Maybe, but you seem to be settling in quite nicely, anyhow!
ION, which is not really News at all, it's rai*ing again here in the sad Southlands, o'erwhelmed with cold water, gloom, and the lengthening shadows of the Thousand Year Empire.
North East Quine it is a Well Known Fact that it can be raining out the back and dry at the front. It certainly applies to this house and the previous one we lived in.
It has been a truly foul morning here; we are promised that it will Brighten Up Later but I'm not entirely convinced ...
We had a Cultural Afternoon yesterday at the opera: "The Marriage of Figaro". It was very good with an excellent cast and (fortunately) fairly traditional in its approach.
I've a hazy memory of a Mog story where the cat didn't like the weather out the back, so asked to be let out the front instead - or am I mis-remembering ?
I have returned to an appreciative Truffles after a singing weekend (I was flute-ing to accompany the sing-ing) staying in my tin tent caravan as an alternative to sharing a room with people I don’t know well - I really don’t want my sleep-talking overheard! My accommodation wasn’t warm, but the venue itself was very cozy.
Yes it is a Mog story where she tries both sides of the house to see if the weather is better on one side rather than the other.
It is wet and windy here again, and has felt very late afternoonish since about one. I shall brave the walk to my Tai Chi class later though tempting though staying in is.
Glad you had a good time yesterday @Piglet. Your family are keeping you well entertained.
Please let your engineer know that my plumber is not getting back to me and the drain pipe on my kitchen sink is no longer attached to the kitchen sink. I'd be glad of some help over here!
Happily, the loo is now working properly again, having required only a couple of new parts.
Alas, @Lily Pad , I'm afraid The Mendologist only deals with macerators (!), not general plumbing. Is there no Friendly Neighbour, possessed of a Spanner, who might be able to help?
There is nothing left to attach the spanner to - just a big space between the upright drain pipe and the drain of the sink about an inch above it. Nothing I have ever seen before. Still no contact from the plumber. Being a good small town person, I have consulted the online funeral home listings in case I have missed that one of their family members has passed and they are at the funeral. Am heading out to allow the dog some exercise and hoping this is not the hour that he decides to reply!
Lily Pad - I can visualise the bit you want between your pipes but alas I have no way of sending it over to you! Hope the plumber did not phone while you were out!
Boogie, I would dearly love to be walking a dog, wet or otherwise, but I can't walk now, and so can't have a dog.
No snow here yet, but judging from the colour of the sky, it is about to descend any minute now!
I'm hoping it'll stay dryish on Saturday - we're having a Working Party day at Our Place, to tidy up the church and grounds (the front garden urgently needs some TLC, but all the recent W*nd and Ra*n has made it difficult to do anything other than litter-picking...).
Oh dear. By implying how much you are looking forward to the enjoyment of Said Delicacies, you have surely (to use the technical term) blotted your Lenten copybook already.
Having said that, litter-picking is a Virtuous (and Back-straining) Activity.
Boogie, I would dearly love to be walking a dog, wet or otherwise, but I can't walk now, and so can't have a dog.
Intriguingly it seems that the Japanese have taken to robot dogs. I don’t think I’d take to one (even less so a robot cat) but who knows, they might catch on over here if the r.a.i.n. carries on for much longer.
It's still pretty miserable here: showers interspersed with not showers, and - O joy! - a warning of more yellow weather* (ice this time) for tomorrow. This could be a total pain, as I've arranged for a doctor's appointment in the morning to have my hearing looked at (should that be "listened to"?). It's been getting worse over the last few years - although I can still hear pitch and sing, I'm finding conversation increasingly difficult - and I've really got to stop being in denial about it.
* Sorry - that should have read "yellow weather warning" ...
Good luck with the audiology appointment. They'll probably send you to a clinic for further tests. Be prepared for a long wait. I got a letter weeks ago about it being time for a check up, so I phoned them up to say yes please, but haven't heard back yet. I think I'll have to give them another call.
Belike you'll be referred to Lauriston Place. I don't know if the NHS run to the rechargeable aids - but in the event they don't I may have a fair few batteries I could give you (they last about 5 days).
Thanks, Firenze - I'll bear that in mind. The thought of having to wear a hearing aid fills me with horror, but I'm coming round to the idea that it may be a necessity.
I had a nice afternoon in the company of my niece's wee dog, Larry the Labradoodle*, who is one of the cutest canines I've ever met. I think he's decided I'm a friend, as once he'd stopped eating my clothes, he settled down and fell asleep on my feet.
They are really no bother: incredibly light and tuck in and behind the ear so comfortably that I sometimes have to check by touch whether I'm wearing them or not.
@Piglet, well done for going to see a doctor before it gets really bad. The sooner you go, the more likely something can be done to help you.
Now if I could just persuade my mother-in-law to do the same…
I think we need to have a surreptitious word with father-in-law’s cousin who got hearing aids a while back. At some point when they see each other, we need to brief him to loudly and enthusiastically sing the praises of his marvellous gadgets that enable him to hear, and tell her how glad he is that he went and got them in good time. Unfortunately I think my in-laws are heading for the aging parents thread before too long .
I wouldn't say it was before it got bad: I've been in denial for far too long.
However, I'd like to propose three hearty cheers for the Health Service in Scotland. Not only was I able to register with a GP immediately upon moving here, but having had my ears looked into, drops have been prescribed, and they were free!!!!
The pharmacist looked at me somewhat askance when I took out my wallet and asked how much I'd have to pay: the last time I had a UK prescription (in Belfast in the early 2000s), I think it cost about £6.50.
I've to apply the drops twice a day for a fortnight and then go back and see what's what.
It's a really rather nice day here: by the time I was going for the bus, whatever ice had been on the ground had gone, and it was a pleasant little amble.
Last week I was fooled by hearing aids into thinking my car wheels had developed an expensive squeak - it turned out that my back seat passenger has problems with her hearing aids and they shriek a lot - I can’t begin to imagine how uncomfortable it must be for her.
@Piglet, it is sensible to get your ears seen too now and get used to using aids if needed. Aids take a lot of adapting to, and if you leave it too late your brain won't be able to adapt. If you do need them, they'll probably be small and discreet. My hearing is too bad for those, but even so I don't think people notice that I'm wearing them, as I often have to explain that I'm deaf.
We're on a vegan kick so I've made chickpea pancake batter for this evening.
@Sarasa Ooo chickpea pancake batter sounds good. Did you use the aquafaba in it too to make it light & fluffy?
This afternoon I made the mistake of visiting my allotment to deposit some compostables- storms Ciara and Dennis have had fun down there, with 2 water barrels (which had been full) tipped over and the shed on it’s back. No point in doing much because even more partying by storms is forecast. But I came away happy with an enormous bunch of daffodils as well as leeks and sprouts.
I've got a house guest: Shrewsbury dwelling Godchild I went to see yesterday took up my offer of a dry bolt-hole to assist in completion of their thesis.
Journey back home last night with backpack of clothing and holdall of books taken up with flood dodging and much earnest talk of work schedule, no time for fun, etc. Presence of number 1 son much appreciated and they spent most of the night watching something on Netflix, then today they've been log cutting and for a 2 hour pub lunch His mother will be pleased, says he needs some light relief.
ION I've just had a meeting with builder and architect friend about the utility building, boiler replacement and kitchen tweaks after final settlement from original boiler manufacturer agreed and in the bank (long saga). Reinstatement of old side extension (agreed by local Heritage Officer) will give us a laundry room housing boiler plus wetroom with loo downstairs and decent sized bedroom with en suite upstairs. Replace hob and oven with nearly-new range cooker costing nothing* plus more storage. Settlement from faulty boiler company will pay for a lot of it, the rest will come from scrimping and savings.
* My builder has just been asked to take out an AGA that has only been in a holiday-home for 6 months, ovens unused: they don't want any money for it
The range in the Episcopal Ark is an elderly Rayburn, similar to an Aga., and I would hate to be without it, despite all the hefting of coal, logs, or ash required every 12 hours or so...
They are indeed fine Beasties (akin to a sort of tame Dragon, I think), but spare parts - let alone a complete one - are rather pricey these days.
Well done, @TheOrganist - getting a free Aga is a bit like a modest win on the National Lottery!
@daisydaisy - sorry to hear your allotment's been a bit wrecked, but hurrah for the daffodils!
Thanks for the advice, @Sarasa - it's just possible it might be impacted wax, which the drops might put right, but I'm prepared for the thought that I might need a hearing-aid. Not overjoyed, but prepared ...
Yes. The whole business has taken more than 6 months to get sorted and building should all be done in 3. Finding the foundations for a previous building was fantastic, even better that they'll support two storeys.
What bothers me is that there are probably more poor s*ds out there paying three times as much as they should...
@The Organist, that sounds like it will be a fantastic addition to your home, with the added bonus of free aga. @daisydaisy , sorry about the allotment damage. I hope it won't be too much bother to set to rights when the storm season is over. Chickpea pancakes, made with gram flour, were very nice and a good accompaniment to a cauliflower curry. Enough curry for tomorrow too, but that will be with rice instead. The remaining pancake mixture was used for sweet pancakes with coconut yoghurt and maple syrup. I was feeling quite thin this morning, not now!
I hope it is wax @piglet, even if it isn't having wax removed will make your hearing better than it is now.
Unfortunately for him, his snufflous complaint has now turned into a full-blown ear / throat infection, so he’s celebrating turning two by being pumped full of more antibiotics than a battery chicken.
He’s getting a trike for his birthday. It was assembled by yours truly with a screwdriver last night. There was swearing.
Happy Birthday Captain Pyjamas and boo to ear infections. They used to make my son feel really dire, and the only thing that made him happy was being cuddled. At the time it could be annoying, but now the thought of little hands round my neck is poignant. I guess I might be a grandma one of these days, though it doesn’t seem likely. Hope he enjoys the trike when he’s feeling better.
Comments
ION, which is not really News at all, it's rai*ing again here in the sad Southlands, o'erwhelmed with cold water, gloom, and the lengthening shadows of the Thousand Year Empire.
Alas, here at the Ark, it is rai*ing, both fore and aft, and also to both port and starboard...
We had a Cultural Afternoon yesterday at the opera: "The Marriage of Figaro". It was very good with an excellent cast and (fortunately) fairly traditional in its approach.
I have returned to an appreciative Truffles after a singing weekend (I was flute-ing to accompany the sing-ing) staying in my tin tent caravan as an alternative to sharing a room with people I don’t know well - I really don’t want my sleep-talking overheard! My accommodation wasn’t warm, but the venue itself was very cozy.
Where's the fingers-crossed emoji?
It is wet and windy here again, and has felt very late afternoonish since about one. I shall brave the walk to my Tai Chi class later though tempting though staying in is.
Glad you had a good time yesterday @Piglet. Your family are keeping you well entertained.
don't you mean a "legs crossed" emoji ?
Happily, the loo is now working properly again, having required only a couple of new parts.
Alas, @Lily Pad , I'm afraid The Mendologist only deals with macerators (!), not general plumbing. Is there no Friendly Neighbour, possessed of a Spanner, who might be able to help?
Boogie, I would dearly love to be walking a dog, wet or otherwise, but I can't walk now, and so can't have a dog.
No snow here yet, but judging from the colour of the sky, it is about to descend any minute now!
As it will be Lent by then, Father has said there will be FREE fish 'n chips for lunch!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_5GJJA8absA
Having said that, litter-picking is a Virtuous (and Back-straining) Activity.
As a penance, I shall pick up the litter without using the special picky-uppy thingy...
* Sorry - that should have read "yellow weather warning" ...
I had a nice afternoon in the company of my niece's wee dog, Larry the Labradoodle*, who is one of the cutest canines I've ever met. I think he's decided I'm a friend, as once he'd stopped eating my clothes, he settled down and fell asleep on my feet.
* and my niece, her fiancé and my sister
Now if I could just persuade my mother-in-law to do the same…
I think we need to have a surreptitious word with father-in-law’s cousin who got hearing aids a while back. At some point when they see each other, we need to brief him to loudly and enthusiastically sing the praises of his marvellous gadgets that enable him to hear, and tell her how glad he is that he went and got them in good time. Unfortunately I think my in-laws are heading for the aging parents thread before too long
However, I'd like to propose three hearty cheers for the Health Service in Scotland. Not only was I able to register with a GP immediately upon moving here, but having had my ears looked into, drops have been prescribed, and they were free!!!!
The pharmacist looked at me somewhat askance when I took out my wallet and asked how much I'd have to pay: the last time I had a UK prescription (in Belfast in the early 2000s), I think it cost about £6.50.
I've to apply the drops twice a day for a fortnight and then go back and see what's what.
It's a really rather nice day here: by the time I was going for the bus, whatever ice had been on the ground had gone, and it was a pleasant little amble.
🥶
Mostly, we are to have yet more W*nd and Ra*n, so no change there.
We're on a vegan kick so I've made chickpea pancake batter for this evening.
This afternoon I made the mistake of visiting my allotment to deposit some compostables- storms Ciara and Dennis have had fun down there, with 2 water barrels (which had been full) tipped over and the shed on it’s back. No point in doing much because even more partying by storms is forecast. But I came away happy with an enormous bunch of daffodils as well as leeks and sprouts.
Journey back home last night with backpack of clothing and holdall of books taken up with flood dodging and much earnest talk of work schedule, no time for fun, etc. Presence of number 1 son much appreciated and they spent most of the night watching something on Netflix, then today they've been log cutting and for a 2 hour pub lunch
ION I've just had a meeting with builder and architect friend about the utility building, boiler replacement and kitchen tweaks after final settlement from original boiler manufacturer agreed and in the bank (long saga). Reinstatement of old side extension (agreed by local Heritage Officer) will give us a laundry room housing boiler plus wetroom with loo downstairs and decent sized bedroom with en suite upstairs. Replace hob and oven with nearly-new range cooker costing nothing* plus more storage. Settlement from faulty boiler company will pay for a lot of it, the rest will come from scrimping and savings.
* My builder has just been asked to take out an AGA that has only been in a holiday-home for 6 months, ovens unused: they don't want any money for it
I miss my aga 😦 but I do love my "this stage of life" house
They are indeed fine Beasties (akin to a sort of tame Dragon, I think), but spare parts - let alone a complete one - are rather pricey these days.
@daisydaisy - sorry to hear your allotment's been a bit wrecked, but hurrah for the daffodils!
Thanks for the advice, @Sarasa - it's just possible it might be impacted wax, which the drops might put right, but I'm prepared for the thought that I might need a hearing-aid. Not overjoyed, but prepared ...
What bothers me is that there are probably more poor s*ds out there paying three times as much as they should...
@daisydaisy , sorry about the allotment damage. I hope it won't be too much bother to set to rights when the storm season is over. Chickpea pancakes, made with gram flour, were very nice and a good accompaniment to a cauliflower curry. Enough curry for tomorrow too, but that will be with rice instead. The remaining pancake mixture was used for sweet pancakes with coconut yoghurt and maple syrup. I was feeling quite thin this morning, not now!
I hope it is wax @piglet, even if it isn't having wax removed will make your hearing better than it is now.
Unfortunately for him, his snufflous complaint has now turned into a full-blown ear / throat infection, so he’s celebrating turning two by being pumped full of more antibiotics than a battery chicken.
He’s getting a trike for his birthday. It was assembled by yours truly with a screwdriver last night. There was swearing.
Hope he's well enough to enjoy his trike.
And I hope the 'swear box' received a good contribution....