The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

GreyQueen

wondercollie wrote: »

Phones! When I took the bus the other week, I was the only passenger not playing with one. Had a magazine in my work bag. It was only seven weeks old but it got read.


13 and sunny here!

This creases me up so much. On every break my colleagues are glued to their phones. You can walk through the city any day of the week and see people through the windows of cafes and restaurants and each is playing with his/her own personal electronic device such as a smart phone or tablet.

!!!!!!, you are sitting at a table together. You are, presumably, at a minimum friends/ colleagues, at a maximum partners, and you're ignoring each other in favour of FaceF@rt or whatever? What's all that about, please?

OK, I'm middle-aged, I own it. But when I'm socialising, I don't want my companions on the phone. Yes, if you have to check on the babysitter or make/ take an essential call, but otherwise, it's beyond rude, IMO.

And the amount of times I've seen people nearly kill themselves by walking into traffic or had to dodge them on the pavements because they're playing with their phones. Seems that people are incapable of living in the moment.

*climbs off soapbox*

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

I'm only 31 GQ but I have similar feelings about phones. I was actually very nervous about the smart variety taking over our lives. Unfortunately that became the most economical variety for me a few months ago when i needed a replacement. OH wanted one as he felt it was reflecting poorly on him at work not to pick up his e-mails except when at a desk...now I have other views on what is a reasonable expectation but I don't suppose they're interested in his partner's views on their e-mail expectations.;) He still limits when he checks, and can really only check when near wifi not really when out and about, but given he was often getting things in the late evening about football games etc for first thing the next morning and turning up looking like he didn't know what was what I understand his view.
Fortunately I think we've managed it very well. The phones aren't out at meal times, on transport or when we have friends round. The one exception I can think of is getting up a map over a coffee and discussing how to get somewhere spur of the moment the other day or checking train times when we decide we want to do something else and want to check we can get home.

The curtain in the dining room has been up through all of the various incarnations of light and looks nice. It wouldn't suit a bedroom, being made of a deep blue linen double damask cloth, but it looks nice in there. I suspect the cloth might have been kept for 'best' as it has none of the normal tablecloth stains but does have lines of wear where it was folded and stored. A good reminder to fold things along different lines if they're stored for long stretches and to use things where possible!

I've mapped out a morning of work for myself and then this afternoon is household/fun pursuits. It was odd being back in the desk chair yesterday and starting to practice for my examination had my nerves all over--but a few hours each day on that and some writing will get it it done. Jacket spud for lunch today, leftover from last night. I managed to use one tin of tuna and we had some fresh chives from the garden, back from last year, the last of the tomato sauce from the patatas bravas and a bit of cheese. Tonight's tea is carrot and kidney bean stew with dumplings which OH will do when he gets in.

Nursemaggie, hang in there with your phonecall.

Sheila, I'm sorry to hear your hubby is still unwell.

Petula

Normal people? *shudder!*

:T @ Grey Queen

My list grows longer, but it's sunny outside :rotfl: Surely I can find the few outdoorsy things on the list and be a happy bunny for the day? Will let you know

silvasava

GQ - spot on!

[Deleted User]

I think we're NORMAL!!! at the very least more normal than most of the rest of this crazy mixed up world. We might collectively be seen as old fashioned and a bit frowsy by the rest of the aquaintance we have but we still have feet on the ground common sense and are less influenced by the 'spend, spend, spend, go on you know you want to!' pressure that is the modern lifestyle. No more than we understand what motivates our peers to live and accumulate debt for how the world 'sees' us do they understand why we choose not to. I know I'm biased but there is good solid savvy amongst our contributors, good sense, good reasoning and good decision making so yes, NORMAL is how I see us all, mind being flippant and slightly alternative in a non malevolent brand of barmy is how I see us as well!!!

MAR just for you I've installed a cake tin in my fence cupboard. Will endeavour to keep it filled with a different type of cake every week, this week it's an orange butter cake (bit like madeira but orangey) so yell when you want a slice and we'll pass it along to you!.

mardatha

Ta MrsL - can I have a slice of sunshine along with it? I see London is sunny with 23C.... we have grey drizzle and 10C !!!

[Deleted User]

In the post as we speak MAR, I wish I could make it spring up in Scotlandshire too, now, right now!!! xxx.

juliettet

Me too here Mar, managed to get some flower seeds in on Saturday in potting cells but they are anchored down. Love cake Mrs LW. I have a phone for work but luckily only need to check it when my boss is on holiday. People that know me well use the landline!

elona

Lovely and sunny here which is cheering me up.

DH could not manage much breakfast and has had to go and lie down as he is still exhausted. Waiting for urgent MRI so don't want to miss a phone call. Still have unpacking and laundry to sort but don't want to disturb DH so it will have to wait.

Window cleaner has just been round and need to think what to make for lunch as have very little in the fridge.

Hugs to all and best wishes and positives for anyone poorlie.

candlelight_2013

Elona, I hope DH has the MRI scan soon, hopefully it will put your mind at rest, I imagined he would be tired after the weekend, but what a glorious weekend you must both have had. After a couple of days resting hopefully he will have his appetite back.

Sheila, I am sure the antibiotics will kick in soon and DH will start to improve, but he is in the right place to be looked after, it is just a pity you have to travel so far to see him, it must be very tiring for you.

The sun is actually shining although there isn't much warmth in it, I thought it was supposed to be really warm today.

We went to do a bit of shopping this morning and popped in to see DD, she had physio yesterday and is in a bit of pain. We have just had a sandwich and Himself will be having his siesta shortly

I have made a cheese, potato and onion pie, and we will have this with grilled bacon and sliced tomatoes this evening.

Have a good day everyone

Candlelightx