Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Pleasantly Surprised But Wary

Before reading this it might well be wise to read https://bentonbag.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-busy-day-at-chateau-midden.html for context.

From Facebook archives

11 February 2019 at 13.09

Further to yesterday evening's rant/tantrum.
This morning Ferretfingers got himself up and dressed by 8.30, voluntarily putting on clean trousers and sweatshirt and putting last week's in the laundry basket (miracles do occurr!!). 
He then came to me with a £10 note to cover the extra Virgin bill (although I had to give him a fiver's change). 
And while I was out at a PTA meeting Thunderthighs washed the dishes.
There should be an emoticon for "pleasantly surprised but wary".
Mrs Quilt Enjoy it while you can

11 February 2019 at 17:00

Teddy has been to the vets and had scabby fur and toenails trimmed, sore bits washed and long term antibiotic and steroid injections.  We have to wash the sore bits daily and take him back in a week's time . He's back in his Always Ultra collar, not allowed out with it on and quite dischuffed with us.
Henlady  Get well soon Teddy.   Bobadog gets scabby bits.  I have microbes wash, cortavance spray, apoquel tablets and best of all Sudacreme.  He has immunology monthly injections too.  All to keep his excess under control.


 

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Rehoming Reservations Distraction

From Facebook archives

10 February 2013 at 21:46

Between Bazoukiboy and the Goddaughter we've emptied another box of Sheffield stuff to good homes.  Still have funnels, square plates and shopping bags aplenty (Mrs Elswitch next time you see me say 'hat')

10 February 2015 at 19:30

Now here's a new one ...
I've just had two emails from Argos thanking me for reserving a Sky TV link eye at both their Byker and Wallsend stores.
Ferretfingers strikes again.
But not on a par with trying to get us on the Jeremy Kyle Show and/or sell the house.

10 February 2023 at 14.38

I've blogged late today because of knit'n'natter and need to lunch.
If I'd got up sharp, not chosen to send a sensitive message of advice to a friend, nor been interrupted in that by four texts on my mobile (which at least got Ferretfingers up) from two other people, I might have managed to get it up before I went out.
As it was I didn't and went out teeth cleaned but neither showered nor breakfasted.


 

Monday, 9 February 2026

Hospitality Planning Scepticism Bird-flu

From Facebook archives

9 February 2011 at 13.06

Like it when friends drop in unexpectedly for tea, a bacon sandwich and a laugh.

9 February 2013 at 16:29

Everything booked for half term Scottish trip. 
Easter holiday cottage booked. 
Oyster card topped up for Mummy's Away Days in London. 
Fester's hotel booked for The Verral in March. 
Email re PTA sent out.  
Having a rare burst of efficiency!
The Verral coincides with Thunderthighs' CentreParcs' trip with school, so for one night it will just be me and Ferretfingers!

9 February 2014 at 15:20

"Add your phone number to help secure your account and more"?
That 'more' presumably being even more unwanted cold calls because 'you gave your number on a form online.'
Come off it facebook you just want my number to sell it - it's how you make the money to provide the service - please don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

9 February 2022 at 08:13

It was good to get back to Ouseburn yesterday but it was so sad and quiet with all the fowls gone.  
No clucking or quacking or crowing.  
Beavis the Green Amazon parrot has been moved, cage and all, into quarantine in an office with a window looking out into the small animal room and shop.  Apparently he was not pleased and screamed blue murder. I mananged to catch sight of him through the glass but there was no conversation.

Addendum 

The Verral is an annual meeting of water beetlers which Fester attended regularly before Covid.
Having had all last year’s plans scuppered by Ferretfingers’ ankle infection, this year I’ve been reluctant to start planning; however the date and location of the first Coven has been set, which is a start.
Beavis the parrot was saved from the bird-flu cull because he lives in a large cage in the small animal room and shop, but only if the vet took a blood sample to test that he wasn’t infected.  Beavis also drew blood from the vet.

Sunday, 8 February 2026

Away T-shirt Stuff

From Facebook Archives

8 February 2010 at 21:54

It feels really strange without Thunderthighs in the house.  
I've put a hotwaterbottle in his bed so Felix doesn't miss him too much.
(Thunderthighs was on a residential school trip to the Calvert Trust)

8 February 2012 at 11:31

The t-shirt I won online from Danepak arrived today.  
XXL - grey bears a golden legend "Morning Person".
It might fit Thunderthighs 

8 February 2016 at 20:36

Fester's mahoosive sort out has left us with:-
    Scores of battered manilla pocket files;
    A couple of dozen lever arch/ring file binders, some knackered some not;
    Vast amounts of A4 paper, some clear, a lot written on one side or out of date 
        letterhead;
    A couple of dozen magazine boxes, labelled and a bit battered but still useable;
    Card file boxes and cards;
    A six inch high pile of large postcard/A5 sized cards with black and white outline 
        gridded maps of Tyne&Wear on one side.
If anyone can find a use for them and wants them let me know and you can come and get them - or I could bring them to you ...