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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: DianaCanada on Sunday 24 July 22 22:10 BST (UK)
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Thought I would start this one.
Still hot and humid here, under severe thunderstorm watch for the next few hours. Tornadoes possible, but with tornadoes, they form quickly so are not predictable. We are just told to keep an eye on the weather, listen for a large roar, and apparently, a siren, and go to our basements.
Daughter sent some lovely photos of deer coming near their lakeside cottage.
Dull day, did not feel great, did little that was useful, except laundry. OH vertigo is better, but he looks tired.
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I'll help you Diana by bringing the new thread for this week back to the top, already over halfway through Monday NZ. A pick up sticks day each time I go outside, strong winds and some rain, causing some more damaging mayhem elsewhere as front makes its way across the country.
A lovely meal out last night to celebrate our baby turning 40 this week, round to her place first then she and her husband in our car to meet up with my youngest sister and her daughter at a restaurant nearer city. Very nice, quite busy and no reserves, our table for 6 at 6 we took outside in a sheltered coverered corner so ended up staying wrapped up in outdoor wear and there was overhead heating and rugs on the chairs. Waiting staff wore masks but as it was quite full inside we were probably better off outdoors anyway, also cat mad daughter befriended the big ginger tom happy to find a knee! An extra laugh at the end when my lovely husband was paying at the counter and said his wife had really enjoyed her marijuana instead of saying marinara but it had the staff in fits! ... something else to dine out on with that little funny.
Daughter is usually a party girl but doing several outings and special small get-togethers instead.
Next 40th amongst the cousins is 18 months away, that of niece who joined us, another cousin had his last month and his two little ones are 2 and 4 today and another one on the way but probably not today!
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Just marking this to keep up to date
Louisa Maud
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Can't believe we're so close to the end of July!! All this seems to have been going on for far too long for sanity.
(Viktoria, your charger cable "spider" almost gave me nightmares!)
TY
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I agree TY - the summer is whizzing by!
Spent most of yesterday pruning bushes, plants and one conifer got its annual haircut. Am feeling it today in the wrist and the back ....but the garden looks much tidier so I'm happy.
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Mare, I know where there's a ginger cat your daughter could have!
All my cat repellent measures were futile, there it is again on my security camera footage, early this morning crouching in my flowerbed. >:( >:(. And it seemed to be looking straight at the camera!
I don't grow roses but I have a pyracantha with some very nasty thorns. 😈 I wouldn't actually hurt it, much as I feel like throttling it at the moment but it is upsetting me, probably more than it should. It's no good putting the repellent grains down at the moment as we've been having a few heavy showers and more forecast.
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Roobarb, I obviously don’t know the size of your
cat toilet flowerbed, but is it feasible to buy some netting or some kind of wire panelling which you could cut to fit the shape of the flowerbed and tuck it around your plants? Alternatively could you construct a raised wire or net covered structure to cover the whole bed?
I think there are sprays or some products you can sprinkle on the ground to deter cats, spiky mats you partially bury in the ground ….. even just lots of stakes or kebab sticks? Chunky mulch? Strong smelling fertiliser?
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It's a small circular bed in the lawn Ruskie. I have some of the plastic (?) netting that people people use to cover strawberry beds but I'm worried that the cat might get caught up in it and hurt himself. I have the stuff you sprinkle but the rain washes it away.
Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll have to try the kebab stick type of thing. I do actually have a box of weed and feed for the lawn that was waiting for the appropriate weather, maybe that would work as the strong smelling fertiliser!
Thank you :)
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I was thinking of something along the lines of chicken poop, though I have heard that lion or big cat poo is a good deterrent for little cats.
If you could suspend the netting above the bed I don’t think a cat would venture too close to the netting. Cat owners might know what a cat would think of that. Pieces of wire (along the lines of chicken wire) might be preferable as that would be unpleasant to walk on, impossible to dig, and the cat couldn’t get tangled in it. Plastic sheeting might work though it could only be used as a temporary measure.
Do you know who the cat belongs to?
I hope you find a solution.
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Mr A has quite a good deterrent - 12 pieces of cat scat mat with spikes and ties - under £10.00
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Much nicer weather here today, not supposed to top 23, and the humidity has lifted. A short respite, but I will take it. Out for coffee this morning, and then must pick up bread, as we are out.
We had no storms last night, but the area my kids are staying at the summer cottage/cabin/chalet got hit hard. Everyone is okay, but they hunkered down in the basement for awhile. My son and his partner had returned home, about 90 km away, but going north so missed the worst of it.
Our backyard now looking better, OH has not mowed in over two weeks, but it is growing again. And I have flowers on one of my hibiscus tree/plant, it is about 7 feet tall now, I almost missed the first bloom as it was at the top.
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Hello all
I'm in Leicester with beekeeper back from fortnight's holiday
it was hot this morning but his bees are very sluggish and not happy
His beekeeping friends in Derbyshire has bees that are merrily producing loads of honey .could it be that the climate difference between neighbouring countries effects the production
Our temperatures reached 40 degrees . Leicester is in a trough .
I think they had rain between Mon and Tues and temperatures didn't go over 33 degrees in the hills .
We decided to have a barbecue and it started raining .
It wasn't worth me suiting up . So am going to do useful admin things and see what happens tomorrow . It would be a mini holiday for me but there's no hot water and I don't fancy a cold bath tonight ! !
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Russia has added the Isle of Man to it's list of "unfriendly" countries! ;D
https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/isle-of-man-added-to-russias-list-of-unfriendly-countries/
I'm quaking in my boots! :D
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KG - and so you should be :D :D
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Russia has added the Isle of Man to it's list of "unfriendly" countries! ;D
https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/isle-of-man-added-to-russias-list-of-unfriendly-countries/
I'm quaking in my boots! :D
As Hilary Clinton replied when she was put on Russia's persona non grata list this year "Thanks for the award".
Guernsey and the Bahamas are also mentioned in the news article.
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I have some of the plastic (?) netting that people people use to cover strawberry beds but I'm worried that the cat might get caught up in it and hurt himself.
Please also consider safety of hedgehogs.
I provided toilet areas in the garden for my cats. Other cats also used them. Some of my cats preferred to go elsewhere. A cat likes to toilet on the edge of its' territory.
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Grey and miserable here but not cold, so that horrible 'thick' air.
Had some fun over the weekend. Through old newspapers i found some of the buildings my ancestor was involved in building so went in search of photos of these buildings.
Training for new job today, was really just going over the e-learning stuff.
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Don't worry Maiden Stone, I haven't used it. Have been looking at the cat spike mats, they don't hurt the animal.
Brigid, I've done some admin too, home insurance. Can't stand doing too much of it at once, will tax my car at the last minute!
Pleased to hear you're all safe there Diana, you certainly have some extremes of weather.
Warmer than expected here today and several heavy showers, one of which I got caught in when I went for my daily walk, got soaked! At least it'll keep the cat away!
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Re cats and lion poo ,if I were a little puss cat ,and went walkies for purposes of leaving messages in flower beds,and came across lion poo,I would become totally incontinent !
So might not venture back but immediately very anti social.
Well half way through a pile of washing up and daughter’s usualMonday call, so finish my cuppa and back to the kitchen sink.
Russia and I.O.M.bit like the comedian in the war ,who had joined the Home Guard, his wife said how did he think he would stop Hitler?
“ Well, there’s not only me, there’s Harry Fish ,Ernie Brocklebank ,and Joe Entwistle as well you know!.”
Hope you like your new job Pharma.
Pond filter needs rinsing through so hope for a nice day tomorrow.
Goodnight again .Viktoria.
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Am not sure I would know where to get lion poo... :)
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First, take one lion........ ;D ;D ;D
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Amazon apparently:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Roar-Lion-Manure-Repellant/dp/B0002B7OT2 (though not at the moment)
Good point about being mindful of the hedgehogs though MS. :)
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Re the ginger felon aka feline RB, daughter was keen on a ginger kitten to be company for the grey with white front one she had picked out 4 years ago but apparently it was already spoken for though gets sent a photo of it now and then, a lot chunkier than her long sleek 'Frankie'. When she left home at 17 soon had the company of a wee tricolour kitten, happily relocated several times with little miss 'Bonnie' to various flats before buying house they're in now and sad when the 17 years together ended. Had 2 adult toms join them at one point, not so lucky with those although they got on together ok, black and white stray alright with moving and had him a few years, rehomed black one never really settled properly and went back to the shelter after considerable efforts. Also loved looking after a very content tortoiseshell for a friend who went overseas for 2 years before going about getting another kitten of her own … however, where were we ... so thanks but no thanks for that long distance offer for birthday girl, same would apply to younger sis, they have 4 cats again at their house atm. I could have exchanged with fallen damaged grapefruit as a possible deterrent, you're still welcome to those, postage not included :D
Meant also to say it was an unintentional mix up husband had with cashier, he just came out with the wrong description while doing two things at once, his mum though was quite a frequent Mrs Malaprop, anyway son-in-law laughingly put him on right track and he's had a few beauts of his own but can laugh.
Mild daytime temps for the week around the mid teens and not too cool overnight, dams are full and ground past saturation many places, crops suffering etc. Nice sunny break though for a few hours this morning and towels dry on line, just managed to save them when I got home in time for a visitor early afternoon. Had pork roast out to prepare for tonight but back in fridge tor tomorrow as late invitation to dinner with friends at theirs, so good to us and seems too rude to refuse, they're quite insistent at having us regularly but have to decline also at times.
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Went over the road to see the Commonwealth Games baton relay go by earlier. There was a reasonable turnout considering it started at 8 o'clock. It was good to see smiling faces even if it was drizzling with rain.
My mind went back to the 2012 Olympic torch relay which we saw in Earlswood, so much has changed since then.
Home and back to reality to an email about my new Electricity tariff.
Love the diary thread and hope everyone is well.
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My friend came back from cruise ...did you know a week on a cruise ship is cheaper than a week in a care home in England and the medical care is better !
His wife has home care which is sometimes hit and miss in Nottingham
Meanwhile he came to leicester to check on his beehives... The bees are very confused after the heat wave but have produced honey ..and this latest batch is delicious.im about to suit up and help with an extraction.
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I'm in Leicester with beekeeper back from fortnight's holiday
it was hot this morning but his bees are very sluggish and not happy
His beekeeping friends in Derbyshire has bees that are merrily producing loads of honey .could it be that the climate difference between neighbouring countries effects the production
Our temperatures reached 40 degrees . Leicester is in a trough .
I think they had rain between Mon and Tues and temperatures didn't go over 33 degrees in the hills .
News today is that it's driest year in much of England since 1976. Minette Batters of NFU said some farmers are feeding their stock stored forage because grass has died.
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Wow not oversurprised the ground was very hard today .
Re cats apparently they are repelled by coffe grounds which is easier to obtain than lion poo !!
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On Sunday I just missed the bus for Church. I was near the stop and put my hand out for the approaching bus but it sailed by.
A kind ??? man in a nice car pulled in at the bus stop and said he had seen what had happened and offered to give me a lift. I declined as politely as I could. He seemed thoughtful and kind but it wasn't worth the risk. A similar thing happened to me before covid but that time I had gotten in strangers' car when a bus failed to pick up and I was offered a lift. Mind that time, passengers were a man, woman and little girl. My son had been aghast when I had told him later. I did think afterwards I shouldn't have done it but I tried to make it sound slightly better by pointing out there had been a child in the back. Son had said "Mam, Fred West had kids in the back!" Point duly taken.
I was late to Church and it was difficult to find a seat. Ended up near the front but I prefer near the back.
SiL came in the evening. She left her phone accidentally at my house and only realised when I was seeing her off at the bus stop. I said I would run back quick and get it. She has a bad leg and cannot move fast. Darn it, a seagull flew low at me but despite feeling nervous I kept running through the park with unbrella up and was able to get SiL her phone. Then later on return through park on my own, a gull was making a racket and flying too close for comfort so this time I did a back turn and went the long way home round the streets.
The gulls kept their distance yesterday when I went to and from work. It was raining last night. They have also kept their distance today when I went out on my day off. :)
Re Putin I think he has some nerve to call other places 'unfriendly'! What label would he give himself for attacking a peaceful country?! I have long given up on expecting any sense to come out of his mouth.😒
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Just to say I actually made it to Switzerland last Thursday after a rather fraught week. The previous Friday I passed out in the bathroom and hit my chest around the sternum area on something, radiator knob I think, my back on the loo, my elbow and chin on something. I was tested for all sorts in A&E but no cause round, then X rayed and eventually allowed home. I asked if I could still go away on the Monday and was told yes.
However between having a very sore chest, the heat and being asked not to travel due to the heat I postponed going to London until the Wednesday, stayed over in London and left on Eurostar on Thursday. Eurostar was on time but the TGV to Basel ran 62 minutes late as they kept telling us. Arrived in Basel I was glad to just walk out of the station and into my hotel. Then on Friday I was even more pleased to reach my final destination of Meiringen.
I was astounded to receive a telephone call from a consultant in the bit of A & E I was in that they want to do a CT scan of my chest when I come home. I’d had a telephone call about a CT scan whilst on my way to London and had rung back to find out why. It seems weird to me that it was never mentioned in A&E and I asked if I should go back but was told no.
Anyhow I’m here now enjoying the mountains and being a bit more careful then I perhaps would normally be as my chest is still sore and has a wonderfully coloured bruise. I had 3 day local cable car card included in my hotel cost so I’ve had a lovely time riding up and down them with walks in between viewing the flowers. Today I visited a local gorge and waterfall both looking spectacular dur to the storm we had last night.
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That's great that you have made it to Switzerland Gibel. It sounds like where you are will be a scenic and wonderful place to recuperate. If you have a camera and know how to add these on here I would love to see any photos. I'll try not to get too jealous but I'm not promising! ;)
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Re cats apparently they are repelled by coffe grounds which is easier to obtain than lion poo !!
And citrus peel?
Cheaper than lion poo :D
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Happy to hear you got to Switzerland, Gibel, even if there were roadblocks along the way. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
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Gibel
Wonderful you finally made your trip long awaited.
So sorry about your fall, hope you get good results from your scan but enjoy Switzerland till you return
LM
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Dressgate!!
Well the final day has come, our granddaughter's graduation in Sheffield, I had actually decided not to wear either of the dresses I had bought, found items I already had, this morning it had been very overcast and cold, so I decided not to wear these items but to wear something more weather appropriate, navy trousers, white top and a jacket navy with a slight pattern on it and brand new shoes, we had to stand or walk quite a bit but the shoes were a bad idea, fortunately I took a spare pair of shoes which I changed into. When I looked at other women's clothing I need not have worried about what I was to wear, been a wonderful long day, it is amazing how many students had qualified and were moving on , so dressgate is ended now, many thanks to all who had offered suggestions
I am off to bed now feeling exhausted
LM
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Bearnan, it must have been interesting to see the baton relay live, it came through here but I relied on the news photos, was too early for me!
I'd heard that about the cruises Brigid - seeing the world while being looked after, sounds great. :)
RTL, that was very brave of you to face the gulls to get the phone for your SiL, well done. Maybe now they're getting the message not to mess with you! Let's hope it's the end of their antics.
Oh Gibel, you have been in the wars! Great to hear you made it to Switzerland and what an adventurous way to travel. It sounds lovely, enjoy the rest of your stay.
LM - Ah the vagaries of the British weather! Glad to hear you decided on something you were comfortable in (except the shoes!). No doubt the dresses will come in for another occasion.
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I'm hoping it will be the end of their antics Roobarb ..
This morning I saw a couple of tilers on some scaffolding on the house opposite and there was a gull on the roof watching them. And I was thinking "Ohhh!".😱 However, the tilers didn't seemed bothered and the gull kept its distance. Also from my window I can see the bulk of the park over the low wall. I watched some people come and go through seemingly without a care in the world and the gulls didn't bother them. I have been wondering if they have been picking up on my fear? Perhaps not surely, but I have been wondering if they are that clever? ???
So today when I went through I tried to walk calmly repeating in my head mantra type things like 'Be calm .. everything is alright'. And it was! :D (Yesterday, I just put it down to the rain. They do seem better behaved in extreme heat or the rain.)
Will be trying that again in the morning when I leave the house at 0620 for work. Hope they will continue to behave themselves if I can continue to pretend to be brave .. ;)
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Yes, be brave be positive
LM
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It might be possible that they're picking up on your fear, animals and birds do seem to have other senses, horses seem to know if you're afraid of them and cats know if you don't like them.
Looking forward to hearing that it was a positive journey for you this morning.
Speaking of cats, my camera footage shows the ginger one standing by my flowerbed at 4.30am, tail trashing, then off he goes! Hope it's not just a one off.
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And citrus peel?
I had a cat who loved oranges. Very odd. I daren't eat an orange if he was in the room.
One deterrent not to use is curry powder - cat may ingest it or get it in eyes and need vet treatment.
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I’d willingly post a photo or two if I knew how to do it. Are there instructions for technophobes available?
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The brass group in which I play(Bath Vintage Brass- age range from 60 to 90!) had one of its very infrequent outings today. We had been invited to play at a local Care Home.
Because of continued Covid restrictions and precautions, we had to play out of doors on the rear patio, where some of the more active residents were able to come and listen.
We played for about 50 minutes, music from the band interspersed with some community singing and light-hearted recitations (The Lion and Albert).
The weather was warmish but as the afternoon progressed some very ominous grey clouds started to gather, but thankfully it did not rain.
For the second part of the performance we had to move around the outside of the building and played in the car park, for the residents of the Dementia Wing.
Sadly, because of an outbreak of Covid they were totally isolated and could only watch and listen from their first floor lounge window.
I have just received two short videos taken by a member of the staff in that room showing the folk enjoying themselves as they listened and joined in the singing of the songs which we played.
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Sounds fantastic
LM
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That must have been lovely Jeff, to give so much pleasure, and no doubt very enjoyable for you and the other musicians too.
This afternoon I was sitting reading in the garden when two sparrows flew down, I could hardly believe my eyes when the baby landed on the small table next to me! I didn't move a muscle in case I frightened it, mum bird was pecking around the lawn, baby shuffled closer and closer to the edge of the table. It seemed to be gathering its courage before eventually fluttering down to follow mum. They were in the garden for a while, it was so lovely to see baby at such close quarters. Didn't seem to even notice me! :)
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Jeff,there is a sequel to ::” Albert and The Lion,” — “ Albert’s Return”.
It is also very funny.
Nice day here today ,pond all cleaned out ,yesterday, filters etc.
Son still here but working most if the day,,nice to see him though.
Trying to get him to come with me to visit Flash Harry and Kyra,etc.
FH did well at his swimming class.
His Daddy and Auntie are super swimmers ,we took then every Sunday morning to QUEGS —- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School —- in Blackburn where there is a super pool and they had lessons there.
I can’t believe this Summer is drier than 1976 , never , not in a million years.
Hope everyone is alright ,so goodnight and look after yourselves.
Viktoria.
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There were a couple of others which I used to do many years ago although I did not do the recitations yesterday.............
The Jubilee Sovreign
"On Jub'lee day the Ramsbottoms, asked all their relations to tea, including young Albert's grandmother, an awkward old party was she; she'd seen Queen Victoria's Jub'lee and 'er wedding to Albert the Good, and she got quite upset when young Albert, asked 'er 'ow she'd got on in the flood!
and
The Battle of Hastings
"I'll tell of the Battle of 'Astings, as 'appened in days long gone by, When Duke William became King of England, and 'Arold got shot in the eye....It were like this........."
Happy memories.
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That sounds great Radstockjeff and the vintage brass concept too. Which instrument do you play? I've always fancied learning a brass instrument and know I wouldn't want to do trombone but no idea other than that. Can slightly vintage folk learn a brass instrument in older age do you know ? I bought myself a clarinet when I was in my 40's and learnt a bit , but then my tutor moved away so I haven't done anything much since then . The man I was going to ask to be a new tutor then became ill and subsequently died so that was hard - he was brilliant .
I used to play violin as a child and was reasonable but decided when I bought the clarinet that I wasn't going to play violin again and try and join an older orchestra so I sold it. ( I tried playing my violin and wasn't happy with my efforts and didn't think others would appreciate them either , hence deciding to sell it )
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I play the trombone. I think all our players started when they were young, and some of them had a Salvation Army background, so learning to play a brass instrument was second nature. One of our members who sadly died last year was a later starter, well into his sixties, so there is hope.
Whilst we do not play "out" very often, it is the fellowship of like minded musicians meeting regularly to practise together which is so enjoyable.
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The Jubilee Sovreign
"On Jub'lee day the Ramsbottoms, asked all their relations to tea, including young Albert's grandmother, an awkward old party was she; she'd seen Queen Victoria's Jub'lee and 'er wedding to Albert the Good, and she got quite upset when young Albert, asked 'er 'ow she'd got on in the flood!
I don't know that one. It reminds me of when I asked my grandma, born near the end of Queen Victoria's reign, if she'd ever met Adam and Eve. We lived near Edenfield village, it was obvious to four-year-old me that the Garden of Eden must have been in the locality.
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Went to visit the twins on Tuesday and had a fun afternoon with them. During this time they were continually bringing their many books to me to go through with them.
Learnt on Sunday that my b-in-law has COVID and today my sister says she now has it too. I was wondering how she was going to be able to avoid it. First time for both of them. B-in-law has a chronic chest condition and is at hospital today to have intravenous meds. which will take around 2 hours. You think you are doing everything right and then, wham, it catches up with you.
My downstairs neighbour woke up to no power yesterday as did another tenant. Mine was okay. Men duly arrived, dug a huge hole, closed off section of the road. Then, around 11pm, with no warning, they removed the power from our block of 10 flats. Another lot of men had arrived, generator going, floodlights, etc. but some warning of turn-off would have been nice. I was on my PC at the time in the study with nothing to hand. Floundering around in the dark until I could find my torch and then light some candles. I went out and spoke to them asking how long before power would be restored. Two to three hours! Because of the noise I couldn't sleep so read for quite a while on my tablet and then, around 2am, power was back on. What with lights, etc. coming back on it was like there was fireworks in the flat.
Today there has been no-one there at all - hole still there. Just hoping they won't be back later tonight and turn everything off again. My torch will be with me at all times tonight that's for sure.
Annette
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Pleased to hear the twins are doing OK, they must be such fun
In this house there is never a touch nearby when needed but I do know where the candles are, not sure about the matchess, I would be floundering about, ought to get them together just in case
My neighbour has just got over covid, 2weeks, her husband is ok but my other 2 friends have just returned from abroad and they have got it now, it really is worrying, I wear my mask when needed
Not so warm but it is most welcome
Hope everyone is OK
LM
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just in case anyone didnt know there is a torch function on most smart phones
i didnt discover that so maybe spme of you didnt know either ,
safer than candles
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We have a flashlight/torch that is permanently plugged into an outlet in my office. Constantly charged and we always know where it is! I have used my non-smart phone as a flashlight occasionally.
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I have battery powered small lights (recommended for sheds and cupboards) and lanterns. Also a torch with adjustable head & broad base which can be used as a lamp.
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Bad news here today!
Price of milk has increased :o
Up from £1.15p per litre to £1.35p.
Price set by IOM Government, and applies to all outlets.
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Our delivery milkman has upped his prices to a ridiculous level - and we think we've been the only one in the whole area he still delivers to - so, sadly, this week, after being born on a farm, and brought up on raw milk, and since leaving home always paying for doorstep delivery, we had reluctantly to cancel and take to collecting from supermarket. Really feels like the end of an era.
Felt very guilty, too.
TY
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Understand that TY, a significant change for you, inflation on commodities everywhere.
Nice to hear you made your trip to enjoy beautiful surroundings in Switzerland, Gibel, not so good the episode prior and wish you the best. Also sounds slightly better for you RTL re gulls, not sure about mad dashes on adrenalin to retrieve forgotten items. A wonderful session of live music most welcome I'm sure Jeff and well done with those get-togethers.
We also have a couple battery operated led lights with magnet on back, useful for power cuts and keep one on fridge, helpful to flick the switch on those and a couple give enough light to find way through a suddenly dark house. ( added, also can be wall mounted, seen assorted designs similar perhaps to what MS has mentioned, for cupboards and sheds )
Recorded opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games from early this morning, we watched snippets of it over a cuppa earlier, significance of the history, puppets and the amazing bull all well done.
Back to usual term activities, Wednesday morning group we're still required by venue to wear masks.
Have a good weekend all ...
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After a couple of reasonable days I looks like a warmer day today but keeps coming over looking like rain, my washing is out but I don't mind if it rains, my plants and I will be very pleased
Having offered my help at a parish meal to, what i thought was washing up and serving it now appears that I may have to cook, I don't think so!!, so I am off to a meeting to discuss it this morning
No news, things have settled a bit since my granddaughter's graduation and "dress gate"
Enjoy your day folks
LM
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We also have a couple battery operated led lights with magnet on back, useful for power cuts and keep one on fridge, helpful to flick the switch on those and a couple give enough light to find way through a suddenly dark house. ( added, also can be wall mounted, seen assorted designs similar perhaps to what MS has mentioned, for cupboards and sheds )
Yes, that's the type. I also have 2 portable ones which are like miniature lanterns + 1 with a hook, the kind of thing you might take camping. I keep a mini torch beside the bed, just in case.
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That was very kind of you Jeff and your fellow musicians to play for the residents in the care home.
LM I hope you have been able to put your foot down about the cooking. It doesn't seem fair to expect this of you without getting your prior agreement.
Going to and from work I have felt a bit more relaxed about the gulls but I will continue to use the park route for now. Still don't feel safe enough to use my usual street route.
It has felt quite cold in the early mornings when I have travelled to work this week.
Re: milk I wrote on here the other week about how organic milk has shot up in price in my area. Sainsburys is the most expensive £1.75 for 2 pints and M&S not far behind. It was hiked up £1.40 only a little while ago and now this additional hike. Aldi seems to be the best priced.
It's shocking how prices are going up. I was sent a petition email this morning which I have signed re the energy price rises. The email points out that energy company Centrica who owns British gas has announced profit of 1.3 billion whilst many will face fuel poverty this winter as prices escalate. Sometimes I wonder if some companies are just greedy and jumping on the bandwagon of hiking prices. I think it is quite shameful how they seem to be able to get away with it.
The house over the road has had new tiles delivered and these have stood on the grass for well over a week. The tilers were there recently and have transferred all the tiles to the top of some scaffolding. Now these are just sitting there and the tilers have yet to return. Just an observation but how slowly sometimes things get done these days.
I am off to visit SiL tonight. Think I will take my coat; it is quite chilly.
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“ On is orse with is awk in is and”—-
That was ‘ arold I think but might ave been Duke William .
Twopence per person per trip —-that was funny Jeff.
Lovely to read your news folks , not much happening here, son works most of the day ,I make millions of cups of tea!
Discovered I can’t cook for two !
Found it a bit hard when down to two from five, then to one but to get back to two ——!
He hasn’t a big appetite .
Repotted a Clematis today , put fresh soil in a big pot with a trellis, where the disobedient everlasting Sweet Pea was ,! I put pebbles on top as Clematis like their roots in shade.
Decided I will have a light perm,I am fed up with looking as if I have just been let out of an institution , just for some “ lift”
Lovely day today ,hope the weekend is nice.
Saw a lovely dog today, but it was a model , there was a stall set up for an animal Charity .
I thought gosh,that Dachshund is very good!
Must go to Specsavers!
Well no plans for the weekend ,just play it by ear,
Got Salmon for Sunday ,so with a bit of luck won’t mess it up!
Honestly,I am rubbish .
Cheerio. Viktoria.
Viktoria.
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Viktoria....
And after the battle were over
They found 'Arold so stately and grand
Sitting there with an eye-full of arrow
On 'is 'orse, with 'is 'awk in 'is 'and!
Took me a while to find the two books which I have had for many years , the verses compiled by Marriott Edgar, each priced at 5/-
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Oh ,thanks Jeff, they are still funny.
‘Arold’s mistress was Edith Swan neck ,she searched the battlefield for im.
What a lovely name “Swan neck” .
Thanks again.
Viktoria.
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After the Runcorn Ferry we had the wonderful Transporter Bridge - again tuppence per person per trip. I travelled every day from Runcorn/Widnes/Runcorn back in the 1950's. It was brilliant unless the wind was too strong, then we had to walk across the railway bridge!!!! AND we watched the construction of the new road bridge - starting from either bank - it was lovely to see that it actually met in the middle. :)
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Started a post last night, not sure what I did with it was so tired. Work more tiring than usual this week because the first week in a new place. Trip to the shops thanks to now not so wee one's growth spurt. Good chat with cousin and was updating her on our shared line on the tree. She was inspired to talk her husband into a run to see where some of our ancestors lived.
Not much sleep due to another issue playing on my mind though.
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Fine & warm all day yesterday. A blue butterfly was briefly in the back garden at noon, probably Holly Blue. I haven't seen many butterflies this summer, I blame the wind. Big Butterfly Count is on. I was dead-heading around 5 p.m. when a blue butterfly landed on a scabious flower beside me. I kept very still while it drank from 2 flowers. :)
Bad news on bird flu. Council waste management dept. has collected 500 dead birds from beaches. Local pet shop has advised customers not to feed birds.
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The bird flu thing is worrying isn't it, there was an announcement of an outbreak a few months ago and it seemed to be subsiding but flaring up again. I've warned the girls to stay away from any dead birds they see even though we're not within the main watch zone.
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Bird flu seems to have arrived here during the past few weeks. This summer is the first time I've heard about so many dead birds being found. I used to feed birds in my garden but haven't for the past 3 years. I saw a woman stroking a cygnet in the park the other day; not something I would do in normal times and certainly not when there's bird flu.
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A huge number of birds have died from it on the Farne Islands, it's not that far from the coast of Scotland so perhaps it's spread from there. We had it not far from here last year, haven't heard anything about it recently.
I wouldn't stroke a cygnet either, she's lucky the parents didn't go after her!
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Hope you sleep better tonight Pharma ..
I've just got in after a 12 hour shift and I feel absolutely jiggered. I'll have a cup of tea and then I'll call it a night.
It is quite a warm night here and a beautiful formation of clouds with a pink tinge could be seen as I walked home through the park.
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Exactly Roobarb!
Swans are excellent parents and very protective ,a blow on the arm from an angry swan’s wing could means broken bone.
Besides ,who knows what we could pass to a swan, and it is not unknown for cygnets to be rejected by the parent birds, if handled by humans.
Not heard of any Bird Flu hereabouts .
Look after yourself Pharma, hope you get some good restful sleep.
A grey mizzley day here. Not cold though.
Neighbour’s daughter phoned to ask me to keep my eye on her Mum.
Daughter and Hubby in York tonight .
Carers etc on alert.
I took her her usual treat from me, which I do each weekend, but she had forgotten where her fridge is!
Oh dear, she is such a love , and a good neighbour .
Well , I hope all are O.K.
I know some have illness and hope they are at least comfortable.
Not seen the twins for a bit.
Baby Kyra is crawling and of course would like to go after the dog!
Not allowed. Babies have a snatch and grasp instinct, that stays with them
up to at least one year old.
Stopped them falling out of trees !
Salmon for tea tomorrow. Asparagus and new potatoes .
Cheerio everyone, thanks for the news, and look after yourselves .
Viktoria.
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Woke to sunshine this morning but now it has clouded over.
Found a couple of great pictures that include the shop one of my ancestors ran.
Slept a little better but still had nightmares. You know when you tell yourself to not worry about something it doesn't actually stop it dwelling on your mind.
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I wouldn't stroke a cygnet either, she's lucky the parents didn't go after her!
Daddy swan grabbed my thumb last year while I was feeding his brood, got too close to cygnets and didn't notice dad was beside me. He killed 2 seagulls which tried to attack cygnets last summer. This cygnet is big, 3 months old.
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Yorkshire Day! 1st August.
TY
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Eeee,by gum,ah knew it were summat ort’tother!
Louisa Maude accidentally clicked herself out of RootsChat is not able to get back in ,can anyone help?
Soft winds all day today ,mild weather.
Much rain in the night but gardens needed it.
My newly re planted clematis had been got at!
Nibbled!Have spayed it this evening.
Two huge gladioli have come up in my front garden from several years ago!
Bright peach colour ,ruining my cool pinks,blues ,mauve ,white colour scheme to complement the Lakeland slate chippings .
Never mind ,they are lovely.
Does your youngest have to have a School Uniform Pharma?
At least she can wait for that,assuming your school holidays are the same as in England.
Expensive to have to buy in the middle of a school year.
Hope you are sleeping better.
Well going to watch a programme with ArdalO’Hanlon ,( Father Ted’s gormless
Side kick! About early Irish people.
Been very busy folks so have not been on my iPad much.
Hope everyone is OK, all well here .
Cheerio ,Viktoria.
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Thanks folks, I am allowed back in by Sarah for good behaviour, ha ha !,
LM
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Oh good, .
Viktoria.
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That's great LM, glad to hear they are giving you another chance ;). It wouldn't be the same on here without you. :)
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Aaar, bless you RTL , thank you
I would really miss RC if I was banished for good, so I try to behave myself.
LM
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Viktoria, Scottish schools break up earlier than our schools and go back earlier from the summer break. They'll be due back in a couple of weeks time. I notice from my fb pages that some American schools restarted this week but they again broke up earlier than ours. Perhaps Diana in Canada can tell us about what happens there ?
My daughter is having bother getting school grey shorts for her youngest son who starts school in September. The age 4/5 are sold out in many retailers so she's having to look at other possibilities. They seem to wear shorts till it gets cold then go onto trousers, which she has managed to get.
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It was lovely in the Summer when we lived in Belgium, two whole months off school for my children.
July and August. you got an extra month’s
Family allowance as parents had to buy exercise books,note books,pens,pencils,rubbers Etc,
Schools gave a daily “ Journal” in which school communicated with home and vice versa.
All homework was logged and parents had to sigh each evening that it was done etc.
Children got away with nothing!
We lived right in the countryside, the moat of a Chateau ran behind our
garden.Pretty dry in Summer our children had permission from the old lady,the last of the family to live there ,to play in the neglected grounds .
The family Claes Bouwaerts ,eventually gave it as a gift for a community
meeting place.
But what fun and adventures our children had.
Swallows and Amazons!!
Glorious day today,Spaghetti Bol for tea but with Quorn , on the other hand Quorn is not really flavoursome ,I am minded to leave it out.
If cooked too long it is no asset, I was going to slow cooker cook it but not advised by the makers.
It won’t be missed.
Nice to have my son here but he has to work ,so not going out anywhere ,
Lots of cups of tea though !
Well trouble in Taiwan,Nancy Pelozzi, seems to have been a bit gung ho, not appreciated by China!
Oh Dear!
Look after yourselves folks.
Cheerio.Viktoria.
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Candleflame, our schools break up at the end of June and go back after Labour Day, which this year is Monday Sep 5th, so they are back the next day. Northeastern US generally follows the same schedule, but the warmer states break up in early May and go back in August. We have more weeks of school than US but fewer than the UK. We have only one longer break, 2 weeks for Xmas, and a week for a March break. A lot of US schools also have a winter break, usually in Feb as well as Xmas and a spring break.
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Thanks Diana
Isn’t it fascinating all these differences!
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Tatty howking used to be a holiday activity for Scottish children. There's a sack of Ailsa Craig tatties next to the counter of the little shop. I take 2 poly bags to shop, 1 to keep my hand and sleeve clean when reaching into sack.
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There’s a village near me called Ailsa Craig. Always thought it was such a pretty name.
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Isn't Ailsa something to do with snow?
LM
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Ailsa Craig is a small rocky island aka Paddy's Milestone. Granite for curling stones comes from it.
https://kayscurling.com/ailsa-craig-granite.html
A former U.S. president owns a golf resort on the mainland opposite. I suggested quarantining him (with no internet access) on Ailsa Craig between November 2020 and January 2021, like Napoleon on St. Helena. In retrospect it would have been a sensible plan. ;D