Tennis – an elderly friend who would like to watch the tennis … says she can't see the ball on the tv … first it's far too fast, second … why can't they have black balls?, then she could (perhaps) see and enjoy it more … sometimes we have to laugh, and swallow our ripostes …
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| Handful of tennis balls - sorry obvious caption! |
I have to say – I've enjoyed the tennis, and from this end of the world think electronic line calls work well … fewer disputes …
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| What I call 'village' salad ... using local ingredients |
As you know it's been rather warm here, so I've been making lots of cold soups and salads … a melon salad over the years I've always made … one can vary it appropriately …
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| Melon salad ... mine would be rougher looking than this ... |
... and then (red) Gazpacho … love that cold tomato and veggie whizz up … both of these I'd serve with herby bread … and/or whatever else was appropriate for the family/friends on the day …
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| Gazpacho soup |
I'm no further forward with anything … plumbing-wise here, or health-wise – I had a hospital appointment last week, where I was discharged from that setting, but can go back within a year, when I'm ready …
... but I'm managing on with life … as that meeting gave me some guidance … next is a letter to my doctor (General Practitioner) to see if I can get the ball rolling sooner …
Architectural Elements
in a Cathedral - courtesy Cultural Travel Guide
and Abir Pothi - an Indian site
My main priority now is to get a talk for Monday mostly finished, particularly the slides … it's on the building of Medieval Cathedrals … which I'm finding fascinating – a whole newish area of knowledge … and takes me away from fretting …
A brief update – in the next few days I'll be round to everyone's blogs … life says take your time – which I'm doing … and it is cooler - a relief … see you all soon ….
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
13 comments:
Who knew about reading the writing on tennis balls? We really do live and learn and my trove of trivia grows by the minute. Sorry to hear that your plumbing is still an issue - well, in the flat, not yours! I hope your talk goes really well. It was great to see your post pop up, Hilary. Best wishes - David
Ah yes, tennis would be on your mind lately. I wasn't paying much attention. Don't really follow it any more. It's always nice to have some event to plan and prepare for to take the mind off of the worries.
Hari OM
Wimbo this year was top notch, I felt... and although I knew the balls were being checked for fuzziness, I hadn't appreciated that the print would be the best indicator! Nice little trivia, that. Sorry the other stuff is all a bit draggy - but keeping positive will carry you far. Hope the talk goes well! YAM xx
My family came from cold Northern Europe, so I still tend to cook what my mother did. Plus I add a cold salad as my compromise :)
But your gazpacho and melon add colour and freshness that appeal greatly.
I didn't know about the tennis balls!!
The salad and soups look healthy and delicious! I wish you the best for your health Hillary, I hope the plumbing improves!!
Mediaeval cathedral architecture is an interesting subject for study - so much skill, so much beauty, so much faith.
I hope you can get your GP onside and proceed with matters to help you.
@ David - I had to laugh at myself about reading the tennis balls - it hadn't ever occurred to me. Once my talk is finished on Monday - then I'll start prodding the agents and landlady re ... what's going on ...
@ Liz - yes I can understand ... also you've been away to your brother's. Next week we have another cricket match - so I can bring that into my umbrella of listening life ... thankfully I'm not worried - but ... but...
@ Yam - I'm glad you were happy with Wimbledon - I thoroughly enjoyed it ... but almost preferred Queens. Yup - not much gets me down ... and I'm sure the talk will be easy going ... everyone seems to enjoy the ones I give ...
@ Hels - nothing can beat Mum's meals, using fresh vegetables and fruits ... as you so rightly say.
@ Katerina's - I seem to have struck a chord with the tennis ball slither of fuzzy knowledge! Thanks - luckily my health is fine - just need to get the innards sorted out at some stage ... these fresh soups and salads really help ...
@ Janice - yes - there's an awful lot to prep up about Cathedrals and that era ... I've just about done what I can ... I'm now working on the slides and will finish off the talk in the next few days ...
Sadly - I suspect the bottleneck will be with the NHS hospitals ... but the doc is appreciative and aware of me and my life - so we'll cope as life passes.
Thanks so much everyone - great to see you all - cheers Hilary
Hey! I remember reading that we have Sir David Attenborough to thank for the yellow tennis balls! He was involved in TV at the early days of televising tennis, and the white balls were hard to see. It was David Attenborough who suggested that they be yellow. Now, is this true? I don't know, I read it and it sounds good to me. LOL!!
Hi Kay - it seems you're right ... it came about when David Attenborough was spearpointing the introduction of colour tv in England. He introduced a team of specialists who helped improve aspects of broadcasting programmes by changing certain things - of which optic yellow became the colour for tennis balls. I hadn't come across that - but it makes sense ... thanks for letting us know - cheers Hilary
Nice tennis trivia! I always learn something new when I come by for a visit. Glad you are having some cooler weather. It's been hot and humid here! Have a lovely weekend!
Thanks for making the rounds and visiting me. We do agree on the glory of Canada - nature on steroids. Real summer comes this weekend and that's fine. We are having family over for a pool party on Sunday. Feel free to pop by - could be a tad hot for you, but we have outdoor fans.
I did log a lot of Wimbledon hours sitting on my bum in front of the tv. Totally worthwhile and worthy winners. All of the players are fantastic. I didn't know about the reading - I thought they could tell by feel how worn the balls were after action. You are an awesome researcher. I'd like to hear your talk and see the slides - hope it's a good show. Cheers!
That’s very silly about the tennis balls! Of course they’re fast, otherwise it wouldn’t be challenging 🤣 hope you get better soon!
@ Jess - thank you ... silly trivia, but trivia all the same. It rained a bit yesterday ... but not enough yet - at least it's brought cooler weather - I'm sure other places are much warmer than we've had here ... I'm glad I live here!!
@ Joanne - it was wonderful to see you'd both been up to Canada - brilliant holiday to have ... as you say Nature on Steroids. I'd love to pop in to your pool party ... we'll see how I feel tomorrow!!!!
Well honestly I hadn't realised about the reading aspect for tennis players, and had thought they could tell which tennis balls were worn or not.
I'm looking forward to giving the talk - we have an intelligent group of members ... there'll be some sensible questions ...
@ Jess - well remember they're much older and we grew up with black and white tv ... also I think if you don't play tennis, as they didn't, they wouldn't know how much tennis has improved over the years ...
Cheers to the three of you - thanks for visiting ... Hilary
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