a totally "bonkers" price, but that's the way of things.
I have just had a wonderful experience - literally just across the road. A neighbour, with whom I had a long chat with today, gave me the knowledge. I have a neighbour who works for the RSPCA at a Wildlife Rescue Centre, who I spotted returning home. As a result - I have just seen a lovely sight. This was two 2 or 3 week old leverets, siblings, but sex still unknown, being cared for by a foster Mum. They are outside in the garden in the day, but are inside overnight. My visit was short and rightly so. I well know, as these will be released back into the wild and close to where they were found. Human contact has to be kept to a minimum and necessary. I feel priveldged to have seen them ☺ ✅
Katy has been over in Gosport on an archaeological course grubbing around a WW2 minesweeper hulk on the foreshore so I have had a quiet day with the dogs! She’s coming back in time for supper though! She arranged a video featuring Darragh from the Chase who wished me a happy day and told me to relax and put my feet up so I have!😌
I am still out with the hour change, so evening meal will be late. I do though now, have lovely mowed lawns - with "stripes". I had these cut just under a fortnight ago and it is surprising, just how my garden bin has been filled today with grass cuttings. Now to maintain + continue what has been done. There is still quite a lot of garden work to be done, which hopefully will happen tomorrow. This is before the predicted snow/sleeti appears on Thursday.
I say this, as to how my 73yr old bro-,in-law suffered. I have only, tonight, learnt the true situation. He was prescribed the pfizer oral tablets, almost was sent into hospital, and only tested -ve on day 11. I am angry with Big Sis, for not telling me what was actually happening, rather than the "All is Fine" up-dates.
I had a lovely surprise today Had entirely forgotten about Mothers Day as it is on a different date in France But daughter in England had bought, signed and sent to son here in France a beautiful card with instructions (and contribution) to buy a suitable gift. So, after lunch the two grandsons presented me with the card, duly signed by everyone, and a lovely cut glass flower vase. I was so touched that both my children had remembered the day.
Sadly it is our last day here and I think I have come down with Covid, or a dose of flu. Sore throat, shivering, headache, can hardly open eyes etc. Shan’t do a test until I get home tomorrow and fortunately for me, all restrictions lifted for returning to UK anyway. But cross I may have succumbed after avoiding infection for two years
Lovely Mother’s Day with both daughters here. My resident hermit made a fantastic cake so lunch followed by afternoon tea a couple of hours later. No desire for supper. Hope you get home safely Archerphile and are merely experiencing a cold.
Two sons remembered with flowers and cards (both with 'Mothering Sunday' on) and daughter sent flowers from Aus and a cake for 'Someone Special' on it. Eldest son ring me and we played games. Granddaughter daughter had recovered from Covid. She had two positives and 2 negatives so final test was at testing centre and was negative so she didn't have it or was suitably recoved, as she had it before. However dil seems to have come down with it.
Granddaughter then got an assessment practice on Duke of Edinburgh award hike and overnight stay, run by the school, and they all got thoroughly lost! She's never been in Scouts or Guides! Never mind the next assessment or even practice hopefully will iron out the problems!
Last meeting of Cubs tonight where they will go to Indoor ski centre for snow-tubing and toboggan run. Definitely warm clothes. Last meeting for 3 weeks then on to summer term, although I won't be camping this year!
I had a bouquet of flowers awaiting me on the doorstep when I got back from football on Saturday from my son. He said it was double the price of delivery on the Sunday so sent it on Saturday instead. You can’t take the Yorkshire out of the lad!!! 😁
That must be why I am forever telling people off for leaving things on standby. My neighbour, an electrician , is always telling me it only uses...... I say, I dont care that mounts up when you consider everyones usage It drives me mad when the family come as I spend my time turning off lights.
We had a nice Sunday afternoon in the sun. Instead of me cooking Sunday roast we bought pasties and had a picnic on the beach, with baby in his pram. His first trip to the beach at 17 days old, maybe one day he will be a great surfer, and it was his mum's first Mothering Sunday. My daughter produced a cake in the shape of a cat! Perhaps inspired by our naughty cat (see new picture). Our church did not have a service this Sunday as the vicar has covid. Ditto at least half of the village which we are avoiding at present.
Two little girls were standing outside the village shop the other day, one goes in and asks if her friend could borrow a mask before she comes in, - because she has covid!! She was asked to not come in, but if parents let their kids wander around outdoors with covid it isn't really any wonder it is spreading through the village.
I finally finished my early garden plans. All the lawn edges were trimmed, 7 new herbaceous plants bedded in, 10 "short stemmed" gladioli bulbs were planted. On looking out, even I can't see any difference...but my back is telling me otherwise, after so much digging. A hot jet bath, with smellies, will sort things out.
Puss cat is a bit confused. The empty flower bed that she loved to lie in the sun in, now has plants in it! Hopefully she will find another place in the garden.
Thanks Miriam and everyone But had awful journey home! Just couldn’t stop coughing on plane so spent whole flight tightly turned into window so no to cough on other passengers. We had to wear masks all the way which was just as well Had taxi home from Heathrow & tried to suppress cough, but couldn’t help myself. Lovely, kind Chinese driver ( on his first ever job for the company) insisted on stopping on hard shoulder of M3 to get out and fetch me a bottle of water from the boot! It did help a bit but I felt dreadful that he’d put his life at risk for us.
Straight to bed on reaching home, 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 all night, & still here this morning. Will do Covid test later 🥴
How my thoughts are with Archerphile, I wish her so very well and also that Mr.A is still OK. I don't expect to see a direct post for a while. She needs to preserve her strength and just overcome it. It must be so frustrating to have been so careful, for such a long time, to now succumb.
My thoughts are now - not IF I get this awful virus, but when?? I still swallow my daily Vit D pill, every morning, but I am not sure if actually helps with this ongoing situation. The interesting thing in my own family is that, the two who seemed most likely to get it, still haven't even though their hubbies have. One is a primary school teacher who has worked, throughout even in Lockdowns with children of key workers. The other works in Central London, so travels by overland rail, then underground, to her workplace, though admitedly at the peak the boss paid for taxis (rather than the underground). This strikes me that in some way, as to a more constant exposure, their immunity has been enhanced aided by their vaccines...No idea really.
I can’t understand why I didn’t get it after spending a lot of time with younger brother who tested positive and texted as I travelled home. I was also exposed in October when Katy had it. I tested several times after coming home from Crewe but negative each time. I am not complacent though and will continue to be careful!
Ev. It is strange isn't it. Like you I am still being careful, using hand gels, washing hands on returning home from outings, wearing a mask in shops. However I am quite happy talking face-to-face, having a lovely chat + hug, with those I know well, be it family, neighbours or friends.
On a different topic - I watched the service from Westminster Abbey this morning. I, personally, found it moving and loved all the music - organ, choir, hymns and the "trumpets". How lovely it was, to also see so many youngsters alongside thier Mums + Dads. They were also so very close to their Great-Grandma. I admit, I did get a bit of dust in my eyes, at one stage.
Have just spent the last 2 hours stacking the last of next winters logs. I am fortunate to have plenty of room to store it. It reminds me of the relief I use to feel when the winter feed for the cattle was safely in.
Miraim I think you would find my house rather chilly as I am economical with heat and refuse to use the central heating, only those rooms I sit in are warm. My brother called one house I lived in ,Shivering Heights , this is a little warmer !
Cowgirl. I will be fine in front of a lovely roaring fire, with a hot water bottle in my bed. It was how I lived as a youngster in the late '50's and I can cook, as to what is available.
Miriam In the days when I had an Aga it was a brick in the oven to go to bed with, these days I run to an electric blanket, Puss cat has one too if I am away for the night. You might have to cook and heat your water in the winter on the log burner, I do have an electric shower though such creature comforts !!!
Lady R i was going to say its better in the summer but when I thought about it it is often warmer outside than in as is typical of a stone house.
I can hardly believe your misfortune Archerphile such a shame it seems to me you are blighted to travel even before Covid 🙁 I wish you well and hope that the worst time of the illness is a short one for you and that Mr A does not contract it. What a lovely taxi driver 🤞🏼 for him also. Mr R had his Spring jab this afternoon - Moderna this time. If I have that in the Autumn I will have had 3 different jabs! Miriam yes a lovely service today a joy to hear the old hymns and bless our dear Queen ⭐️
Slug trails all over my sitting room carpet this morning, why is it I can never find the culprits, or how they get in. Having said that I did find 2 trying to get into the fridge, soon made short work of them, well the hens did !
Cow girl the trails I get across carpets are usually slugs with shells on. I’m also going for the National collection of spiders. I have to promise my grandchildren before they come to stay, that I have hoovered their bedroom so it’s spider free. On warmth and cottages, my sister’s wattle and daub thatched cottage was very eco friendly - the thick mud walls kept the rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There was no damp course, stone slabs were laid straight onto the sandy soil.
Soz I have the same problem with spiders, I love to see them when they have their offspring. Like your Grandchildren, my Great niece and nephew have the same problem, though I am encouraging them to be brave and try and look at them as friends rather than enemies. I am having some effect. Unfortunately these phobias are generally learnt. I had a phobia of mice learnt from my mother,when I went to live in the wilds I knew I had to deal with it and I did overcome it , though I still dont like rats, I think it is their tails, I tell the children about it as a way of encouraging themas it is such a handicap to live with. They will be with me for Easter so we will be tackling the issue again.
I read an interesting article today, about dettering garden pests from attacking plants. It is an organic way in that put down citrus peelings, which pests hate as to the oils! I am not sure how this would actually work, as surely these peelings would just get mouldy + smelly. These then would not be very nice, in a well planted + maintained garden.
Remember all, to read the electricity meter plus the gas if you have one. This is as the energy costs rise on April 1st. When my first new bill arrives, I will want to check how it was done as to the change-over date, and how my accurate readings compare. I
I thought the trumpet fanfare just before the National Anthem was beautiful and very stirring. Made me well up. I am tired to reading all the gossip about Andrew entering with his mother. Why don't people just appreciate the beautiful service and let the rest go.
Two things: Covid: how is it that the week before we went to France, my ONS blood test showed that I had ‘antibodies to a higher level’ ? I felt quite smug and felt very safe. So much for antibodies!
Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service: did anyone else notice that the Queen and several other of the Royal ladies all wore the same coloured outfits, in Dark Green? It looked very coordinated and even the lady talking about her DoE experience wore dark Green too. Perhaps it was the Duke’ favourite colour?
Brilliant Sarnia! That explains it. I kept waiting for Huw Edwards to mention the colour coordination, but he couldn’t have known about the livery colour connection.
The wearing of that green, was very well chosen. It was in total memory, sombre but not as to mourning.
As others have said, the music was amazing and I did sing out loud on a few occaisions. This was OK, as both "the boys" were out at work, so I couldn't be heard...I was surprised though, how I could remember all the words. 🎶
How are you feeling Archerphile- I can see you are managing the odd post 😐 I take it that Mr A and sil and grandsons still Covid free? Mr R had his Spring booster Tuesday pm (Moderna) always had Pfizer before had a slight headache yesterday afternoon and again today plus very sleepy both times. First ever reaction of any sort. Which vaccine did you have this time Mrs P.
On a totally different topic, which originally is what I came here to post. I had "cold call" knock on the door today. I normally send these away, but there was something about this young chatty, female, so I listened. It was so interesting as she was an advocate for the registered charity for deaf children. In my work and in personal life, I have come across many deaf people, both young + old. I also found out that as from September, all pupils entering secondary school, will have lessons in British Sign Language for 2 years. This is to try + so help integrate children with hearing problems, into a much more normal life. As such I immediately agreed to help, with a £10 a month donation. I was not conned, it was my own decision. I heard an omnibus editition of a series called "Ear" a short while ago. This was fictional but told the story of a 27yr old, who suddenly was losing her hearing and what it meant.
Thanks for asking, I am still feeling rotten. Coughing a lot sneezing, feels like bad fu Mr A is still OK, d.I.l. positive but almost symptomless; boys OK so far. I rang about booster vacs this morning and Ihave to wait 28 days before I can have one, which is the day before our cruise! So remembering my painful arms before I shall leave it until we return, if we actually can go,that is.
It will happen, and what is a sore arm for a few days, compared to a cruise. Where is it this time, as sounds exciting. Keep positive, as it is still a month away so you will make it.
This next cruise (delayed from 2 years ago) is around the Baltic, visiting Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki + another place in Finland, 2 days in St Petersburg has been cancelled thanks toMr Putin; so then, Tallinn in Estonia, Riga in Latvia, Gdańsk in Poland and a coupe of extra places in Denmark to make up for Russia. Whether any more of these shore visits gets cancelled depends on what Putin does I imagine.
Electric one was fine, but couldn't do the same as to the gas one. All I got was a message saying Credit On, whatever that means. I have smart meters, so hopefully accurate readings will be taken. I am not bothered as to no gas reading, as my major cost is the electric one. This is just too much cooking (which I love) but I have learnt to turn the hobs + oven off, before finishing, as the residual heats completes the meal to perfection and saves costs.
...plus my electric guzzling trusty old freezer, which is due to be replaced. I still cannot find one, as a suitable new one to meet my needs in so many ways.
I managed to log my meter readings on line at about 12.30 today. But I had tried telephoning, held on for ten minutes then the line went dead. I phoned again and the line didn’t connect, is I assumed that system had crashed.
Great to hear that secondary school pupils are to learn BSL, Miriam. I've always thought it's much easier for hearing people to learn to sign than for deaf people to learn to lip read and speak (although, of course, many do so extremely well). I knew of progress towards introducing a BSL GCSE but I didn't know all pupils were to be taught it - could you tel us more, Miriam?
I did Stage 1 BSLyears ago but sadly never kept it up. A very small person in a shoe took their exam at the same time as I did, having attended all the classes with me. I passed. Sadly, they failed. Though, to be fair, they were only a week old, and they slept in the car seat throughout the test ...
It was info. I was verbally given yesterday, just one hour a week for the 1st 2 yrs of senior school, with the ongoing prospect to go to GCSE level, as you have suggested. I do hope that there are enough BSL teachers, to go round. My gt neice did some BSL at scouts last week, and really understood the need and wants to take it further. This is why I chose to give a monthly donation to the Childs Deaf Society, which will help fund this enterprise.
Owias - Sorry but there is not the subject of BSL yet in Secondary schools. The government says that it needs more time to get the subject researched then allow some time for a pilot and allow a GCSE qualification. The work and research started again (due to Coved restrictions) in September 2020. Any school may give BSL lessons if the lesson times are available.
My OZ nephew in law, was so happy yesterday as his Mum arrived for a visit + stay, for the 1st time since 2019. The inevitable has happened, he tested +ve this morning, so all are in total isolation for 7 days. So his poor Mum is also stuck in, and cannot visit, explore + see the beautiful area, they have moved to since her last visit. Niece is now panicking, as she is supposedly away for a "girlie" break in Fiji in 3 weeks time.
I did a supermarket shop this morning, in sunshine but oh so cold. I was amazed at the number of items I wanted, that were not available. There were loads of empty shelves again. I am off out, to a new Co-op not too far away in the morning, to try + get some of these items. I assume that deliveries are not happening due to illness + fuel costs. I am used to adapting, as we all did in the "foot + mouth" episodes, and at the start of this pandemic. Here we go again.
My car insurance is being renewed on 4th April. At least this is something which has actually gone down! I do this via the AA where I always get a great deal.
According to Fridays news 6 million people caught Covid last week up 1 million on previous week. Well certainly the majority wanted to be free to catch it in order to have pre Covid freedom so now many have! Not that poor Archerphile or your relatives were planning to do so. How long is your nil mother staying Miriam? Yes shopping is certainy getting more difficult for all the reasons you have pointed out,
I did 2 Armageddon shops for the last 2 weeks. I now have 10kg of basmati rice in the garage and a cupboard of staples. I went to do a normal shop yesterday and have decided that if they have something on the shelves that I would normally buy at some point I will just get it. We went for a couple of months with no coconut milk so when it came back in I got 3 cans. Yesterday there were 2 different makes of it available so I got 1 to put away even though I didn’t need it. There have been no tinned toms or passata for the last 2 weeks. When they are back I shall be getting 2 of each. I go to the local Lidl. Prices are going up there too. I tend to buy meat that is reduced and freeze it. I’m a big one for getting bargains then “creating” something from them!! Luckily Mr PtbY will eat anything put in front of him. Lol.
staples: (2nd definition, before the 1st took over?): a main or important element of something "bread, milk and other staples" there's more if you care to look it up I usually have two of most packaged items: one in use and a spare and replace them accordingly
I still have a few paper clips and masses of staples which are no longer allowed in the post
I normally do the same Basia, one in use and one spare. Recently I've been buying extra things when I see them on the shelf as they aren't always available when I need them.
I heard on the radio last week that people receiving food bank parcels are requesting no root veg as they can't afford to use their cookers. I have never heard this before, I always think seasonal veg are the cheapest option for everybody, had not factored in the cost of cooking. I have a stock of chickpeas and lentils, but also buy reduced meat and bread and freeze them. I never buy coffee unless its on promotion, when I buy lots. I have started to fill up the oven with extra items when cooking to maximise the energy, so now have a freezer drawer of baked apples, baked potatoes, rice pudding and fruit crumble.....
My Goose has now laid 4 eggs so I have got the incubator ready to go when she lays her 5th egg, hopefully my Christmas dinner in the making ! I will let her sit , but they are Shetland geese (smaller and less fierce ) and not very good mothers, but we will see. My neighbour is going to set some Polish hen eggs in as well so we wont be wasting any energy .
My neighbour knocked today, to go and see the leverets again, who were out + about in their home in her garden.They have grown so quickly already and are eating well. She reckons that these will be released back into the wild in about 4 weeks time. One is much more timid and soon showed the signs of "stress", ears back, no moving, and this was after just 8 mins - no talk hardly at all and then just in whispers - along with virtually no movement. It was lovely to see them again.
Not very good news from OZ. Both the youngsters are also +ve. The youngest who is not yet 3, who has had breathing problems etc. in the past, spent all day in the nearest hospital emergency department. He had a temp. of 41C, low breathing, floppy + refusing all fluid + food. He is now back home, which my niece is not at all happy about, as she would have prefered him in hosp. overnight, with the constant care + monitering. As he is +ve, they got his symptoms under control, then sent him home. I doubt many will sleep much overnight (OZ time).
Basia ,I am pleased to see that you are posting again. I didn't know about not sending staples by Royal Mail. I sent something the other day by recorded delivery and used a paper clip.
I must be living on another planet. I rarely go Supermarket shopping so didn't realise that there is a shortage of foodstuff. When we had the first lockdown the three items I did stock up on were cat food, tea bags and toilet rolls. I think it was Ev who like me got a big bag of Yorkshire tea bags from Amazon. (May be wrong about that) At the top of my wardrobe there is a kind of plinth behind which I can put things so that they can't be seen. I checked last week and found 32 toilet rolls and some tea bags. They must have been there for almost two years.
I’m not sure I posted about the teabags but indeed Katy gets the big packs of Yorkshire ones. She has a regular subscribe to various items which you can review each month. In March she forgot and we had a deluge of things including 96 toilet rolls! Stockpiling? Not us! I have always bought several of items on offer like tinned tomatoes and have a very full larder but can forget what is in there and buy more or think I have another jar of coffee and the cupboard is bare! I’m not good on organisation and making lists!
Energy costs have risen and I am glad Katy and I share the bills. It must be a terrible worry for low income families and especially those who need to heat the house constantly because of medical concerns.
I am like others, in that I have a good supply of rice (many types), pasta and lentils (again many different sorts). This is to make what I call "padded" meals, along with root vegetables and green veggies. I love swede, pots, carrots etc. My pressure cooker will probably be well used again. I have a new + a much better one now, but in student days and as a young single home owner, I could cook full meals, soups, and so on so quickly + easily. They were very tasty.
Having said that - Tonight. I am cooking R. Pork, Roast pots, carrots, cauli, green beans, stuffing balls, a cider gravy, along with an apple sauce. The oven will be on a high temperature, but I don't care, well for tonight.
"Make Hay, while the Sun Shines as Tomorrow is another Day".
As LJ has said, the one thing that I will buy at whatever cost, is the food for Puss Cat. She so needs to be kept as stable as possible, as she goes into her twilight years - which still might be quite a few yet. 😻😸😺
Buddy went to see the vetty man today as his anal glands needed clearing. Apparently they cause more problems in smaller dogs and I must admit we never had a problem with our border collie! Katy told Denys, the vet that I fed him custard creams and he said to tell me to stop as I would kill him! It was a gross exaggeration on her part as he only occasionally has a very small portion of one! I hope Denys forgets or next time I go down there I could get a sound telling off! 😌😉
Ev. What have you done mentioning biscuits? This leads me onto another topic.
What are others favourite biscuits??? My today one is still a Garibaldi, but I did love a Gypsy Cream which sadly seem no more. A dark chocolate coated digestive, still goes down well - even if it is now from the "cheap" range.
I like Petit Bueurre and Scottish shortbread from Tesco. Both contain butter, not palm oil. Custard creams and Jammy Dodgers are now off the menu as these do contain the dreaded palm oil. I recently discovered most biscuits do. It is a cheap substitute, the biscuits aren’t as good as they were and more beneficial trees to the planet have been sacrificed in order to satisfy the demand from manufacturers.
Good point about palm oil, which I hadn't thought about as in biscuits. I will be reading packets more closely, or making my own again - if I have the ingredients in my store cupboards .
Gypsy loved carrots and apple but the boys won’t touch them! I cook carrots and courgettes and liquidise it and they will take the resulting soup! Dogs need veg as well as meat unlike cats who are largely carnivores.
Never thought of courgettes Ev. That's handy because I grow them. My dog has pancreatitis and can't absorb fat, can only have white fish and chicken and very expensive prescription kibble. If she ignores me when off lead, I just shout 'carrot' and she comes lolloping back.
Now Mr A has Covid too, inevitable really. He has the same symptoms as me, racking cough, flu-ish inability to move much, exhaustion. At least I summed up the effort to have a Bath and get dressed this morning.
So we are looking after each other, sort of. I knew he was feeling really rough when he said he couldn’t face our usual Sunday roast dinner tonight, which is just as well as I don’t think I could face cooking it!
I hope both you and Mr. A. feel much better soon. On Broadcasting House this morning, the presenter said covid hadn't been mentioned at all in the newspapers. People forget so easily. I still wear a mask when shopping, very few around here do, mostly elderly people.
Yes us too, all through both airports and on the plane (BA insisted) but somehow or other the virus got through! Am hearing that many people are cancelling their upcoming Saga cruises because of the stringent anti-Covid precautions on board; constant testing and passengers being confined to their cabins for up to 7 days if they have been sitting near someone with a positive test result.. One lady was on a 7 night cruise and spent 5 nights in isolation! Not much fun, but necessary I suppose.
Sorry Miriam I have been unable to post for some reason. Goose eggs take 30-35 days hens eggs are shorter 20-25 . I will start the incubator tomorrow. I will have to turn the eggs 3 times every day and closer to hatching spray the goose eggs with water to simulate the mother taking a bath otherwise they may not hatch as the membrane will stick to the shell.
I have been watching "The Simpler Life" about people living in the Amish way. This has been fascinating as to how the original group of 24, dwindled down and why. What has surprised me is that the small group left, are the youngsters. They are getting the most out of the long hard hours of manual work, living by the sun and eating what you reap. This shows to me that this age group, really can appreciate + adapt to a more frugal life, without modern technology. I did notice though, that there were massive fridges + freezers all plugged into the electric, so what secret ingredients lurked within these. My question has to be - Just how authentic was this project?? I hope it was!
To add - I am now a Zoo Member again after a short break. I am so looking forwards to a visit again soon. All family in OZ are now +ve, except the visiting Mum 😱
The project only lasted 6 months in what were the easiest months of the year, it might have been different if they had had to survive the winter, in my view not really authentic.
Yes. Although so many learnt so much about themselves in that time, I agree it was not as authentic as it appeared to be. I bet a lot was "staged" for the cameras + viewing. I do think that, although a lot was learnt as to individual styles of life, it was soon forgotten after rejoining the modern world again.
Just catching up with everybody's posts after a few very busy days...
AP - hope you both begin too feel better ASAP. Quite a few people I know have succumbed to COVID over the past few weeks too. We have certainly been going out far more recently but are still wearing masks and avoiding busy places wherever possible.
MrsP - fingers crossed your booster effects have worn off now and you are feeling less exhausted too.
Cowgirl- do keep us up to date with the eggs. I think that to be able to rear your very own Christmas dinner is amazing!
And glad to report that there seems to be no supermarket shortages at all up here....
Now I no longer have any cows I miss my own beef. I rarely buy it these days though the local butchers round here buy local so it is not too bad, but nothing like your own.
Forgot to say - me, MrGG and our neighbours tried curling for the first time ever on Saturday morning. We all absolutely loved it. So much so that we are going back this evening. We were all worried at how slippery the ice would be, but it's nowhere near as slippy as ice on the pavement is. No injuries were sustained!
Off to Durham for a couple of days tomorrow, mainly because we found really cheap train tickets and managed to marry them to a really good deal at a nice hotel. Can't wait to see the cathedral, everyone says it's absolutely magnificent.
Gary, thanks for good wishes. Mr A seems to have it worse than me now and his blood sugar readings are all over the place which is a worry. Despite hardly eating anything, they are dangerously high, probably due to the virus.
Very interesting to hear about curling. I read that after the Olympics, it is becoming a very popular sport in Scotland now with new rinks opening up. But the cost of owning your own set of stones is horrendous. I presume you hire them at the rink? Have a great time in Durham, a wonderful city to explore.
Archerphile so sorry to hear that Mr A also has Covid and so badly right now. How are you feeling now as you are doing some posting I hope a little better, very tired though I imagine🤔 🌈 Sending warm wishes to you both 🌈
Ev - I gave up many biscuits when I discovered Mondelez changed the recipe for from butter and milk to palm oil in 2010 in Cadbury's chocolate. So many 'food' brackets are now with palm oil and the environmentalist concerns grow. As a pescatarian I try to stay as friendly to the environment as possible but palm oil ....I couldn't make sausage rolls because Trex is 100% palm oil as are many other vegetarian products. If I carry on looking up everything I will die of hunger! Also I am very concerned because veggie meals are now so often Vegan. The Telegraph featured a while back the headline 'Are vegans forcing out vegetarians?' Needless to say I think they are!
Yes, Palm oil is everywhere! Interesting that Tesco chocolate, only £1 for a big bar doesn’t contain it. A lot of chocolate does as it substitutes for cocoa butter. The Tesco chocolate is good, well “tempered” with a good snap. We like the nutty one and the fruit & nut. The chocolate biscuits which don’t contain it are those oblong ones bedded in chocolate, I think Bahlsen is the make. Tesco do a similar one with plain chocolate which I have not tried but has good reviews. Vegans crow about saving the planet but their products often contain palm oil instead of butter which let’s face it is always sustainable!
Gary - do let us know what you think of Durham. I've always fancied going but somehow never got there. Archerphile - sending you Get Well wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. My sister caught it recently and she had bad headaches for two days and then it was like a heavy head cold.
GG. Durham: there is a lovely cafe called Vennels on Silver Street, the road going up to the cathedral. It is a16 Century building, and the quiches are really fab, also very good cake. It is up a little alley right next to Waterstones behind Edinburgh Woolen Mill, easy to miss but worth a visit. The indoor market is very old too, has an excellent fish stall.
I was very inspired to try "curling" once. This was on a stone kitchen floor with a loaf of bread, which sis forgot to put the yeast in and was just like a curling stone! A niece of mine used the floor mop to speed it on its way... and this was before any bottles were opened!
The figures of daily +ve tests will now go down very quickly, so it will give a false representation as to the true situation. With all the increasing costs - who will pay nearly £10 for a pack of 5 lft tests, which is needed if have symptoms 😵
Archerfile, hope you both get well soon! It’s just typical, the first time you venture forth! We get something every time we leave the island! Thankfully for me last time just a cold!
AP…..I hope you both recover ASAP 💐 Gary, the best thing about Durham cathedral is the Lego model near the cafe in it. Amazing. On the way up to the cathedral there is a cafe called cafedral. Very good. Down near the river there is the the boat club and tomahawk steak house. Very nice for a drinkie. Opposite that there is the Whisky River. Lovely for a cocktail.
The mention of Palm Oil, certainly got me checking packets. I live near a town, where all suppliers can only use sustainable palm oil sources. My favourite garibaldi biscuits list palm oil, but from such a source.
There now seems to be a shortage of sunflower oil, which will affect many manufactured products, such as frozen chips and so on. This explains whilst shopping last week, the area of that freezer was nearly empty and I couldn't buy my preferred brand. I can make something similar if I need to.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes I’m feeling a lot better in myself but still have a racking cough which keeps me awake at night. Mr A also feeling much better and more alert but we are both still testing poisitive so won’t be going out and will have to miss a long awaited Mahler Symphony 1 concert at the Anvil tomorrow night. Anyone near us like a couple of tickets?
How about kp nuts 🤔 it wouldn’t be for Mr R even if we were able to do so but a shame for the tickets to go to waste. Could the Anvil resell them for you? I still can’t believe you have both succumbed to Covid after all the care you have taken. I know of people you did not have or want any vacs and have remained unaffected 😡
Thanks for the thought, we’re not really into Mahler. Might be worth seeing if the Anvil will give you a credit for a different performance if you explain the situation
Thanks to whoever it was that recommended the play ‘Waterloo Station’ on Sounds. I listened this afternoon and was entranced. Superb dialogue writing by Katie Hims who always writes moving plays and was responsible for a lot of the long running WW1 series, Home Front. I found it very moving.
This is a great site to find good stuff to listen to. I don't have a TV but love radio. Apart from TA I don't listen to very much on Radio 4 as I prefer old stuff on Radio4e. I've just found 'Waterloo Station' (thanks Archerphile) and listened to the first 5 minutes. Will get back to it soon.
Change of subject - our baby albatross is a wee female. She is also the grubbiest baby albie we've ever had. I'm still wasting all my time drooling over her.
It’s so interesting to hear about your life in NZ, EnZed! So different to ours. We might find ourselves nurturing an abandoned kitten or baby hedgehog, but the thought of a baby albatross is quite amazing! Will you be able to return her to the wild eventually?
She isn't exactly mine. She is part of our local albatross colony on Taiaroa Head just outside of Dunedin in the South Island. It is the only land-based albie colony in the world and is looked after by DOC (Dept of Conservation) who have a whole team of rangers dedicated to their welfare. The colony began several decades ago, we think by accident, but it is now a thriving community of totally wild albatross who come here every year to breed. The rangers watch over all the nests but one is chosen each year to be the star of the colony by having a 24 hour live camera feed courtesy of Cornell Lab in the States. If you google Royal Cam you will be able to see it all for yourself.
They are the most amazing birds and so beautiful. People from all over the world follow our royal pair and many leave comments. Please do have a look, but beware. You may end up like me - hooked. If you do check in, it's free for everyone and no need to register to watch, look way across the harbour to the hills on the far side. That's where I live. Half an hour drive from Dunedin City and then another half an hour out to the colony.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteLady R - March 25, 2022 at 12:05 AM
It is now officially the 25th so it’s time to wish my special Mr R a very Happy “90th” Birthday 🎂
It does not seem possible as apart from his orthopaedic problems he is no different to when he was in his 60’s.
A low key day though 5 of us getting together at our friends house with their beautiful garden surrounded by fields. Ooh I sound like Mrs Bucket talking about her sister Violet 😂
Enjoy the weather for the next few days as soon as the clocks go forward the temps are going to drop- wouldn’t you just know it!
Proud to be Yorkshire - March 25, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Wishing his Lordship a very happy birthday. What lovely weather for it. 🎂🎁☕️ or. 🍺
Ev - March 25, 2022 at 9:36 AM
Happy birthday to Lord R! We have a centenarian living just round the corner and over the winter have noticed his car has gone from the drive and the usually immaculate front garden was looking a bit unkempt. I thought he had gone to meet his Maker but yesterday there he was chatting to a lady no doubt making a start on tidying his front garden! This year he will be 101 and still going strong. It makes me feel quite young!
Lady R - March 25, 2022 at 9:42 AM
Well Ev - Mr R too at only 90yrs 🤣😂 in fact he had a card with 80 on so even better!!!
Wishing His Lordship a very happy Birthday Lady R!
ReplyDeleteApologies for being a lazy sod with regards to opening new blogs - the weather has been so amazing up here that we invited the neighbours round for drinks and a big fire in the garden, and to be honest with you I got absolutely roaring drunk and spent all day yesterday in a darkened room whining softly to myself. Feeling MUCH better today.
To compound the laziness I had just got back from a 2 day trip to that fancy London for a friend's 50th. And what with there being a free bar for the ENTIRE evening til 3am, I think it's safe to say that I didn't have the best train journey in the world the next day. Would totally do it all again though!
Sounds Brilliant - and why not indulge and have fun.
DeleteHow is your other half doing?
Many thanks Gary his Lordship ( in his dreams 🤣 ) sends many thanks for your birthday wishes and thinks your recent activities just the job and good on ya 🥃🍷🍺🍰🌭🍟
DeleteHappy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Lord R. 🎶
ReplyDeleteHave a great celebration and to think you share you birthday with another great Sir, the little known Elton John.
🎉🎉
Little Sis in Norfolk is selling up, to move to Suffolk to be nearer her family + grandsons.
ReplyDeleteThe property has been on the market for just 2 days, so far 4 viewings booked, an offer already in , and it still isn't showing on either Rightmove nor Zoopla.
The property will sell fast. She is in a panic already, as she feels the need to find a rental property, to locate to until finding the new forever home.
What a lovely time of year to have a birthday Lord R .
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day.
I am sure the weather is as good if not better where you live as it is here.
My neighbour's hundredth birthday is two days after your 90th Lord R.
Congratulations to Louise Lear,the BBC weather presenter who ,when forecasting the weather for Sunday 27th March ,the mid Sunday of Lent correctly stated that it was the forecast for Mothering Sunday and not the awful Mothers' Day
LJ
DeleteI am with you. It is
still to me, Mothering Sunday.
I always bought a card, for my late Mother, one with Mothering Sunday on, which she so well appreciated.
It's like saying Easter Day, not Easter Sunday. There is a difference.
DeleteI know - another post, which will infuriate so many - but I just have to add:-
ReplyDeleteToday I bought a gorgeous and vibrant orchid, when shopping this morning. It is so healthy, full of buds and so cheap at £10, a good price at the best of times, let alone so close to Mothering Sunday. I know a good buy, and a good orchid.
Mr (Lord) R has had a wonderful day with friends we are now replete and very happy tonight. He thanks you all for your kind wishes. We loved your quip Miriam regarding the little known EJ 🤣
ReplyDeleteHis picture is appearing here for one day only taken a few months ago on a ride out to Cut Mill pond in Surrey.
Agree totally LJ and Miriam “Mothering Sunday” it most definitely is in my book. My one and only niece always marks it as such for me it is just something she loves to do I think she worries I may feel left out bless her. Remember at Church we used to queue up to receive a small bunch of daffodils to give to our mothers. Happy Days.
About the lesser known EJ - I think that his song "Can you feel The Love tonight" is so suitable for you + Lord R.
DeleteAs a child it was violas at the Mothering Sunday Service.
DeleteWe had primroses today : )
DeleteWhat a lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations.
My mother always used to say 'Many Happy Returns', I have never understood why though?
Lovely photo Lady R. Pleased to hear that you and Lord R had an enjoyable celebration for his special birthday.
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations to dear Mr R. We both hope he enjoyed his birthday tremendously, and you too, Lady R.
ReplyDeleteWe had a special day here too.
Corrin was presented with his certificate of French Nationality at the Prefecture in Auch, thé capital of this region. Usually there is a big ceremony with many people invited, presentation by the Mayor and singing of the Marseillais. But sadly, Covid restrictions have caused the ceremony to be slimmed down. However the prefecture is a beautiful building next to the Cathedral, high on a hill in the centre of the city, so quite special.
Afterwards we had a celebratory lunch, then drive home through the lovely countryside hereabouts. A very special, and proud day for us all
Ah a day for special photos Archerphile- and a very proud day indeed congratulations Corrin 👏🏻 ⭐️
DeleteMr R thanks you both for your wishes and very much enjoyed his day thank you.
More good news Archerfile, just what's needed. How lovely for you to be able to enjoy it with your son and his family.
DeleteLady R please pass on my good wishes and say to Lord R he doesn't look a day over seventy.
ReplyDeleteWell Janice what a way to end Mr R’s birthday - your lovely comment much appreciated by him 🤗
DeleteWhat a lovely way to end Mr R’s special day Janice. Your comment has been very much appreciated by him 🤗
DeleteOops post not there then blow me repeated itself 😡
DeleteArcherphile. congrats to your French family, sounds like a very special occasion.
ReplyDeleteGary, thank you for these tulips, the photo is very uplifting. Thank goodness for Spring and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a memorable occaision for You, your Hubbie and all your family.
It was so heart felt to hear, and that you were able to be there so to partake in this event.
You must be so thrilled.
A quick extra, as to a "listen" via Sounds - Blackwater.
ReplyDeleteI only mention this, as I know others like the radio, as much as I do.
Just to say that Little Sis has had a full asking price offer on her Norfolk home, this morning.
ReplyDeleteNot bad after 3 days on sale, at a totally "bonkers" price, but that's the way of things.
Happy Mothering Sunday everyone. 💐💐💐💐
ReplyDeleteAnd So Say I.....
DeleteI have just had a wonderful experience - literally just across the road.
ReplyDeleteA neighbour, with whom I had a long chat with today, gave me the knowledge.
I have a neighbour who works for the RSPCA at a Wildlife Rescue Centre, who I spotted returning home.
As a result - I have just seen a lovely sight. This was two 2 or 3 week old leverets, siblings, but sex still unknown, being cared for by a foster Mum. They are outside in the garden in the day, but are inside overnight.
My visit was short and rightly so. I well know, as these will be released back into the wild and close to where they were found.
Human contact has to be kept to a minimum and necessary.
I feel priveldged to have seen them ☺ ✅
I might not be a Mum, nor now sadly have one - but I Hope You All have been well spoilt..
ReplyDeleteI decided, that I was not going to be left out, so last Friday I bought myself a lovely new orchid, which was surprisingly very cheap. ☺
Katy has been over in Gosport on an archaeological course grubbing around a WW2 minesweeper hulk on the foreshore so I have had a quiet day with the dogs! She’s coming back in time for supper though! She arranged a video featuring Darragh from the Chase who wished me a happy day and told me to relax and put my feet up so I have!😌
ReplyDeleteI am still out with the hour change, so evening meal will be late.
ReplyDeleteI do though now, have lovely mowed lawns - with "stripes".
I had these cut just under a fortnight ago and it is surprising, just how my garden bin has been filled today with grass cuttings.
Now to maintain + continue what has been done.
There is still quite a lot of garden work to be done, which hopefully will happen tomorrow.
This is before the predicted snow/sleeti appears on Thursday.
I’ve felt seriously washed out today.
ReplyDeleteSpring booster for COVID yesterday.
It is worth it. 🤗🤗
DeleteI say this, as to how my 73yr old bro-,in-law suffered. I have only, tonight, learnt the true situation. He was prescribed the pfizer oral tablets, almost was sent into hospital, and only tested -ve on day 11.
DeleteI am angry with Big Sis, for not telling me what was actually happening, rather than the "All is Fine" up-dates.
They are both -ve now, but still slightly."wobbly" and tired, but plan to play golf on Tuesday. 🙅♀️
DeleteI had a lovely surprise today
ReplyDeleteHad entirely forgotten about Mothers Day as it is on a different date in France
But daughter in England had bought, signed and sent to son here in France a beautiful card with instructions (and contribution) to buy a suitable gift.
So, after lunch the two grandsons presented me with the card, duly signed by everyone, and a lovely cut glass flower vase.
I was so touched that both my children had remembered the day.
Sadly it is our last day here and I think I have come down with Covid, or a dose of flu. Sore throat, shivering, headache, can hardly open eyes etc. Shan’t do a test until I get home tomorrow and fortunately for me, all restrictions lifted for returning to UK anyway. But cross I may have succumbed after avoiding infection for two years
Hope that the journey isn't too bad for you Archerfile, you'll be glad to get home
DeleteLovely Mother’s Day with both daughters here. My resident hermit made a fantastic cake so lunch followed by afternoon tea a couple of hours later. No desire for supper.
ReplyDeleteHope you get home safely Archerphile and are merely experiencing a cold.
With the girls not being close by we had a family video call instead.
ReplyDeleteTwo sons remembered with flowers and cards (both with 'Mothering Sunday' on) and daughter sent flowers from Aus and a cake for 'Someone Special' on it. Eldest son ring me and we played games. Granddaughter daughter had recovered from Covid. She had two positives and 2 negatives so final test was at testing centre and was negative so she didn't have it or was suitably recoved, as she had it before. However dil seems to have come down with it.
ReplyDeleteGranddaughter then got an assessment practice on Duke of Edinburgh award hike and overnight stay, run by the school, and they all got thoroughly lost! She's never been in Scouts or Guides! Never mind the next assessment or even practice hopefully will iron out the problems!
Last meeting of Cubs tonight where they will go to Indoor ski centre for snow-tubing and toboggan run. Definitely warm clothes. Last meeting for 3 weeks then on to summer term, although I won't be camping this year!
I had a bouquet of flowers awaiting me on the doorstep when I got back from football on Saturday from my son. He said it was double the price of delivery on the Sunday so sent it on Saturday instead. You can’t take the Yorkshire out of the lad!!! 😁
ReplyDeleteThat must be why I am forever telling people off for leaving things on standby. My neighbour, an electrician , is always telling me it only uses......
DeleteI say, I dont care that mounts up when you consider everyones usage
It drives me mad when the family come as I spend my time turning off lights.
We had a nice Sunday afternoon in the sun. Instead of me cooking Sunday roast we bought pasties and had a picnic on the beach, with baby in his pram. His first trip to the beach at 17 days old, maybe one day he will be a great surfer, and it was his mum's first Mothering Sunday. My daughter produced a cake in the shape of a cat! Perhaps inspired by our naughty cat (see new picture). Our church did not have a service this Sunday as the vicar has covid. Ditto at least half of the village which we are avoiding at present.
ReplyDeleteTwo little girls were standing outside the village shop the other day, one goes in and asks if her friend could borrow a mask before she comes in, - because she has covid!! She was asked to not come in, but if parents let their kids wander around outdoors with covid it isn't really any wonder it is spreading through the village.
DeleteA neice living in Essex, also had the Sunday Mothering Service cancelled, due to very similar reasons.
DeleteI finally finished my early garden plans. All the lawn edges were trimmed, 7 new herbaceous plants bedded in, 10 "short stemmed" gladioli bulbs were planted.
ReplyDeleteOn looking out, even I can't see any difference...but my back is telling me otherwise, after so much digging.
A hot jet bath, with smellies, will sort things out.
Puss cat is a bit confused. The empty flower bed that she loved to lie in the sun in, now has plants in it!
DeleteHopefully she will find another place in the garden.
I hope Archerphile has a good journey home, and that she feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteI still have a heading - "ersfan.blogspot.com" which seems here to stay.
Thanks Miriam and everyone
ReplyDeleteBut had awful journey home!
Just couldn’t stop coughing on plane so spent whole flight tightly turned into window so no to cough on other passengers. We had to wear masks all the way which was just as well
Had taxi home from Heathrow & tried to suppress cough, but couldn’t help myself.
Lovely, kind Chinese driver ( on his first ever job for the company) insisted on stopping on hard shoulder of M3 to get out and fetch me a bottle of water from the boot!
It did help a bit but I felt dreadful that he’d put his life at risk for us.
Straight to bed on reaching home, 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 all night, & still here this morning.
Will do Covid test later 🥴
Covid test Positive
DeleteI have the dreaded lurgy! And so has daughter in law in France.
Feel awful, staying in bed today.
Bad luck Archerfile. Hope you get better soon.
DeleteSounds horrible Archerphile, hope you rest and feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteHow my thoughts are with Archerphile, I wish her so very well and also that Mr.A is still OK.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect to see a direct post for a while. She needs to preserve her strength and just overcome it.
It must be so frustrating to have been so careful, for such a long time, to now succumb.
Take Care Archerphile and REST!
My thoughts are now - not IF I get this awful virus, but when??
ReplyDeleteI still swallow my daily Vit D pill, every morning, but I am not sure if actually helps with this ongoing situation.
The interesting thing in my own family is that, the two who seemed most likely to get it, still haven't even though their hubbies have. One is a primary school teacher who has worked, throughout even in Lockdowns with children of key workers. The other works in Central London, so travels by overland rail, then underground, to her workplace, though admitedly at the peak the boss paid for taxis (rather than the underground).
This strikes me that in some way, as to a more constant exposure, their immunity has been enhanced aided by their vaccines...No idea really.
I can’t understand why I didn’t get it after spending a lot of time with younger brother who tested positive and texted as I travelled home. I was also exposed in October when Katy had it. I tested several times after coming home from Crewe but negative each time. I am not complacent though and will continue to be careful!
DeleteEv. It is strange isn't it. Like you I am still being careful, using hand gels, washing hands on returning home from outings, wearing a mask in shops. However I am quite happy talking face-to-face, having a lovely chat + hug, with those I know well, be it family, neighbours or friends.
DeleteOn a different topic - I watched the service from Westminster Abbey this morning.
ReplyDeleteI, personally, found it moving and loved all the music - organ, choir, hymns and the "trumpets".
How lovely it was, to also see so many youngsters alongside thier Mums + Dads. They were also so very close to their Great-Grandma.
I admit, I did get a bit of dust in my eyes, at one stage.
Have just spent the last 2 hours stacking the last of next winters logs. I am fortunate to have plenty of room to store it. It reminds me of the relief I use to feel when the winter feed for the cattle was safely in.
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly a good job done well.
DeleteWith the fuel costs increasing, you will so warm + cosy..
Do you take in guests??
Miraim I think you would find my house rather chilly as I am economical with heat and refuse to use the central heating, only those rooms I sit in are warm. My brother called one house I lived in ,Shivering Heights , this is a little warmer !
DeleteOoohhh no cowgirl! I will definitely not be requesting an invite 🤣
DeleteCowgirl. I will be fine in front of a lovely roaring fire, with a hot water bottle in my bed. It was how I lived as a youngster in the late '50's and I can cook, as to what is available.
DeleteMiriam In the days when I had an Aga it was a brick in the oven to go to bed with, these days I run to an electric blanket, Puss cat has one too if I am away for the night.
DeleteYou might have to cook and heat your water in the winter on the log burner, I do have an electric shower though such creature comforts !!!
Lady R i was going to say its better in the summer
but when I thought about it it is often warmer outside than in as is typical of a stone house.
Perversely cowgirl I like to be out of any Summer heat so your stone cottage would then come in handy for me 🙃
DeleteI can hardly believe your misfortune Archerphile such a shame it seems to me you are blighted to travel even before Covid 🙁
ReplyDeleteI wish you well and hope that the worst time of the illness is a short one for you and that Mr A does not contract it. What a lovely taxi driver 🤞🏼 for him also.
Mr R had his Spring jab this afternoon - Moderna this time. If I have that in the Autumn I will have had 3 different jabs!
Miriam yes a lovely service today a joy to hear the old hymns and bless our dear Queen ⭐️
I felt so emotional, as to the singing of The National Anthem at the end!
Delete..All standing at full attention and rightly so 👑
Delete👍
DeleteSlug trails all over my sitting room carpet this morning, why is it I can never find the culprits, or how they get in. Having said that I did find 2 trying to get into the fridge, soon made short work of them, well the hens did !
ReplyDeleteYou're having a jest, surely 😆 😉
DeleteCow girl the trails I get across carpets are usually slugs with shells on. I’m also going for the National collection of spiders. I have to promise my grandchildren before they come to stay, that I have hoovered their bedroom so it’s spider free.
DeleteOn warmth and cottages, my sister’s wattle and daub thatched cottage was very eco friendly - the thick mud walls kept the rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There was no damp course, stone slabs were laid straight onto the sandy soil.
No Miriam I'm serious. The slugs were trapped in the rubber seal of the fridge, there are often trails in the sitting room.
DeleteSoz I have the same problem with spiders, I love to see them when they have their offspring. Like your Grandchildren, my Great niece and nephew have the same problem, though I am encouraging them to be brave and try and look at them as friends rather than enemies. I am having some effect. Unfortunately these phobias are generally learnt. I had a phobia of mice learnt from my mother,when I went to live in the wilds I knew I had to deal with it and I did overcome it , though I still dont like rats, I think it is their tails, I tell the children about it as a way of encouraging themas it is such a handicap to live with. They will be with me for Easter so we will be tackling the issue again.
DeleteI read an interesting article today, about dettering garden pests from attacking plants.
ReplyDeleteIt is an organic way in that put down citrus peelings, which pests hate as to the oils!
I am not sure how this would actually work, as surely these peelings would just get mouldy + smelly. These then would not be very nice, in a well planted + maintained garden.
How sad to hear about Tom Parker from The Wanted.
ReplyDeleteHe fought well.
Remember all, to read the electricity meter plus the gas if you have one. This is as the energy costs rise on April 1st. When my first new bill arrives, I will want to check how it was done as to the change-over date, and how my accurate readings compare.
ReplyDeleteI
I will take note of these readings late afternoon on March 31st. to then compare as to my next energy bill.
DeleteI will not be made an April Fool.
I will take photos of my meter readings which will have the date + time stamp, just in case.
DeleteI thought the trumpet fanfare just before the National Anthem was beautiful and very stirring. Made me well up. I am tired to reading all the gossip about Andrew entering with his mother. Why don't people just appreciate the beautiful service and let the rest go.
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️👏🏻
DeleteI thought that Andrew supporting his Mum, was just right at his Dads service and was so lovely.
DeleteTwo things:
ReplyDeleteCovid: how is it that the week before we went to France, my ONS blood test showed that I had ‘antibodies to a higher level’ ? I felt quite smug and felt very safe. So much for antibodies!
Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service: did anyone else notice that the Queen and several other of the Royal ladies all wore the same coloured outfits, in Dark Green? It looked very coordinated and even the lady talking about her DoE experience wore dark Green too.
Perhaps it was the Duke’ favourite colour?
Edinburgh green, Prince Philip's livery colour.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Sarnia!
DeleteThat explains it. I kept waiting for Huw Edwards to mention the colour coordination, but he couldn’t have known about the livery colour connection.
The wearing of that green, was very well chosen. It was in total memory, sombre but not as to mourning.
DeleteAs others have said, the music was amazing and I did sing out loud on a few occaisions. This was OK, as both "the boys" were out at work, so I couldn't be heard...I was surprised though, how I could remember all the words.
🎶
It was lovely seeing all The Royals plus the great-children, all close by and together. I do wonder if this cluster will happen again - I hope so.
DeleteArcherphile How are you doing??
ReplyDeleteI hope you are doing well.
How are you feeling Archerphile- I can see you are managing the odd post 😐 I take it that Mr A and sil and grandsons still Covid free?
ReplyDeleteMr R had his Spring booster Tuesday pm (Moderna) always had Pfizer before had a slight headache yesterday afternoon and again today plus very sleepy both times. First ever reaction of any sort. Which vaccine did you have this time Mrs P.
On a totally different topic, which originally is what I came here to post.
ReplyDeleteI had "cold call" knock on the door today. I normally send these away, but there was something about this young chatty, female, so I listened. It was so interesting as she was an advocate for the registered charity for deaf children. In my work and in personal life, I have come across many deaf people, both young + old. I also found out that as from September, all pupils entering secondary school, will have lessons in British Sign Language for 2 years. This is to try + so help integrate children with hearing problems, into a much more normal life.
As such I immediately agreed to help, with a £10 a month donation.
I was not conned, it was my own decision.
I heard an omnibus editition of a series called "Ear" a short while ago. This was fictional but told the story of a 27yr old, who suddenly was losing her hearing and what it meant.
The charity is The National Deaf Childrens Society, to fund support and help to the youngsters with hearing problems + their families.
DeleteThanks for asking, I am still feeling rotten. Coughing a lot sneezing, feels like bad fu
ReplyDeleteMr A is still OK, d.I.l. positive but almost symptomless; boys OK so far.
I rang about booster vacs this morning and Ihave to wait 28 days before I can have one, which is the day before our cruise! So remembering my painful arms before I shall leave it until we return, if we actually can go,that is.
It will happen, and what is a sore arm for a few days, compared to a cruise.
DeleteWhere is it this time, as sounds exciting.
Keep positive, as it is still a month away so you will make it.
This next cruise (delayed from 2 years ago) is around the Baltic, visiting Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki + another place in Finland, 2 days in St Petersburg has been cancelled thanks toMr Putin; so then, Tallinn in Estonia, Riga in Latvia, Gdańsk in Poland and a coupe of extra places in Denmark to make up for Russia.
DeleteWhether any more of these shore visits gets cancelled depends on what Putin does I imagine.
That sounds idyllic and just what you both will need.
DeleteGood luck with taking a photograph of your meters Miriam.
ReplyDeleteThe website of my supplier has crashed.
Electric one was fine, but couldn't do the same as to the gas one. All I got was a message saying Credit On, whatever that means. I have smart meters, so hopefully accurate readings will be taken.
DeleteI am not bothered as to no gas reading, as my major cost is the electric one. This is just too much cooking (which I love) but I have learnt to turn the hobs + oven off, before finishing, as the residual heats completes the meal to perfection and saves costs.
My other big electric costs are:- the toaster, the microwave, plus my toasted sandwich maker.
DeleteThese I love and will not reduce the usage.
...plus my electric guzzling trusty old freezer, which is due to be replaced. I still cannot find one, as a suitable new one to meet my needs in so many ways.
DeleteI managed to log my meter readings on line at about 12.30 today.
ReplyDeleteBut I had tried telephoning, held on for ten minutes then the line went dead.
I phoned again and the line didn’t connect, is I assumed that system had crashed.
Lady R…… I had the Pfizer again.
Great to hear that secondary school pupils are to learn BSL, Miriam. I've always thought it's much easier for hearing people to learn to sign than for deaf people to learn to lip read and speak (although, of course, many do so extremely well). I knew of progress towards introducing a BSL GCSE but I didn't know all pupils were to be taught it - could you tel us more, Miriam?
ReplyDeleteI did Stage 1 BSLyears ago but sadly never kept it up. A very small person in a shoe took their exam at the same time as I did, having attended all the classes with me. I passed. Sadly, they failed. Though, to be fair, they were only a week old, and they slept in the car seat throughout the test ...
It was info. I was verbally given yesterday, just one hour a week for the 1st 2 yrs of senior school, with the ongoing prospect to go to GCSE level, as you have suggested.
DeleteI do hope that there are enough BSL teachers, to go round.
My gt neice did some BSL at scouts last week, and really understood the need and wants to take it further.
This is why I chose to give a monthly donation to the Childs Deaf Society, which will help fund this enterprise.
Owias - Sorry but there is not the subject of BSL yet in Secondary schools. The government says that it needs more time to get the subject researched then allow some time for a pilot and allow a GCSE qualification. The work and research started again (due to Coved restrictions) in September 2020.
DeleteAny school may give BSL lessons if the lesson times are available.
My OZ nephew in law, was so happy yesterday as his Mum arrived for a visit + stay, for the 1st time since 2019.
ReplyDeleteThe inevitable has happened, he tested +ve this morning, so all are in total isolation for 7 days.
So his poor Mum is also stuck in, and cannot visit, explore + see the beautiful area, they have moved to since her last visit.
Niece is now panicking, as she is supposedly away for a "girlie" break in Fiji in 3 weeks time.
I did a supermarket shop this morning, in sunshine but oh so cold. I was amazed at the number of items I wanted, that were not available. There were loads of empty shelves again.
DeleteI am off out, to a new Co-op not too far away in the morning, to try + get some of these items.
I assume that deliveries are not happening due to illness + fuel costs.
I am used to adapting, as we all did in the "foot + mouth" episodes, and at the start of this pandemic.
Here we go again.
My car insurance is being renewed on 4th April. At least this is something which has actually gone down!
DeleteI do this via the AA where I always get a great deal.
According to Fridays news 6 million people caught Covid last week up 1 million on previous week. Well certainly the majority wanted to be free to catch it in order to have pre Covid freedom so now many have!
DeleteNot that poor Archerphile or your relatives were planning to do so. How long is your nil mother staying Miriam?
Yes shopping is certainy getting more difficult for all the reasons you have pointed out,
I did 2 Armageddon shops for the last 2 weeks. I now have 10kg of basmati rice in the garage and a cupboard of staples. I went to do a normal shop yesterday and have decided that if they have something on the shelves that I would normally buy at some point I will just get it. We went for a couple of months with no coconut milk so when it came back in I got 3 cans. Yesterday there were 2 different makes of it available so I got 1 to put away even though I didn’t need it. There have been no tinned toms or passata for the last 2 weeks. When they are back I shall be getting 2 of each. I go to the local Lidl. Prices are going up there too. I tend to buy meat that is reduced and freeze it. I’m a big one for getting bargains then “creating” something from them!! Luckily Mr PtbY will eat anything put in front of him. Lol.
ReplyDeleteHaha. Just read that back. I have a cupboard of staple food stuff not a cupboard full of metal staples. 😆
DeleteI read what I expected to see so didn’t even notice 😂🤣😂
Deletestaples: (2nd definition, before the 1st took over?): a main or important element of something
ReplyDelete"bread, milk and other staples"
there's more if you care to look it up
I usually have two of most packaged items: one in use and a spare and replace them accordingly
I still have a few paper clips and masses of staples which are no longer allowed in the post
I normally do the same Basia, one in use and one spare. Recently I've been buying extra things when I see them on the shelf as they aren't always available when I need them.
ReplyDeleteI heard on the radio last week that people receiving food bank parcels are requesting no root veg as they can't afford to use their cookers. I have never heard this before, I always think seasonal veg are the cheapest option for everybody, had not factored in the cost of cooking.
ReplyDeleteI have a stock of chickpeas and lentils, but also buy reduced meat and bread and freeze them.
I never buy coffee unless its on promotion, when I buy lots.
I have started to fill up the oven with extra items when cooking to maximise the energy, so now have a freezer drawer of baked apples, baked potatoes, rice pudding and fruit crumble.....
My Goose has now laid 4 eggs so I have got the incubator ready to go when she lays her 5th egg, hopefully my Christmas dinner in the making !
ReplyDeleteI will let her sit , but they are Shetland geese (smaller and less fierce ) and not very good mothers, but we will see.
My neighbour is going to set some Polish hen eggs in as well so we wont be wasting any energy .
Fascinating. Do keep us informed. How long are the eggs be in the incubator before hatching
DeleteMy neighbour knocked today, to go and see the leverets again, who were out + about in their home in her garden.They have grown so quickly already and are eating well. She reckons that these will be released back into the wild in about 4 weeks time.
ReplyDeleteOne is much more timid and soon showed the signs of "stress", ears back, no moving, and this was after just 8 mins - no talk hardly at all and then just in whispers - along with virtually no movement.
It was lovely to see them again.
Not very good news from OZ.
Both the youngsters are also +ve.
The youngest who is not yet 3, who has had breathing problems etc. in the past, spent all day in the nearest hospital emergency department.
He had a temp. of 41C, low breathing, floppy + refusing all fluid + food. He is now back home, which my niece is not at all happy about, as she would have prefered him in hosp. overnight, with the constant care + monitering. As he is +ve, they got his symptoms under control, then sent him home.
I doubt many will sleep much overnight (OZ time).
Basia ,I am pleased to see that you are posting again.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about not sending staples by Royal Mail.
I sent something the other day by recorded delivery and used a paper clip.
I must be living on another planet.
I rarely go Supermarket shopping so didn't realise that there is a shortage of foodstuff.
When we had the first lockdown the three items I did stock up on were cat food, tea bags and toilet rolls.
I think it was Ev who like me got a big bag of Yorkshire tea bags from Amazon.
(May be wrong about that)
At the top of my wardrobe there is a kind of plinth behind which I can put things so that they can't be seen.
I checked last week and found 32 toilet rolls and some tea bags.
They must have been there for almost two years.
I’m not sure I posted about the teabags but indeed Katy gets the big packs of Yorkshire ones. She has a regular subscribe to various items which you can review each month. In March she forgot and we had a deluge of things including 96 toilet rolls! Stockpiling? Not us! I have always bought several of items on offer like tinned tomatoes and have a very full larder but can forget what is in there and buy more or think I have another jar of coffee and the cupboard is bare! I’m not good on organisation and making lists!
DeleteEnergy costs have risen and I am glad Katy and I share the bills. It must be a terrible worry for low income families and especially those who need to heat the house constantly because of medical concerns.
I am like others, in that I have a good supply of rice (many types), pasta and lentils (again many different sorts).
ReplyDeleteThis is to make what I call "padded" meals, along with root vegetables and green veggies.
I love swede, pots, carrots etc. My pressure cooker will probably be well used again.
I have a new + a much better one now, but in student days and as a young single home owner, I could cook full meals, soups, and so on so quickly + easily.
They were very tasty.
Having said that -
DeleteTonight. I am cooking R. Pork, Roast pots, carrots, cauli, green beans, stuffing balls, a cider gravy, along with an apple sauce.
The oven will be on a high temperature, but I don't care, well for tonight.
"Make Hay, while the Sun Shines as Tomorrow is another Day".
As LJ has said, the one thing that I will buy at whatever cost, is the food for Puss Cat.
ReplyDeleteShe so needs to be kept as stable as possible, as she goes into her twilight years - which still might be quite a few yet. 😻😸😺
Buddy went to see the vetty man today as his anal glands needed clearing. Apparently they cause more problems in smaller dogs and I must admit we never had a problem with our border collie! Katy told Denys, the vet that I fed him custard creams and he said to tell me to stop as I would kill him! It was a gross exaggeration on her part as he only occasionally has a very small portion of one! I hope Denys forgets or next time I go down there I could get a sound telling off! 😌😉
ReplyDeleteSorry Ev, I am with Katy and the vet, He would be just as happy with a dog treat and so much healthier.
DeleteI so agree Cowgirl and emphasise that I don’t make a habit of it!
DeleteEv. What have you done mentioning biscuits?
ReplyDeleteThis leads me onto another topic.
What are others favourite biscuits???
My today one is still a Garibaldi, but I did love a Gypsy Cream which sadly seem no more.
A dark chocolate coated digestive, still goes down well - even if it is now from the "cheap" range.
I like Petit Bueurre and Scottish shortbread from Tesco. Both contain butter, not palm oil. Custard creams and Jammy Dodgers are now off the menu as these do contain the dreaded palm oil. I recently discovered most biscuits do. It is a cheap substitute, the biscuits aren’t as good as they were and more beneficial trees to the planet have been sacrificed in order to satisfy the demand from manufacturers.
DeleteGood point about palm oil, which I hadn't thought about as in biscuits.
DeleteI will be reading packets more closely, or making my own again - if I have the ingredients in my store cupboards
.
Rarely eat biscuits Miriam but would choose shortbread made with butter.
DeleteRich tea - no idea if any palm oil in them. I did notice my Jackson’s bread had ‘no palm oil’ on the wrapper.
DeleteDog treats = carrots in my house.
ReplyDeleteGypsy loved carrots and apple but the boys won’t touch them! I cook carrots and courgettes and liquidise it and they will take the resulting soup! Dogs need veg as well as meat unlike cats who are largely carnivores.
DeleteNever thought of courgettes Ev. That's handy because I grow them.
DeleteMy dog has pancreatitis and can't absorb fat, can only have white fish and chicken and very expensive prescription kibble. If she ignores me when off lead, I just shout 'carrot' and she comes lolloping back.
Now Mr A has Covid too, inevitable really.
ReplyDeleteHe has the same symptoms as me, racking cough, flu-ish inability to move much, exhaustion.
At least I summed up the effort to have a Bath and get dressed this morning.
So we are looking after each other, sort of.
I knew he was feeling really rough when he said he couldn’t face our usual Sunday roast dinner tonight, which is just as well as I don’t think I could face cooking it!
Hope that you're both over the worst soon Archerfile.
DeleteI hope both you and Mr. A. feel much better soon.
ReplyDeleteOn Broadcasting House this morning, the presenter said covid hadn't been mentioned at all in the newspapers. People forget so easily. I still wear a mask when shopping, very few around here do, mostly elderly people.
Yes us too, all through both airports and on the plane (BA insisted) but somehow or other the virus got through!
DeleteAm hearing that many people are cancelling their upcoming Saga cruises because of the stringent anti-Covid precautions on board; constant testing and passengers being confined to their cabins for up to 7 days if they have been sitting near someone with a positive test result.. One lady was on a 7 night cruise and spent 5 nights in isolation!
Not much fun, but necessary I suppose.
Sorry Miriam I have been unable to post for some reason. Goose eggs take 30-35 days hens eggs are shorter 20-25 .
ReplyDeleteI will start the incubator tomorrow. I will have to turn the eggs 3 times every day and closer to hatching spray the goose eggs with water to simulate the mother taking a bath otherwise they may not hatch as the membrane will stick to the shell.
This is so fascinating + interesting. I had no idea what this egg hatching actually entails.
DeleteI have been watching "The Simpler Life" about people living in the Amish way.
ReplyDeleteThis has been fascinating as to how the original group of 24, dwindled down and why.
What has surprised me is that the small group left, are the youngsters. They are getting the most out of the long hard hours of manual work, living by the sun and eating what you reap.
This shows to me that this age group, really can appreciate + adapt to a more frugal life, without modern technology.
I did notice though, that there were massive fridges + freezers all plugged into the electric, so what secret ingredients lurked within these. My question has to be - Just how authentic was this project??
I hope it was!
To add - I am now a Zoo Member again after a short break. I am so looking forwards to a visit again soon.
All family in OZ are now +ve, except the visiting Mum 😱
The project only lasted 6 months in what were the easiest months of the year, it might have been different if they had had to survive the winter, in my view not really authentic.
DeleteYes. Although so many learnt so much about themselves in that time, I agree it was not as authentic as it appeared to be.
DeleteI bet a lot was "staged" for the cameras + viewing.
I do think that, although a lot was learnt as to individual styles of life, it was soon forgotten after rejoining the modern world again.
Just catching up with everybody's posts after a few very busy days...
ReplyDeleteAP - hope you both begin too feel better ASAP. Quite a few people I know have succumbed to COVID over the past few weeks too. We have certainly been going out far more recently but are still wearing masks and avoiding busy places wherever possible.
MrsP - fingers crossed your booster effects have worn off now and you are feeling less exhausted too.
Cowgirl- do keep us up to date with the eggs. I think that to be able to rear your very own Christmas dinner is amazing!
And glad to report that there seems to be no supermarket shortages at all up here....
Now I no longer have any cows I miss my own beef. I rarely buy it these days though the local butchers round here buy local so it is not too bad, but nothing like your own.
DeleteForgot to say - me, MrGG and our neighbours tried curling for the first time ever on Saturday morning. We all absolutely loved it. So much so that we are going back this evening. We were all worried at how slippery the ice would be, but it's nowhere near as slippy as ice on the pavement is. No injuries were sustained!
ReplyDeleteOff to Durham for a couple of days tomorrow, mainly because we found really cheap train tickets and managed to marry them to a really good deal at a nice hotel. Can't wait to see the cathedral, everyone says it's absolutely magnificent.
Gary, thanks for good wishes. Mr A seems to have it worse than me now and his blood sugar readings are all over the place which is a worry. Despite hardly eating anything, they are dangerously high, probably due to the virus.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to hear about curling. I read that after the Olympics, it is becoming a very popular sport in Scotland now with new rinks opening up. But the cost of owning your own set of stones is horrendous. I presume you hire them at the rink?
Have a great time in Durham, a wonderful city to explore.
Archerphile so sorry to hear that Mr A also has Covid and so badly right now. How are you feeling now as you are doing some posting I hope a little better, very tired though I imagine🤔
ReplyDelete🌈 Sending warm wishes to you both 🌈
Ev - I gave up many biscuits when I discovered Mondelez changed the recipe for from butter and milk to palm oil in 2010 in Cadbury's chocolate.
ReplyDeleteSo many 'food' brackets are now with palm oil and the environmentalist concerns grow.
As a pescatarian I try to stay as friendly to the environment as possible but palm oil ....I couldn't make sausage rolls because Trex is 100% palm oil as are many other vegetarian products. If I carry on looking up everything I will die of hunger!
Also I am very concerned because veggie meals are now so often Vegan.
The Telegraph featured a while back the headline 'Are vegans forcing out vegetarians?' Needless to say I think they are!
Yes, Palm oil is everywhere! Interesting that Tesco chocolate, only £1 for a big bar doesn’t contain it. A lot of chocolate does as it substitutes for cocoa butter. The Tesco chocolate is good, well “tempered” with a good snap. We like the nutty one and the fruit & nut. The chocolate biscuits which don’t contain it are those oblong ones bedded in chocolate, I think Bahlsen is the make. Tesco do a similar one with plain chocolate which I have not tried but has good reviews. Vegans crow about saving the planet but their products often contain palm oil instead of butter which let’s face it is always sustainable!
DeleteThank you about Tesco's chocolate. When Lent is over (!!!!!) I will have some and try it!
DeleteArcherphile - So sorry you and husband have succumbed to the 'Covid' I do hope you are treating yourselves well!
ReplyDeleteGary - do let us know what you think of Durham. I've always fancied going but somehow never got there.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - sending you Get Well wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. My sister caught it recently and she had bad headaches for two days and then it was like a heavy head cold.
Archerphile, best wishes to you and your husband, hopefully things will even out shortly.
ReplyDeleteAP, bon rétablissement to you and Mr AP, sounds like a bit of a do.
ReplyDeleteGG, enjoy Durham! I certainly did.
GG. Durham: there is a lovely cafe called Vennels on Silver Street, the road going up to the cathedral. It is a16 Century building, and the quiches are really fab, also very good cake. It is up a little alley right next to Waterstones behind Edinburgh Woolen Mill, easy to miss but worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteThe indoor market is very old too, has an excellent fish stall.
I was very inspired to try "curling" once.
ReplyDeleteThis was on a stone kitchen floor with a loaf of bread, which sis forgot to put the yeast in and was just like a curling stone! A niece of mine used the floor mop to speed it on its way... and this was before any bottles were opened!
Mr + Mrs Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you both and hope it is a speedy recovery.
The figures of daily
Delete+ve tests will now go down very quickly, so it will give a false representation as to the true situation.
With all the increasing costs - who will pay nearly £10 for a pack of 5 lft tests, which is needed if have symptoms 😵
How sad to hear about the passing of another British icon, who was so well known to many.
ReplyDeleteJune Brown aka Dot Cotton.
Archerfile, hope you both get well soon! It’s just typical, the first time you venture forth! We get something every time we leave the island! Thankfully for me last time just a cold!
ReplyDeleteAP…..I hope you both recover ASAP 💐
ReplyDeleteGary, the best thing about Durham cathedral is the Lego model near the cafe in it. Amazing.
On the way up to the cathedral there is a cafe called cafedral. Very good.
Down near the river there is the the boat club and tomahawk steak house. Very nice for a drinkie. Opposite that there is the Whisky River. Lovely for a cocktail.
The mention of Palm Oil, certainly got me checking packets.
ReplyDeleteI live near a town, where all suppliers can only use sustainable palm oil sources.
My favourite garibaldi biscuits list palm oil, but from such a source.
There now seems to be a shortage of sunflower oil, which will affect many manufactured products, such as frozen chips and so on. This explains whilst shopping last week, the area of that freezer was nearly empty and I couldn't buy my preferred brand.
I can make something similar if I need to.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes
ReplyDeleteI’m feeling a lot better in myself but still have a racking cough which keeps me awake at night.
Mr A also feeling much better and more alert but we are both still testing poisitive so won’t be going out and will have to miss a long awaited Mahler Symphony 1 concert at the Anvil tomorrow night.
Anyone near us like a couple of tickets?
How about kp nuts 🤔 it wouldn’t be for Mr R even if we were able to do so but a shame for the tickets to go to waste. Could the Anvil resell them for you?
DeleteI still can’t believe you have both succumbed to Covid after all the care you have taken. I know of people you did not have or want any vacs and have remained unaffected 😡
I think that those who have been so very careful, are now the most susceptible, which includes me..
DeleteCould you perhaps ask if the Anvil could swop them for something else nice at a later date? It's a real shame. Hope you both get better soon.
DeleteThanks for the thought, we’re not really into Mahler. Might be worth seeing if the Anvil will give you a credit for a different performance if you explain the situation
DeleteThanks to whoever it was that recommended the play ‘Waterloo Station’ on Sounds.
ReplyDeleteI listened this afternoon and was entranced.
Superb dialogue writing by Katie Hims who always writes moving plays and was responsible for a lot of the long running WW1 series, Home Front. I found it very moving.
Ha, you either get nothing published or a double dose!
ReplyDeleteI will look for this. I loved Home Front.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Now downloaded. 🤗
ReplyDeleteThis is a great site to find good stuff to listen to. I don't have a TV but love radio. Apart from TA I don't listen to very much on Radio 4 as I prefer old stuff on Radio4e. I've just found 'Waterloo Station' (thanks Archerphile) and listened to the first 5 minutes. Will get back to it soon.
ReplyDeleteChange of subject - our baby albatross is a wee female. She is also the grubbiest baby albie we've ever had. I'm still wasting all my time drooling over her.
It’s so interesting to hear about your life in NZ, EnZed! So different to ours. We might find ourselves nurturing an abandoned kitten or baby hedgehog, but the thought of a baby albatross is quite amazing!
DeleteWill you be able to return her to the wild eventually?
She isn't exactly mine. She is part of our local albatross colony on Taiaroa Head just outside of Dunedin in the South Island. It is the only land-based albie colony in the world and is looked after by DOC (Dept of Conservation) who have a whole team of rangers dedicated to their welfare. The colony began several decades ago, we think by accident, but it is now a thriving community of totally wild albatross who come here every year to breed. The rangers watch over all the nests but one is chosen each year to be the star of the colony by having a 24 hour live camera feed courtesy of Cornell Lab in the States. If you google Royal Cam you will be able to see it all for yourself.
DeleteThey are the most amazing birds and so beautiful. People from all over the world follow our royal pair and many leave comments. Please do have a look, but beware. You may end up like me - hooked. If you do check in, it's free for everyone and no need to register to watch, look way across the harbour to the hills on the far side. That's where I live. Half an hour drive from Dunedin City and then another half an hour out to the colony.