tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post8130437060456981138..comments2023-10-11T04:09:53.564-07:00Comments on materfamilias writes: Another Friday, Still in Bordeaux, and Five More "Things"materfamiliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-229778040735269022016-10-31T23:38:14.435-07:002016-10-31T23:38:14.435-07:00You absolutely don't need to apologise, but I ...You absolutely don't need to apologise, but I so appreciate your impulse to "reciprocate" the work I put into my posts -- it's true that the reader feedback is what keeps me going!<br />And yes, it is such a gift to know someone (and she's a very lovely someone, in truth) is caring for "my" garden -- I steeled myself to let it go, to accept that I couldn't control its future, but secretly, of course, I continue to carry it with me....materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-29407267492977250962016-10-31T08:55:03.527-07:002016-10-31T08:55:03.527-07:00Definitely. We do seem to get lost in the minutia...Definitely. We do seem to get lost in the minutiae of our lives. Even a day out locally with no agenda helps, but being completely adrift turns everything upside down and I love that. When you come to the UK, let me know!Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01588437065757203375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-35550709562566656792016-10-30T11:25:39.782-07:002016-10-30T11:25:39.782-07:00Meant to say, it must be lovely to know someone is...Meant to say, it must be lovely to know someone is taking good care of "your" garden and able to give you updates.<br />Rosie Rosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718521437964866609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-2521219662888958672016-10-30T11:23:07.953-07:002016-10-30T11:23:07.953-07:00Hi Frances ..sorry it's been a while! I know t...Hi Frances ..sorry it's been a while! I know that I dont need to apologise but you do such great posts that I like to reciprocate by commenting ...creating a dialogue between us and sometimes Dottoressa :) which I always enjoy. Please take time for yourself ...your thoughts. . Paul and your family but don't stop blogging ...you'd create such a void that so many if us would feel. We'd miss you!<br />Time away as a couple is so important I feel ...It takes us back to the early years ...to when we were young and had just met. Puts a spring in our steps and joy in our hearts.<br />I love family time, but time just the two of us is special too. Great selfie of you both by the way. Good to be so comfortable with the language to be able to abbreviate certain comments.<br />Be kind to yourself ...relax and live in the moment.<br />Rosie<br />ps I really love your new bag too ..great purchase :) Rosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718521437964866609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-50084326824903283222016-10-30T09:21:45.538-07:002016-10-30T09:21:45.538-07:00It's really a strong and inherently disgusting...It's really a strong and inherently disgusting smell -- have I just ignored it or is it less prevalent so far "out West"? I'd be content to keep missing it, I must say!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-24701267409176690642016-10-30T09:20:39.333-07:002016-10-30T09:20:39.333-07:00Yes, Eleonore, you understand exactly what I mean ...Yes, Eleonore, you understand exactly what I mean re the blog, although I'd be content enough with something like extended journal entries, not necessarily essays. And I do like to maintain the social aspect as well AND to preserve my time for simply living -- I do get considerable satisfaction about having stretched to the more in-depth posts re Ferrante, but they're much more time-consuming. We'll see. I sympathise re the near-rant and the wish to find time to write those thoughts out -- especially since you are still working full time.<br />That's precisely why I wanted the gingko, because of that wonderful light in late autumn when it's so much needed. They are such a saturated gold. Interesting re the debate about indigenous vs. introduced species -- I've often felt the same way about the sometimes vehement campaign at home about the Himalayan blackberry. I love making jam from these and many of our indigenous animals, birds, have come to count on them as food as well. And I'm not at all confident we can turn the clock back to get the local ecologies as they once were nor stop travel so they could be protected. . .materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-75766946137834718132016-10-30T08:11:33.028-07:002016-10-30T08:11:33.028-07:00No way! So good thing we moved, then, and I'll...No way! So good thing we moved, then, and I'll have to stay tuned to find out if our male ginkgo should start spewing fruit -- I did some research after reading this, and apparently it happens because the "male" trees sold at nurseries have often been grafted onto a female stock.... Oh dear, I smell trouble. . . materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-44521158179954389682016-10-30T07:54:59.280-07:002016-10-30T07:54:59.280-07:00Ginkos are amazing. And among their more amazing t...Ginkos are amazing. And among their more amazing tricks is that they can change sex! So you may have a ginko that goes along nicely without any of the really gross-smelling fruit, and then suddenly from one season to the next it will turn female and start spouting nasty berries. A real dilemma for cities, since ginkos' hardiness makes them great urban street trees. That's why you see all the ginkos cut down all of a sudden.Ellienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-53043372517984289782016-10-30T07:46:28.638-07:002016-10-30T07:46:28.638-07:00I've been exposed to that gingko vomit smell s...I've been exposed to that gingko vomit smell since childhood - bizarrely, on every street I've lived there's been one of those lady-tree suckers. So revolting! I'm amazed you managed to avoid it for so long :-)K.Linehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350615302797686048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-40326178714882929222016-10-30T06:04:25.175-07:002016-10-30T06:04:25.175-07:00I forgot to add that I am very glad fou you that y...I forgot to add that I am very glad fou you that your island garden is being looked after properly and that you can enjoy the memory without too much pain.Eleonorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-45823514873166124132016-10-30T05:59:44.550-07:002016-10-30T05:59:44.550-07:00The way I understand your first paragraph you woul...The way I understand your first paragraph you would like to move your blog from a journal or series of letters to your friends towards something like an essay – at least from time to time. But then, the necessary reflection (or research even) demand time and might get into conflict with the social aspects of your blog (which I enjoy and look forward to as do most of your readers.) I sympathize with your need to explore some ideas more profoundly, so I hope you will just give yourself the time when you feel you need it.<br />The other day, in a conversation with a colleague, I caught myself ranting about the way History is being taught in German schools. I stopped myself and thought I’d better write it all down, now I wonder if I’ll ever have the time to do so…<br />There is a Gingko tree in my street which I love mostly because of the wonderful golden colour it takes on when most other trees are shedding their leaves, which is about now. Like a light shining in the dark months of the year. I would like to plant one close to my future house, but I am not so sure my future neighbours will agree. Some of them feel very strongly about “introduced species”. A debate which always fills me with misgivings, because quite often there seems to be a slightly xenophobic tinge to it. <br />Eleonorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-29157047305414658352016-10-30T01:29:53.422-07:002016-10-30T01:29:53.422-07:00Too funny! We only had about 12 years to watch our...Too funny! We only had about 12 years to watch ours, but it was already at perhaps 5 or 6 when we planted it, so it was almost at 15 by then. And do note that if yours is male you needn't worry about smell. My chats at nurseries suggest that, in Canada at least, the males are the only ones you'll be able to buy easily.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-3364015616127682752016-10-30T01:27:35.365-07:002016-10-30T01:27:35.365-07:00You're very kind, encouraging, and it's cl...You're very kind, encouraging, and it's clear that I have company who shares some of my unquiet about the blogging. And yes, something about striking a workable rhythm. . . we'll get there, right?<br />(and note that only the female ginkgo trees fruit -- I'm guessing most gardeners would choose to go the male route...)materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-9054167772618790002016-10-30T01:16:00.967-07:002016-10-30T01:16:00.967-07:00Re Ginkos , we planted one when we moved into this...Re Ginkos , we planted one when we moved into this house forty years ago as we liked the unusual shape of the leaves . After reading our garden books we panicked & returned to the nursery to change it . We knew we couldn't cope with a tree hundreds of feet high . The nurseryman assured us we would be dead & gone before that happened . It has now reached the mighty height of 15 feet & we're not expecting fruit anytime soon . Interesting to know they are smelly .<br />Wendy in YorkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-83156586432673600762016-10-29T23:27:45.601-07:002016-10-29T23:27:45.601-07:00Frances , I am reading this at 06.20 ( new GMT) af...Frances , I am reading this at 06.20 ( new GMT) after old BST gone - so that's us heading towards winter proper. Very enjoyable read and I learned something new about Ginko- I have only seen the trees in Cambridge ( UK ) in Autumn where they are beautiful , but had no idea about the fruit being smelly, now I have a note to self to investigate.I really don't think you should worry about your blog, and it not being where you want it to be - although it is something I understand. These days I cant get into any kind of rhythm of writing - and sometimes wonder if me constantly snapping and sharing on Instagram makes me lazy and a bit shy and self conscious of boring readers with more of the same. And while I ahve plenty of thoughts whizzing around, I don't have or make the time to draw them together.Reading these 5 things post I appreciated the balance of observation with a thoughtful hint of analysis, and lots to return to when you are in different circumstances . I look forward to more of your writing :) Marobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072482102236818383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-45816985407923647562016-10-29T23:03:56.593-07:002016-10-29T23:03:56.593-07:00It was so long ago that I should watch it again,as...It was so long ago that I should watch it again,as well as a lot of Chaplin's or Buster Keaton's films :-)<br />DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-90122858898329844022016-10-29T08:24:24.122-07:002016-10-29T08:24:24.122-07:00Exactly right, B! I felt as if I wanted some reall...Exactly right, B! I felt as if I wanted some really clear demarcation. I know there will come a time when I'm happy to look back and reminisce about our old home, but right now, I'm finding it best (safest?!) to keep looking ahead, and this trip helps.<br />The French subtitles aren't always available, but they make such a difference to following the soundtrack for me -- I think those of us who are avid readers often have/need an imaginary spool of printed words to accompany our conversations. . . . Fanciful, I know, but part of me (and she's been perching since about 5 years old) is always converting sound into printed words. Glad to know I'm not alone. materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-72483356319622923362016-10-29T08:20:54.637-07:002016-10-29T08:20:54.637-07:00Thanks for the reassurance, Ceri B. As I say to Ch...Thanks for the reassurance, Ceri B. As I say to Charlene, above, it's more the need to fulfil some personal goals here that I'm trying to sort out -- you guys are always great! ;-)materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-44305098708434656792016-10-29T08:14:23.183-07:002016-10-29T08:14:23.183-07:00Wow! I would buy those tickets -- What a great com...Wow! I would buy those tickets -- What a great combination. The organist last night improvised all the music, and the overall result was so engaging. Have you seen Metropolis? I'd forgotten how powerful it was, despite the rather campy effect of the overdone make-up, stage expressions of the day, of silent film. materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-41087108090136809172016-10-29T08:11:51.790-07:002016-10-29T08:11:51.790-07:00Yes we do, and a Marriage of such vintage deserves...Yes we do, and a Marriage of such vintage deserves special care, right? I agree that your boating time together must serve the same purpose -- it's good to be isolated for a while in each other's company, to slow down and remember the delights that drew you together.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-63725590252445774572016-10-29T08:09:54.418-07:002016-10-29T08:09:54.418-07:00The film in the cathedral was very cool -- have yo...The film in the cathedral was very cool -- have you ever seen Metropolis? It's an astonishingly powerful commentary on industrial capitalism and the gap between rich and poor, and as my husband commented, the starting point for many of the Special Effects that fascinate him. -- Sadly, the standard rush-seated chairs were scarcely comfortable and we had to endure a 20-minute explanation of the Organ Campaign's funding efforts before we could begin listening and viewing, considerably diminishing the romantic effect!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-20349603013221098052016-10-29T08:06:40.729-07:002016-10-29T08:06:40.729-07:00It will happen, yes! That's something else I&#...It will happen, yes! That's something else I'm sorting my way towards, visiting you and the Scottish crew as well. And no reason we can't fit Ceri in B there as well, right?materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-90535912834358225662016-10-29T08:05:27.335-07:002016-10-29T08:05:27.335-07:00You're so kind, Charlene, but not to worry. . ...You're so kind, Charlene, but not to worry. . . If there's stress, it's the productive kind. I'm just sorting out the difference between where I am and where I want to get to. At the moment, I need to clear more time/space to dig a bit deeper in my posts, just to satisfy myself. But it's easy to get caught up in detailing the everyday, particularly when it's a different and interesting day-to-day. And there's the undeniable time spent on responding to comments, which I enjoy, but which, again, puts a hurdle in the way of writing for myself. Not every post needs to be deep and thought-provoking, as you say, but some have to be for my own satisfaction. I'll sort it, though, and meanwhile very happy to have you here.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-10486655354698460422016-10-29T08:02:08.752-07:002016-10-29T08:02:08.752-07:00Yes. Intense and liberating is exactly right. Some...Yes. Intense and liberating is exactly right. Sometimes too intense, and we often have a good squabble (or two!), and I think it's good to have time for that as well. Stuff that gets pushed aside, or under, during the day to day, but really needs room to be exposed so as not to fester. <br />Do you also notice that you find yourselves laughing with (even at, in the best, fondest way) each other again and recognising how much you'd missed each other? materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-2499681347628663802016-10-29T07:59:47.696-07:002016-10-29T07:59:47.696-07:00We were scarcely in Paris this last visit, but I d...We were scarcely in Paris this last visit, but I do imagine that what you heard would have been very much influenced by hearing more young speakers. We were just chatting with our French tutor about the disappearance (fluctuation, at least) of rules around liaisons. And I remember how surprised I was, the first time we were in France, some 25 years ago, hearing the cab driver say, "j'sais pas." -- Where did the "ne" go? They never taught us that in school! ;-)<br />Thanks for the encouragement, Georgia. I always enjoy your comments..materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.com