Month: October 2018

Selective Enlargements

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Whilst in the bathroom this morning I noticed, through the window, that clematis Carnaby has made its sun-seeking way through the wisteria.

Osteospermum, geraniums, and other flowers still line paths such as this Gazebo one.

Also aiming high is the clematis (Lidl pink) topping the Agriframes arch

beyond which the solanum still covers the dead tree. Please note that the Head Gardener has now placed the blue plastic trug underneath the bench.

The morning was dull enough, and rain poured down all afternoon.
Jackie drove us to Wessex Photo at Ringwood where we selected Becky and Ian’s wedding album from a selection they had brought in for us.

Back at home I made two further selective enlargements to be in included. One was of the happy couple hamming up a romantic pose;

the other was of the bride’s bouquet.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s splendid special fried rice supplemented by Lidl pork spare ribs. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden, while Elizabeth and I drank Sax Loquuntur Rioja 2015.

Very Short People Or Wheelchair Users?

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The morning glory outside our kitchen door has not flowered at all this year. Until now.

Elizabeth’s hairdresser operates from the David Lloyd Fitness Club at Southampton. David Alan Lloyd (born 3 January 1948) is a former professional English tennis player and entrepreneur. He was born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. He and his younger brother John Lloyd became two of the most successful British tennis players throughout the 1970s and 1980s. David now runs a string of Leisure Clubs, of which this venue is one.

I accompanied my sister for her appointment with her stylist at the start of our day. While she was being pampered I sat on the bonnet of her car and watched the members coming and going, while a car wash was in operation.

This Leisure Centre and Danni’s home are both very near Southampton General Hospital. Elizabeth and I were due meet a practitioner later to discuss our mother’s care. We moved on to Danni’s where we counted a considerable amount of money taken at last night’s “Scrum Dine With Me’ fundraising event for  ‘Wooden Spoon’, the Children’s Charity of Rugby, for which my niece was responsible.
The three of us then lunched at Santo Lounge in Shirley. My choice was fish, chips and mushy peas, with water to drink.We then fought our way into the hospital car park and up to Ward G5 to visit Mum and meet Emma, the practitioner, who spent a good amount of time going through options with us and with our mother. Mum is still not medically fit to leave, so we will have time to mull over the situation.
Mum then had an appointment at the Eye Hospital which was close enough for her to be taken there by chair. Elizabeth accompanied her while Danni and I visited Rob and Helen who also live very nearby. A combination of the stages of the treatment and waiting around for a porter to transport the patient back to her ward meant that it was after six when we all said goodbye to Mum.

My bending down to insert my card into the parking ticket machine to pay the £6.20 that this afternoon had cost us, caused some hilarity. Had it been designed for very short people or for wheelchair users? Danni was unable to resist photographing my effort and e-mailing me a copy.

This evening Jackie, Elizabeth, and I dined on the Culinary Queen’s excellent sausage casserole, crunchy carrots, tasty Brussels sprouts, and runner beans. My sister and I drank W.O.Breede River Valley Pinotage 2017
 
 

I Had Done A Dr. Who

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Mum has been in Southampton General Hospital for the last few days, having rather deteriorated since her birthday. She has responded well to treatment but will need an advanced care plan before she can return home. Jackie drove Elizabeth and me over for a visit. Our mother certainly looked much better for her stay, but remains frail. A very pleasant doctor called Rebecca discussed all this with us, indicating that Mum would not be sent home without proper care being in place. Elizabeth and I will visit again tomorrow to discuss this with the team.

Even gaining access to the hospital was an advanced obstacle course. There are three car parks in the grounds; two were full; allegedly there were spaces in the third, multi-story facility. We joined a queue for this. Having withdrawn a timed ticket from the machine, one vehicle at a time was allowed to pass the barrier. When it became our turn, the machine informed us that this park was now full. We then had to wait until someone somewhere had departed. Thinking that Sod’s law would determine that if I began to change my camera lens we would start moving, I began the process. We started moving.

We found ourselves in a packed ground floor level. Having wriggled past other vehicles we made it into daylight. Then began the trek along streets, across crossings, past numerous buildings and into the building, more like a shopping mall,  where our mother would be found in Ward 5 on the sixth floor. As I stood in the cramped lift, I prayed that the crush of my fellow passengers would manage to keep me upright,
Fortunately Elizabeth knew exactly where to find ward G5, and a chirpy looking parent who already had Rob and Helen in attendance.
Having delightedly devoured a slice of fruit cake Elizabeth had brought, Mum was ready for a rest when we left.
A little confusion arose when we departed the lift. Jackie and Elizabeth disembarked at level C.  I didn’t manage to make my escape and continued on down to B. I left the lift and asked a staff member where the stairs were. She pointed out the lift, which was behind me. Well, it would be. I’d just got out of it. I said “I’m not going in another one of those”. She directed me to the stairs.
Meanwhile, my two ladies waited on level C for the lift to return. They stood with a welcoming smile as the elevator opened. Out stepped a beautiful young woman. They thought I had done a Dr. Who.
Jackie then drove us on to West End to collect clothing and spectacles for Mum for tomorrow.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s sublime sausage casserole, creamy mashed potato, butternut squash, carrot batons, and firm Brussels sprouts. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden while Elizabeth and I finished the Morador.
 

“Get Off My Drive”

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On the afternoon of this very dull day, Jackie drove me into the forest.

The stretch of Highland Water outside Brockenhurst is beginning to replenish itself, but there is a way to go before the banks are lapped again.

Unusually, more cattle than ponies cropped the surrounding sward. The neat cuts of the equine tails provide evidence that their owners have experience the annual Drift. As I wandered among the animals I thought how much pigs at pannage would enjoy the acorns that littered the ground.

On the outskirts of the village, where there was no mast, a pig with piglets, one of which looked like the porcine equivalent of a teenager, scrabbled about among roadside gravel, until the resident of Clava Cottage emerged with a hockey stick that he waved in their direction, exclaiming “come on you lot. Get off my drive”. The majority of the swine dashed into the stables next door, leaving one little piggie behind. It didn’t seem to notice.

This evening the three of us dined on the Walhampton Arms Carvery. Trying not to think of piglets our meat was gammon and turkey with all the trimmings. Elizabeth and I both drank Nueve  Vidas Merlot 2016 while Jackie drank Diet Coke.

Can It Really Be October?

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Today I took several strolls around the garden, marvelling at what we still have in bloom. Some of the flowers should be long gone. This is simply a selection. Identification can be found from the gallery captions. As can be seen from the orange poppy, geranium Rosanne, and hot lips shots, hover flies and bees still prowl for pollen. Can it really be October?

This evening Jackie produced a splendid roast chicken meal complete with sage and onion stuffing; roast potatoes, some of which were sweet; crunchy carrots, and cauliflower; tender runner beans and Brussels sprouts. She had drunk her Hoegaarden whilst cooking. Elizabeth drank Hop House lager and I drank Mendoza Morador 2016.

Afterwards, having been pointed in the right direction by my blogging friend Paol Soren, I attempted to comply with the popular request for photographs of the fairyland produced by our solar lights, some of which may be seen festooning the earlier daylight pictures. Unfortunately I don’t have a tripod, so there is a little more movement than would normally be seen. Now I have a better idea of what I am doing, I will have a go with Elizabeth’s tripod.

Towards A Wedding Album

Despite the pouring rain we had planned to visit a Ploughing Match just outside Bransgore this morning. I thought it might be a good photo opportunity. Unfortunately the ground was too muddy and slippery either for Jackie to park the Modus, or for me to risk slipping over.
We continued on to Ringwood hoping to buy a wedding album for Becky and Ian. Wessex Photo didn’t have one in stock but have ordered some samples for us to look at.

We took the opportunity of brunching at Café Aroma. Even there, my gourmet burger was served on a lump of wood with chips delivered in a miniature supermarket trolley which had lost its wheels. Jackie’s choice was jacket potato with tuna and mayonnaise filling. She felt fortunate to have a plate.

This afternoon I printed a complete set of A4 size photos taken by me and by Miche. In deference to parental wishes, no images of Poppy were included in yesterday’s post, but there are quite a few for Mr and Mrs Steele.
Elizabeth returned this evening from a couple of days at Mum’s. The three of us dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away fare. Jackie drank Hoegaarden. My sister and I drank Albali Reserva 2012.

Mr And Mrs Steele

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Today I gave away our daughter. To Ian Steele. Who married her at County Hall, Chichester.
This was a splendid summer’s day, fit for such an occasion. The small family group at the ceremony was supplemented by other friends who joined us for refreshments at Mill Stream Hotel, Bosham. We were welcomed with champagne, further glasses of which were later provided as we toasted the bride and groom after Ian’s eloquent speech. Plentiful sandwiches, sausage rolls, and various canapés were served in the dining room. After this we sat in the garden with drinks for more convivial conversation.

The opening two shots feature Becky unsuccessfully attempting to fasten a buttonhole on her groom’s jacket. It was the couple’s friend Miche who took all the photographs in which I feature, and those during the ceremony; and  friend John who dragged me outside to photograph Mr and Mrs Steele on the bridge over the stream.

A Diner And A Restaurant

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Ronan and Mark, our heating engineers from Tom Sutton Heating have almost completed their installation of our new system.
Jackie and I decided to leave them to it and to visit the splendid

Walkford Diner for brunch.

My choice was the Mega (£8.80). I couldn’t wait to photograph the Ferndean Farm Shop sausages and large free range eggs; the Black and White puddings and haggis flown down from Stornaway; lean bacon; baked beans, fresh tomatoes; and a potato scone.

When my toast arrived I needed to do it again.

Jackie had wanted something light, so she chose broccoli and stilton soup and a cheese and onion sandwich (£5.50).

The soup was served in a massive mug and the sandwich was quite a mouthful.

Ian and JoJo are a very friendly couple dedicated to producing carefully sourced fine quality food at most reasonable prices. Although they haven’t been here very long they clearly have a loyal group of regular customers.

We went on to visit an apartment in Farringford Court, Lymington, as part of our reconnoitring a prospective assisted living home for Mum, with a view to moving next Spring.

The back cover of the brochure for No. 8 shows a shot of the small communal garden, the walk-in shower room, and two of the bedroom;

inside are displayed a second external view, the kitchen, the lounge, and the entrance hall.

The apartment is ideally appointed and spacious enough for a single person. There is a good range of services, both included in the standard charge, and capable of being bought in. Communal services include a laundry room,

a lounge,

and a drinks station

in a restaurant available to residents and guests.

There is also bedroom suite for guests.

All in all this could be an ideal prospect, but the cost will probably be prohibitive.
Jackie, having eaten less than I did for lunch, tucked into a bowl of her excellent lamb curry and rice. I ate no more.

I Took A Tumble

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Ronan and Mark of Tom Sutton Heating are well on schedule with our new installation. We have hot water. After another couple of days all will be completed.
Jackie continued her work on garden maintenance this morning and I dead-headed a few token roses this afternoon.

Crown Princess Margareta

and Mamma Mia are two of those that keep on giving;

as is Compassion, kindly climbing over the Dead End Path.

Clematis Sieboldii, masquerading as a Passion flower, has surprised us by blooming in the last few days;

geraniums are keeping pace with nasturtiums;

and bees continue their dalliance with dahlias.

Our National Trust has adopted the practice of placing a thistle on the seat of antique chairs in order to deter people from sitting on them. One of our metal chairs in the rose garden has come apart. Naturally it will be used as a planter rather than despatched to the dump. In the meantime, following the National Trust, Jackie has plonked a pot of chrysanthemums thereon.

Later, we drove along Cowpits Lane, Ringwood, turning into Linford Road, which we had not previously traversed. This proved to be a winding tree-lined lane of which the ponies claimed ownership.

The large foal that appears in the first picture of the long gallery attracted my attention as it began licking the tarmac in the middle of the road. The creature was oblivious of the car waiting behind it. I waved my arms about a bit attempting to draw it out of the way. This was to no avail. The driver emerged from his vehicle and adopted a hands on approach. I turned my back on the approaching animal, as it came towards me. This was in order to remove myself from its path. I was going to have to descend a steeper incline than I would have liked. As to be expected my pace increased to an involuntary run. The terrain levelled out, and so did I.

The concerned driver’s female companion yelled to alert him to what had happened. Slaloming around the grazing ponies, Jackie dashed out of the Modus. She and the driver soon stood on either side of me. I lay on my back, quite comfortably working out how I was going to get up. I rolled over and reached for helping hands. Jackie picked up the camera which had dented my forehead and raised my left cheekbone.
This looked much worse than it was. I only had a small cut and a little bruise. More importantly, I now know I can fall over and get up – quite a fear when you’ve just had a new knee fitted. No cameras were harmed in this production.
Elizabeth stayed at Mum’s tonight. Jackie and I dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent  fare. Mrs Knight finished the Sauvignon Blanc and I finished the Cabernet Sauvignon.

96

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Ronan and Mark of Tom Sutton Heating arrived promptly this morning and began work on installing our new central heating system.

This being Mum’s birthday, Elizabeth drove off to collect her from her home in West End. Jackie and I met them for lunch at the Fleur de Lys at Pilley where we enjoyed the usual superb cuisine. Mum’s choice of main course was chicken and ham pie, mashed potato and greens; mine was halibut, crab, vegetables and French fries; Jackie’s, ham and cheese toastie with salad and posh chips; Elizabeth’s a fish platter. My sister’s meal like the desserts were all on the slate, by which I don’t mean we didn’t have to pay for them today. Mum waived a sweet; Jackie chose an ice cream selection; I favoured treacle tart and ice cream with an ice floe perched on top; Elizabeth’s pick was creme brûlée, ice cream and chocolate brownies. I drank merlot; Elizabeth, Amstel; Mum apple juice; and Jackie, coffee.

We then drove past Elizabeth’s new house in order for Mum to take a peek at it.

The next stop was at Pyrford Gardens, Lymington to view a prospective new home for Mum. This is a bungalow in a quiet development in a cul-de-sac built in the grounds of a rather grander house. By the time we arrived there our mother was very tired and found it difficult to engage with the exercise. The rest of us were impressed, but more thought must be given to what is in fact Mum’s idea. The house is leasehold. There is a reasonable service charge which covers well kept communal gardens and limited on call support from a manager who lives within the complex. Her independent living could be maintained as long as necessary.
Elizabeth returned Mum to West End and rejoined us later.
A slice of pizza with a little salad sufficed for our evening meal.