Curiosities.

Just a few curiosities, I have been thinking about.

I suspect bad news, in any form, really makes you stop, and take stock.

For some time now, GOM has suffered from depression. A depression which he would not admit to, so he refused to consult anyone about having it treated. It affected me deeply, and living with it was difficult.

Since I struggle with periods of depression, they began to blob into one continuous condition.

It seems that now, since staring the very real possibility of  imminent death in the face, Gom has had a change of heart. It is almost as if he has decided he wants to live longer, and refuses to believe he may not.

Which is a very good outcome, even if it had to come at such a high cost. We had another heartening visit to the Doctor yesterday, and he told us, that although there is a long road ahead, there is a pleasing response to the drugs. I know he feared there was cancer, which was not evident in the scans. The latest blood tests show no sign of any cancer, so that is very good news.

Once again, thankyou for all your support & wonderful thoughts wishes and kindness. I am sure it all helps.

On another sad note, Mr & Mrs NN (Nice Neighbours) have had some very devastating news. Mr NN is very ill, and is being operated on today, for removal of a brain tumour.

We are keeping them both in our hearts and hoping for a positive outcome. Mr NN is the same age as I am, so he has a lot of living left to do!

**********

Onto other curiosities.

I have been thinking of days past, friends we no longer see, but still keep in touch with, and relatives we hold dear.

Childhood phrases spring to mind, with curious sayings that are never heard today.
Only the more mature (haha) among you, may remember these.

"Excuse me, Mrs Pillharding, it is snowing down South!"  This indicated a show of petticoat -remember those??- beneath the hem of a dress or skirt. It seems hilarious in this day and age, when quite often sheer clothes reveal the knickers or lack of beneath, and petticoats are unheard of! Or, alternatively petticoats are worn as outer garments.

"So what if my shoes are old fashioned? They are clean and well paid for!"   Often, if one's shoes squeaked it was said they were not paid for.

"Little pitchers have big ears!"  Referring of course to small children's listening ears. Or possibly nosey neighbours.

"I hear that June Flashbottom is pregnant. I always knew she was no better than she should be!"
(I never did really understand this one? who decreed how 'better she should be?' than whom, or what needed she to be better than, or not better than?) I suppose it was a reference to 'class' or 'breeding'- especially if June Flashbottom had been "Putting on Airs" or "Above her Station" which are other old terms. These days it would be referred to as being "Up herself" I suppose. Which is a bit silly, since that could not be the reason she is pregnant....

"Of course  Gloria Pullknight is putting on weight, she is up the duff!" Or  "Nola Slatter has a bun in the oven"  Further terms for (usually an umarried) pregnant girls.

"Excuse me Mrs Arden, the pigs are in your garden!" This was a childhood saying when one burped!

*********

Yet more curiosities...

I should write a book on How Not to Garden!

All the money I spent on containers, best potting mix, countless plants, fertiliser etc etc, could have provided us handsomely with fruit and vegetables for one month approximately!
The only things that I had limited success with, are some herbs, and the lettuces, which we did eat and enjoy.

I was told that I was mistaken thinking cardboard boxes would be ecologically sound to use for planting. Bugs love carboard, as it provides an excellent nursery for their growth, along with hand roots and leaves to eat.

I was also told that tomatoes hate lettuce, so planting them together was a mistake.

The white butterflies love my garden attempts. They have feasted royally and well. I caught a fat caterpillar eating one of my Topsy Turvy Tomatoes. I squashed it, which I normally never do!

I had a nice ripe tomato, ready to pick. It was large, about the size of my fist. Imagine my dismay when I found it gone! Who knows what secret predator took it? I wonder if lizards eat tomatoes? Perhaps it was a sneaky rodent? Or a secret Possum? I have no idea, but I hope it choked them!!

In other curiousities, I find I am unable to concentrate to read, or sew or even watch much TV. I suppose the reason is called worry. Try as I will, my mind will not stay away from 'Reasons'.

We did watch and really enjoy a Movie called The Blind Side. If you have to beg borrow or steal it, make sure you see it!! It is wonderful. What makes it even better, is that it is a true story!

We also saw The Lovely Bones. I was disappointed in the casting. I nit pick about things like 2 dark brown eyed parents having a light grey eyed child. I hate it when the Movie is different to the book. Which is not to say I did not enjoy the Movie, it was just 'different' to what I expected.

Another engrossing Movie, which was harrowing, but excellent, is Brothers. Distractions I found could stop the 'Reasons' intruding for short periods of time.

Here, Queen, some of my favourite music.