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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: louisa maud on Monday 09 February 26 07:55 GMT (UK)

Title: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Monday 09 February 26 07:55 GMT (UK)
Morning all
Hope everyone is feeling brighter this morning
We had a reasonable day yesterday and it looks brighter today, think we have all had enough of rain and storm devastation.
I am hoping to have a quieter week this week apart from Friday when we have a funeral to go to, 13th,  a neighbour of some 60 years..
I have been on a bit of what I call " chucking out my chintz  " mode when I have had the chance,  my wardrobe groans  but when I look at what I have it is all wearable and useful, when we first moved into this house 60 years ago, no building in wardrobes , our wardrobe consisted  of a broom stick across 2 chairs but we still went to work looking  clean  and tidy.
Take care all.
LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Monday 09 February 26 17:15 GMT (UK)
With hospitals etc. collecting so much bad publicity recently, I thought I might upgrade them with this.

I am diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer) and have to undergo various tests etc. on a regular basis.  One of these is to have a blood test and then a subsequent telephone consultation.  I have had notification for my current bout. 

Blood test scheduled for today - 9 February, with telephone consultation on 11 February.  I went to the hospital this morning, about 9.30 (no need to book an appointment) and had the sample taken AND I received the results via e-mail about 2.30.  Could I really ask for a better service  :-\ :-\



Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Monday 09 February 26 22:43 GMT (UK)
You are very brave, Bumble B, no fuss ,just getting on with things ,I admire you.
I hope things are going well for you , very best wishes from a first class wimp!
ie Viktoria ,whinger,whiner par excellence.
I think I have used up all the of  letter that comes after v and before x
Cheerio,-ell done.
Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Tuesday 10 February 26 01:54 GMT (UK)
Viktoria,  you are not a wimp or winger.
Just take care and look after yourself, just be YOU.

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Tuesday 10 February 26 08:06 GMT (UK)
Thank you, Viktoria, for the compliment.  My attitude is that I am now paying the price for all the wonderful times I had, lounging on a beach in the south of France - no sunscreen used - for a couple of months each year.  Hey, ho!!!

AND I agree with louisa maud's comments regarding "wimp or winger". 
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Tuesday 10 February 26 09:20 GMT (UK)
BumbleB
I think our generation are paying  the price of what might be called ignorance, or not being informed of the dangers the sun might bring us in later years,  no one knew, as a youngster my brother and I often stayed with and aunt and uncle at Southend, we would spend the whole day in the garden, no sunscreen,  just a covering  of calamine lotion, I seldon actually sit in the sun if I can help it for longer than perhaps half an hour or so, but the damage is done,  I would like to think our young generation has learnt from us,

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Tuesday 10 February 26 12:55 GMT (UK)
Hi BumbleB and All

I hope they can do something for your skin condition! Or do they just keep an eye on it?

I don't know why Hospitals were/are getting bad publicity.

They have been working under extreme pressure to treat the sick attending A & E and it was claimed A & E were receiving twice the number of patients than usual in our media, with some Trusts at times in January on Critical Incident states, here and there for a few days.


They also ran Exercise Pegasus last Autumn ...
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/pandemic-preparedness-exercise-pegasus/


When I had to go to A & E several times a few years back, the staff were most professional, diligent and helpful despite being busy.

When my immune system kicks in strongly I can end up with secondary complication or infection, been like that since a wasp sting early 1980s.

The tests and anti-biotic prescriptions I was sent home with the same day must have been successful, because I am still here!  :)  ;) and I am most pleased with the Service despite long waits.

The only person kicking off during the late evening on one occasion was a drunk.

Everyone else (including me) were patiently waiting to be called (after the initial assessment).

Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Tuesday 10 February 26 13:15 GMT (UK)
As far as I am aware, my condition has not deteriorated over time (diagnosed in 2020).  I found a small lump on the back of my leg in early January, went to the doctors, saw a dermatologist in that same month who said "that is too big for me to deal with", she forwarded me to another dermatologist and I saw him at the end of January.  He couldn't help and I met another dermatologist in February and the lump was removed that same day.  Following that a skin graft, and then a further operation in 2021.  I take medication daily and have scans on a regular basis.  Touch wood and fingers crossed that everything is now stable.  8)
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Tuesday 10 February 26 17:01 GMT (UK)
Hello BB

I hope everything remains stable and it does not come back.

I saw the picture of you on a horse.

My GP looked at mine (probably 10 years ago or more), then said I needed to go back and see another Doctor at the Surgery who specialises and he looked at it through a special optic.

Then out came the liquid oxygen and it was burnt off.

I have forgotten where it was, but I have a feeling that when they said liquid oxygen, I was worried about my eye being damaged and asked them to be careful :)

Take Care All, Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Tuesday 10 February 26 17:07 GMT (UK)
Many thanks for your good wishes.  I might even try to behave myself in future  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Tuesday 10 February 26 17:29 GMT (UK)
Referring to Viktoria's comment about the W words ...

Several of the chaps at the Company I worked at, used to say ...

If you haven't had a good moan, you haven't had a good day.

According to them nothing wrong with an occasional whine or a whinge  ;D

Take care all, Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Wednesday 11 February 26 13:06 GMT (UK)
We’ll,(  my W has returned)  Mark that is true , RootsChat gives we whiners a captive audience ,but we are all ready I feel with listening eyes ,ready words of comfort and reassurance to support one another .
Many of us  live alone and have few social contacts ,so a site like R.C is invaluable to our well being ,it can’t be underestimated .

Well some sad news———I moved here in December 2016,in the Spring of 2017 I decorated the bathroom .I used rubber gloves to keep paint off my hands .I kept those gloves just for bathroom cleaning ——- well the left hand one has finally got a little hole in the thumb —- well over 9 years in almost daily use is really good I think so I feel as if I ought to mention it - positively instead  of a moan .
They are not even Marigolds ,bog standard cheap Tesco ones.
Perhaps I ought to bury them in the flower bed ,together ,I can’t part them really can I!
Ah well so begineth another phase of my life ,training some new rubber gloves ! Hey ho ,life is full of such visisssitudes or is it visiccutudes ? blow ,
problems .
I need a cup of strong tea now, and a lie down in a dark room with my smelling salts .
Thanks in advance for your kind sympathy folks .
No flowers please ,your thoughts are sufficient .
Viktoria.

P.S.The above lunacy is just for a laugh, I am not mocking people with heavy problems they share with us ,knowing there will be kind support from RootsChatters , rather it is about me being a bit of a moaner over relatively trivial,things when there are really serious conditions people have to soldier on through and who share with us perhaps because there is no one else .
It is a compliment to this site that they feel able to offload .
Mine is just for a laugh against myself .
Viktoria.

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Wednesday 11 February 26 13:34 GMT (UK)
Oh Viktoria,  I have had to laugh, I recently  did a small drawer out under my dressing table, only about 2 inches deep , what a stupid size, anyway not used this drawer for possibly years, found  lots of things I had no ideal where they came from, I came across a bottle of my mum's  smelling salts, still got quite whiff to it, don't know if it is still used now.
Also came across my mother's Wembley speedway badge and a card with her name on it,  suppose she belonged to whatever it was, both she and my dad before they married went to Wembley, wonder what to do with it eventually, must be dated pre 1937.
Thanks for the humour Viktoria,  write to Tesco  praising them up for the gloves, they might send you a replacement,  do it just for the fun of it

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Wednesday 11 February 26 15:01 GMT (UK)
After letting my My inheritance lapse I have finally managed to get logged on and re-join with their offer, what a performance, my DNA  chart has disappeared and to be honest  I can't make head nor tale of it, think the old grey cells are suffering!!

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Wednesday 11 February 26 18:47 GMT (UK)
Viktoria, my deepest sympathy on the sad demise of your rubber gloves.  ;D ;D.
I've never managed to keep a pair anywhere near as long!

Good idea of LM's, I bet Tesco would love to hear your story!
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Wednesday 11 February 26 19:49 GMT (UK)
I love the rubber gloves story Viktoria it made me laugh 😂😂…
 I use Tesco’s own ones too and I wish they’d put two right hand ones in every pkt as I find I’m always left with lots of left hand ones as the rt hand ones always go first!
 mine definitely don’t last even a month let alone 9 years 😳😳. Ceremonial burial springs to mind and a nice plaque !
I agree with LM you should write to them…
a friend wrote to Weetabix to find out why their Oatabix were out of stock for a long time and when would they return… they sent her a box and told her stores would have them in stock imminently and a coupon for discount on the next time she bought a pkt!

Some sunshine today which lifts ones spirits but it soon disappeared and the dreaded rain returned…

I’ve visited my doctors more times in the last month than in the last 10 yrs! Now down for a down the throat piece of kit.. really looking forward to that I can tell you.. ah well they need to get to the bottom of what’s wrong for sure.. got to wait 6 wks for it and that’s the quick option 😳.

Hope all are getting on ok … hope RTLass is doing ok and Mowsehowse and I wonder how Annette is too.. see her name on the RC quiz …
It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly 6 years since we started all contributing to this board.
As Viktoria says we’ve all been here for one another and unseen ‘friends’ can be a life saver for us all at times.

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Wednesday 11 February 26 20:54 GMT (UK)
Caw, I really hope they do not get  to “ the bottom of it!” :-X
But I do hope a proper diagnosis is made.Then the right treatment .

I wonder if the fact that the Ozone layer was much more thicker than nowadays means we were more protected?
I just go red, never golden brown .

I have been known to turn a glove inside out if none of the correct  ones are available , I keep odd ones for just that eventuality .

My husband used to buy me Paquins ‘ hand cream, and when we married he asked the photographer to take a picture of my hands when signing the register.
He also,liked my feet———we were never allowed “ pretty shoes” always had our feet measured for “lace ups! “ Well Mum was the manageress of Saxone’s  on Oldham St Manchester ,so feet measured every time length and width.
So Startright lace ups , no ankle straps for us —-but I am grateful now.
I have very narrow feet AA , so the first time I went to get shoes on my own I ignored all Mum’s warnings re proper width - high vamp etc and came back with stabbing high heels in patent leather and average fit .
Of course my feet slid to the end ,then Mum said” Well you will wear them!!”They were so,uncomfortable, and all the preceding years wasted so she got me new ones - yes flat lace ups ,right width and a high vamp so my feet did not slide forward.
I was really miffed- but saw sense and as I have said am grateful now .
My mother in law had very chunky feet with a very high instep , but walked miles in stabbing high heels which were more comfy she said than flat shoes .

Ooooh stiletto heels, how many parquet floors did they damage!
They would get stuck in the gaps between paving stones ,we were always pulling them out! the lads would all be laughing then help us ,if a lad put them back  on for you well———-.that was going serious  ::)
Tantamount to being engaged ———
Hey ho , look after yourselves folks we mean a lot to each other, the friends we have never met .
Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Wednesday 11 February 26 20:58 GMT (UK)
Never worn really high shoes as I am , or was 5ft 8ins old money.

Go on Viktoria,  let Tesco know  about your gloves,  I am sure they would be tickled pink, head office for starters

Lm
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Wednesday 11 February 26 21:25 GMT (UK)
I'm another one who's left with a lot of left handed gloves, perhaps we should all pal up with some cuddy wifters and we could do swaps. :D
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 11 February 26 22:40 GMT (UK)
"Coddy handers" are the best  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Wednesday 11 February 26 23:27 GMT (UK)


Go on Viktoria,  let Tesco know  about your gloves,  I am sure they would be tickled pink, head office for starters

Lm

😂😂😂… well said LM …. Especially as they are pink!

High heels… haven’t worn them in years… only going out to dinner and as a friend of mine says they’re just her dinner shoes.. walk out to the car… get out of the car the other end and otherwise don’t walk any further!

OPPs see what you mean Viktoria… no perhaps getting to the bottom of it isn’t quite right… you know what I mean!!


What the heck is a cuddly wifter when it’s at home…
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Wednesday 11 February 26 23:54 GMT (UK)
Ask River Tyne Lass  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Wednesday 11 February 26 23:58 GMT (UK)
Ask River Tyne Lass  ;D ;D ;D

I would if she posts! If not you’ll have to enlighten this southerner 😂😂
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Thursday 12 February 26 09:14 GMT (UK)
It means a left handed person Caroline.  :D
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Thursday 12 February 26 09:52 GMT (UK)
See also Kerr Handed and cack handed. rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Thursday 12 February 26 09:57 GMT (UK)
And if you lived in Australia, probably a mollydooker! rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Thursday 12 February 26 10:49 GMT (UK)
It means a left handed person Caroline.  :D
Oh well I fit that bill 😂 in all senses of the word! Txs for telling me
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Thursday 12 February 26 11:37 GMT (UK)
Jeff, around here, cack handed means clumsy.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Thursday 12 February 26 11:39 GMT (UK)
Hello Caroline

Please don't worry about about having the piece of 'kit' as you call it down through the mouth, I had the Gastroscopy done with an endoscope in 2015 (I was bricking it before the day), but afterward I don't know why  :)  ;D

You will be given instructions about when you can have a last meal and drink with the appointment.

On the day I felt reasonably calm.

It is one of the kinder procedures I thought afterward.

They use a spray on the back of the mouth, whilst I was reclined.

I said it is only just numbing, so they waited about 2 minutes, is it numb now they asked and I said yes. I think the back of the tongue goes numb as well if I remembered correctly.

They put a little air tube near a nostrill and also a mouth piece in (like a Rugby Players Mouth guard), which I could see had a guide, to guide the endoscope in the mouth and round.

I lay on my left side and followed instructions and got comfortable.

There was no gagging whatsoever and Dr Khan who did the procedure and his two Nursing Assistants were absolutely brilliant  ;D  ;D

I felt it lightly brush the sides in the odd place when down, probably about twice.

They went right through the stomach and into the tube that leaves the stomach.

It is quite an interesting procedure, no gagging and no pain.

One Nurse just rubbed my hair and reassured me and keep still, going down now, we're through the oesophagus and now we are in your stomach having a look round.

They asked me if I wanted to see inside and I raised my thumb for yes and they moved another screen round in front of my face.

The friendly Nurse sounded like an Estate Agent viewing a property ;D  ;D

Please don't worry about the procedure Caroline.

Afterward, I thought going to the Dentist for a check-up when they probe the teeth a bit, was much worse.

Take care all, Mark


Added:
I think once I was set up, I just closed my eyes to begin with and relaxed and opened them when they were part the way down and I could see him moving his fingers to control it.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Thursday 12 February 26 12:04 GMT (UK)
Roobarb, I guess that there are a number of variations of meaning on the same word from area to area. Cack handed down here in Somerset is left handed . I have a number of handbooks on regional variation including a lovely  dipper-  "Don't tell I. tell 'ee"  A Somerset Dictionary with which to spend hours of interesting amusement. rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Gillg on Thursday 12 February 26 12:05 GMT (UK)
Hospitals seem to encourage you to watch a procedure on screen if you are only under light anaesthetic and still awake.  My husband watched his colonoscopy with great interest (he is a scientist!) but I declined the offer to watch the insertion of my pacemaker.  Despite having been given, amongst others medications, "something to keep you calm", I really didn't want to watch being cut open and poked and prodded about. :D
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Jebber on Thursday 12 February 26 12:46 GMT (UK)
I have had both Endoscopy and Colonoscopy, was apprehensive the first time but both were quite painless and very interesting to watch.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Thursday 12 February 26 13:44 GMT (UK)
Thank you soo much everyone for your reassurance regarding the procedure.
 
Bushinn - thank you for your detailed description it has certainly helped.. my OH had one donkeys yrs ago so his remembrance wasn’t quite so good..

I had a phone call this morning from the hospital and I’m going to have it done tomorrow morning 😳😳… I only saw my doc on Tuesday a/noon so his 6 wk wait has morphed into 48hrs! Well at least it’ll get done and hope they find out what the issues are… I’ve lost a bit of weight and appetite is definitely reduced.. not all bad as I wanted to shed a few pounds.
I shall definitely watch as I find that sort of thing fascinating….

I have to say receiving the call upset my equilibrium initially and didn’t aid my food shopping trip as I’ve now found all sorts of things I missed! Good old Tesco deliveries though.

My OH was going to book a local pub for a meal out on Friday but not sure I’ll feel up to it but really have no idea 🤷‍♀️… theres always next wk.

Once again can’t fault the NHS for their brilliant service or maybe as we have the use of three + hospitals in our area more scope to get appointments.
Just hoping that this quick outcome isn’t ominous.

Thanks again to all and it’s reassuring to know many others have been through this and still posting on RC .

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Thursday 12 February 26 13:49 GMT (UK)
Thinking of you over the next few days.
I wish I were to be as lucky with my anticipated hip job. Pre op assessment yesterday but could be up to 9 months. rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Thursday 12 February 26 13:58 GMT (UK)
You will be fine Caroline,  I had both procedures done together, yes  I worried before hand but it is so quick and painless, you will be fine  almost immediately  afterwards if you don't have a sedation, I did but must admit I   was well looked after when I had mine done, and No, I wasn't asked and neither did  I want to watch the proceedure, but afterwards I wished I had.

Will be thinking of you

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Thursday 12 February 26 13:59 GMT (UK)
Looking for something different for "afters" yesterday. Well, the week before son and d-i-l came for a short overnighter and help with replanning the domestic arrangements pending and after my op.

Erica likes Greek style yoghurt so I got in a pot for her. Sadly I forgot to tell her and it remained in the fridge until yesterday so I thought I would experiment. I sliced up a nice crispy Braeburn apple and then mixed some of the yoghurt with apple and mango squash and poured this over the apple. Delicious. rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Thursday 12 February 26 18:54 GMT (UK)
Hello All

I am not sure how I managed this, but it occasionally comes to me in mad moments, so here you go:-

Cheeky Odes Of A Pair Of Old Gloves

At a few bob new,
now that I am ripped,
we were a steal,
out now to be tipped.

Now I have a hole,
I let in dangerous bleach,
we are no use in this role,
and soon be out of reach!

We have been on those fingers,
cleaned up a mess,
now I think we are dead ringers,
to be put out to rest.

The Left said to Right,
to shine the brass we have worked,
diligent with all our might,
Our duties we have never shirked!

We have shone the loo,
clean it to be,
we could tell a story or two,
So that Mis’ can have a wee.

We’re puffed and painted,
we are in a stew,
now we are tainted,
we’ll be replaced by new!

We are removed with a hiss,
we have seen some sights,
so off we go after this,
for we are gloves with no rights!

If it wasn’t for your hole,
we could of advertised in the Evening News,
to try and get on another payroll,
with a cushy job in the Mews.

But alas we are done for now,
the refuse cart beckons,
not even fit for milking a cow,
it’s our fate I reckons!

They say Caroline likes odd uns,
You won’t last long,
but at least she’ll love you tons,
a bit o’ life before your final gong!

She’ll work you hard,
and seems a Nigella on Rootschat,
between the use of cooking lard,
but that might be a load of old hat!

Because of the new damaged bit,
if we signed on as Mr Left and Mrs Right,
I don’t think they’d wear it,
my word we are in plight!

To throw away,
seems to be the trend,
don’t be sad,
Goodbye my friend!

M. R. H. 2026



The gloves odes came to me over a couple of days, been out in the misty rain this pm for a walk, quite overcast, time for tea and another drink of tea or a hot milky Cacao!


Caroline I wish you well for tomorrow! I presume they mentioned about last meal etc?

I think my endoscopy was a sudden call in, due to someone else cancelling.


Also anyone else who is suffering right now, I wish you well!

Take care all Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Thursday 12 February 26 18:58 GMT (UK)
Best wishes for the coming procedures Caroline, just remember how lucky we are to have such tests, even with the worry and possible discomfort .
Lots of good wishes from the many RootsChatters who join the diary will hopefully help your natural apprehension to abate.
Treatment after diagnosis is better than worrying about an undiagnosed condition .
Sincere good wishes.
Viktoria.

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Thursday 12 February 26 19:04 GMT (UK)
I have been known to turn an odd surviving glove of a pair ,inside out to replace a punctured one of another pair !
Waste not want not!

Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Thursday 12 February 26 23:03 GMT (UK)
Thank you all for your reassurances and wise words…

I’m truly surprised at how many have been through this procedure..

 I have to consider how very fortunate I’ve been in life health wise to get to my age ( not as great as some wonderful people on here) and other than having my two children I’ve only ever been hospitalised when I had sepsis 10 years ago, so I’m probably being a big girls blouse about this!

I think if I just think about bushinns ‘ommage’ to the rubber gloves and Viktoria’s thoughts and action to their burial then I can smile my way through 😊😊.

See you all on the other side.

Good night and as Dave Allen used to say
‘ May your God go with you’!

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 13 February 26 08:13 GMT (UK)
Caroline,  we all worry  for the uknown, I did and afterwards  wondered why but it is only natural,  had another  done years after and still worried but you will be fine, yes, it does seem a common procedure.

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Friday 13 February 26 10:28 GMT (UK)
Yellow gloves I loved
Beside the bathroom sink
Where are you now,.
Who lies beneath your spell
Whom do you send on cleaning’s journey far ,?
Before you agonise them in farewell ,
Pale hands yellow tipped ,
Liked Marigolds that float upon the foaming suds.
Wher are you now?
Where are you now?

With apologies to Laurence Hope -pseudonym of a woman poet who wrote the erotic( for the time) Kashmiri Love Songs.Also known as “ The Indian Love Lyrics”


Pale hands I loved
Beside The Shalimar
Where are you now
Who lies beneath you spell ,
Whom do you send on rapture ‘s journey far
Before you agonise them in farewell
Pale hands I loved like Lotus buds that float
On those cool waters where we used to dwell ,
I would have rather felt them round my throat
Crushing out life than waving me farewell.

For the time ( Edwardian) very erotic stuff ,hence the male pseudonym ,women did not write such things. :o
Written in India by a British Army wife ,set to music by Amy Woodford Findon. Very popular in its day.

Hope those unwell get some improvement soon. Kind regards to you .
Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 13 February 26 17:09 GMT (UK)
Loved the odes, used to be good at them but somehow can't  get to grips, I have lived next door to my neighbours for  60 years in April, trying to compose an ode,  my whatever has gone out of the window at the moment,
LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Friday 13 February 26 18:05 GMT (UK)
Roobarb and Jeff

When working or making something with your hands ... if a job didn't look right, e.g., out of upright, not level, or on the skew ... 

some of the older tradesmen might sometimes say ... that looks a bit cack-handed, when coming across work done by others in the past, that didn't look right.

Dictionary:- cack-handed
clumsy,
left-handed,
lacking skill with the hands.


Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Friday 13 February 26 19:52 GMT (UK)
Well, a Dr’s appt this afternoon re this nuisance cough ,at another Health Centre, a bit worrying it being so quick but no, my persistent cough is from discharge from my sinuses,well the irritation from  the many eye drops ,so that solves the “phantom “smell which has been present f or  a good few weeks now .
Both Chemists close Saturdays but one will deliver on Monday .
I can wait now ,there is  is no urgency .

Sooooo cold here, snow on its way ———.
Must send my Tesco order in and hope to get out tomorrow for things like the T,V. mag .
Have a ham joint for weekend .
Well a nice cuppa ,kitchen all tidy and ironing done .

Look after yourselves and thanks for the news , keep safe and that also means keep warm folks.
Cheerio.Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Roobarb on Friday 13 February 26 22:01 GMT (UK)
Viktoria, are they just treating your cough or is there any intention to do anything about the cause of the irritation, ie the eye drops? There are preservative ones available for some prescription eye drops which could be less of an irritant. Might be worth asking your eye consultant.

Sleet was forecast most of the day here but instead we actually had some sunshine, had forgotten what it looked like. Even colder tomorrow but going to be a bright day which will be very welcome.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Saturday 14 February 26 08:02 GMT (UK)
Happy St. Valentine's Day everyone.  Hope you all enjoy it.

Got up this morning to a frosty start BUT we have wall-to-wall blue sky and sunshine  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 14 February 26 08:44 GMT (UK)
Beautiful day here, blue sky and full sun

Happy valentines day to all.

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Saturday 14 February 26 08:56 GMT (UK)
Good wishes reciprocated to one and all from the frosty Mendip foothills. Beautiful clear sky; hope it lasts!
Off to chapel coffee morning. This morning it will be supplemented with pancakes and bacon butties!
Always a good turnout on a Saturday morning. rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Saturday 14 February 26 12:44 GMT (UK)
Hello to all fellow RC’s on this beautifully sunny day…
What a difference a day makes and how it brightens one’s life, seeing all the spring flowers starting to show their heads..

We’ll just to say I got through yesterdays procedure … not one I’m keen to repeat and my bp was high 😳 but thankfully they still went ahead.
It was fascinating watching it all on the screen who knew what one’s insides look like! Biopsies taken now wait for results.. they found I have a hiatus hernia so that would explain some of my symptoms.
. onwards and upwards now,
so thank you for all your good wishes, reassurances and explanations it all certainly helped.

Best wishes to all on this Valentines Day what ever you’re all up to.

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Gillg on Saturday 14 February 26 13:58 GMT (UK)
Happy Valentine's Day to all!  And in this part of Devon it's  a lovely sunny day, too.  What a treat to see the blue sky and to feel the warmth of the sun, though I fear that may mean frost tonight.  My husband has presented me with red roses and some extremely naughty chocolate biscuits (he knows my weaknesses!).  He always puts lovely words in his cards, words which he has obviously given a great deal of thought to.  I gave him his favourite Turkish Delight and did my best to add meaningful words to the card, but I'm not as good as he is at this.  We had coffee at my daughter's and caught up with her family's activities.  Grandson (15) is preparing for the Ten Tors hike next May and is getting quite tough and ready to meet this challenging activity. 
Do read all about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Tors hike
Granddaughter  (13) is just busy growing up and borrowing her mother's clothes and make-up. 
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Saturday 14 February 26 14:26 GMT (UK)
How lovely Gillg that your hubbie is so kind and thoughtful.. makes the world of difference…
Devon is one of our favourite counties and I know my hubbie would love to move.. but when family and close friends are nearer to us here it’s a hard one to contemplate…
Our grandsons are growing up fast and as we’re relatively near we see quite a bit of them.. moving away we may not although having said that there’s always the holidays to be a draw 😂.
The eldest (12.5) has just gone off today on a school ski trip to Austria by coach ( best of luck with that) and my daughter is already anxious over the fact that he left his large water bottle behind 🤷‍♀️.
. i told her to get over herself he’ll be fine!
Younger grandson just 10 will enjoy their undivided attention for once and he and daughter are going on a Jamie Oliver pasta making course at JL..
 he got that and a machine for his birthday..
 looking fwd to having lots of home made pasta.. trial run this afternoon I believe.
We will see them next week when they’re coming up overnight for a meal out and a trip to the bowling alley!
It is wonderful watching them grow and develop their personalities as I’m sure every grandparent will agree.
Well the garden beckons for a little tending so despite the cold the sun is out so going to soak up some good old vitamin D.

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Saturday 14 February 26 18:06 GMT (UK)
I don't think this has been uploaded, but it is appropriate for today :-\

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce82x17k1y4o

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 14 February 26 19:34 GMT (UK)
That is so cute.

Caroline,  none of us would put our hands up for that procedure,  the pre procedure was the worst,  wasn't brave enough to watch on screen.

Take it  easy

LM

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Saturday 14 February 26 19:42 GMT (UK)
Aaaaaw, but why throw what appear to be perfectly O.K. Carrots?
Well my eye drops are to keep the pressure down ,I have advanced Glaucoma ,for which Zimed is prescribed ,it is one of very few that don’t slow your heart.They can irritate your eyes , making them very dry so Theoloz Duo is advised to moisten your eyes.Quite a number of times a day .
Everything has side effects ,you just have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages .
I think I must have had a cold and so the drops have irritated my sinuses .
more.The cough is high up ,not a  deep chesty lung one .
Don’t feel ill, Medication coming on Monday as it had to be passed by a G.P at my health centre ,There were no slots there but they found one at another not far away, really very good but of course some coughs in heart patients can be very serious ,not this though thank goodness , I was impressed !

Thanks for your kind concern.
Hope all those who do have health problems get such good treatment .

A cold day here and wet , but no snow as yet.
Not sure about Church tomorrow ,my cough is annoying me!!!
I asked could I dip the wafer in the wine rather than drink from the chalice  last communion, but it is not an infection but rather an irritation from eye drops ,however it sounds horrible,and worse in the mornings .
It will,pass and will I get the medicine on Monday.

The 1% Club soon ,I like that ,din’t do too badly but the images are sometimes hard to see.———well that is my excuse. ::)

Look after yourselves folks we are a band ,and stick together.
Cheerio .
Viktoria.

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 14 February 26 20:35 GMT (UK)
Hello All

Woke to beautiful sunshine this morning through the windows toward the South, it made a change from yesterday!  ;D

I should of gone for a walk today, not yesterday!

The public footpath to County Farm was mucky in a couple of places, somebody had put planks down, good job I had my wellies on, because the planks sank in places!

It was spitting, then the rain started, my warm gloves changed to wet, the mud had splattered up the trouser legs by the time I got home, hung my coat and waistcoat up, stripped off in the back, emptied my pockets, washed the worst stains out and put the lot in the wash and the gloves in the back window. Then had a shower.

Had dinner and sat in the Dining Room, yesterday afternoon, wondering if Caroline had been seen yet and hoped she had none of the real bad stuff and sat in the armchair tired.

Came through the tiredness after teatime.

Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 14 February 26 20:49 GMT (UK)
So eine has big feet !!, look at the imprint

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 14 February 26 21:48 GMT (UK)
So eine has big feet !!, look at the imprint

LM

LM

You are naughty, implying I have big

FEET  ;D  ;D

Oh those? They probably belong to the Village Yeti  ;D  ;D

We keep away from him and from his Miss Yeti too.

Mark


Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Jebber on Saturday 14 February 26 23:59 GMT (UK)
Glad you survived your procedures Caroline and you watched it all, I know I found it fascinating, we don’t often get too see our inner workings, what are left of them.

It’s been a beautiful day here, the cold doesn’t seem so bad when it’s sunny. Wish  I could have walked down to the beach and blown away the cobwebs, it’s so near yet so far when one is confined to the house, had a look at some old photos instead.

Hope everyone with OHs have enjoyed Valentine’s Day soon be Easter and 🤞some really good weather.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BumbleB on Sunday 15 February 26 09:36 GMT (UK)
Well, we obviously upset the wonderful sunshine yesterday.  Now back to the dreary dull skies and RAIN, RAIN, RAIN. 
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Sunday 15 February 26 09:47 GMT (UK)
Yes, rain and more rain..after such a lovely day yesterday.. the roads around us are already waterlogged, golf course closed… just totally fed up with it all as I’m sure everyone is!
Well will have to find something uplifting to do indoors as definitely not going out in this!
Have the best Sunday you can everyone and let’s hope for some ☀️☀️ soon and more than 1 day at a time wouldn’t be too much to ask for.

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Sunday 15 February 26 11:33 GMT (UK)
Well we can look forward to lighter nights.
After a beautiful day yesterday I think whilst in church we must have had a heavy downfall of rain and some roads appeared to be  flooded and it is very cold, 1 degree in the car.
Take care , keep warm

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Sunday 15 February 26 15:56 GMT (UK)
Snow here this morning ,but melted quite quickly .
Son has ordered a new mini oven and a new microwave ,not combined .
Mine are a disgrace ,the mini oven so handy but a real fiddle to clean,if you want to eat the meal cooked then the oven gets cold so stuff dries on the still warm lining ,a man designed it no doubt ,one who had never cleaned any oven in his life!
The microwave lining looks a bit dodgy on the front edge , it is about nine years old so a new one ordered .
Not sure if this one is safe with the pacemaker so it must go.

Cough medicine arrives tomorrow,I don’t feel ill but so nasty coughing all the time ,worse at night and early morning ,but small problem by comparison with the  challenging conditions many R,Chatters  endure stoically.

Just started a book ,written from Henry VIII ‘s point of view ,from childhood .
Already one error, it speaks of The Duke of Clarence ,he who was drowned in a butt if Malmsey wine —well his name was George but in this book he is  called Lionel, I must look at my big “ Kings and Queens “ chart .
It is falling to bits and I can’t find a replacement —- it has been very handy to a reader of historical nivels.
Roast ham for tea, however I have unpacked it to get to room temperature,son came and I have no idea where the cooking instructions are!
So a root through the kitchen  bin. ::)

Hope those unwell get some improvement , chronic conditions are very wearing and depressing .
Spring is not too far away and I tell myself I could be so much worse off ,in s place of conflict ,hunger , war and such danger .
How women cope with babies and young children ———-.

Just had a chat with Lily’s Mummy ,my grand daughter .
Lily is nearly 14 months and is making a few steps alone ,so now things will be a bit harder - she will be “ into everything “ .
She went to her other granny a few hours a week but they got two spaniel puppies from  the  same litter ,who fight incessantly and are not safe near a baby so the day the grand parents wanted Lily does not happen , they are angry but what do they expect!
The puppies are from working parents too so the chase instinct is very strong Honestly , what idiocy .

Thanks for all your news folks ,hope those with problems get satisfactory resolutions .
Cheerio.Viktoria.

Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Sunday 15 February 26 16:55 GMT (UK)
Vlctoria
I had to change one of my  medications due to it causing  me to cough, is it worth checking  it out.
Take care
LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Sunday 15 February 26 19:48 GMT (UK)
Thanks L.M. The awaited medication is for the sinus problems which make me cough as the natural mucus gets much more from the eye drops and runs down the back of my nose,into,my throat.It tickles and hence the cough.
It will get sorted.
I can’t have any eye drops with beta blockers in them, as a slow heart rate already.But Inam well looked after.
They are small problems by comparison ,when I read others’ challenging
conditions .
But thanks for your kind concern.
Look after yourself.
Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Sunday 15 February 26 20:43 GMT (UK)
Yesterday brought back many memories and in particular of the time nearly 60 years ago before we were married. We were saving hard but allowed ourselves the occasional Saturday night out for a meal. At that time there was not the range of eateries that there are now and we confined our Saturday evenings out to one of the local Berni Steak Bars in Bath.
For about 15/- each we could have a rump steak and afters and a drink.
Now 60 years on and to recall those happy days I decided this evening to replicate those times, but sadly on my own.
We have a "traditional" local butcher within walking distance from the house and who keeps me supplied with a variety of his wares. Recently he has been offering his Thursday special , 2 ten ounce sirloin steaks for £20. Now I know that this is a far cry from years back, but I decided to give it a go.
A ten ounce steak is too much for me so I buy the special offer and the cut them in half and pop them into the freezer awaiting my further attention when the time is right!
And so this evening for tea I had atrip down memory lane- steak and chips, mushrooms, tomato and a
Diane sauce, with a nice glass of refreshing orange and mango squash made with Indian tonic water.
Why tonight rather than last night- well to be perfectly honest I was not that hungry and did not want to waste a decent piece of steak.
And tonight.... perfection!
Ah! memories! ;) ;)
rj
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Viktoria on Sunday 15 February 26 21:25 GMT (UK)
Oh memories, what would we do without them!
I wander down Memory  Lane very much .
Little things of no consequence at the time but which now are so precious .
Quite comforting whilst making me sad too.
I wish we could do it all again , some sad and worrying events but nothing really came between us -me being bitten by a feral cat in a Rabies area  and my husband speeding back  from a business trip to Germany  I was so frightened, he never stopped and flew into the house shouting my name , we had two boys and a baby girl and I was so afraid I would die and leave
 them . Well all was well but a long wait for the incubation time to pass.
I lost stones in weight in weeks ,I don’t recommend it as a slimming aid!
My husband was marvellous ,I used to bring that to mind if we disagreed ,we were so different there were inevitably a few quarrels but nothing drastic .
His good points were so many and just the odd thing we did not agree on.

How sad when people lose memories.

Glad you enjoyed you steak, and your happy memories it brought back.
Viktoria.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Monday 16 February 26 00:42 GMT (UK)
Oh gosh Jeff, Berni Inn, my husband I visited one in Brentwood,  the nearest to where we lived at the time, a schooner  of sherry, well only 1 made me squiffy, goodness knows how big it was, pity they closed as we always enjoyed it, don't think we ever went to one after our daughter was born, in fact thinking back we were very stupid, we seldon went out without our daughter, and can hold up one hand as to the amount of baby sisters we had, wouldn't advise  anyone to do that in my opinion,  lost the art of having  a night out, youngsters nowadays have date nights.
Well it is off to the next diary, see ya later !!

LM

 
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Monday 16 February 26 07:25 GMT (UK)
Oh Jeff

I remember saving hard.

One sixth (1/6th) of the price of my first home, for a deposit.

Today, you would have to have £45,000 saved at 1/6th deposit to buy that same 2 Bedroom house today.

I saved £6,000 plus all the Solictor and Fees (another £1,600) and the Building Society said I didn't earn enough due to the 3 x times annual salary rule.

So I had to waste another £200 to get an Accountant to give me an Estimated Projection of my earnings in the next 3 years.

I never earned anywhere near the estimated projection of £8,000 per year. My Wife earned about £2,000 p.a. before we married, I think, which the Building Society reluctantly added and due to moving never got another job, as she would need a car.

My earnings were so poor in the first of those 3 years that I only paid less than £200 tax for the best year and was entitled to and got Income Support (a bit like the recent Tax Credits) for the part of the next year.

But still kept all the Mortgage payments paid.

We couldn't afford a Holiday or evenings out. We had Mrs's TV and a second-hand VHS Video Player eventually and having one free film, for £1 a week subs was a luxury.

I did all my own car repairs too and managed to talk the Dealer and Motor Factors to give me trade discount on the parts.

Mark
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Monday 16 February 26 08:17 GMT (UK)
Didn't do you any harm,  did it?

My earnings  weren't taken into account when we bought our house,  deposit £25  in 1965 and still in the same house.

Off I pop to new diary .
LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: BushInn1746 on Monday 16 February 26 09:42 GMT (UK)
Hi All

Lovely and Sunny here today, after Apocalyptic dull and wet weather yesterday.

L.M., I am going to come clean  ;D  ;D

The size 10 footwear was mine  ;D

Nothing to do with a village Yeti  ;D

I have very high arch feet (first discovered as a little boy) when having my feet measured at the shop of Wallis's Footfitters, I think Mr Wallis was also an Agent for Clarks Shoes and possibly for various other shoe makers.

I can only pull a tall boot around my foot arch on my foot if it is a little larger in size and a wider top.

I seem to recall a bit of a titter with the sales ladies with the Wellingtons when they had to order a set style and size, like the advert on TV when the man is buying ladies underwear and the assistant calls to another, the Gentleman needs this in a size ...

Here is a photo, guilty as charged  ;D  ;D

Regards Mark


PS my feet have also been the interest of my past NHS Neurological Consultant.
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Caw1 on Monday 16 February 26 10:56 GMT (UK)
I can remember when we used to go to the cinema and a drink in the pub afterwards all for the princely sum of 10/s… hard to believe that equates to 50p in today’s money 😂😂 you can’t even buy half a loaf of bread now for that !
As you say happy days…
We struggled with our first house that was the massive price of £7,000 .. my wages not taken into consideration and OH as a new teacher took home £75.00 A MONTH! You spend that much for a meal out for two these days and not even in a posh place…

Caroline
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: Gillg on Monday 16 February 26 11:07 GMT (UK)
Yes, the building societies didn't take the wife's earnings into account as a rule when we got married in 1968, as she might get pregnant and stop earning.  We found it particularly annoying, as I was in a better paid job than my husband at that time

We set up something we called the Holiday and Present savings account and put away a small amount of money each month, so we always had something to fall back on for birthday and Christmas presents and the very occasional holiday. As it was an interest-bearing account (Burnley Building Society, from memory) we made a little bit of interest at times, too. :) 
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: radstockjeff on Monday 16 February 26 12:07 GMT (UK)
We were a little more fortunate in the housing scheme of things. I bought a piece of land for £850 and we set to and built our own place with help from family (Dad and brother) and friends in the trade. I had served my apprenticeship as a bricklayer/mason so that part was easy. It took us about 16 months and was ready to move into when we got married. I think the build cost was about £3500.(1969/70).
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Monday 16 February 26 12:25 GMT (UK)
Well done Jeff.

LM
Title: Re: Diary summary week ending 15th February 2026
Post by: louisa maud on Monday 16 February 26 12:32 GMT (UK)
Gillg
I had a budget account I  managed myself,  estimated bills and put a certain amount in a building society every month by standing  order, by the end of the financial year I had made a profit, household bills, holidays and Christmas was included,  worked well for us and I continued it for years and years, its called "money management," pity it isn't taught in schools

LM.