Hello again!
Well that was a bit of a disaster, and I am referring to the year 2023! It began with ill-health (‘flu and Covid) and ended with ill-health (bronchitis). I’ve been out of action since the 15th December. We cancelled everything before Christmas, Christmas itself, and everything afterwards, with Mr F getting the cough shortly after me. And by ‘everything’ I mean cancelling all the lovely friends and family we were going to see and/or entertain.
And neither are we in my favourite place, Dungeness, on the writing retreat as, while I am just about at turning point with this dratted virus, Mr F is still really poorly. I’ve been told by the doc that this is ‘the’ virus of the season and half of Lewes has this bug, and what’s more the cough goes on for weeks. But I began writing this blog post on the 5th of January and I do feel as if some energy is returning as I feel as though I could write for a solid hour, when before all I could manage was a short email.
This whole experience of succumbing to viruses in the winter is not unusual but I do feel like I could do without any more. Btw, before you ask, I take a strong multi-vitamin 3 times a week, extra Vitamin D every day, plus Zinc and Magnesium, and a pro-biotic. I eat many organic vegetables throughout the week (up to 25-30 different ones as I try to follow the advice from the Zoe programme) and we eat meat or fish every other day. I now feel like punching ill-health and indeed ageing in the face, which is a better attitude to have than the exhausted flopping around that I have been doing for the last 3 weeks. Soon I aim to be back to my daily walks, my 1-2-1 with my Personal Trainer and Pilates class and doing the exercises with weights in between.
And here’s another health hack I want you all to listen to – and heed. At the end of November I went for my annual Mole Clinic skin check, which some might think excessive, but I never have as I have pale Scottish skin and burnt myself to a crisp as a teenager in the vain hope of going ‘brown’. Err, people with Scotish DNA don’t go brown! Well, readers, they found an abnormal mole and I’m having that out this week. It will go to the lab and I shall know the results shortly after and of course, I’ll let you know what’s what. But listen. I am very clued up about these skin cancers, and this mole? I would never ever have bothered anyone about as it’s so small and innocuous. But it wasn’t nothing, it’s something. So, if you have pale skin, freckles and moles, I’m telling you, get yourself checked.
So, enough of my travails, I shall now ponder books, films, clothes, makeup, and, and, I am going to do this, politics, because, this is not just a fashion blog and as this is a review of 2023 some things have to be said. And note I’ve broken the review into two parts as I think it would be too long to put out into one blog 🙂
Let’s start with the book(s) of the year. I didn’t read as many this year as I usually do, mostly due to the various illnesses I’ve had, not that I’ve kept a count. But this year if I have any resolutions at all (actually I don’t) it is that I shall write down every book I read with a short comment attached. I began this with December’s books.
So, are there any books that stand out in my memory? Yes, for me the book of my year was Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Oh My Word, what a book. This is Kingsolver’s best, I think. It’s set in the Appalachians and could, if you hadn’t read Dickens’ David Copperfield, appear to be a rather florid take on the poverty of the area and the opioid crisis. And yet it is the David Copperfield story set in the States. It’s a genius read and as I turned the pages I kept realising, ‘oh yes, of course, that’s ….’ and that’s….. as the Copperfield characters turned up in their American guise. Loved every moment of this book, and what’s more I savoured it as I read it as I am guilty of speed-reading through books that bore me.
I read the Kingsolver book at the beginning of the year and ended it with one other book of the year. A Christmas present from Mr F, it is The Zone of Interest by Martin Amis. I’d asked for it as I know there is film coming out adapted from the book, and partly, I thought, I should read it. For me it was another genius read, as the subject is horrible and yet, it is so subtle. The book is set in Auschwitz but it does not describe the horrors of the camp instead it shows you the very essence of that phrase penned by Hannah Arendt, the banality of evil. It is about the administrators, the people who ran the place, their wives, and the lovers of these people. Read and despair, read and remember where populism, dictatorship, tyranny and hate gets you. I read every word and thought – yes, what an amazing book. I shall never forget it.
And on to films. Unlike books I faithfully write down every film I watch and amazingly I have now filled one entire little moleskin book with reviews that go from 2014. So, a new year a new book. But what of 2023? We watched 58 films (57 films in 2022) and not all were 5* films by any means. But there are some standouts which I won’t review myself but you can read if you click through: starting with The Quiet Girl – lovely but so sad. Till, and yes, that’s Emmet Till but the film is about his mother’s fight for justice. Did anyone see that? We are showing it at our local community cinema as the subject is still relevant today and worth showing. If anyone wanted to ask me my favourite film it would be Cocaine Bear – don’t judge just watch it and tell me if you don’t laugh. Then there’s Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, an attempt at greatness that failed and I’m not talking about Napoleon himself, and finally Maestro, which I thought excellent and will get some Oscars I’m sure.
But of course, I can’t pass by the Barbiheimer phenomenon. I watched Barbie earlier this year and adored it. What a film. Please, if you haven’t watched it don’t be put off by the idea that it’s all about the doll. Because, it is and it isn’t. Instead it is about the awakening of Barbie to not only her life in doll world but when she gets to the real world – look, it’s a film – she is simply amazed at the status of women, a status that doesn’t come up to her standard of women achieving all sorts of high end work and careers. Yup, it’s feminist, very feminist and wow, what a film. Really really fab, please give it a chance if you haven’t watched it. Oh and by and by, I totally adored all the references to other films in Barbie, starting with the shot of the dolls being thrown in the air – that’s the film 2001. Looking through reviews there are anything from 10-25 references – here’s a link for some of them.
I didn’t watch Oppenheimer with Barbie – phew, no thanks to that! But I recently watched the film on Amazon and it’s ok, and adequately well told, but there’s a documentary on Oppenheimer that is in my view better. And for those of you who have watched Barbie, I’d sum up the film as being too long and having too many men on horses, so Oppenheimer is not one of my films of the year.
Actually my film of the year is a documentary. It is Name Me Lawand and is about a boy who with his family crossed the Channel in a small boat (yes one of those) to get to the UK for treatment for his deafness. So far, so dreary and not for me? Oh my word, see the film if you can, as it is beautiful. First of all, it is filmed in a magical realism way, difficult to explain but it is as though you are experiencing his world. And what does he experience when he gets to the UK? Actually, mostly kindness, generosity and above all the gift of speech as he was not only deaf but dumb from lack of any education or support. It is not only lovely to watch in a cinematic way, it is lovely to watch beautiful kind people working together to give the gift of speech to one small boy. You will cry and also feel so very uplifted. A wonderful film that I will never forget. We are showing it at our local community cinema and I am so proud to bring it to a wider audience.
I’m bringing this part of the review to an end with one of my best buys of the year.
What, not a coat, again, you say! The thing is this cost only £3 and is all wool and almost vintage as its label is Richards, which is brand that is no longer. I wear it and wear it – it’s a keeper and so necessary in our nation’s climate.
That’s all for now, thank you for reading to the end and bearing with my moans at the beginning of this piece. I shall return shortly with a blog on more good buys, makeup, a bit more on health and wellness and yup some politics. But until then wishing you all a Happy New Year, and good health for the coming year.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
So sorry to hear you were both poorly over the Christmas period. So disappointing to have to cancel all those plans, but hopefully you will both be fighting fit again soon and rebooking that trip to Dungeness to recuperate.
Thanks so much Julie, hopefully good health is just round the corner! Hoping to go to Dungeness in March now 🙂
Hello, Penny
I nearly said Poor Penny but you’re recovering, so that is good and all fingers and toes are crossed that 2024 cleans up its act and treats you and Mr F much better as time goes on. It seems that every other person knows someone who’s suffering, or has been suffering from ‘the bug’ these days. And the cough! Oh, the cough!
Auntie Zepherine’s advice? Take it easy on yourself. It’s great that you’re getting your mojo back but pacing yourself is key after a bout of illness like yours. I know I’m preaching to the choir here as you’re an ex-nurse and know all the wrinkles, but maybe it needs saying from a concerned ‘other’, an ‘other’ other than your family. As my mother would say, ‘”Be told!”‘These things take their toll so be kind to yourself and just ease back into things.
Okay, you can breathe now, sermon’s over!! It’s just so good to have you back and here’s to looking forward to Part II of your Annual Review. Right now, I’d even welcome one of your political pieces over which we often disagree, but which would still be good to read because it would mean you’re really really feeling better!
Take care of each other, Penny, you and Mr F and good luck for a much improved new year, albeit a bit late. Oh, looking good in the new coat! It’s very you!
Zepherine x
Take care Penny and continue to look after yourself.
Please please please shout from the rooftops about rogue moles!!! My late husband had a tiny tiny mark appear in his head, and was told by the GP it was probably a derma fibroma, but turned out it was the worst kind of melanoma and he passed away from this. I have since continued to check any new mole. I went to my GP to check out a new mark on my leg and was told it was probably a derma fibroma!!!! Obviously I challenged the diagnosis telling her of my husbands melanoma , and I am awaiting an appointment to see a consultant.
Go with your gut feeling, it might save your life.
Good luck Penny.xxx
Hi Angie, yup I’m really clued up about skin cancer and yet I wouldn’t have bothered with this without the Mole Clinic pointing it out. So it’s excellent that i) I go to the clinic regularly and ii) that it was found. I think it’s fingers and toes crossed – I’ll keep you posted.
So very sorry you lost your husband that way but it’s great you are so assertive with your skin – well done you. Thanks Angie 🙂
I will take it easy, and actually have been, as I’ve not ventured outside for weeks now. But just about to get in the car and take Mr F to the doc’s as he’s worse than me now. We will both wrap up well and have a nice cup of tea when we get back. I think it’s good idea to have one’s chest listened to and he managed to get an appointment, which was amazing – three cheers to that!
Will start Part 2 very soon – thanks Zepherine I will take all of your advice 🙂
Wishing you a very HEALTHY New Year! Goodreads is a free website where you can track and rate the books you’ve read. When I’m looking for my next book I love being able to look back at my highest rated authors.
Thank you so much Arlene – I would so like to return to my normal self! I will look at Goodreads and see what’s on offer as I’m always keen to find the next book! 🙂
So glad you’re on the mend. Hope Mr. F bounces back quickly.
Thar coat is the best ever, & is so becoming!
Morning Penny
Good to hear from you – though (of course) sorry to hear you’ve had such a duff time. As you say, there’s a lot of ‘it’ around; we had something similar ourselves, and are only just re-entering civilisation.
Thanks for your book and film reviews. I too enjoyed Barbie; entertaining, funny and political. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it again. On the other hand I’ve seen Killers of the Flower Moon twice and would happily see it again. Likewise Maestro. Tar, Till and Oppenheimer. (Btw: I don’t mind long films but I so ish they had an intervale !) I’m lookinging forward to All of Us Strangers, released towards the end of the month.
Books: Unlike Derek, I don’t have a rule that if I start, I must finish a book. Consequently, there’s a number hanging around, partly read. I’m not big on fiction. I prefer biogs, social and political books. Being an [old] Essex girl I enjoyed The Invention of Essex by Tim Burrows (social history.) Which got me planning a trip down the estuary in spring. Talking of which, I was sorry you missed out on Duingerness this month. Fingers crossed it can be re-arranged.
Meanwhile, I hope your mole removal goes smoothly and wish Bill a complete and speedy recovery.
All the best,
Mary
Honestly this Christmas has been a washout as was the beginning of the year, but in between I have to remember I was feeling really good about myself and was quite fit as well – right up to the 14th December! So good health will return.
We haven’t see Killers for the Flower Moon but will do soon, nor have we seen Tar but it’s on my list. And yes, I usually have to read book until the end, but two have defeated me. They were Lessons by Ian McEwan – just hated the abuse story. And then as I rather liked the Harlan Coben thriller Fool Me Once which is really good, I decided to try one of his books. The consequence was that I felt quite grubby reading it – and thought nope not for me!
We will rearrange Dungeness for probably March – haven’t fixed a date and won’t until I get the results of Wednesday’s op. I’m sure the op will be fine but the results – I’m not so sure. Will let you know.
Thanks Mary – all the best to both of you 🙂
It’s great to have you back, Penny! So sorry to hear you were ill and had to miss all the fun of the holidays, but glad you’re on the mend. Time to grab it and growl, as we say around here! Everyone I know our age has a mole check once a year. Like you, I had a totally innocuous-looking “freckle” that was cancerous (easy removal), that I never would have noticed – but my doctor found it immediately.
The coat is gorgeous, too – what a find!
Made some notes for future watching based on your reviews. You’re definately delving into the sadder sides of American life – which should have the spotlight shone on them, despite how some over here object these days.
Keep up the great work – looking forward to your next post already!
Hi Mary K, Interesting you say that everyone you know has a annual mole check, not so here as, of course, it isn’t a particularly hot country but over the years people of course have gone abroad for the sun and Melanomas have increased a lot. What you have to do is you have to initiate a check. But I have gone regularly to the Mole Clinic for years and well done to it for finding this one. Will let you know what the results are.
Are you talking about Till? It is such a good film with almost, I say, almost, an uplifting feel to it as that woman achieved so much – a person to admire. Did it get much traction in the States? It’s a film that makes you think and we Brits of course, don’t truly understand the context so it was quite an education to watch. I’m so glad we are bringing it to the community cinema as I think it slipped under the radar for a lot of people.
Thanks Mary K 🙂
Hi Penny, was eagerly awaiting your next post but distressed to learn that you and Mr. F had been ill. I am happy to learn that you are both on the mend but sorry you never got away or had a holiday.
I read Demon Copperhead about a year ago and agree that it might be Kingsolver’s best. And she is one of my favorite authors. In all I read 50 books last year. Recently read Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant Of Water. I had really liked his Cutting for Stone years ago. I think you would really like this new one as well, and it takes place in India. Also on my recommendation list is Isabel Allende’s In the Midst of Winter. This was a selection for one of my book clubs. The Amis book will go on my reading list. I had not gone to an actual movie in years but did see Napoleon at the movies a week or two ago with a friend. I really wanted to see Maestro but it is no where to be found in the area. I think the only way I can see it is by subscribing to a streaming service. I have been a holdout for doing this but maybe it is the only way to see quality films. I did catch a short independent film on public TV recently, called Ball and Vase, it takes place on Christmas Eve when an elderly retired magician tries to practice his skills once more. It stars the actor Austin Pendleton as the magician. very well done. Also saw the Holdovers which a friend shared on a DVD. Good acting but the film seemed a bit predictable. I had especially wanted to see the Maestro film as my son is taking me to Lincoln Center this week to hear the New York Philharmonic play both Bernstein and Strauss. this is my Christmas present. My Daughter hosted Christmas and it was nice to get together, particularly to learn of what is going on with the grandchildren, granddaughter is in her last semester of college, about to embark on her teaching career while grandson has just finished his first semester at college.
That coat is really nice and what a buy! I just purchased a couple of casual jogger pants from of all places Eileen Fisher Renew, their online resale shop. thinking I could improve my at home style. I was surprised they even had such items but they are actually quite nice. also they will be good for Winter yoga classes. I have decided to give in person classes another try. I was missing the energy of the group.
well, I have gone on long enough. Hoping you and Mr. F are fully recovered and 2024 is a better year then the previous one.
Sending healing vibes and love from New York, Darby
Thank you so much for the book recommendations which I will take up. As for streaming services they do have an enormous amount of dross on them but on the positive side it is a very good way to see films if you miss them when they are released, or are slightly niche. Maestro is worth the watch but I guess not everyone’s cup of tea! In fact I do get some of the criticism as it failed to show his extraordinary musical reach into so many different types of music instead centring on his emotional and sexual life. But an interesting watch nevertheless and Carey Mulligan was superb as his long-suffering wife. In contrast I thought Napoleon was not a good film, it tried to be but just wasn’t, although Joachim Phoenix was magnificent.
Enjoy your Christmas present which sounds (!) amazing. Oh yes, do go for an in person class, I’m sure that will be good.
I am on the road to recovery and Mr F has started his antibiotics so is just starting on that road. It’s a nasty virus though. Hope it keeps clear of the States! Thanks Darby 🙂
I’ve heard this current virus called the 100 day cough. I hope not as I’m only 3 weeks in! Hope you’re both fully well again very soon.
Oh lawks! But I have spoken to people and the cough does apparently stay around. I’m into my 4th week and only just recovering but I didn’t need antibiotics – thank goodness as I am very intolerant. I have to keep reminding myself that up to the 15th December I felt really well, strong and fit and I’m hoping to return to that soon!!!!
Here’s to your recovery too. Thanks Pauline 🙂
What bad luck to have to cancel Christmas and your trip. Since we started getting Covid shots I haven’t had any colds or viruses neither has my husband although he lost his sense of smell and his doctor says he may have had a touch of Covid without knowing. We don’t take any supplements but we do eat ‘bottom of the fridge’ vegetable soup every day, cold in Summer and hot in Winter, it uses up any sad left over veg. Always with ginger. I know it sounds cranky and maybe it’s psychological but I believe in it.
I hope 2024 will bring you better health. Happy New Year.
Very sorry to hear that you had a nasty virus and now Mr F has it. Wishing you both better health very soon.
Demon Copperhead was my book of the year. So we’ll written and a heartbreaking tale.
My second best book was The Seven Skins of Evelyn Wilding by Holly Ringland. Absolutely loved this novel and the characters have stayed with me.
Happy New Year, Penny
Happy healthy New Year Penny.
Thank you for your blog it’s so informative xx
Oh boy, what a drag. But I’m glad you feel a lot better now. Only Mr. F needs to get up his feet again. What a pity you weren’t able to go to dungeness. Perhaps in March or so? Lovely coat! But then again I think I love all your coats.
Sorry to hear that both you and Mr F have been so unwell over the last few weeks. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better , hopefully you both will be soon. Shame that you had to cancel your Christmas celebrations and your writing retreat .
Those skin checks are so important , due to other concerns last year mine was delayed but must do that as soon as my GP returns from holidays.
That coat was a great buy .
Take care Penny.
Oh, Penny, I’m so sorry you and Mr. F have been hit with these nasty viruses. Cancelling holiday plans as well as your writing retreat must have just added insult to injury. I do hope you’re both feeling better soon (even though you’re well on the way).
I did keep record of my books on Goodreads only so that I don’t end up getting the same books as I’m terrible at remembering titles! I read several wonderful books, but I’d have to say my two favorites were The House in the Cerulean Sea and Remarkably Bright Creatures, both lovely. As for movies, we saw Napoleon, and I was so disappointed. I thought it would be so much more than it was. Well, I’ve heard it’s going to be so much more because when they release it on Apple+, they’re going to add an hour. That may be why it seemed so choppy to me. But, even that probably won’t make up for just what drudgery it was to sit through it. Not even the costumes made me feel better.
Your coats are always amazing…and for 3 pounds!
I’m looking forward to part 2, especially the politics!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I had something similar for a month in October, a terrible cough and exhaustion, but eventually it did lift. Hope all goes well with the mole.
You’ve named some films and books that sound really interesting, particularly the Amis. It’s a challenge to find films we can watch together because we have very different tastes.
Great to hear from you again Penny. I had a feeling that illness was holding up your next post but sorry to hear that confirmed. You don’t say where your suspicious mole is ; mine was right in front of my ear which made it very difficult to remove completely. I remember saying to the consultant that it was amazing how something so small could cause so much trouble and my husband quipped ‘That’s what they said about Napoleon’ ! Fingers crossed for a good outcome, the statistics are on your side. As to looking back at last year, I loved the Barbie movie too and I think my favourite book, having read many, was ‘Once Upon a River’ by Diane Setterfield. It was the choice of my book club and I thought at first I wouldn’t like it but it was wonderful. I’ve just read the latest ‘Thursday Murder Club’ book ‘Last Devil to Die’ which I think is his best so far. There are some sad bits and a character describes what it is like to have dementia which left me wondering where Richard Osmand got that from and if it’s accurate. I’m also reading Rory Stewart’s memoir which I was given for Christmas and very much recommend. Of course it’s only one person’s perspective but nevertheless very illuminating and consequently quite disturbing. We are hoping to go on a cruise to the Canary islands next month, mainly for the better weather, but also to do it while I still can. I have always found January a difficult month and this one is no exception so I’m meeting up with friends to help pass the time!
Hello Penny, so sorry to hear about the skin problem that you have encountered recently.
Can I try and explain to your readers of my recent experience with a troublesome lesion on the tip of my ear which would not heal properly. (I am also fair skinned like yourself).
Late one Sunday evening on 9th July 2023 whilst we were away on holiday in the Cotswolds, I caught my partially healing lesion unexpectedly when I was undressing – eventually after some time I managed to stem the profuse bleeding and it settled down. Next morning, I emailed my GP Surgery and explained what had happened. I saw a Nurse Practitioner that Friday and she referred me for a 2 week wait appt. (? Cancer). My 1st. appt. came through for Sunday 23rd July, where I saw a Consultant Dermatologist who gave me Cryotherapy, BUT I then had to wait for another 4 weeks or so for the scab to settle down. In the meantime I had emailed and telephoned my concerns. By the 31st August, I had managed to secure another appt. to see the same Cons. Dermatologist again who decided to make an appt. for a biopsy, which then took place on Friday 8th September. The results eventually came back and an appt. for the 9th October was made, I should have known that a Dermatology 9am Monday appt. was going to spell trouble when I first saw the Macmillan Nurse!!
Then the NHS kicked into speed. On Friday 13th October, I saw a Consultant Maxillo-Facial surgeon who booked me in for a wide local excision and lymph node surgery for Wednesday 1st November. Before all this took place I had to undertake three scans, a PET scan, an MRI and also a Sentinel Node Scan. Surgery was uneventful, I was told the next morning when I awoke in a single room in the Private Wing of the NHS Hospital! I had had the Malignant Melanoma excised and then had reconstruction of my ear – I had never seen so many stitches in such a small area and all down the side of my neck where we have a crease (!) so it shouldn’t be so obvious when the healing is complete. By Friday 24th November the results showed an ALL CLEAR and at the appt. on Tuesday 19th December the Consultant signed me off his books !!! My next appt. is in April for regular follow ups for the next 4 years. Whew.
The moral of the story is GET ANYTHING UNTOWARD AND IRREGULAR WITH MOLES ETC. SKIN LESIONS ETC. CHECKED OUT – and don’t leave it a long as I did thinking it is nothing worth worrying the Doctor about. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG !!!
All my symptom (as far as I was concerned) were copeable – of course, I was only putting off the inevitable – by not seeing my GP sooner – as you know only too well that I should have done.
I truly hope that you have no worries in the future. And both of you Get Better Soon.
Regards Angela, Kent.