General Chat

Goodness Mel, I should that has pushed up your water bill !!! We're lucky as we've got our own well, which we had dug when we first came here, it wasn't cheap but it's lovely not having water bills! We're also on a septic tank so no sewage charges either :-D. It had been emptied before we came here so shouldn't need doing again for another five or six years, particularly with only the two of us. We're A for the council tax as the log cabin counts as a mobile home! The only real expense is the leccy, and even that is kept to the minimum as the log cabin is so well insulated with triple glazed windows, that the log burner is more than adequate in the winter.
O H is selling his C&C machine, and as you can imagine it's been a bit of a nightmare!! We think it's gone, but until the money's in the bank you can never be quite sure!!

What's a C & C machine Liz ???

How much do they charge to empty your Septic tank. ?? When we were ay Gayton a local farmer would empty ours FOC and put it in his slug tank, that would then go on the land in the muck spreader.

Good old Thomas, playing CAT AND MOUSE ;-) ;-) ;-) He will have a shock tomorrow when he goes to the cattery . Will you have to give him something to quieten him down for the trip ???

No Takeaway tonight. I still have indigestion from my lunch, and Ros fancied Eggs on toast, which she is eating now. I might have something later.

Got ITV 3 on Lewis starts at 8.00 pm so will watch that. No X factor for me !!!

I would try not to fret too about Michelle, Gill. She probably texted you because she couldn't face dealing with any upset at the time, especially if she wasn't 100% sure herself. I imagine most daughter's will find being at their parents' home a bit 'uncool' and boring at times and will want to be elsewhere after a very short time, especially with a boyfriend on the scene! The main thing for now is that she is happy in her new life and keeps in touch. I can remember going away to stay with friends for a weekend twice and both times really wishing I was with my boyfriend instead!!

No I couldn't enter today's show even if I wanted to as you have to live within a certain distance to enter. There were no paintings at this one either, but some of the photos were good. This one had more cakes entered!! :-D There was a chocolate cake class just for men too. :-)

We didn't get chance to use the stair lift with them coming so quick........they said it would be in about 3 weeks time when OH rang. Still, it will be easier to use the stairs without it there as you say which will be good.......OH will fetch most of the stuff down to sort as my knees don't like too much stair climbing and they are quite steep.

My feet need some of that treatment Jane. lol My heels seem to get rough so quickly these days! :-S I got some deeper pink nail varnish to go with my lipstick the other day but am wondering if it's not appropriate for a funeral now?? I really don't know so will try it out tomorrow. Fancy young Thomas bringing the mouse inside. It's a good job you noticed and he didn't do it just before you whisk him off to the cattery so it was loose in the house while you are away. :-0 He's a little tinker isn't he.

It's good the pond is nearly full Mel and hopefully the liner is in the right position. I thought you used the well water for filling it. Your OH has earned his pint hasn't he.

I don't know Frank. When we were in Somerse we had the same arrangement as you had, and it didn't cost us anything! but I don't think farmers are allowed to do that these days!! so we shall see time come.
C&C is a copy carving machine used for doing house signs, carving pictures and that sort of thing. O H has used it as a small business for donkeys years and has now decided to throw in the towel!!
TG very dreary tonight, so it's a recording for us and bed at 10pm!!

Liz you could have solar panels for your leccy and would have even less costs! Mind you it takes a while to recoup the outlay doesn't it. It's good you are as snug as bugs though. We find the log cabin in cornwall very cosy and quick to heat up. I've watched a few of those programmes about building eco houses and it is amazing how you can reduce costs.

No x factor here either Frank. We'll watch an Educating Cardiff recording instead. I did have a chuckle at your haircuts and the balaclavas. lol.

Michelle text saying "I'm home" so I guess she got home ok. I'll be alright in a couple of days. Will keep myself busy, as that worked last time.

What a pity you couldn't enter your photo's in the show Ann. What a good idea to have a cake class just for men and chocolate too yum yum LOL.
If you don't mind me asking, when is the funeral? Have you decided what you're going to wear yet?

So Thomas is up to his old tricks again Jane? Like Ann said, it's a good job you spotted the mouse before Thomas went to the cattery.

Yes, I was wondering what a C&C machine was Liz :-S
I bet your log cabin is lovely and cosy in the winter with the triple glazing and then having your own well too, how nice <3 What a saving with no water bills?

The pond is finished now then Mel? When will you be putting the fish back in?

Hope your indigestion clears soon Frank. So you've found something you like to watch........that's good ;-) ;-).

Sandra is watching the X Factor so I'm watching it with her, then it'll be big brother.
At least I got to watch a few of my programmes I'd recorded earlier, including when our Queen went out onto the streets of London on VE Day to join the celebrations. That was quite interesting to watch and I should imagine quite an eye opener for her. She was only 19 years old at the time and had her sister Margaret and 16 members of staff with her. There were lots of people around that night and no one recognised her. Something I think she'll remember for the rest of her life :-)

Yes Gill, I read sometime ago that the Queen and her sister joined the crowds on VE night. It must have been an extraordinary experience for both of them.
It's 9o'clock and pitch black! The evening's are really drawing in now! Soon be Xmas!!!

WE did'nt want to use all the well water for the pond as he has to clean it out of leaves first. We won't be putting the fish back in yet as he still has decking to put round two more sides and then build a shed on the existing decking for the filters. We need some more decking and wood for the shed yet.

We have solar panels and they have been really good with the money we get. We don't take it in the winter so we have it in the good months and then 6 months over the winter and then its worth having.

As Liz said the nights are really drawing in now. I notice more with shutting the chickens in and feeding the hogs.

Frank are you still feeding the hog Val found on the drive?

Where's our Mandy? I hope she is ok......... <3

Stoppit Liz, it will be here before we know it!! ! Where I went the other day to a big garden centre near Grantham they had all of their Christmas trees up and decorated and all the Christmas decorations, cards etc set out too. :-S They seem to start earlier every year. We don't even get bonfire night over first now, nor Halloween! lol.

The funeral is Wednesday Gill at 9.45am, nice and early in the morning which we prefer. We were glad to avoid Friday which is our wedding anniversary!! I'm not sure exactly what I'm wearing, but I think it will be black trousers with black shoes or sandals and a black long cardigan with a greyish green or grey top. I know I have some dark grey pearls so I might make a simple necklace to finish it off. I'd like to be smarter in a jacket but just know I will get too hot if I do wear one. There is no dress code, but I want to look suitably sombre next to OH in his black suit and tie. He's been thinking about the eulogy and is worried he'll talk too long! Two of his cousins and their families will be coming that I've never met, one from near Glasgow, the other from the south coast, so I might take my car too, to help ferry them about after.

I think they made a film that was doing the rounds recently about the Queen and her sister joining the crowds. I think it was called Lillibet and I wouldn't have minded seeing it but OH wasn't that enthusiastic..

I woke up at 5am this morning and it was still dark. I'd noticed it was getting darker earlier in the evenings too Liz. Don't the clocks go back an hour in October? or have I got that wrong? Yes it'll soon be Christmas again. Where has this year gone? It's passed by so quickly hasn't it?

I think that programme was on a while back but I missed it, so when I saw it advertised again I recorded it and found it really interesting. It's not Sandra's or OH's kind of thing so I ended up watching it on my own while they were busy doing other things. She's the longest reigning monarch now, isn't she? I think it used to be Queen Victoria before her.

Sorry Mel and Ann I didn't see your posts.

I hope the weather is ok for Wednesday Ann. I read on the internet today that there is suppose to be the tail end of Hurricane Henri, a tropical storm heading towards the UK next week with rain and strong winds. Not sure where about in the UK though so hope it's not near you. I'm sure Gordon won't talk to long, is he going to write what he wants to say down? If he does he can read it and time it before he gets there that way he'll know how long it is and can adjust it slightly if he feels he needs to. The outfit you have chosen sounds just right. That's a good idea to take your car.

It's very early to have Christmas trees out, I haven't noticed any around here yet, but I'm sure it won't be to long before I do. Like you said Ann they seem to be forgetting all about Bonfire night and Halloween and just going straight to Christmas earlier and earlier each year.

I didn't know they had made a film about the Queen and her sister in the crowds, I might keep an eye out for the DVD, it would be nice to keep and watch again from time to time. Wasn't Lillibet the nickname her father called her?

So you've still a bit more to do around your pond Mel? Your plans sound nice, it'll look lovely when it's all finished <3.

Well, I'd better go, Sandra is waiting to watch big brother and isn't happy because I put pause on the TV while I sent this post. Might end up in her bad books if I don't get back to her LOL

Morning all and evening Kim,

Lovely morning here the sun is shining and the sky is blue with thin white clouds.

Nothing planned for today but I may change the bedding and clean the chickens out and wash my hair.

What are you lot up to?

Nothing much Mel!! Hoovering the Cabin, Cooking roast beef for lunch, walking the dog and probably a bit of gardening! OH is doing a computer drawing for the chap who (hopefully) wants the machine, then he'll help me in the garden. So, nothing particularly exciting!!!

Morning all, Evening Kim,

No plans here either Mel. Just the normal doing veg for dinner tonight, a nice piece of beef with all the trimmings.

I said about the nose bit on my glass's breaking. Well it's made it difficult getting the glass's right on my nose, SO I HAVE BROKEN THE OTHER ONE OFF. They are now flopping about on my face and very difficult to focus on the pater. I have had the others out of the glass case, and no they are not from a previous eye test. So Monday it's back to Tesc# to see what they will do about them ??? I feel another BARNY coming on ;-) ;-). Then it will be off to Spec S to ARRANGE A NEW EYE TEST. and new glass's (MORE EXPENSE)

Ann you will look perfect for the funeral. Not too over dressed but ideal for the occasion. I hope it all goes well for you and G.

Gill I think there is little you can do when a child decides to fly the coop. It is heart breaking when they cut you out of their lives. I should know THREE OUT OF FOUR have done it to me. Believe me I was a great father and provider, giving them all the love and care any father could give his children. But when they TURN there is SOD ALL you can do about it. I do understand, and feel for you. As I said before I am here if you need to get it off your chest. !!! <3 <3 <3

Liz I can just imagine you and Ian sitting back in your "LOG CABIN" with the cold wind and rain/snow outside, with you two tucked up nice and cosy round the wood burner. Does the Central heating run off of it, or have you a separate boiler. ??? I am so pleased you are so happy in your surroundings, and envy you all the wide open country side around you, where you can take Cassie for her walks.

Ros said that everywhere she goes there are Christmas goods around. Even our pub has pamphlets about Christmas bookings for parties. !!!

Mel, I bet you will be pleased to see the pond project finished. All this hard work must be getting to both of you. I know I couldn't even think about doing any hard work in the garden. She has a root that needs digging out, I will attempt it, but might end up getting a lad across the road to do it. !!!!

I expect our THOMAS is off on his holidays now. I do hope he has a nice time, without chasing mice and rabbits around for a week or so. By the way Jane how long are you away ???

I had better get showered and get on with my choirs. Then I will try reading the paper again with a Magnified Glass. :-D :-D :-D

Well ,yes Frank Thomas has gone.I have just got back from dropping off at the Catery :-( :-(..The lady seems really nice and she sat on the floor outside his bit and chatted away to him while he had a sniff about.I didn't hang about.
We get back on the 24th.
I have the cat blanket in the machine for a quick wash and it will be dry before we leave about 4 o' clock.I think everything is done now.Just need to pop a Pizza in the oven for lunch .The bird feeder is top right up.But they will be miffed when they have no food for a few days.James will feed them when he gets home.(he better do !!!)

I will be back to say cheerio a bit later :-D

Frank, we don't have central heating, the log burner heats the whole cabin as it is virtually open plan. We have got a blower in the bathroom, and a convector heater in our bedroom, that we use for about half an hour if we need it.. We've got the same in the spare room that OH uses for an office. The triple glazing lets the heat of the sun in, but doesn't let it out, so in the winter it's added heat. In the summer you just open everything up and in addition we have vents that you open to get an additional breeze through the house. These Scandinavians are so well clued up on low carbon energy living, and it certainly saves your energy costs.
Cloudy old day here!

Afternoon all

Lovely and sunny here after a bit of a rainy start to the day. I've changed the bedding, chipped away at some of the glue on the small bedroom ceiling and have just put the lamb in the oven cooking slowly for our lamb roast dinner later. My arm is a bit achy so OH is having a go at the glue then we he needs a rest I'll go back and have another go.

Are you going away today Jane. I thought it was tomorrow? So Thomas is all settled now and having a holiday of his own LOL. I wonder if he'll forgive you when you get back?

I'm feeling much better today. Sandra, OH and I have had a chat about Michelle and have decided not to let her get to us.....easier said than done but we're going to try.

There's no point in wishing for something that's not going to happen and so long as Michelle's happy that's the main thing. Sandra is a bit upset because her sister didn't want to spend time with her. The first night Michelle was here she did Sandra's hair and then decided she didn't want to do anything else with her.
It reminds me of when my sister lived in Germany for a number of years after marrying a soldier and when she visited she didn't want to know any of her family either, so I know how hurtful it can be for poor Sandra.

OH and I have decided to move to Devon now, rather than wait until we retire, as there's nothing keeping us here now. OH thinks he can get a transfer in his job down there, so we're going to look into it and also into a mortgage as well. So instead of buying another property here we'll move down south and then consider buying a flat down there to rent out or buy a property to live in with some space to start up a holiday let business. Luckily neither of us retire for over 20 years so we've got plenty of time. We'd like something in place to generate an income in the next 10 years, but again, plenty of time to sort it out <3

Gill, I can tell you there are plenty of nice properties for sale down in Devon, will you be looking for Coastal or Country ??? As you know Conrad was asking us to make the move down there, and we looked at a lot of properties from the outside, some were in a poor state of repair, and would have needed modernising . Jan's BIL is the builder doing all their work, so that would have been no problem for us.

As I think I have already said. We are too old to think about a move now. We have our friends around us here, whereas we would have to start all over again. I wish you all the very best in your search and your new venture. When do you think this is likely to happen ??? I know you still have to sell your house. !!!

I think I mentioned that there are so many "CARE HOMES" down there that your OH will have no trouble getting work. You never know your luck but accommodation for you all might be included !!! in the job. lol

Glad Thomas is settled in his "NEW HOME" Jane, I bet you will miss him while you are away, even though he's a little Bugg##. ;-) ;-) ;-) Are you staying in a hotel tonight ?? What time is your flight tomorrow morning and where are you flying from.?? The tail end of that Henri isn't expected until Tuesday, so you will be settled in Italy by then. I hope you both have a safe journey, and an enjoyable Holiday <3 <3 <3 Bring us back a stick of rock :-D :-D :-D :-D

I have typed and read the post without my glass's. Mind you I have had to enlarge the page ;-) ;-) ;-)

Liz, I think you had mentioned before about your home being opened plan. You will have to excuse me. It's my BRAIN. It ain't working proper like it use too. :-D :-D

I've got the radio on listening to the football, while Ros is still beavering away in the garden..

I will get dinner for about 5.00. Everything is done, pudding made and sitting in the fridge.

Bye Bye...I'm shutting the pooter down now and then we will be off.Chris is getting restless lol We are staying tonight at an Airport Hotel as the flight is at 7 in the morning.
Just spotted 2 MASSIVE spiders webs with a couple of thos spindly spiders hanging in so they will have to go :-D.

I might be able to keep in touch now and then while away but not sure yet.

Be good everyone ...especially you Frank ;-)

Ann I hope everything goes ok on Wednesday..and Fiona I hope you have a lovely 60th Birthday <3

Tatty Bye xx