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It was always in my Mum’s medicine box. Perfect for upset tums. I think there was a brand called Dr Collision Brown.

We have , unusually , no plans for this weekend .
Are you going to be busy ?

No because Im getting over a bad attack of noravirus (winter vomiting bug). I felt really ill for three days but still had to take care of my business. So taking it easy and looking after myself this weekend.

Have you (or your family) had any of these "bugs" that are going around this winter? They are terribly infectious.

Sorry to hear that biglouis. Get well soon.

My family all had that horrible cold/cough earlier this year/late last year. I didn't catch it, strangely.

Have you got a decent pair of wellington boots? And do you wear them much? I bought some new ones late last winter and have not had a need to wear them yet. No snow/floods here etc. this winter.

Yes Ive got some wellies with special studs on them so I dont slip on the ice. Not needed them this year so they are in a kitched cupboard.

Did you have a lie in this morning?

I got up at 8 am as I wanted to do a photo shoot and its dry outside.

No never do. Always awake at6, and up and showered by 7.

Do you have a regular bed time ?

I usually go to bed between 10.30 and 11.30.

Do you remember your dreams?

Yes I remember dreams. I have quite vivid dreams, often have one where people who have long since died are back and I have a chat with them which is quite nice. My late husband never remembered any of his dreams.

Are you going to watch the final episode of Call the Midwife tonight? Ive just got back from a trip to Scotland and am looking forward to sitting down to watch it.

I’ve never even seen part of an episode of Call The Midwife!

I’ll be watching the final episodes of Endeavour this week.
I’m a huge fan of Roger Allam.
(In the style of MrsKen, I could be MrsRoger 🥰)

Do you like TV detective series? Any favourites?
I’m definitely at the ‘cosy’ end of the spectrum, rather than the ‘gritty’ end

Bore Da Fanny

Yes I always liked Morse and Shetland until it went off piste. Hinterland and Hidden were my favourites though.

How about childhood television series. What did you rush home from school to watch?

I loved Heidi and the Secret Garden.

At what age were you when your family had a TV? I was 7 when we bought our first one.

I was born early 60’s & can’t remember us ever not having a tv, it was a black and white rented one, no push buttons, it had a dial you had to rotate to change stations as we called them then. Every now and then we had to bang it on top to stop the picture from flickering.

Can you remember when you got your first home telephone. I was about 13 and we were on a party line and weren’t allowed to stay on chatting for very long. The telephone was two tone green.

Got my first when I moved into a flat (mid 1960s) where a phone was left and paid £5 reconnection fee. Big black bakelite one. Neighbours thought I was posh to be on the phone and kept nipping in to use it. I pretty soon got fed up with them and stopped answering the door. My parents were not on the phone til the 1970s.

Same question please.

I was confined to bed with rheumatic fever in 1954. My dad came and carried me downstairs for a surprise. A little tiny television. It was wonderful.

How about colour television. When did you have that?

We had our first phone put in when I was about six. My dad was going to be working in New Zealand for a year and mum felt she needed one for emergencies.
I don't remember when we had our first colour TV.

What do you like to do if you have a completely free day?

Most of my days are free with no obligations and I spend them pleasing myself with my creative hobbies.

Same question again please.

There is always work to do for my business so I seldom take the entire day off. When I do I binge watch Netflix or read a book.

How old were you when you got a bank account with cheque book?

I was 16 and just starting in the city libraries. I was paid by bank transfer so had no choice. The only other person I knew with a bank account was my grandmother. My parents did not have one until the 1970s. Most things were still cash in those days.

I was 16 when I got my first current account, I had just started working in a bank, I got a very pretty cheque book with a picture of a dormouse on. I paid for most things by cheque when I went shopping.

Do you ever use cheques now? I really can’t remember when I last used my cheque book or received a cheque.

I haven't written a cheque for years. I still have a few cheques left but doubt I will use them.

What age were you when you retired or when do you hope to retire? I was 66

I was 60 when I retired and so thankful that I was able to before they raised the age.

Have you enjoyed retirement or would you prefer to be still working?

I havnt really retired as I still run an online business. Im glad I no longer have to answer to an employer.

The bit I enjoy is being able to eat, sleep and wake up without anyone telling me when to and not having to commute, or dress a certain way.

Have you ever thought of turning a bobby or pastime into a business or side hustle?

I love wandering around antique fairs and vintage shops and have picked up quite a few nice bits and pieces. I would have loved to run a vintage shop with a little cafe at the back but it’s too late in life now and in the current climate probably too risky. I have thought about putting a few things on Etsy.

Is there anything you head for in vintage or antique shops? It’s books & jewellery for me, I also love old advertising tins if they’re in good condition.

Vintage jewellery and small accessories like compacts and purses. Also things in beautiful fabrics with embroidery and embellishments.

Same question please.

Oh heavens, I could collect loads of things but don’t have the room in my tiny house.
I’ve got some wonderful Royal Crown Derby animals.

I’ve got a really extensive Denby collection which was second hand and a gift from a generous relative.
I’d like to collect compacts too but don’t have the room to display them, so there’s no point, ditto old Royal memorabilia and Suffragette memorabilia.

I’ve got lots of Morris & Co bits and bobs, if I see anything unusual I have to buy it (Next do gorgeous Morris & Co dressing gowns - I’ve got two and have to stop myself from buying more).
And I have a huge jewellery collection.
I’m quite spoiled actually

Same question please!

Nothing specific , just things that catch my eye. Paintings drawings or etchings by old tutors. Wooden boxes. Big Victorian was bowls for planting up with hyacinths. But I have a very strong sense of what I like so many things are discarded.

Did you ever have a job where you worked at night ?

No but my DH did. His shifts were very disruptive to family life.

Do you ever wish that you hadn't been told something about someone you know?