Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 10 January 2016

Saddened to hear of the death of David Bowie.  A favourite of mine in the late 60s and early 70s.  He released his last album just last week.

Clare Bailey said:

I don't usually nap during the day, but I do find I nod off in the evening sometimes, when watching TV. Maybe that says more about what is on the TV.

I would completely agree with that.  I find there's almost nothing I want to watch.

[/quote]The BBC has gone downhill so badly in recent years, we only watch Strictly and the documentaries, apart from bits of things which are on when we switch on, such as 'Pointless'.  We are watching but are disappointed in the new series of 'War & Peace' which although sumptuously filmed, is far too rushed for such a large book.  Oh, and we like the good little series of M. Portillo doing his Railway Journeys which this time are back in the UK again, they are always interesting.

I search the listings, and mark things to record, which we later watch when we feel like it. The new systems of recording things are indeed a boon.  My OH is one of those who sits down and then starts pressing buttons, almost at random,  whilst crying out "there's nothing on!!" after going through umpteen channels - or else I catch him watching the old Sherlock Holmes in bl & white, or The Great Escape for the hundredth time!!

I used never to be able to take a cat nap, but I can now if its quiet enough -- sometimes I take the phone off the hook!!

We have started watching Endeavour ITV. Probably because I loved John Thaw as Morse.

I love the Great Escape!  I've also got to give credit to Michael Portillo for some lovely train journeys.  I wish more stuff like that was on TV.

Yesterday morning, we went out to a neighbours for a Festive Drink - they were busy on the days when we were free, and vice versa.  We had drinkies (mine a large sherry) and were offered Christmas cake, little almond tarts, shortbread, chocolates.....Oh dear.  after eating all of our own goodies, we politely took some cake which was delicious as our neighbour is a good cook.

We talked of many things with them and some other friends of theirs, who are all local (except for me) and as they are all ten years older than us, they remembered things from way back.  Roads which had been widened from the old cart tracks and are now run throughs for traffic, buildings which once stood alone in fields but are now part of new housing developments, etc.  I said that our conversation should be recorded for the 'young 'uns' to hear, so that all these memories should not be lost!!

Of course, when we got home we only needed a small turkey sandwich for lunch and then I had a sleep mid afternoon, after the affects of the alcohol!

I don't actually dislike The Great Escape, Clare, in fact it used to be a favourite, but that and some other films** my OH will watch ad infinitum until you know all of the dialogue by heart, LOL!!

** such as Ben Hur, Gone with the Wind, The Magnificent 7, Kellys Heroes........  all very good in their own way, but not when you have watched them so often!!

Had to ring the Doc this morning, as my little toe was so painful over the weekend, and I was still limping.  The main worry was that it swelled up on Saturday and I was worried it might become septic.

She rang me back later after I spoke to the receptionist:  She (the Doc) advised that as its apparently recovering now, I should just try to rest it (no shoes that rub! - already doing that!) and she has given me an AB prescription which is to be used if it swells up again and looks as if it might go 'wrong' again.  Of course, the usual Law applies, that after about four days of worrying about it, it seemed much better this morning after resting it yesterday and not wearing shoes for most of the time.

She also advised me to see a Podiatrist if it keeps on troubling, who can trim the nail back - this is not something you get on the NHS which seems ridiculous, as if I had cut my toe in half with a garden implement, I would be on the surgeons table now having thousands of pounds worth of treatment without needing to pay. However, I know that elderly relatives had complained to me in the past that they had to pay for Chiropodist care, which also seems ridiculous.

Ho Hum.  Rant Over.    I feel better today, that's the main thing.  (And my sore ankle is also recovering, as I'm taking great care with it, not to aggravate - that's on the other leg LOL!!)

Your OH sounds like my sister-in laws, husband, Linda. He now waits for his wife to go to bed and then watches his favourite films into the early hours. I do laugh when he gets excited because the TV is going to show one of his favourites as part of the evening viewing. He must be word perfect with some of the scripts.

Lindybird said:

Ben Hur, Gone with the Wind, The Magnificent 7, Kellys Heroes

I love Ben Hur as well - the burping scene is priceless!  I rarely watch GWTW as I find it nearly impossible to get four uninterrupted hours to do it justice.  Fantastic film.

Linda, I do sympathise with you, but if people would stop running to the Dr for paracetamol or to A&E for a plaster, there would be more money left for the NHS. I do get annoyed when I hear what people have been to see their Dr or hospital about. Most often, things that they could easily deal with themselves. The people I worry about are those, especially the elderly, who don't want to bother their Dr. when they really should.

I do know some elderly people, where the NHS chiropodist does go to their homes every month and they don't have diabetes etc. I don't know what the criteria is for such visits though.

I hope your ankle and toe continue to improve.