Weeping and wailing - and wiping.

Watching ETTC at the moment because it's in Cambridgeshire so hoping to see some familiar areas.

So far DH has shouted, 'You said you were downsizing so how much bloody room do you want FFS?'

Off to a good start

merlotgran do we have the same DH? Or can I just hear yours? Now, if you had 5 acres in the middle of nowhere I wouldnt hear him.

Blinko DH watches it sometimes and I annoy him by drifting in and out and making remarks such as 'How on earth have they got a budget of £1.3million?'
'What are they going to do in that kitchen? Hold a dance?'
'Mind the beams!!' as 5'2" woman saying 'ooh, lovely' is followed by 6' 6" partner!
'Who's going to clean all those bathrooms?'

There was one on not long ago in a place we know - with an extremely difficult sloping garden - why would you buy that when retiring?

I think I like your DH merlotgran, we could shout at the screen together

We have two acres in the middle of nowhere, Gill

DH is now a happy bunny as he's just seen one of his farming mates. I just like the crisps

merlotgran

How I agree with so many of these comments. What about those who cry then distort their faces so that they can wipe any mascara runs from under their eyes. USE A HANKIE! And then there are those on Escape to the Country who want a traditional country cottage and then complain about low ceilings and beams, not to mention (but I will) those who gave a budget of over a million pounds. If you can't find something for yourself with that budget, you don't deserve it - am I being cynical? Of course I am.

We 'downsized' once to a lovely village but a conversion of a very old police station. Consequently, it was gorgeous to look at (the old cells were our kitchen with the bars on the Windows etc) but we had the proverbial master bedroom with ensuite up three flights of stairs! Everything you wanted was either on the top floor or ground floor. I got so fit vacuuming those stairs etc and running up and down, cleaning three bathrooms! What were we thinking of? I loved the village, the people, made good friends but the house!

We then got our sensible heads on, bought a bungalow on the outskirts of a small market town, easy walk everywhere, bus stop outside, all the shops you need for every day, masses of clubs and societies if you want to join, etc etc. It's not romantic but very practical and suitable for if either of us are left alone. I wish I could put that last phrase in very small writing because I'm whispering it!

Yes why is the stray tissue always in the dark wash - is that somebody's law ?
My requests on Escape to the Country would be an ensuite shower room as I don't like to share with guests and a utility room for white goods. It would double as a dog drying, feeding room. No conservatory for me and definitely no more than two stories.

I too love this thread! I use an old fashioned hankie - well, more than one - aren't they more hygienic than tissues everywhere? Certainly cheaper.
And those people who stir something in a saucepan and taste it - or even offer it to someone else to taste - and then put the spoon back in!!!! AAAaarrrggghh.
What about the Grand Designs where you see young couples (where did they get all that money?) deciding on taps that cost £1,000 each! (Mind you, I love the £100,000 houses.)
This thread could run and run...................

Exactly my thoughts on Escape to the Country which is also my guilty secret to watch when I'm not working. The older house hunters always end up being interested in a property which is far bigger than where they currently are and why they need acres and acres of land, and in the middle of nowhere is beyond me. Agree absolutely with previous comments on lack of shops, gp and transport for when they can no longer drive. And today's episode in Cambridgeshire with the spiral staircase? As for tissues, I can never be without them. Much more hygienic than the linen handkerchiefs used by DH which need spraying before going in a hot wash-yuk!

I know I shouldn't but I get incensed at people who go on quizz programmes and don't know very simple stuff.
I have to say that I'm in 2 quizz teams and quizz at least once a week. I watch all quizz programmes to keep the mind sharp and learn more facts, I also have to read a lot of 'stuff'
I've just literally sworn at the tv again ( Tipping point) A woman of about 60 didn't know who Sir Stuart Rose is. Grrrrrrr.

My pet hate is when chefs/cooks have a tea towel over their shoulder or tucked into their belt. I dread to think what germs it contains and what they use it for!

Jalima, glad I'm not alone then..

The other great joy on Escape to the Country is the couple who want a character cottage and then complain about the small windows! They obviously have no grasp of social history at all. And then there are the people who want to be self sufficient! I've done self sufficiency with chickens, goats, pigs and even a couple of calves, and it's bloody hard work. It's also 24/7 and doesn't leave much time for entertaining in that ludicrously large kitchen

What a great thread, various different themes but all hugely relateable(?) to me. Its nice to know that many people think along similar lines - and speak to their TVs.

or send telepathic messages to contestants who don't know the answers

jalima
I have to say that I do cheer on young people who answer political, history, world events questions when I wouldn't expect them to know the answer.

Oh Yes. Yelling at contestants is great fun. Calling them dim-wits because they think Queen Victoria signed the Magna Carta.

Heehee, ETTC is only any good if the lovely Alistair Appleton is presenting it.
I like his chilled attitude, sometimes he can hardly be bothered speaking so just smiles instead.
So many leople want to'chat to guests whilst they are doing the cooking'.......really? My worst nightmare.

Leople? people!

A contestant on The Chase this evening was very proud that she had been in the travel industry for eons.
One of her questions: the meridian line goes through France and then what country: her answer: Belgium!!!
Sorry to be so critical but geography is my favourite subject.

yes, but the Greenwich meridian is the only one that matters

(ducks for cover)

jalima
I didn't put Greenwich as to me Greenwich is the only one. I spent most of my school holidays playing there. I have a very soft spot for the park.

Oh dear! GN opened on the last couple of posts for some reason this morning and I re-read the meridian question.
For some reason, because France was mentioned, I took it to mean the Paris meridian, not the internationally recognised Greenwich meridian.

I would be no good whatsoever on one of these quiz programmes as I would be arguing the toss if there was any ambiguity whatsoever in the questions