- Why did Alan buy so many cards for Elizabeth?
- Why are doctor’s so slow to discharge?
- Is hugging allowed?
- Elizabeth finally sees sense
- “You know Susan …”
- Elizabeth gets to borrow Roy
- Aunty Pat isn’t listening
Why did Alan buy so many cards for Elizabeth?
Is there something we (and Usha) don’t know about?
Surely it would have been more appropriate for the vicar to just collect everyone else’s cards to bring to Elizabeth, than go out and buy a stack to give them himself.
Oh … hang on a sec … (doh!)
Why are doctor’s so slow to discharge?
Anyone who has been in hospital can also more than likely testify to the fact that the worst part of hospital is not the feed – it’s the horrible wait to get released.
Maybe I should work on a plan to speed up that discharging process.
It’d save folks having to sit in their clothes, but still eating the nasty lunch, when knowing they are ready to leave – but the doctor just hasn’t got to them yet.
And it might speed up admission times. Save money, Save the NHS!
I’ll need to nip out to the local pub to get a beermat for all my thoughts on this. I’ll get back to you.
Is hugging allowed?
Surely be!
I thought David was being a bit dim when he asked Elizabeth about hugging, but she does seemingly need to use her right arm.
Is that just during the post-op time?
She also has to use the phone away from that side of her body (in case it interferes).
And she’s on about driving again.
David mentioned that Pip can also drive now (noooo – I always hear the word ‘doom’ when Pip and driving are mentioned together).
So after all that pondering about whether she should have her ICT or not (whether she wanted to live or not), turns out Elizabeth can’t really feel it and it’s also not that noticeable.
[Elizabeth] “The ICD will make a big difference … I’m in better condition now than I ever was”
Elizabeth finally sees sense
[Elizabeth] “You’ve been right all along. I’m going to hire a temporary manager”
Huzzah!
It only took a near heart attached, a near divorce and two very stressed out wee kids.
Though we need to keep an eye on wee Freddie. Choosing to stay at home because “there’s so much to do here”, rather than go out with his mates, isn’t a good sign is such a wee man.
“You know Susan …”
[Roy] “You know Susan. If the notice says 5 minutes, it won’t be 6”
And he was quite right. We heard Susan opening the village shop door as he and Kathy were chatting (but were thankfully spared a rant from Susan about the volunteer rota going badly wrong).
Elizabeth gets to borrow Roy
(we didn’t see that one coming!)
And Roy’s quite happy to be lent out.
Isn’t it nice that Caroline is happy to let her staff work somewhere else. Grey Gables must be doing marvellous business to let such a key member of the team wander off …
Aunty Pat isn’t listening
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Pat witter on at such length, as she did today.
She talked about Eddie’s win, and Clarrie’s shock about his win at the races – that Home Farm’s ‘lady that does’ is going to have a shock ‘doing’ at Brookfield while Emma’s off having her bairn – and some other stuff I must have tuned out.
Just as Kathy is trying to get a word in, Henry starts crying.
So Pat rushes off to see to him
(I was distracted for the rest of the eavesdropping instalment by the fact that Helen had left Henry – to go out to the pub – for Red Nose day with Brenda. What??? I think Tony collected the wrong Helen from the hospital).
Kathy seemed oddly uncomfortable around Henry (for a lady that’s popped out one of her own), but his presence also meat Kathy no longer wanted to offload onto Pat about Jolene and Kenton.
[Kathy] “Anything I have to say will easily keep for another time”
Now – that’s a blessing in some ways – but, on the other hand, a pent up Kathy is one ticking time bomb we don’t want in residential areas. Or even anywhere near the cattle.
- Kathy thanks Jolene for taking her man
- DVDS? Well, I never!
- “It’s the work place of the loveliest woman in Borchester”
- That could have been far, far worse for Jamie
- Kenton hurts Jamie, so (of course) Jamie hurts Kathy
- Elizabeth won’t be playing rugby for England
Kathy thanks Jolene for taking her man
Well, her wee man.
She bumps into Jolene, and thanks her for taking Jamie out, as he returned in a rare good mood.
DVDS? Well, I never!
It was fair enough that Jolene and Kathy sounded in awe of Fallon downloading a meal voucher to her mobile (did we ever expect we’d see the like?), but they also sounded a tad overexcited about the concept of DVDs.
Odd.
“It’s the work place of the loveliest woman in Borchester”
Aw! Kenton can be sweet when he tries.
No idea if this is all going to work out as smiles rather than tears, but it’s nice eavesdropping on two happy folks. Even if their kissing is rather slobbery.
That could have been far, far worse for Jamie
Jamie’s lucky that Kenton and Jolene have decided to take things slow.
When he walked in on them, there was only snogging to be seen.
Kenton never does learn. It must have crossed his mind that this would anger Jamie ever more than the one night stand – especially considering Jolene is his dead dad’s wife.
Somewhere in Borchester, there’s a therapist planning his retirement round Jamie Perks …
Kenton hurts Jamie, so (of course) Jamie hurts Kathy
Why does Jamie have to be such an utter prick to his mum Kathy?
I know he’s a teenage lad. I know he’s a teenage lad who recently lost his dad.
But why does Kathy have to be in the firing line everytime something goes wrong for Jamie?
Is that just normal mither/son stuff? I have no idea. My boy greyhounds never behave like that.
Kathy did the unspeakable crime of bringing Jamie a “hot blackcurrant and toast”, then tried to help him with his homework.
That blew up into Jamie berating her for treating him like a kid, (a rather wonderful moment, I thought) of Jamie and Kathy basically saying ‘duh!’ to each other, and Jamie then calling into question Kathy’s ability to do maths.
Shocking!
[Jamie] “You’re just as rubbish as maths as I am. Where do you think I get it from?”
Jamie does admit that he feels out of his depth at maths, but doesn’t want to say anything to his teacher as he reckons he’s the only one struggling – and doesn’t want to look thick.
As Kathy is trying to work out a solution with him, he turns on her like a very affronted hamster:
[Jamie] “Oh yes. Let’s ask Dad, or Kenton … oh no, we can’t can we, cause they’re not here, are they mum … I’ll just go down To the Bull to see Jolene, cause that's where Kenton will be., with her … Or didn’t you know that they were together now!”
Nasty. Nasty little boy.
Kathy was shocked and upset to hear that news, and left the room.
It sounded like Jamie than sighed (I’m guessing that means he knows he went too far), but – I’m very sad to announce – that it looks like Kathy and Jamie are back.
Here we go again. Months upon months of shouting, tantrums, slamming doors and tearful chats with Pat.
*sigh*
Elizabeth won’t be playing rugby for England
But other than that, her operation was “straight forward”
She can’t lift, run or do any contact sport – and also can’t drive for a while.
I reckon Topper needs to return.
Can one ride a horse down a motorway?
- A treat after milking
- Emma’s toys are out of the pram
- Punctures, Chinese lanterns and other strange objects
- Lynda’s fallen for Joe
- A grand day out
- “It’s just one thing after another”
- Elizabeth does want to live, after all
A treat after milking
Eddie maybe a cheeky chappy at times, and doesn’t quite seem to realise how much of a drudge Saint Clarrie’s is (often because of himself and Joe), but he is a man who knows how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
He’s absolutely made up that Clarrie has made him bacon – and even more overjoyed that she’s also made him tomatoes AND mushrooms.
He even doesn’t grumble about having to do the milking first thing, even though it’s his 60th birthday.
And – Eddie makes all the right noises over Clarrie giving him a new tie for his birthday.
[Eddie] “Felpersham races, a picnic and a hundred quid just for betting with … today just gets better and better”
What a mighty good man.
Emma’s toys are out of the pram
Emma doesn’t go with the rest on Eddie’s birthday treat.
Clarrie doesn’t seem too fussed, but is starting to feel a teeny bit of guilt over giving her the cold shoulder at times.
[Clarrie] “I think she’s still a bit fed up with me. I’ll send her some party food back with Edward”
Punctures, Chinese lanterns and other strange objects
David’s not having a good day.
His trailer has a puncture, and he’s found a foreign object in one of the hedges which one of the cows has had a nibble on.
[David] “Stupid Chinese lantern … people have no idea”
A very calm and understanding Ruth gets David to talk about what’s really annoying him (actually – I think he already did have real reason to complain).
The real reason David is so on edge is because he’s worried about Elizabeth not making the tight decision about whether to get her pace-maker thingy fitted.
[David] “I just don’t get all this hesitation … It’s a no brainer, surely … she’ll have this procedure and she’ll never have another episode like the one on Friday ever again … why is she hesitating?”
[Ruth] “It’s a big thing for her … to get her head round. She’ll have this strange object inside her body … something that’s not part of her that she has no control over”
David reckons Elizabeth should only think of how this device is going to help her – and he was downright dismissive of Ruth touching on the fact that she knows exactly how Elizabeth feels.
[David] “(I want her to) see sense and go ahead”
Lynda’s fallen for Joe
That’s not like our Lyndee!
Joe’s managed to wangle an invite round to Sunday lunch at the Snell’s for himself and Eddie (so that they can avoid Clarrie’s meagre offering of bread and cheese, because of lent).
I’m surprised at Lynda being so easy to persuade.
Wonder if we’ll get to eavesdrop on that dinner conversation … the mind boggles!
A grand day out
And it just get better and better for Eddie – his birthday is turning out to be the gift that just keeps giving!
[Eddie] “That whisky fruitcake was a proper treat, that’ll brighten up me lunch boxes for the rest of the week”
Lilian brought champagne. Joe got a new cap. Clarrie chooses horses by colour (black and gold stripes), but doesn’t really want to have too much of a flutter:
[Clarrie] “It’s a bit too exciting when you put you hard earned cash on the line”
Eddie started off the day excited to have £100 just to bet with, but after losing £60, and dumping Lenny as his “tipster”.
But Fat Paul’s advice isn’t any better. Despite all their talk of being experts, Fat Paul, Lenny and Eddie haven’t had a winner between them all day.
Until the last race.
Eddie had sent Clarrie to put his money on a horse, but she went and choose the wrong one.
After the one Eddie thought he’d bet on fell over (but it’s okay – the horse was just fine …), Mine’s a Pint romped it home 20-1, giving Eddie a grand winning of £200.
Nice.
Think he’ll spend any of that on Clarrie?
I wouldn’t bet on it.
“It’s just one thing after another”
Johne’s disease is confirmed at Brookfield.
(nasty – here’s more info http://www.johnes.org/history/index.html)
Seemingly, the cow confirmed to have it could have had it for a while without showing any signs, and is likely to have had it since a calf. They pick it up from contaminated dung, straw or water
[David] “So that’s her down the road I suppose”
As well as slaughtering that cow, they’ll also now have to collect a dung sample off of every other cow.
Bollocks!
This really isn’t a good year for that side of the Archer clan.
Elizabeth does want to live, after all
And wasn’t David overjoyed to hear it!
After talking to the doctors and nurses, Elizabeth has decided to go ahead to have the operation.
[Elizabeth] “The nurse said to think of it like having my own little guardian angel on my shoulder”
[David] “Or your own hidden jump leads …”
[Elizabeth] “I decided nothing could be worse than putting mum and the children through that again”
Hmmm. Bit suspicious that Elizabeth sees herself doing this for the sake of others rather than herself, but I suppose the end result is still the same.
- Tears and tantrums over Topper
- Supergran!
- What inclination will Henry be?
- Warm welcome back, Peggy
- Elona from Albania
- Nope, Elizabeth can’t calm down
- “My heart’s beating so fast … please help me … I can’t leave my children”
Tears and tantrums over Topper
Freddie really wasn’t coping at all well with Topper heading off to his new owner.
Screaming and tears – the wee chap really didn’t want Nigel’s hunter to go.
Nigel … General Custard … Topper … Freddie really can’t be blamed for thinking everyone eventually leaves.
Supergran!
Jill is one very handy lady to have round.
She utterly took control when Freddie was being a tad over emotional about Topper – and Lily then joined in to shout at Freddie for getting them both into trouble.
Whereas Elizabeth wanted to mollycoddle them, Jill took charge to make sure they know what was what.
[Jill] “They’ve both been very disobedient, and they’ll both be going to school … not another word, off you go!”
Jill’s theory was that the sooner they were at school, the sooner their mind would be taken off of Topper.
Tough love, but someone has to.
What inclination will Henry be?
Tony sounds hopeful that Henry will take to farming, but Helen points out that Henry is simply focused on trying to make his neck work!
[Tony] “Make sure the o ring comes with it .. .you’re never too young to learn tractor servicing”
But Tony does make a near slip-up when he nearly wonders aloud about what traits Henry will have taken from his biological father.
[Tony] “Be interesting to know what his … what he will end up doing”
Nature versus Nurture? Even if Henry’s father was around, I doubt Helen would let any influence other than her own really take hold of Henry.
Warm welcome back, Peggy
I do like our Peggy.
She’s been a bit silent since Henry was born, but she’s now right back in there – being a great-gran in every way she should. Not a word of her previous disapproval.
She even brings Helen Narcissus Tete a Tete.
Is it Spring for proper now?
(and Peggy - I was always get out the cups and saucers for you – matching, by the way – instead of a mug)
Elona from Albania
Lest we forget that Mr Jack Woolley is still on the go!
He’s relaxed this week, after having a tummy bug last week (so Jill tells us).
And his world is also a better and brighter place because of Elona from Albania.
She seemingly always makes time to speak to him, gets him the best seat in the day room AND has sorted his socks out!
No longer shall Jack’s socks be given to some woman called Jackie.
Phew!
Nope, Elizabeth can’t calm down
After Jill’s dropped the Twins off to school, she returns to find a rather het up Elizabeth.
[Jill] “Can you calm down, darling?”
Seemingly not.
Stressed out by Freddie’s tantrums over Topper, Elizabeth’s also stressed that Hugh has been awkward about Elizabeth not letting him hire in more casuals for the Orangery café.
[Elizabeth] “He was so sullen about it, it was infuriating”
Elizabeth’s also stressed that she can’t find the right information for a meeting she has to go to – all while Jill is trying to tell Elizabeth that she’s losing her temper.
Which is natural in the circumstances, but Jill is trying to suggest that Elizabeth needs to be more aware of what she’s doing to others as well as herself.
Then …
… Elizabeth’s losing her breath …
… sounds like a panic attached …
… her heart is racing, so Jill starts to call the doctor …
… but Elizabeth asks for an ambulance …
“My heart’s beating so fast … please help me … I can’t leave my children”
Crickey.
By the time David and Jill arrive at the hospital, they find that they have to go to resuscitation area.
And that’s where they left us.
No idea of what happened to Elizabeth after the ambulance folks took her in.
Elizabeth as well?
Surely not?
