General Chat

Good evening all

We didn't go to puppy class this morning as Ruby had an upset stomach and was sick, so a lot of clearing up to do. She was her usual bouncy self so must have been feeling well in herself. After a while I fed her some coley fish that I had cooked and much later half a chicken breast so will do the same tomorrow.

I haven't got round to reading any posts yet as I have not been feeling too well and have slept on and off all day with Ruby on my lap when she wasn't playing with her toys which I had to join in.

Just off to bed now, I hope everyone has a good night's sleep

Morning all,

Dry and bright this morning but I don't think the sun is properly out.

Sorry to hear your not feeling well Anne and hope you had a good nights sleep and feel better this morning. Poor Ruby being sick, thats why she was'nt eating her food maybe. A little bug picked up somewhere.

Afternoon all, We had a wonderful evening out last night. We picked J & C up at 7.00 pm I only missed a few minutes of the game, so the result was as I left it. 4-2 Chelsea.

When we arrived John took me for a tour of the grounds. Natural stream fills the pond, where there is plenty of wild life. The ducks get taken by the FOX's though. Jean has Vegetable plots ,raised beds, greenhouse which was far bigger than the one I had at Gayton and that was over 30 foot long.

We sat in the conservatory with a glass of Red until we were called to dinner. Gravalas (sp) Salmon, with olives, small squares of cheese in olive oil and anchovies. for starters, followed by Roast leg of lamb, with a very good variety of vegetables. For sweet there was a pear tat tar tan with cream and a good cheese board, which I choose. Plenty of wine and chatting until 11.00 pm when we came home. I was in bed by midnight and still awake at 2.00 am Got up and sat with the T.V, until 4.30 but managed to sleep until 10.20 am.

That poor little girl will be frightened to cross any roads for sometime to come. What a horrible person he must have been on the Motor Bike. He will come unstuck at sometime. The SOONER THE BETTER !!!

Ann it does seem silly for these people don't check that you, and any others are able to handle stairs. I know I have to grab the hand rain and go up sidewards, one step at a time. Can she not have a room downstairs ??

Blotches are back with a vengeance this morning eight on one leg and seven on the other. They don't irritate and she doesn't really know they are there. They just don't look nice.

That might be the reason Ruby was off her food, she might have picked up a bug of some sort. I trust she has kept the fish and chicken down.

Mel you seem to be like me. I am forever forgetting to take my tablets. It's got now that Ros asks me most mornings "HAVE YOU HAD YOUR TABLETS" ???

We have a nice piece of leg of pork today, it's all seasoned and covered waiting to go in the oven later. I have mad the Yorkshire pudding, done Brussels, Cauliflower, carrots, peas, Roast Parsnips and baby Jersey royals. and not forgetting the "CHEESE SAUCE"

I hope everyones ailments are improving, and PLEASE enjoy todays weather, as next week it's all going change. NORTH WINDS AND FROSTS. Cover up all the plants, and keep yourselves warm. xxx

The meal sounds lovely Frank and the grounds were extensive to from what you say. I am pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Shame you did'nt have a good nights sleep though. You must have been thinking of all the events of the evening.

Sun is out here and its warm out there so I may just go up the border and have a look at whats going on up there. I have one of thoe BIG poppies out and its a joy just to look at it.

Good afternoon all

It sounds as though you had an enjoyable time yesterday Frank, the grounds of the house sound amazing and lovely food too. Pity you didn't sleep well last night. Could Ros's blotches be anything to do with the weather, this time of the year I get itchy skin but only since we moved to Birch Hill with all the silver birch about

What a horrible experience for little Jessica and her Mum it's good job you witnessed it Jane and were able to give them some help. Lets hope he was caught on one of the cameras and gets his comeuppance. I hope you enjoy the meal with Gareth's parents as he is such a nice chap I'm sure his parents will be the same.

The girls came to Sunday roast and the latest little saga seems to have blown over.
Paul has just spent over £500.00 on buying them a snake each with all the paraphernalia that goes with them including frozen mice [could do with Thomas's contributions] I just hope it's not a nine day wonder. I expect they were paid for with some of the Waitrose yearly bonus.

I'm feeling a lot better today, I don't know why I was so tired as I do sleep well apart from going to the loo. Ruby is enjoying her new diet of fish or chicken she has kept it down but it hasn't come out the other end yet so that's over 24 hours apart from having the usual wee.

I cooked a half leg of lamb and all the usual veg etc including cauliflower cheese, I like to do this when we have red meat which I don't usually eat unless it's minced

So Max is in for the snip at the end of the week Mandy, I hope all goes well for him.
I had been feeding Ruby what the breeder advised and gave me some to start with it was Pedigree Chum puppy food and a biscuit meal especially for puppies but she doesn't seem to like either now.

Mel. I love those red poppies, we do have a lot of wild ones on the outskirts of town
and every year I have some purpley ones come up in the garden

Evening all,

We haven't had a bad day the sun has been out at times but it's still quite chilly when it goes behind the clouds .

Poor little Ruby with her dicky tum ,that's probably why she was off her food a bit ,i found when Max had his dicky tum and he had the chicken and rice he didn't go to the toilet for a while ,i suppose they empty their selves out ,i hope she's soon better
As for the snake !!! :-0 i don't think i could have one well i know i couldn't i'd be so scared it would get out .
Glad your feeling better today Anne

You sound like you enjoyed your evening out Frank with all the lovely food on offer ,the garden sounds lovely too , talking of gardens you don't think Ros is getting these blotches from some thing she's touching in the garden ? only when she didn't go in the garden and you said the blotches were fading ,yesterday she was back in the garden and she's got some more .

Don't wear yourself out doing your border Mel , is your foot better today ?

Again not a lot happening here today ,family came this morning ,coffee for the grown ups banana milk shakes for the little ones , they had their roller skates out and some of the garden toys ,i did notice Jake had caught the football on one of my pots and broken the edge so that will need replacing .
I bought one of those pots that you can hang on the down pipes the other day ,i saw them in Wilkinsons when i went in ,i only got the one in case it didn't fit on our pipe ,now i know it does i might get another .

I wonder how Jane's lunch went with Garath's parents today ,didn't she say her sister is coming back with her for a few days before they go away .

No Gill for a day or two ? i hope she's ok

Mandy I have been up the border this afternoon and taken a whole trailer load of dead stuff over the bonfire. I only tidied four plants!! A huge clump of chinese anemonies and that red flowered stuff I can't think of the name of, my old bits off the dephinium which is nearly as tal;l as me and an ice plant.

They had the Cider and Pasty walk across the fields this afternoon starting at the village hall. As I was working on the border people kept coming and looking in the garden. We let some of them park on our outside grass and they can't resist walking down and looking through the arch.

Hope Jane and Chris had a nice time with Garath's parents and a safe journey home.

Evening All

Just got home about half an hour ago.Yes Janice is here Mandy.We will meet Larry at a service station on the M5 on Wednesday so he can pick Janice up from there as we carry on to Hay on Wye.

We have all had such a lovely day.I thought we were going to be really late as traffic was at a standstill on the A14, 5 minutes after setting off from home.So it was a journey all around the country lanes and villages until we joined the A14 again a few junctions on when ir was all clear.

Gareths parents are lovely.His Dad is a fairly quiet man but funny when he gets going.Mum is just like me and Janice and we all got on like a house on fire :-D.I think our table was the loudest in the pub what with all the chat and laughter. Lovely roast dinners and then we sat out in the garden for a while in the sunshine. Janice's son Michel came for a short while with young William and little James.I have never actually seen James other than in photos so it was lovely to finally meet him.He is a year younger than William .I think Michel has him every other weekend.

Frank your meal sounded delish last night.Maybe all that rich food especially the cheesboard didn't help with you not having a good night. :-)

Anne ,I hope you are feeling better now. You mentioned Silver Birch. I did hear the other day that they are one of the worst trees at the moment for hayfever sufferers.I often think that even if you might not have full blown hay fever all the pollen can make you feel so tired and lethargic.
At least Ruby seems to be enjoying her home cooked chicken and fish and keeping it down. She might get to like all this good food a bit too much LOL and carry on turning her nose at the normal dog food !!

I must go and see if Thomas is about as I really need to get his flea treatment done tonight.Janice will hold him while I try and get through his thick fur to do the Spot On.He is going to hate me :-(

Evening All,

A nice sunny day here today and not too hot for me! :-) Thanks for the pic of Ruby Anne. She looks much bigger now. I hope her tummy has settled now and that perhaps a bug gave her the problems with eating. You will soon know. It's good you are feeling better again too. I'm another that couldn't stand having snakes in the house, I really don't like them and would be forever checking they hadn't got loose!! :-0 Lots of young folk seem to like reptiles of all kinds these days though.

Mel, I'm always panicking about forgetting my tablets or taking them twice! I have to use those little boxes with the days on now and like Frank says, OH asks me if I've taken them to make sure. :-S It's when I have to get up earlier to go somewhere that I'm liable to forget.

It sounds like you had a nice time and lovely meal and that garden sounds fabulous Frank and the greenhouse enormous!! Do they grow a lot in the greenhouse and do they have help with the garden? We saw a lovely garden that was open for charity at Rutland today. It had fabulous views over open countryside, a swimming pool and a walled garden. I bet Ros was a bit disappointed that more blotches have come but maybe it will take a little time for it to clear.

That was a horrid experience for that little girl and her mum Jane. It's good you were able to help. My childhood best friend was run over on a zebra crossing when she was 9 and was always wary crossing roads after that. OH said when he went to a footie match somewhere near Donnington recently they were held up in traffic where there were traffic lights. He said there were dozens of motorbikes just weaving between the cars and going through the lights when they were red. Then driving down the narrow lanes in Rutland today we had more than one come towards us at speed on our side of the road on blind bends. They were going that fast they had to lean right across so their foot was nearly catching the ground.

Evening all

Poor OH is still ill he went back to the doctors to be told he has a virus now. I've been looking after him for the last few days so haven't had a chance to come online.

I'll catch up with the posts tomorrow as I'm tired and going to bed now.

I hope everyone is keeping well, see you tomorrow.
Night Night

Morning all,

Bright morning here but the suns not really out all the time.

Sorry to hear your hubby is still not well Gill. My friend Di had a virus and had no energy at all. Said she had had it for a while and thats why she had'nt been round.
Antibiotics don't do anything for a virus do they? It just has to clear up on its own so to speak.

Lovely pictures again Ann I like the first one best. Those little calves did'nt look very old and mum looked like she was prepared to ward you off if you got any closer. The village with the barn is where you sent us the picture and said you used to ride your pont round by those railings.

Afternoon all,

Glad you had a nice day yesterday Jane, and you got on well with the family. How serious is this romance ?? will you need a new hat soon. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Not good that your OH is still unwell Gill. He must be feeling down, not being able to work.

Ann, Anywhere around Rutland water is a bikers paradise. As I have mentioned Conrad lived there. Whenever we went to visit. Motor bikes were speeding everywhere. It's a wonder they don't crash. No thought for other road users. :-P :-P

Mel, you do seem to be busy up the borders, OH will have another Bonfire with all that rubbish. That is something we never see/smell round here anymore. I think it might be against the law.

SNAKES would be a definite NO NO HERE. Dos hates them with a passion. We had one in the pond at Gayton, I thought she was going to have a baby when she saw it. ;-) ;-) ;-)

I have been busy on line all morning sorting out various things. I will get my shower now, and get dressed. NO I AM NOT LAZY <3 <3 <3

We certainly know you're not a lazy boy Frank. :-) :-D :-) :-D

As I fed the chickens and came round the front of the bungalow a car drove down it was delivering a voting paper. Then i went up the shop and on the way up the drive just outside the wall was a man walking down, he handed me another voting paper thing. I am fed up with the elections already............................ :-( I wonder how many more people are going to come down here now?

Mel, We have had the Green Party UKIP Labour and some over unknown. They are all in the bin. No doubt there will be more to come, that will end up in the same place.

Miserable dark sort of day. Ros is on her machine, and needs the lights on to see what she is doing and it's only just after 3.15 pm It looks like the clouds are building from the South West. so we might be in for some WET STUFF. that we really need.

I was told that the Robins have left the nest.

We are having JJ again in JULY when Jo and Ella go to visit Conrad and Jan in Spain. She will bring him here, and Ros will take and collect them from Luton Airport. They will have to stay the night they arrive home as their flight doesn't arrive until almost Midnight, and it will be to late to drive back to Devon.

New series starts tonight "Little Boy Blue" about the lad that got killed in Liverpool area.

Did anyone see Teh Durrells last nigt? I watched The island with Bear Grills after and saved Grantchester till tonight. I can just imagine grilling bear...........

Oh is out working on the new old mower. I am going to do some ironing.

We've had a little sun here and its out at the moment but apart from that the sky has been light grey. It did try to rain once with just a few spits but that soon stopped.

Afternoon all

It was raining this morning but the sun is out now although it's starting to go really cold. It's suppose to be very cold this week which Sandra is disappointed about with it being her birthday on Friday as she wanted to go to the Zoo. I've said we'll take her when the weather is warmer before the children break up for the summer holidays. We're taking her shopping on her birthday as she'll want to spend her birthday money. She has been doing the countdown for the last week, bless her <3 <3 <3

Yes OH is starting to get fed up of feeling unwell, he must feel bad as he would normally go to work, mind you he was told that he couldn't go to work until he was over his bug. He had a better nights sleep last night for the first time in ages so the antibiotics worked on his chest infection, unfortunately there's nothing he can do about the virus except wait for it to go on it's own, drink plenty and take paracetamol for his high temperature.

I've had a go in the garden and dead headed lots of flowers and done some weeding, I've still got more to do when I get some free time. I've also got a bit of housework that needs doing and some more sorting to put into boxes for the loft when OH feels like putting them up there.

What a shock it must of been for that poor girl and her mum Jane and also for you to witness it. You were so good offering to take them somewhere safe. I don't blame you for having a glass of wine when you got home. It sounds like you had a great time out the other day........yes, are you going to be buying a hat any time soon :-D :-D

I don't mind snakes but wouldn't want them in my bungalow. Sandra hates them. I must admit a was a bit nervous the first time I held one but was quite surprised how warm their bodies are, I was expecting them to be cold and clammy.

I love all the pictures you've all sent. Hasn't Ruby grown and clearly loves the camera. Hope she starts eating properly again soon Anne and you are feeling better too.

How is Ros today Frank, hope things are improving for her now. So you're going to have JJ again soon, I bet you can't wait? Your meal the other night sounded very nice and the place you went to sounds posh and very big. I've had all sorts about the elections coming through the post and even had a text the other day, it's very annoying and bordering on pestering I think.

It sounds like you've been busy lately Mel, what with all the housework and gardening, I felt quite tired just reading about it all.

Fancy having a room upstairs for your glass class Ann, surely they could have it down stairs, I'm sure there will be others that would have problems with the stairs. They didn't think that one through properly did they? It's such a shame you are going to miss out now. How are you getting on with your beading? You're very good with your camera I love the photo's you sent.

What a pity one of your pots got broken Mandy, I'm sure Jake didn't mean it. The pot you mentioned to hang on your pipe sounds a good idea, I've not heard of them before.

Afternoon All,

Sorry your hubby is still unwell Gill but it sounds like he is doing the right things to get better. I had to chuckle at Sandra counting the days down to her birthday. It's good she looks forward to it so much. :-) There will probably be lots of new baby animals by the time she gets to the zoo!

I bet JJ enjoys his stays with you Frank. At least he knows you well by now and it must be like a second home to him. We are being plagued with election leaflets too.

I watched The Durrells Mel. We like it, but I think the books were funnier. It was the way things were described that I couldn't help but laugh at. Yes I said in the email that the last pic had the barn in it I'd sent before. You are right, I used to ride through the brook behind the railings on my pony. He'd stop and stand in the water and have a drink. I had to watch him if he pawed the water and get cracking as it was what they do before rolling!!!

All we've done today is a big shop!! OH has gone to a meeting now and I might pop down the road to M&S. It was sunny here this morning but it's freezing now!!!!

Afternoon All
I have started doing a post several times and then got distracted and had to delete so I hope get this one done now with no more interruptions .

Snakes would def be a no no in this house Anne. As you say I hope they aren't going to be a five minute wonder for the girls .Did you say what kind of snakes?

I think the relationship with Hannah and Gareth must be very serious Frank ,as they will be living together too.They won't have made the decision lightly because they have both had horrible and sudden break ups .Hannah with John and Gareth and wife .
I know Gareth's parents love Hannah to bits ,and us the same with Gareth .So fingers crossed this it now for them :-D.

I am sorry to see that OH is still poorly Gill. He has had a bit of a rough time lately hasn't he. I will be posting Sandras card tomorrow ,as if I don't post it now before we go away on Wednesday it will be too late.So it will arrive on Wednesday.

Ann, your pics were lovely.Those dear little calves must have only been a day or two old. I did like the pic too of the trees and their shadows.
Gareth's Dad had two of his cows deliver babies yesterday :-D.9 more to go.

Mel I don't watch The Durrels. I did the first time around but got a bit bored so decided to give this series a miss. Might watch Little Boy Blue tonight.(If Janice doesn't snore too loudl ) !!!.

Fitz came up to see Janice at lunch time. I think although he wanted to see her, his main aim was for Chris to put together his new excercise bike LOLOL.... The same bike as me. Gawd he was on top form today and had us in stitches Janice had a headache after he left (AND SHE DOESN'T DRINK) . He loves an audience :-D

Time to think about dinner .I have it ready to go in the oven. Lamb Klefitco for Janice ,Chris and Me and Chicken wrapped with Asparagus and Pancetta. Herby Potatoes,Mushrooms and Green Beans.

We have had no-one down out road yet delivering election leaflets !

Evening all, Sky has cleared, the sunset almost burst my eyes, it was so BIG and BRIGHT. From what the forecast says we are in for a cold snap. I have covered all the seedlings I potted on the other day.

Ros is feeling very tired and stiff, I don't wonder why, she has worked her cotton socks off in the garden lately. I made her have a day off today. I prepared dinner, cooked it and washed and dried up, she is watching her SOAPS.

So Janice is up with you on her own. Behave yourselves if you go out anywhere. I know what you women are like, out on your own ;-) ;-) ;-)

I will be looking at little boy blue, before turning in, I am tired tonight.

Jane it does look like it may be serious with Hannah and Gareth and I hope so as they both need a good strong relationship. <3 <3 <3

I have done a load of ironing today and felt quite pleased with myself for sticking to it. Sometimes I just do a few things and get bored and go and do something else but not today. The clothes horse is covered in pillowcases, tea towels and towels. Oh's t shirts are all done but nothing of mine. I usually do mine first but did'nt today as there was only a couple of roll neck cotton tops and I did my t shirts the other day. I only did one lot of washing today too.

Gill have you still saved my card for Sandra for her birthday? Hope Glynn feels better soon as it has been a long while now he has'nt been up to par.

It stayed dry here with a good blow for most of the day but we had a little rain late afternoon. Nothing to do the ground any good though. I must say with this dry spell it has been a pleasure to go and feed the chickens and collect the eggs without getting my wellies stuck in the mud.

Not long nnow till my other blood test. I made sure I get Chris the nurse and not Maria. You should see what she did to oh's arms. He had bruising nearly down to his wrists from the three holes she made on the inside of his elbow. Yes it was three each side and in the hand to end with. He has to go again in the morning but I don't know what for, probably more blood tests. I hope he dos'nt look like he has snowballs all over him this time when he comes home.

Thinking of LIz and glad to hear that she is doing so well with her new hip. Wishes to our Carmel too.