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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: louisa maud on Tuesday 25 August 20 20:32 BST (UK)
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No diarists today?
4 months today Christmas day, anyone got their cards already?
Louisa Maud
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Yes, I'll join in Louisa Maud. No, I haven't got Christmas cards yet. I like to keep Christmas to Christmas. :)
This morning it was lashing down with rain when I left work. I had to call at the metro station en route home to renew my travel pass for the month. Yesterday, I had asked at the Haymarket metro station when the travel office might open again. I was told possibly October but they added that I should not bank on this.
I fell asleep straightaway after breakfast. I have a later start nightshift tonight so haven't had to dash off after tea.
It is quite dark now and it seems much later than it is. When I left the house I noticed that although the weather is dark and dismal there is warmth in the air and a stillness. The branches of the trees in my street were lying still; there is hardly a breath of wind.
The bus I am travelling on is quite busy for this time of night. Strangely, there are several people not wearing face coverings, even though for most people this is not meant to be allowed. Looking around I suspect these people do not fit any exemption criteria either. Have the rules changed since this morning, I wonder. I doubt it somehow. Perhaps the driver is more lax than others in what he will permit.
Now a disabled man on the bus who is wearing a mask is asking his carer? why these other people are not wearing masks. She is trying to explain to him about exemptions. I wonder if he suspects as I do that these people are not exempt.
Added .. I have now reached Newcastle and am now at the bus station. It is quite cold here and there is a cold wind blowing. I am glad to have a warm coat on. It is quite noisy with the sound of people talking to one another in the background.
That 'carer' on the earlier bus ended up sounding quite embarrassed by the disabled man's questions. She ended up telling him to drop the subject.
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I think this face mask lark has to be on trust, who knows who is exempt, pity they can't wear some sort of a badge, I certainly would to save any confrontation, but having said that some might be slightly embarrassed at having to let all and sundary know they have a problem, difficult subject to be honest, I detest wearing one but I do
LM
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I ignore Christmas for as long as possible but I do paint my own Christmas card and send it off for printing. Last year I didn't get anything dome in time so no-one got my originals.
RTL, is it not possible to renew your travel pass online? The wearing of face masks seems to have become a bit of a farce from what I've been reading. I'm not in favour of people being marked out by badges but I do think that when the government made it compulsory on public transport they should have issued people who are exempt with a discreet pass that they could show to the driver when they pay or show their travel card.
Diary:
Woke up late again, not really surprising as I was reading in bed till late last night, and on Rootschat too. It was raining and grey, I didn't do much apart from more reading (it's a good book). Got up eventually but still couldn't be bothered doing much. Put the ingredients for spag bol in the slow cooker and left it to get on with the cooking.
Wasn't hungry so when the weather finally dried up I went for a walk on the soggy field and in the woods, there was only one other person on the field but a few more emerged later. It was quite warm and pleasant.
More reading after lunch then did some artwork, an acrylic pour with silicone. The result was quite nice but I think I didn't use enough silicone to get the desired effect, will have another go. The mixing of the paint takes much longer than the pouring.
My friend J and I were waiting to see what the weather was like about 5 pm so we could decide whether to go for our walk, there were some really heavy showers during the afternoon. It was raining lightly but we decided to go anyway. Got wet but not soaking, we weren't bothered, just enjoyed getting out.
It's been rather a lazy day for me apart from the walking.
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Well I am ahead of myself, in as much as I buy my Christmas cards from
Charities, often when they sell them off early in the new year ,.for the next Christmas.
I send so many and with the postage so expensive now I would have to reduce the number I send otherwise.
Usually got some stamps week to week when I shopped in “ normal “ times.
I usually buy from the five charities I already donate to.
Such bad weather today ,rain and wind.
The books I ordered from Postscript were delivered.Such prompt service.
Phoned the little girl’s Mum, to see would she rather wait to get the books I had got ,. But she said she would pick them up and wait a few days to give them.
Got some for Flash Harry too,The big bad wolf who doesn’t like huffing and puffing and blowing houses down!” Mr. wolf’s Secret.”
Instead he likes baking,and the simple recipes are there .
Two more , Mr. Wolf and The Three Bears
Mr. Wolf and the Enormous Turnip.
All this wolf stuff started when I gave Flash Harry a big dark grey and silvery
fur trim from a hooded jacket!
He tucks it in the waist of his pants like a huge tail.
Ever seen a wolf on a mini motor bike?,Going a mad four miles an hour.?
He probably is not allowed to do that ,would get caught up I suppose.
Gosh I do want to see him.
No plans for tomorrow, really, weather not good again so indoor work.
Shocking footage of another shooting in America.
The NewsReader made no bones about his opinion on that.
No news really folks so it is nice to read yours .
Take care everyone .
Sleep well .
Viktoria
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Hope you don't mind LM I've put the day and the month into the subject lest we forget!
It's hard to think Christmas is only 4 months away.... I always make all my own cards so will have to start thinking about it by the end of September.... got a lot of birthdays in Sept and Oct, some special ones that will require special cards... after thinking special thoughts...like Roobarb I try to ignore it until nearer the time and I'm relieved not to be in too many shops as seeing Christmas goods in August drives me crazy.....
RTL - it must be difficult not to wonder why some people aren't wearing face coverings but it is a real dilemma... my feeling is those that truely need to be exempt should carry something, I did think a card on a lanyard but of course that would draw attention to the fact and could cause embarrassment or unease so not really sure what the answer is! I don't envy you in this weather having to catch two buses every time to get to work... id be exhausted before I'd started.
Roobarb - glad you got to see your friend J for a walk even if you got a little wet and doing more artwork..
My day
I had a very bad nights sleep, reading late, and on RC... the wind was howling round and it poured with rain... as I was reading I felt this tickle on the pillow and it was a small spider that I flicked off and no idea where it went... blessed thing.... sorry Roobarb I know you're not a fan... finally I drifted off then it was time to get up it seemed almost straight away...
breakfast then got ready for weekly coffee with neighbours... still pouring with rain but she's only just up the lane behind us . We sat inside the four of us well spaced out fortunately. H whose house we were at today is a very large bungalow with large rooms. We sat and chatted and by 1pm thought it was time to leave!
After lunch I got on with some cooking ready for our picnic tomorrow as we're meeting friends at NT place near Banbury...
OH decided to move my car further over on the drive as next doors walnut tree is looking decidedly dodgy in all this wind and don't want any branches crashing down on it...
daughter has a cookery book for midlife recipes ( not sure how they could be different but still) she had brought up some delicious carrot cake buns and had sent me the recipe ...
Basic ingredient is LSA... linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds with their skin on... 3-2-1 ratio and blitz in a coffee grinder or just a grinder to almost a fine flour... supposed to help immune system, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins... use this concoction or jumbo oats I used 75% LSA and oats, wholemeal flour, cinnamon, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, walnuts and grated carrots, vanilla essence mix whole lot together chill for 30 mins spoonfuls on baking sheet in oven for 15 mins... once cool, mix cream cheese with lemon juice and maple syrup drizzle over and pop pecan nut on top.... the taste wonderful... I know my friend will like them too ... then made chocolate and orange loaf drizzle over juice mixed with little icing sugar...
Finally a whole pan full of spaghetti sauce...
Wind still blowing like heck but rain had stopped by lunchtime and not cold..
we had a cuppa... O.H been hard at work on latest jigsaw...
We had a game of scrabble as last game he was one ahead... I had rubbish letters awful scores and at one point he was 50 ahead of me... how soon the tables turned and I beat him by 3 points..... he wasn't too happy so now we're even!
By this time it was 7pm so just put on spaghetti and had dinner..
Phoned friends who were meeting tomorrow having looked at NT web site and discovered where we're meeting was closed today because of the winds... as can't go into house it's garden only so will have to check in the am if they're going to be open... hope so be nice to see them...
Rubbish tv... too tired to watch much except another episode of Equator... wonderful photography but what do they need loud music through entire programme for.... .. very distracting and very annoying...
Bed for an early night as tired...
the wind is really strong so wouldn't be surprised to see any of next doors trees down as he's got quite a few dead ones that are strangled with ivy...
That's it for today... not very eventful really..
Caroline
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Viktoria- the children's books you got sound lovely... I'd not heard of Postscript before so thanks for mentioning it.. I used to use The Book People who were very good sadly no longer around..
I bought a series of books for my two grandsons The Treehouse story books by Andy Griffiths they go from 13 - story treehouse, 26 - story treehouse etc, im sure your FH would love them... can't see them on this website but available elsewhere...
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With yellow weather warning of wind for today and tomorrow wasn't sure what I'd awake to. Supposed to have had heavy rain all night but we clearly only had a little. Quite breezy when I went out at lunchtime to get some french sticks and coleslaw to take to my nieces 'reveal' party tonight. Wind getting stronger. Occasional showers but forecast was for it to be dry from late afternoon. You've no doubt guessed that they were wrong! They can't seem to get it right when it comes to sunshine and rain but always spot on when it comes to the wind. Frequent showers ensued with wind gusts in 40's. Started off under a gazebo in the garden - luckily for us a strong one. After eating we then had the big reveal after we'd all had to guess what sex we thought the babies were. The majority opting for one of each (as did I) - however, my niece and her husband are actually having twin girls in January! Best be getting my knitting needles out soon.
My other excitement of the day was..........I found my scissors. Had to iron the trousers I wanted to wear tonight and the iron is kept in a cupboard in my kitchen. Whilst getting it out I disturbed some plastic bags, two fell down to the floor and when I picked them up out fell the scissors. I'd clearly used them when opening some clothes I'd ordered online and when I'd gathered the bags to put in the cupboard had picked up the scissors too.
Buffet style food at my nieces (instead of the planned BBQ) and I chose Chilli and salad, followed by white chocolate cheesecake and a glass of Cava to toast the babies. Hadn't had to drive as picked up by my brother in law - started raining the moment I locked my door so had to dash to the car. As we were approaching my nieces house there was a beautiful rainbow. Blowing a right hooley when we drove home. Supposed to get stronger during the night. What joy!
Around 9.30 when I got in - made a coffee and have been on PC since then. Think I might have an earlier night than usual as feeling pretty tired.
Annette
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Caroline ,
www.psbooks.co,U.K.
01625 897100
email: orders[AT]psbooks.co.uk
I get some really good bargains,can buy three good books for the usual price of one.
My sister loves historical biographies ,I got one ,Henry VIII, normally £25 ,but
from Postscript £ 9 99.
She will like itI know.
The children’s books were £ 4-99 for the two Wolf books ,normally that each.
Cheerio.
Viktoria.
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My other excitement of the day was..........I found my scissors. Had to iron the trousers I wanted to wear tonight and the iron is kept in a cupboard in my kitchen. Whilst getting it out I disturbed some plastic bags, two fell down to the floor and when I picked them up out fell the scissors. I'd clearly used them when opening some clothes I'd ordered online and when I'd gathered the bags to put in the cupboard had picked up the scissors too.
Annette
;D There is always a logical series of events for the disappearance once the item is found! I’m pleased for you.
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Glad you found your scissors, reminded me of a vicar who had lost his car log book, he hunted high and low and as he was due to sell his car he had to purchase a new log book, £25, low and behold a few weeks later his friend found it, it was in the bottom off a filing cabinet, it has slunk down and was flat on the bottom, I did tell him to look there but he as happy he had sold his car, I even reminded him of St Anthony the patron saint of finding things !!
Louisa Maud
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Viktoria - thank you very much for the details to Postscript... they seem very good value. I really miss The Book People as they were excellent for bulk buying at reasonable prices.
Annette - so glad you found your scissors, it's always stressful when you lose something you really love. Scissors are very particular and personal items too.
Caroline
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Perhaps I ought to rephrase my remark about masks, perhaps not a badge but something to tell anyone who stops them why they are not wearing a mask
Have a good day folks
Louisa Maud
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This I pad is going mad!
It will be me.
Says I have 13 PMs when there are many more ,never changes .
Son comesFriday ,will look at it I hope .
Seems funny since Grandson put face time in or something ,he did it in the street ,whilst on the other side of the fence, as if I want anyone to see me like this,!
Overgrown flat hair ,dry skin from being in so much ,etc etc.
Glad about the scissors, mine are good ones but they are adjustable for thicker material, you put another ring/ washer in .
They are good but I must have forgotten the correct sequence of washers,split rings etc as they fall apart regularly.
I have three sets of pinking shears ,one set are kept for material only,the others I used for craft etc.
The grandchildren picked and pressed big Ivy leaves one year and we used them as gift tags ,a silver felt tip for the writing.
The presents were wrapped in nice Kraft paper,tied with green garden twine.
They looked surprisingly good.
We did them in the half term break October, in an old telephone directory.
So a good few weeks to dry out.
Ivy is poisonous ,I think, so hand washing after.
Gosh, I wonder what it Christmas will be like if the present conditions are still in place.No pun intended!
Well ,must get on —— but with what I know not!
Cheerio.Viktoria
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Re face covering exemption - the government have made a badge available in various formats which you can print out:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
Other badges are available, for example from Hidden Disabilities (who also offer other items):
https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/hidden-disabilities-face-covering.html
(I thought I heard that some train/bus companies were producing their own versions too, but I haven't looked into this.)
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Caroline - hope the walnut tree has stayed put and not caused any damage. You've been very industrious in the kitchen, hope you've been able to sit out in the location you were aiming for and enjoy the results of your labours.
Annette, glad you've managed to find the scissors, always ends up being an obscure place when things go missing. Two baby girls to look forward to, hope you've got plenty of wool sorted.
Viktoria - have you tried that really technical trick with the iPad as recommended by I.T. experts everywhere? Turn it off and back on again? :) Certainly worth a try if you haven't done so. I often think back to when all the technology was just developing, I'd ring the IT section at work because my computer wasn't working and they'd ask if I'd rebooted it. Eh? ??? Turn it off and back on again. Why didn't they just say that in the first place instead of blinding me with science. ;D
Arthurk, I see that as well as the badge option there is an option for a mobile phone which might prove more popular and for a card to print too. There doesn't seem to be any restriction on who can print or show any of these so obviously no need to prove that you qualify.
The only times I've had to wear a face covering have been for a very short time, I'm not sure how I'd get on for a lengthy period of time. As an asthmatic I'm not obliged to wear one but would certainly try. I cough more than most people, that coupled with no mask would be enough to get people running for the hills!
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Well a sad post from me today, I have often mentioned the fact that Imwss an evacuee ,and how kind were the family with whom I spent the greater part of that time .Only the daughter left now ,92, she was like a big sister and a mother too.
I never lost touch with them.
Took my fiancé to meet them ,and they liked him immediately.
We made many impromptu visits when we would just drive down for the day.
I am on record in a book written about the area ,how very happy was my childhood, in no small way due to the kindness of those people.
Well the dreaded phone call came today, I have been uneasy, with visits and travel not possible,hoping nothing happened and I could see her again.
She has fallen and broken her pelvis ,with Asthma and other conditions her son who is her carer,has been advised that in all probability she would not withstand an operation.
At the moment seems to be in an induced coma ,but was unconscious when found on the hard kitchen floor , her daughter is. Health Visitor and is travelling from Yorkshire to discuss at a more professional level the possibilities open to the Drs.
I knew it would happen ,we kept in touch by phone and I was thinking I must phone her.
I don’t think,even being so close I can intrude any more at the moment .
I will be so sorry if I don’t see her again ,but the family will keep me posted.
I have no optimism about this.
But memories are good and in no small way she contributed to me being
probably the happiest evacuee ever.
Hope you are all alright , sorry to be down but no one to really share this with.
But far from home ,apart from my sister and not seeing parents very often
I was so lucky to be with good kind people and that sort of thing lasts you your whole life through .
Viktoria
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Oh Viktoria, I am so sorry to hear about your friend, don't dwell to much on the ifs and buts as to why you didn't phone her, it happens to us all, just remember the fantastic memories you have had together, no on can take those memories away from you, no doubt you had lots of laughs, try to remember some of those
Thinking of you
Louisa Maud
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Viktoria- my heart goes out to you at this moment. Don't reproach yourself that you hadn't got in touch... it happens to us all at times, as LM says remember the good times you shared and know perhaps that the kindness you were shown by her and the family during such a difficult time in any young life they helped to form the person you are today..
You are a bright, cheerful and well balanced lady and anyone of us could aspire to be like you.
We will allbe here to listen and help you through a testing time.
Take care of yourself and know you have friends who are thinking of you too.
Caroline
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So very sorry Viktoria to hear what has happened to your dear friend. As Caroline said, we're all here for you, we've been cheered many times by your funny stories and now we're here to try and help you through your distress.
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Viktoria, I am so sorry to read about what has happened to your dear friend. My heart goes out to you - it is clear from your post how much you love her and how very hard this is for you.
Although, it is natural for anyone to have thoughts of 'if only' at times like this try not to dwell on a phone call not made. Try to just think about all your happy memories instead. What an enduring relationship you have had all down the years from your evacuee days. She sounds like a very special person in your life.
I found myself tearing up when I read your line:
.. 'she contributed to me being probably the most happiest evacuee ever.'
What a beautiful tribute this is. This is such a lovely comment - who could wish for better than this - that they had made someone else's life happy.
It sounds like your friend is in good hands now Viktoria. She has children who will be seeking the best for her and the doctors and nurses will be ensuring she is comfortable and peaceful.
I am sure you are in all our thoughts now during this difficult time Viktoria. We are all here for you.
Take care.
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Thanks everyone.
No phone call as yet and I won’t phone I don’t think until I have heard just what decision the family and Drs have arrived at.
Spoke with my sister today ,she was a very unhappy evacuee going to a very different type of person after we left relatives.
Our memories are diametrically opposed ,she has tried to blot it all out whilst I strive to keep it alive .
She never goes back , has no interest.
She was nearly seven when we left Manchester ,I three and a half .
I keep thinking of A.E .Houseman’s poem, where he mentions “The land of lost content”.
I was lucky ,very lucky.
I won’t ever forget the things that have stood me in good stead, gained from the people I was lucky to be with.
In many ways they formed me more than my parents.
Thanks again everyone ,I hope you all sleep,well and have a good day tomorrow.
Viktoria.
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It's good that you can cherish those treasured memories Viktoria, I hope they will help you, whichever decision is made that is best for your dear friend.
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Viktoria- as you say you were very lucky to have had such a wonderful experience and I'm sure they were probably not as common as the awful one your sister had...
I hope that you hear from the family over the next few days as to how things will progress for your dear friend..
Take care and we're here for you at all times.
Caroline