Quick Cuppa: Dogs in Nappies and other things

26Jun
by Cherryl

Kettle’s boiled. I’m just having a regular hot water with the juice of a fresh lime and a peppermint tea bag I’ve run out of fresh mint…I really should have a go at growing some at home 🌿. Anyway, grab a cuppa and your cakes, biscuits etc and get comfy….. ☕️

What irrelevant chatter shall I share with you today? 🤔

Witnessed

A crime 👮🏼‍♀️

Well sort off. I was in a shop and heard a shop assistant behind me saying “I’m going to have to ask you to leave”. Thankfully, when I turned around she wasn’t talking to me, but to a man a few feet away from me who I hadn’t even noticed. Apparently he’d been spotted trying to stuff goods from the shelves into his hood. Original!!

Lucky for him, they didn’t call the police and he agreed to leave the shop after a short debate about whether he had or had not tried to steal anything.

I also witnessed a man on the tube reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula at around 8:30 am a few weeks back…bit early for that sort of thing! What a way to start the day. 😱

Tried but failed to understand

The man on a downward escalator who, just as he was about three dissolving steel steps away from the bottom – decided to turn around 180 degrees, bend down and start tying his shoelace whilst moving down backwards.

The woman on the step behind him seemed alarmed, laughing nervously (hoping she wouldn’t crash on top of him at the bottom, no doubt) I didn’t see whether he managed to pull it off, busy crowds etc got in the way, but he was laughing when he stepped off the escalator. Maybe this was his personal challenge for the day! But why not just wait until you get off? Health & Safety and all that good stuff…..🤨

Takes allsorts.

Overheard

Three people debating over the correct way to pronounce the word ‘pronunciation’. I know. 🙄

Man 1: Insists it is naturally correct to say “pronowncyation” (sounds like – pronoun – ciation)

Man 2: sarcastically “Didn’t you finish school”?

I’ve always said it like “pro – nun – see – ation”  but whichever way you say it, we all know what you mean so…..lets move on shall we.

Phonetics. Not the most interesting topic for debate. ‘The meaning of life’ would have been more riveting.

Shop assistant to another shop assistant: “the best way to get him to clean the house is to make him angry. When he’s angry it makes him want to clean the house” 😡

So this was her strategy then – to get the house cleaned!!!

Anyone else clean the house when they’re angry?

Spotted

A dog with its owner in a busy station, running around excitedly (as much as the lead would allow) wearing a pink nappy. Yep. 🐶

In the same station – a man who looked like he’d just returned from a mountain climb – then again, mountaineers probably travel quite light. He had the biggest back packs I’ve ever seen in my life 😮 and stopped to adjust them, all four of them. One was on his back, like you’d expect. The second one was on his front. The other two were held in each hand.

This guy was probably carrying the equivalent of three of me lol…or more. Wow. 💪🏼

Also spotted recently:

On the wall of a pub – Jimmy Hendrix right? 🎸

Felt a bit awkward

For the woman who arrived to meet her friends at a busy station and raced up to one of them with her arms wide open for a hug, but he reacted by pulling a face and saying he had a cold. 🙈

Currently Reading

Almost finished.

Not sure about this one. It’s not really a page turner, one that you can’t put down. Nope.

Simply put  – it’s like a big brother episode, but rather than a house full of random people it’s a tower block of up market apartments with a magnifying class on the personalities living in them and how it deteriorates into a kind of high class ghetto with hierarchy and anarchy. I think the book is conveying a primitive nature in humans, no matter what social class you come from, those innate behaviours still manifest – busting a myth/stereotype about lower classes??? I don’t know – there’s definately a strong sociological thread running through it – a bit dystopian, it’s a bit of a strange one….which is why it got my attention in the first place lol.

Hopefully there’ll be some unexpected twist in the tale before I get to the end.

Observed and Endured

Thankfully, I happened to be up quite early that day.

It was something like 8:05am on Saturday morning when I spotted the woman next door out in her back garden, bringing all the contents of her garage into her garden….this went on and on. I wondered if she was moving house. By 9am she had the Black n Decker-type work station out, sawing away pitifully on a chunk of wood with a wobbly manual saw. She obviously sensed this was going nowhere fast, and then the power tool saw/jigsaw thing came out and she was relentless.

Goodbye Saturday morning peaceful bed rest for most of the neighbourhood. Looking out and beyond I could still see plenty of closed upstairs curtains, so very likely lots of disgruntled neighbours.

…and then

A huge truck arrived and began dumping a full load of logs as close to her garage entrance as it could get – it wasn’t bundled up though, just loose logs – pilled high on the ground. She had her work cut out bringing it all into the garage and getting it stacked nicely by herself. Later on someone has helping her.

Makes sense to stock up like that though, maybe I should try and do the same before winter. Log burners seem to devour logs so quickly, and the cost of fuel doesn’t seem like it’ll be going down any time soon….

Anyway, I could go on and on – tea’s getting cold, we’ll leave it there until next time.

Have a great week ahead, wherever you are 🌏 🔆 🙏

22 thoughts on “Quick Cuppa: Dogs in Nappies and other things”

  3. Ellie Carpenter – United Kingdom – Writing my memoirs, musings, a little fiction and a lot of poetry as a way of exploring and making the most of my life ... ... Having had a break from writing my blog for more than three years, I decided to return to write my memoirs, some day-to-day observations, views and feelings. My passion is non-fiction poetry. I have a disability and use an electric powerchair called Alfie and let nothing get in the way of living life to the full. I believe that you can never do a kindness too soon and should give credit where credit is due. A smile or a kind word could make the difference between a good or bad day for a person - we never know what's going on for another soul. Those little things, perhaps, practised daily like a mantra, could mean so much to someone else. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading a little more about me. Please, make yourself at home here. You are very welcome. Ellie x 😊

    Ellie Thompson

    Hi Cherryl, I’m sorry I’m so ‘late to the party’, so to speak. I saw this post and read it briefly a few days ago. But before I had time to reread it to refresh my memory, I’d had a couple of challenging and disastrous days, which I briefly shared about over the last two days. There is so much I’d like to respond to from your post that I don’t know where to begin. Suffice it to say, I really enjoyed it. I think we are very alike in that we’re both very observant and love people-watching. I see the detail in everything.

    I’m still dealing with the aftermath of events here. I’m now without my wheelchair, Alfie, as he got two punctures at one time while I was out and so I’m now wheelchair-less which I hate. It takes away my independence. Anyhow, I’m now intending to keep up with your posts, which I love so much, from now. I missed so many people’s blog posts in the short time I was out of action. It’s just not possible to catch up with everyone I missed. I had two consecutive days of it. They say, things come in threes. I’m dreading the next thing. Come on, stay positive, Ellie!! Love to you, Cherryl. Xx 🌞💞💖

    Reply
    1. Cherryl – UK – This and that, an all rounder!! If it amuses, entertains, inspires or proves useful to just one person then it's doing its job! God bless x 💛🔆🌴🎨🌼✈️

      Cherryl

      Hi Ellie – I hope all is well, yes people watching never gets boring, plus I find myself seeing and hearing funny things unexpectedly and think, ‘I must remember that for a blog post’!

      I hope you have Archie back now, it must be very strange not being able to get around like you’re used to.

      Don’t worry about missing blog posts, dip in an out as and when you feel like, no pressure, no rules, and life doesn’t always allow time to keep up. I follow over 2000 blogs on WordPress alone so it would be impossible to be on top of them all. 😝 I’ve not posted for a couple of weeks either….blog rest lol.
      Sometimes the third thing is a good thing 🙏 🤞😉

      Keep well and have a lovely weekend 💛✨

      Reply
  4. NattyTravels – Hi! I'm Natalie a solo traveller who is on a journey to travel to as many places as possible even if it means doing the whole thing alone. It was never a plan to travel alone, however I have found myself to be in this situation. It has now become my mission to encourage people to travel and live life to the full, regardless of the situation their in. Get inspired and follow me on this sometimes frightening but magical journey. You will frequently see links in my posts where I recommend some very useful cool items at my Amazon store https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/nattytravels17

    NattyTravels

    Such a fun read! Its surprising what you see when you observe your surroundings….I can’t quite believe the dog in a pink nappy part lol. Whatever Next?

    Reply
  5. debscarey – Billingshurst, West Sussex UK – Writer, Reader, Photographer and Random Scribbler. The random scribbling happens at Debs Despatches, I'm a writer for hire at Debs Carey, and I co-host Fiction Can Be Fun, where my fiction and #IWSG reflections can be found. All links below.

    debscarey

    I hate cleaning at the best of times, cannot imagine why I’d clean when angry. I hope her other half doesn’t figure out her ploy…

    Love the Kings Head sign – classy call choosing Jimi as an alternative image.

    Four backpacks? WT…AF? I’m hoping it meant there were 3 friends getting a coffee/taking a comfort break, but who knows. Himself used to do that crazy climbing stuff in his youth and only ever spoke about carrying the single pack.

    Thanks for sharing your cuppa and wild & wonderful observations. I’ve enjoyed sharing my cup of Masala Chai with you this morning 🙂

    Reply
  7. jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques – I am a published poet and short story writer. I have been published in SNHU's the penmen review. https://penmenreview.com/author/jenny-andrews is the link where you can find my poetry and a short story. Currently, I am writing a collection of short stories, and a collection of poetry. I am trying my hand at writing a novel. Well, not a novel, actually. Make that two novels. My passion is writing. My inspiration is Franz Krafka because he managed to see the absurdity of life. Life is all about perspective and who is telling the story. We all see this life through the lens of our experiences. Literature should inspire us to think, to analyze, and to get lost in unfamiliar worlds in which we learn something new about this human existence. It is my hope that my writing challenges the reader to think, and to see a different perspective, as well as be entertained. My faith in Jesus strengthens me and gives me the courage to survive the twists and turns of this life. My faith influences a lot of my writing in that goodness always triumphs over evil, in that love conquers all. I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

    jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques

    As I drink my hot oolong tea and eat toast and fruit, I have to say I have enjoyed reading your post. It is amazing the day to day humor that we see if we just take the time to look. The world around us is a comedy at times.
    Have a beautiful week.

    Reply
  9. My Life in Our Father's World – Illinois USA – I am a wife and mother with 2 adult children and a granddaughter that brings me joy every day. I am the Assistant Director of a childcare center and a jail chaplain. I consume copious amounts of coffee not because I need it to stay awake but because I love the taste. I believe that God has a unique plan for each of us; consequently, I write what God tells me to write when He tells me to write it..

    My Life in Our Father's World

    You are far more observant than I am. Well done!

    Do you jot these things down during the month or wrote it all at once?

    Reply
  11. Basia Korzeniowska – United Kingdom – British born of Polish parents; educator, teacher, translator, chair of Polish Citizens’ Committee Housing Association Ltd., fundraiser and organiser. I was born in Earls Court, centre of Polish émigré life at the time, then lived in South Kensington and went to a tiny boarding school in Ealing. I read Spanish and English at Sheffield University, and as I always knew I wanted to be a teacher I did my PGCE there in 1978. For the next forty years I taught in a wide variety of schools, eventually specialising in Special Education. The cohesive theme of my career was creative education in the widest sense of the word. My passions are people, education, literature, theatre and inclusivity. I hate sport but enjoy walking and taking photographs and writing. Now on my gap year I am enjoying volunteering my help with the Polish Cultural Foundation, chairing the committee of Antokol Polish Care Home and I promote knowledge of immediate history to school children about the events of the Second World War which led to my parents being here as refugees.

    Basia Korzeniowska

    Great post there, Cherryl. You have enough material there for at least a week’s worth. Where to start on the comments! I don’t know. Please read my latest offering. You might enjoy it. Quite inconsequential

    Reply
    1. Cherryl – UK – This and that, an all rounder!! If it amuses, entertains, inspires or proves useful to just one person then it's doing its job! God bless x 💛🔆🌴🎨🌼✈️

      Cherryl

      Thanks Basia, I don’t hold to any rules about how long or short a post ought to be so no worries if it’s too long for you. I know some people only write a couple of paragraphs, others write 1000+ words…. no rules, it’s a chat so lots of random topics come up in a chat usually – as with all my previous ‘cuppa’ posts. Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🤗

      Reply
  12. Sheila Landry Designs – Meteghan River, Nova Scotia, Canada – I am an artist and designer of decorative painting patterns, woodworking patterns, needlework and embroidery kits and patterns, and original artwork. My Painting and Wood Surfaces for Decorative Painting is at my "Tole Painting Designs" Website My partner Keith Fenton and I sell our scroll saw patterns at our Scroll Saw Pattern website: "Sheila Landry Designs" My needlework patterns and supplies are available at my Etsy shop: "The Stitching Kitty"

    Sheila Landry Designs

    Good morning, Cherryl (although it is afternoon for you!) I enjoyed this post a lot. I came from Chicago. Grew up on the South Side of the city and lived in the suburbs for my younger adult years. Lots of people! When I worked downtown, we used to spend our lunchtime sitting by the Chicago River and we “people-watched”. It was a wonderful way to just sit back and relax and observe the world. Sometimes the most ‘ordinary’ things are rather fun to watch (and read about). We have a neighbor here across the road (in rural Nova Scotia) that likes to mow his lawn. Often. Usually he starts at about 6 or 7 am. He does the same with snow-blowing his driveway in the morning. Often in the dark of the morning. It is rude and annoying, but he is far enough away that it doesn’t really bother me as much as my husband. I am up pretty early. It is just odd to hear the machines hum before the sun is up. And he is retired. He has nothing else to do from what we see. So that huge lawn is mowed a couple of times per week. Go figure. I guess it makes him happy!

    Have a wonderful week. Thanks for the fun read. There are times when I miss the city but most times – nope. 😀

    Reply
    1. jillslawit – My corner of Pennine Yorkshire may be no more than a crumb crumbled from the piecrust holding this fragile world together, but it's where I come from. I am part of the earth and moorland of my surroundings, which are deep-rooted in what I think, what I write about and what I am. I live in a small cottage amongst my pens and pencils, my photos, vintage bits and bobs, and my books. Best of all I get to share my life with small visiting granddaughters, family and some very special friends. I work full time in the charity sector. I enjoy reading, writing, taking pictures and looking after my little garden when I've time.

      Jill Morris

      Ok I was going to say Wherever do you go to see such funny stuff and then I saw Hendrix and thought Oh is it Huddersfield 🤣🤣

      Reply

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