Ask The Person Below You A Question: that tricky third thread...

Neighbours' rooftops and then beautiful hills behind with one very resplendent church steeple. I am SO lucky with this.

Is your nearest river within walking distance?

Panoramic view of neighbouring fields and village with Nottingham city on the horizon. Always wanted a home with a view and finally got it on retirement.

What age did you marry?

19. Very young but not that unusual then

What do you think is an ideal age to have a first child ?

When you’ve been in a job long enough to get maternity allowance and maternity leave. Ideally, I’d choose early 20’s, but my DCs think differently.

Are you a bit OCD about anything- pegging out clothes, arranging things in the dishwasher etc?

I tend to peg out bra, pants, bra, pants, etc on the washing line nearest the house - I kid myself that they're less likely to be seen from the opposite windows, (it's strung in three lines) with tops in the centre and trousers, sheets or towels on the furthest one.

Are there/were there any centenarians in your family?

Sadly no.

Are you going on a holiday this year despite Covid?

No, my family made 79 but my husband's mum has not long died - 93.

How do you deal with family fall-outs? Are you 'let's talk about this person' or a 'let's brush it under the carpet person'?

We haven’t really had any, we’ve been lucky. Our English SIL doesn’t speak to his mother because of some difference they’ve had and I just think it is ridiculous.

If you are having dessert, what would be your favourite?

Creme Caramel , or possibly Eton Mess.. mmmm.

Are you having a roast lunch today? A special one for Father's Day maybe?

No . We went to Mowgli in Oxford for a delicious lunch .

Do you have a sound bar for your television?

No, I dont like it to be too intrusive.

Do you have a holiday or weekend away planned for this year?

Yes we have a couple booked. They will be self catering, and in UK.

Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Or would you like to?

Yes in Norther Norway, just before lockdown. A bit underwhelming.

Are you religious or spiritual.?

I'm a pagan so yes I'm spiritual.

Do you still use imperial measurements and weights?

Yes because I have an online business selling to Americans who still use imperial. However I can use metric equally.

Have you ever travelled to a country with a totalitarian regime in power at the time?

I have travelled in Syria and Iran.

No, I would feel uncomfortable about visiting a country with an extreme political regime.

Do any famous people share your birthday?

Yes! Paul Cezanne; Dolly Parton; and man of the moment - John Bercow!

Tell us four things that you can see right now...

My TV
Remote control
Waste paper bin
Dining table
Phone

How do you get rid of cooking smells in your kitchen (not air freshener/sprays) ?

I have an extractor fan and I just open the window if needed.

Have you ever worked in retail?

Yes, a lovely independent gift and greeting card shop.

Have you ever gone into the big outdoors somewhere to watch the sunrise?

On holiday as a child we were pulled out of bed to see the sunrise at Lowestoft - the most easterly town in England. Dad had always wanted to meet a man who lived there and did the same thing each morning. We met and shook hands. Dad was happy but I don't think we young 'uns were quite so impressed.

Are there any complicated recipes which you'd like to master?

Not really, not these days. I never really did like complicated recipes, in particular those which require lots of ingredients.

Does anyone do embroidery these days? Do you remember when lots of us embroidered table mats etc?

I was taught to embroider by my grandmother and I still go back to it from time to time. Also crazy Indian (as in Asian) patchwork which is lots of random pieces which are then embroidered and embellished. A very soothing and relaxing pastime while watching TV.

What are your favorite flavours of ice cream? Mine are pistacio and dark chocolate together.

Choc chip.

Do you eat chocolate every day?
(We are in the habit of having a small chocolate treat after dinner - maybe half a Bounty bar or one Twirl bar (my favourite )

Not a chocolate person - my weakness is Vanilla Fudge (Thornton’s preferably)

Do you read novels? I used to be a voracious reader, but now stick to newspapers articles - no patience or staying power