General Chat

I've tried again for you Liz.

OH has just got in with some bad news, one of his work mates mother has passed away, who happens to be my mum's neighbour and a friend of Sandra's. I've just had to tell Sandra so now she's quite upset. The work mate is also Sandra's friend so she's worrying about her too and wondering how she is, of course we can't tell her as we don't know ourselves. I just hope OH can get the time off work for the funeral as Sandra will be upset if she can't go.

I've not caught up with the posts so will read them all later as Sandra needs me at the moment :-( Sandra thought she was getting better so it's a bit of a shock to her. She's been in hospital for about a month now but we're not sure what her illness was so I can't really explain things very well to Sandra. All I can do is comfort her, at least her dad is back now so that's a great help as they are very close.

The work mate who's birthday it was had a nice time.......well as nice as it could be under the circumstances and told OH that she wanted a plant just like the one we gave her but couldn't find one. It was a pink geranium, she could only find red or white ones, so she was very pleased with the present.

So it is still watch this space then with the builder Ann !!!.I bet he got a few dirty looks today when he had that tapemeasure out lol
Fitz is looking forward to seeing you again.I know he wants to thank you for all the recent things that you turned up :-D
Yes Podge and Thomas sound like they could well be a 'bad' double act.A right pair of ruffians.Thomas now has 2 big bells on a new collar LOL Not that I think it will make the slightest difference.
Fitz showed me something he dug up .It is some teeth in a bit of jaw bone.The teeth look very white but the surface of the teeth are worn flat.I'm wondreing if it might be a sheep.He is going to give them to me for Jess to have a look at as her interest is Bones.So she might have an idea.Might be human LOL,but I doubt it very much .

Oh no Thomas has arrived with a live vole or something.We shouted and he dropped it and it ran off.Hopefully it has taken sanctuary somewhere very safe.We knew he had 'that look' when he went off lol.I can't be doing with this at our dinner time :-S

Ann what kind of state was the furniture in if the Charity people didn't want it !!!!!!!
Hopefully the house clearance people have been now and taken everything that needed to go.
When I had to clear my Aunty Betty's house I had to get House Clearance in and I found it quite upsetting that they actually broke up furniture that they said would not be able to sell.They were just going to take it to the tip.I'm so glad my Aunty wasn't there to see it happen.She didn't have much, but to see it all go like that was rather sad.I remember sitting outside on the wall having a few tears after that while I waited for the next lot of people to come and take out the Stair lift.
I just think it is sad to see things that people have lived with for so many years just go like that. :-(
Food is on the agenda now so I better get cracking.

Hi everybody,

Thought I'd disappeared again didn't you! Well, no, just been a bit busy of late. Some of you may have seen what's been going on via Facebook, but if not, I'll fill in a few blanks.
My 80th birthday celebrations had yet another outing when we had a get together last Saturday with some special people, including my daughter Mandy (lives in Woodford Halse) and my son Kevin, his wife Lola and grandchildren Carla and Lucas, up from London for the weekend. And yet another birthday cake courtesy of Mandy. My grandson Oliver, Mandy's lad, was unable to be present as it was to be his graduation on the Monday following. His Mum etc went down for the event in Kingston on Thames where he graduated with first class honours, very proud to say the least.
Carmel bought me a present of a new shed which was delivered and erected today and the old one taken away all in one go. The old one owed us nothing as we've had it about 28 years and I've re-roofed it and rebuilt one side during that time. It was on it's last legs as the floor was going rotten.. I'll email out some photos on the above, but I'm still waiting for one of me with my cake.
Clearing out the shed took up up a lot of my time, where do you put everything in the meantime! Well, I utilized my two mini-greenhouses, knowing the would be waterproof, I stuffed them full of different bits and bobs. Our garden bench I loaded up with different things including my garden tool racks etc, then covered it all over with tarps. Other stuff I put in my lock-up garage - but then of course, now the shed is up, I've got to reverse the procedure. BUT, time for a clear out methinks, and get rid of the stuff that I don't use or don't really need.

Okay, off now to email those photos. TTFN

Well I have had my FIRST meat balls. I told Ros to get something from Tesc# to save me cooking. While she was in town having her eyes tested she went into BHS and bought a couple of bits, then onto Tesc#. Meat balls for me, with Rosties, stuffed mushrooms and three cheese flat bread. Can't think what she had.

Soaps on now, and my Kindle is flat, so I can't read or play games. :-( :-( :-( Sounds some right goings on, on E.E. Glad I'm out of the way, as I would be making ruder comments.

The builder saga goes on then Ann. Lets hope the planning people will sort it out once and for all.

Poor you Mel, if pain killers are working. Have you tried washing some scotch around your mouth. That has helped me in the passed.

Jane, Podge and Thomas sound a right old pair. ¬!! The horrors of Barton Seagrave. I bet they terrorise all the other cats in the area. ;-) ;-) ;-) Where is the water for the moorhens ???

Bad news on a birthday Gill, I assume the care home will give OH time off for the funeral.

Nice to see you around Will. I have caught up with your partying on F.B. you gay old dog !!! :-D :-D :-D Do it while you can Mate ;-) ;-)

I've watered all the gardens back and front. Three people have commented how lovely the garden is looking. So it's nice that people notice, and makes it all worth while.

Off for my first beer of the evening.

See you in the morning. It's good to be back amongst my friends. <3 <3 <3

Hi William
I saw the shed on your F B :-D :-D.Great present .You have certainly had long celebrations for your Big Birthday :-D

Frank .Meatballs and ROASTIES !!!!!!!......NO you have to have Spaghetti and sauce :-D :-D..Did you like them?
There is a stream running through Fitz's neighbours garden and also a huge pond next to the stables down there.This is where the Moorhen are.So very easy picking for Podge :-S :-S
I am going to go and try to call in our monster now.Hopefully he will come in if I whistle and call loud enough :-D

WILLIAM.....Just seen the Dizzy World Poster :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D..Brilliant .I love it.

Morning all and evening Kim,

Feeling a bit frail today. Slept like a log and got up once. I was so cold last night I threw my toweling bath robe over me in bed.

William's poster was great was'nt it? and the new shed is lovely. It does make you have a sort out when you get a new shed as I found out the other year.

Morning my lovelies, evening Kim.

What a great summer morning it is here. Clear blue sky's hardly any breeze. Just what the DOCTOR ORDERED.

Well First and last Meat balls, Indigestion all evening and in bed. Three lots of Gavisto#. and the "trots" this morning.. I'll go back to my roasts. !!!

Jane, I suppose a little stream like that would attract the moorhens (nice and quiet) WHO AM I KIDDING.!!! I do think you and Fitz have a right pair of "HUNTERS" and I doubt all the feeding by you both won't change their habits.

How's that tooth this morning Mel ??? Not giving you too much discomfort I hope.

Not another good night last night, Don't the time drag when you just lay there "Clock Watching" Ros bought tea in about 8.30. Just as I was settling down to sleep, so that was it !!! :-( :-(

Ready for my shower and shave now. I haven't shaved for THREE DAYS soon look like an old tramp. Then into shorts and garden in my chair.

See you soon.

Morning All and Evening Kim,

I didn't sleep well last night as I couldn't get my back comfy. Having a drink with some tablets meant I had to get up for the loo later which didn't help. Then OH got up at 7.00am to trim his beard and made lots of noise and woke me so he was in the doghouse!!. :-S Still it does seem a bit better today with another patch on, so I'm going to see if I can use the handbrake on my car and nip to the newsagents for a few things. :-) OH has cancelled his appointment with the bank as they say his mum's bed is arriving this morning so he's shot over there now.

FIL was so pleased to see OH last night. He seems to be aware now that there is something wrong other than his memory. He told OH that he thought he'd been to OH's funeral and that he'd got no-one now. He said he knows these things haven't happened when OH or MIL are there with him but later gets these thoughts and just can't remember. OH is really good with him and told him it is probably just like a bad dream you have at times that seems real and he seemed happy with that idea. He was concerned whether he would go back to the home as he said h'ed made some lovely friends there and OH was able to say that the doctor thought he most likely would. He seems to be unable to even stand unaided at the moment though. I'm getting him some of his favourite choccy tjhis morning. :-)

I hope your poor tooth is better today Mel, otherwise you will have to get an appointment with the dentist. I hate taking any pills too but sometimes you just need to.

Lovely photos William and congratulations to your lovely grandson. The new shed looks very smart and I expect you will be filling it up today!

I wish I had stables close to me like Fitz has Jane! I would like that. :-) I must see if I have any other bits to send you both before we meet up. :-) BBL

Morning all. I'm at my daughters at the moment. There is still a lot to be done on the roof. But the roofer has to finish a previous job off cut short by the rain he may be here mon or Tuesday but rain is due those 2 days !! There is a waterproof membrane on there now..but big insulated blocks have to go on and then covered in felt
The floor still has to be levelled so even the inside can't be started. The carpenter father has died and the electrician sons in hospital. That can't be helped... But Alan Clare and I are very stressed.

I was also very cold in bed last night as we were using an air bed and sleeping bags that are kept here now. Had to get out a. Few times for the loo still feeling the effect this morning. Tonight we will have a bed. Ok. Just for an overnight stay We are here looking after Clare's dogs while they are all away. The grandkids think they are only going out for the day but they are going to hav*n for. 4 days glamping in on of their posh tents lol. So we will find things to do a little mini break for us.

Oh your poor FIL Ann, It must be horrendous having thoughts like that. We can only hope that is doesn't happen to us. !!! There are so many people around with disabling conditions.

I am beginning to think Valerie next door has something wrong with her. She stands on the lawn just staring at the ground, and when you speak to her, you can see she is in a world of her own. I have mentioned it to Tony, and he is going to the doctors with her on Monday, lets hope they get her sorted. To me it seems she shouldn't be left alone.

Madam has gone to Dunel#. She was there on Tuesday and bought a new Frying pan. Presti#e priced at £22.95. down to £3,50. If that's not a bargain then show me what is.!!!!! I have sent her back to see if she can get some saucepans with lids for similar money. I will be well CHUFFED if she can. I seems to have broken the glass saucepan lids over the years, and you can't find lids on their own. :-( :-( :-(

Pat you must be looking forward to "A BED" tonight. I can think of nothing worse than sleeping on a lilo. You must have been so uncomfortable ;-) ;-) ;-) I have seen those breaks advertised at Hav#n, but I don't think it's an "old persons" thing. I enjoy my home comforts too much.

I had a THREE way conversation this morning with Conrad and Jan in Spain. The weather is really hot, and he has a few days off next week, so they can spend some time together doing their own thing, which will be nice.

Lewis has said he will Skype us, but we are still waiting. I bet he's out and about at all hours and down the pool all day. Good luck to him.
#
Ros has just returned with two small saucepans with lids, a milk saucepan (PRESTI@E reduced from £17.95 to £3.50 and another frying pan like the one she bought Tuesday.

Oh Pat there's always something to hold things up isn't there. Still, as you say, some things just can't be helped and they will probably find some jobs will progress more quickly than expected and they will catch up later. It will be nice for you to be in a proper bed after last night on the airbed. Those things always feel quite comfy till you spend a whole night on one. I bet the children will love the glamping!!

I've just never fancied meatballs Frank........I don't suppose you will any more after all the indigestion!! It's good when people make nice comments about your garden. I always do if I pass a nice garden and the owner is there.

Jane MIL's dining table and chairs were only about 4 years old and were fine and the settee and chair about 6 years old and just needed a bit of shampoo on the arms. They were both very old fashioned styles though so maybe that was it. The men who did collect it knew that it was BHF that had turned them down......they are known to 'cherry pick' apparently.

Ann, In the passed we have sent things to BHF if they don't conform to fire regulations they will always refuse them. Fortunately ours had the label on the bottom of the sofa. They have also had lots of cabinets from me. When we moved from Gayton they wouldn't fit in.

Madam came back with TWO twin pot stands. What she is going to do with them I don't know. They were priced at £14.99 down to £3.24. So they could be good for a PRESENT for someone.

She is now pottering around the Patio. Green Thumb have just been and complimented us on how nice the garden is looking. Another treatment finished. Weed and feed. I am so pleased with their service I would recommend them to anyone !!!

Frank, the only meat balls we would ever have are from Waitrose or M&S. I wouldn't touch the ones from Tesco's, the quality is a bit grim!! Sainsbury's aren't too bad, but I wouldn't have them through choice! We always have mash or new spuds, and a green veg of some sort. Depends on what takes your fancy guess!!
Sitting outside in the sun and it's lovely!!

Afternoon all

I've just had a very lengthily conversation with Michelle online, she's had a few problems and needed me to help her out. She did manage to ask after us lot which is a first for her as she normally talks about herself a lot LOL so that was nice for a change. Her holiday dates have been confirmed so Sandra is happy. I still haven't wrapped up Michelle's presents yet, but I've got till September to do that so still some time left.

Just as I'd finished talking with Michelle and said our goodbyes my mum phoned, she'd just heard that her neighbour had died, the one I was telling you all about yesterday, so I was on the phone comforting her for a hour, she's ok now. She knew her friend was in a bad way with being an ex-nurse and was telling me that her friend said she didn't want to live last year. She had lots of medical problems and her quality of life wasn't very good, so my mum wasn't surprised that she gave up in the end :-(.

I got a phone call off the drains people and they are coming on Monday to fix them. I hope they're aren't here all day as I wanted to give the 14 days notice to our estate agent, might have to do that on Tuesday if the drains people finish late.

I love the pics Will congratulations to Oliver on his graduation. Your new shed looks the business, have you managed to put everything back in now?

So you've had some good reports on your garden Frank, I'm not surprised with all the work you and Ros have put into it. Ros got some bargains with her pans didn't she? Sorry to hear the meatballs didn't agree with you, best to stick to your roasts like you said.

Sorry to hear there's another delay on your build Pat, hope it isn't to long before it's all finished. Have the builders given you a completion date yet? I bet you can't wait to get into a real bed tonight, those other beds aren't very comfy are they? Hope the children enjoy their glamping <3

Your poor FIL Ann, it's awful having thoughts like that, but it looks like your OH manage to calm him down so he's not so upset now. Good idea to say they are like dreams. He'll enjoy the choccy you got him ;-) So the new bed is arriving today, when will MIL be going home? Will she be able to cope on her own, you were saying the other day that you weren't sure? Has the volunteer woman backed off now?

Sorry to hear you're feeling a bit frail today Mel, hope you feel better soon. Did you manage to make an appointment at the dentist, he might be able to help you?

Off to make a sandwich now, I haven't eaten anything today and I'm getting hungry
BBL

Thanks Liz, I perhaps should try M & S ot Waitrose. It was JANE'S FAULT !!!! She said they were very nice. They certainly didn't agree with my "tender tummy" but I am so delicate as you know LOL ( I can eat most things)!!

Ros has now got the hedge trimmer out. Trimming the ornate bushes in the front garden. She says they are getting too big. Will have to see what they look like after their trim. :-D :-D :-D

Still very nice outside, even though I am sitting in doors, all windows and doors open, and I am watching Rick Stein in India. Some of the cooking places he has visited and eaten in, I wouldn't want to go near them. But he thinks they are the only place to eat. He is very interesting with his views on Indian culture and food. The Markets and fish harbours are something different. He is not frightened to try to cook the dishes even though they look so difficult. He takes so many notes and says he will try them in his restaurants back in the U.K. Hope his customers have a strong digestive system :-D :-D :-D DELI BELLY comes to mind.

Well time for tea and cake. Enjoy the weather folks.

Where's our Gill today. I hope she hasn't found more cleaning JOBS ???

I'm here Frank you just missed my post :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Afternoon All
I have had a day cleaning,and doing some windows and have done all i'm doing for today.Carpets were hoovered to within an inch of their lives lol But they do look good now :-D

Oh dear Pat you really don't want delays now.I though it was all going fine except for the wet in the roof.Hopefully the weather forecast is wrong and you won't get rain next week .No airbeds tonight then.I bet you will sleep like a log back in a bed.I never found blow up beds comfortable.I think too as we get older we need something a bit more subtantial :-DIt's ok if you are a young one and have no achy joints to contend with.

Frank I always have the Tes** Meatballs .The Italian ones..Liz I haven't had the Waitr*** ones.Maybe I will get Chris to get some when he goes.

Mel how are you feeling this afternoon? Any brighter?Do you think it is your tooth causing you to feel not so good?

Like Frank any furniture we get rid of goes to BHF.I'm surprised they didn't take at least the dining table and chairs.Unless the chairs have cushions with no safety labels on.Maybe as you say if the Settee and Chair are of an old fashioned sytle maybe they thought they woudn't be able to sell them easily.I must say that the BHF Furniture shop in town has some quite modern looking Suites.
Did you manage to do the handbrake and drive? Hope that the heat patches are helping .You must have really pulled some muscle for it to be so painful.
The bed should be in situ now then.Is it one with the mattress that air goes through .Used to be called Ripple Beds in the old days.Not sure what they are called these days.The type to help prevent pressure sores.
It is sad to think tht FIL thought he was all alone in the world.It made me a bit teary :-(
I think saying his it was probably a nightmare is the perfect way to deal with it Ann.So well done to OH for coming up with that.I'm sure it was all to do with visiting MIL.Hopefully he will settle again and also that he will get mobile on his own .It could be a sub conscious thing where he is afraid to stand on his own in case he falls again.I really hope he can go back to the Care Home.

Gill that was good Michelle opened up to ask your help.I hope her problems were /are easily solved :-D.Hannah is the kind of person who keeps things close to her chest,and I have always treid to say if she has a problem or worry she must 'talk'.Trouble is she Chris and James are all the same that way and it just makes things more difficult.I find it very frustrating sometimes espescially when I know there is something wrong ,but they say everything is fine !!!!.I just have to be patient as it will come out in the end :-D

Chris says it is a Blue Moon tonight .Not sure what he meant as he disappeared off down the garden as he said it.I did get some nive pics last night of the moon.Not as brilliant as Ann and Mels ones.I have the camera on charge for tonight :-D

I have just realised I haven't put the Gammon Joint in the oven.It is one I bought for last Christmas and I found it when the new F F came.It takes an hour and 45mins to cook so I better get it in now.

Frank that was brilliant bargains Ros got . :-D :-D.I am always tempted when pans are reduced like that.But I have no more space to put any and the ones I have are reasonably new(ish)

Short note to everyone - no, I didn't put everything back in the shed today. It was too nice so we took ourselves off to Dizzy World :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Chat later maybe ;-) ;-)