General Chat

My Mother had a literal dread,nay terror of feathers.
She would walk into the road rather than walk past a pigeon.
Yet she would feed them in her back garden.

Her fear of feathers went back to childhood.Her Aunt used to keep chickens in the back yard.They must have scared her.

Interestingly FEATHER is an anagram of THE FEAR

Hi Everyone, Well, today is the day we go to sign our contract, at last after all these months! I read somewhere the other day that it took this couple just over a year(!) to sell and buy their home, so I suppose 6 months isn't too bad!!!!! Yes William, you're right about the Fish! I shall have to make my excuses to the Almighty!! I was interested to hear about your extended family, and how well it's worked out. 'They' were clearly as lucky with you as I was with my 'father'. Unfortunately my parents were unable to have any more children, so I ended up as an 'only', but that was certainly never an 'issue' as far as I was concerned. I had a lot to be grateful for. Frank, I'm so glad that Ros has managed to eat, she should feel better for that, poor lady, she has/is having a rough time, I do hope whatever is troubling her is run to earth SOON for both your sakes. Mandy, I have three of the Rag Tag and Bobtail books from when I was 'little', not only that, I have (inherited) a draught excluder in the guise of a G---y w-g!!!!! How un PC can you be! I daren't throw 'IT' out as I might get reported and arrested!!!! so they are all hidden away. Does anyone remember watching 'Muffin the Mule' all those years ago? I think he was my favourite, mind you, 'Sooty' was a favourite too!

Morning all, I love you all for your kind words and thanks for keeping my grey matter ticking over.
Brer Rabbit, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, loved them all. (A lovely time, you didn’t have much but your imagination was the best thing of all – kids today, take note). Yes, Arthur Lucan, that's it - my wife and I were discussing them after my post - we knew about Kitty.
Flannagan & Allen, Nervo & Knox, the Crazy Gang, my Mum took me to see them at the Palladium, great fun.
Being the new LAD, I’m delighted that some of you are enjoying my memories, instead of yawning.
Folks I know wonder why I’m never bothered by a visit to the dentist. It all goes back to my childhood and my Dad’s psychology. When it was time to visit the dentist, my Dad would say to me “If you’re a good boy, I’ll take you to the Pie & Mash shop afterwards” (Cook’s Eel Pie Shop, Stratford Broadway, London E15), where we would have pie, mash peas a Cock ‘liquor’ (a sort of white parsley type gravy – still served today). Even now, a visit to the dentist conjures up an image of white and green tiled walls, round white marble topped tables with fancy cast iron legs and heavy chairs. Of course, being little it all seemed B I G to me, a sort of an Alice in Wonderland effect. But thanks Dad for the lovely legacy you left me.

Off to buy a new steam iron today, ours ‘blew up’ on Thursday after only four years of light use, and CAN’T be repaired. So much for modern craftsmanship. IRONICALLY, we won’t be buying a certain four letter make, beginning with B and ending in H! (I think I used a four lettered word when it blew!!!) I think we’ll buy a cheap one, which will probably see us out. If it doesn’t, what the heck – we can then afford a new one! There are some in the Argos book up to £80 – eighty quid to do work that you’d rather not? No way Jose!!!

Catch you all later, have a good one

William

That should have been Cockney liqour - I guess that's what you call a literary 'cock-up'. Sorry folks, hope I didn't cause any offence. So much for typing it out in WORD first, spellcheck can't help in those cases!!!

Morning all.

Im stressed this end,,Last night wondered why the plumber wouldnt fit the bath panels....Alan then took one up to see....the bath needs to be about one inch higher..The tiler double checked with him to see if it was the c orrect height.. when he tiled....The boss man is trying to get hold of the plumber again,,,
The carpenters came in and boxed part of the pipes in as far as they could...the bath is delaying them as well..I also have the painter in and he will not be able to finish of his bits... Roll on effect....

see you later

Everything is GO GO GO. in all these houses. You will look so posh when it's finished.

William, Have you considered one of these STREAM GENERATOR IRONS. they are great to use, and do the ironing in half the time, because the creases come out in a flash. Morrisso## sell them for under £40.00 and on Ebay even cheaper.

Poor littlie bird Jane, looks so lost and unloved. Provided he has been feed well by his mum, he should be able to cope.

William, I used the Pie and Eel shop in Aldgate at least 3 days a week. I remember. My lunch with two slices of B & B with a big white mug of tea took up my luncheon voucher 2/6d Was a real blow out !!!!

Good news this end. Tempted madam into a bit of Bacon, egg and tomato. one slice of dry bread and a glass of milk. Tonight I am going to try a Plaice fillit with a few home made chips. I'll do my self a bit of Cod.

Having trouble with the postings. The last one came up THREE TIMES

Morning All,

Took me ages to catch up on postings.

Dry here today and last night SisIL phjoned to say they are coming down on Tuesday for their holiday!!!!!! So now I have to clean the whole house and caravan ready for them.

Waiting for a phone call from a place we have ordered the sheeting for the roof. The boards for the front arrived this morning with the grass seed for the rdge of the lawn. OH is out mowing the grass ready for the arrival of his sister. The orchard has'nt been mowed for a few weeks and is quite long so that has to be done too as the caravan is in there. So much to do plus all the usual things as well.

I thought when I retired life was going to slow down :-(

It just gets harder!! Perhaps it is because you don't get so much done in a day when you are older?

William love your postings as they bring back so many memories. When I read about the pie and eel shop in Stratford I pictured a shop lined in green tiles. Then read further and low and behold you discribed it with the tiles and tables. My uncle used to go to that shop I think but I have never had any, nor my mum who worked for him.

I picked 3 and a half lbs of Beauty of Bath apples yesterday for my table outside the gate. All bagged and ready to go out and I have asked OH if I can have my old barrow out by the gate as I can't get everything on the table that is out there now.

A big branch on one of the damson trees broke under the weight of the fruit last week and I don't know whether to cut it off and loose the fruit or to see if the fruit ripeds and then cut it off.

Any one remember Pussycat Willum and Muriel somebody.

We had a telly for the queens coranation. It was a big box one that stood on the floor with a tiny screen to watch. You had to sit so close to be able to see the picture.

I have apile of ironing to get out the way too so better press on otherwise I shan't be redy for Tuesday :-S

Mel, Each morning I get up with all the best intentions to do this and that and the other. After doing this, I leave that and the other for another day. :-D :-D :-D I'm sure it's called old age !!!
Ros feels well enough to take me to Tesc#s, so I can get some bits and pieces. Might treat her to flowers, that should cheer her up.

Nice morning here, sunny and warm, with a little cloud. Not good for the Canal Weekend. Showers and longer outbreaks of rain. You watcvh Monday will be fine :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

Sold another little clock yesterday, will post that today. Nothing else got a bid, so have relisted them for another week. If no luck, they can go back into the shed for another time.

Have found a large basket of cutlery, in the garage from Ros's Mum and Dad's old kitchen. Both Conrad and Harvey, have taken all the bits they want, a lot of silver pickle forks,silver fruit sets. Knives. The rest I will sort out and bundle up in half dozens and sell on Ebay. Also have a large Salmon knife and fork server. It will take me a day or two to get that lot sorted. After I have done, That and the other LOL LOL

Afternoon everyone,

A lovely warm day here today, have been doing a little and sitting a little ,i don't want to pull my side again, i have a huge pile of ironing to do ,think i'll do some today and leave some for tomorrow , i remember mum never used an ironing board ,she use to put a big cover on the table and then an old sheet on top to iron on .

Liz, those books are probably worth a bit now , i remember Muffin the mule ,you could see all the strings that worked him !!!

Mel, i remember Pussycat Willum too , i think it was Muriel Young .

Oh Pat ,just when you thought it was all going well too !!! now the tiles will all have to come off i suppose .


Frank, glad Ros is still eating a little , i would love some home made chips, i carn't remember the last time i did home made chips, you carn't bet them for taste .

Well i'd better get on this ironing won't do its self !!!!

BBL

Ahoy everyone,

Feel like I'm on a boat, but just swaying to and fro'. Got some tests back today and I can add hypoglycemia to the list. Love my chocolate too!!! Any advice gladly accepted!!!! I've really been off the boil for a while, lol. My zinc is very low as well, but am taking Zinc Drink for that.

Jane that poor little pidgeon without his mum. Hope he survives on his own. Loved the little robin too, they are such pretty birds.

Put some bread out for my Currawong today and the neighbours' cats scared him off and ate the lot. I don't let my cats roam around the place and these others are always killing the wildlife, bl**dy things :-(

Frank so pleased to read that Ros is eating a little. You are getting some good medical advice AT LAST. Hope you and Mandy are in better shape today. Having some luck with e-Bay with 7 people watching our hallway table, scratches 'n all. Keith has found some old Golden Books which might fetch a good price plus a few old Enid Blyton books. I went through some of the books in the garage finally. Quite a few are going to the Salvos tomorrow with some other bits and pieces.

Ann I hate those hairdressers chairs and wash basins too. Always get shoulder pain after being in them. Yes, I guess whilst Rod's car was there I felt he was still around. I haven't been able to go into the house since he died. They must think I'm ignoring them, but that is far from the case. Will see Glenda before she goes to America.

Do any of the ladies remember the Princess Tina magazines?? Our newsagent used to order them in for me from the UK. I started reading them from the mid 1960's onwards. Something I really looked forward to each month.

I can remember Mother Reilly. I loved all the old movies, especially Ma & Pa Kettle.

Pat thanks for the photo. A nice one of you and looking so tanned. I bet you wish it had been two weeks. Wishing you well with the bathroom, sorry you are so stressed. I can understand completely. It will all be over very soon. Thoughts are with you



:-) Why is this thing down here????

:-S

Joel went out with friends for a meal tonight. When they walked back to the car two fellows were trying to break in. Joel yelled out and the two blokes fronted them and threatened them. One said he would r*pe one of the girls. We were horrified when he got home. He was in a real state, but otherwise ok. He's such a placid kid, wouldn't hurt anyone. The Entrance is fast becoming a dangerous place. Very frightening when things like this happen as Sheila can well relate to. Absolute monsters around these days

Shirl you're welcome, wish I could have been of more help. I still might find something if I keep looking.

Another beautiful day here. Had to water the garden as no rain for a few weeks.

Off to bed now or maybe a bit of tv. Have a good day. 12.22 am EST

HELLO WORKERS-----SUCH A BUSY LOT AS PER-USUAL----
ALL NEW AND BRIGHT .----

GOOD TO HEAR ROS IS EATING BUT SO WILL YOU FRANK----
HOW NICE TO HAVE ALL THIS WILD LIFE ABOUT YOU JANE THESE POOR WEE BABYS BIRDS ---MY PARENTS LIVED IN TOWN --BUT HAD A PAIR OF SEAGULLS Mr&Mrs GULL MUM CALLED THEM ON WINDOWSILL EVERY DAY FOR FOOD AND PECK ON THE WINDOW UNTILL MUM OPENED IT AND FEED THEM & BROUGHT THEIR YOUNG .---

FRANK DO YOU KNOW WHERE IN LONDON HOLLBOURN (SP) IS ? OG DAD BORN THERE.

Afternoon All,

Good to hear Ros has been eating a bit more Frank. It sounds as if an operation would be a very last resort if she would end up in a wheelchair, so hopefully they will have some other ideas. If it just hurt when she bent over I suppose some sort of brace or corset might help.......not much use if it hurts all the time though.

I had a look at the Blisworth Festival on line, but it doesn't look as if they are doing trips through the tunnel.........do they only do those on special anniversaries?

Mandy, I thought my back was a bit better today, so tried a stint in the garden as the beds are nearly finished.......it was no good.....after half an hour I could hardly straighten up after bending and OH just picked all my tools up and put them away so I couldn't do anymore anyway!!! I hope yours is a lot better now.

Pat, thanks for the photo.....how do you get your legs so brown.......mine have never been that lovely colour! I bet your tiler won't be too chuffed, having to take tiles off again!!

Kim, I just watched a video of the Currawongs. They have a lovely song, much, much nicer than the squawk of our Magpies!! lol There used to be about 6 cats near here and as you say....carnage for the poor wild life......we were always finding corpses they had dropped or got bored with. Now there is only 1 cat at the other end of the close and he doesn't bother coming down here.

That's low blood sugar isn't it Kim? No wonder you were feeling so tired. Have they said you will need treatment for it?

I must get set up to sell things on Ebay.......get rid of some clutter!! Now I will have a choice of EXPERTS to help!!

Good idea to leave the workmen to it and keep Sofia away Fiona. I used to hate leaving the house with workmen in it, but sometimes you need a break anyway.

Anyone remember 'Girl' comic and annuals from the 1950s. It had a picture of a girl's head facing right with long wavy hair blowing behind....on a red background. It was the first magazine and annual I had.

William, my gran had an assortment of irons, all heavy and heated in the oven!! She had pads to hold them with as the handles were red hot. Damp cloths were wrung out and spread over garments to press them and would sizzle with the heat. Remember Flanders and Swann? We have a few CDs of them and often put one on in the car on a long journey....always make us titter!!

Afternoon one and all,

It's a beatiful afternoon here. Sun and a light breeze. Couldn't wait to get back from Tesc# so I could strip out to my shorts.

Shirl, Holborn is just outside the City of London. Near to the theatre land,Leicester Square, etc. knew it well in the 50s. but would all be changed now. The office I worked in.,in the Ciry, was blown up by the IRA. and in it's place built the "GURKIN" the pointed glass building you see in the backgrown of the BBC NEWS.

Ann, You can get a boat trip from Stoke Bruerne through the tunel, but I don't think they do one from Blisworth. This weekend there will be trips to the tunel entrance. and in the evening a 1 1/2 trip up the other way towards Northampton.

Kim, what a terrible experience for the youngsters, Can't even go out for an evening without having trouble bought to you. What the Bloody hell is wrong with these youngsters today. They need a Bloody good hinding. and regular. KNOCK IT OUT OF THEM.

Mandy,and Ann. I said yesterday "At your age you have to be more careful" you can't do everything in one go. A bit now and the rest rtomorrow :-D :-D :-D

How did Jane manage with Ebay and the car??? There's not one of Hannah's cars advertised in the motoring section of the paper tonight.So might be worth a try in the E T.

We use to sing "old Mother Reilly, she got drunk, fell in the fire and burnt her bonnet, now she's got no hair upon it, she has to wear a wig " stupid things that you remember. Do you remember Gene Autrey, he was another cowboy.

I'm sorry Joel had that happen to him Kim,and hope he is ok now.It may take him and his friends a while to get over that.Once again I could turn the air blue but will keep my language to myself lol.
What a smashing day it has been.I was expecting more rain.I still have the big fan on in the lounge.
Ann your poor back.I think you need to not try doing anything in the garden like bending and lifting for a while yet.Do you use those heat patches?I find the Dee* Hea* ones are very good.

I daren't ask how it has gone today Pat ;-) ;-).It has been a right old do hasn't it.

Mel are your visitors not going to use your spare room?Or do they like the caravan.That branch must weighed a ton with the Damsons .What a pity it broke.

William ,your dear old Dad had the right idea regarding the visits to the Dentist.Nothing wrong with a bit of good old briberry (can't seem to spell that :-S)

Liz have you signed your contract now?????One step further. :-D :-D

Have had one ridiculous offer so far for Hannahs car.I think it was probably a dealer.Her washer dryer is on there now.James did it for me.I am still a bit scared of all this business.I suppose like you Frank it is a doddle once you get the hang of things.

I see petrol has shot up in price :-S :-S.
Must check the chicken now.It smells great.Chester is lying on the kitchen floor with his nose very close to the oven ;-) ;-)

Back from the Sols and have signed on the dotted line! so,no going back now. Person who is buying our house rang up the agent wondering when we were going to go! anyway a weekend of packing and sorting is rearing it's head, so should be kept pretty busy from now on!! I remember having Girl every week! It was the Sister comic to Eagle which Ian can remember having. I started having a comic quite early on, first one was called Tiny Tots!! then 'Chicks Own'! followed by 'Rainbow, followed by 'Girl' and finally 'The Young Elizabethan'. Fancy me remembering all of them like that when it was all so long ago! Can anyone remember listening to 'Take it from Here'? it was on Sunday afternoon, and I can remember listening to it while helping to do the wiping up after Sunday dinner! It certainly helped to rattle along those dishes! Some of it was above my head, but my parents found it ALL very amusing!!

Frank I hope the weather is kind this weekend for you and that Ros is well enough to enjoy all the festivities .

Liz you are going to be a busy bee now until you move.I hope it's not too stressful !! I hope Merlin will be happy in his new home too.

You mentioned wiping up.On a Sunday there was always a 'discussion' as to who would wash,who would wipe and who would put away.Everyone always wanted to do the washing up lol No arguments now as it all goes in the dishwasher.Well most of it anyway.

No sad looking pigeon around .Thank goodness.There do seem to be a lot of Seagulls flying around.I always find it strange as we are so far away from the sea.

I see the Edinburgh Festival has started.My 2 cousins who live there will have lots of things booked up to see.I went about 4 years ago with my sister
and we stayed with Iona(my cousin).It was so crazy ,but great fun.Hannah went 2 years ago with a couple of friends and rented a very glam apartment for a couple of days.I just love Edinburgh.

Quiet here tonight !!
I am off to bed now.Chris has gone as he is up early for surgery in the morning.
He has done something to his Shoulder!!!!.It must be the week for injuries lol
I will let him get off to sleep for a few minutes before I turn the light on to read.He won't wake up once he's gone lol
Night Night everyone xx

Night Night Jane and everyone else, Sleep tight.

Morning All,

Hope the weather is kind to Frank and Ros this morning for the festival. Good that Ros has started to eat a little too that will give her a bit more strength. Have the patches started to work Frank???

I did'nt get on too well yesterday but did do some ironing then disappeared into the tunnel and watered then on to the border for a bit of digging.

Hope Chris's shoulder is a bit better today. What are we all like with our injuries and illnesses?? Must be a sign of getting old :-(

When the pheasents came for their corn last night there were only four babies. Same this morning. I like to think that he has gone off somewhere on his own and not been got by the fox. She had 2 males and three females. Probably chicks of dear old Phil who we still have'nt seen since his encounter in the box hedge when he got stuck in the rose bush with the other one.

OH is out mowing again at the moment I think or at least I can hear a mower. When he mowed the orchard yesterday with the big red mower all the chicks and their mums ran into their old run as quick as they could. It was so funny and as soon as he went off to mow elsewhere they all came out again. It was their first experience of the mower as he had'nt cut the orchard since they have been in the big run.

Hope all are coping with general life today.

Poor Maureen not being able to get on her pooter. She must feel very isolated without it.

Pat how's everything going now with bathroom and kitchen?