Saturday 12 September 2020

Saturday Once More

Notes from the week....................

Wanted.......... someone with a strong boot to dig out 4 dead-ish rose bushes. They were here when I came and despite regular dead-heading are now more dead than alive. Either they are bushes that  should have been cut right back or they've just come to the end of their natural life. I don't really know much about roses, not something I ever choose to grow in any of the 7 homes so have only inherited them in various gardens. But as it's a dedicated rose garden, edged with bricks and has obviously been there a long time it would be nice to add some new bushes after I've remove the old, dug over the rock hard bed and added some soil improver. Just have no idea how to get the darn things out - might have to wait for a big down pour and a strong man!

It's sad when some things change..............it's nothing serious, just my next door but one neighbours putting their beautiful home up for sale, they are such a lovely young couple, Suffolk people who've lived there since they built it mostly themselves 6 years ago on the site of an old cottage.
Who will afford it - it's very expensive but costs nothing to run as it has every energy saving feature you can think of.  I will miss them and their two daughters. It means I'll have lived up the lane longer than everyone else yet I've only been here 3½ years.

Here's another change......... making me feel old................my eldest grandson down in Surrey has started school as he'll be 5 next May. Eldest daughter sent me a lovely photo of him looking so grown up in his uniform,which I'll be able to print out and pop in my 4 space photo frame.

On Thursday it was the regular every-three-years Boob Squashing! Just a quick trip up to Eye and the mobile unit. Thank goodness for this service, I shall await the results and hope all is OK. Still don't understand people who refuse to go for this easy check up. Although there is one thing I was invited for this week............ my first flu-jab -  that I'm not sure about having it at all. I've heard some folk get a bad reaction and other people don't and as I spend very little time mixing with people other than family indoors and even less this winter plus we'll all be wearing masks when out, maybe it's better to avoid the jab.

These are the last of the aubergines, less than egg sized egg-plants!. Too late now for them to get much bigger so I brought them all in, even the ones no bigger than a large grape and turned them into a batch of aubergine, pepper, tomato and onion sauce for pasta. Nothing going to waste here.

 
 
 Clearing stuff out.

The last mention of clearing things out was at the end of February before everything came to a standstill. But now I can get started again. So....................

  •  5 Jigsaw puzzles have gone to my sister ( I decided I'd rather read or write than do a jigsaw - I really only like them when they are finished!)
  • A large cardboard box full of old wrapping paper and bubble wrap that's been stood in the corner of the garage for 3 years has been sorted and chucked or kept for sending parcels.
  • Bag of books to charity shop
  • 2 Bookcases are on their way to Son and DiL when they can fetch them
 This week I'm grateful for...........
  1.  The Lifeguard at the pool seeing sense last Monday - when there were only two of us in half the pool she wanted us to go round and round - we objected and told her that all the other lifeguards let people swim up and down if there were only 2 people swimming. She had to radio the"boss" who agreed with us two ladies in the pool! It's much easier to swim up and down than to try and swim round corners. Of course if more than 2 people then we do have to follow pool lane-protocol. 
  2. No hills in Suffolk like the men cycling in the Tour De France have to cope with!


Lovely weather forecast for the next few days - a burst of summer to cheer us in September.

Hope everyone has a good weekend

Back Monday

Sue


34 comments:

  1. The flu jabs for the under 70’s are usually ok, the one for the over 70’s Dan sometimes cause a slight reaction. I have paid to have one for a few years now. Other than the occasional sore arm for a very short while, no other reaction. I don’t know if you have ever had flu but I did, when I was 40. I was so ill, in bed for a week, bronchitis twice, off work 6 weeks. In the end couldn’t continue nursing. Never, ever want it again.

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    1. Yes I've had flu - could hardly move for a week. This is my first time being offered a jab now I'm 65 so have been asking what reactions people have. Useful to know what everyone thinks

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  2. Planting new roses where old ones have been removed might be problematic because of rose replant disease. Perhaps a complete makeover with plants from a different group?

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    1. Oh bother - didn't know about that disease. Half the bed has roses that are still OK - perhaps if I add enough soil improver and compost they will be OK?

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  3. I'd have the jab - and will be. I have a slight reaction but nothing like real flu and it's best not to take any risks really. shall be asking if the local chemist does them free to those who are exempt (like thee and me)
    xx

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    1. No mention about paying on the letter from the Health Centre - thought it was free!

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    2. It should be free to anyone who will be 65 by the end of March 2021. I've had the jab regularly due to other health conditions and when I was the carer for Ced - I have a slight reaction, just a few days of feeling under the weather but not as bad as a full blown case of flu!

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  4. Just “totting up” how many flu jabs I’ve had so far as I had the first when I was 65 at the same time as the pneumonia jab, one in each arm! Can’t believe it will be number eight this year. Only once did I ever have a slight reaction felt a bit off colour but nothing to write home about, and like you I’ve had real flu, horrific. All through my life I’ve gone for screenings, boob squash, smears even had the shingles jab, always believe that prevention is better than cure. And no,it won’t cost you anything now you are over sixty five just one of the benefits like you OAP fish and chips!

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  5. I couldn't tell you how long it is since I began having the 'flu inoculation. Well over 20 years now since being diagnosed with asthma, then I considered it was prudent as a care giver to have it to help protect my parents. It's the same as mask wearing, you are doing it to help protect others.

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  6. Like RP I have probably been having the flu jab over 20 years, because of my chronic asthma and have only had a slight reaction once, when I had a sore arm for a couple of days. Nothing else than that. It is a dead vaccine and just alerts your immune system to "incoming" flu germs and I would always have it. You only pay at a pharmacy if you are not eligible for it - e.g. under the age group or with no qualifying health problems.

    Agree with Philip on the roses - to replant on the same spot you have to quarry masses of soil out and replace with new. Unless you had roses in nice pots to fill those spots?

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  7. I had a flu jab many years ago and I was ill after it and never had it again until last year after I was very poorly and it never hurt at all so I will have it again, the doctor told no last week that I am on the list when they come in,
    I hope you get your roses sorted for the old ones are so better than the newer ones. I have a tangerine and a yellow one that have been on flower for nearly 4 months, did you know that banana skins are good for roses, just cut them up and but them into the ground.
    Have a nice weekend everyone. Hazel c uk 🌈🌈😍

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  8. I returned all the books I have read in the past three months to the charity shop this week along with the jigsaws. I only like jigsaws when I am doing them and then when I have finished it I think why did I waste my time on that! I have been offered the flu jab for a few years but never take up the offer as I have only ever had flu once in 50 years and tend to not catch things in any case.

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  9. Perhaps you could try cutting the roses right back to mere stumps...I thought I had lost roses in the past only to do this and they sprung back with renewed vigor. x

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  10. I've had the annual flu jab, three or four times I think. I missed one because I didn't think I needed it. Only a slight ache for a day on the arm which got the prick. No other reactions. Not going to bother this year.

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  11. Both my husband and I have the flu jab every year and last year had one for pneumonia. Neither of us have had a bad reaction to it. I think it's worth doing and it's free. I used to have the boob squashing and cervical screening too, but they no longer do it for my age group, unless there is a concern.

    I can't comment on rose bushes as I have them taken out soon after moving in if they're in the garden. Love the flowers, but not the thorns.

    Our little three year old grand-daughter started at Little Explorers last Monday and she looked so grown up in her t shirt with her school's reading bag. The start of the next stage of their little lives.

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  12. Have had the flu jab for at least the last 10 years, initially while I was working on the frontline of the NHS and then continued by paying, after I took early retirement. Only issue I’ve ever had with it was a sore arm for a couple of days, otherwise nothing else. I always made sure I have been well before having it. I have my appointment booked for it again this year.

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  13. Our oldest grandson is starting his last year of senior school, how did that happen! I have been offered my 1st flu jab this year, I will have it, in a normal year I think I would have refused it, but it's such a strange year.

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  14. your aubergines are a glorious sight. No such luck with ours, I found a flower last week but know it's too late and they are in too shady as spot.

    Fear stops people from going to have check ups and tests. After seeing all that my dad went through, I can more than understand it.

    Have a lovely weekend, enjoy the sunshine. :O)

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  15. I agree with Winter's End Rambler, I'd try cutting the roses right back, give them a mulch and see what happens. As for the flu jab, I'd definitely have it. Had my first one last year (along with the pneumonia jab) with no side effects whatsoever. I think, even if I did feel off for a few days, it's better than being bed-ridden for a couple of weeks with flu. I always go for every smear/boob squash too. If there is anything wrong, I want to know asap. By the way, the flu jab and the pneumonia jab is free for over 65's or those with health problems. xx

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  16. I can't have my flu jab until October and then I have to make an appointment, so I have written it large on the first on my calendar. I have had it every year for years - and shall just continue with it - so far no side effects but fingers crossed this year after what you say.

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  17. I have the jab due to a heart issue and have no problems at all.

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  18. I've had a flu jab every year for years and only maybe a sore arm for a day or two, depending on who gave the shot and how relaxed I was when they gave it I think. Also have had the pneumonia and shingles shots with few side effects. I think the shingles shot is especially worth it. It is costly if you have to pay for it out of pocket but luckily our insurance paid for it.

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  19. It's surprising how roses fight back when you call an end to their tenure. The cutting back (ready for digging out) might just do it. And along with all that recommended mulch, lots of banana skins if you can find a source of them - brings the flowers on a treat. I knew a rose breeder once who didn't bother with fancy pruning techniques, he just took the hedge trimmer to his roses every year and had fantastic results in his rose beds.

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  20. I've had a flu jab for about ten years now due to the pills I take. Sometimes I get a slightly sore arm but nothing more than that. I, too, have had flu once and it completely floored me for about a week so, if having a bit of a sore arm will stop that happening, I'm all for it. :o)

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  21. My aubergine has four on it, the first four that is, and loads of flowers, so I've put it back in the greenhouse. The biggest is bigger than those pictured. I'm not giving up yet. Maybe it's a late variety. As for roses - trying to grow them here is more trouble than they're worth.

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  22. I've had the flu shot ever since it was available. It was free as I worked within the school system. After I retired it was still free as I lived with a senior, my DH. Also got the pneumonia shot when I turned 65. There's a super flu shot available to seniors that we have to pay for but I think we will get it this year. I've heard many times that if you've never had a flu shot, this is the year to get one. If someone gets the flu and covid at the same time, that could be a deadly combination.

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  23. I have the flu jab every year as I have COPD. At my surgery you sit outside for a few minutes afterwards and can then go. Whether that will happen this year I dont know. No side effects other than slightly sore arm. Well worth it particularly now.

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  24. It sounds like quite the turnaround on house moving. Is it that people don't enjoy being so rural? I don't get the flu jab. Mum never did either until she had cancer and they recommended. The first time she was quite unwell.

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  25. I'm having my pneumonia shot next week and will get the flu shot when available in mid-October. Both are free - everyone is encouraged to get them (especially this year) and I can just go to the pharmacist rather than going into my doctor's office. I've not had any issues these past couple of years but in the past I've had pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy - which was very painful! Better safe than sorry. I don't expect a vaccine for Covid to be available until next Spring at the earliest so best to avoid any illness in the meantime.

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  26. Where I live in America there is a pharmacy attached to a grocery store that gives a $10 grocery gift card when you get your flu shot. I got mine a week ago! The shot was free because I’m over 65 but I’ve been getting it for many years, first to protect my dad in a care home and then to protect my elderly mom. Most years it was free through my workplace but I had to pay $30 a few years. I usually have a sore arm but no other reaction. I think you should get it, especially this year.

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  27. Replies
    1. A flu jab is wise, I have one every year and remember in the UK its free for over 65's with our wonderful NHS. Roses - it is not a good idea to plant roses where they been planted before. So - get a large cardboard box, dig a hole where the rose is to be planted fill the box with soil/FYM and plant the rose. I don't think you have to go down too deep with the box, because rose roots spread across under the ground looking for water and nutrition, rather than go down deep.

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  28. I've had a flu jab ever since the year I had the flu so severely I was ill for weeks and could barely drag myself out of bed to feed the animals, or keep track of staying hydrated myself. I really came to understand how people die of flu.

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  29. I had both the flu and the 1st of 2 shingles shots last week. I've been getting them for over 15 years and no real side effects from the flu shot, but my arm ached and ached from the shingles,and I still have to have another in November.

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