Loving the sunshine after such a miserable week!
A few times, I worried I'm Toad - and not in a good way. The opening description with him being mad for a new activity and then losing interest hit a little close to home.
Graham was the head of the Bank of England when he wrote it, which is sort of incongruous. But I guess we all want to build that bridge that connects us to our children, and our inner child. We want that magic that we used to see everywhere.
One thing I found interesting, we think of the rise in anxiety and depression in young people as a recent thing except Mole clearly has anxiety and depression, Eeyore was depressed and Gregory Guinea Pig was depressed in Rupert the Bear (from memory). It's odd that these books all have a main character with these traits - saying to me it was obviously quite common and just thought of as normal.
HEARD This cheery ditty on repeat at the moment.
WORE Masks. My husband got COVID so we are back to testing daily and wearing the N95 masks when we go out. He's upstairs and we're downstairs but I'd forgotten what a pain it all is. Also been wearing the same 3 outfits over and over this week as I don't want to go upstairs to get more clothes. So wash and repeat. On the plus, no make up needed with a mask. Ha!
I also wore my leggings for the first time this year, I got them in 2018 and they gave money to elephant conservation, made out of recycled bottles - all the good stuff. However, they are losing the elasticity so will need to be replaced. The company CYA is no more, so any tips on good leggings would be appreciated.
LASTLY I went to a MTV party and I went in this monkey suit - I even had the worms to eat! I had ordered big ears to attach but they didn't show up in time. Two people recognised who I was, interestingly, Guns'n'Roses, either Axel or Slash were the most popular outfits. It actually was a really great theme, as you could talk to people about who they were and then their best concert or their latest concert or even if they were going to one that was on nearby this week...
Dear Lydia-Mel,
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderfully rich post – from vintage leggings to vintage children’s books and everything in between! I’m so sorry to hear that your husband has Covid – wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery, and strength to you both as you navigate the masks and tests and isolation dance once more. 😷❤️
Your thoughts on Wind in the Willows and the quiet presence of depression in classic children's literature really resonated with me. These characters reflected emotional lows that were once seen as part of the human experience, labelled as “melancholy” rather than a medical emergency. I sometimes think we’ve lost a bit of nuance in how we approach emotions today.
Your Botanic Garden memory is absolutely priceless! 🐾
Sending sunny wishes and positive vibes your way! 🌼
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/05/freundinnen-tag-in-der-klimt-villa-und.html
I hope your isolation measures will be effective with no spread of Covid, and that your husband will recover completely. Our brilliant government is about to cancel immunizations, so we might face a lot of what you are facing now.
ReplyDeleteHave a good search for leggings… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
We can get the booster but none of us bothered (husband and I are 4 shots each but sort of forgotten about it....)
DeleteThe Wind in the Willows was my grandmother's favourite book ever, so whenever I think about it I think about her!
ReplyDeleteHope your husband is feeling better and you don't get Covid!
Have a good week.
Ugh. Covid. Hope it's contained upstairs.
ReplyDeleteI tend to like kids' books better than books for grownups---who knows why?
Thank you for the reminder to get to reading The Wind in the Willows. I would like to join in the discussion, also. Never read it as a child although I think I carried around a copy from the library for a while. Same with Anne of Green Gables. Liked the covers but couldn't get into the books.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the costume party was great fun. And you are right, having costumes would give folks something to chat about. That would certainly help me in the small talk department.
Hope you stay well and the hubs is soon on the mend. Yay for no makeup.
Interesting thoughts about Wind in the Willows. Hope your husband has improved and no one else caught it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on Wind in the Willows Lydia, I hadn't read it before which surprised me and I have mixed feelings about it now that I've read it. I get your thoughts on the melancholy of some characters and how they were just accepted as being like that. Times have hanged that's for sure. Hopefully everyone improves for you soon and Covid keeps its distance from you. Love the tights!
ReplyDeleteDebbie #Teamwwwhimsy
I wasn’t especially attached to Wind in the Willows as a child but my children loved having me read it to them. I’m back to wearing my mask again for winter. My partner has an immunity issue so it’s for him. Also for him, I’m about to have my 9th Covid booster
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, I'm aware of The Wind in the Willows but can't remember the storyline? I can't believe you wore that monkey suit. I'd love to see a photo! Those leggings look great on you. Shame they're wearing out. I can't recommend a brand for a new pair as I don't wear leggings cos they don't look any good on me and my short legs! Good luck on the Covid front. I dread it's next visit to this house! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy ! xo
ReplyDeleteI never really got into The Wind In The Willows at all. I know that it's very English-centric (the country). It's almost like Covid is still around but 'meh'...we have had, wait for it...9 of the vaccines. Hopefully will stay covid free but we both got it at the end of 2023. As for clothing and where to get it..no idea to help you. Sorry. Denyse x
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, I loved Wind in the Willows as a child and also enjoyed the television series. You made some great points which I also thought of as well so I'm looking forward to our book club discussion. I love your leggings. My running friend has the most colourfully patterned leggings. She never wears black or a solid colour just lively and fun. Have a lovely June. Sue L #WWWhimsy x
ReplyDeleteOMG! Great MTV party outfit - I'd forgotten all about the Bloodhound Gang, I used to love them so much! Sorry to hear about the Covid - masks and isolation, just like the good old days. Side note, how cute is your pup and I never knew Grahame was the head of the Bank of England. Mind blown!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how we tend to think our times and experiences are unique, isn't it Lydia? Then you read books or watch documentaries about other times and realize, we are truly more alike than different.
ReplyDeleteI hope your husband is feeling better soon! I'm not sure I've ever read The Wind in the Willows; though I know the basic premise of the story.
ReplyDeleteUgh, Covid. Hope it’s gone soon.
ReplyDeleteThat first song does have a very happy vibe. Thanks for sharing. So sorry the hubby is down with Covid. What a pill! Stay well, my friend and have a boogietastic week! xo
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I hope your husband gets better.
ReplyDeleteI hope your husband is feeling better and will test negative soon so you cn end your isolation. I enjoyed the music and also the discussion of Wind in the Willows. That's a classic I don't remember from my childhood, nor did I read it to my son. I never thought of depressed characters in children's books but you're right!
ReplyDeleteLove your leggings, the beautiful flowers and that cute pup. Awww.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week, Lydia. Hugs. ♥
Oh man, that sucks that he has Covid but I hope he gets better soon. I have to say I have not heard of these songs. I was thinking the Monkees...lol. then I saw the video.
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