Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)’s Comments (group member since Sep 20, 2013)

Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)’s comments from the Net Work Book Club group.

What ever happened to the continuous tenses in British English? More and more I hear otherwise intelligent people say on TV and radio things like, "I was sat there waiting for an hour before she showed up," or "The whole family is sat there enjoying a great movie."

Was sitting? Is sitting? Whatever happened to those? Not to mention the many situations in which they use "was sat" where any verb but "sit" would be more appropriate.

Victoria Wood is dead. US members of the group won't know who she is, but she started as a very funny standup comic, went on to star in comedy TV series like "Dinner Ladies," and then broke into serious films like "Housewife, 49" based on Nella Last's War: The Second World War Diaries of Housewife, 49. A lovely person.

What is it with this month, anyway? I've heard "April is the cruellest month" but surely this is a bit much?

Hey, Frenchie!! We've missed you!! It is so satisfying to be earning a wage, sometimes. When I get sick of tutoring I just tell myself that the money goes to things we need--and even a few treats!

Didn't he change his name from Prince to something I've never heard pronounced aloud, some symbol? I always wondered how you were expected to say it.

No windows yet. They say, tomorrow, as today is a local holiday. Me who loves rain, having to ask it to stop so they can do the work! It's not even raining all that much, but here people act like they're afraid of it.

Miso soup, Groovy!!

Imonna hit Dogger...the window people are supposed to come today. Woke up to rain. We shall see.

One thing I really notice is the difference in architecture. Older European buildings, being made of stone etc, often seem more organic, as if they "growed". American architecture, particularly in small towns etc., seems so disposable, like a movie set--as if everything is temporary.

I bayleaf you're right!

"Strewth!" There's a word I like the sound of, though I know I shouldn't use it. It's a contraction of "God's truth!" and that shouldn't be bandied about. But the sound always makes me laugh, kind of like the first time I heard a friend say in surprise, "Jesus on horseback!" or "Christ on a crutch!" Not something to use regularly, though.

Thyme tea is good too, but NO MORE than two cups in 24hrs.

"Hot and sour" refers to vinegar and a bit of pepper. It's not all that hot, more warming, but it does open the sinuses a treat. I think that's more down to the chicken broth/vinegar combination.

You don't need to buy the expensive "miso soup" packets, either, just add a spoonful of miso paste to hot soup of your choice. A small box of the paste costs about the same as one of the "instant" packets, you get more and it lasts forever in the fridge. Just stir a teaspoon or so in to the soup before serving. A Jewish grandma I know calls chicken soup "Jewish penicillin" and she ought to know.

Miso soup is good for what ails you--and if nothin' ails you, it's good anyway!

If it's a cold with congestion, hot-and-sour soup will clear you up, no worries.

Well, for a start, it's in Wales....(Welsh blood here, grin). I haven't had a real vacation since about 1996--no cash. I miss the air, the rain (yes, seriously!) the wonderful scent of green things (you don't notice it until you've lived here for awhile), the hospitable people. And I love that bridge in Cardiff with the friendly, smiling gargoyles!

I know...and I miss it so much I can hardly breathe. Even though I know it has changed out of all recognition since the late 80s when I was there.

In Wales....sigh...lordy I miss Cardiff.

Groovy wrote: "Probably sick from allergies like my household, Orinoco.

Anastasia, what language are you teaching?"

"Quenya" is Elvish. As in Tolkein.

Hey, where is everybody?

I've read the book about Bob the cat...it's interesting.

Ah, youth....