29th December 2021
Well, we've survived another Yule and sat through some boring TV programmes. However, I did enjoy the new episode of Worzel Gummidge which raises a concern that I may be hurtling towards my second childhood. Some say it catches up with you as the years go by. Oh, I don't care, it's on again tonight and I'm gonna watch it. Anyway, I'm ecstatic to have found someone with wrinkles more pronounced than mine. |
Christmas is more or less done with in our house - once it's over I'm glad to get on with the New Year. Cards and decorations will come down on January 1st even though we're supposed to wait until Twelfth Night. I'm unsure what all the fuss is about so I've consulted Google...
"If Christmas Day is the first of the twelve days, then Twelfth Night would be on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. If December 26, the day after Christmas, is the first day, then Twelfth Night falls on January 6, the evening of Epiphany itself." It looks like you can take your pick which day you can call Twelfth Night and I still don't know why we can't take the decs down until then. |
22nd December 2021
Tomorrow you'll need to buy (or catch) some fish ready to make a Stargazy Pie on the 23rd. You'll be forgiven if you give it a miss, unless you live in Mousehole, Cornwall. Many years ago Mousehole villagers faced starvation when a series of mighty storms prevented the fishing boats setting sail. One local man, Tom Bawcock, headed out to sea in the bad weather and returned with a catch of 7 types of fish. The fish were cooked in a large traditional pie, known as Stargazy Pie because the heads of the fish stick out of the crust and stare skywards. Starvation was averted. To this day the locals eat this dish on Tom Bawock's Eve in appreciation of his bravery. Now eat up your fish pie, it's only three sleeps until turkey time. |
20th December 2021
Anyone diving down to Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice? Bit too chilly for me but I've discovered that you can join in online. I think the solstice takes place on the 21st but the "do" at Stonehenge is on the morning of the 22nd. Maybe I need to do another Google to see what's what. |
19th December 2021
It's our 62nd wedding anniversary today - it has to be worth a Knighthood... or something. |
My friend Cora has been busy doing her little acts of kindness. She has made a little knitted Santa hat and tucked inside I found a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. So I ate the chocolate and the little china cat is wearing the hat. We now have Hat-Cat keeping Shelf-Elf company for the duration of the festive season while Fat-Teapot watches over them.
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17th December 2021
My 'fast track' appointment arrived today - it's next week, 23rd. Then another letter arrived this morning for an appointment with the cancer nurse in June 2022. What a relief, it looks like they're expecting me to be around next summer. Just as I'd decided on my funeral music they're hinting that it won't be needed just yet. Dark thoughts creep into my head but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. |
I think I must have had a couple of senior moments this week and eaten an extra Freddo. I just caught sight of an empty wrapper in my desk drawer - I checked the Freddo Calendar and find I'll have to abstain for a couple of days if I want to convince Carol I've stuck to the rules. |
Jay and Lesley popped in this afternoon - they're just back from a weekend in Frome, Somerset. They went especially to watch the starling flocks doing patterns in the sky. Their verdict: fantastic! Starlings are the only birds that form this pulsating formation called a murmuration. The Somerset Levels in particular, are known world wide for the huge flocks of Starlings that fill the sky during the autumn and winter seasons. Millions of starlings form dark clouds that wheel and swoop in unison forming a spectacular sight. The performance takes place just before the birds roost in the reeds of the marsh beds. |
11th December 2021
I've another little Calendar and Romans story today. We're in another month with the wrong name. One has to ask, why? December was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar. It gets its name from the Latin word "decem" which means tenth. However, when the Romans added January and February to the calendar, it became the twelfth month. |
7th December 2021
Hi there, not much to tell you today. I'm keeping up with the Freddos - seven downed and eighteen to go - yum! I'm hoping to muster motivation for writing Christmas cards this morning before we dash off for another hospital visit - rheumatology this time. By the way, did you spot the little green mixing bowl (top shelf below) it's the twin of one Nigella uses in her cookery programme. I bought it from the Mason Cash website. They make bowls and basins, and baking related stuff. Fingers crossed this isn't causing you jaw-aching yawns. Anyway, if you subscribe to their website your name goes into a draw every month and someone wins a pile of baking equipment. Just saying... |
8th December 2021
We ventured out again this morning - Weston Hall Coffee shop where we met up with Carol and Jay. Coffee, cake, non-stop chat - they were both keen to hear the outcome of yesterday's hospital trip. It wasn't too encouraging but at least I'll be getting a few more outings in early spring. I'll be visiting the heart department, plus a session of physiotherapy, and Dr Adizie is chasing up some concerns he has about my liver - liver being the new kid on the block where malfunctioning body parts are concerned, He's also squeezed in an extra blood test a few days before Christmas, and we'll be out again on Friday to see the cancer consultant - I'm hoping nothing else lands on the list just yet. Oh, one more, my blood pressure pills have been doubled. That's it for now so I'll get on with writing Chrimbo cards. |
2nd December 2021
Shelf Elf thought he'd join Santa, saw his grumpy face and hopped onto the kitchen shelf way out of Santa's range. I thought about doing a selfie, just little Elfie and me, but a Shelfie Elfie Selfie might be too much for anyone. 1st December 2021
Relax everyone, you can mention the 'C' word now. Shout it from the rooftops if you like. There's no escaping it, the shops are full of it and the garden centres have forgotten they're supposed to sell plants. We've received cards already and Classic FM is churning out carols which seems to have sent my fave composers underground. I'm tuning in to the season slowly... I've ferreted around in forgotten boxes to unearth our Bah Humbug Santa. He'll make his way to the mantle shelf despite being a miserable b****r, even his shadow looks like a threat. We've had him for many years and he still makes me laugh when he shuffles out of his hidey hole to do his annual Christmas duty. We're kindred spirits when it comes to coping with Christmas. |
26th November 2021
It looks like we're in for a wild, windy weekend so batten down the hatches folks and stay safe when storm Arwen's gets to us. I've been wondering where the name comes from (yes, I flew to Google again) it's of Welsh origin meaning noble maiden. There are characters in Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, and in King of Thrones named Arwen. I quite like it. |
Carol and Ralfie called in yesterday after they'd been for Ralfie's swimming session. I laughed my socks off - when I saw what they were carrrying. I guess she'd spotted my entry of the 20th below and kindly made me an advent calendar. I love it and promise to refrain from attack until Wednesday 1st December. Ho Ho Ho!
I'm a faithful follower of Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent's Podcast called Purple People. They expound on language and word meanings and how they've changed over the centuries. OK so it's a bit nerdy with strong connotations of anorak, and for some, boring, I love it. What I'm getting round to is - maybe those who are addicted to the purple packeted Cadbury's Freddos should also be called Purple People. |
20th November 2021
Morning all... sorry I've been somewhat tardy this week... the old rheumatoid arthritis lumbered me with a few sleepless nights. Can't lie on my right side because my hip hurts, can't lie on my left side because my shoulder hurts, and on a really bad day I can't lift the teapot to pour a cup of tea. I'm sure most oldies have their discomforts - time for me to stop moaning. I find consolation in a Cadbury's Freddo. If I dare open something larger I'm likely to eat the lot so a self-contained little Freddo does the trick. |
During my sleepless nights I've been wandering round YouTube where I found something new to try - a Gel Printing Plate. Good old Google guided me to where I could get one - it arrived yesterday - it's a 6" x 6" transparent square of wibbly-wobbly stuff almost 1cm thick. It's ostensibly gelatine, but I think there must be something else in it for stability. It's for making mono-prints. I just need to watch a bit more YouTube to gain a better understanding of the process before I put my paints and brayer (a dinky little roller thing) into action. You can use inks, water colour, acrylics or oils on the plate. Whether I manage a masterpiece or a mess, I'll show you the results if and when I get the hang of it.
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10th November 2021
Dull November drizzle and soggy leaves this morning. Even the pigeon on the garage roof looks fed up and gormless as he gazes aimlessly at nothing much. Bern's just put the bird food out, I think the pigeon is waiting for the starlings to muscle in. In one swift frenzy they manage to scatter as much as they eat. The dejected pigeon waits until the fuss is over to do his daily clean up job of eating the bits that end up on the ground. The poor pigeons have never been top of the popularity poll, I used to say, "what are pigeons for?". I like them a little more now that I know they're for cleaning up the patio after the other birds have bombarded the feeders. |
On this day in 1960 Penguin Books went on trial at the Old Bailey under the new Obscene Publications Act. Some old buffers were outraged by Lawrence's novel, "Lady Chatterley's Lover". I wonder what they'd make of the stuff we see on television today and the subsequent film of the story in question. Their plea to the powers that be was littered with statements such as, "would you allow your wife and servants to read it?" Patronising or what? Needless to say the stuffed shirts didn't get their way and Penguin Books won the case. Despite the outrage and tantrums of the complainants, wives and servants are now allowed to indulge in some legal racy reading.
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1st November 2021
Here we are again, pinch punch, first of the month. Why do we utter this drivel? Time to find out... Google here I come... It became known as ‘pinch and punch on the first of the month’. Some believe the tradition originated in medieval times, when people believed in witches. A PINCH of salt was scattered to make witches weak and the PUNCH was administered to banish the witch for good. Mmm... I'm not convinced but it'll do for now. I don't believe in witches or ghosts but last night, erring on the side of caution, I put my little terracotta ghoul on guard in the garden just in case bad spirits were wandering round. He looked spooky in the dark after I'd lit a candle and persuaded him to sit over it. |
26th October 2021
Yesterday I ventured beyond the 80 mark - it was my 81st birthday so now I have one foot on the slippery slope that leads to 90 (or wherever!) Gloomy as that prospect is, I had a fab day as the family insisted we had a little outing and so we joined forces for morning coffee at Weston park. The hungry ones had no problem downing a bacon bap - just the job on a chilly morning. Bright sunshine lit up the landscape, a sight for sore eyes. With work commitments etc., not everyone could make it but a dozen of us turned up, including Rory and Freddie. Freddie and I pinched a moment to read a Jungle Book story about Moogli and Bagheera. Excuse the hair, it hasn't seen scissors since the first lockdown. I'm thinking a black pointy hat and I'll be looking quite authentic for Halloween. Do you like Freddie's jumper? Another of my shopping cockups. I bought it for him last Christmas when he was two, I misread the label as it says says age 4. At last he's finally grown into it even though he's only 3. Well done Freddie. |
21st October 2021
I'm finding it difficult to believe what I've just read in a BBC article: "AI (artificial intelligence) is changing how we interact with everything, from food to healthcare, travel and also religion." It goes on to say that "Robot priests can recite prayers, perform funerals, and even comfort those experiencing a spiritual crisis." I immediately dissed the concept, had a substantial rant, calling it nonsense, inhuman, and stupid. Then I reminded myself that we already have one foot on the AI ladder by conversing with Alexa every morning. She does our bidding and what's more, she rarely answers back or disobeys. We talk to an inanimate object that lurks up the corner on top of the bookcase. Guess what: I've had second thoughts and made an about turn. Maybe a multi-tasking handsome robot would be good fun. He could help in the garden, do the ironing, make the bed, and maybe flit round with a feather duster after he's done some decorating and cleaned the kitchen floor. Bring it on! |
I've just consulted my Chambers Book of Days to see if anything interesting happened on this day in the distant past. There's a snippet about goings on in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Today is the feast day of St Etheldreda, better known as St Audrey. We're back in Saxon times now and the year is 679. The day is celebrated to commemorate the moving of St Audrey's remains from a common cemetery to a marble coffin within the church of Ely. She was the daughter of a King of East Anglia and earned her reputation with her piety and sticking to her vow of chastity for her entire lifetime. History also states that she was married twice, to two Saxon Princes. In view of the incongruous nature of these facts I'm tempted to take a pinch of salt with this story regarding the piety and chastity bit. After her death the annual ritual of St Audrey's Fair took place on this day.
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11th October 2021
Hello everyone, I thought I'd share a bit of autumnal loveliness with you. Mother Nature has daubed colour on our witch hazel (botanical name hamamelis). The leaves will be gone soon but in January it'll wake up to put on another show of fluffy bits of sunshine yellow before the new leaves form. A welcome sight in mid-winter. For most of the year it's just a little green shrub but when it's in showy-offy mode it's glorious. |
8th October 2021
I'm so pleased to read this morning's announcement about the awards for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Two journalists are awarded the prize this year and both are from countries living under oppression dealt out by heavy-handed dictatorial regimes where freedom of expression is denied. Congratulations to Maria Ressa (Philippines) and Dmitry Maratov (Russia). Brave people who dare to speak out on behalf of the people and who believe in truth and the right to live a life with the opportunity of personal choices. I'd like to think that the award will send a message to unreasonable rulers - but there's also a chance that pigs might fly. All too often in today's world we see that Hedonism wins over fairness and honesty. |
The Peace Prize is presented annually in Oslo, in the presence of the King of Norway, on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death. It is the only Nobel Prize not presented in Stockholm and is awarded annually "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". Each recipient receives a medal, diploma, and monetary award. It is one of the five prizes established by the 1895 will of Alfred Nobel (died 1896) for outstanding contributions in chemistry, physics, literature, peach. and physiology or medicine.
Incongruity steps into this story… the benefactor who established the Peace Prize. Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), became famous for his invention of dynamite and gelignite. He was a Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor who held 355 different patents, dynamite the most famous. He owned a major iron and steel producing company. He redirected its operations to that of manufacturing cannon and other armaments. I’m wondering if he had a rethink about weaponry before he died. He bequeathed his fortune to fund the Nobel Prize institution. |
Happy Birthday Number 2
to little Martha. It's cake and candles for her today. I spy a new bike - her Dad sent the pic this morning. Looks like new slippers are getting more attention than the bike and balloons. |
Ralfie popped in yesterday - he brought Nana Carol with him, they'd been swimming. They brought news of little Rory - he's had a hospital visit and was diagnosed with croup. He's OK and home again now and he's started smiling. I've not heard of croup in recent times and thought it went out with ration books and gas masks years ago. Apparently not. Google says it's airborne and common in age 5 or under. I think basically, it's a very nasty cough and especially worrying when a very young baby gets it.
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7th October 2021
Today's the day to indulge in a bit of culture - time to write and/or read a poem or two. Why not wax lyrical, surprise someone with your creativity. Do you enjoy a good rhyme or are you given to free-verse? I like poetry in all its forms and object to people getting sniffy about it. I don't care if people enjoy a risqué rhyme or prefer to spout a Shakespearean sonnet - whatever your forte it's all good for the soul. I have far more poetry books than I need (in the region of 60) plus several books on poetry forms and rules for writing the posh stuff. Enjoy the day. |
1st October 2021
Here we are in October again, time for pumpkins, dark nights, Halloween and all that spooky stuff. We started the month with crack-of-dawn flu jabs... well it was 9.15 and decidedly chilly. It was all carried out with military precision, oldies lined up, (socially distanced of course) with sleeves rolled up, geriatric arms bared and waiting. We were back in the house ten minutes after leaving. The experience reinforced a few thoughts that have buzzed around my head for some time. OK we have to do it for injections but other than that old arms should never see the light of day. However hot the weather I've avoided sleeveless tops and dresses for some years - how could I possibly reveal white wobbly arms with unstable lardy fleshy bits that threaten to go adrift? Ugh! The world just doesn't need it - one could almost deem it to be indecent exposure! |
27th September 2021
How do you feel about the busy-body approach of Internet search engines? I'm at the end of my tether with them. I use Bing (the one attached to Windows) and Google. No matter what I'm looking for they take me straight to Amazon, e.g. I put in Marks & Spencer or whatever, in the hope of landing on their website. I get dumped at Amazon or some other outlet which happens to have similar stock for sale. They never land me on the right doorstep. So, on Jay's recommendation I'm thinking of installing a search facility called Duck Duck Go. The bonus is, it doesn't track where you've been so there's no cookies, biscuits, doughnuts, swiss rolls, or whatever it is search engines collect to the let the world and all its retail outlets know where you've been browsing so they can pester you to buy their wares. It's my little "up yours" to invasive entrepreneurs and sneaky search engines. It pays to be careful these days as the blighters use spy bots and algorithms (weird techno stuff) to ensure you get waylaid when heading for a favourite websites. The other day when I was hunting for my 2022 diary I put in "The Pen Company". It took me to "The Pen Company Online". Which looked OK - my usual shop but the online version, or so I thought. Wrong again, after I'd wasted time wandering round I realised I was in the wrong place. I should have been directed to exactly what I'd stipulated but some sites have nasty little tricks to steer you elsewhere. Yet another gripe: I reckon the media have succeeded in winding up the public re the petrol position. I presume those driving round and filling up their cars AND cans still have a garage full of bog rolls. And would they have run out of petrol if they hadn't driven to every garage in striking distance, engines chugging for hours in every queue they can find? I'd like to make an announcement: you may be inconvenienced but you won't die without petrol! |
DuckDuckGo is an internet search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers' privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results. DuckDuckGo does not show search results from content farms. It uses various API of other websites to show quick results to queries and for traditional links it uses the help of its partners and its own crawler. |
25th September 2021 I've just been reading about the happenings on 25th September 1066. Our King Harold II and his Saxon army fought King Harald III of Norway at the Battle of Stamford Bridge (Yorkshire). King Harald III of Norway fancied his chances of seizing the English throne. The Norwegian King and his brother Tostig both died on the battlefield so they didn't manage to get their hands on it. Well done our Harold. Just three days later our King Harold marched South to meet William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings which took place on 14th October - Harold II died in this battle. Goodness me! All these kings stamping up and down the country demanding to be in charge. Outcome: King Harold II of England was defeated by the Norman forces of William the Conqueror. At the end of the bloody, all-day battle, Harold was dead and his forces were destroyed. Harold was the last Saxon King of England. |
According to legend, Harold Godwinson (King Harold II) was killed by an arrow in his eye. The legend of Harold being hit in the eye comes from the Bayeux Tapestry , which shows Harold's death. |
23rd September 2021
Can anyone join me in claiming to be a diary fetishist? For the past couple of years the apple of my eye has been a little A5 Paperblanks diary. My 2022 diary arrived this morning and I love it. I've already pencilled in my March appointment with the haematology consultant. 2019 and 2020 diaries were by Paperblanks with sparkly covers. This year I've sobered up and opted for one with a Beethoven theme. OK, so I'm a nut case - we all have our little foibles don't we? Well I hope you do, I don't want to be the only one who's barmy. |
20th September 2021
I always look what the moon is up to when I go to bed - it's been a big shiny one all week, and the full moon is tonight. We're about to arrive at the Autumn Equinox - in pre-Christian times called Mabon and three quarters of the year gone. Folklore says it's time to close the beehives for the year so come on precious little buzzing bees, get tucked up before the cold weather sets in. I must have a word with the bees in our garden there's still a few buzzing around. |
14th September 2021
Freddie's 3rd birthday this weekend so we had a trip to Lichfield - bouncy castle in the garden plus parcels, cake and candles. Lovely sunshine enhanced the afternoon - perfect for sitting in the garden. We seem to get a lot of practice at doing kiddywink parties these days. Great fun until they all get tired and fractious. Happy Third Birthday Freddie alias Sir Gadabout the Great. Jay and Lesley didn't make it as they were packing the camper van and were about to set off for a holiday. |
10th September 2021
The Sainsbury's Van Man arrived this morning: I have only one thing to say and it's very Victor Meldrew, "I don't believe it!" Talk about famous last words (see post 27th August) well this time it's toilet rolls. Two (instead of one) large size economy packs. The strange thing is one of them is bog (pardon the pun) standard Sainsbury's middle range stuff and the other pack is the comfy quilted sort of another brand. Why would anyone in their right mind do that? It's even worse than my biscuit blunder. I'm wondering now what the poor chap was thinking as he lugged paper mountains to our doorstep. |
I love a declutter and I've been chucking out stuff such as surplus tins baking tins, a jam kettle, and things we'll never use again . My family keep a safe distance as they're fed up of me trying to dump my unwanted stuff on them. Charity shops brace yourselves. If anyone is into jam and marmalade making (I used to be) you are welcome to a half-decent jam kettle and funnel thing for filling the jars. Are they still called jam kettles? I don't know but it's a pan for jam - not an up to date plug in one, it's the sort that sits on the hob (not suitable for induction hob).
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1st September 2021
Suitably masked and gelled we did the appointment with the haematology consultant this afternoon. Well I did while Bern went off to collect my meds from the hospital pharmacy. He managed to kill two birds with one stone by scoffing a Greg's steak-bake. Greg's is near the pharmacy and in Bern's world it would be rude not to indulge. The visit was soon over - you're asked to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment so no hanging around in the waiting area. My red cells are still in short supply so I'm going in next week for an intravenous iron top up. Another jolly outing to look forward to... now what shall I wear? |
What's happened to the weather? we should be enjoying some mellow days of late summer sunshine right now. The world has much to worry about with Covid rampaging again, horror and angst in Afghanistan, global warming and extreme meteorological happenings around the planet. Seems to me it's all grey clouds and no silver linings. What unhappy thoughts I have today.
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I almost forgot to tell you, I have a new friend. We met (virtually) on a website for people with rare diseases and we both share the same one, scleroderma and all it's accompanying little add-ons. It's great to chat with someone who knows what's involved and understands all the ups and downs one experiences. Here's waving to you Brenda - have a great holiday. (She's in Wales on a mini break.)
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27th August 2021
Not much going on this week - I've spent the days hovering under the radar as I've not been feeling top of the shop. Next Wednesday I'll be at Haematology - the plan is that they sort out my blood and I'll be able to sparkle again (pigs might fly) but fingers crossed. We laughed this morning when Mr Van Man delivered our shopping. I must have been click happy in the biscuit department. I intended to buy one twin pack - this is what arrived. I wonder what I'll manage to multiply next week. |
22nd August 2021
This morning I'm wishing the sun would come back - I'm wearing three layers and still feel cold. Whenever possible I love to sit in the hot sun and feel it melting away my Raynaud's chills. I popped into the chat room (online) where people with systemic sclerosis bemoan their ills - they were discussing how they protect themselves from the sun with factor 50, hats, sunglasses. umbrellas, and generally cover up and lurk in the shade. Like me, they take mycophenolate mofetil. I'm thinking what are they fussing about? Good old Google came up with the answer:
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Today's date marks a couple of spats resulting in civil war in England.
22nd August 1485, Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The best known account is related by Shakespeare's play. It's doubtful that events are reported accurately (he was writing a drama not a history book) and maybe Richard was not guilty of all the deeds attributed to him. 22nd August 1600, Charles 1 raised his standard signalling the Civil War that was to follow. Peace finally returned in 1649. At some time during those 49 years when the Roundheads were after his blood, he stopped to lurk in the old oak at Boscobel, just up the road from here. |
14th August 2021
I try to have a go at all the social media stuff the young ones indulge in simply because it's where they share their news. I get "tagged" and invited to "follow" things on Instagram. I'm feeling a bit sheepish admitting that I'm now "following" a dog who lives in Rotterdam with our No 3 Grandson and Zara. Despite sounding fishy, I'm not horsing around - it's true, Miso has his own doggy Instagram account. His name, Miso, intrigued me - Google informed me that Miso is a fermented paste that adds a salty umami flavour to many Japanese dishes. The word "fermented" makes it questionable in my world but those around me reckon it's fine. Most miso is made in Japan, where the ingredient has been used since the eighth century. Mm... I guess it sort of makes sense... Jon and Zara are keen "foodies" very much into cooking. I also understand that Miso the dog and miso the food are both much loved. Here they are nipping round Rotterdam on their scooter. Miso is safe in a special doggy carrier thing. He enjoys whizzing about with the wind in his hair. |
12th August 2021
It's that day again - the so-called "glorious twelfth". if you happen to be a grouse watch your back - the green-wellied-tweedy-types are out for your blood today. I know I mention it every year but my sympathy is with the birds. It's the start of the grouse shooting season which includes the ptarmigan in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It's one of the busiest days in the shooting season, with large numbers of game being shot. The legislation in England and Wales is the Game Act 1831 (in Northern Ireland, the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985). Not all game have the same start to their open seasons – most begin on 1 September, with 1 October for woodcock and pheasant. I found that there's a tiny window when the birds might avoid sudden death - English law prohibits game bird shooting on a Sunday. Big deal! I think the pendulum does not swing in the birds' favour. If you happen to be gobbling pheasant... I'll not tell you what I'm wishing - the playing field is not exactly level. |
8th August 2021
On this day 1588 Queen Elizabeth I reviewed her troops at Tilbury. Prior to their final naval engagement with the Spanish Amada, she made her famous and much quoted speech, "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too". |
In the late 1500s Queen Elizabeth I passed strict laws relating to dress codes to ensure that people across the social spectrum dressed according to their rank and class. At this time, England was importing great quantities of luxury fabrics, and the Queen expressed concern that her subjects were spending too much money on 'unnecessary foreign wares' and 'vain devices'. One edict of 1574 detailed the colours and fabrics people could wear according to their social rank. Only barons and others of high degree could wear 'golde' or 'tinseld sattern'. It was thought that none of Elizabeth’s clothing had survived to modern times. In 2016, however, someone discovered an embroidered scrap of silk which researchers say was almost certainly worn by the queen herself. The fabric was being used as an altar cloth at St Faith’s Church, Bacton, Herefordshire. The fabric has been restored and will be on view at Elizabeth’s former home, Hampton Court.
P.S. Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to deliver a history lesson. Nor will I be dashing off to see a bit of cloth from yesteryear, Shall you? I guess if we did have to dress according to our station in life it would be pinny and slippers for me. |
1st August 2021
Lammas Day, traditionally observed on August 1, marked the beginning of the harvest, and especially celebrated the first wheat crop, or that of corn. It derives from the ancient English festival the Gule of August, a pagan dedication of the first fruits that the early English church later converted to Christian usage. The meaning of Gule is unclear but Ronald Hutton suggests following the 18th-century Welsh clergyman antiquary John Pettingall that it is merely an Anglicisation of Gŵyl Awst, the Welsh name of the "feast of August". |
I found an item on Facebook that may be of interest: August 5th an episode of Dalziel & Pascoe will be on the telly - Drama channel at 8 pm - it was part-filmed locally in Brewood.
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What would we do without dephlogisticated air? In 1774 on this date Joseph Priestley discovered it - it later became known as Oxygen.
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There's more good news associated with 1st August: in 1834 slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. and in 1965 cigarette advertising was banned from British television.
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25th July 2021
I've no news other than Mr Van Man bringing our Sainsbury delivery on Friday - as usual the highlight of our week. Oh, one more snippet, our new cooker was delivered on Friday but it won't be fitted until next month when the electrician can fit us in. It's sitting in its box in the dining room as we couldn't find anywhere else to squeeze it in. It looks a bit out of place but what the hell - stuff happens! One important thing to do is say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my good friend Denise, a loyal follower of my drivel. I've been known to post it a month early (Denise's card not the drivel) so I hope it landed on the correct day. This daft old biddy has trouble differentiating between June and July. Have a fab day Denise - she and Jack have also just celebrated their Golden Wedding. They had a "do" on the Severn Valley Railway chuffing and puffing through the Shropshire countryside. For many years Jack has spent much of his spare time as a volunteer helping to maintain the old trains. I think he's earned a ride and a railway lunch. It looks like they had a fun time. Best wishes to you both xxx |
22nd July 2021
Whew! Hot isn't it? Hope everyone is managing to grab some sleep. It's life in the slow lane for us in this weather. Not a lot gets done I'm afraid, other than the strictly necessary. We're thinking of smartening up the kitchen, nothing major mind you. We've been lingering in the thinking stage for ages, but we've put a toe in the water and ordered a new cooker. Our current one hasn't quite breathed its last but it's nearing retirement. |
We've finalised changes to Codsall Writers' Group. We operate online with a few of the original members sharing their work via the website which continues to be monitored and maintained. Work is posted there for others to read. Feedback can be given via the message facility on the Home Page. Although we're no longer a crowd, a few keen members continue to tick along quietly in cyberspace. We're all "knocking on a bit" so this arrangement suits us perfectly and doesn't cost a penny.
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Today's the day (in 1869) when margarine was first patented. There was a butter shortage in France and Napoleon III offered a prize to anyone who could produce a butter substitute. And the winner was... Mr Hippolyte Mege Mouries (1817-1880). The process was described thus: "A fatty body identical in chemical composition with butter is obtained from fresh suet by crushing it between rollers under a stream of water, further washing it and then digesting it with agricultural gastric juice. The fat is extracted, melted, passed through a sieve and poured into boxes to set, after which it is cut into pieces, which are wrapped in cloths and pressed between hot plates. A fatty body is expressed and may be agitated in a closed vessel, cooled, cut up, bleached with acid and washed with water. This purified fat is mixed at animal heat (104°F) with water containing small quantities of bicarbonate of soda, casein of cold milk and mammary tissues along with yellow colouring matter. This is digested, allowed to settle, decanted and cooled and yields a preserved butter. Fresh butter is obtained by agitating the above mixture until a cream is formed, which is then treated as usual to obtain the butter." How do you fancy that on your toast?
Fascinating name don't you think? Who'd have thought someone called Hippolyte Mege Mouries was a margarine man. |
I tend to get a bit disgruntled by global companies who grab all the takings just because they can. Of late I've been doing my best to avoid using Amazon. Have you noticed how, when Googling for something, Amazon manages to shove their way to the top of the list despite what you entered in the browser having nothing to do with Amazon. They wheedle their way in, right under your nose. It used to be my go-to place when book buying but I've changed my tune now and I've tried several other online sellers who provide a good service. In case you fancy an alternative supplier here's a few I've used recently.
https://www.waterstones.com https://www.foyles.co.uk https://www.blackwells.co.uk https://wordery.com https://www.hive.co.uk https://www.bookdepository.com |
This is my current read - Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. I think I paid around £7 but I see Asda are now offering it at £4.50. Just shows it's worth waiting until the initial 'best seller' celebrations are over when a new book comes out.
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14th July 2021
Bastille Day - what a grisly occasion it was too. It's a national holiday in France to celebrate the storming of the Bastille—a military fortress and prison—on July 14, 1789, in a violent uprising that preceded the French Revolution. It's hard to imagine that people enjoyed watching heads roll when this little contraption was doing the business. I read that women took their knitting to keep entertained between beheadings. If that's entertainment thank goodness someone invented television. |
I've found another day to celebrate today - it's also Black Country Day. July 14th was chosen to mark the region’s industrial heritage. It is also the anniversary of the invention of the World’s first steam engine, the Newcomen Engine, built in the Black Country in 1712. A replica of the engine can be seen at the Black Country Living Museum. The Black Country flag was registered with the Flag Institute as a regional flag in 2012.
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12th July 2021
Oh dear... so the Euro Footy went belly up - best not open a discussion on that topic. However, I do have a gripe with the fickle Brit fans who are now dissing, or in grown up speak, maligning the England team players for losing. How very "dummy out of the pram" is that? What happened to sportsmanship and team loyalty? |
It's Orangemen's Day today when Irish Protestants remind themselves that there was dissatisfaction back in the 1600s between Protestants and Catholics. Today they'll march and wave their flags. I'm happy to have shaken off the shackles of religious dogma and follow the thinking of Humanism. Since signing up and reading their literature I was pleased to see a few of my heroes support the Humanist movement i.e. eco Icon David Attenborough, literary treasure Alan Bennet, and genius super-brain Stephen Fry. The very three chaps I'd choose for dinner party guests. |
5th July 2021
Good morning... I feel it's a bit of a doldrum time right now, the calm before the storm of lockdown ending. I'm not yet convinced that people will continue to do the right thing once the shackles are off. |
7th July 2021
On this date in 1946 BBC aired the first ever children's TV programme. It was called, For the Children. I was 5 at the time and as we didn't have a telly I missed it and it's not very creative title. Come to think of it, I don't think I knew there were such things as televisions. Here's a 1940s TV - looks like I didn't miss much then. |
1st July 2021
Hi Jon (no.3 grandson) Happy 30th Birthday. Nog een fijne dag, liefs en mis je |
Our phones have been pinging all morning as everyone sends messages to Jonathon in Rotterdam via our family WhatsApp group. I can't imagine life without all the tech stuff we have now. We're getting as bad as the young ones with our phones always within reach. Mediocre TV programmes have to vie with a phone for our attention - the minute boredom strikes we indulge in a game of Sudoku or Patience or a quick stroll round the Internet.
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24th June 2021
We've had a morning trip to hospital to see the kidney consultant Dr Tan. He told me my readings are stable (whatever that means). I reverted to layman's terms and asked, "where am I on the rubbish kidneys scale?" He said "halfway between good and bad but keep a check on your blood pressure, it's much too high." We have to unearth the blood pressure thingy and bring it back to life with new batteries and keep a log of the readings. An onerous task but you've gotta do what the man says. He was wearing a smart new uniform, navy blue with white lettering at the shoulder which told me his name and that he's a Nephrologist - the proper word for a kidney consultant, there's always something new to learn. Now I need to swat up on systolic and diastolic BP - another minefield to unravel. |
23rd June 2021
Wow! I was quite underwhelmed when I heard on the radio that it's National Typewriter day today. I wonder how many people will be celebrating. I understand there is a certain nostalgia about the machines, I can hark back to my days as an office junior, sore fingers, broken nails, messy ribbons to replace. The effort of hammering away on a sit-up-and-beg typewriter and the hell of getting to the end of a page and then you make a mistake which you had to correct, and then fiddle with all the carbon copies to put them right too. I also recall the excitement when we acquired electric typewriters which only required a gentle touch and there were no more broken nails Many people worked on typewriter prototypes before 1868. Christopher Latham Sholes came up with the first one to be commercially marketed. It was called the Sholes and Glidden typewriter or the Remington 1. It could only produce uppercase letters. I wonder what today's young people would make of it. You couldn't slip this into your briefcase - there's lots to be said for our slimline all-singing-dancing gadgets with their bells and whistles. |
Hip-Hip Hooray! it's Typewriter Day! June 23rd was the day the patent was granted for the Sholes and Glidden typewriter.
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I'm so pleased to see Alan Turing on the new £50 note. A brilliant bloke who made a massive contribution to this country during WWII. He was treated very badly by the pompous old buffers in the realms of officialdom who called the tune at that time. This new note is launched today on Alan Turing's birthday - Happy Birthday Alan. |
Bern was expecting a parcel this morning (shorts and a couple of t-shirts) in case you're interested. I was impressed when the parcel arrived at the exact time Lands End had advised. A few minutes later Bern received an e-mail with attachments of a photograph of Michael (delivery man) and pic of his own feet. The message told him his parcel had been delivered. Hmm... we sort of knew that already because he'd just opened it. But thank you Michael (right). Left is Michael's hand holding the parcel and Bern's feet wearing his old Crocs. I'm quite bemused. The little red blob on the door mat is a red rose petal that's blown in - a lovely deep red variety called Munstead Wood.
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14th June 2021
Seems like I've meandered through another week unabashed that I've squandered time. I'm trying to recall something constructive or even vaguely useful that I've accomplished this week. Oh... yes... Tuesday, I had a telephone appointment with my rheumatology consultant. He promised next time it would be a face-to-face meeting and he would be arranging a couple more tests. First one is Thursday, radiology department. I'm beginning to get testy at the very mention of tests there seems to be no respite these days. |
OK let's go green and consider the garden. Another topic that makes me testy. It's frustrating remembering how we used to whizz through the gardening chores. Nowadays the pair of us shuffle round dragging a kneeler-cum-sit down thing (we have one each). We take trowels and secateurs to do a dibble dibble here and a snip snip there... and that's about the size of it. When we can muster the energy the gravel gets raked and to keep everything alive Bern harks back to his fireman days and wields the garden hose. |
3rd June 2021
First job this morning: trundle my virtual trolley round Sainsbury's. Then I wandered off for an online mooch round Marks & Spencer. Thought you might be interested to know they have some very pretty summer dresses. I was enjoying my browse, then wallop! They hit me with one of their daft fashion words. As is my wont, I doled out derision and disdain at the coining of such a meaningless word, the offending little blighter being midaxi. One presumes it alludes to length i.e. halfway between midi and maxi. I reckon this still doesn't make much sense if you take into account the height of the potential wearer. A short woman's maxi would be a tall woman's midi so why don't they just state the actual length of the garment instead of trying to beguile us with pretentious prattle. BUT if you really fancy a midaxi it's worth looking in M&S. |
2nd June 2021
I've just been chatting with my sister Wendy (she lives in Devon). Yesterday she had an investigation of her retina. The procedure involved an injection of yellow dye. She said she's still looking a little oriental this morning as the effects of the dye haven't worn off yet. We've come to realise there's no end to the problems bestowed by the aging process. She reads these pages so here's waving to you Wendy - hope there's a successful outcome. |
Here's my friend Maggie (writers' group and instigator of chatty meetings in tea shops). Covid rules have finally allowed a visit from her grandchildren to have a proper hug. It's been a long wait and the joy is evident.
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1st June 2021
Happy new month, white rabbits, and all that twaddle. I'm just glad that summer is knocking on the door at last and we've ventured outside to make a start on the garden, albeit with waning enthusiasm as all things energetic depend on the state of our rickety bones. |
My GP rang again yesterday with the results of last week's blood test. He said haemoglobin levels are more reduced than previous time the hospital administered iron intravenously. He promised more investigations, more appointments in the near future. So here we go again, despite my extra effort to eat the old Popeye cure every day. |
29th June 2021
They (the ubiquitous 'they') are always coming up with something to celebrate. Today we give three cheers for Oak Apple Day. It used to be known as Restoration Day marking the restoration the monarchy in May 1660. People wore oak apples or springs of oak leaves in reference to Charles 11 escaping the Roundhead army in 1651 by hiding in an oak tree after the battle of Worcester. As the said oak was on our doorstep, just up the road at Boscobel, I thought we might wave our springs of oak to mark the day. |
26th May 2021
I heard the announcement on Classic fm while eating my porridge. Suddenly I heard my old Dad (now long gone) saying, "Well... I'll go to the foot of our stairs," something he uttered on hearing an unlikely tale. I'm heading for the foot of our stairs because the radio told me it's National Paper Airplane Day today? I've never heard of it, and I suspect that nor had my dad. National Paper Airplane Day is an unofficial event on May 26 each year in the US commemorating the simple toy. Paper Airplane Day celebrations include social gatherings where participants create and fly paper airplanes. The competition comprises two basic disciplines: "distance" and "time in the air". As of 2012, the world record for the longest time in air (27.9 seconds). The distance record currently stands at 226 feet, 10 inches or 69.14 meters. Just a thought, if it does become something that happens over here please let's all call them aeroplanes rather the US airplanes. |
25th May 2021
My good friend Cora has been busy knitting again. She said, "Sir Tom's family set the challenge for people to do 100 things to raise money in his name for a charity. There were times I wish I'd followed Judy Dench by doing her "eat 100 Maltesers" challenge. The fact that my mum would have been 100 this year spurred me on. It's also 100 years since the Royal British Legion was formed and is represented by the Poppy." Cora's poppies will be on sale in Ludlow. Congratulations Cora on completing the challenge. To use a colloquialism, "good on yer!" |
21st May 2021
On Tuesday Maggie and Cora enthused about the new BBC drama called The Pact. I recall that in my younger days I vowed that I'd never watch TV in the daytime, such a lazy, time wasting thing to do. It's time to eat my own words: right now I'm choking on a few sentences. Yesterday Bern and I, lockdown bored, spent a big chunk of the day binge watching all 6 episodes of The Pact. Great story which had us guessing until the end. |
I've been to part with a couple of vials of blood this morning as per GP's request of the other day. I was both amused and impressed with their new "touch me not" system to enter the surgery. On the outer door a notice says "ring bell" so I did. A voice comes out of nowhere asking who I am and appointment time. I reply accordingly thinking that anyone walking passed will think I'm talking to the wall. The door slides open and you're allowing into the little vestibule area. The voice calls again "come in," door opens and you can enter the reception area. Then you have to walk up to the wall and with nose almost touching the wall a gismo takes your temperature, and the result appears in big red letters so the receptionist can see it from behind her screen and PPE. She points to the hand gel mounted on the wall next to the thermometer thing - quick dibble of that and they're happy that I'm Covid clean and sit down to wait for the phlebotomist. |
20th May 2021
It's Thursday so Bern's just gone to put the bins out while I do the online grocery shop. We had a little outing yesterday to collect my mycophenolate prescription from New Cross Rheumatology followed by a boring half hour in the hospital pharmacy queue. Not sure why they won't let have that one on my normal GP prescription with all the other stuff. The Rheumatology Sister told me that I seem to have misplaced a load of haemoglobin and that's the reason they're not happy with my blood. |
Tuesday has been my best day this week - Maggie and Cora (writers' group best buddies) visited bringing some lovely flowers. A proper chat was a treat after the long lockdown. We'll be keeping in touch even though the group has had to close due to lockdown, no suitable venue following changes at the Library and the fact that most of the members are ageing and can't leap about like they used to. We've agreed that a few keen ones will meet up now and then to put the world to rights, and most importantly continue to put words on paper if only to keep the grey matter ticking. |
Anyone into Orla Kiely designs?
This vase is one of hers. |
Carol has enjoyed an eclectic mix of lockdown reading and got through an impressive number of books. She insists they're all fab and has sent us this list. She particularly liked Shuggie Bain - different from our usual reads but very compelling. I wonder why a nice new paperback looks so inviting, they smell good too. I always sniff the pages of a new book. Do you? Carol is a Kindle fan - downside no nice inky/paper smell and there's nowhere to stick your bookmark.
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Shuggie Bain by Dougla Stuart
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell Grown Ups by Marian Keyes The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish Us Three by Ruth Jones |
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
The Lonely People by Mike Gayle What a World Away by Mike Gayle Home Stretch by Graham Norton # Taken by Tony Parsons |
4th May 2021
After all the mentions about Line of Duty on TV we decided to watch it on 'catch up' as stuff on the main channels is repeats. We set about binge watching past episodes starting with series 1. We have to dodge mentions of it in TV trailers and the comments on Goggle Box to avoid plot spoilers. I've also taken to watching the weirdest stuff on You Tube, especially the cooking videos of women in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan preparing a meal - they have me appreciating our little kitchen, although not the smartest nor is it brimming with state of the art gadgets, it's luxurious compared with the facilities these hard working women have. |
May seems to have turned skittish - the wind is scattering the cherry blossom - our tree has turned our neighbour's car into a confetti magnet - hope the next shower will wash it off again before she sees it. Sorry Allison.
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Only 1 more sleep before the chairs come home.
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1st May 2021
Happy May Day - pity the weather is so contrary - let's not bother getting the maypole out this year. Traditionally in England May Day celebrations included crowning a May Queen and dancing around the maypole. The earliest records of maypole celebrations date to the 14th century, and by the 15th century the maypole tradition was well established and still continues in some areas of the country. |
A good news letter arrived this morning - last week's ultrasound scan revealed that my cancer hasn't grown so it's carry on taking the pills and keep my fingers crossed.
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28th April 2021
Hi everyone... no, I haven't snuffed it... the germs got the better of me and I've just had a week on antibiotics. I have my head above water again but thanks for your concern everyone who called to see if I'm still breathing. Another hospital visit yesterday to check if my grisly old cancer lump has grown or shrunk - don't know the result yet. But the cherry blossom is out and all's well with the world. |
Happy Birthday to brother-in-law Phil down in Devon. We sent him a copy of The Little Book of Humanism - one of my favourites at the moment.
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13th April 2021
Good morning... I'm still trying to shake off a devilish cough and cold. oh for a proper night's sleep. Time to stop moaning and get on with some admin... tasks like paying my credit card, doing the online grocery order, updating writers' and art group's website and adding a bit of drivel here. I usually have a virtual wander round a few stores looking at fashions. I have a little smile when I see what daft words they've coined to describe a garment. I happened upon a shacket the other day. I was inclined to think maybe it's a small shed. Spare us please from this nonsense, apparently it's a cross between a shirt and a jacket. I've only just got used to coatigan which came hot on the heels of leggings, treggings and jeggings. |
my idea of a shacket
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7th April 2021
Yesterday's Covid test didn't work - most likely because of my own ineptitude. We'd been sent to Whitmore Reans library car park where a chap stood some distance away in the doorway of a little cabin giving me step-by-step instructions. I fell at the first hurdle because the gubbins were presented to me in a strong tightly wrapped black plastic pack. I was told to rip the pack open. I tried like mad but rheumatoid arthritis means I can't grip. I thought he might proffer a pair of scissor or something, but no, I was left to tug and pull at the plastic which refused to budge and the chap patiently said, "take your time." I knew it would take forever if I couldn't get some leverage on the dastardly black plastic. I rummaged in my bag and used a pen to stab holes in the unresisting plastic - eventually the contents saw daylight. Test Man re-engaged with me and issued instructions. I put the long thing in my throat and wiggled it about (yuk) and then I was told to shove it up my nose (relieved that throat came before nose). Then it was... pop it in the little vial of liquid, break off a bit of the stick and screw the top on. All done. Seal it in a bag and then put that bag in another bag called hazardous something or other. Get the bar code scanned and off you go. Later on in the evening I had a text to say my test could not be read and to book another one. This morning I went for test no 2 at Codsall Council car park. Same procedure but conducted in the car with a written instruction - then a litter picking type gadget snatched it from me on the way out. Here's hoping I did it correctly this time. We continue to self isolate - thank goodness for Phones and Facetime. |
Sequel: 8th April 2021
Success! they managed to read my second test and a text at 7.30 am declared it negative. I coped better the second time by using the car vanity mirror to see where I was shoving the swab. The instruction said something about waggling it on your tonsils and if you don't have any do it where your tonsils used to be. Mine were taken out 76 years ago and I don't remember where they were. However, I struck lucky this time. Tonsil trauma over... or is it? They gave me a big bundle of test kits to carry on testing and a letter from the NHS arrived this morning to say they have put me on clinically extremely vulnerable list. I think I'll get a tattoo that says "handle with care " as I feel a bit fragile. |
5th April 2021
Hi, it's the 5th already, apologies for my tardiness - I've been a bit under the weather again. I've had three weeks of coughing, sleepless nights, etc. and Dr Ahmed (Lung Lady) insisted I get A Covid test. Not so easy-peasy during a bank holiday weekend - if you have symptoms you can't just turn up at the "walk in" testing places. Following a lengthy telephone call to a central place, my test is first thing in the morning. I think it's just a bad cold that's got the better of me but fingers crossed just in case. |
We still don't know if and when the writers' group can resume. The major alterations at the Council building will not be completed until spring 2022 and they can't yet promise we'll be able to meet there. We're scratching our heads wondering where do we go from here? If you have a brainwave let us know. www.codsallwriters.weebly.com |
31st March 2021
Good morning all... yesterday's sunshine was fab, the forecast says it's deserting us for the bank holiday weekend which probably means we'll have to stuff our faces with Easter chocolate in front of the telly. Or maybe you'll be out looking for eggs left by the Easter Bunny. We've made a tentative start on tidying the garden and cutting back dead stuff so that the spring flowers can display their glory. Later on we tootled off to have our second vaccination - the Pfizer one. |
We have more cheeky chicks today - Doreen has made these for grandchildren Ben and Jessica.
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I like to spare a moment for Vincent Van Gogh on his birthday (this day 1853). Life dealt him an ironic blow. In October 1888 he wrote to his brother Theo, "I cannot help it if my paintings do not sell. The time will come when people will see that they are worth more than the price of the paint." On 30th March 1987, the anniversary of his birth, his painting Sunflowers was sold in London to a Japanese buyer for £24,750,000.
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Cora's knitted chicks are thriving and gearing up for an egg-citing Easter weekend.
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24th March 2021
Just had a phone call from the hospital (4.00 pm) telling me to turn up for an x-ray tomorrow morning. I have a telephone appointment next Tuesday and another ultrasound towards the end of April. |
I must have been feeling grumpy after the unexpected news of tomorrow's early start because I've just ranted at an idiot chap on Facebook. He'd posted a message warning people about a speed camera. He was quite dramatic: "Beware! There's a speed camera..." and he gave the location. I asked him why we need to be beware of speed cameras because they don't bite. I pointed out that his comment implied that he deliberately brakes the speed limit. I also took the trouble to dole out a bit of sarcasm, "how kind of you to take risks with other people's lives - NOT!"
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Cora has sent a pattern for an Easter Chick. When you've done the knitting bit you can fit a Creme Egg in it's bum. (What fun). In case you're feeling crafty I've put the pattern on the BITS & PIECES page. You'll find it under MORE on the above menu.
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22nd March 2021
Had a lovely phone call this morning - my forever friend Peggy rang from Australia. I'd read about the awful floods they're getting over there so I e-mailed to make sure she and hubby weren't stranded on their roof waiting for a passing boat. I guess I'm having trouble visualising the distances involved in Oz - she said the floods are nearly 1000 miles from them. Land's end to John o' Groats is less than that. I guess my spatial awareness is awry. Never mind, we had a lovely chat and exchanged news of grandchildren and our aches and pains. Believe it or not, we were young once - here we are on a breezy day at the seaside and still in our teens. NOTE: I wondered about the use of spacial or spatial - A quick Google informed me that the OED (advanced) prefers spatial so that's what we'll have. |
19th March 2021
We've had our Friday morning moment of excitement - i.e. Sainsbury's van man delivering the shopping. I'd not managed anything disastrous this week other than forgetting to order Bern's oranges, he likes one every morning before breakfast. Shortly after another parcel arrived - a result of lockdown boredom. I'd shopped online for shampoo, toiletries, tissues and toilet rolls at Boots the Chemist. Well... a parcel is always fun until you open it and you remember it's mundane, banal, boring stuff you could have added to the Sainsbury list anyway. I blame all this nonsense on my arthritis - I can no longer amuse myself with knitting or crochet so I shop. I'm awaiting another parcel any time soon after ringing New Cross hospital about my prescription. One of my drugs has to come from the hospital and we usually collect it from rheumatology. This time the nurse said we'll send it to the pharmacy and it'll be delivered to your home. It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas (NOT!) |
15th March 2021
It's one of those weird dates today - it's an Ides of March day. I wonder why they came up with all this stuff in ancient times - maybe they were in the throws of mega-boredom similar to our lockdown mood. Ides simply means a couple of days around the time of the full moon, so at some point long ago the full moon must have coincided with 15th March and ever since the date has born connotations of bad luck and fear. Remember Shakespeare's famous line, "Beware the Ides of March." The word Ides applies in other months and alludes to other moons but March 15th is considered particularly unlucky because it's the day that Julius Caesar was murdered in 44BC. Unlucky for Caesar but fear not: I've checked and there was a new moon rather than a full moon a couple of days ago, so today is no longer a proper Ide (or is it Ides?). And there endeth the lesson on how to bore one's friends with useless information. Poor Caesar, I read that it was quite a massacre. |
5th March 2021
Hi everyone, Friday again and the Sainsbury van has just been. We've done the routine, Mr Van Man puts his boxes in our porch and we have to empty his boxes into our washing basket - we exchange a few pleasantries as Bern and I take turns to ferry stuff to the kitchen. It's not long before I realise that flipping heck! I've done it again. I must have been click happy when doing my virtual shop, I'm a serial cereal killer (pun intended). I've bought a box of Weetabix the size of a wardrobe, two packets of gluten-free cornflakes (in error) plus another gluten-free brand that I like to mix with my ordinary cornflakes. (I'm a complicated soul when it comes to cornflakes.) This week we have more cornflakes than cupboard space. I wonder how long it will take us to crunch through that lot considering that on alternate days I eat GF porridge with runny honey while Bern has granola with yoghurt and runny honey. I bet you're thinking what sort of daft old bats make such a fuss about a bowl of breakfast stuff? It's us, guilty as charged! |
This weekend we say Happy Birthday to Gary (son-in-law), my other half Bern, and Lesley (daughter-in-law) - three more un-fun birthdays. Oh dear... here's hoping we can have a proper bash next year.
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Note for Maggie: I've just read about a new afternoon programme on life drawing called Drawers Off presented by Jenny Eclair - thought it might be of interest. Channel 4.
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Lisa has sent us a book recommendation - she's just started this one. I've looked at the reviews - all good and also recommended by Richard & Judy, plus it's received 3 other awards. In the course of my Googling, up popped The Works' website - they have it on offer at £2 - grab it while you can, it'd be rude not to. The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri. Thanks Lisa.
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I'm in Fagin mode this morning - I'm finding it so cold I'm wearing fingerless gloves to type. Despite the heating being on my Raynaud's is being particularly unkind today. Fingerless gloves always remind me of Dickens' Oliver Twist - I remember that Fagin wore them in the musical version, but mine are a tad less tatty than his.
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24th February 2021
With careful social distancing, Richard is coming today to tell the new printer to join forces with my laptop. Before he arrives I've given the computer a clean with special squirty stuff - dust and coffee drips now banished. Spring is knocking on the door this morning and more good news, we have tentative signs of coming out of lockdown. I hope they'll do it with stealth, and I wish all age groups could be jabbed before we finally run free. A little thought came to me this morning; I wonder how many silly purchases have been made out of sheer boredom while we've been holed up through the dark depths of winter with nothing more to amuse than wander round Amazon. Did the odd click here and there have you buying something daft? I admit to a stupid bit of virtual shopping which thankfully was dirt cheap and I secretly love it despite its tackiness. It's a personalized cover for my iPhone. Can anyone else own up to making a loony lockdown purchase? |
19th February 2021
Good morning all. I say 'good' but there's a downside today - we have techno trouble again. You tick along for a while happy in one's own ignorance and then wham! Computer chaos strikes again. It's the printer this time, I fed it inks, nice fresh paper, and still it churned out blanks. I spent hours on YouTube watching little videos about how to mend a poorly printer. I managed to remove the printhead, clean it with Isopropanol (I just happened to have some because I use it for special effects with acrylic paints - it's what some call rubbing alcohol) anyway... Canon printer remained comatose, kaput! |
I've been doling out blood as well as money this week. I parted with an armful of the red stuff on Monday to keep Kidney Consultant and Rheumatologist happy. Also a cardiology appointment for early March has arrived. In the distant past I used to spend money having my one piano tuned - these days I get three organs checked for free.
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I've been hearing the word Bot recently, and hadn't a clue what it meant. The other day a news reader said something about Bots doing stuff on Facebook. Time to investigate: "A bot (short for "robot") is an automated program that runs over the Internet. Some bots run automatically, while others only execute commands when they receive specific input. There are many different types of bots, but some common examples include web crawlers, chat room bots, and malicious bots."
It seems there are good and bad bots. If you're keen on etymology, the word has been around since the 1600s and earlier meanings are: - the larva of the botfly which is an internal parasite of horses - the sheep nostril fly (hope they don't attack humans) (Australia & New Zealand) a person who persistently borrows or cadges from others. |
9th February 2021
Hi everyone, here I am with nothing much to tell you. Today's news is nothing more than it's extra cold. Must do a quick mention for Audrey as she reads my drivel - Happy Birthday for yesterday Aud. Just lately I've been wasting time and battling with abstract stuff. There's about 8 layers of paintings on this canvas so it's getting rather thick and lumpy now - time to shove it behind my desk and start on a new canvas. It measures 60cm x 60cm - that's 2ft square and rhymes with nightmare. Says it all! |
Jai Josh Freddie and Ralfie do a better job than me so they get to hang their pictures in my den. Hope "my den" doesn't sound pretentious - it's neither a den nor a studio - it's Carol's old bedroom where my desk, computer, easel and art stuff, live. What you might call a "glory hole".
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Good morning all. They're out in our garden so welcome to the "Fair Maids of February" aka snowdrops (galanthus). Pretty little things and a welcome sight as winter drags on. They contain a substance called galantamine which, in modern medicine, is used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The actual bulbs are very poisonous so please don't go chewing on one if you think you're getting a bit forgetful.
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31st January 2021
We've had another lockdown birthday this week. We've decided that lockdown birthdays are pants so we're promising one hell of a birthday bash for everyone at some point in the future. HAPPY BIRTHDAY James, aka Jay. He says he's not too thrilled about being another year older. In case you are wondering, count the digits on your left hand and then sit the same number beside it. |
16th January 2021
We had a little outing on Thursday - we actually ventured out beyond the garden gate for a five minute drive to join the Vaccine queue at Histon's Hill Church Hall. We shuffled along with all the other 80-somethings not knowing if we'd ignored anyone we know - the mask business renders us anonymous. Makes you realise what a mammoth task it is for the NHS - it was handled efficiently, we were done on time and then had to sit down for 15 minutes in case of adverse reaction. So we're all jabbed up with the German Pfizer vaccine and await the call to have our second one. |
More medical stuff: the Rheumatology Consultant rang me unexpectedly to say he's been deployed to the Covid wards and will not be available for a couple of months. My next appointment won't happen and they're sending blood test forms and prescription in the post. Same story from the Kidney Consultant - he's going to ring me next week and that'll be it for a while.
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