General Chat

Hi folks

I'm finally back online. We've been helping OH's brother over the weekend with a few jobs that needed doing as he couldn't manage them himself and then yesterday it was my mum's birthday.

OH has been spraying my brown plant pots black for me as we couldn't buy more and none of the shops are getting anymore in, so we've been very busy these past few days.

I've not long got in from shopping so I'd better go and put it all away and sort out dinner. We're very tired with being so busy so I think it'll be an early night for us tonight.

Love the pics you've all sent. The dress and earrings are lovely Jane <3 and the little hog was so cute, Sandra loved it Mel. How lovely were the sugar paste flowers your friend made Ann, I used to make them years ago when I was training in catering but they were no where near as lovely as your friends, mine you I was only 16 years old. I made some nice roses though and also won a competition making a Christmas Cake, all decorated with royal icing and decorations, which I was very proud of.

I'm off to mum's tomorrow, so will catch up with the posts when I have some free time, as OH wants to go and see his mum to.

Evening all,

Just had quite a down pour and thunder and lightning too, i had watered the green house but won't need to do the pots and wall planters now after that lot.
It's been so muggy today so lets hope this rain brings in cooler weather .

Liz your lucky having some ripe toms , my toms are still green ,one cucumber is about the size of my thumb so that's got a way to go too.

Frank my bug screen didn't last long either ,Max kept catching it with his paws and it got ripped so i bought a fine piece of Voile ,i kept the weights from the other curtain and put them in the hem to stop it blowing about ,threaded it on a curtain rod ,it's working a treat at keeping the flies out .

Evening All,

We were up early this morning to go and look at jewellery for my birthday from OH. First we popped to the garden centre just down the main road to have a bacon bap. We were just in time for their offer (which we didn't know about) which meant we could have 2 other items as well for the same price, so I had bacon, tomato and egg and OH had bacon, egg and sausage.

Then we went to the city centre and parked in a multi storey near a few of the jewellery shops. Well, what a rip off with the parking charges!! The first hour is £1 which is fine, but then it jumps to £3 for up to 3 hours. Most people need over an hour but not 3 hours so have to pay £3. Then the car park lifts weren't working and I had to struggle down the 2 storeys of stairs which my knees hated. We had a good look in 4 or 5 shops but nothing really caught my eye. Each shop had much the same things. I might get something made where I had my eternity ring made. When we came home I waited at the carpark exit for OH to pick me up rather than climb the stairs. We were both shattered by the time we got home as OH's sore throat is a cough now and making him breathless if he charges about as usual.

It was today that Jane was seeing the dermatologist wasn't it? I hope he has some ideas that will help.

Liz that is a big plot you have there and a nice paddock for Merlin. OH misses having space for a bonfire here!! lol.

We've had an odd spot of rain but nothing more, but it's been hot again till now. At least 2 loads of washing are dry.

Is'nt it always the same when you go to look for something you like and have the money ready to buy it and you just can't find what you want. Then after the event you are looking around and see just the right thing. I have done it many times. When oh bought me my cross and chain I had seen the one I wanted, a little ankh cross and when we went in the shop to get it a week later it was gone!!!! I had decided on another one which was really ordinary and the girl was wrapping it up when I suddenly saw it in another cabinet with the charms. I did get the one I wanted that time.

I helped oh clear up a bit and wound his line up for the block then pulled a lot of weed and grass up on the border. I tried to have a dig with the spade but was'nt getting anywhere so decided to just pull the weeds off first and then another day I will have a dig. I did'nt have the barrow with me but have left a good barrow load on the edge of the border. If I get time tomorrow morning I will go and pick it up.

Sausages beans and chips tonight nice and easy.

Just a quickie tonight m(pardon the pun)

Good meeting with the Dermatologist .New stuff to put on my scalp, new tablets (which don't have very nice side effects ) Very dry lips ,mouth ,possible achey joints and tiredness
:-S and with my foot I have to put the cream on and wrap foot in cling film and then a sock and sleep :-S Oh what fun ! The tablets can't be prescribed by GP just through the hospital .He was very good in giving me the presciption on NHS rather than private.The tablets will last me until December.
I have paid privately for this consultation today. Rather than wait months for an appointment . Nothing can be done to help my nails (that will just take time to grow out. But I can use nailvarnish :-) :-) and I can also have my hair coloured :-) :-) :-)
That will make me feel a lot better.

Dinner ready to dish up now.

That sounds good that you have some new cream and tablets Jane and that he gave you them on the NHS. Sounds a bit of a palaver with your foot and the clingfilm......let's hope for some cooler nights for you! I have slept with moisturiser on my feet and polythene bags and socks over them......it does make them hot though. Will you have to go back and see him after a while? It will make you feel better being able to colour your hair and get back to a little more 'normal'.

Yes I often miss getting things when I see them Mel and go back and they are gone! You were lucky to spot your cross before you left the shop. I'm not fussed about having everything on the day, but think I will nip to a couple more jewellers tomorrow. My knees are feeling a bit better now after resting up!!

I was surprised today to get a new bus pass through the post........without asking for one!! lol. Seems a waste as I never used the previous one, but then you never know if you might need it in the next 5 years till it runs out again. ;-)

Ann I am the same I don't mind if things don't arrive on the day. Its best to wait and get what you really want.

Jane it does sound a bit of a task with your foot but if it works you will be pleased you went to the trouble. I hope the new tabs work too but it sounds like it is going to be a long job. You will feel more like your old self being able to have your hair coloured and nails painted. It sounds as though it was worth it. I am so pleased for you. <3

The strimmer arrived and I have had a go with it. I started it with the pull cord too!! I was'nt sure if I would be strong enough but it started on the second pull. I was guided by oh at first but told him where I was doing there were stones on the ground so I was very causious as if you remember me telling you that oh had a stone come up from the strimmer which hit him in his eye and cut it.It came with a face mask and earphones, gloves so all the protective stuff.

Well shopping day tomorrow so I best get in the shower.

Morning all,

Dull old day today and a little rain inthe air I think. There was a tad last night which is why I finished up the border as I had washing on the line.

Shopping day today and I may go off earlier to get it out of the way so I have some time this afternoon.

Morning All,

We've had a little rain too, but not much yet. Plenty is supposed to be due today though. I was woken by Crows tugging at the plastic leaf guards in the gutter just above the open bedroom window at 6.00am this morning!! It is usually the Magpies doing it, but one made such a wallop as it landed there, I thought it must be a Seagull, till the full volume cawing started! They soon scrambled to the roof of the bungalow opposite when I Slammed the window a few times. :-)

I feel a bit bruised after yesterday, so after lunch (we have a free starter or dessert offer for my birthday to use at a local eaterie! :-) we may still look at some jewellery at the place that made my eternity ring but look just there today. I think catching up with some paperwork is something I need to do then. They have only just sorted out our gas meter on the National Register, so I can start the transfer again. Also my car insurance needs renewing now. Then there's a pile of other stuff to go through!! :-S

This year I planted my cue in a big pot and it is doing really well. OH cut 2 cues this morning. No red toms yet like Liz has though, but they can't be far away as the green ones look full size. The goosegogs are turning red and it is the first year we will have any worth picking as the sawfly stripped the plant last year. This year I beat it with some spray.

Had a glitch on the computer yesterday that froze it and I had to ring the helpline. In the middle of scanning and checking my pc remotely the helpline people's software crashed so it took ages in the end.

Better get showered now ready to go out.

Good Morning Mel, and all, evening Kim,

Well I managed to get rid of the 5 black bin bags of garden rubbish. I bet the bin men thought, what have this lot (the people) been doing !! with all this greenery.

Glad you seem to be sorted with your medicines Jane. You do wonder what you are taking, when you have all these after effects. I did say to the girls to take a trip to RUSHDEN to look at the shops, but Carolyn doesn't think it's opened yet. Do you know when it's due to open Jane ???


Ann, thats the one saving grace having a "BLUE BADGE" Mine ran out, and as yet I haven't renewed it. I only ever go out with Ros, so we use hers. We get preference parking in most places, and can park on DOUBLE YELLOW LINES as well. I do take your point that most people need more than an hour to park. THAT'S how they make all this money. :-( :-( :-( These poor councils.

We have rain here this morning, I hope Ros and Carolyn have taken their brollies, on their shopping trip. So I can get away with just watering the greenhouse and the pots along the front of the bungalow.

I have a VERY loose tooth, last night it started to play me up. So today I have asked Ros to get me some Whiskey, I will then deaden the tooth area, and pull it out. A lot cheaper than going to the dentist which I hate anyway, and it will be nice to have a tipple. LOL LOL.

Gill, How is your BIL coping ?? It's good that you and your OH can go over and help him with his jobs. What a good idea to spray your pots, the colour you want.

Had eggs on toast for breakfast. I am now going to get my shower and shave, and sit with my book. I will sort out dinner later. I have a nice Pork Loin out of the freezer.

Oh yuk Frank!! Bit too much information about your tooth!! except that it has reminded me that I have a Dentist appointment next week!! I could never even contemplate pulling out my own teeth or anyone else's come to that, however loose they were!! Be careful not to leave any of the root behind else you'll risk a nasty infection.
Windy but still quite warm here. It rained in the night and first thing, but it's a lot brighter now.
I managed to play with Cas in our safe field this morning which she loved. The walking about did me good, particularly as I managed without my stick!!
Our roses look fantastic, I'll try and get a pic!

Afternoon all

It's been raining here today which has finally stopped, for how long though, who knows?

Love the pics of your roses Liz, I love pink and of course Sandra loved them, being her favourite colour. Sounds like Cas had a great time playing with you in your safe field today....bless her.

I don't think I could pull my own teeth out Frank. Yes be careful you don't want to make things worse. My mum has a blue badge, which is very handy for her as she can park right outside the shops she needs to go to.

That must of been annoying the crows pulling at the plastic leaf guards at 6am this morning Ann. Did you manage to get back off to sleep when they flew away?
Your cues sound like they're doing really well.

8 tons of tarmac for free Mel, can't be bad ;-) ;-) How did you get on with your new Strimmer?

Hope there aren't to many bad side effects from your new medicine Jane. I bet you can't wait to have your hair coloured now.

I thought we were going to mum's today but she turned up here at lunch time. I have a tree in a pot I no longer want so I'm going to plant it in mum's garden as she likes it. I can't remember what it's called :-S

Going to get a cuppa now, I'm quite thirsty today.

Afternoon all,

It's a Pork Fillet that we are having tonight. I have wrapped it in stuffing. I have done a mushroom and Onion sauce to go with it. Daphunoire (sp) potato's. Broad beans Runner beans, Carrots and peas. It took ages to prepare, so hope it's enjoyed by us both.

I would imagine I have extracted at least 12 of my teeth. The others have been extracted at the dentist. I just ring up and say. "I have one that won't budge". Pop in and it's out in no time. Touch wood, I haven't had any trouble in the passed. !!

Yes Liz, your garden looks a treat. The Roses seem to be kept in good order, do you regularly dead head, and treat them. We get a lot of Black fly around here. I treat them when I see them.

We have had one hell of a rain storm. I thought the windows were coming in. It lasted a good 20 minutes, so only the green house to water later.

Well I had better get the oven on to heat up, then we can have dinner about 6.00 pm.

Enjoy your evening all. xx

Lovely tidy garden Liz and those Queen Elizabeth roses are a reall picture. It all looks really great and I wish mine did!!

You should have wound your beans around those sheep wire frames. Thats what I do each day when I feed the bantams. You get so much more out of them that way.

Gill its good mum wants your unwanted tree, nice to know it is going to a good home.

It has rained here all day some light and some heavier and its still raining now. It shoud do the ground good though.

Evening all,

We had a dry morning ,the rain started here about three o'clock this afternoon just as the children came out of school .

Liz you have a lovely garden the roses look a picture ,do they have a good perfume ?

Oh no Frank you don't pull your own teeth out :-0 you be carefull you don't break the tooth off, do you put the tooth under your pillow ready for the tooth fairy ;-) ;-) :-D
We have our check ups tomorrow at the dentist .

You had an early morning call with that noisy bird Ann i was going to ask if you managed to nod off again ?
Hope you can find some nice jewelry you like for your birthday ,some thing will just catch your eye when your out and about .

Jane lets hope these new tablets and the stuff for your scalp will do the trick ,it's going to be a job wrapping your feet up each night but if it helps then it will be worth it ,the side affects don't sound so good though.
December is a way off ,did he think it would take all that time to help clear it up ?

Evening All

Well the rain has only just started here.There was a bit of a shower earlier but only for a few minutes. It is still only fairly light rain though. Thomas has a grumpy face on LOL.He won't be going anywhere soon.

Some birds have been turfing great clods of stuff out from the guttering above James's bedroom. Each moring there are big lumps all over the patio :-S. I have a feeling it may be the Magpie .

Frank,I think the first shops open at Rushden Lakes neare the end of the month maybe the 26/27 th . Somewhere around there. But only M&S, Next and another major shop to start off with. I am going t owait until they have been open a few weeks I think before I go so the crowds will hopefully eased off a bit. I must say though it is going ot be great for us having such a great choice of shops to visit. It will save the long trip to MK. I think it is the M&S that I am looking foward to most of all.Also Next.

Liz ,your garden looks great. The Roses are beautiful ,and that is a real sturdy fence OH put up there.I love all your 'mushroom ' stones.(can't think of the right name now)

Gill,that is good your Mum would love to have the tree you no longer want for her garden :-D Better in her garden than stuck in your pot :-D :-D

Yikey Frank !!! There would be no way I could pull out one of my teeth even if it was loose. You are braver than me. I remember Dad tying a bit of string to a tooth and the other end to the door handle . Slamming the door to yank out a tooth!! Gives me the willies just thinking about it .

Talking of things giving me the willies. These tablets I have (haven't taken any yet) are making me feel a bit anxious. All the possible side effects. But also I will not be able to donate blood while taking them OR for 2 years after I finish taking them !!!!!!!
I will have to contact the Blood people to take me off the register. Good job I read all the info on the leaflet.

Chris off tomorrow to Patchings Art Fair somewhere near Grantham? He is staying overnight and will be home again on Thursday eve. So a couple of days to myself :-D

Am watching the Ladies tennis at the moment . Oh boy it is so close.

We've just finished watching the ladies tennis match Jane, what a brilliant match! The mushrooms are staddle stones.
Yes Frank we do dead head frequently, but that's all. OH does prune them severely in the early spring , along with the Buddleia which does go a bit haywire!! No Mandy, they don't have any scent unfortunately,
It's certainly rained hard here, and is dark and dismal.
New serial on BBC 1 called 'In the Dark.' Looks as if it might be good, so we shall give it a whirl!!

In the Dark sounds my kind of programme Liz :-D.So i will be watching that.
I thought it was Staddle Stones,but each time I typed it and looked it up it came back as nothing :-S.. They do look great :-D.

I am so glad our girl won the match tonight :-D. I love the second week of Wimbledon.
Did you see the chap who was asleep in his seat LOL The camera kept going back to him !!!. He will be mortified LOL

The rain seems a bit heavier now. Thomas came in looking a little bedraggled just now .So at least he is in for the night now.

Our Spag Bol will be ready shortly.So better get the plates and cutlery out.

Lucky thing having a couple of days to yourself.

Staddle stones is what the mushrooms are in Liz's garden. They used to put the hay on them to keep it off the ground and away from vermin. If their vermin was anything like we have here they would soon find a way into the haystack of corn barn.

My rose on the box hedge has been a reall picture but I am hoping the rain dos'nt ruin it as I hav'nt got a decent pic of it yet and its being cut back when oh does the box hedge. He has'nt cut it for two years now.

No I didn't go back to sleep this morning. A neighbour was trundling 3 bins out at 7.00am. It gets noisier here! Mind you we have noticed there is far less noise from the dog next door now so I'm wondering if maybe the penny has dropped. I can't believe how much better it is.

Those roses are a lovely pink Liz. It pays to be drastic with the pruning as the flowers are better.

We are going back to the jewellers tomorrow. I saw a couple of rings I liked and the lady told us they start their sale tomorrow and fetched a few things that will be in the sale out to see if I liked any. There were far too many for her to show me them all so we are going back in the morning. Even the things not in the sale, like the 2 rings I liked will be 20% cheaper so it will be well worth waiting till tomorrow. :-) We were going to try a new place to eat tomorrow, but I wasn't keen on the menu so we'll go where we usually go on our birthdays and have the lunch deal instead.

Today OH has been teasing me about reaching 70 tomorrow and making up rhymes to go with a little jig. I steadied him down tonight though and told him it is time for me to grow old disgracefully now!!! His comment was OMG!!!!! lol :-) :-)

Frank I couldn't pull my own tooth out........although you do wish you could when one aches!!

Jane, I think it is scary when you read the possible side effects of tablets and I know OH wasn't keen on taking his tablets for osteoporosis. He has to stay upright for half an hour after taking them. I hope you will be fine with yours and good luck with the clingfilm.

The garden got a good watering today which it badly needed.

Ah well, my last day of my 60s is nearly over, probably a new box to tick on forms now. :-S