Life with Nat - EP127: Scraping the Barrel #21

Episode Date: June 22, 2025

Nat and Marc have put their sneezing and ice creams on ice just long enough for Joanie's patience pre-paddle. Enjoy! x Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠⁠⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠⁠⁠ INSTA: @natcass1 We're also on Facebook too: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifewithnatpod⁠⁠⁠ A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠ SHOW INFO: Life with Nat - it’s me! Natalie Cassidy and I’ll be chatting away to family, friends and most importantly YOU. I want to pick people's brains on the subjects that I care about- whether that’s where all the odd socks go, weight and food or kids on phones. Each week I will be letting you into my life as i chat about my week, share my thoughts on the mundane happenings as well as the serious. I have grown up in the public eye and have never changed because of it. Life with Nat is the podcast for proper people. Come join the community. ♥️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello and welcome to Life With Now on this lovely Monday. Hope you've all had a fantastic weekend. We're recording this the day before it comes out. Lastminute.com. Mark, save me again. Thank you, darling. Yeah, good timing. Did it come as a surprise that a podcast has to come out tomorrow?

Nope. So why is it the last minute? Because for two days, you wouldn't be able to understand me because of my hay fever fits. Right, okay. And it's finally cleared up. I'm still a bit groggy, but there we go. I went to the Henry Moore exhibition in Much Haddam, which I highly recommend to people over the summer holidays.

Joni had an inset day and we went for the day and it was really, really gorgeous. Lots for the kids to do, little activities. We had the tour of his house, which is brilliant. But unfortunately, I believe there are lots and lots of different trees planted for a reason. And it sent me into a bit of a frenzy, hay fever frenzy. So yeah, unfortunate but we had a lovely day. Quite a big price to pay really for the... It is but once you've paid for it and you're there, you can't really leave and Joni was

really enjoying it. Did you start suffering while you were there? Oh yes. Okay. Yeah, immediately. Did you take something, antihistamine? Yeah, I took two. It's just, yeah, it's really boring.

So bored of talking about it. Yeah. Cause everyone, local honey, jabs, this, that, I've done everything. I listened to a thing about the local honey and that's a little bit of an old wives tale. Oh is it? Yeah, there was a really interesting podcast

on that BBC, what's it called, slice bread. All about honey. And they touch on that and they did loads of studies and they don't think. But do you know what? If it works for some people, I'm sure it probably does work for people. It makes sense. It does, yeah. But I mean, you went and saw somebody who tapped you on the forehead and made some noises and you didn't have hay fever for a year. That is true.

He moved to Sri Lanka, unfortunately. Which is a bit of a shame. I know. But then there's not really a scientific explanation for how that worked. No. But it's definitely the range and vary, you know, when there's a lot of different trees planted, I believe,

because it's the same at your farm. But is some, I thought tree pollen is over now. I don't know. But birch, weed, tree grass, I don't know. Something. A lot of things. But de-habilitating from a podcast point of view. It was unfortunately, a couple of days. Which is why we're now sat here now. We are, yep. It's a nice Sunday, looking forward to this afternoon. It'd be nice. It'd be really, really nice. You've been busy at it, haven't you? Yeah.

Well, it's doing the garden. We've had a week where, in the last week, it's like stuff has just gone all over our house. I mean, our house gets covered with cobwebs because we're next to a field. And then we end up with leaves stuck in the cobwebs and stuff everywhere. I just looked outside the kitchen, the doors, all of that cladding is covered in stuff.

Yeah. But you're around this week, aren't you? We're around. So perhaps we can get a few bits done. I've got quite a long list. I know. I know. Something's been digging up the pots as well. Do we think that's a fox? I don't know. We went out there and covered all of the pots. well. Yeah, what is... Do we think that's a fox? I don't know.

We went out there and covered all of the pots. I must put a picture on Instagram because I've got some lovely flowers actually. Some beautiful flowers from the so-along. But in the pots we put bark all in them or mark head and it's all been dug up. So it could be a cat, you know. It could be a little Joni. No, Joni hasn't touched it, have you? Joanie's sat with us because she's very excited to be getting into her paddling pool.

And we're a little bit concerned that if she wasn't with us and we couldn't keep an eye on her. She might go in on her own. Which we were a bit worried about. So you're doing your sticker book, aren't you sweetheart? Yeah? Lovely. So you've had a very, very arduous week, haven't you? Yeah, it's been hot, which has been great. I mean, obviously everyone's been moaning about the South being out. Absolutely classic but it's been nice but pretty warm and I had to run around with a shirt, tie, trousers, waistcoat, woolen jacket, tail jacket and a top hat.

Mark's been at Ascot for the week. Quite uncomfortable clothing. For having a camera on your shoulder. How would you describe the camera? Is it as heavy as Joni? Well it's not like one of the usual cameras that we work with. Would you stop banging

the door please? Just sit down. Just so everybody knows we have got a window open in here today so sorry if you hear any background noise it won't be as atmospheric as the sea in Cornwall but that you might hear a little carotid on the gravel it's disappointing I when you say that because to be honest most of the time you can't hear it there was one you did the other day and you said y'all can hear something out and can you ever think oh really yes oh fair enough

so it's probably okay. All right, fair enough. Yeah, so was the camera sort of Joni's weight? It's quite uncomfortable and unbalanced because of, I won't even go there, but it's not like the normal cameras we use. It's slightly different. It does a slightly different job, but it's fine.

I've managed to not injure myself, which is good. That is good. I was a bit worried. Yeah, cause you had a sore shoulder before starting it. So I was worried about that. I myself, which is good. I was a bit worried. Yeah, because you had a sore shoulder before starting it. So I was worried about that. I did, which is not great. It's a bit like you losing your voice and not being able to do a podcast.

Yeah. The old dodgy right shoulder, not great when you do my line of work. And sometimes you have to put something heavy on it. Yes. But it turned out to be all right. Good, that is good. And it looked really good.

It was nice, but it's sunny, so it all looked great. Yeah. Long time, though. It's a long day. All of them. All of the days are very long, actually. And you said, am I right in saying, did the king go every day? Yeah. Every day he came past, gave me a wave. He gave me a wave over the side of the course. I mean, he probably was waving at the other people there as well, but. Specifically thought you were being waved at. Pretend that as a. Yeah. When I do a shot of him. That's fair enough. He's waving at the other people there as well, but Specifically thought you were Pretend that as a yeah, I'll do a shot of him. That's fair enough. He recognizes me. What would you like? Wait, where do you want to go? No, can I ask them if they're ready? Nope, but I did sit there. There's some pens and paper

I did just hear a car turn up. So maybe you could go and see who that is. Auntie Linnie. I hope so. It might be a burglar, hopefully not. But why don't you go and see. I think you'll find it might be lovely Alex from the wine shop. I think he's dropping off some wine. Do we need to speak to him or is that? No, it's all in hand.

All just happens. Yeah. You've just got a dealer who just rocks up with the wine and dumps it on the front and drives off. No need to see all in hand. All just happens. Yeah. You've just got a dealer who just rocks up with wine and dumps it on the front and drives off. No need to see him. Yeah. No opportunities for being photographed whilst the trade's occurring or it's all a bit weird.

What do you mean? You've got like this wine person who just drops wine off at the house. It's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I said, Alex, I haven't got time. I've got to do a pod. Right.

Could you pop over a few bits and pieces? It's all right for some, isn't it? Oh, you know. Yeah. So you know not what you know, isn't it? I'm sure there's other people queuing at the moment, having a last minute barbecue idea. Yeah, that's why you've got to shop local and use retailers that are helpful. It's probably not this weekend a last minute barbecue because it has been like we've been abroad for a week. It has been gorgeous. Presumably people have kind of

hoped, one would hope, it's not a mad rush. Not a mad rush. Not a mad rush. I've got a mad rush somewhere. Nice. Again probably a bit too much information. No I don't mean any... I'm talking about the heat, quickly heat. Although somebody last year recommended Eucerin Allergy Sun Cream. And I think that is going to really do the job on holiday this year. So thank you for that. A few of you sent me that. And I used it yesterday when it was really, really hot.

And I had no patches. I didn't feel uncomfortable. So thank you. Really, really good. I feel like I'm getting around the troubles of summer. I'm starting to enjoy it. Jimbra, during COVID, you got quite used to wearing a mask. Why don't you just start wearing a mask? Yes, I could do.

Hi, Eliza. Sorry, just quickly. You said you found your swim costume in the swimsuit box. Yes. Can I look in there to see if I've got any of mine? Because I don't remember where this went from yesterday. Yeah, it's in the spare room on the bed. You said you found your swim suit box? Yes. Can I look in there to see if I've got any of mine? Because I don't remember where this went from yesterday. Yeah, it's in the spare room on the bed.

But please, can you make sure it's tidy? Yeah. Thanks. She steals everything from me. Yeah, that needs to stop as well. I don't understand that. I mean, when you weren't here for a week, every morning I woke up, she was just in our room,

just going through your wardrobe drawers, nicking stuff, who knows what she's got. It's a bit strange as well, if she's like wearing your clothes. You know how I always what happens. Right, okay. Call mom, aren't I? She doesn't wear my clothes.

She doesn't like anything. She wears mine. She went to school the other day with one of my sweatshirts on. She did, she likes your black jumper, the V-neck. Yeah, but I've not seen it since. No. But I don't agree with that.

I mean, I don't go and nick her stuff, do I? You don't see me walking around in one of her skirts and a thing, well not on a... Not on a Tuesday. No. There's been a few people, we got a lovely picture of someone's card from CBeebies or CBBC or something when you were talking about always wanting a birthday card.

Oh yeah. And she sent it in. I'll put it out but look. Oh that's nice. Isn't that lovely? And she'd made it and it was on the television. I can't remember. My mum would know what my card was.

Let me play the message in. Hi there, I'm Mark. This is Annie in Cornwall. I was just listening to your Scraping the Barrel episode where Mark was talking about CBeebies birthday cards and it made me remember one of my favourite memories from my 30th birthday. I'd always wanted a card on CBeebies when I was growing up and it just never happened. So my friends decided to design one and send it in and it got read out and shown. I don't know whether people at CBeebies knew we were having a laugh but they did it anyway and it absolutely made my birthday. My friends found a picture of me when I was three years old and put me in a postman pat van.

It was my favourite programme when I was three and the number plate on the van was Annie30 and they wrote Annika3 and then a big bunch of balloons. So it looked like it said 30. And yeah, they read it out and it absolutely made my birthday. Keep doing what you're doing. Love the pod. What a lovely thing to do. Yeah. Don't think about doing that for my birthday this year. Could do, couldn't I? No, please don't. Little steam engine, your little face in it.

Yeah. Mark is four. With the little balloons. Can I also talk about Postman Pat for a minute? Yeah. I think that was possibly my favorite TV show growing up. Really? Yeah. Did you watch Burfa?

I did. Burfa was good. Nice fame tune. Do do do do do do do, no. That do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do Greendale Village with just the cat, him going around popping into the shop seeing everybody. I find it very relaxing to this day. But isn't it now like an animation but not as in not a stop frame animation? Absolutely. I don't I go to on YouTube and watch the old ones.

It's a real shame. It's just a copy to cost. Yeah, it has to be. Some of the tea another good one. Did you ever see tugs? I was actually. Was that a boat? Yeah, it was. be. But some of the, I'll tell you another good one. Did you ever see Tugs? Was actually. Was that a boat?

Yeah, it was all, yes, Tugs. I think I do remember. Yeah, little boats, radio controlled boats. Really interesting. I was reading about it the other day actually. You know, when you go off, I was just sort of idly thinking about it and then started researching it. And obviously there's people that have collected the film props and they did it in different

scales and a bit like Thomas. But real quality kid stuff being made then and now it's all just like animated on a cheap and I understand it, but a shame. I filmed the wheel the other night by the way. I missed by about about two minutes, I missed meeting that bloke from the trains. What's that amazing bloke's name? The one you watch all the time. I've forgotten his name. Oh, for goodness sake.

I thought you were going to say that you came close to bump into Vince, who I spoke to on Monday and he said that he saw you on the wheel. And he said that you, he coveted all what you were wearing and said it was very practical because it's freezing cold in that studio. It was cold. It was cold. Although it wasn't overly wintry.

There's the trousers and top that Maria had picked for me that was lovely actually. Very nice. Little Zara get up Francis was the guy that's it he's done well hasn't he yes just about yeah he's doing pretty well with his deal with Gucci and amazing and millions and millions of followers on social media and yeah he's doing all right for railway enthusi. You could have done that. Yeah. To be fair to Francis,

not really my cup of tea, the sort of stuff that he's interested in. Are you watching off of it? But that's because it's entertaining. Ah. As you see. That's possibly why he's got so many followers. He is very entertaining. Exactly. The train guy. Look him up. Francis.

Bourgeois, is it? Yeah, something like that. Is that his real name? No, of course it's not. It might be. It's not his real name. I can't remember what his real name is. I looked it up.

We should get him on here. Get him on a scrape in the barrel. I wonder if we could do that. It would be quite fun. Could do. You've just reminded me, talking about trains. Yeah. It'd be quite fun. Could do. You've just reminded me, talking about trains. Yeah. And James at Moors Valley, as mentioned before, he said, oh, you should do an episode on trains

and Tim, obviously Tim's friends. So Tim, the coach driver, also friend of the pod, also drives steam engines at Moors Valley railway with James. They sent me a brilliant video because they stock New forest ice cream. Oh, right. Yeah, a new forest ice cream Have done an exact almost an exact copy of a maxi bond. You're joking. No It is called the maxi choc. Oh

Wow now we've got an issue here in this country, there is a suitable replacement for the Maxi Bon. Yep. Better than any of the others I've seen at Audi or Lidl or whatever. Well you haven't tasted it yet. No, I got a nice video of Tim eating it

and it was quite obvious. Right, fair. That it's a Maxi Bon. What's the problem then? It's in the New Forest. How do we get them from there? How does, so someone at New Forest Ice Cream, can you help with the supply of, I mean obviously we'll buy a box, couple of boxes, we've got a big freezer.

But how do we get it transported? Because it sounds like it's quite a niche New Forest Ice Cream ice cream. It's gonna be a local suppliers in it. Well, maybe you just get in touch with them darling And don't do it through the pod Why don't you ring them? Um, yeah, I could do that I suppose we had a couple of messages from listeners this week just text saying that you should do a ice cream tasting pod Well, New Forest ice cream could supply some of that, surely? I'm sure they could.

Or you just drive down there and get them. Oh, they'll melt down the way home. This is what I'm talking about. I see what you're saying. Yeah. It's a bit of a tricky. Yeah, it's a thinker. The only thing I could move in there is a possibility

when they'd be available if you had a shop that was close. So you want to relocate our life? Because of a maxi bond? Probably sounds a bit extreme. A little bit. A little bit extreme. Possibly. Why does Joni so desperately want to be with Eliza when her friend's around? Because if Eliza is on her own here, Joanie's happy pottering about and playing.

It's because she's fear of missing out, isn't it? Yeah, FOMO, yeah. And I would imagine, I mean, I'm not really the best person placed to answer this because I've not ever been a little girl, but I would imagine she wants to be with her older sibling and her friends to sort of feel part of that social group. If you want to really break it down. Yeah, no, you're right. You're right. I mean, you tell me you're the girl. Don't know. I was really like an only child. I just played on my own all the time. Just

got on with it. I do think children. Well, I'm not going to generalise it, but with Joni, we were at home all day yesterday having a quiet day, but she continuously calls my name. Continuously. All day long. Yeah, they do that, the kids, they do. They do, but she's nearly nine now. No, I get it as well. And I think most parents would say the same. Yeah. The relentless calling of daddy.

And the funny thing, I mean, it is brilliant, isn't it? And I remember my parents getting on at me for doing the same thing. But it's the fact that, it's like this morning, I was walking downstairs, I knew she was downstairs. And I'm walking down to, I was gonna sort her breakfast out and stuff and she called me. I said, yeah, I'm on my way. And the whole journey, it was just, you know, calling me, calling me, calling me.

I know. It's interesting, isn't it? Yeah. I wanted to ask you something. And what I wanna do is I want to lead on to Thursday's pod, which I'm going to record with Linny. Yes. So I want people to message me please 0778 20 1919 on your opinion of this. So I'm going

to ask you and I'll lead on in the next step. In terms of freedom for children, I wondered what you thought. Are we now as parents too worried and we keep them in because we say the world's changed, it's terrible, so we don't give them the freedom to sort of go out on the streets, if you like, and have a wander around and meet their friends. And we keep them at home on screens. Is it partly our anxiety and worry that they are in on screens? I'm sure that plays a part,

but also just sort of dotting around the country like I do and traveling around during summer holidays and school holidays and you see a lot of kids out. Yeah. I don't think it's, I suppose our kids don't wander around where we live. No. Out on their own. And obviously they're at home with us a lot of the time, most of the time.

Yeah. So you, I don't know if that's slightly skewing your view on it. Yes. Because I think if you were to go, well, I've seen a lot of children. Right. Out and about.

I'm just really interested. So please let me know your thoughts. Do your children still go out and come home when it's a bit dark, when the streetlights come on? You know, that sort of 80s, early 90s idealistic view of being out on your bike all day. Like the Enid Blyton novel. Yeah. Exploring. Five kids out and they find a well.

Yeah. And then before you know it, they're down the well. They're exploring. Or they're up the faraway tree. That's right. And they come back and it's dusk and they get back and the mum goes, oh, I was worried about where you'd got to. And they all have jam sandwiches and hot chocolate. Yeah.

See, I don't think that, yeah, again, rose tinted glasses and all that. Yeah. Yeah, rose tinted glasses, I suppose, and all that. I just wonder if people were a little bit more relaxed and you weren't so scared really of having your children out and about a bit more. Maybe they'd spend less time with technology. That's all.

And also, I've heard it mentioned before, and you'd really, to really have a view on it, you'd need to know like statistics and what have you. But I suppose that all of us now have more of a conscience of bad stuff. Like we hear things reported in the news and whatever. And you hear, you know, like people aren't very nice towards children, for example. Yes. Well, that's no doubt always existed. That's what I mean. It's always been the case. Yes. And I suppose these days we hear about it more.

Yeah. So we're more conscious of it. Whether or not the world is a more dangerous place now, I don't know because is it just that we're more conscious of it? I don't, but you'd have to look at the stats. Yes. But that's a very good question. And I'm sure that absolutely would contribute to some children in some families with some

parents restricting them going out and about on their own. I think so. Would you like to go out and about on your own Joni? No? No. No that's fair enough. But when are you finishing? About 10 minutes or so darling because otherwise there's not going to be a podcast. I'm going to have to get rid of all of Joni's toys. Everything she owns because apparently she's bored.

She can't do anything for 10 minutes. She's got 5 million toys and I've got a sneaky suspicion that once I wasn't going to say anything about an ice cream. Well, I was going to say anything about an ice cream. Well, I was going to say it is crazy that she can't entertain herself. I was just going to say, Joni, what will happen is me and mommy will come downstairs in a minute and you won't have the slightest bit of interest in seeing us. It's a bit like when I'm on the phone. Yes.

And all of a sudden it's like a magnet. Always the phone. Phone rings. Always millions of questions. What is that? That's weird, isn't it? I have no idea. But my mum used to say the same about me, always. A brother, my sister. It's always been the same. As soon as you get on the phone. Joni can be in the lounge for an hour playing with her Lego and if I go to phone someone it is a magnet. The child catcher when he used to run around with a crate you know and the

horse drawn thing and. Just should have had a phone. He should catcher, when he used to run around with a crate, you know, and the horse drawn thing and... Just should have had a phone. He should have just been on the phone. Yeah. They would have chased after him. There'd be no catching involved. Completely agree. I suppose that's before mobile,

so it would have been a bit tricky. That's true. Someone said, I love how you and Natalie in five minutes can go from talking about the decline of our monarchy to Joni writing songs about only foals and horses. If I did a podcast, you'd be my first choice, not the last resort. That's very kind. That was from Daniel. Was it?

Yeah. Oh, brilliant. Fantastic. Oh, it was forwarded from you. That was good. You forgot to put the name in. There you go. I didn't need to put my name in, did I? So this week I am going to definitely bank a good few pods, just so I've got a few in the bag so we don't have to panic about doing one the day before. This sounds very good and organised. Well it's because I haven't got any college days this week. I've only got to do stuff to do with the merchandise,

which is coming along lovely. Yes. I've got a couple of Zoom meetings, and I'm going to really concentrate on getting a few pods done. Brilliant. Which will be good. And I'm not around or available, so you have to...

You are? No, I'm not. I think we might do ice cream testing this week. It'll be a nice episode. People will enjoy it. I can't be... I can't just sit and eat loads of ice creams. Oh well you do it every day not for the pod so I'm sure you can... No I don't do it every day not for the pod. Do it occasionally. I do like an ice cream. I'm slowly chomping my way through the stash. Let's have a listen to this. Now, I love all your podcasts, whether it's Nats, Nacy's, Auntie Linnie. I love them all.

But I've just got to say one thing to you. My parents live on the borders of Devon and Cornwall. They're in Bude. And you I know you've traveled there a number of times, how can you still talk about Stonehenge with such pleasure? I dread hitting that point in the journey and coming back I won't even drive past it, I go around the back of it. So I just can't get my head around that. Loving the pods. Well I don't know why you'd hate Stonehenge so much. I think it's a lovely sight to behold. No I get it though. It's like a marker in the journey and you think oh we've still got quite

a long way to go but we get quite excited seeing it on the way down. It's normally when the kids awake. You normally wake up around there. I do do so you've normally been asleep till Stonehenge and then you're kind of awake on the journey You live really early in the morning. Yes, and the kids do as well Mm-hmm. So I quite like it because I have a bit of company then in the car not just snoring noises Sorry about that Craig who I work on the racing. Mm-hmm. he's got a place near Budenow. Has he? In Cornwall.

When are we going to get a place? Oh, in Cornwall? Yeah. I don't think that's going to be on the cards quite yet. No. You need to record a few more podcasts. Talking of recording lots of podcasts. Yes.

Dead Ringers was alluding to you having like loads of podcasts. Really, really weird. Is it because I did too? I don't know. They're just slightly exaggerated. Slightly. I suppose you've been on quite a lot. Maybe that's what it is. Maybe the writers are just a bit conscious of that. So have everyone. It's nice to get a mention. Well, quite a few people heard that. It's interesting. People listen to Dead Ringers. Well, quite a few people heard that. It's interesting. I mean, people listen to dead ringers. Well, it's all good publicity. Indeed. They're not very good at my impression, though. Sorry. No Morgana.

No. But once you have Morgana Robinson doing such a good impression, no one can beat it. So it's not their fault, really. No. There they go. I didn't think it was that bad. It was all right. It's funny how a lot of I didn't think it was that bad. It was all right. It's funny how a lot of people don't like impressions of themselves.

Do you remember ages ago, it was Craig David? Yes. And Craig David got really upset over the Bo Selector stuff. Yeah. And it actually was detrimental to him because he got really offended and that's when he sort of disappeared for a bit.

If you, if you look back, I mean, he's back now, back lovely. Well, that's the trouble is you've just done the Bo Selector. But you're, you're taking off for Bo Selector. And now talking about it, which, you know, he's a bit of a show. I know. I just think that if you can have an impression done you should feel honored that you are well known enough to have an impression done. Yes. And the fact that they want to do it I just think it's fun. It's all in good spot. It's a good good thing isn't it? It's all done in kindness. Yeah what What's that old saying?

About imitation. Imitation's the highest form of flattery. Is it? Something like that, yeah. I don't know why I'm asking you, you've said it before. Have I? You're looking at me now blankly. No I am.

I've not got a clue. I don't know if it was a famous saying or something I just said. Oh I've got a question. Go on. It was, I hadn't know if it was a famous saying or something I just said. Oh, I've got a question. Go on. It was, I hadn't listened to it, but a couple of the ladies at work at Ascot during the week were inquiring as to me having Birkenstocks, something to do with Birkenstocks and going on holiday.

And did I have my Birkenstocks ready for holiday? Well, because when you go to Greece, Yeah. You need open toe shoes. Now, Tony and I had this conversation. Why do I need open toe shoes? Just because it's going to be really, really hot and it's nice to put on a nice pair of linen trousers. Which I have never in my life worn.

It'd be nice though to get you some for this year. I've had them in the wardrobe before and never worn them. Fair enough. I don't wear them. I've no interest in wearing them. I'll pack them. I'll take them abroad. I won't wear them when I'm over there. No, fair enough. Absolute waste of time.

No different to random footwear that I wouldn't ordinarily wear. You'll bring your crocs, won't you? Yes. But, but what I'm asking you is, is you were saying that I was, they said, Oh, no, there was a bit where you'd been talking to me and And I was like, we've not had that conversation. Think of it from my perspective. I'm just at work. People are coming up to me saying, oh, I hear about blah, blah, blah.

And I've got no idea what you're talking about. I just think it'd be nice to have a nice pair of Birkenstocks, that's all. I don't mind Birkenstocks actually. They're terrible when they get wet, aren't they? Yeah, no, it's not. Well, yeah, you wouldn't wear them around the pole, but if we go to a local Taverna one evening, it'd be nice to have sort of the right attire, that's all.

I'm just gonna wear my trainers. I mean, seriously, this week, I've been wearing a top hat and tails in this weather, which I suspect is probably about the same climate. Why don't you pack your top hat for Greece? And you know what you can put under there don't you all your ice creams I thought you gonna say a rabbit No Okay, you could pile up your ice creams with some ice packs around it

And you could have a supply of ice creams under your top hat. I'm surprised you haven't done it this week That's got did melt. No, no if you packed it out with a nice pack. Hey, are you being serious? Well, I'm just making use of the top hat space, I suppose. Sorry about that. Why is your phone on? It's so unprofessional. Sorry, I apologize.

Unbelievable. I've actually got a top hat now because I bought mine. Lovely. So it fitted because whenever they hire you one, it never fits. No, I know what you mean. And it was actually used. Well, it's just worthwhile having, isn't it?

It was a prop, used it all the time. Yep. Loads of little shots on the ITV coverage with my hat with a program stuck tucked in it and chucking it up in the air. That's very good. Do you remember we were talking about Joni writing with her left hand and it not being too bad? Yes. We've had loads of messages from people.

Well, this is from Vicky. Hi Nat, just finished scraping the barrel. I'm a lefty, but apart from writing, I do everything else with my right. I can't use left-handed scissors or kick a ball with my left foot. I can write with my right, not always legible mind. Blows my girl's mind that I can draw

and paint with my right hand. You're absolutely spot on that we are creatives. Love the pod, it keeps me sane on my commute and whilst doing my housework. I'm really confused there. I got, I mean, so is she left or right handed? She's a lefty, but she does everything with her right hand. But she just said it blows her mind.

It blows her daughter's mind that she can draw and paint with her right hand if needed, yeah. Oh, because she's left handed. Yeah. But she just says she does everything with her right hand if needed. Oh, because she's left handed. Yeah. But she just says she does everything with her right hand. She does. I'm extremely confused by that. What was the lady's name?

Vicky. Vicky, you've confused me. I think if I was listening to this as a podcast, I'd have to re-listen to you reading that out. I know what you mean. And maybe slow it down. Possibly. But I get it.

I get the sentiment. So she can write with her left hand, but she only writes with her left hand. She only uses her left hand for writing. Correct. And does everything else with her right hand. And she draws and paints with her right hand. So why doesn't she just write with her right hand at all? This is very confusing.

Yeah. It is very, very confusing. Thank you though. Lovely message. Thanks Vicki. Oh no, I'm really laughing. I'm really laughing at today's podcast. It's so funny. You're right, I do chat like I know you, but that's how you make it feel. And how I've always known you is how I've always known all my mates. It's hilarious. Anyway, I just wanted to say to Mark, never went to Deja Vu, ever. It's a little bit too close to home really, I suppose. But saying that I did used to go to Zennes. Do you remember Zennes? Which was closed down and now they're reopening

it as Attic I think. I'm on my walk, someone's doing their building work. I live right near White Oaks Room, Paul. Right near it. In fact, because the park backs onto it really. So yeah, lots of mutual local haunts. Claire does voice note as if she's our mate, which does make me laugh, but I like it. And Claire, yeah, I did go to Zennes. It was, it was when it was called Zennes, I was a little bit too young and then it was called Airbrieve breathe. Yeah. And I went there for, I went there for my 18th birthday. Did you? Yeah. And it's called air breathe. And someone I worked with funnily enough at Swanley Park,

who worked on the railway. Yeah. He managed it. Oh. And it was his club that he ran. Good night out. Yeah. It was good. Yeah. But obviously that was an era of, you know,

it lasted a couple of years. But yeah, no, that I don't know exactly. I can probably, I probably even know the road or the area that you live in. If it's close to the point, I know exactly what you mean. But I fully appreciate your messages every week clear. So thank you. So today has been short and sweet. I hope you have a fantastic week. Oh, hang on a minute. I'm not done yet. Oh, good. Sorry.

I'm enjoying this. I haven't actually spoken to you for a week. Oh, that is true. Genuinely not spoken to you for a week. I've been getting up because of the travelling, because I'm having to go around the M25 and I have to be there sort of during rush hour. And also you have to get there early enough to find somewhere to park. You can have a mile walk from the car park to the actual, you know, race course.

No, we haven't really seen each other. We've had a couple of evenings. I've cooked a bit of dinner and stuff, haven't I? Yeah. Cause you've had Adam staying. Yes. So that's been nice. But very early starts, very late sort of getting back. I know what I haven't mentioned. I met up with our

listener Naomi this week. Oh yeah. That was really nice wasn't it? You met her. Yes. And uh. What was funny about that was because Adam, that was the night Adam stayed, so we went to the pub over the road and we got a takeaway order to the pub. Brilliant. Relaxed, had a chat. You came and joined us with Naomi. Yep. So of course we sat at the front.

Adam had said, where's Natalie? And I said, oh, you had gone to London. You had some meetings. Correct. And obviously then Naomi and yourself have returned and then come and sat with us at the pub and we've sat by the pub and had a drink and blah, blah, blah. Yeah.

So then you and Naomi have been joined us at the pub. Yeah. And we've been sat there and anyway, a fair amount of time passes. And then, and then Adam, the penny drops that Naomi is a listener. Yes. And he genuinely thought that Naomi was someone you had a meeting with or someone you worked with or whatever. Yeah.

And it was, it was very funny. It was quite funny. When she then sort of said, or she said, you know, oh yeah, well I messaged her and I said I was in the area and Natalie said about meeting up and we met up and I went to London and it just blew Adam's mind. I know. But that situation. But you have a gut feeling about people and you just know if they're decent or not.

Oh yes. You wouldn't meet anyone or speak to anyone otherwise would you? No that's what I mean. No I understand how that bit works. So there's no difference is there? Just because she's a listener? I mean meeting up with your listeners on an individual basis would not be feasible en masse would it? No. I mean a nice service to provide but I think it would be quite difficult to manage and

not very practical. Yeah. So it was an unusual occasion, you know, a new... and... wouldn't happen very often. It wouldn't but you know, they were the special ones. So yeah, we had a really nice chat, we had a nice evening, I found out all about Naomi and her wife and just her life, where she lives and what have you

You just as you do when you meet someone and we just had a good old chat about the pod and I'd laugh about music And what have you just a really nice evening really good. I mean, it's that's your side of things Interest here what she thinks that is true after you chewed her ear off Love joking funnily enough. She's not Texans. No, she has a joke. I'm joking. Oh I'm joking. Funnily enough, she's not texting. No, she hasn't. I'm joking. I'm joking.

Oh dear. What a laugh. So this afternoon, the itinerary is, funnily enough, we're doing a barbecue, which even though you hate them, which is interesting. No, like I said.

No, we're doing a barbecue. Full gusto. I think I've just heard Auntie Linnie's car pull up on the driveway. Why don't you, are you going to kill two birds with one stone and bring her in to do the podcast on Thursday? you, are you going to kill two birds with one stone and bring her in to do the podcast?

No, she's, no, she, she is going to come around tomorrow evening. So that is all organized. It's all in hand. Well, people need to get their messages in them regarding what you're asking about. So do you think I'll let you tweet? I'm not the. No, you go for it. No, no, no, no.

No. Oh, double seven, double eight, 2019, 19. I'll pop something on Facebook and on Instagram as well, but I would love to hear your thoughts about your children, when to let them go out, letting them go, growing up and screen time really, amalgamated all into one. Have a fantastic week. I will speak to you on Thursday. My new potatoes, my Jersey Royals are boiling away downstairs.

They're going to be a softer shit so I need to go. And if anyone happens to be driving a refrigerated vehicle from the New Forest to the Hertfordshire area in the next couple of months, if there's any way you could swing by New Forest Ice Cream and just pick up a box of their Maxi Bon copy, it would be much appreciated. Okay. You never, don't look at me like that. You never know. You never know. It's hopeful. We'll live in hope.

Should we? I'm very hopeful. What are we going to do now then? I need to go and cook. Cook what? See you later. What the barbecue? No, no, just everything else.

All the sides. Which are always the best bit anyway. I won't bother doing the barbecue. No, no, no. No, no, it's fine. No? No, we don't need to do the, we can just have the nice sides that you're doing.

Let's just stop bickering about it and let's get on with it. I'm gonna go to all the trouble now of doing the meat. I'm gonna get the meat prepped. I'm gonna start getting the charcoal ready. Yep. And you're saying it's not something that's... needed?

It is needed. But you just said... Don't get... Don't get silly about it. I'm just saying that people like the sides. Right. It's no big deal. The best bit?

The best bit. I think that should be a texting. No, I'm serious. I have loads with Tony. Loads of people. Saying that the sides are the best bit. The best bit. I think that should be a texting. No, I'm serious. Secretly. I have loads with Tony, loads of people saying that the sides are the best bit. Really? I've got some cracking burgers and steak to be honest today,

so we'll be all right. It'll be lovely. Have a good one, guys. Speak to you later. Love you. Love you too.