General Chat

LOL Frank when are you not in the dog house :-D..Sounds like you have been enjoyng yourself,even having people to find you to give you a key :-D :-D

Gill ,hopefully after your visit to meet your long lost cousin you might have some answers as to why he went off for so long.

Another busy day here. Hannah's friend Sarah came at lunch time as did Fitz. I had been out doing a bit of shopping to come home to a houseful.So it was then getting food and bits and bobs onto the table for a bit of a snacky lunch.
Sarah is supposed to be flying back to Valencia tomorrow morning ,but the fog is so bad I think her flight might well be delayed at the best or even cancelled.
I have rung Janice to say not to even think about coming tomorrow if the fog is like it is now.We can't see the bottom of the garden .

I need to cut Ham and Turkey now....I think we are already fed up with that .I will do Hassleback Potatoes and Coleslaw/Salad etc No-one is hungry :-S

Morning all

Very frosty and white today, it's like being in a snow globe :-)

So you had a house full yesterday by the sounds of it Jane? We ate all our Turkey within two days, so I think I bought just the right size Turkey this year. All the nibbles I made on Christmas eve have gone now too, so we're almost back to normal, food wise.

The visit with my cousin went really well yesterday, although I didn't like to ask why he was away from the family for so long as his mother, my aunt, was there and she can be a bit moody sometimes. Yesterday was no exception and she was very moody for some reason, so I thought best not to ask to many questions. He was telling me that he has his own business now and has just got a contract with Rolls Royce designing and making the parts for aircrafts, he was also telling me that he's been travelling quite a lot around America and Canada, which was very interesting to hear. I think he talked to me more than anyone else, probably because we were sitting next to each other. It became quite foggy and he lives in Derbyshire so he didn't stay to long because of the drive home. He came with his mum and step dad so had to go to their's first to pick up his car, but it was really nice to see him again. We've exchanged phone numbers and address's, so you never know we may see each other again soon.

Poor OH has a chest infection and has to go for a chest X-ray, he said he would go today as he's at the hospital anyway seeing the surgeon at 10am. Although his throat is very red, he doesn't have an infection there. The doctor took a look at his back and said it was healing well so he should be able to go back to work next week if the surgeon gives him the all clear. The antibiotics he's on for his chest should of worked by then too, so hopefully he'll feel much better and can get back to normal working life. He is so bored now and can't wait to get back to work.

Mum gave me her copy of "The Street Cat Named Bob" which I started reading last night. I bought the same book for Sandra for Christmas so she's been reading her's since Boxing Day. We keep overtaking each other on where we are up to LOL It's like being in a book club ;-) :-D :-) It's a true story and so far is a very interesting read. I'm sure once we've both finished the book we'll sit down and have a good chat about it. I asked her where she was up to last night and she said he's just got on the bus, I said he's just got off the bus where I'm up to, it made her laugh....bless her <3

Going to get a cuppa now, be back later <3

Morning all,

As it is a lovely morning here, I thought we might have a ride out and see Auntie Mel. if she is going to be at home. Mel I have pm you.

That job is done. I felt rather sore after my long walk, but I am sure it did some good.

That's nice Gill that you are both reading the same book and talking about it.

NO ROOM AT Cranford Road then Jane. Nice to have all the family together.

Hows our Max then Mandy. Did he behave over Christmas ??

We sat and watched the film about the Plane that Landed on the Hudson River. I thought it wasn't up to much, but they enjoyed it. In the afternoon we watch "JUNGLE BOOK" a film that I could see over and over again.

Conrad cooked a Turkey Curry last night. Today I think it will be Roast Leg of Pork that I bought from that butchers, with all the trimmings.

Time I got showered and shaved or it will be the afternoon before I know it.

See you all later HAVE A NICE DAY !!!!

Morning all,

Cold and frosty morning here today.

Frank I got your pm but I am afraid I am going out this afternoon so it can't be . It would be much better if you could come during the summer when you are down here as the roads around here are not good at all. Plus the fact I am in a terrible mess at the moment with all the Christmas stuff around. Sorry.

Gill it sounds like you are having fun with Sandra and the book you're both reading. Will her tree stay up in her bedroom or has she agreed to put it away till next year?

Jane the candle holder is lovely. What a nice present to get. I have replied to your email.

Must rush now as I have to get ready to go out.

Quite understand Mel, It was just a thought as it is a nice day.

I see Debbie Reynolds has died also. What a tragedy for the family that are left behind.

I have reconsidered going for the long walk again, I don't think my knee will let me. So might take the shorter walk round the Harbour.

Not sure if any plans are being made for today with C & J. He always has WORK to do regarding Spain. So it might be a "Stay at home" day for them. Dos won't be able to walk with me, her back and legs won't let her. So it looks like I am on my "JACK JONES"

Well we've certainly had a very busy week!! Our Xmas day lunch was terrific, the food was to die for, and such a pretty setting with lovely decorations, and of course no work!! They even did us up a doggy bag!!! Boxing Day the family came to a cold buffet which OH and I prepared between us. It all went very well and we had a lovely day. Yesterday OH took Cas shooting, so I spent the day clearing up and finding homes for various presents etc. Today we are both just relaxing! OH took Cas for a long walk this morning as it was so sunny and very frosty, they went all round the hedges of the two fields opposite us, so now Cas is hopefully tired!!
OH gave me a styllus for my kindle and its made using it so much easier! It was a surprise as we don't bother giving to each other any more, for Xmas or birthdays, but he has one and thought that I should have one too!!!
It's a gorgeous day here and I'm about to make fish pie for our supper so better get on!!

Hi Liz, Glad you had a nice Christmas dinner and a good Boxing Day with the family. Yes it's such a nice day down South. Ros, Conrad and Jan have gone to Brixham for an hour or so. I have given up the idea of a walk, as my knee is telling my to REST. So I am sitting here on my own.

Still a very pleasant day here, from what I can see from the lounge window the beech looks very busy with people out with their dogs.

I think Jan has planned a trip to Exeter with her daughter and grand daughter for Saturday. It will be far to much for Ros marching round the shops, so we might go out on our own, and have lunch out somewhere (DARBY AND JOAN) ;-) ;-) ;-)

I will go and see what's on the Box for an hour or so till they get back. See you later.

Evening all
What a day! i am totally pooped after days of a house full, and doing meals for what seems forever.
We have had a brilliant day with Janice and Larry ,Hannah ,Gareth and James.It went so well until Chris went to move my car (5 cars in the drive) to let Larry get out.
Chris has managed to put a huge dent in the front side panel of my car !!!!!!! when reversing out of the drive by hitting James's car :-S :-S..So at some point I will be without my car yet again !!!!!... Just checked the insurance and it is £250 excess :-S

By tomorrow evening Chris and I will be on our own :-D :-D for a couple of days .
I can't wait to get back to normal now .
Hannah and Gareth have gone out again with friends for a meal .Hannah said she just can hardly face another plate of food !

We are just about to have our dinner, I only had a piece of toast at lunchtime, so looking forward to a blow out !!!

Oh Jane, what a lovely New Years present. Had Chris been drinking ?? or was it just dark and difficult to judge the space ??

Kerry and Mark called in an hour ago with Alexander. They are going to Brigham for a meal tonight, while Jo baby sits. They are returning to Northamptonshire tomorrow. They hope it will be the quietest day of the weekend.

Dinner is ready.

Evening All,

I'm glad your Christmas lunch out was so good Liz and that your Boxing Day buffet went down well. I'm certainly going to consider a Christmas Day meal out next year. After a few days I have to agree with Hannah, there are only so many big meals you can appreciate and really enjoy!! lol We keep cutting back the food we buy each year and I've only just cooked the sausage rolls. We were glad to finish the Turkey and half is in the freezer! We'll have the Christmas pudding for New Year and there are still things like Black Forest Gateau in the freezer.

Frank I'm amazed you managed that walk let alone attempt a rerun of it. Your knee will benefit from the rest again today. It's a shame the bracelet hasn't turned up yet, but maybe it still will yet. We were only saying today how we used to work over most of Christmas years ago so Conrad isn't alone! We just had Christmas Day and Boxing Day off when I worked and then just New Year's Day. Even New Year's Day was a working day when I first started work.

Gill you have had a busy time and it's good you have swapped details with your cousin. I have looked at the book you are reading as it looked as if it would be good. Fancy you and Sandra both reading it at the same time. I hope your hubby is soon ok to go back to work if his xray is ok.

We have been to a fascinating antiques place today. It is on a farm and the antiques and bygones are all in old outbuildings and also in a few of those large metal containers you see on ships! I saw some Zebra Chocolate there in the olde sweet shoppe.....never heard of it before!

Oh Jane......I just saw about your car.... :-S What a shame, back to the garage again!

Jane what a thing to happen to your poor car. It will think the garage is its home and not your address. James too has some damage I see. Bet he ws'nt that pleased either. Is it really badly dented or could it be pulled out?

Liz it sound like you have both had a really great time this Christmas. We are still waiting to see a pic of Merlins kissing bough.

Ann I have never heard of Zebra Chocolate either. The antiques place you went to sounds interesting. Is it a new place or just one that you hav'nt been to before?

I never learn do I? Went to Holsworthy for some shopping but I can't get a lot of things there so I still have to go out tomorrow to Morrisons. I should have gone there today really but thought I would manage.

Aunty Joy rang tonight just as I was cooking diner (gammon steaks chips mushrooms and tomatoes) she was pleased with all her presents and said the little cake would last her for three cups of tea. It was only tiny. Told her I was well pleased with all my presents from her this year especially the beaded robin mobile. It was the last of her presents I opened and it was wrapped in three lots of paper and in a bag too. It was like pass the parcel opening it. I told her that and it made her laugh. It has little angels on it too made out of beads and wire and snowflakes and ivy type leaves. I must take a pic so I can show you.

M y camera lead came in the post today so now I should be all set to learn how to download my new camera, thank goodness as I hate having to ask him to do it.

I have done some work on my family tree this evening too and gone back a bit futher on one line of Hannabuss's into a Tom Hannabuss wife Alice Sophia Richards but do you think I can find her parents with her on the census.

Very gloomy this morning. OH has just taken Cas for a run in the field while I had a shower and got dressed. He is now getting breakfast and the coffee smells delicious!!
Mel, we didn't do a kissing bunch for Merlin, we just put up some holly and mistletoe on the outside of his door, high up so he couldn't reach it. He loved his horsey 'mince pie' though!!!
Oh goodness Jane, I bet you were well p###d off about your car!! less said the better?!!
Breakfast is ready so better get on!

Morning all

Not so cold here today which is good as it was very frosty yesterday and really cold with it.

I was doing the same as you yesterday Liz, cleaning the bungalow and finding places for all the Christmas presents. I did try to dust but couldn't really do that properly with the Christmas cards and decorations around, so that'll be done properly after 12th night.
Love the photo's you sent, it looked very wintery outside and the picture of Edward is such a lovely one isn't it? I liked your decorations, especially the one with the lights in the vase. Sandra and I love things like that.

So it's back to the garage with your car again Jane. How did Chris managed to hit it? I think your car could probably find it's own way to the garage by now LOL ;-)
Hope it's not to long before you get it fixed <3

You did well with your walk the other day Frank. A day's rest wouldn't do it any harm. Maybe you could do one days walking and one days rest, that way you get out and about without over doing it. Only if you feel up to it of course.
Any sign of the Bracelet yet?

It sounds like you had a great time at the antique place Ann, did you take any pictures, I'd love to see them if you did? I've never heard of Zebra Chocolate either. Is it dark and white chocolate in stripes, that's the picture I have in my head :-S ;-)

Pleased to hear your computer is sorted now Mel and no more huffing and puffing to listen to anymore. So your on your way to sorting out your camera, can't wait to see all the pictures you'll take. Sandra will be taking her Christmas tree down as she thinks it's bad luck to leave it up after 12th night.....bless her. To be honest if she left it up all year round I think it would spoil the excitement of Christmas as putting up the tree is all part of the build up to the big day which she loves doing. She filmed her room yesterday on her new camcorder, she did it twice as the first time she went a bit to quick, it's all practice and I'm sure she'll get used to it soon. We think Jim is actually Rosie with a bit of weight on so Sandra asked me to take a photo of her as I'd given her some nuts and she was eating them near the back door. Sandra didn't realise that her new camcorder also takes pictures. I asked her how to zoom in then took two nice photo's for her. There is a lead with the camcorder that I think connects to the computer some how, so when I can work it out I'll see if I can send the photo's and video's to everyone, it might take me a while to work it out though as I'm not very good at things like that, but I'll have a go.

I started with a migraine last night and woke up with it again this morning. My neck has been sore for a couple of days too. I've got a feeling it might be the cold from the fans I use. Being a lady of a certain age LOL I need to sit near a fan most of the day and night, so I think I might of got a bit of cold in my neck and head. I popped a hot water bottle on my neck this morning which helped..... I might have to go to bed with a hat on in future :-D :-D :-D

OH is at the doctors having his dressing done, I think he'll be glad when it's all over. He had the chest X-ray yesterday but has to wait 10 days then go to the doctors for the results. He said he'll wait until he's finished his antibiotics before going back to work. It's our anniversary on the 10th January so he said he'll go back after then as the dressing might be finished by then as well.

Sandra's just woken up so I'll go and say good morning to her. I've stopped reading my book for now to give Sandra time to catch up as she can't read as fast as me and she kept telling me to wait for her. She was reading it last night so I'll see what page she's up to now.

Morning all,

A right damp and murky morning here today after a hard frost.

Hav'nt read all the posts but hav'nt time now as I need to get out and about.

Thanks to Liz for the lovely pictures. What a handsome little chap your grandson is. I think I can see Ian in him.

Will catch up when I get back from Bideford as I have to go to Joy's first and then take her to work. She wants a book I have on Woodford to show to my cousin Ann. Its a big book so I don't want her to have to lug it back home if I drop it off at where she works in a charity shop up the HIgh St.

Good Morning from a very foggy Berkshire not quite so cold as yesterday thank goodness.

We had a lovely family Christmas the girls went home on Boxing day but Paul is staying here until Tuesday although he went back to work on Wednesday as he is on an early shift it works out well. Yesterday he was testing all the microwaves in Waitrose head offices, warehouses, canteens etc, so he brought the testing kit home and checked out ours as we have had it a while although I have never cooked meals with it anyway it had a clean bill of health, with no leaks but only came up as 700w instead of 900w which he said is not unusual because of it's age.

I haven't read all the posts yet but loved the photos that came by email. Thomas with the glasses etc that Hannah had added to him, Mel your fish are like the ones I have left in the top pond there are only three left now but they are huge, we have had them for years. Liz, little Edward is a little cutie, did he enjoy all his presents?
Your decorations look very pretty too.

The sitting room is very cluttered at the moment with Paul & Richard not being the tidiest of sons so I am going to have a good tidy and clean up on Tuesday when Richard is back to work and Paul goes back to his own place. Mark having Aspergers is the tidy one.

Gill are you enjoying your book ? My friend lent me her copy a while ago, I think there is also a second one, I know they made a film about Bob this year..

Afternoon All.

Jan's two children and Mark with Ella and Alexander have arrived for lunch. I am not hungry so out of the way.

Been for my walk again, but not as far. Did a bit down the front then round the Harbour. Bit of news about that. A woman was found in the Harbour, but no news of what happened. !!! I think that was Christmas Day.

Thick fog here this morning, but by the time I got showered and shaved, got dressed and had some toast, the sun was burning it off. It was so warm sitting on the seat on the harbour that I had to take my Hat, gloves and scarf off.

Glad to see everyone is getting sorted after Christmas. I am sure you all enjoyed it, as I did.

Ros has stood and done our ironing and put everything away. So we have plenty of clean cloths again.

Not sure what Ros and I will do tomorrow, when they go shopping to Exeter. I expect we will have a drive round the coast and find somewhere for lunch and a beer for me. It will be nice for us to be on our own for a while.

Afternoon Everyone from a very foggy Kettering.It did seem to be clearing a bit earlier ,but it is thick again now.
Hannah and Gareth should be down in Cheltenham now at Gareth's parents .Poor old James is still here with the shivers and shakes.He should have gone to Jess this morning. Hopefully he will feel up t o it tomorrow what with it being New Yeaes Eve.I am sure they must have something planned.

Chris and I feel quite drained now after a really busy week with everyone here and all the meals etc.It is nice not have to think about food.I am just about to make a Turkey and Ham pie with the leftovers.At least it is easy :-D Not that we really feel like eating really.Maybe once it starts to smell good it will whet our appetite :-D

I don't know what will happen with my car.It would be good if the big dent could just be popped out.I keep looking at it .It is a fair size :-S :-S.

I will go back and read through todays posts later when I have got the pie done.

Afternoon all,

Frosty and foggy here again today ,we nipped out to get a few bits from Tesco's this morning ,they were selling veg off i bought a bag of carrots for 4p and a pack of peppers for 9p just what i wanted for tonights meal .

We had a nice meal at sons yesterday and the children were showing us all the things they had for christmas .

Lovely photo's Liz the frosty ones look so pretty and Edward looks a dear little boy .

Oh Jane your poor car i bet you couldn't believe it when he came in and told you what he'd done , was there much damage done to James car ?
We don't feel that we want much to eat either after all the meals we've had lately, we haven't eaten much in the way of sweet things , i have opened the chocolates but we've only had a few out o the tin .

I too have been finding homes for presents and getting rid of the cardboard boxes ,our recycling bin was emptied this morning and was quite full .

Max is fast asleep at my feet ,the last week or so he has really started to calm down a lot and he has stopped a lot of the nibbling at your hand and biting the chairs in the conservatory , he still tries to grab any tea towels that i lay on the work tops little monkey .

The fog seems to be getting thicker again now ,Colin has just had a doze and woken up so i better get the kettle on for a cuppa.

Sorry to hear James isn't very well Jane, it sounds like what I had on Boxing Day, I had the shivers and felt dreadful all day, then OH started with it. There must be something going round, hope he feels better soon. We haven't had any fog up here, it's just been a dull damp sort of day but no rain, if that makes sense?

You found some bargains in Tesco's Mandy and just what you were after too. Pleased to hear Max is calming down a bit now and that you had a lovely Christmas. It sounds like we're all having a cleaning spurt now Christmas is over. Our bin is over flowing and doesn't go out till Monday. OH had to take some out and put in another bin for now.

It sounds like another house full today Frank. It'll be nice and quiet tomorrow for you and Ros. Have you found somewhere nice to go to yet? Hope the weather isn't foggy for the drive out.

I'm still waiting for Sandra to catch me up on the book Anne, although I might read it as she's more interested in watching her programmes than reading at the moment and I'd like to carry on reading the book. We can still chat about it once she's finished. Someone said there was a second book I think it was my mum, do you know what it's called as I wouldn't mind buying it? I was hoping to buy the DVD for Sandra for Christmas to go with the book but it hasn't been released yet. Sandra's birthday is in April, so hopefully it'll be released in time so I can buy it for her birthday instead. Pleased to hear you had a lovely Christmas. That was nice of Paul to test your microwave, fancy it only showing as 700w and not 900w, I didn't realise they went lower with age, at least there's no leaks so that's good.

It sounds like you're busy today Mel. I was wondering, I've been looking at a place online called Winsford Walled Garden, is it near you, have you heard of it? It looks a lovely place to visit. OH has been talking about a holiday in Devon next year so I was just taking a look at places we could visit around the area and came across it.