I have been looking after lots of dogs and cats for the past couple of weeks - all my friends are off on big adventures and I'm not, so it falls to me to be Uncle Gary to all their pets!
Since yesterday, when I look at this blog, I am seeing - This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy +Terms of conditions apply. Am I the only one seeing this, esp when I can no longer see what I am typing, after a short while. It is now touch typing only... Help please any one ...😥
Yes, I see the same, but no problem with seeing what I type. Publish - is now in a blue box instead of orange lettering as before. At least there's no "Sign out" by mistake.
Yes, I got the blue line when I clicked on my icon. I don’t have any trouble seeing what I’m typing though and it didn’t happen on the Ambridge blog. At least it seems easier to post comments for me now even if the layout is slightly different.
I have been unable to post on my IPad or phone as I get the sign in with google instruction when I am already signed in! It will not then let me post. However, I have now broken through on my computer! Since I like to post on the IPad Katy and I will have to keep working on it! More Katy than me needless to say! Just to say I haven't forgotten you but there may be lapses in postings!!
If posting becomes any more difficult I shall have to consider just posting on the Facebook official Archers page, which some of us already do (under our real names). Posts there are generally shorter but you do get a good range of opinions and the chance to reply. Sadly this Google blogspot is becoming almost unusable
Archerphile, I have seen you on some facebook site, but I don't look there often. I only use an old fashioned desk top as my phone is very limited, just calls and texts. I have read the odd synopsis but haven't listened, perhaps on Friday 3rd June.
I am able to post via my phone with no problems. There is a blue line beneath the message, the 'publish' button is also blue and the terms and conditions are listed below. However, on my laptop there is a request to sign in, which simply takes me back to the request to sign in. People who only have this response on their device are unable to post at all. Miriam, it is possible to drag the text with a finger. Otherwise, just keep typing and the text will reappear in the right place
Thanks Sarnia, I tried that, but didn't work. At least I seem lucky in that I can still access this site. I have adjusted to the new typing, then having to scroll up, to correct. I am using an android phone.
Speaking of eggs, there's a video with five on the facebook page and a sixth added with the return of a Friday episode on 3rd June. Also, Tamsin Grieg reads book of the week next week. Double win for the Archers fans!
I just hope that with the new extra episode, that stories will now be expanded, along with more characters being heard from all together again. I am actually missing Pip, Rex and Toby
I am glueded to listening to the Dick Francis Proof, which I am really enjoying. I downloaded the entire series, so I am now listening to it end-to-end, to keep up with the plot. Four episodes down, six to go 👂
I've enjoyed listening to the previous programmes you've recommended, so I'll give this one a go. But according to Sounds, there are only 8 episodes. 4+6=10, or have you got access to secret additions?
Yesterday I discovered there was a new series of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' last month so I've enjoyed catching up on that. Who needs Netflix and box sets when you've got good old BBC Radio?
Yes I got it wrong but it did not spoil my listening. I really enjoy the radio, particularly 4ex. I have about 3 series downloaded, but what I don't understand, is why some dissappear after after 5 weeks, when others are avaialable for over a year.
Perhaps just cut it down to one blog or FaceBook, or find a FB or fan page for another programme/author you like, so it’s not alwaysArchers. Does Chester Zoo have web page that accepts comments perhaps. Just trying to be helpful 😊
I take your hint...as I obviously irritate you, which has happened before, so I understand and obey. Thank you for the suggestions, as to where I post...
Miriam, perhaps you need to broaden your portfolio - immerse yourself in cross-stitch, learn Icelandic, which I understand is a most absorbing language, take up the alpenhorn....
I've just caught up with this blog after being missing in action for a wee while. I don't really have any comment to make but want to make sure I can post comments as some of you seem to be having trouble.
As you can see, I do sometimes get through! I feel like the Prince trying to reach Sleeping z beauty’s Castle!!
Just wanted to say, what a fabulous afternoon weather-wise. Spent a very enjoyable time in the greenhouse planting up hanging baskets and tubs. Also potting up a collection of Coprosma plants I bought from Parker’s. Four different varieties with different coloured, very shiny leaves. I hope they’ll be a feature this year. Mr A busy demolishing what’s left of our Dudley- ruined pergola, but we can’t find anybody to replace it at a reasonable price. All the wisteria and grape vine chopped down too, it’s so sad.
With so many having problems many are having, as to signing in, posting etc My question is for any of you who were involved in the meet ups, so were able to learn GG's contact details. As the administrator of this blog, has he been contacted so is he aware of the problems, many are experiencing?
Miriam, see April 29th 7.45pm: I was perfectly serious about the alpenhorn. I in w you are well-travelled, so even as Ev goes to Italy on painting holidays, so it's possible to go on holiday to Switzerland, hire an alpenhorn and book in for beginners' lessons. There's a pic on the internet of a beginners' class standing in a semicircle on the mountainside. It looks like a fun thing to do!
Sadly I cannot plan any trip away, even in the UK, as to my older cat. I cannot risk putting her into kennels, as she would not cope in this situation. I have to think of her welfare and care. Can I ignore this as to her life? Needs thinking about.
Middle daughter spent some time in Australia during her gap year and went on a course to learn how to play the digeridoo. She arrived back at the airport carrying one and has still got it.
Or son too! Didgeridoo is more of a decorative wall decoration though, nowadays. But he came back from Bolivia with a set of native panpipes which he plays beautifully accompanied by grandsons on bongos
What a fun day I have just had. A couple I know, invited me for coffee and a snack lunch, which was a lovely home-made soup (celeriac, bacon, lentils) served with home-made bread. The afternoon was spent rehearsing a sketch, written by Alan Ackbourne, the name of which escapes me. It is only about 40 mins long and it is two couples in a restaurant. I had to read the part of the waiter, so to link the cues and give background info. I loved the play acting. I think that it is called Between Meals or something similar...whatever, it was fun. I will never be a thesbian though.
Happy Mayday everyone! Padstow Mayday which is normally on the 1st will be tomorrow as it is never held on a Sunday , apparently because of its pagan origins. The first time since the pandemic. It is, weather permitting, a great day and evening out. There will apparently be a greater police presence than usual this year to uphold health and safety and try to keep people from getting too close to the Hobby Hosses, which rather defeats the purpose of trying to touch them. In 2019 a local woman was found dead in the street, and they think her head may have been hit by the wooden head of one of the costumes as it was whirling around, and I can vouch for the fact it hurts if you get hit by it. Years ago only locals tended to go, but now thousands of visitors descend on the town from all over the country, and the narrow streets become so packed it is difficult to jump out of the way of the ritual dancers. We usually go, but will be careful because there are rumours that there may be trouble as there is resentment of police interference.
Just in case anyone is interested in ancient traditions I will add that the day after Mayday is known as Darkie day when Padstow people black their faces, and a few years ago the media heard of it and caused much trouble by portraying it as a racist thing, when it actually stems from the very old play acting mummers' traditions. Sometimes I think newspapers try to create news out of falsehoods.
Just to say Zoetrope if you ever do get down to Padstow on Mayday the way to avoid the bulk of the crowds is to be at Prideaux Place in the gardens. It is right up the top of the hill ( you can park by the side of the lane) and visitors tend to stay down in the town by the harbour area, and usually have no idea where the dancers have vanished to.The Old (red) Oss dances up there at about midday, and the Peace (blue) Oss comes up there later in the afternoon. There is plenty of room to spread out in the gardens. The Oss, with its following dancers and musicians, then goes into the house to dance for the family before coming out again and dancing back down the hill. Prideaux place is a lovely old Elizabethan house and although onlookers can't, or shouldn't 😉, follow into the house it is nice just looking at the outside of the house and garden while waiting, or sitting on the grass in the sun. If you wanted to follow it for a bit of the way, there is a church a bit lower down the lane from Prideaux and the Oss and entourage actually dance in one door of the church and out of the other, and it is always respectfully done, almost like asking a blessing on a pagan custom.
Does anyone else (or is it only me) find the sight of two young women slugging each other in a boxing ring very distasteful? And all the fuss and razzmatazz in NewYork at the weekend, over some championship women’s boxing match, beyond the pale? We saw the triumphant Irish girl on the news after the match with a cut and damaged eye, looking as if she had been beaten up (which, of course she had).
I’m not keen on men’s boxing either but I found the sight of 2 women deliberately trying to hurt each other very distasteful and the shrieking of the crowd even more so.
Archerphile, I am with you 100%. To me boxing is a bloody and dangerous sport. Why do women want to take part? Because they can do anything a man can. I listen to WH and there's the constant praise for the first woman/of colour achieving something. When I hear of the sports injuries in general it sounds very "unpleasant" to me, but they persevere. If men tried to be more like women there would be fewer wars, where other people's children are killed.
I absolutely agree Archerfile. I would have thought their breasts must suffer damage, possibly longterm. Breasts are designed for feeding babies, not for being punched.
MrsP With the new google changes I am no longer able to access the blog, so I have decided that the time has come to say goodbye to my virtual Archers friends. I would like to thank you all for an altogether interesting time over the last few years. I feel that I have made friends from all walks of life and learned much. I’ve also had support when I needed it and am most grateful for such generous kindness. I wish you all happiness and good health in the future. I shall continue to read the blog as long as it is still available
Mrs P, I have missed your comments and contributions to this blog over the past few weeks. I have always enjoyed reading what you have to say and feel I have learnt from your wisdom and approach to life. I will miss you. I wish you all the best in the future. I hope your move - when it happens - goes smoothly and that you will be happy in your new home. Lots of love Zoetrope x
Dear Mrs P It is very sad that you have to leave us because the blog has become difficult to access. I have great problems too but sometimes it seems to work so I persevere! But I admit it can be very frustrating and off putting trying to get through and very time consuming. So I will just say how much I shall miss your wisdom, your advice, your interesting family stories and your recollections from the era of TA that you and I, being of an age, share. I hope everything goes well for you in the future, that you find your perfect new home. With fondest good wishes Archerphile 😘. 💐
We'll miss you Mrs P. Do keep reading, and perhaps in time you'll find a way back in and feel ready to post again.
I think some posters have outside contact with Lanjan and Spicy- has anyone heard from them?
I did struggle with the changeover at first but now all seems to be going smoothly again. I found I needed to sign out of all my addresses that I can sign into google with and then sign back in with just OWiaS. I only use a laptop, not a phone, but upgrades these days are supposed to be optimised to suit a whole variety of platforms, so this new system *ought* to be at least as easy as before on phones, tablets, etc.
PS Spoke too soon - now I get 'internal error' when I try to publish! If you get to read this, you'll know my issue has been resolved ...
Hurrah, it worked! I had to refresh the page - it asked me to sign in with google and sent me to a new tab to do so. In summary, sign out of all your google accounts, refresh blog page, click to post, then sign in as required. I shall play about a bit to see what happens if I'm signed it with other accounts too. Please excuse the plethora of short posts that may result - they'll all be in the name of helping everyone gain access : )
Yes, I'm currently signed in with two different email addresses. Google has decided this is my default one so makes me use it here. Key words seem to be log out, refresh, login. Hope that helps : )
I strangly have never had a problem, as to access to this site. My problems are two-fold - a) the dreaded blue line, so I type not being able to see as to writing, until finished. I can then scroll up and do the very many corrections b) I have taken the many hints of at least two (or more) other regulars, in that another blog is probably better for me and that this one is not suitable.
Presumably the website is 'undergoing' an update which makes all the users irate and but the web-tech exceeding happy! I have an android phone which I am now using more often but usually access the web by my lap top. I use it all day, every day because I do not go out! The other day I witnessed some complaints on the web and tried to post in a blog. The blue line is there where I type and a notice of 'Publish' and 'notify me' are below it. No trouble when posting it.
I have just had a telephone call from LanJan who cannot sign into the blog. The blue button she presses at the end of her comment takes her to the top of the page again with the cat and dog and nothing published. I haven't been able to sort it out but I think it's something to do with Google taken it over the whole website?
This has just happened, yet again. I got the message Your post has been published, but it didn't, unless it appears out of the ether, many hours later.
I’ve worked out what I did and have responded to LanJans email on the same subject to her call to Spicycushion and hope she is able to understand and copy my instructions as to what I did which resolved the problem for me.
While I’m still able to do so, I would like to report that I had a fantastic weekend in London, Invited by my friendship group that I left in 2014, for a celebration of my 80th birthday. I wasn’t allowed to take my purse or my card out with me. We had several meals out and a trip to the Shard which was wonderful. Each of my friends as well as me, native Londoners, we all had great interest in identifying and pointing out personal and general landmarks, although I seem to have missed Windsor Castle. I returned home to find a cat with what appeared to be a broken leg. A visit to the vet this afternoon found a very small but obviously painful puncture in a pad. The vet thinks a bite in a fight with another cat.
When I checked in and noticed that the number of posts went up by over 10 I knew something must have happened and it has. I'm very glad you managed to beat the system MrsP and hope Lanjan will soon follow.
I just found a message from LanJan saying she is unable to log in, but I hope Spicy’s message has been a help. I seem to be able to post more easily AS LONG AS I keep the page open on my Safari (iPad) page. Which means I cannot clear my ‘cache’ or cookies, as I should do regularly or I will loose the connection. I should have thought, with all the advances in technology these days, some bright spark would have sorted out these problems by now,
Sad to report that having found the knack, Mrs P and PtbY would seem to have lost it again. I'm sure that with your encouragement this will prove to be just a temporary blip.
I must admit to being puzzled. Until just now I couldn't access the blog on my laptop because when I clicked on 'sign in to google' it just took me back to the picture at the top of the blog. Then I clicked on my ident name and then on the initial to open my google account.For no reason whatsoever, I clicked on the name of my google account and lo! - the blog page now has the required thin line and PUBLISH, both in a fetching shade of sky blue. Google moves in mysterious ways.
..but haven't I read something about Google Chrome being hacked in a massive way, so has been affecting all who use this, like me. I believe this is being sorted.
On a different note. It is nearly 2 years since my neighbour set my fence on fire. My standard azalea, a prized plant as it was bought by my late Mum nearly 30yrs ago, was badly damanged. Now it is starting to flower and will be wonderful, if the rain + winds stop. I am hoping that it will wonderful, as it is so special to me..
That’s good news Miriam. It’s amazing what plants can put up with and recover from with a bit of tender loving care. What colour is your plant? Unfortunately we cannot grow azaleas here are we are on almost solid chalk, which they don’t like and would have to spend a lot on ericaceous compost.
After my surgery visit for the routine "bloods", my plans were changed instantly. I hadn't realised that it was Chester Races, also Ladies Day My plans were sudddenly changed so I ended up at a lovely garden centre. As a result I have bought replacement plants, for those which haven't reappeared this Spring... To add, I have just received my £150. I live in a small house, which I have updated and maintained. There must be many, who live in larger homes, where the heating bills will increase far more, but will not get this help. It is great to receive, but I am putting this into a savings account, ready for next winter.
Yes,you are quite right Miriam. We also live in a small house with few modern facilities by todays standards but because we have a big garden the Council tax was set at E. So no £150 for us! Perhaps we should erect a yurt on the lawn to live in and heat it with a log burning stove and use oil lamps and candles for lighting!
I feel guilty as to this payment, as my home has had A+ rated improvements done. I do so feel for those having to rely on food banks, so to feed their children, and themselves.
I was sad to see, on the news that because of mobility problems the Queen won’t be attending any of the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties this year. They start next week She was shown at a party a few years ago, talking to a beautifully dressed guest who was sitting in a wheelchair. I am surprised that she cannot swallow a little pride and appear in a wheelchair herself. I’m sure the guests would be just as delighted and honoured to meet her.
The partner of my ex Bro in Law, was invited to a Garden Party in 2020. This didn't happen due to Covid. She has been invited again this year, but has declined it. The reason is that is too late and does not nean the same, now.
I mentioned my very treasured and lovely standard azelea, a short while ago. It is now in full bloom, so I have now changed my profile to share this. It can be described as a stick of Candy Floss in the garden and is highly scented. I am so pleased as to how it has recovered, though it is now a bit wonky.
Stunning colour Miriam, and obviously a real survivor! How lovely it has flowered so prolifically. My treasured plants are very small. A very few surviving Primula Wanda in a deep magenta colour with a yellow eye. They were my Mums favourites and came from our family home in Iver when I first married. By dint of lifting and dividing them most years I have kept them flowering for 52 years. I’d be devastated if they all died and thus severed a link with Mum.
One of my treasured plants is a primula wanda but purple and yellow. It was given to me by a close friend who died young and I've kept it going by division for over 40 years. It looks lovely in spring with tete a tete daffodils.
Isn't it amazing how plants can mean so much due, to the memories as to persons, be they family or friends. I have my mum's lovely diamond eternity ring, but this plant means so much more to me, as it is so personal. Silly I know!
My 100 year old this year cousin has auriculars that she has kept going through division from our grandmother’s original plant handed down to grandmas daughter, then to her daughter, my cousin. Grandma died in 1947 !
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep the auriculars alive for one year, that were given to me by my cousin some years ago.
A not very close neighbour but not far away a few weeks ago, suddenly had an old caravan appearing on the driveway. There has been lots of noise etc. all over the weekend, and it seems it is being turned into a food van. I just thought of Ian + Alistair.
Ian and Alistair, Miriam? Is the vet going to be moonlighting to flog his own range of horse-meat burgers? ; ) When I was growing up, our vicar's son ran an ice cream van. It was quite common to see it parked in front of the vicarage. But I don't recall ever getting a lolly from it : (
I wrote a long post to tell you all about the succulents originally grown from cuttings from my granny's plant, the pink honeysuckle from cuttings of a plant at our Southampton shoe, the Mothership - a money plant adopted from my father-in-law and renamed by Smallest Person in a Shoe -, and OMiaS's 8ft prickly stick of a cactus that we cruelly abandoned and did not adopt along with the Mothership. But then I clicked a button on the side of the mouse and it disappeared into the ether. So now you're getting this short edited version instead. Bet you're all letting ut a sigh of relief : )
Hmmm! Bribery and corruption has been going full swing in the Philippines with candidates buying votes from the poorer populace. I fear my daughter in law ( generally a peaceable person but fiery about politics) is going to be disappointed as it looks as if her favourite ( she has had an online vote) Leni Robredo will be beaten by Marcos. She cannot believe the people can so readily have forgotten the corruption when his father was in power. The family were ousted by a people's revolution then. Even some of Mabel's friends are voting for Marcos , and she is at present saying she won't speak to them (online) again. I found it interesting that apparently there is some sort of system so you will be found out if you accept payment from more than one candidate. Vote buying is apparently widespread. I will brace myself for the hurricane that will arrive later!!! I 🤣
They are familiar with hurricanes over there. Sadly, people like dictators because they bring stability and 'make the trains run on time'. Will your trio be going back soon or have no firm plans?
No firm plans yet. They are still at the very tired new parent stage with a baby who wakes frequently at night. This evening has been quite entertaining with Mabel sending messages to the two friends who voted for Marcos along the lines of Congratulations and I hope your children will grow up like Marcos ( the worst insult she can think of, but I am not quite sure they will get her sarcasm!) I am surprised at how much I have learnt about the history and corruptness of the Marcos family, and to add insult to injury Sarah Duterte is running as his deputy. Mabel's exasperation with people who she thought were intelligent voting the way they did has been very vocal tonight. Our British elections seem very peaceful by comparison.
Just thinking about your comment Basia about them being used to hurricanes out there. I wonder if people can be shaped by the climate in their environment. Does living in an unstable climate make people more volatile I wonder, and does living in a calmer climate make for steadier people?
Glad you are back. We would have had no one to remind us about birthdays! This new Google system is a bit of a pain, but as someone else said at least we can't accidentally sign out anymore.
It’s been a real pain for 2 weeks now goodness only knows what I may have done with my overall settings etc but b-n-l coming Saturday so May get a check over or maybe best to leave well alone. Apple is pretty secure anyway.
We’re you able to see/read the blog Lady R ? You do know of course that you are not alone. Yet again I’ve had to reinvent myself by posting an email to my former self in order to be able to post. Even if all I want to say is hello !
Yes Mrs P I could read the blog but when I hit the blue oblong to sign in to comment it just went back to the picture heading the blog. I spent hours trying different things deleting and restoring etc in the end today I actioned cross tracking and that seemed to do it but I’ve no idea really 🤣 - a matter of 🤞🏼 now!
LadyR. Yes that was what was happening to me too. I tried Sarnia method which didn’t work for me, so have reverted to my previous method whereby I scroll to the top of the blog and in the top right hand corner of the picture heading is a sort of triangle with three dots at the end of that open triangle. Press /click that and it brings up a box of options. I click/press on email which takes me to a page where I have to ‘send an email to a friend ‘ - I send an email to my former email address on my still live old IPad, enter testing in the message area then prove I’m not. a robot. Then I return to the blog and ( for the time being ) that lets me reply. If you, or anyone else can try my method, good luck !
On waking up in the early hours of this morning (a loo trip), it was very dark. Putting the bedside light on, it didn't work. Looking out, all was dark, so it was a power cut. This morning, my HD Freeview Box would not work with the message - no signal, but the TV worked. I retuned the box 3× and the same thing happened each time. I am now getting my signal from the North Wales transmitter. I cannot change this, even though I live in England but on the border. Oh well the welsh local news will be different.
and Ch4 is now S4C. Luckily I have find the altenative in english and so I have the alternative to the welsh channel. This is nothing to do with anything, except I don't speak the wonderful welsh language, like many do.
Janice, it is good that there's no pressure to leave and that for the time being they have cast anchor in the waters near you. You can enjoy your grandson, talk politics and exchange cooking tips. If our mood is affected by the weather, so must our characters be influenced by the climate, we are a part of it.
Oh blessed rain! We actually had a puddle on our shed roof this morning after what seems like weeks of dry! Had to get the hose out at the weekend to top up fish pond and try to save several browning plants, but it’s so expensive to use when you have a water meter. So thank you rain angels, keep it coming!
While I’m still able to post (fingers crossed ) I would just like to report that my birthday treat from my London friends was a wonderful weekend. The family that I worked for - initially after school care, morphing into the ironing and cooking as they morphed into their teenage years, - all visited to meet me over tea and crumpets. Then over the weekend with my London neighbours group who treated me to meals out, meet ups and a wonderful treat up the Shard. Now down to the last six weeks before my move, and all that that entails.
Thank you Miriam, I shall have a garden that I can step out into instead of a steep and narrow path before I get to my present garden. The garden in Minehead stretches across the back of the substantial Edwardian house with a large area on the flat which is paved, and another area of the same size that is lawned, with a summer house and a very large garden shed tucked away at the side. There is also a Magnolia tree. If I never do anything more than maintain it as it is, then it will remain a decent enough garden. But if I have the imagination and energy to develop the garden there is plenty of scope to do so.
Finally got 4 trees delivered today. 2 Rowan and 2 Amalanchier. Got the 2 Rowans planted as they were bare rooted. Done our bit for planting a tree for the jubilee.
For those who enjoyed listening to Behind Closed Doors, I found by accident today, Series 4. This has now been downloaded. Also series 6 of King Street Juniors has just started again on R4ex. This is a new one for me.
Lanjan has been trying to get on the blog for days and cannot manage it. I said to try Mrs P’s instructions but she says it doesn’t work for her. She’s now given up and taken to the gin!! Lol
Not really Mistral, I’ve actually got to get there before I feel that. See the end of my post below. But how is your search going, and might we be nearby ? Minehead is very close to the beginning of Devon.
Thank you all, and BASIA, I admire your perseverance too and like you hope LJ does not give up. As well as being beside the sea, I will be a few minutes only to the moor and the evidence I’ve already seen of the ponies. I’ve never yearned to be by the seaside but Minehead is not a ‘ kiss me quick ‘ sort of town at all, and does have an air of gentility about it. Not pretty but with handsome buildings. The house itself would have been a substantial Edwardian family residence, now four flats. It’s white render gleams in the sun and the abundant wisteria is draped across its front looking magnificent. The huge task ahead is not so much the move, but rather divesting myself of all my ephemera.
That sounds lovely and so suitable. It must be so difficult as to the sorting out and then, deciding what to keep. It is a heart over head situation, isn't it, along with storage.
French gastronomy is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage. Which ONE criteria was not applied to a French meal? table setting marriage of food and wine cleanliness conversation
Great question. As I am one who knows nothing about France, let alone its gastromony, I guess table setting. There is a loophole, for me, as to where is the setting - a restaurant or in an normal life.
I had a panic today. I had my bloods done last week. Today I received a letter from my surgery, to book a repeat blood test. I contacted them immediately, to learn all is well as all the tests were normal. The full blood count was just slightly out of the normal range. Phew! I am not worried at all, as next test is in 3 weeks time.
Correct! Sarnia, I thought it funny, but then it must be assumed that the hygiene standards will be maintained. Janice, like you, I excluded conversation, but can you imagine a meal , especially in France, without people talking? It has its risks of course which we take willingly.
As in Greece, eating is a social event, in which the setting, food and wine and company are the most important. The modern English/American custom of ordering a takeaway for each family member to eat separately is viewed with horror.
My little Sis, is also on the move, and are also down-sizing. As such they now have a skip on the drive, but they are finding it difficult, as to discarding things. I bet Mrs P is the same.
Yes, here we used to be able to drop things off to the local village hospice shop but now things have to be taken about 20 miles to a centralised warehouse which is only open in the morning.
I’ve found somebody today who will ethically salvage recycle or pass on to other ethical organisations all that I am able to let go of. It will cost though. My local vintage outlet are refusing to take my stuff.
My daughter has been picking wild garlic leaves and making garlic and potato soup. Very nice. I have just made a Spanish frittata but had run out of onions so used 3 cornered leek from the wild patch of garden instead. Bubs and leaves can be used. That reminded me of your 3 cornered leeks Mrs P. Are you going to dig some up and take to your new garden? 😉 I think I can guess your answer to that!
I think you have guessed correctly Janice. Only yesterday did I make a mental note that if I took anything from my present garden i would be in danger of transferring the thug - however pretty - also.
I have just seen Basia's result as to the French cuisine question - which was cleanliness. All I want in a meal is:- good food, good wine, good company and most of all - good conversation.
Foraging sites have recipes for making pesto of 3 cornered leek, and the bulbs can be pickled a bit like silver skin onions. A country house not far away has a day for people to come and pick wild garlic to try and keep that down. Good luck with your packing.
Warning - the following may be considered controversial. If so I apologise: I have just watched an edition of BBC news Much coverage from Ukraine with scenes of horrific destruction, stories of great suffering and assassination of citizens by Russian soldiers. This is, very sadly, a daily occurrence but I do feel it is my duty to keep up with developments and understand what is going on. This was followed by news of many elderly and disabled people in the UK being unable to get the social are they need because of shortage of nurses due to low pay etc. Scenes of very disabled patients struggling to cope on their own, or parents trying to look after challenging adult children.
What infuriated me beyond belief is that after these two harrowing and important stories we were treated to several minutes of film and reporting on the trial of 2 selfish, self-important, very wealthy women known as WAGs, fighting it out in court over some accusation or other of libel. Who cares about these unimportant females who are only interested in fashion, make-up and being famous? And why does the BBC include their sickening story self interest in the same bulletin as the events in Ukraine and hardship at home?
Unfortunately there are many who find "celebrity" lives riveting. They are apparently women in their own right by being "influencers", not just married to rich men. How are they influencing young girls by their disgraceful conduct? There is another defamation trial in the US. Both involve huge amounts of money in the court of public opinion. Both equally revolting but we live in the world of social media.
And just think what a huge difference the money being expended on these trials would make to the struggling families both here and in the Ukraine. If either of those WAGs had an ounce of compassion they would have stopped this ridiculous legal fight and given the money saved to good causes to help those struggling to feed their families and pay their energy bills. 😡
There was one thing that has touched me today. This was seeing a photo of HRH The Duke of Cambridge, with Deborah James, after he presented her with the insignia of a Dame. Sometimes these things happen, like Captain Sir Tom Moore, which captures the nations hearts. I just feel for all those who also do "end of life" appeals, but are seldom acknowledged, yet raise monies for so many charities.
I texted LanJan saying a hearty congratulations at the end of the match. She has her son with her but still cannot get back on the log. However she did send greetings to everyone here for thinking about her!
A simple idea, which might help others who still can't find their way in. I couldn't access this site today, not that I had anything to comment on. I just "googled" archersfan.blogspot. This site appeared and as it is public site, I got back in easily.
I tried that during my “off air” fortnight Miriam but could not comment on the blog because I could not get my logo up but if it works for some great. I hope it never happens again as I spent hours installing and uninstalling different things and googling forums etc. in the end I tapped allow cross tracking and as I access the blog via chrome that may have solved it for me as I may have disabled that during all my fiddling but I don’t think I will ever know 🙃 GARY I read if a problem with your site contact your administrator but I don’t think we can do that? Do you hold our e.mails? If no meet ups had ever taken place with some members of the blog who then exchanged personal details we would all have been in the same boat. Many of us cannot let our virtual friends know that we are ok and that tech is the reason for our absence and not illness but that could also be an issue.
You may be right there Sarnia although Google took over blog spot🤔 and Apple do a number of version updates. Everything Wi-Fi has its moments though TVs,desk tops, phones & iPads etc 😡
iPad. Reached by finding archers fan blogspot on Google with safari browser. Once in, dare not clear my cache and cookies or I will have trouble getting back in again. This is worrying as you are supposed to clear cookies etc quite often.
Since I’ve sorted mine AP I can clear cookies and data in safari settings and double click the home button to swipe all open items away and still get back in but I won’t get cocky about it it’s always a 🤞🏼 situation!
That's so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking after lots of dogs and cats for the past couple of weeks - all my friends are off on big adventures and I'm not, so it falls to me to be Uncle Gary to all their pets!
ReplyDeleteI’m sure all the pets Iove their Uncle Gary and their owners must be extremely grateful 😊
DeleteSince yesterday, when I look at this blog, I am seeing - This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy +Terms of conditions apply. Am I the only one seeing this, esp when I can no longer see what I am typing, after a short while.
ReplyDeleteIt is now touch typing only...
Help please any one ...😥
I have tried to reset my profile, but this has not made any difference.
DeleteI am having major problems.
Yes, I see the same, but no problem with seeing what I type. Publish - is now in a blue box instead of orange lettering as before. At least there's no "Sign out" by mistake.
ReplyDeleteTesting to see if I get same...
ReplyDeleteYes 😂
DeleteI'm getting the same blue line and blue publish box but no problems typing.
ReplyDeleteI also got the blue line and blue publish box. I love the puppy and kitten BTW.
ReplyDeleteYes, I got the blue line when I clicked on my icon. I don’t have any trouble seeing what I’m typing though and it didn’t happen on the Ambridge blog. At least it seems easier to post comments for me now even if the layout is slightly different.
ReplyDeleteI am the total opposite, but I am learning how to adapt, though it takes a lot of extra time to compose and publish a post.
DeleteMy problem is that the first few sentences are fine, but the "blue line" then obscures what I am typing!
DeleteBaby fluffymog is my little Solomon in 1994.
ReplyDeleteI have been unable to post on my IPad or phone as I get the sign in with google instruction when I am already signed in! It will not then let me post. However, I have now broken through on my computer! Since I like to post on the IPad Katy and I will have to keep working on it! More Katy than me needless to say! Just to say I haven't forgotten you but there may be lapses in postings!!
ReplyDeleteI think that you are not alone with problems, as to posting.
DeleteIf posting becomes any more difficult I shall have to consider just posting on the Facebook official Archers page, which some of us already do (under our real names). Posts there are generally shorter but you do get a good range of opinions and the chance to reply. Sadly this Google blogspot is becoming almost unusable
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I have seen you on some facebook site, but I don't look there often.
DeleteI only use an old fashioned desk top as my phone is very limited, just calls and texts.
I have read the odd synopsis but haven't listened, perhaps on Friday 3rd June.
Is this another exclusive tablet problem?
ReplyDeleteI'm posting on an android tablet, so far no problem.
DeleteI am using a Samsung galaxy android tablet. The layout is different with the line and "publish" in blue but I am not having any trouble posting.
DeleteI am able to post via my phone with no problems. There is a blue line beneath the message, the 'publish' button is also blue and the terms and conditions are listed below.
ReplyDeleteHowever, on my laptop there is a request to sign in, which simply takes me back to the request to sign in. People who only have this response on their device are unable to post at all.
Miriam, it is possible to drag the text with a finger. Otherwise, just keep typing and the text will reappear in the right place
Thanks Sarnia, I tried that, but didn't work. At least I seem lucky in that I can still access this site. I have adjusted to the new typing, then having to scroll up, to correct.
DeleteI am using an android phone.
Speaking of eggs, there's a video with five on the facebook page and a sixth added with the return of a Friday episode on 3rd June.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Tamsin Grieg reads book of the week next week.
Double win for the Archers fans!
I just hope that with the new extra episode, that stories will now be expanded, along with more characters being heard from all together again. I am actually missing Pip, Rex and Toby
DeleteI am glueded to listening to the Dick Francis Proof, which I am really enjoying. I downloaded the entire series, so I am now listening to it end-to-end, to keep up with the plot. Four episodes down, six to go 👂
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed listening to the previous programmes you've recommended, so I'll give this one a go. But according to Sounds, there are only 8 episodes. 4+6=10, or have you got access to secret additions?
DeleteYesterday I discovered there was a new series of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' last month so I've enjoyed catching up on that. Who needs Netflix and box sets when you've got good old BBC Radio?
Yes I got it wrong but it did not spoil my listening.
DeleteI really enjoy the radio, particularly 4ex. I have about 3 series downloaded, but what I don't understand, is why some dissappear after after 5 weeks, when others are avaialable for over a year.
I post too much. I must try and get this addiction under control.
ReplyDeleteI can see myself at a meeting, standing up and saying,":-
DeleteI am an Archers Addict, I listen and blog. 😰🤣🙀
Perhaps just cut it down to one blog or FaceBook, or find a FB or fan page for another programme/author you like, so it’s not alwaysArchers. Does Chester Zoo have web page that accepts comments perhaps. Just trying to be helpful 😊
DeleteI take your hint...as I obviously irritate you, which has happened before, so I understand and obey. Thank you for the suggestions, as to where I post...
DeleteI believe that Mrs P and Archerphile can no longer access this blog at all, so there may also be others
ReplyDeleteMiriam, perhaps you need to broaden your portfolio - immerse yourself in cross-stitch, learn Icelandic, which I understand is a most absorbing language, take up the alpenhorn....
ReplyDeleteI've just caught up with this blog after being missing in action for a wee while. I don't really have any comment to make but want to make sure I can post comments as some of you seem to be having trouble.
ReplyDeleteWell, that seems to have worked OK, thank goodness. I may not post often but I do love reading all your comments on this site.
DeleteNo problem posting this.
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, I do sometimes get through! I feel like the Prince trying to reach Sleeping z beauty’s Castle!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say, what a fabulous afternoon weather-wise. Spent a very enjoyable time in the greenhouse planting up hanging baskets and tubs. Also potting up a collection of Coprosma plants I bought from Parker’s. Four different varieties with different coloured, very shiny leaves. I hope they’ll be a feature this year.
Mr A busy demolishing what’s left of our Dudley- ruined pergola, but we can’t find anybody to replace it at a reasonable price. All the wisteria and grape vine chopped down too, it’s so sad.
Good Luck, in more ways than one..😉
DeleteWith so many having problems many are having, as to signing in, posting etc My question is for any of you who were involved in the meet ups, so were able to learn GG's contact details. As the administrator of this blog, has he been contacted so is he aware of the problems, many are experiencing?
ReplyDeleteMiriam, see April 29th 7.45pm: I was perfectly serious about the alpenhorn. I in w you are well-travelled, so even as Ev goes to Italy on painting holidays, so it's possible to go on holiday to Switzerland, hire an alpenhorn and book in for beginners' lessons. There's a pic on the internet of a beginners' class standing in a semicircle on the mountainside. It looks like a fun thing to do!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSadly I cannot plan any trip away, even in the UK, as to my older cat. I cannot risk putting her into kennels, as she would not cope in this situation. I have to think of her welfare and care. Can I ignore this as to her life?
DeleteNeeds thinking about.
I wanted to learn the bagpipes when I was younger. My parents told me I was leaving home first. I wonder what they would have made of an alpenhorn?
DeleteMiddle daughter spent some time in Australia during her gap year and went on a course to learn how to play the digeridoo. She arrived back at the airport carrying one and has still got it.
ReplyDeleteOr son too! Didgeridoo is more of a decorative wall decoration though, nowadays.
DeleteBut he came back from Bolivia with a set of native panpipes which he plays beautifully accompanied by grandsons on bongos
Our daughter just plays the trumpet these days.
DeleteI suggested the alpenhorn as
ReplyDeletea) it's more melodious than the didgeridoo
b) Switzerland is a lot nearer than Australia
What a fun day I have just had. A couple I know, invited me for coffee and a snack lunch, which was a lovely home-made soup (celeriac, bacon, lentils) served with home-made bread.
ReplyDeleteThe afternoon was spent rehearsing a sketch, written by Alan Ackbourne, the name of which escapes me. It is only about 40 mins long and it is two couples in a restaurant. I had to read the part of the waiter, so to link the cues and give background info. I loved the play acting. I think that it is called Between Meals or something similar...whatever, it was fun. I will never be a thesbian though.
Note - one post only, over both boards 😆
I know I shouldn't do another post today, BUT I have to correct my typo (due to the blue line)!
DeleteI meant - Thespian, relating to stage + acting 🤣🤣
Happy Mayday everyone! Padstow Mayday which is normally on the 1st will be tomorrow as it is never held on a Sunday , apparently because of its pagan origins. The first time since the pandemic. It is, weather permitting, a great day and evening out. There will apparently be a greater police presence than usual this year to uphold health and safety and try to keep people from getting too close to the Hobby Hosses, which rather defeats the purpose of trying to touch them. In 2019 a local woman was found dead in the street, and they think her head may have been hit by the wooden head of one of the costumes as it was whirling around, and I can vouch for the fact it hurts if you get hit by it. Years ago only locals tended to go, but now thousands of visitors descend on the town from all over the country, and the narrow streets become so packed it is difficult to jump out of the way of the ritual dancers. We usually go, but will be careful because there are rumours that there may be trouble as there is resentment of police interference.
ReplyDeleteJust in case anyone is interested in ancient traditions I will add that the day after Mayday is known as Darkie day when Padstow people black their faces, and a few years ago the media heard of it and caused much trouble by portraying it as a racist thing, when it actually stems from the very old play acting mummers' traditions. Sometimes I think newspapers try to create news out of falsehoods.
DeleteI would love to see the Mayday celebrations, but am put off by the crowds.
DeleteJust to say Zoetrope if you ever do get down to Padstow on Mayday the way to avoid the bulk of the crowds is to be at Prideaux Place in the gardens. It is right up the top of the hill ( you can park by the side of the lane) and visitors tend to stay down in the town by the harbour area, and usually have no idea where the dancers have vanished to.The Old (red) Oss dances up there at about midday, and the Peace (blue) Oss comes up there later in the afternoon. There is plenty of room to spread out in the gardens. The Oss, with its following dancers and musicians, then goes into the house to dance for the family before coming out again and dancing back down the hill. Prideaux place is a lovely old Elizabethan house and although onlookers can't, or shouldn't 😉, follow into the house it is nice just looking at the outside of the house and garden while waiting, or sitting on the grass in the sun. If you wanted to follow it for a bit of the way, there is a church a bit lower down the lane from Prideaux and the Oss and entourage actually dance in one door of the church and out of the other, and it is always respectfully done, almost like asking a blessing on a pagan custom.
DeleteDoes anyone else (or is it only me) find the sight of two young women slugging each other in a boxing ring very distasteful?
DeleteAnd all the fuss and razzmatazz in NewYork at the weekend, over some championship women’s boxing match, beyond the pale?
We saw the triumphant Irish girl on the news after the match with a cut and damaged eye, looking as if she had been beaten up (which, of course she had).
I’m not keen on men’s boxing either but I found the sight of 2 women deliberately trying to hurt each other very distasteful and the shrieking of the crowd even more so.
Janice, I've seen them dancing in the house for the family on TV. I think it might have been on Countryfile.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I am with you 100%. To me boxing is a bloody and dangerous sport. Why do women want to take part? Because they can do anything a man can. I listen to WH and there's the constant praise for the first woman/of colour achieving something. When I hear of the sports injuries in general it sounds very "unpleasant" to me, but they persevere.
ReplyDeleteIf men tried to be more like women there would be fewer wars, where other people's children are killed.
I absolutely agree Archerfile. I would have thought their breasts must suffer damage, possibly longterm. Breasts are designed for feeding babies, not for being punched.
ReplyDeleteMessage from Mrs P
ReplyDeleteMrsP
With the new google changes I am no longer able to access the blog, so I have decided that the time has come to say goodbye to my virtual Archers friends.
I would like to thank you all for an altogether interesting time over the last few years.
I feel that I have made friends from all walks of life and learned much. I’ve also had support when I needed it and am most grateful for such generous kindness.
I wish you all happiness and good health in the future.
I shall continue to read the blog as long as it is still available
——————————————
Mrs P,
ReplyDeleteI have missed your comments and contributions to this blog over the past few weeks. I have always enjoyed reading what you have to say and feel I have learnt from your wisdom and approach to life.
I will miss you.
I wish you all the best in the future. I hope your move - when it happens - goes smoothly and that you will be happy in your new home.
Lots of love
Zoetrope x
So sorry that you are no longer able to post on the blog MrsP. I will miss your contributions.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs P
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad that you have to leave us because the blog has become difficult to access. I have great problems too but sometimes it seems to work so I persevere! But I admit it can be very frustrating and off putting trying to get through and very time consuming.
So I will just say how much I shall miss your wisdom, your advice, your interesting family stories and your recollections from the era of TA that you and I, being of an age, share.
I hope everything goes well for you in the future, that you find your perfect new home.
With fondest good wishes
Archerphile 😘. 💐
MrsP, like others, I shall miss your wise comments and company.
ReplyDeleteAll the best wherever you happen to find you yourself.
Basia
PS Lanjan & Spicycushion have also been absent, perhaps for the same reason.
We'll miss you Mrs P. Do keep reading, and perhaps in time you'll find a way back in and feel ready to post again.
ReplyDeleteI think some posters have outside contact with Lanjan and Spicy- has anyone heard from them?
I did struggle with the changeover at first but now all seems to be going smoothly again. I found I needed to sign out of all my addresses that I can sign into google with and then sign back in with just OWiaS. I only use a laptop, not a phone, but upgrades these days are supposed to be optimised to suit a whole variety of platforms, so this new system *ought* to be at least as easy as before on phones, tablets, etc.
PS
Spoke too soon - now I get 'internal error' when I try to publish! If you get to read this, you'll know my issue has been resolved ...
Hurrah, it worked! I had to refresh the page - it asked me to sign in with google and sent me to a new tab to do so.
DeleteIn summary, sign out of all your google accounts, refresh blog page, click to post, then sign in as required.
I shall play about a bit to see what happens if I'm signed it with other accounts too. Please excuse the plethora of short posts that may result - they'll all be in the name of helping everyone gain access : )
Yes, I'm currently signed in with two different email addresses. Google has decided this is my default one so makes me use it here. Key words seem to be log out, refresh, login. Hope that helps : )
DeleteBloody Hell..........I'm on! I have no idea how I've done this. Hope I stay on.
ReplyDeleteI strangly have never had a problem, as to access to this site.
ReplyDeleteMy problems are two-fold -
a) the dreaded blue line, so I type not being able to see as to writing, until finished. I can then scroll up and do the very many corrections
b) I have taken the many hints of at least two (or more) other regulars, in that another blog is probably better for me and that this one is not suitable.
As a result - I will now pop in just now + again, to give any thoughts, be it this page or the other.
DeleteWhat I find funny, is I just now get:- "ersfan.blogspot.com"
ReplyDeletePresumably the website is 'undergoing' an update which makes all the users irate and but the web-tech exceeding happy! I have an android phone which I am now using more often but usually access the web by my lap top.
ReplyDeleteI use it all day, every day because I do not go out!
The other day I witnessed some complaints on the web and tried to post in a blog. The blue line is there where I type and a notice of 'Publish' and 'notify me' are below it. No trouble when posting it.
Not at all sure, but this might have worked.
DeleteThe attempt inspired by PtbY
Since PtbY got away with it, I shall repeat…….. bloody Hell !
DeleteI now feel a complete fraud for getting such very generous messages on false terms.
DeletePlease forgive me.
Nothing forgive Mrs P.
DeleteI have just had a telephone call from LanJan who cannot sign into the blog.
DeleteThe blue button she presses at the end of her comment takes her to the top of the page again with the cat and dog and nothing published.
I haven't been able to sort it out but I think it's something to do with Google taken it over the whole website?
I am also having the same problem. On pressing the blue Publish button, written posts don't appear. They might appear at a later date..
DeleteThis has just happened, yet again. I got the message Your post has been published, but it didn't, unless it appears out of the ether, many hours later.
DeleteI’ve worked out what I did and have responded to LanJans email on the same subject to her call to Spicycushion and hope she is able to understand and copy my instructions as to what I did which resolved the problem for me.
DeleteHow lovely Mrs P. that you have the contact details for many others, so you can help out in the best way possible. 😀
DeleteWhile I’m still able to do so, I would like to report that I had a fantastic weekend in London, Invited by my friendship group that I left in 2014, for a celebration of my 80th birthday.
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t allowed to take my purse or my card out with me.
We had several meals out and a trip to the Shard which was wonderful.
Each of my friends as well as me, native Londoners, we all had great interest in identifying and pointing out personal and general landmarks, although I seem to have missed Windsor Castle.
I returned home to find a cat with what appeared to be a broken leg.
A visit to the vet this afternoon found a very small but obviously painful puncture in a pad. The vet thinks a bite in a fight with another cat.
I had similar a few years ago. It was a bee sting on a pad, which affected the whole leg.
DeleteWhen I checked in and noticed that the number of posts went up by over 10 I knew something must have happened and it has. I'm very glad you managed to beat the system MrsP and hope Lanjan will soon follow.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back MrsP
ReplyDeleteTest
ReplyDeleteVery glad you are still here Mrs.P. Hope Lanjan can re-gain access too.
ReplyDeleteI just found a message from LanJan saying she is unable to log in, but I hope Spicy’s message has been a help. I seem to be able to post more easily AS LONG AS I keep the page open on my Safari (iPad) page. Which means I cannot clear my ‘cache’ or cookies, as I should do regularly or I will loose the connection.
ReplyDeleteI should have thought, with all the advances in technology these days, some bright spark would have sorted out these problems by now,
Sad to report that having found the knack, Mrs P and PtbY would seem to have lost it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that with your encouragement this will prove to be just a temporary blip.
So frustrating for them
DeleteI must admit to being puzzled. Until just now I couldn't access the blog on my laptop because when I clicked on 'sign in to google' it just took me back to the picture at the top of the blog.
ReplyDeleteThen I clicked on my ident name and then on the initial to open my google account.For no reason whatsoever, I clicked on the name of my google account and lo! - the blog page now has the required thin line and PUBLISH, both in a fetching shade of sky blue.
Google moves in mysterious ways.
..but haven't I read something about Google Chrome being hacked in a massive way, so has been affecting all who use this, like me.
DeleteI believe this is being sorted.
On a different note. It is nearly 2 years since my neighbour set my fence on fire. My standard azalea, a prized plant as it was bought by my late Mum nearly 30yrs ago, was badly damanged. Now it is starting to flower and will be wonderful, if the rain + winds stop.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that it will wonderful, as it is so special to me..
That’s good news Miriam. It’s amazing what plants can put up with and recover from with a bit of tender loving care. What colour is your plant?
DeleteUnfortunately we cannot grow azaleas here are we are on almost solid chalk, which they don’t like and would have to spend a lot on ericaceous compost.
It is vibrant pink, is scented and about 3.5 to 4ft in height. There are over 60 flowers now blooming. It means so much to me.
DeleteThank you Sarnia.
ReplyDeleteThat seemed to work.
Miriam- very pleased for you that your beloved azalea is in bud.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy.
Glad to have been of assistance, Mrs P. I hope it also works for Lanjan and PtbY.
ReplyDeleteAfter my surgery visit for the routine "bloods", my plans were changed instantly. I hadn't realised that it was Chester Races, also Ladies Day
ReplyDeleteMy plans were sudddenly changed so I ended up at a lovely garden centre. As a result I have bought replacement plants, for those which haven't reappeared this Spring...
To add, I have just received my £150. I live in a small house, which I have updated and maintained. There must be many, who live in larger homes, where the heating bills will increase far more, but will not get this help.
It is great to receive, but I am putting this into a savings account, ready for next winter.
Yes,you are quite right Miriam. We also live in a small house with few modern facilities by todays standards but because we have a big garden the Council tax was set at E.
DeleteSo no £150 for us! Perhaps we should erect a yurt on the lawn to live in and heat it with a log burning stove and use oil lamps and candles for lighting!
I feel guilty as to this payment, as my home has had A+ rated improvements done.
DeleteI do so feel for those having to rely on food banks, so to feed their children, and themselves.
On my next supermarket shop, I will be giving extra donations into the Food Bank site, which I regurlarly do.
DeleteTo add. I have just received my water bill, which is from my latest water meter reading. I am in credit, but not sure how or why.
DeleteI was sad to see, on the news that because of mobility problems the Queen won’t be attending any of the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties this year. They start next week
ReplyDeleteShe was shown at a party a few years ago, talking to a beautifully dressed guest who was sitting in a wheelchair.
I am surprised that she cannot swallow a little pride and appear in a wheelchair herself. I’m sure the guests would be just as delighted and honoured to meet her.
..and me.
DeleteThis could so help with disability awareness.
I read somewhere, that this is due to a photo of her sister, after 2 strokes, in a wheelchair shortly before her passing.
DeleteThis is probably ficticious.
I thought the same Archerfile. Maybe there is more to her problems than simple mobility.
DeleteThe partner of my ex Bro in Law, was invited to a Garden Party in 2020. This didn't happen due to Covid. She has been invited again this year, but has declined it. The reason is that is too late and does not nean the same, now.
DeleteI mentioned my very treasured and lovely standard azelea, a short while ago. It is now in full bloom, so I have now changed my profile to share this. It can be described as a stick of Candy Floss in the garden and is highly scented.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased as to how it has recovered, though it is now a bit wonky.
Amazing how things can bounce back, and a lovely colour.
DeleteSo glad that your azalea survived Miriam. I have several plants in my garden that I would be really sorry to lose because of their sentimental value.
DeleteStunning colour Miriam, and obviously a real survivor! How lovely it has flowered so prolifically.
DeleteMy treasured plants are very small. A very few surviving Primula Wanda in a deep magenta colour with a yellow eye. They were my Mums favourites and came from our family home in Iver when I first married. By dint of lifting and dividing them most years I have kept them flowering for 52 years. I’d be devastated if they all died and thus severed a link with Mum.
One of my treasured plants is a primula wanda but purple and yellow. It was given to me by a close friend who died young and I've kept it going by division for over 40 years. It looks lovely in spring with tete a tete daffodils.
DeleteIsn't it amazing how plants can mean so much due, to the memories as to persons, be they family or friends. I have my mum's lovely diamond eternity ring, but this plant means so much more to me, as it is so personal.
DeleteSilly I know!
My 100 year old this year cousin has auriculars that she has kept going through division from our grandmother’s original plant handed down to grandmas daughter, then to her daughter, my cousin.
DeleteGrandma died in 1947 !
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep the auriculars alive for one year, that were given to me by my cousin some years ago.
A not very close neighbour but not far away a few weeks ago, suddenly had an old caravan appearing on the driveway. There has been lots of noise etc. all over the weekend, and it seems it is being turned into a food van. I just thought of Ian + Alistair.
ReplyDeleteI can see this work from a back bedroom window. Yes I am nosey, but more intrigued..
DeleteThose pop up food vans are appearing all over the place now Miriam.
DeleteI hope your neighbour is successful.
Ian and Alistair, Miriam? Is the vet going to be moonlighting to flog his own range of horse-meat burgers? ; )
DeleteWhen I was growing up, our vicar's son ran an ice cream van. It was quite common to see it parked in front of the vicarage. But I don't recall ever getting a lolly from it : (
I wrote a long post to tell you all about the succulents originally grown from cuttings from my granny's plant, the pink honeysuckle from cuttings of a plant at our Southampton shoe, the Mothership - a money plant adopted from my father-in-law and renamed by Smallest Person in a Shoe -, and OMiaS's 8ft prickly stick of a cactus that we cruelly abandoned and did not adopt along with the Mothership.
ReplyDeleteBut then I clicked a button on the side of the mouse and it disappeared into the ether. So now you're getting this short edited version instead. Bet you're all letting ut a sigh of relief : )
Hmmm! Bribery and corruption has been going full swing in the Philippines with candidates buying votes from the poorer populace. I fear my daughter in law ( generally a peaceable person but fiery about politics) is going to be disappointed as it looks as if her favourite ( she has had an online vote) Leni Robredo will be beaten by Marcos. She cannot believe the people can so readily have forgotten the corruption when his father was in power. The family were ousted by a people's revolution then. Even some of Mabel's friends are voting for Marcos , and she is at present saying she won't speak to them (online) again. I found it interesting that apparently there is some sort of system so you will be found out if you accept payment from more than one candidate. Vote buying is apparently widespread. I will brace myself for the hurricane that will arrive later!!! I 🤣
ReplyDeleteThey are familiar with hurricanes over there.
DeleteSadly, people like dictators because they bring stability and 'make the trains run on time'.
Will your trio be going back soon or have no firm plans?
No firm plans yet. They are still at the very tired new parent stage with a baby who wakes frequently at night. This evening has been quite entertaining with Mabel sending messages to the two friends who voted for Marcos along the lines of Congratulations and I hope your children will grow up like Marcos ( the worst insult she can think of, but I am not quite sure they will get her sarcasm!) I am surprised at how much I have learnt about the history and corruptness of the Marcos family, and to add insult to injury Sarah Duterte is running as his deputy. Mabel's exasperation with people who she thought were intelligent voting the way they did has been very vocal tonight.
DeleteOur British elections seem very peaceful by comparison.
Just thinking about your comment Basia about them being used to hurricanes out there. I wonder if people can be shaped by the climate in their environment. Does living in an unstable climate make people more volatile I wonder, and does living in a calmer climate make for steadier people?
DeleteOMG am I back? ….not been missed though 🤣😂
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back. We would have had no one to remind us about birthdays! This new Google system is a bit of a pain, but as someone else said at least we can't accidentally sign out anymore.
DeleteSo nice that you have found your way back. Long may it remain. 😄🤗
DeleteJanice, I mentioned signing out, which Lanjan said she was prone to do.
DeleteHello Lanjan, please do not give up on signing in !
It’s been a real pain for 2 weeks now goodness only knows what I may have done with my overall settings etc but b-n-l coming Saturday so May get a check over or maybe best to leave well alone. Apple is pretty secure anyway.
DeleteYou are not alone, as I am suddenly having many problems on my PC. Perhaps this is now the time to upgrade it and the printer to match.
DeletePleased to see you back Lady R
DeleteWe’re you able to see/read the blog Lady R ?
DeleteYou do know of course that you are not alone.
Yet again I’ve had to reinvent myself by posting an email to my former self in order to be able to post.
Even if all I want to say is hello !
Yes Mrs P I could read the blog but when I hit the blue oblong to sign in to comment it just went back to the picture heading the blog. I spent hours trying different things deleting and restoring etc in the end today I actioned cross tracking and that seemed to do it but I’ve no idea really 🤣 - a matter of 🤞🏼 now!
DeleteLady R: I was having exactly the same problem on my laptop. See my entry May 4th at 1.44pm for the solution.
DeleteLadyR.
DeleteYes that was what was happening to me too.
I tried Sarnia method which didn’t work for me, so have reverted to my previous method whereby I scroll to the top of the blog and in the top right hand corner of the picture heading is a sort of triangle with three dots at the end of that open triangle. Press /click that and it brings up a box of options. I click/press on email which takes me to a page where I have to ‘send an email to a friend ‘ - I send an email to my former email address on my still live old IPad, enter testing in the message area then prove I’m not. a robot. Then I return to the blog and ( for the time being ) that lets me reply.
If you, or anyone else can try my method, good luck !
On waking up in the early hours of this morning (a loo trip), it was very dark. Putting the bedside light on, it didn't work. Looking out, all was dark, so it was a power cut.
ReplyDeleteThis morning, my HD Freeview Box would not work with the message - no signal, but the TV worked. I retuned the box 3× and the same thing happened each time. I am now getting my signal from the North Wales transmitter. I cannot change this, even though I live in England but on the border. Oh well the welsh local news will be different.
and Ch4 is now S4C. Luckily I have find the altenative in english and so I have the alternative to the welsh channel.
DeleteThis is nothing to do with anything, except I don't speak the wonderful welsh language, like many do.
Basia, replied to your comment of 4.40 pm
ReplyDeleteJanice, it is good that there's no pressure to leave and that for the time being they have cast anchor in the waters near you. You can enjoy your grandson, talk politics and exchange cooking tips. If our mood is affected by the weather, so must our characters be influenced by the climate, we are a part of it.
DeleteOh blessed rain! We actually had a puddle on our shed roof this morning after what seems like weeks of dry!
ReplyDeleteHad to get the hose out at the weekend to top up fish pond and try to save several browning plants, but it’s so expensive to use when you have a water meter.
So thank you rain angels, keep it coming!
While I’m still able to post (fingers crossed ) I would just like to report that my birthday treat from my London friends was a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe family that I worked for - initially after school care, morphing into the ironing and cooking as they morphed into their teenage years, - all visited to meet me over tea and crumpets. Then over the weekend with my London neighbours group who treated me to meals out, meet ups and a wonderful treat up the Shard.
Now down to the last six weeks before my move, and all that that entails.
Thank you Mrs P for your instructions. I’ll see if this publishes. Now I’ve got on I can’t think of anything to post! Typical.
DeleteI know the feeling ptby 🤣
ReplyDeleteMrs P which property did you choose in the end 🤔
Mrs P. If you can, please tell all about your move and the property you are in process of purchasing.
ReplyDeleteI am genuingly interested.
I’m going with the ground floor flat in Minehead.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fantastic for You, Lady and cat. 🤞all is going well. Good Luck 🤗
DeleteThank you Miriam, I shall have a garden that I can step out into instead of a steep and narrow path before I get to my present garden.
DeleteThe garden in Minehead stretches across the back of the substantial Edwardian house with a large area on the flat which is paved, and another area of the same size that is lawned, with a summer house and a very large garden shed tucked away at the side. There is also a Magnolia tree.
If I never do anything more than maintain it as it is, then it will remain a decent enough garden. But if I have the imagination and energy to develop the garden there is plenty of scope to do so.
It will be your own idyllic space. I am so pleased for you and sounds so perfect.
DeleteFinally got 4 trees delivered today. 2 Rowan and 2 Amalanchier. Got the 2 Rowans planted as they were bare rooted. Done our bit for planting a tree for the jubilee.
ReplyDeleteWell done PtbY, now you an watch them grow for a few years, hopefully for ever.
DeleteFor those who enjoyed listening to Behind Closed Doors, I found by accident today, Series 4. This has now been downloaded.
ReplyDeleteAlso series 6 of King Street Juniors has just started again on R4ex. This is a new one for me.
Lanjan has been trying to get on the blog for days and cannot manage it. I said to try Mrs P’s instructions but she says it doesn’t work for her. She’s now given up and taken to the gin!! Lol
ReplyDeleteOh dear!
DeleteGood luck with the move MrsP, so pleased that you have found somewhere suitable.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news Mrs P and the garden sounds ideal. I’m sure you’ll love it there and I wish you a very happy time your new home. Mazel tov!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Mrs. P.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a huge weight off your mind.
Not really Mistral, I’ve actually got to get there before I feel that.
DeleteSee the end of my post below.
But how is your search going, and might we be nearby ?
Minehead is very close to the beginning of Devon.
I am so glad for you Mrs P. The garden sounds lovely, especially the summerhouse, and you will be close to the coast.
ReplyDeleteMrsP - I admire your perseverance.
ReplyDeleteLanjan - please don't give up!
Thank you all, and BASIA, I admire your perseverance too and like you hope LJ does not give up.
ReplyDeleteAs well as being beside the sea, I will be a few minutes only to the moor and the evidence I’ve already seen of the ponies.
I’ve never yearned to be by the seaside but Minehead is not a ‘ kiss me quick ‘ sort of town at all, and does have an air of gentility about it. Not pretty but with handsome buildings. The house itself would have been a substantial Edwardian family residence, now four flats. It’s white render gleams in the sun and the abundant wisteria is draped across its front looking magnificent.
The huge task ahead is not so much the move, but rather divesting myself of all my ephemera.
Daunting MrsP but could also be quite cathartic
DeleteThat sounds lovely and so suitable. It must be so difficult as to the sorting out and then, deciding what to keep. It is a heart over head situation, isn't it, along with storage.
DeleteFrench gastronomy is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage.
ReplyDeleteWhich ONE criteria was not applied to a French meal?
table setting
marriage of food and wine
cleanliness
conversation
Great question. As I am one who knows nothing about France, let alone its gastromony, I guess table setting.
DeleteThere is a loophole, for me, as to where is the setting - a restaurant or in an normal life.
Conversation?
DeleteI had a panic today. I had my bloods done last week. Today I received a letter from my surgery, to book a repeat blood test. I contacted them immediately, to learn all is well as all the tests were normal. The full blood count was just slightly out of the normal range. Phew! I am not worried at all, as next test is in 3 weeks time.
ReplyDeleteCleanliness?
ReplyDeleteCorrect! Sarnia, I thought it funny, but then it must be assumed that the hygiene standards will be maintained.
DeleteJanice, like you, I excluded conversation, but can you imagine a meal , especially in France, without people talking? It has its risks of course which we take willingly.
As in Greece, eating is a social event, in which the setting, food and wine and company are the most important. The modern English/American custom of ordering a takeaway for each family member to eat separately is viewed with horror.
DeleteMy little Sis, is also on the move, and are also down-sizing. As such they now have a skip on the drive, but they are finding it difficult, as to discarding things.
ReplyDeleteI bet Mrs P is the same.
Little Sis + hubbie are trying to re-cycle, sell and donate, as much as they can. However, this is not as easy as it sounds, due to restrictions.
DeleteYes, here we used to be able to drop things off to the local village hospice shop but now things have to be taken about 20 miles to a centralised warehouse which is only open in the morning.
DeleteI’ve found somebody today who will ethically salvage recycle or pass on to other ethical organisations all that I am able to let go of.
ReplyDeleteIt will cost though. My local vintage outlet are refusing to take my stuff.
My daughter has been picking wild garlic leaves and making garlic and potato soup. Very nice. I have just made a Spanish frittata but had run out of onions so used 3 cornered leek from the wild patch of garden instead. Bubs and leaves can be used.
ReplyDeleteThat reminded me of your 3 cornered leeks Mrs P. Are you going to dig some up and take to your new garden? 😉 I think I can guess your answer to that!
Bulbs not bubs!
DeleteI think you have guessed correctly Janice.
DeleteOnly yesterday did I make a mental note that if I took anything from my present garden i would be in danger of transferring the thug - however pretty - also.
I have just seen Basia's result as to the French cuisine question - which was cleanliness.
ReplyDeleteAll I want in a meal is:- good food, good wine, good company and most of all - good conversation.
Nevertheless Janice, I took notice of your culinary tip and made myself an omelette this evening. The filling being ‘you know what ‘ !
ReplyDeleteForaging sites have recipes for making pesto of 3 cornered leek, and the bulbs can be pickled a bit like silver skin onions. A country house not far away has a day for people to come and pick wild garlic to try and keep that down. Good luck with your packing.
DeleteJust seen something that I've never seen before, a blackbird grabbed a newt out of my pond and scoffed what seemed to be a very tasty meal.
ReplyDeleteOur pond used to be a fast food outlet for robin's nestlings, with a constant supply of bite-size froglets.
ReplyDeleteWarning - the following may be considered controversial. If so I apologise:
ReplyDeleteI have just watched an edition of BBC news
Much coverage from Ukraine with scenes of horrific destruction, stories of great suffering and assassination of citizens by Russian soldiers. This is, very sadly, a daily occurrence but I do feel it is my duty to keep up with developments and understand what is going on.
This was followed by news of many elderly and disabled people in the UK being unable to get the social are they need because of shortage of nurses due to low pay etc. Scenes of very disabled patients struggling to cope on their own, or parents trying to look after challenging adult children.
What infuriated me beyond belief is that after these two harrowing and important stories we were treated to several minutes of film and reporting on the trial of 2 selfish, self-important, very wealthy women known as WAGs, fighting it out in court over some accusation or other of libel.
Who cares about these unimportant females who are only interested in fashion, make-up and being famous? And why does the BBC include their sickening story self interest in the same bulletin as the events in Ukraine and hardship at home?
Unfortunately there are many who find "celebrity" lives riveting.
DeleteThey are apparently women in their own right by being "influencers", not just married to rich men.
How are they influencing young girls by their disgraceful conduct?
There is another defamation trial in the US.
Both involve huge amounts of money in the court of public opinion.
Both equally revolting but we live in the world of social media.
And just think what a huge difference the money being expended on these trials would make to the struggling families both here and in the Ukraine.
DeleteIf either of those WAGs had an ounce of compassion they would have stopped this ridiculous legal fight and given the money saved to good causes to help those struggling to feed their families and pay their energy bills.
😡
I empathise with your feelings Archerfile.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile your excellent post reiterated exactly what I said to the tv screen when this happened!
ReplyDeleteThis is a test
ReplyDeleteI have had problems, so glad I am now back in, which others might not like 😁
DeleteThere was one thing that has touched me today. This was seeing a photo of HRH The Duke of Cambridge, with Deborah James, after he presented her with the insignia of a Dame.
ReplyDeleteSometimes these things happen, like Captain Sir Tom Moore, which captures the nations hearts.
I just feel for all those who also do "end of life" appeals, but are seldom acknowledged, yet raise monies for so many charities.
Well done Lanjan ⚽️ 🏆 I know you can’t reply but just t say I thought of you straight away 🤗 and wondered if Poppy and Percy watched with you 🐈⬛🐈⬛
ReplyDeleteI join LadyR in congratulations, it was tense, Lanjan, you're not alone!
DeleteI texted LanJan saying a hearty congratulations at the end of the match. She has her son with her but still cannot get back on the log. However she did send greetings to everyone here for thinking about her!
ReplyDeleteA simple idea, which might help others who still can't find their way in. I couldn't access this site today, not that I had anything to comment on. I just "googled" archersfan.blogspot. This site appeared and as it is public site, I got back in easily.
ReplyDeleteI tried that during my “off air” fortnight Miriam but could not comment on the blog because I could not get my logo up but if it works for some great. I hope it never happens again as I spent hours installing and uninstalling different things and googling forums etc. in the end I tapped allow cross tracking and as I access the blog via chrome that may have solved it for me as I may have disabled that during all my fiddling but I don’t think I will ever know 🙃
DeleteGARY I read if a problem with your site contact your administrator but I don’t think we can do that? Do you hold our e.mails? If no meet ups had ever taken place with some members of the blog who then exchanged personal details we would all have been in the same boat. Many of us cannot let our virtual friends know that we are ok and that tech is the reason for our absence and not illness but that could also be an issue.
Out of curiousity, are these access problems occurring on Apple devices or right across the board?
ReplyDeleteYou may be right there Sarnia although Google took over blog spot🤔 and Apple do a number of version updates. Everything Wi-Fi has its moments though TVs,desk tops, phones & iPads etc 😡
DeleteI have a Samsung galaxy tablet and have had no problems. It is puzzling, and very sad if Lanjan can't get back in.
ReplyDeleteHP laptop. My Wileyfox phone had to be signed in again with Google when the format changed but it wasn't a problem.
ReplyDeleteiPad. Reached by finding archers fan blogspot on Google with safari browser. Once in, dare not clear my cache and cookies or I will have trouble getting back in again. This is worrying as you are supposed to clear cookies etc quite often.
ReplyDeleteSince I’ve sorted mine AP I can clear cookies and data in safari settings and double click the home button to swipe all open items away and still get back in but I won’t get cocky about it it’s always a 🤞🏼 situation!
DeleteIs that Apple?
ReplyDelete