General Chat

I'd be surprised if the winter is that bad Gill. The bad weather back then started with snow on boxing day, and it didn't thaw till the beginning of April!!! In 1947, there was much more snow, apparently, as it wasn't quite as cold. When the thaw came there were dreadful floods. In 1963, it warmed a bit and snowed hard, then got dreadfully cold and just everything was frozen for weeks and weeks. One morning my s.father discovered our poor chickens either frozen to death or frozen to their perches, no matter how much you tried to keep them warm, it was impossible! It was a nightmare for our elders, but we young people, skated on the Thames, had a party on the Thames and generally made the best of it.
O H is champing at the bit, so must get on.

Gill, I obviously didn.t fully understand the nature of your central heating systems problem, Is it the boiler thermostat that's kaput or the air temperature thermostat?
Replacing the latter is a fraction of the price of a new boiler.

Morning All, Evening Kim, Hope everyone is well,

I am really looking forward to tonight, one of my birthday presents from my daughter Victoria was tickets to go and see Mousetrap at Hamilton Town Hall, It will be really nice just being with my two girls, no men and no grandchildren :-D :-D <3

It's dry here so far , but there is a damp feeling this morning, glad I got the bed sheets done yesterday, I do love the smell of fresh clean sheets, better get on ,I need to shower and wash hair , I am going into town with Katherine, who needs to go to the bank , putting money in for a change,, so I hope that I will be treated to a coffee this morning,

Morning all and evening Kim,

Raining here today with grey skies but no wind at all.

That 1962 you were talking about I was going to school in Gants HIll. I had about a mile walk to the station and a one stop train ride and another mile walk the other end to the school and I came home for lunch!!! I can remember walking along in my white boots bought the Christmas in Bideford when we stayed with aunty Joy. They had cut out sides at the top about an inch wide and three inches long and a knot like bow on the front at the top. I can member looking down at them as I walked along in the snow covered pavements trying not to sllip and slide on the icy bits. That snow went on for weeks and weeks. Dad being a builder was called out to many burst pipes and at all times of the day and night.

Good morning everyone

I haven't read any posts yet as this is the first time I have had the laptop on for a couple of days.

Amy hasn't been at all well and we thought she had suffered a stroke as she seemed to have all the signs, we took her to the vets late afternoon yesterday fearing the worst but the vet diagnosed Vestibular disease which when I looked it up it all made sense. She had a full check up, her heart was ok and no sign of diabetes which as prior to this she had been drinking a lot of water.

I still have to keep a close eye on her for the time being as she is still very wobbly.

Morning all, Evening Kim.

Any news on the boiler Gill. I know the Councils can drag their feet over these issues. When my boiler went up the shoot, I rang the Council, They had run out of Money for that year, which would have meant a 7 month wait for a decision, and with the winter fast approaching waiting was not an option.

David, I think we all think like you as we approach the Winter. My Son lives and works in San Pedro, Murcia, Spain. The temp. there is in the 20 at the moment and will get warmer into the new year. He will be home for Christmas, and will be feeling the cold. We have thought of going for a long visit in January until March. But it's a long time to leave your home empty.

That winter of 62/3 will never be forgotten. In the October I moved into our FIRST NEW HOUSE. On Boxing day all the family came to us, being our first Christmas in thre house. When they left about 10.00 pm it had just started to snow. The following morning I came down the stairs and couldn't see out of the front door. I went into the kitchen and opened the back door, and walked up the drive to the front. The porch was FULL of snow up to the top, I had to dig us out, so we could use the front door. We then lived in a small village called Hullbridge, three miles from Rayleigh and the railway station, that took us to Liverpool Street. Over a period of days the village was completely cut off. At the bottom on the main road in the village was the River Crouch, The council used bulldozers to push the snow into the river, and once the road was clear the Council sent lorry loads of snow to be dumped in the river, which was frozen. When the thaw started the snow drifted down the river like an iceberg. All the village stood along the river bank to watch it go by !!!

Madam has gone shopping with Carolyn. She has quite a list of things I want, so hope she doesn't forget anything.

It sounds to me Mel, that your home needs a stronger trip switch. Surely using the hoover shouldn't keep blowing the leccy.

Off for my Shower and Shave, and I must see about cutting my nails. !!! A job I hate as I always manage to clip the skin on my toes. Then I bleed like a "stuck pig" (another old saying) :-D :-D

Dull miserable day here, I spoke to Jan in Devon this morning and she said it's been raining most of the night and was still raining at 9.45 this morning.

Not nice for Mel doing her "DONKEY" impression going shopping. :-D :-D :-D

Morning All

All this talk of freezing snowy winters.I just about remember the 1962/3 winter.Just having lots of fun on the sledge that Dad made us :-) and ice on the inside of the windows :-S.We had only been in our new house for a few months.It was a new build and luckily it had Oil Central Heating .I'm sure it wasn't kept on all the time as it was very expensive to run.So it was lots of layers and hot drinks and a 3 bar electric fire in the lounge.
I do keep hearing these rumours about it being bad this year.Did they not say that last year?It's nice to have a bit of snow for a while but after a few days I think we all get sick of it as it is difficult getting out and about.

Chris would love to upsticks and move to France....But my foot is firmly down on that one.As much as I love France I don't think I could go forever.

Yes David crank the heating up when it gets really cold .You can always have your dreams of Italy or France :-D :-D

It was really quite foggy earlier,but it seems to have almost cleared now there is just that hazy look.It does feel quite mild though.
I think it is time for a coffee

True to form, I managed to clip TWO TOES on ether foot, next to my big toe. I stuck tissues between my toes and keep my feet of the carpet ;-) ;-) ;-) Or I would be in trouble.

All dressed now and I have got both ours and Tony's bins in. He went off to the Lake District yesterday morning. He has only gone for FIVE DAYS. I think he wants to take photo's of the Autumn Colours, so as he can copy for his paintings. Seems a long way to go, when there are trees everywhere shedding their leaves.!!! But it will be a break for them.

I have found a number for my brother, when I rang it, it said "The number has not be recognised" I tried directory enquiries, and no number is listed for that address. Perhaps he's done away with a land line and just got a mobile. So I am non the wiser what's going on.

The sky is certainly clearing and the sun is trying to break through. I will take a photo of the cherry tree, and hope the colours come through o.k. I have just taken three, Will send them on shortly.

Sorry to hear about your dog Anne, At least the vet has given you the all clear <3 <3

It need not be a dream or a fantast Jane and Frank. Any reputable estate agent would do you a managed let on your property for a month, for 2 or 3 months, for as long as you instruct them. They take a small percentage of the sum it's leased out for. The difference allows you or I to rent in a location of our choosing.

You can I think even do a house swap :-D <3

Sorry folks, I have taken three photo's of the cherry tree, but for some reason the computer won't import them. I don't know why it has happened this time as I have imported so many and forwarded them on.

Perhaps if I try again later I might be lucky .

Well who's been a busy boy then !!!!

I have done Sliced onion and potato in cream. A roast loin of pork. Parsnip, Carrot and Swede mash, and runner beans for dinner tonight. Followed by a Bread and butter pudding. I hope madam appreciates all my hard work :-D :-D

I sat and watched "Traffic Cops" on catch up. Where oh where are the laws in this Country. A Drug dealer caught with £2,000.00 of Crack Cocaine and £4,000.00 in cash got away with FOUR YEARS. out in TWO. A bag snatcher in Scarborough who snatched FIVE bags from old women got FOUR MONTHS and a SIXTY POUND FINE. Another person who stole 2 bags of fudge got Fined £100.00. As did an elderly woman who had a dirty rear number plate. When oh When is this Country going to hand out punishments fit for the crime.

I am sending an Email to No 10 to ask for an explanation. Thieves of any kind, should have a hand removed. Drug dealers should be HUNG. You watch how quick this Country would be law abiding. :-P :-P :-P Give me the P.M job for SIX MONTHS and you would see the changes. Try doing these crimes in an Arab State, and see where you would be. Sorry folks, but it makes my blood boil. !!!

David I a sure my neighbours would keep an eye on my home if we went away for a couple of months. I'm not that sure I would want strangers sleeping and living in my house. Could end up with SQUATTERS :-D :-D :-D

Dusk is starting to come in, so won't be long before it's dark :-( :-( :-(

I was thinking of my Mother this afternoon. When my Father died and I was in the R.A.F. she was taken into hospital. I was the only one in the family,(I was in Cheshire) to get a emergency pass for a weekend to visit her. When I was on leave I would decorate a room at a time, until the house was all decorated. When I moved to Kettering in 1964 (June) she followed me in December. Once again I did everything for her in the garden and house. When I left my EX I moved in with her for TWO WEEKS, SHE THREW ME OUT. due to the fact that my ex was telling terrible lies about me. womanizing and such like. I had to bed down with a fried in his lounge, until I found myself somewhere to live. We didn't speak again for 3 years. When we did it was to tell her that I was getting married to Ros. She made it quite clear that she would not be at my marriage, and I didn't see her again until the day before she died. What a totally ungrateful woman she was. Yet my brothers were thought of as though the sun shined out of their backsides. How hurt I was nobody will ever know. But my conscience ius clear, as I did everything I could for both my Mum and Dad. Even going to my boss and borrowing money to pay their debts. How many son's would have done that. !!!

Frank I was lying here a few weeks ago watching an episode of Can't Pay We'll Take it

Away Two guys, court sheriffs I think, turned up at this huge house to enforce payment of arrears in mortgage payments.

No one at home, so they look around for something of value to seize to cover the
debt. They try the door it's unlocked. They're looking around to confiscate his passport.

They come across some large biscuit tins absolutely stuffed with bundles of bank notes. Far more than the debt.

They got the police in who treat the place as a crime scene.

Cor Frank ! that lot will put a good lining in your tum tonight :-D

Anne ,poor Amy must feel like she has permanent Sea Sickness :-(.Hopefully it will all settle down very soon and she will be back on her legs properly and enjoying her walks again <3

David I think if we were to move at all it would be either somewhere here or nearer my Sister.
When I was 12 or 13 my Mum and Dad did a house swap with a family in Holland.We went to their home for 2 weeks and them to ours.I think it was a good way of being able to have a holiday abroad at a fairly cheap price.I don't think I know of any one else who has done a swap.

Fiona,Have a Wonderful evening tonight at the Theatre with the girls :-D :-D

Oh Oh .... Watch out No 10 Frank is on the warpath !!!! ;-)

Chris is getting ingredients together to begin the Christmas Cake.Tomorrow he will be soaking all the fruit in Brandy or Whatever it is that is used.Then I think he will make the cake on Thursday :-D.The place is going to smell lovely :-D I hope he doesn't start playing Carols yet though lol

Meals are all different here tonight.James is having a Curry,Chris has bought some meal and veg for himself and I am having a Baked Potato with left over chicken from yesterday mixed with Sweetcorn and a bit of Salad Cream.I can't remember the last time I had that so am looking forward to it.

I expect Thomas will have Mouse for his dinner and then come in for a pouch of cat food.That is what he did last night...I heard him doing that odd miaowing(which I now recognise and know that he has something).He was under the Patio Table with a mouse.I can't begin to describe the sound of the crunching bones.It was pretty gross :-S :-S (sorry if that has spoilt anyones meal).He then walked in and sat by his dish waiting for food !!!..Then it was manic playtime before he crashed out until 5 this morning.

Frank I still think you and Ros would be great for having a little dog who needs to go somewhere for holidays.You said about the temperament of the dogs.When Hannah and the girls did 'Borrow my Doggie' and had Sunny and Monday,they first went for a few hours trial with the girls to see if they would be ok.
I'm not sure if they will still have the dogs each month for a weekend when they move house.I know it isn't going to be far from where they are now so they may still be able to have them.The girls love having them and the dogs are now used to staying and are no bother at all .
I used to send Chester to a lady in Wellingborough and he was spoilt rotten lol.

Time to draw the curtains now .Just think in just a few days it will be November :-0

I pressed the submit button before I had finished
I was about to say or ask do parents still make Halloween Costumes for the children or do they buy them these days? I was thinking of all your Grandchildren Mandy.It must be an expensive business.I was watching all the parents and little children in Tescos this morning.My goodness there is so much there.
I just had a white sheet with holes cut out for eyes anf i think one year Dad made Witches hats out of cardboard and painted them black .We did the bobbing for apples in a bucket in the lounge if it was too cold outside (Mum standing by incase we made the carpet too wet LOL)

I had to stop this post half way through as we had a POWER CUT !!!!!!.MEL you haven't had the Dyson going have you? ;-)
I'll press submit now quickly in case we go off again.

Afternoon All,

No, not many sons would have done that as you say Frank and you did far more than a lot of sons too. I know just what you mean though. With the simplicity of a child's thinking I thought I could make my parents like me more somehow by doing whatever they asked, but things never changed and my mother was unbelievably cruel with her will at the end.

I watched a program about people who live so well on benefits last night. One chap was turning his nose up at what jobs paid and only seemed to find one at £40,000 - £50,000 enough for him as he said he got that much from thieving. Another drew out his £400+ benefit and blew the lot the same night gambling. He didn't have enough food till his next benefit payment so just went to the foodbank the next morning and collected £40 worth of food. A woman who used to steal things thought it was normal to be able to afford hair extensions, colouring, nails, pedicures, eyebrows done every few weeks and expensive clothes etc

Well I went to get those picture frames this morning and all 3 had GONE! That will teach me to grab things when I see them!! :-S I could have taken them back to the car and then done other errands yesterday instead of thinking I would get them on the way back and then forgetting. I did get some of those stick on little rubbery spots that stop cupboard doors/drawers clanging shut though. I want them for when I get the glass coasters I made back from the kiln. I'm quite excited wondering how they will look. :-)

The fav carvery was on today Frank and they had 4 meats today, so I had a couple of slices of lamb with my turkey and then just lots of veg. A nice treacle sponge to follow......very nice!

We are getting sick of all these redirected charity requests and booklets now.........we even got one from the Ghurkas yesterday! A worthy cause, but then so are most and just how many could elderly parents support?

I've thought about moving to France in the past as I like how much of it is less crowded than here and you can buy a much nicer property for the same money. I think OH would go wherever with me, but now think my french would have to improve a lot before considering it!!! :-S

Done the donkey day. Went out in the rain but when I came out the sun was shining in Bideford for a while till I got half way home and it disappeared.

Spent too much as usual but I did get a few things for my little boys next door for their stockings I do them at Christmas. One of them dos'nt eat chocolate so they have to have jellies and things like that.

Bought quite a nice Christmas book with recipes and bit to make in so I am going to have a look at that tonight after doing the dinner. Spag Bol tonight. We hav'nt had this since oh was so bad one time. I hope it dos'nt have the same effect this time as I have never seen him so ill as he was last time. I ate it too but it had no effect on me so perhaps it was just soemthing he had picked up along the way.

I had a funny thing happen. I recieved two email pm I sent to David and Liz so I want to know if they got them too please?

Yikes!! (is that posh enough David? ;-)) I thought we had the opposite boiler problem to Gill just now!! Our new one didn't seem to want to switch OFF!! It obviously has now thank goodness, but it is boiling in here.

OH has gone to a meeting and then on to a footie match.

Mel, would it be worth trying one of the rechargeable Dysons as they wouldn't kick the leccy out?

Ann ,what a pity you missed getting those frames !.That is the trouble sometimes ,you hang on and then miss out.I have done that so many times.
I bet your glass coasters wil be great.I loved the last one you did.I have those sticky rubbery spots and have found them very good.
Your Carvery lunch sounded really nice .I haven't had a carvery in a long while.

I remember finding all the charity requests that my Mum had.It was shocking to see how many she had given money too.I think she just thought that they were just sent to her and no-one else and so she felt guilty if she didn't send them money.I had to contact several charities to say not to send anything more as they were preying on a vulnerable person with Dementia.

Parlé vous Francais Ann :-D :-D .I always think it is good to be able to speak a little bit of the lingo when visiting another country .I do always find though that everyone speaks English so you never really get a good chance at practising what you have learned.

Yes, I got your pm Mel without any problem.
OH and I have thought of moving to France. My SIL would be really pleased, but it would mean leaving the family behind and neither of us want to do that. Had daughter on the phone this evening. Her old horse has had to be put down today, so she was really upset, also a 15 year old school friend of our elder granddaughter, has committed suicide!! Isn't that dreadful?!! He took an overdose of drugs? and hanged himself his bedroom! God knows why,but it's shaken them all up.
Oh dear Ann, your mother does sound a bit unloving, I am sorry, and you too Frank, My mother was firm, but I always knew she loved me, and my welfare was top priority till I married. Even then I was still worried about!!! I think I was very lucky.

Oui je parle francais que j'apprenais a l'ecoleJane! (I think that's right but sorry can't do french acute on this pc.) I managed fine when we we took the caravan to France a couple of times, but they talk so fast when they reply don't they and it's hard to follow sometimes. I remember asking this farmer once (in french) whereabouts in his huge field should we put our caravan and he stood waving his arms to all 4 corners of the field and replied in english 'onywhere, onywhere. :-) lol.

Yes OH is always telling me (after the event!) that I should have got something at the time, but I never learn. lol

I think you are spot on about the charity envelopes. MIL would feel so important getting the letters of thanks afterwards and would probably think the same as your mum did. I just wonder how many more there will be. We only found first class stamps in the house and doubt she would use second class. Even the sound of that would be offputting to her I think as she seemed to THINK she was a little bit above a lot of people having come from Eastbourne!! lol.. We found some more of her junior school reports where she did very well and was top of the class. She got 100/100 in a maths exam.

Mel, your OH has been spending too much time with your prickly friends if he is wanting to sleep through the winter!! lol. OH has said before that he'd like to hibernate as well.

That's a shame about your daughter's horse Liz. Had she had the horse many years? My old schoolfriend got a farmer to dig a grave for hers in her field. Not sure I'd want to do that.