General Chat

Afternoon all

Been busy today sorting out OH's family tree and adding photo's. It's all done now so he'll be pleased when he gets in from work later.

Glad to hear all went well at Johnny's place Jane, you were luckily with the weather after all the rain we've had lately.

Hope Frank is having a good time at the canal and has enjoyed his ploughman's.

Not a good start for MIL Ann, hope things have improved a bit now.

So the build will be back on track on Monday Pat. Hopefully it won't take to long to sort the roof out and make it water tight then the weather won't stop anymore work being done.

That was a stroke of luck Mel, William's present turning up. At least now you can send it recorded delivery and know he'll get it this time round.

Off to sort out some dinner now, I've only had a small sandwich all day and I'm really hungry now. Then I'm going to have a break from the computer screen for a while as my eyes are starting to go funny and not in a good way LOL
BBL

Pat Millie hasn't been drinking water from lakes or such with that Algea that is poisonous to dogs?..I do hope she is ok .So worrying for you :-(

Gill I have realised why I am so hungry..I missed lunch and have only had a Banana and a Yoghurt for breakfast....I could really get stuck in to a good juicy steak Mel,but we have Frozen Fish (Basa).I think it is 'Youngs' make and it is really quite tasty.That will be with Parmentier Potatoes and lots of BEANS :-).Asparagus and Peas.
Not as tasty as a good old steak though.
I'll make up for that tomorrow with a nice joint of Beef :-D

It is good we've all had nice wether today wht with Johnny's Happy Place and the canal festival everyone has had a nice time. Glad there were lots of people at Johnny's do and I am sure it will be used a lot.

Pat poor little doggy beig so sick both ends. I hope they are better now and no more horrid sickness. give him a stroke for me please.

I have been up the border but got so hot I had to come down and have a nice icecream with oh. I had a strawberry one and he had a double choc. They were from a local farm at Holsworthy Beacon. Bought them this morning when I went down for the paper as I thought we may need them this afternoon.

Wonder what Gill is up to today. Is her oh off over the weekend? Bet she's in the garden. :-D

I had'nt read Gill's post when I posted!!!! So you have been on the family tree again. It is surpising how long it takes to add photos etc. but another good job done. You won't know what to to with yourself soon when everything is sorted. You will have to go back to your baking.

Just rescued a mouse being tossed around the garden by the 'horror'.It took 6 goes before I caught Thomas !!!.He was covered once agian in those sticky seeds,so has had a darned good brushing(not impressed :-S)..Not sure if the mouse has survived.It didn't look injured ...just shell shocked.So Doors shut now for the night.No more hunting.

We have noticed lots of yellow and black striped caterpillars on some yellow flowered plants around one of the veg patches.I just looked it up and it is a Cinnabar Moth.They turn out to be Black and Red.

I am going back to my own bed tonight rather than the spare,and have told Chris I have put a blanket on the bottom of the bed .just in case we have Thomas.I won't say what his reply was :-).But Chris would have no idea at all if we have the cat on the bed once he is asleep :-D.I will just keep shtum :-D :-D ;-) ;-)

Now I am waiting to see if we hear from Ann tonight.Gut feeling is it might have been yet another stressful day :-S

I think those Cinnabar moths come out during the day Jane. We get them in our garden and they are pretty.

Waiting for a report from Ann too but she may be so worn out she won't post till tomorrow.

Iv'e just had a thought Jane. Can you send me a pic of the yellow plant by your veg patch please and is it a plant you know? The Cinnabar moth caterpilla's feed on Ragwort which is HIGHLY poisonous. All parts of the plant can be fatal if it comes into contact with your mouth. It is a perrenial dangerous weed.

Evening All,

Well it's been lovely weather for the canal Festival and for the J H P opening! :-) I hope people do use it. It can be daunting to approach a place like that if you are very low, so they will need to be very welcoming. Frank it sounds like the Kitty enjoys hiding in all the dark places.

I'll be blowed, fancy the parcel turning up back with you Mel! Hopefully it will reach William this time round. It does sound like the postman didn't put a card through the door. I'm still wondering what the present is.

Liz is right about sorting these things much earlier than we do in life. We said we'd sort ours this year as we'll need to change our wills anyway with OH's parents situation now. MIL and FIL had made both of us their EPAs about 12 years ago. The trouble is this 6 week wait for them to be registered when often they are needed urgently. Once it comes through you still can't make decisions about someone's personal care or welfare for them, only their finances, disposal of property etc.

Not too bad a day today. MIL felt a bit better this morning and the carers are going to get her another commode so she can have one in both the rooms she is using which will be better. I was surprised they would give her two. It looks like she's scared the good neighbour off with her phone call yesterday! They haven't offered to fetch her newspaper! Instead of doing the sensible thing and having it delivered, she still won't and has rung here today to tell OH to bring 3 day's newspapers when he goes there to meet with the macmillan nurse on Monday. She's also started asking him whether he ought to get a microwave for her, for the carers to use. I think he muttered something about it being early days just yet......a bit of a touchy subject with us after her promptly giving the last one we bought away. She only fancies just half a tin of one variety of soup for lunch at the moment anyway which is easily heated on the cooker. She's showing reluctance to have the lady do her shopping for her again, seeming to think OH can keep doing it, the same with her washing, yet he's arranged for these things to be done for her. As if he hasn't already got enough to do! He told her today that we don't have a tumble dryer anyway which is true, so it's best done at her house!

Pat you would think she would be worried or upset, wouldn't you, as I know I would, but there are no signs. We are sure she doesn't realise how ill she is. She often thinks she knows better than the doctor anyway! The penny dropped with us a short while ago that she thinks all the different symptoms she has are nothing to do with the cancer and thinks they are different ailments that can all be cleared up with a right tablet or treatment. This is the lady who, a few years ago, got a bit of a sweat rash between a fold of skin and thought it was internal bleeding and had her hospital bag packed and OH on standby for the operation she was sure she needed. She refused to see the nurse at the surgery, said she couldn't help as it needed a doctor! All it needed was a bit of anti fungal cream.

We did have a nice full english this morning and OH went off to a match up the M1 later. I managed to mix a nice duck egg blue colour from some paint we already had and put 2 coats on a small bit of wall between the 2 wardrobes above the bedhead. It matches the bedding now. :-D I also pulled the bed out and cleaned all under it.....what a mucky mess!! Sorted another bag for the charity shop as well as the old duvet, so there's just the new curtains to go up tomorrow and I can move on to the porch. Phew I don't know where Gill gets her stamina from, I was sweltering by the time I'd done, but it was very hot today.

Jane I'm certain you have Ragwort as you often see cinnabar moth caterpillars on it. You should get rid asap. but make sure you wear gloves to handle it as it is toxic as Mel says. It's spreading like wildfire in the Midlands these past few years and kills horses and other animals every year causing a gradual liver failure. I've read that it can even cause breathing problems with it's pollen for us as well as animals. Years ago people that kept horses would pull every scrap of it out, but people don't seem to realise the danger with it nowadays. I think if you owned land it was a requirement once to keep it free of Ragwort. You even see it left where children play and it's growing all along the motorways.

Ann, we have an on going battle against ragwort, it is a real problem round here and we seem to be constantly tackling it. Apparently the local authority is supposed to keep on top of it in public places as it is so toxic, but what with the cuts etc it's just not happening round here so we try to keep the verges clear too.
I think in a way, it's a good thing that your MIL isn't aware of her situation. At least if she that thinks she will recover, you haven't got that distress to cope with. My S.father thought that as he had lost so much weight as a POW in the far east, and recovered, that he would do the same after he lost so much weight after my mother died when he was in fact terminally ill. We went along with this and I think him not being aware that he was in fact going to die did at least keep his spirits reasonably stable.
You're right too about EPA, it only gives you authority over finance and practical things, things like care are still up to the individual, unless they become mentally incapacitated. Having an EPA between you is worth thinking about as not being able to act for your incapacitated partner/spouse must be a complete nightmare. Wills the same as no one wants family members long lost or otherwise, suddenly appearing and staking a claim, particularly in these days of extended families!!
COT time now!

Morning all and evening Kim,

Hope you enjoyed your COT Liz I am just having one. Grey sky today after that wonderful day yesterday. They say its the gulf stream that gives us this funny wether pattern. Anyway after being up the border yesterday afternoon my poor old body needs a rest as its a bit achey.

Last day of my antibiotics today so thats three tabs I shan't have to remember to take each day.

Got my youview box to work last night after a bit of fiddling about so I watched last week Country File and Edwardian Farm again.

Morning all,

Just a quick input into the parcel poser. I never had a note from R M to say a parcel was at the sorting office, so I don't know what they were playing at. I often have parcels and there have been times I've had to go and collect them, so I don't know (other than to annoy us all) why it was any different on this occasion.
Than k you so much for letting me know Mel, it has been on my mind as you know. Hopefully this time it will arrive safely and when it does I'll let you all know and we'll have another celebration :-D
As I told Mel, a long time ago, the last year it was known as Yugoslavia, we had a holiday there and sent all our postcards in envelopes so that they were treated as 'letters'. When we got home, Carmel's daughter wanted to know why she hadn't had a card from us so we told her we'd sent one, and I'm sure she didn't believe us - until one year later the postcard, in its envelope, arrived through her letterbox!!!

T T F N

Morning all

Another sunny day here today. I think it's going to be another hot day, I don't really like it to hot so I'm staying indoors until it cools down a bit.

I was looking at the Ragwort on the internet that you were all talking about and then came across Broom, which is also toxic. My mum has loads of it and last year we took some and put in pots in our garden. We thought it was really lovely and was going to get some more from mum's, but after reading about it online I've decided against it now and I'm thinking of getting rid of the few pots of it we've got here too. It can cause problems with your heart and nervous system..........don't fancy that and now I'm wondering if that's what caused my mum to have heart problems, so I'm going to mention it to her, she wants to get rid of it all anyway as it's taken over her raised border.

Rosie's been back for her breakfast this morning. I spotted her at the bottom of the garden from the living room and when she saw me she came running all the way down to my back door. I unlocked the door and opened it, then put my key away and by the time I got back to the door she was just inside my kitchen. She did go back outside before I gave her the nuts. I don't want her in the bungalow as I think she has flees. She seems to know that she won't get fed unless she's outside. I feel like she's more of a pet now instead of wildlife, she's that tame.

Glad to hear your MIL had a better day yesterday Ann. So the neighbours are now regretting their offer of help? Your poor OH though, having all this extra work to do, good on him for saying he's not doing her washing, like you said he's got enough to do already. How is FIL getting on with his new meds? Do you get a chance to visit him with being so busy with MIL?

So Thomas is up to his old tricks again Jane. At least you managed to save the poor little mouse this time round. He is a character isn't he? Did he settle on your bed in the end? At least if he did you'll get a few more hours of sleep ;-).

Not sure what I'm going to do today, I've been a bit bored since all the sorting has been done and every where is clean and tidy now. OH is at work and Sandra is still asleep, she doesn't really rise before lunch time and then she stays in her room quite a bit listening to her music or watching DVD's, so I have lots of time on my own. I might make another cake today as the last two eggs need using up and we haven't got much of the cake left that I made the other day. At least that'll fill a few hours of my day.

What is everyone else doing today?

I know RM is known as snail mail....but one year later, that's pushing it Will LOL
At least she got it in the end.

So your antibiotics finish today Mel, did they work are you feeling the benefit of them? Glad you got your youview box working, now you can catch up on all your programs.

It's clouded over here and it was such a lovely sunny day earlier. At least it'll be a bit cooler now. I think it's forecast to rain here today and tomorrow, so that'll do the gardens good.

Might get myself a cuppa ;-)

The cake's in the oven and the potatoes and veg are ready for lunch.

Where is everyone? It's very quiet on here today <3

morning to you all Evening Kim (SORRY AFTERNOON) ALL.

I don't know if I am coming or going. Carolyn rang yesterday and Ros invited them to lunch?
/dinner when they got back from Hastings later today.

We had a nice walk yesterday all along the canal and around the "BIG FIELD" above the canal, where all the stalls and refreshments places are. We ended up at a chain sculpture's stall. Oh what beautiful things he has made. Ros decided she wanted an OWL carved from a large piece of wood and very HEAVY. I tried to put it in my arms but I couldn't hold it. So the guy very kindly carried it to the car and put it in the boot.

It was now 12.15 so I decided to walk to the pub for the match and then onto the village hall. When I got there we bumped into various people that we knew. Ros went to order the "PLOUGHMAN'S only to be told EVERYTHING was sold out apart from Cream teas, So we ended up with one of those. Very disappointing when you think we had passed all the other places where we could have eaten. !!

We got home about 4.30 and had 40 winks. maybe more lol (I had had a few pints)

As I didn't know what Veg I had, I podded a load of peas chopped up carrots, did the runners (LOADS) JANE (eat your heart out) lol I have two half legs of lamb. They are on a bed of Rosemary and Garlic, with a mint marinade sprinkled over them Wrapped in tin foil ready for the oven. I have made the batter for the Yorkshires and the Cheese sauce for the Cauli and Broch. I did the parsnips and roasts this morning.

Ros decided she needed to go to Tesc# for strawberry's and cream. Biscuits for the cheese and grapes.

They will think they are coming home to a banquet. LOL

Needless to say I haven't had time to read the posts, SORRY. I will read them and comment later.

First sit down this morning, I spilt Bransto# pickle down clean shorts this morning also. I am now going to have a well earnt cold beer now !!!

Lovery weather here again today. Ros says the village is HEAVING with PEOPLE>

Hello Gill! I'm here! We're sitting outside with a glass of beer each putting the world to rights and waiting for our lunch to cook!! It's cloudyish but very warm. We aren't planning anything for today, just a walk with our children, a bit of telly and an early night!!!!
Goodness Frank, a banquet indeed!! I don't think we could eat half of that feast! But I'm sure it'll go down well! We're having roast beef, potatoes, carrots and runners! Not bothering with yorkshires as we can't be bothered to make them!!!!

I'm here Gill :-D
It is incredibly hot now.I can't sit outside for more than a few minutes and that is in the shade !!.I think Puss is feeling it to.He is flat out under Chris's desk in the summerhouse.Mind you there must be somewhere cooler than in there.

Mel I pulled up the Ragwort before seeing you asked for a pic.It is definitely Ragwort.

I think Chris overdid it yesterday with all the hedge cutting in that heat.He got up this morning and was going to make a start on the BIG hedge but then came in and went back to bed.He is still asleep !!!!!!.I went to check he was still breathing just now.I couldn't see any movement at all so gave him a little poke.He opened his eyes and I said it was nearly 1 oclock .He just said "Jolly Good " and shut his eyes again .I think I will just leave him now,at least for the next hour or so.
James seems to be having a clear out in his bedroom....about time too LOL
I have cooked the Roast Beef,and done Potatoes carrots and parsnips for James.Just need to pop a couple of Yorkshires in and do the green beans and he can eat when he wants then.I can't see Chris wanting a Roast until this evening so we will have ours then.Have to say the Beef tastes so good and is lovely and tender.I had to give it a taste ;-)..I am surprised though that the smell dosen't entice Thomas in as you can smell it in the garden.
Gill he slept on Hannahs bed last night so not on ours.Still woke me up at just after 3.30 though :-S.

Ann I think the neighbours will be keeping a low profile LOL.I can understand it.They are probaly scared that they will be at MIL s beck and call if they start offering help now.OH is sounding like he is sticking to his guns with the washing etc.Good for him.He has enough on his plate without all that .The Carers will be able to pop it in the machine and tumble drier.Plus your OH really doesn't need to faced with soiled sheets :-S I think you are right to put off buying a Microwave off for now.I think that would be a waste of money.She will only be eating or drinking less and less now.
I know that she is a very difficult woman but I hope that she doesn't 'linger'.(I don't mean that to sound harsh ) it's not.But she really has no quality of life now does she .Just to pass away peacefully in her sleep one night would be the best thing I feel.
It is strange that she thinks all her symptoms are different ailments and not related to te cancer.I reckon that is more likely denial and just a way of not thinking about the fact she has Cancer.
I hope that FIL is more settled again .

We haven't heard from Frank since his trip to the canal festival and Pub yesterday.
Where the devil is he???

William will be keeping an eye open now for his post :-D :-D

I feel all unsettled with Chris sleeping so long.It is weird.

James is ready to be fed now !!!!.He has just pinched a potato and Yorkshire.So two more Yorkshires have just gone in the oven.

Back in a bit

I thought your MILs neighbour was being a bit premature offering help. !!! So now it's down to the carers or your OH again Ann. I really do hope for both your sakes that things start improve, or I can see you two going down with the stress of it all. It's so difficult when it's left to one.

I have been there, when there were SEVEN other children, who conveniently stayed away when the dirty jobs had to be done. Emptying colostomy bags and changing dressing to the tubes in his back etc. Sleeping in the armchair for months on end, they never gave me a break. No wonder I didn't get on with them. Selfish to the end. !!!

What's the COT Liz, it that where the girls go at night. ???

I see my mate Thomas is at it again. Out little visitor often gets the wind up her ar#e and flies up and down the lounge. Other than that she sleeps under the table on a fleece that Ros put down for her.

I think we have that hogwart in the verge around the village. Ros saw it yesterday, it must be 6/8 ft tall. I said just steer clear of it, I will report it to the Council, not that it will do any good. !!!

I have to load the photo's Ros took at the NEC last Thursday. If any look interesting I will forward them on.

Good job your present for "WILL" has been returned Mel. I had confirmation from the Accountant that he received my 2nd lot of tax papers.

Well It's time for me to help Ros get the table laid and set.

BBL

Afternoon all,

I'm about too Gill, lovely sunny day here with just a few little white clouds going over ,family came this morning ,we have decided to go to Pensthorpe nature reserve tomorrow now i see on the weather that we might have rain tomorrow so now i don't know what they want to do ,it's quite a bit of money for them to pay out to just go for the morning you need to go for the day really .

That's good MIL had a better day yesterday Ann , poor OH has enough to do with out having to do shopping and washing every day for her ,he must be clocking some miles up in the car with all these trips !!

That little Thomas is a real hunter ,there doesn't seem to be a day when he's not catching some thing or other .
Nice Photo of Johnny's Place ,lets hope it gets well used and helps a lot of people .

Gill you were saying about your Rosie today and i meant to say i was reading about the Squirrels at the Norwich Crematorium ,they are eating the flowers from the floral wreaths !! they seem to be partial to eating fresh spray carnations and chrysanthemums because of the high sugar content !! :-D

Oh so you didn't get your Ploughmans after all Frank, never mind your making up for it today with your lovely roast dinner :-D

No Frank! COT is Cup of Tea!!!! OH gets one for us about 7o'clock every morning, then we drink it listening to the news, and then get up by about 8! It's a routine we've got into since retirement, and it seems to work pretty well.
A few pics would be lovely.
Lunch is just about ready!