FROM SOHO TO SUSSEX | WEEKLY VLOG

Soho is the heartbeat of the WestEnd and I had resisted walking through those familiar streets in these times. I have spent so many memorable nights in ‘the golden triangle' and to experience its silence was mind-blowing. It’s still full of promises though. And then there's my mother... so many of you asked how she was that I thought I would include her arguing over the price of lupins. Enjoy!
My thanks to MC PINTY for allowing me to include some of his track City Limits linktr.ee/pinty
Social Media Links:
Website - www.middleagedminx.co.uk
Facebook - / middleagedminx
Twitter - @middleagedminx - / middleagedminx
Instagram - @middleagedminx - / middleagedminx
My Radio Show - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p011...
Dogs And The City Podcast Link - bbc.in/2qOO9Zi (Can also be found on iTunes!)
Edited by:
Filipe Oliveira
KZbin Channel - / listeningisagift
Stream ‘songs about you’ - ampl.ink/VD39G
Website - www.filipeoliveira.uk

[@dietlinderobinson9625]

It almost felt as if we were back to normal seeing your Mum in this blog .Hard for you both but you are a very thoughtful daughter Jo.So well done you as well.

[@philoza1000]

Your mum reminds me of mine who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. Both feisty, intelligent women. I love your mum! ❤

[@panchaudchristine5797]

Hello from Switzerland. Your mum is a love. Always happy.... a sunshine, like you !

[@starlitegaize]

I’m still chuckling at your mother’s reaction to the price of lupins!!! 🤣🤣 I bet you’ll find they’re three quid at the local garden centre x

[@susiefairfax7347]

Fantastic to see your dear Mutti and Matilda. Both looking so well. Her garden is wonderful

[@shereehanna45]

Really noticed and enjoyed the music. I was wondering how you were able to include it on here, just before you explained. Just because we’re an older audience doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy music produced by younger generations!.

[@theresawelch6558]

Jo your Mothers outrage at the price of lupins, reminded of my precious Mother whom passed away last year at the amazing age of 101. When I see Matilda I just want to hug her kind thoughts

[@MiddleAgedMinx]

101! Wow! She must have seen so many changes x

[@tobeytravels893]

Wonderful seeing your mum. You still could sit and visit with your mother: Just bring your own cuppa and sit outside, while she sits inside. You look fantastic in light blue. Another enjoyable video. 🌺

[@msmith4498]

Tell your Mum that her garden looks beautiful. I really feel for that generation. Like you I have been working throughout the lock down for the NHS as a community paediatric speech and language therapist and I am so grateful to be able to get out and walk to work. Love your vlogs reminds me of when I lived in London 25 years ago. XXX

[@auntylainey5569]

This cheered me right up! lovely to see London , your Mum...her garden is lovely too , and of course Matilda.

[@k.b6567]

Loved that music as you were Soho walking, brilliant, enjoyed the vid Jo

[@karindalley9953]

Thank you Jo. Very much enjoy seeing you, Matilda and your Mum. Stay safe !

[@josimpson6038]

Lovely to see your adorable mum again Jo, she’s looking & sounding great (she’s so funny). That’s some beautiful garden she’s got too, no wonder she’s pedantic about it - hope you didn’t kill anything.

[@zeldaray5562]

That background music is so cool. Your mums garden is looking so pretty. You looked lovely in the pretty peasant blouse. And Matilda enjoying mums garden is so sweet. 🐾💕

[@dianneporter3350]

I love these vlogs where you walk through London and thanks for showing us sleepy Soho. Your mum is looking so well and her garden is beautiful. You are looking radiant too Jo. Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. 🌷🌷 xx

[@roberthardy7781]

Hi Jo another fantastic vlog and another Sunday gone by. I live in Essex just outside east London , I actually had to come into London to meet a good friend on Thursday evening , had to take some PPE to him and a home made mask. While there I parked in Northumberland Avenue near embankment and we walked up to Trafalgar square , there were only two other people and a few homeless in one corner. It was eerie but at the same time amazing to be in a place that is buzzing with people 24/7 , my friend said let’s walk through St James and up to Buckingham palace and back down the mall . Jo we passed 3 people in the mall and two people in the park and I was the only one in front of Buckingham place . Got some beautiful photos as the day was turning to night that will make history. Incredible but it made my heart smile that everyone was taking responsibility. I will probably never see London like that again and that was my first walk in 9 weeks part from on a treadmill at home and shopping once a week. Stay safe and love your happy aura. Xx xx 😘

[@joannaatkinson875]

Ahh Jo, I loved seeing your Mum, she is so lovely. Her reaction to the price of the flowers was so funny! I’ve never ever seen Soho like that, very strange and a bit sad. And I love your blue smock! 💙xx 😊

[@wendyclarke3979]

Actually seeing Soho closed was incredibly sad but I understand why you wanted to experience it. So, I was pleased when you got to your Mums and saw her and her wonderful garden. From London’s ‘lost’ energy to the beauty of nature. So lovely to see her and hear her moan about the price of Covent Gardens lupins. She was right though. 💕💕

[@jillnewton1966]

Yes I loved that music. We are never too old to appreciate good stuff! Love your blog as always and really enjoy your walks about London seeing familiar places. It looks so strange and eerie without the crowds.

[@eg7647]

The garden is gorgeous and yes that looks like a petunia to me! That color blue really suits you Jo, it would be easy to fix that tear- just bring it to a seamstress! So glad your mom and Matilda are doing well! Seeing Eliza in her pretty SS dress felt just like old times. One of the things I admire about you is how open you are to everyone and everything - from the young talents you promote (Filipe, Pinty, Gapreet, George...) to your treasured old friends (Simon L., Julian, Frankie, Anna...)you have enthusiasm and zest for everyone!

[@Claire-qp8ye]

Very sad to see London so sleepy, it's a weird world we are living in. It was good to see your mum looking so well and you too. Love that blue on you. My son is 22 and I'm sure he will love that track so I will share it with him. Thanks for brightening up my Sunday x

[@christinekempton6152]

Was lovely to see Soho deserted and your cheery mum. She has such a lovely laugh. 😄🧡

[@Wendy-fi7yb]

When I heard the music in the Soho section, I thought how cool it was and was congratulating Felipe in sourcing and adding it to the vlog! Well done to your nephew’s brother. Great to see you, Mutti and Matilda on this very overcast morning here in Scotland! X

[@AndrogynousMIE]

Reminds me a bit of Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast by Pink Floyd, but much more jazzy and more of this century ;) Very relaxing melodies. Chapeau!

[@aileenhunter274]

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[@aileenhunter274]

That’s exactly what I thought, that’s Felipe giving the Soho section a cool vibe. Liked the music, talented musician. 😁

[@gingers6219]

I loved the music also- can you buy/ get. I followed link to Spotify, only got 1 song. Great job Jo

[@helenapperley132]

Wonderful Sunday morning video!! Love your mums garden and love watching you both Wednesday’s and Sunday’s. Have a beautiful week!

[@rachelprentice5562]

You are making an historical document with your blogs.

[@carolnewlands8630]

I adored the Music and I am 68...Music is loved or not by the "soul" and our souls are "ageless"...Adore your Mother..what a zest for life..what passion even condemning the price of the Lupin..(I don't think we have them in USA?? Never heard of them!!) What joy seeing you..I wait until Mondays to watch you..it is the Day my Dad and I spent together after my Mom passed..He's gone..So I feel happier when I see you on "his day"..much love..xoxo

[@patriciacarr2412]

Hi Jo, I was feeling quite down until I watched your vlog but you exude positivity. I just love your Mum , What a lovely relationship you have. Have a good week.x

[@laz1946]

I can't stop thinking about how your mum is always so upbeat. A 95 year old lady living alone and on top of that during lockdown, she can still appear to be so jolly and good humoured! Her long life must be due to that. I wish her continued good health.

[@MJ-fw6ry]

Loved that Jo. Seeing SoHo was great and seeing your lovely mom was a treat. I love your vlogs, thank you. See you Wednesday. Take care and stay safe x

[@sharonausten7669]

Thank you Jo... Great to see your Mum and in really good spirits.. Always makes us smile... And also wonderful to be with you walking through Soho... Big thumbs up from NZ ❤️👍❤️

[@julielangley3166]

Morning Jo, lovely to see your Mum looking so well and in good spirits, my Mum is the same, they just seem to get on with it - no moaning! Her garden is beautiful 🌸🌼🌸🌼 lots of love to you and Matilda ❤️🐶 have a great week, will be listening to your show xx

[@teejay5219]

Really enjoyed this vlog. I love your little tours around London, find it really interesting. Its lovely seeing your mum again too. 💕

[@elsie2]

Good to see your mum in fine form, and the garden looks lush.

[@sitazarnegar1827]

Loved Soho SQ! Back in '73/'74 use to go there for my school lunch break, and spring time was my fav with all the beautiful tulips ❤️

[@jog4970]

Thankyou, Jo. Sad to see Soho without her people, but we’ll all be back - the best bit of London. Fantastic to see your lovely Mum, the super-capable Elisa, and Matilda. Well done on taking over the gardening, please let us have a virtual tour! PS: How does your hair look so good in lockdown?!

[@annethomas5727]

Thanks Jo for doing the trip round Soho, as you say it will never be like that again and was good to know how it looks and feels. Your Mum continues to look so well and good...you do too...and her garden is really lovely, the lovely Mathilda doing well is a huge relief...so all in all a really happy catch up this week.

[@DS-xp6ds]

Happy to see Mutti doing so well, Tilda recovering well, and you fierce as ever. The jazzy rap is very fresh and the garden gorgeous. That color blue is very flattering, stealing from Trinny when I say try it front to back or have the tears repaired with adding a stripe underneath from sleeve to hem if they can't be taken in.

[@debrajohnson6678]

Loved seeing your mom. She looks great! Love youJo!

[@pjyellowdog2178]

the raw food is agreeing with Matilda...and your Mom is so special!

[@suzannewhite3858]

Loved seeing Soho Square, worked in offices there back in the 70's. Can't wait for the samples. Your mum looks absolutely great xx

[@janharris5072]

It was so sad seeing Soho so quiet - I should have had lunch at Little Italy (next door to Bar Italia) a few weeks ago so it was even sadder seeing Frith Street totally deserted. I love the way your Mum is handling lockdown and taking it all in her stride. I feel like your vlogs are reality checks into what’s occurring right now - thanks Jo you just say it how it is x

[@maggiemcmillan1431]

Your mum is truly amazing! She is so in the ball. How old is she? Just makes me laugh - loved the comment about the plague!! I saw my daughter ( at distance!) for the first time since lockdown today- we went for a long walk along the Thames from Imperial Wharf up to Sloane Square and back. It was so hard not to hug her but fantastic to see her! X

[@TheMargoCHANNING]

In 1973 I was working in Great Portland Street. My friend met me for lunch. We were walking down Oxford Street when the Hare Krishna line came down singing drumming and dancing. So we joined them. They loved it and so did we. Happy days.

[@lionofjudahlives]

Jo, you are just wonderful, so down to earth and the way you look after Matilda and your Mum. Love you Jo! xxx

[@carolinewilliams7797]

Lovely to see your mum and her beautiful garden! Nice little tour of Soho too, my daughter lives in London and is enjoying cycling around the quiet streets. Looking forward to your podcast revisited this week. Keep up the good work. Xx

[@sylviafenech4547]

Soho was quite alien hardly recognized it. Have a wonderful week Jo. 👩🏻‍🌾

[@Scarlett777Red]

Trip down memory lane,I did my hairdressing training in Dean Street in the eighties, a great time,Pete Burns,Malcolm Mclaren and Marc Almond were always floating about - I remember almost going into the Hare Krishna coffee shop by mistake aged 16,I didn't know what the score was,just used to see them chanting around the area! Lovely to see Mum and Matilda looking so good x

[@mareeschollum2986]

Lovely to see your mum and Matilda! She has a beautiful garden. More please of your mum and when are we getting more of your cooking lessons? I made the vege soup and loved it. So quick to cook and a very satisfying meal

[@janet-myspinonthings7016]

Loving your videos, seeing the countryside, hearing the English birds and enjoying your natural warmth. Refreshing! Cheers from Australia x

[@tluxe6135]

Your Mother has a beautiful garden. I could watch a whole show of you two in the garden, you working and she telling you you're doing it all wrong...good times.

[@paulineballam5945]

Hi Jo. Look forward to your Sunday vids ! How interesting to see round Soho.. can’t get into central at the moment so it’s great you’re showing it on your walks. It will be history and in all the schoolbooks one day... how did it make you feel walking around those quiet streets? So lovely to see your Mum looking so well 😊.. she has a beautiful garden. Hope you’re well , another great vlog. Pauline x

[@JulietteVol]

Love you, Jo! It's great to see such an amazing garden from lockdown here in my apartment. Love how you share everything with us. Love to you and Matilda!

[@adrianbrown9068]

Thx for posting Jo. I didn't expect Soho to be that quiet . Exceptional. You, your mother and Matilda all look fabulous. Please keep entertaining us. Thank you.

[@sandrasmith5943]

Great video. So pleased to see your Mum. I love her and Matilda. I laughed when she said ‘anyone would think we have the plague’ 😷ha ha x

[@Miss1Trisha]

Your Mum is looking so well! What a shame she has such a lovely garden but is unable to access it because of the steps down, especially in the lovely weather we have been having! 🌸🌼🌷🌻🌺 Have a great week Jo xx

[@jaynederbyshire5315]

Jo your lovely Mums garden is absolutely beautiful 🌼🌸🌺

[@sjsomer917]

Wonderful! So good to see you and your mom together. It's always so nice to ride along with you and to be taken to your mom's house. Thanks for sharing.

[@lorijakuc5719]

Yes, petunia! A big “hello” to your mum! Love your walks around the city but these are strange times. Have a great week🥰

[@bridgetsalter265]

We're all sharing your lovely mum on here Jo, She has trates of mum's that either can drive you to distraction😨 Just when you think you got her sorted ,up comes another small request 😉 When your out in the car it's like mum's put new duracell batteries in ,on x on she goes. The three of you is identical to when I looked after my dear old mum ,x very old dog (21) A wee Chinese crested power puff ,both requiring equal amounts of care 😃 Your vlogs are so watchable ,your so funny,great style,and ....your just as tiny as my late mum was ,children's section for everything!!! Thank you for the joy each post brings as I share every one to my sister living in the south of France. Stay well you all ,lovely day here in Dorset 👍💟

[@melindamaplewood8676]

Matilda falling asleep in the car was adorable 💖

[@fionamcdonagh655]

Hi Jo, so enjoyed seeing your mum she's still.in good spirits. I've now been listening to you on radio for about 3 months, enjoy you even more since lock down. Loving your 4pm meditation try to do most days. Have a good week!👍 Fiona/Ladbroke Grove

[@olf7042]

Jo, when I watch your vlogs, I keep thinking that "this is how happiness looks like". Thank you for this.

[@mariedixon5480]

Thanks jo that was wonderful, love Soho and Bar Italia and great to see your Mum is as cheerful as ever, my Mum is 84 and is living on her own, I do her shopping and leave it by the front door hopefully We will all be able to give our love ones a big hug ! 😍

[@natalieboyle4522]

Gosh don't know how I missed this one from last week? So sorry. Thankyou so much for plugging Samantha Sung Jo, you're a star! Music was fab 👍😘

[@gillsargisson8863]

You are obviously doing something right as your Mum's garden looks beautiful Jo. Thought your 'Alice' band looked "tres chic". Thank you for the trip around Soho, lovely ❤️xx

[@AnnaWebb]

Loved this Vlog - Soho locked down is so sad - loved the soundtrack - VERY appropriate! x

[@AM-er5vx]

Beautiful Day! Relaxing Garden. Mother and Child: Lovely and Healthy Dynamics. The respect and love that you have for Matilda are genuine and touching. Love the Music and your Vlog. Your energy is Contagious. Thank you! Getting to Know about Soho Now and Then was educational. You make my Sundays special! Thank You and have a Wonderful Week. Continue staying safe and taking care!

[@MiddleAgedMinx]

Thankyou Martha x

[@JeanWendy65]

Thanks for another entertaining video good to see your mum.

[@gillbrown3523]

Your Mum is just wonderful and wow her garden is amazing! You really are a lovely daughter too going to see her and doing her shopping every week. I loved your top tip. 💕💕

[@bethwest5674]

So envious of the glorious weather the UK has been blessed with during lockdown. Here in New Hampshire, USA we have had unseasonably cold and clouded days mixed with snow and on Friday small hurricane/tornado winds and rain!!! Don't remember if I suggested b4 but there is a beautiful short video on you tube, We're Never Lost if We Can Find Each Other, with beautiful lockdown imagery and a very moving poem. The first line is just so powerful. Thank you again for all of your content!

[@paulapinter4282]

Great too see you Mom and always Matilda. Be safe.

[@sawerjr0]

Wow Wow Wow, absolutely wonderful vlog this week Jo, I mean I always love them, but this was so good for me in so many ways, adored seeing Soho which i love and know every inch of, funny I picked up on the music right away at the Soho part, and thought that be your editor that put that on. Then to end with your dear Mum was such a joy, I adore her as we all do, stay safe, you have always wonderful energy, and I hope your Mum stays safe, even in lock down she is still up beat and lifts the spirit, Lots X

[@alexnewall8864]

Your mums garden looked glorious and I loved the walk through soho xxx

[@dellplummer5173]

I love your mum. I miss mine so much. Love to you both from Australia. 🌹💕🌹💕🌹💕

[@julieannehowe5091]

Great to see your mum jo . She is so positive its lovely to see. You are obviously a wonderful daughter. I'm 61 joe and help care for my mum. I might as well be 10 cos we still have that mother daughter relationship at times. She told me about where to put recycling the other day and I had to remind her I've been managing my own household for over 40yrs😅

[@clareriley9049]

Really enjoyed seeing Soho, my stomping ground many years ago, miss Bar Italia in particular. Lovely to see your mum and Matilda.

[@rachelcornishmaid5347]

Another great vlog Jo! Loved seeing Soho completely empty!! Your Mum looks really well and her garden is lovely! 👍 xx

[@donnanancekivell9430]

Good morning Jo.........lovely to see you all....Mathilda looked like she was going to fall asleep on your shoulder in the car, it was so scute...........I understand social distancing Jo, but I don’t see why your Mom couldn’t sit in the garden while you were there, bless her heart.....,The streets here in Toronto are pretty much the same, some stores have opened and there should be more people out and about this week as a trial......horrible times for so many......you are still having lovely weather I see, we had a beautiful day yesterday and now it’s rain for at least two days, however it should be really nice by the end of next week.........enjoy the rest of your weekend.........Donna in Toronto

[@MiddleAgedMinx]

she cant get down the step without my help..so unless a carer is there..she cant come outside x

[@Jadewest1000]

Enjoyed your vlog it’s a pleasure to see you.

[@bernadettevicinanza1857]

Oh Jo, you're Mum's little face lit up when she saw the little plant you bought her! Today is my sister and her husband's 25th wedding anniversary and will be second year that our Mum won't be here to make them a summer hanging basket 😰 ..seeing you taking such care of your Muttee is lovely to see. Treasure these moments with her even though they are fleeting and hope you can give her a big hug soon. Love from Bebe from Amsterdam

[@MiddleAgedMinx]

My brother lives in Amsterdam..its my second favourite city in the world x

[@bernadettevicinanza1857]

Yes Jo..remember we have a date together next time you're over!vintage hunt. Wishing you a lovely sunny Sunday x

[@lorettaweber8422]

Hi Jo I am Bernadette in Amsterdam's sister. Thanks for showing us Soho as it's never been seen before. Wish I was aloud to go to London just to see it so quiet, but of course out of the question at the for awhile. Really missing by day trips to the big smoke. You're Mum's garden is lovely, would have loved a panoramic view of it. Take care.

[@shirleymclean5895]

Lovely to see your fun florist chum on the BBC news today re: Chelsea 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@Cotswoldblonde]

Wow! That music was fantastic! Send it to Giles Peterson to play. Love the video and your mum’s garden is stunning, Thank you Jo xx

[@JoannaLouise200]

Love that smock top Jo - such a pretty blue with a soft open weave for Summer. Your mum looks very relaxed and regal sitting in her kitchen while you visit...looks like you're having an audience with the Queen! x

[@sarahgunay537]

Thanks for another lovely vlog. When things start to get back to normal please do some more car chats with you, Mutti and Matilda! It is so strange to see central London so quiet - I work there too - but you are right, we are living through an historical moment and your vlog has captured that: we can look back on it in years to come and probably won't believe Soho was ever that peaceful! xx

[@karenc8333]

So lovely to see your mum again! Cool music Jo xx

[@trishhickson1550]

Your mums garden is beautiful. You haven’t done too much damage yet😀🤭😂 your mum looks really well. She’s right about the lupins!

[@lizzietol2007]

Lovely to see your mum Jo and the garden looked so inviting Loved the music too and the walk thru Soho , I know I have said this before but being tucked away in Cumbria just to see London and how everything is so different is always a highlight Thanks Jo x

[@carolodonovan6303]

Thank you jo,mum matilda,⚘🌻🌺🥀we will all be back to the madness very soon.😃

[@kimscroxton2579]

So lovely that you can visit your mum. I miss mine very much. Am stuck in Oxford with no transport so can't wait for things to start settling down so I can get over to see her!

[@wendyrual7179]

I love to see your mum and of course dear Matilda. Your mum's reaction to the price of the Lupin .....was priceless! & yes that looked very much like a Petunia.......so sweet of you Jo. Stay safe out there 💕

[@kerryharris9209]

I’ve watched every vlog but never been first to comment!!! Thank you for all your content. It makes me smile.

[@lorilivingston4686]

Greetings from New Jersey. I look forward to your vlogs every Sunday and Wednesday. A bit of sunshine in a gloomy time. Love seeing your Mum and Matilda! Keep them coming. xoxo

[@ClareJo2605]

Thank you for showing Soho Square. I love it round here, when I was in Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre I used to eat my lunch sometimes in the Square.

[@jaynestewart719]

Lovely to see your Mum and Matilda. X

[@kiska1964]

Good to see your mum Jo. The music is fantastic, was going to request details but was glad to see that you have included them. Thank you,

[@leemcauley6519]

Loved this thanks for taking us around Soho. Bar Italia brings back so many memories of 3am pit stops in my twenties! About 20!years ago. Fun times

[@marchampson006]

Ahh Jo its catch time for me watching the VLOG on a Monday evening. Central London is well quiet while you walked about and how lovely to see Elisa & your Mother on the VLOG again Loving your work stay safe Marc in Bletchley Towers xx

[@bethalaksa9104]

Dogs in the City update???!!!! YIPPEEE. So much to comment on in today's vlog, but will just say, loved the music. It matched the place perfectly. Thank you for always being you! See you Wednesday.

[@marysmyth8288]

As a new subscriber I am enjoying catching up on all your vlogs. Each and every one reflects Your beautiful nature , your love of London, my Father was born in Liverpool street London in 1915 He was apprentice to the Times Newspaper , he always told me that knew all the streets of London like the back of his hand I really enjoyed your Soho walk an the echo of your feelings , SoHo never sleeps.. Loved your darling mother Mutti an adore Matilda. Thank you Joanne . you are a wonderful daughter and a wonderful person . Mary 🇨🇦 Canada .

[@denisedrummer5328]

Loved this vlog! Sharing the stroll round Soho was a treat, I so miss London. Your optimism that life will return to the streets is just what we need. I agree with Mutti that £15 for a lupin is rather dear, good to see she is in fine spirits. It does seem hard at times that we have to keep our distance from our mums. I’m sure the petunia will be pretty in the pot!🌝

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

Great vlog , can’t wait for you to take us back when it’s busy again love to, see the streets 😀 so chuffed for Julian I’ve loved him for years ❤️ xx