On Wednesday, after my Wii Fit session, I woke Jon with a cup of tea reminding him that he needed to take down the curtain rail & blind on the landing ready for the window fitters to start work at 8.30am. I'd just about managed to get dressed, make breakfast and clean the bathroom when they arrived. We spent the morning in the lounge, watching TV and attempting to calm the lads.
Our supermarket delivery arrived which Jon santised and put away whilst I continued with my crochet, taking a break for noodles.
I carried on crocheting until I ran out of brown wool. By 2.30 pm it was already starting to go dark so Mark & Keith tidied up and packed away for the day. The lads were most upset by the sound of them vacuuming upstairs, they'd never heard one before!
We took a walk around the block and I made tea, a cauliflower & broccoli paste bake accompanied by a bottle of beer. After a quick blog catch up (I'm not able to access my PC whilst the chaps are working). We spent the evening in the company of Spooks, drinking rum.
On Thursday I woke Jon up at 7am as he needed to get the spare bedroom ready for the workers. I did my Wii Fit workout, scrubbed the bathroom and rescued the clothes I'd been wearing the previous day from the laundry basket as I couldn't get to my wardrobe. After our fruit and yogurt breakfast we took advantage of a dry and bright day and cracked on with the garden, Jon continued to remove the bamboo whilst I cleaned the pond and raked up the leaves.
Not the most fragrant task...
I only share photos of the tidy bits of the garden, here's the not so tidy parts, despite our endeavours, it's still a wilderness.
You'd be taking your life in your hands trying to access this shed, there's stuff in there we brought from our previous house 15 years ago!
The chimney pot marks the spot where we buried Albert, my constant companion from my student days until I was 38.
 |
| Victoria & Albert back in the bedsit years, 1989 |
After our noodles Jon went into the music room and attempted to tune a friend's newly acquired guitar while I cleaned the oven. Ignore the state of the floor, that'll be tomorrow's task.
Mark and Keith packed up at 3pm, the window fitting complete. Their next job is the architrave. They're hoping to be done by Tuesday.
I look like the Wreck of the Hesperus (as my Grandma always used to say). I'm not liking having to put my make-up on at the kitchen table, brushing my teeth in the utility room and wearing what's in the laundry basket but it doesn't feel right not showing my face when I post a blog.
Tea was Halloumi with roasted vegetables, demolished in minutes as we were both starving. I'm frantically trying to catch-up with blogland, comments and emails although it may be the weekend before I do.
Please stay safe, my dear friends. Five people I know (all normally fit, healthy and not elderly or from vulnerable groups) are currently very poorly with Covid including the lovely lady who took a photo of me sweeping up leaves in the avenue last week. Don't believe the knuckle draggers who claim its all a hoax, trust me, this sh*t is real.
See you soon.
You look lovely even though your normal routine has been put off. Great idea on the windows though, long term your home will be so much warmer and save on energy. I love the wild part of your garden - just as pretty as the tame part. Poor lads. Bloody hell vacuum cleaners scare cats even if they are used to them. Buddy doesn't much like it either. Yes, covid is real and scary. My stepdaughter was tested this week and fortunately came back negative after another staff member at her restaurant/pub tested positive. They closed it for 5 days and thankfully no other staff were infected (don't know how that happened). I am now self isolating, only dropping Mom at appointments and going to my appointments. Hubby is doing the only instore stuff and never on weekends and we are doing a grocery pickup which is non-contact, you open your trunk (or boot as you call it) of your car and they put the groceries and bill in and charge your credit card. Also any purchasing on bidding site is entirely noncontact which makes it so much safer for us (plus I get to peruse what's on offer lol)
ReplyDeleteThanks, darling! I've fallen into a routine over the last eight months and it's all very disconcerting. I'm so looking forward to two days of leisurely breakfasts and being able to open my wardrobe.
DeleteThank goodness your stepdaughter tested negative, those affected seem to be getting younger.
You're being very sensible, the grocery pick-up option is great and the bidding site is a perfect alternative to the thrift shops, you always get some fantastic bargains on there.
Stay safe and I shall be raising a glass of rum in your honour later. xxx
We had a cat that enjoyed being vacuumed. I'd take the attachment hose and run it all over her. It was weird. Maybe, just maybe our roof will be done tomorrow. Home improvements are fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange cat! I hope the roof is finished. Our workers are back on Monday to finish off, I'm looking forward to two lazy mornings without freaked out cats! xxx
DeleteHello dear Vix, thank you for still posting even though you have workman in the house. I know what it is like, it does not matter how nice they are you just can't seem to get on as you normally would if they weren't there. I love the picture of you in your student days. I had to smile at the untamed parts of the garden as it so reminds me of the bits of ours we tackled back in the summer. The old caravan that was used as an office by generations past remains to be dealt with yet. I still think there is a wild beauty in that part of your yard though. I bet a lot of people will drool over your friends bike - it has come up wonderful!
ReplyDeleteDear Vix I felt there was a difference to this post and when I got to the end I think I know why. I wish all your folks you know a speedy recovery and I will hold them in my thoughts tonight I am glad that you are still staying safe. Take care lovely lady Shazxx
Hello Shaz, it's all very disconcerting. I'm used to a couple of hours on my own in the morning, it's strange enough when Jon's up before 8am without two strangers. Still the windows are looking fab and the house feels so much warmer.
DeleteI do like a bit of a wilderness although I'm itching to cut some of those shrubs back and have a rummage in that tumbledown shed!
Thanks for your lovely words and thoughts, if the Covid sufferers are up to reading my blog at the moment I know they'll really appreciate your kindness . Loads of love. xxx
SECOND!
ReplyDeleteShaz snuck in just before you! xx
DeleteI am sorry to hear about those 5 people you know who are ill. I know too well that it is real (in addition to probably having had it) because my sister's Father in Law died in April with it- it was so horrible. He was healthy.
ReplyDeleteI really like your fruit and veg stand beside the cooker!
The garden wilderness is wonderful and so important for wildlife so it's good it is messy. It reminds me of how overgrown my Grandad's garden was by the end with hidden sheds everywhere. I like all the mushrooms!!
It is a horrible illness and it makes me really angry when people dismiss it as "just flu", a couple of friends are still suffering months on. I'm really sorry about your sister's father-in-law losing his life.
DeleteI couldn't decide whether to use that stand for plants, towel or toiletries but in the end the veg won.
I thought of you when I photographed the 'shrooms! xxx
I hate having people in my home - it's so disruptive, not just that you can't access areas, but things are moved around, and the psychic discombobulation is just so stressful. And I imagine the poor lads will take ages to recover (Frank is definitely going to require some prawns, please, mum). It will be worth it, though, to have proper insulated windows! We had ours done a few years ago, and what a difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you know so many people with COVID, Vix - I don't know anyone who's had it (we have been very lucky here). I was in the grocery store today and SO MANY people are not wearing masks! It's not a bylaw here (yet!) and so the stores can only ask - they can't eject people.
I like the wild parts of your garden, and love that you have Albert's spot marked out. Love that old pic of you!
Take care, my dear friend!
You're not wrong there, Sheila! I've got into such a routine over the last eight month any slight change knocks me for six. I'm not easily stressed but I'm all over the place this week.
DeleteYou are so lucky not to know anyone who has caught Covid, they're saying that one in 80 people in England currently have it, I'm hoping lockdown will at least slow it down. What is it with people not wearing masks? It's just so selfish and I hate that shop workers get so much abuse for trying to get them to wear them.
Awww, the Eighties! I loved my spiral perm, I could go weeks without washing it!
Have a fabulous weekend! xxx
I've never made granny squares and one year for Christmas I did dish clothes. I need to talk my hubby in doing some roasted veggies.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe and Coffee is on
Roasted veggies are the best, get that husband of yours in the kitchen! xxx
DeleteIt is a lot to have workers when you can't leave for the day. I too like the other parts of your garden-like a forest. You sure liik different with the blond hair. You could be my 1986 sister with the permed hair.
ReplyDeleteIt's been very trying. They're lovely men but it's hard not being able to follow my daily routine. xxx
DeleteI think you look glamorous as always! It's so disruptive (and cold) having windows done, but they finished fast (my youngest has just started a job learning to fit windows, it's heavy work). I like the wild side of your garden (there could be treasure buried at the bottom you know!) and I am desperate to know what's been hiding in that shed for 15 years!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that! I felt anything but! Only one day left of it now, I hope.
DeleteThat's brilliant that your son is training to be a window fitter, he'll never be short of work.
One day I shall brave that shed (behind Jon!) xxx
It will be SO worth the bother having new windows. And they'll be so shiny and clean (for a while. Weather will put a stop to that!). Re Covid: I am lucky enough not to know anyone personally who has suffered from this plague, but the mother of one of my sister's best friends had a stroke which she battled through in hospital. While there, she contracted Covid and died last week. Incredibly, the family does not have to isolate as the contact round its mother's deathbed was less than fifteen minutes. Seems incredible but, obviously, NHS staff knows the rules. My sister is giving her friend a wide berth as she sees my elderly mum often. Anyhoo on a lighter note, I also like the wild part of your garden. You are lucky to have a large garden with contrasts! Chin up, Vix. This too shall pass.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catmac! The windows are looking really good and we can feel a huge difference already.
DeleteThat's so sad about your sister's friend's mum, isn't it? I'm glad the family were able to be with her. I think I've heard people mention that the time you're in contact with someone with Covid makes a difference to the transmission but your sister is very wise to keep her distance and put your mum first. Take care. xxx
in 1989 we had the same look - black, micro mini, perm..... only that my hair was as dark as your´s is today.
ReplyDeletechic walking gear - even you´r in "survival mode" due to the work going on in your house!
but it sounds as the window chaps are making fast progress.......
mark´s bike is a beauty indeed - would he mind to have me as sozia for a little drive around the blog? ;-D
love cauliflower baked like this - yum!
fingers crossed for your friends who have to deal with C.!
xxxxx
I loved that perm, I could go for weeks without washing it and it just seemed to look better and better.
DeleteThe window chaps are almost finished, they're back on Monday to finish off as long as it stays dry - I'm keeping everything crossed! xxx
Look at those lovely bubbly blond curls from your bedsit days! I love your wilderness and Albert looks to be nicely resting there. Wow, your crochet is really coming on, I’m very impressed. It looks like a poppy field! Lulu x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lulu! Spiral perms were one of the greatest things about the 80s! xxx
DeleteVix, I've enjoyed your post as always but I am so sorry to hear that you know so many people ill with Covid. My wishes for their recovery. I ration what I read because it becomes so disheartening when you see how frequently the advice is being ignored. Perk yourself up with Tammy's latest post if you haven't already read it. It's so great to read good news. Enjoy your new windows.
ReplyDeleteHello, Ruth! Isn't Tammy's news wonderful? That certainly brightened up my week.
DeleteWe're the same, we ration our news intake and limit social media, it's no good for mood or blood pressure. xxx
Having workers at home (even if they're nice people) is always so uncomfortable, you're exiled from your own rooms and have to stay away and change your routines. Hope they get things done quickly and your new windows work!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you have your crochet project to keep you entertained, and a massive garden!, it's amazing to see the greenery growing wild and it's beautiful too (I love some wilderness!).
And so lovely that you're sharing your photos even if not the best conditions for glamour!. But love that you keep it Real and Fabulous too!.
Sorry to read that some people you met got the virus. We're lucky that nobody around us had it, but we're being told about acquaintances that got it, sometimes being very sick. So we feel very concerned with keeping our distance and I'm glad that you're keeping yourselves safe too.
besos & good vibes
I know, it's all very odd. I'm running around like a crazy thing every morning trying to think of everything we'll need for the day, getting the bathroom ready for them and making a half hearted attempt at looking decent. Only one day left, I hope!
Deletexxx
I'm sorry to hear of all the people you know with Covid, and it made me sad to hear the person who took your photo has it. I really hope everyone recovers. It's a horrible disease, apart form the death count, long covid sounds very worrying too.
ReplyDeleteAlbert looked like a sweetie. Your hair in that photo is how mine goes when it dries naturally. It's a lovely photo of you, a beautiful smile.
I haven't seen an old triumph bike for years, back in the day a boyfriend had one and I rode on the back, it terrified me! Brought back a long forgotten memory.
I hope the windows are cosy and warm. It sounds like the people doing the job are great.
Happy Friday night. Take care and stay safe Vix. xxx
It's such a horrible illness, isn't it? The long term effects seem really scary.
DeleteI loved that perm, I'd kill to have natural curls!
I've only been on the back of a bike a couple of times, I remember my heart being in my mouth on a Enfield tearing down the lanes of rural Goa looking for a rave, exhilarating but terrifying!
Have a lovely Saturday night, the Diwali fireworks are driving Stephen mad! xxx
Vix, it must take you quite a while to prepare your blog every other day, but so many people appreciate it, as you truly are a ray of sunshine ("a tonic" as my grandma used to say!). Thanks also for posting pictures of the unconquered parts of your garden - they made me feel better about the very scruffy corners of mine, which have re-wilded themselves again. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment, it really did put a smile on my face...especially the tonic bit, mine said the same! xxx
DeleteHad not heard the expression, "Wreck of the Hesperus", since my own grandmother died many decades ago. I do remember being startled to see a grand painting of that title when I took an art history course: now THAT is a wreck! * So is that garden shed. It gave me a giggle to realize that it has a padlock on the door -- and is missing half the back wall. (At the old farmstead, we'd have stacked bales of straw against it indefinitely.)
ReplyDeleteThe pandemic is raging here in central Indiana two weeks after a fall break that had hordes of teens running amuck and mask-free. Schools are again closed; ditto, bars, live music venues, etc., and still the kids use social media to organize drive-in gatherings of more than 100 cars! The great-grandchildren of the Greatest Generation don't believe in self-denial for the greater good, or even their own well being.
I thought it was just something our family said and I'm amazed at how many other people are familiar with it!
DeleteThat shed is a disgrace isn't it? I'll have to repost the photo of the day I'd taken a photo of the rag and bone men on their horse and cart riding up the avenue. Minutes later the police came round to tell us that they'd caught them breaking into the shed (hence the state of it). They had to send reinforcements round to look after the horse while they made the arrest!
Oh no, poor Idaho. What is the matter with these people that they think the virus doesn't affect them? xxx
I love both of your outfits. The blue coat looks fabulous with the maxi dress. The maxi dress with big purple floral print you wore with the blue Docs is fantastic as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that having workers in house is stressful. It just upsets one's balance, having people in one's home.
There are some fishy things about this virus, but it is definitely real so wearing masks makes sense to me.
Thank you so much! I've flt such a mess this week and it's typical that when I do I bump into lots of people I know on my walks around the block! Tomorrow is earmarked as a self care day! xxx
DeleteI'm sure the lads weren't the only ones missing their usual routines! Not being able to get to your wardrobe and having only limited access to your bathroom doesn't sound like much fun. Phoebe always makes herself scarce when we get out the vacuum cleaner, as she's absolutely terrified of it, so I can imagine the lads being quite upset, not knowing what hit them.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of it all, you still manage to look fab in your rescued from the laundry basket maxi with that lovely blue coat!
And how lovely to see young Victoria with her companion Albert!
Sorry to hear about the people you know being poorly with Covid. So far, there's only one person we know of for certain - one of Jos's old coffee drinking buddies - and we suspect Jos's younger daughter must have had it very early on. She was never tested as there weren't enough tests available back then. Taking care and protecting ourselves as much as possible is all we can do, but it is scary when it comes so close! xxx
I can't wait to get the spare bedroom back and be able to get into my wardrobe without climbing over a pile of furniture and wrestling with dust sheets. I'm more excited about it than the new windows!
DeletePoor Phoebe. Jon occasionally suggests we buy a vacuum, I'm happy to stick to a dustpan and brush for the sake of the lads!
xxx
It is hard to understand why people refuse to take this seriously. It would be one thing if they only spread infection between themselves but they keep forcing their opinions and virus on everyone else. I hope your friends recover quickly.
ReplyDeleteI really like your hair permed!
Enjoy your new windows. That should save a fortune in heating bills.
I know, they drive me daft with all their crack pot conspiracy theories.
DeleteI love curls, I'd kill for your hair. xxx
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ReplyDeleteYou look really sweet as a bubbly blonde Vix.
DeleteThanks so much, Cherie! xxx
DeleteIt's wonderful having home improvements; but OMG the mess and the upheaval...my house is sorely in need of decoration (it's been more than 10 years now) but I just can't face it!
ReplyDeleteNobody needs a pristine garden; your garden, messy bits and all, looks fabulous. I love gardens that look natural and a bit wild. You also look great despite all the upheaval!
Well done to Mark for his motorbike restoration.
I know of several people who have had the virus and recovered including a woman of 101 years of age; but also a friend of a friend's husband although he had an underlying health condition, too. For me it's the possibility of suffering from 'long covid' that frightens me.
Take care and stay safe,
xxx
It'll be worth it in the end but god, what an upheaval, it's an absolute mare!
DeleteHow wonderful that the 101 year old lady recovered. One of my friends is suffering from Long Covid and her hair has been falling out in clumps. It must be awful.
Keep safe! xxx
Meant to say that the friend of a friend's husband died of the virus.
ReplyDeleteThat's really sad. xxx
DeleteLove your gardening outfit. Hope your friends recover soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! xx
DeleteAhh vix, why on Earth is no one in the UK taking it serious!! i feel your pain. It makes you want to live in a bubble and never leave that bubble. We have had a slight spike. But the local government are straight on it and shut the colleges, schools and universities straight away. And told all students to self isolate for 10 days. I told my mum off as she told me it is no worse than the flu !! And she saw Paul last year. Grrrr.
ReplyDeleteOur first dog suzie is buried near the koi pond. I miss her. Even if she was inco when we got her, but she had a hard life and a heart problem and I wanted to give her a couple of good Years.
Motorbikes make my heart beat fast I have a ninja like Philips or Philip had we both do and they are beautiful. I love that one it is a work of mechanical artistry and you should tell mark when you see him.
Apple Coca Cola anyone . I have a strange craving for it. But no I’m not pregnant as yet🙇. Time will tell. Take care and keep safe love and huggs to all
Hello Allie! I know, it's our stupid island mentality, we seem to think we're invincible and know better than anyone else. I do wonder why our lot didn't just shut the schools and universities for a fortnight last month, instead they lurch from one crisis to another, it's like watching a car crash.
DeleteIt's lovely to have Suzie near you by the Koi.
That bike is seriously gorgeous, I'd have been temped to drape myself across it for a photo if I hadn't been dressed the contents of the laundry basket!
I'm hoping your craving is a good sign! Stay safe. xxx
Ooof what a week! I'm so sorry to hear about your friends being struck down with Covid. My brother (who works in education) had it - thankfully it was not serious - just very, very unpleasant. It amazes me that people will turn to Facebook to see how to live their lives and somehow 'cheat' the 'system' with Covid, because they have RIGHTS - but let's not bore on about it here lol.
ReplyDeleteThat Triumph is just beautiful - what an absolute credit to your friend Mark. I miss motorbikes most dreadfully - but let's move on.
The boys will be running about looking for the window fitters when they've gone lol. It is horrid when the house is in uproar - but it will be worth it, when you're done.
Your crochet looks like poppies (on my screen at least) - how apropos with Rememberence Day this week.
Right, I'm off - our exciting leave-the-house-to-go-to-Lidl jaunt beckons - masks ON; gloopy hand gel - check!
Stay safe and stay strong xxx
The leave-the-house-to-go-to-Lidl jaunt is sarcasm lol They open super early - so I can usually get the week's food supply there and at my local bakery and still be home by 9am.
DeleteThe FREEDUMBS as we call them! I'm so sorry your poor brother got struck down, I hope he's managed a full recovery. One of my friends is now suffering from Long Covid and her hair is falling out in clumps, as if being hospitalised wasn't bad enough.
DeleteIsn't that bike a beauty? Mark's certainly used his furlough wisely and his wife will be delighted he's finally done something with it after 20 years!
I've felt discombobulated all week, it's been lovely to read blogs and sit in my dressing gown till midday today!
Hope your trip to Lidl wasn't too taxing. Jon was quite excited about going to the Post Office this week, he said it felt like an adventure! Stay safe.xxx
Sad to hear of the 5 people you know who have that virus. Hope they all recover well. It's easier to police it here in NZ, as we are so isolated and have such a small population. Stay safe. xxxx Thanks for taking the time to blog when so much is happening for you xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ratnamurti! We've just been watching the Diwali celebrations in Delhi and shuddering at the crowds and how close everyone is, a recipe for disaster. xxx
DeleteAre those Victorian edging stones lying askew in the long grass? They're lovely.You look gorgeous in your bedsit pic and equally gorgeous now. New windows look nice too. Have a good weekend, yourself and His Nibs. xxx
ReplyDeleteThey are! We used a few of them to edge the patio beds earlier in the summer but there's still a fair few, I love them! Hope all's well with you. xxx
DeleteI love the wild bits of your garden Vix and I wouldn’t call them untidy at all, personally I can’t stand things tidy and measured, I like reality. N.M. Hubby s drooling over the bike and wants to know if it’s a Tiger Cub? Albert the cutie must have been with you for a long time. We have taken the virus very seriously all the way through, won’t go into detail here but we both have our own story to tell though no one would believe us as it happened late last year, you know how serious it is when you talk about five people near you catching it and we have lost two quite near neighbours. A real Thomas Hood day today but better days will come and we can look forward to them. Keep Well both Brummie Sue Xx.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! I'm not overly fond of neatness in a garden either.We love watching the foxes, hedgehogs, toads and frogs that live in our wilderness.
DeleteAlbert was 18, as daft as a brush and really loving.The poor lad lived in so many places during his long life.
Jon thinks the Triumph is Bonneville or a Thunderbird, he says he'll check with Mark next time. It's a beauty, isn't it?
Funny you should mention your experiences of Covid from late last year, Jon and I are convinced we had it in December, too. Wouldn't it be strange if it didn't originate in China after all, a bit like how Spanish Flu didn't start in Spain but in America.
What a miserable day it's been today, it will get better and we've already in week two of lockdown. Take care. xx
Think it's a Tiger T110? Do we win a prize lol?!
DeleteI imagine the discomfort for the kittens, even our Janis and Lenny were irritated by the work in progress on the road, long ago ... patience, hopefully it will not last long. I love your crochet work, it's definitely relaxing ... like the photo of the autumn leaves painting the lawn ... Nature is wonderful! My brother Davide admired the fantastic bike .. Congratulations !! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Carmela
Hello Carmela! Kittens are so sensitive, aren't they? Are yours named after Joplin and Kravitz? I'm liking your style.
DeleteI'm glad Davide liked the bike, it's very beautiful! xxx
Yes, Vix !! Janis takes its name from Joplin, an unforgettable Artist; while little Lenny was saved by Davide who heard his moans from the engine of a parked car, hence his name Leonhard, strong as a lion, abbreviated to Lenny.
DeleteHugs,Carmela
Awww, love the photo of you and Albert! Black kitties are so awesome (I may be biased). I hope the lads recover from the upheaval. I don't like having to have anyone in to do work in my apartment because it's so small that adding another person always feels way too crowded. My landlord never does any upkeep so it rarely happens.
ReplyDeleteThe people I know who have, or have had COVID live in the United States, but cases are on the rise here in Ontario in Canada so in time I may end up knowing someone here too. I cannot comprehend how there are still people who insist it's all a hoax after all this time. I hope the people you know who have it recover soon.
Black cats are gorgeous, Albert was such a placid and calm companion!
DeleteIt will be lovely when the work is done, but all this upheaval is such a pain, I think we've both got into such a routine over the last eight months that the slightest deviation from it throws us into a complete spin!
The Covid cases here are getting worse, it gives me hope that other countries are managing it though. xxx
I hope all your friends recover from Covid. It sounds so nasty.
ReplyDeleteMy mum says 'wreck of the Hesperus' too. Must've been some wreck to linger in the language like that.
A less-maintained bit of garden is good for wildlife, so you're saving lots of birds and insects. Good work!
Another Wreck of the Hesperus, a phrase that obviously travelled widely!
DeleteSeveral friends are also suffering the effects of Long Covid including one who is losing her hair in clumps, a recognised side effect. It's a horrible thing to have. xxx
My cats hate the vacuum and they’ve been used to it since they were little. Poor lads must’ve thought the world was coming to an end.
ReplyDeleteMark and Keith made short work of the windows, they seem to have finished ever so quick. I bet they look lovely!
My Mum used to say ‘I look like the wild woman of Borneo’ :)
I hope all of your friends make a speedy recovery. How anyone can think that this is a hoax is beyond me.
xx