General Chat

Good morning people, evening Kim,

Dull, miserable morning here. I let JJ out at 6.45. He didn't stay out there too long, and was soon curled up in the armchair again.

Out of the blue last night. Simon rang to say they were home from the narrow boat, as the weather hadn't been good. He asked if we could meet up for lunch today. I rang and booked a table at the "GREYHOUND" that's the pub/restaurant we had a excellent Sunday lunch at the other week with the whole rib of beef. Don't know what the lunchtime menu is like, but whenever you drive passed it's always packed in the car park, so that's got to be a good sign.

Never tried that "BABY CHICKEN" I would no doubt find it like Chris says, not enough meat and all bone.

Mandy I often cook onions, and wiz them up in the gravy, I must try putting a carrot with it also. THANKS.

I did't see the FB page with the roof coming in Jane, I bet that was something different. Thank goodness no one was hurt.

I have mentioned the programme to Ros, she will recorded it to watch later.

I thinking I might have a look at that bush you mentioned, and see if Madam would like one down the side fence at the back. Does it need full sunshine or shade ??

I think Lewis's and Julia's Flight was at 6.00 am ish this morning, so they will be there by now. !!!

Jo and Ella come back tomorrow evening at 11.40 pm. So we will be saying goodbye to JJ Wednesday morning. BO HO. !!!

Will let you know how lunch goes later.

Good morning all,

We have a lovely sunny day again and I shall be up the border this afternoon.

Jane yes I have those leggy spiders in all sizes. They go up the hoover and next day you have another batch of them about.

Gill did you know in the olden days they used spiders webs do stop bleeding and to dress wounds. Perhaps they were the first sticking plasters. I know what you mean though, if I take a big one off the duster I have a job getting it off my fingers. Now I put the hoover pipe on and suck them up but if I go behind a cupboard or my desk with it it come out all covered in cobwebs and I just run my hand up the pipe and the hoover sucks it in.

I am pleased to announce that I have had a free week of itching at last. In fact it may be a bit longer than that.

Must put some washing in the machine.

Oh has dug up a great lump of my border to take out my nerines and an iris and dumped it on some tarp for me to sort out so you know what I shall be doing today. There is still twitch where he has dug it out about a foot deep. Must be about 50 bulbs plus their baby ones. Any one want some nerines?

We get a lot of those very thin almost transparent spiders, Ros is everlasting sucking them up the hoover.

Still nothing to shout about weather wise, still very cloudy, and I just felt a little damp when I went outside.

We have decided to have a good lunch today, that will save me cooking tonight. I have looked at their lunchtime menu and I am sure I will find something that I will like. They do some nice starters as well. Plus there is a pudding menu as well. (PIGGY)

Glad you are itch free Mel. It must have been horrible especially if you were out and about shopping. People would think you had fleas. !!!

Simon rang to say they were going to Northampton before coming here. There are road works everywhere, so might be a bit late.

We have the side lights on in the lounge, as it's too dark to read. AND THEY CALL THIS SUMMER Bah and Humbug !!!!

Have you seen what's coming on Wednesday Frank? talk about batten down the hatches!!!
We have Poisson quite often and get on fine with them. I think anything kept in the freezer longer than three months tends to lose its flavour and texture, particularly meat which after so long is really only fit for a casserole.
If possible I always put those spinderly spiders outside! anything like that I try not to kill, although sadly flies do have to go!!
Had a brilliant day yesterday. L did a lovely lunch and a superb lemon syllibub for a pudding, one of the best I've tasted! In the afternoon we went up to their field/stables to say hello to L's new horse which she bought a couple of weeks ago. G.D(2)'s pony lives there too, so they can ride out together. The field is a bit away from the house, but with a lovely view over the Downs - perfect for a picnic!!! Everyone was so pleased to see us which made us feel very cheered.
Today we're just pickling around - .more deadheading and maybe mow the grass!

Sorry you have a nasty day Frank but you should b e here. It is so hot I am not looking forward to going up the border as it is south facing. Oh has been carting earth to level the lawn to the blocks he laid the other week and has had his lunch and I thnk he is having a lie down now.

I have sone some washing and ironing this morning.

We have a nice chicken crown for dinner tonight which won't be too much to cook in this heat.

Afternoon all,

Raining here and has been all the morning ,tomorrow should be better then wednesday bad again ,what a start to the childrens school holiday.

Yes you want to try the gravy with the roast carrots and onions Frank it very tasty and as Ann said it helps to thicken the gravy .
Hope you enjoy your lunch with your son .

Ann i got my handbag in our factory shop ,they have some nice things in there ,i wonder if its the same company as yours .

Just stood and got all my ironing done, haven't done any washing as i couldn't hang it out with this weather .

I had to look up Nerines Mel ,they are very pretty .

Afternoon All,

We have had a lot of baby spiders with the long spindly legs too. I thought they were a glut of babies from the spindly spiders we had inside in the autumn. :-S I'm afraid mine get sucked up the hoover too!

The Lemon Syllabub sounds delicious Liz. I would have enjoyed seeing the new horse and GD's pony.

I hope Frank gets a nice lunch with Simon today. I had Plaice with naughty frites and peas. Sometimes you just have to have what you fancy!

Mel I wouldn't be able to cope with your garden. You do well to keep it in such good shape. I can imagine you picking out the twitch, having done some myself here a few years ago. It is amazing how much there is when you fish it out of the soil.

OH has gone out to a meeting so I'm having blissful peace and quiet just now. He moved my car to the other end of the close by the hedge before 8.00am this morning ready for the neighbour's workmen coming.......but he shifted my car seat and can I get it back in the same position!!! :-S It's stiff to move and I can only just reach the adjuster with my fingertips so now my back is twanging! lol. I gthink he must have altered the rake as well. The neighbour's front is all finished now and looks much smarter, but it will take a while to get used to the conifers between us going.

I should have taken some pics Ann!! L's horse is lovely, he's a bay, with white sox, standing about 15 hands, very friendly (unlike Merlin!!) willing and a good ride. G.D's is a grey, about 13.2, not so friendly but a 'very sound reliable ride. They're coming over next week as G.D(1) has her driving test fairly soon, and a drive out to us will be good practice for her, so I'll try and get a pic from L's phone..
Jane, I haven't eaten veal for many many years, the way they were raised,, and I in Europe still are, is SO cruel, that it was a complete NO NO for us, as is any meat intensively farmed, and has stayed that way, that's why I ways use a butcher, as you can be absolutely certain that the animals have been ethically raised and humanely killed.
Done the mowing, deadheaded the roses and buddleia, had a cuppa, fed Cas, washed spinach that OH picked earlier today, and prepared potatoes! OH can now do the rest!!

Afternoon Everyone
It certainly isn't hot here today Mel.Just a really grey dull day.
I haven't seen the forecast for Wednesday Liz. Is it going to be that bad? !!!
It seems like you had a wonderful day with L and family . Lemon Syllabub :-D Mmmmm delicious. I haven't had one of those for ages.L's new horse sounds a pretty thing and it is nice that it has the other 2 for company. It does sound a lovely setting there.

Frank,have you enjoyed you lunch out with Simon today? I feel really happy for you knowing that you are finally able to see him after so many years.

I have now seen the results of the Archeological surveys done in the fields opposite.
Signs of an Iron Age Settlement
Middle Iron Age Shrine
Roman Activity
and the debris of a plane from WW11

I am wondering if there might have been'remains' with the plane and maybe that is why there was all that business with the Blue Tent and Police .
So it was obviously a busy place here in the olden times :-D. I am glad I know what was discovered.

Chris managed to skin off the top of his middle finger yesterday(the tip). So he has a big plaster on it now. What with him and me we make a right pair.

There was the BIGGEST rabbit in the garden earlier today. Where was Thomas? Somewhere else on the hunt :-S Actually I am quite glad he didn't get that one as it looked almost as big as him and I wouldn't have liked to seen him dragging it back up the garden . I haven't seen him with any young ones lately.

Will you all be watching the Princes tonight talking about their Mum? I will. But Chris won't.I heard that it some bits are quite moving so will have the tissues at the ready :-D

I ordered a Beaded Clutch bag yesterday for the wedding. I was thinking I could have bought a plain one ang got you ANN to do the beading :-D ;-).It does look very pretty so am hoping that the colours are right to go with the dress. It is always hit and miss seeing something on line as the colours often really quite different. So fingers crossed. I am fed up sending things back now LOL . Pair of shoes went back today.They were really nice and went well with the dress but one cut right across big toe joint and I just knew it would be too uncomfortable ,and comfort is the main thing for a very long day and evening . :-D

No, there are only two horses Jane as only L and one G.D ride. I think what with them, two dogs, three cats, chickens and ducks, it's enough for them to look after!!
Have look at the forecast after the news and all will be revealed!!! It looks like a very wet day! It's not been bad today, but certainly not hot!!
Can't say that I'm at all interested in the Princes - I think it's a bit mawkish and far too sentimental for either of us, almost embarrassing!! I feel sorry for the P of W, it must be horrid for him having it all dragged up in public - I can't understand his sons doing that particularly after all these years. Frankly I don't think much of them tbh for inevitably embarrassing their father, just undignified and self indulgent. We won't be watching!!!

I think its because its an anniversary of her death and I think its nice of them to remember her and share their thoughts.

Gosh did I say 50 bulbs its more like 250. They seemed to be in layers and each one had baby bulbs all around them. I don't know what I am going to do with them all. I know Di will want some and I may put some of the big bulbs in big pots as Monty did that on the telly a few weeks ago. Mine are only pink ones though. They make a great cut flower and last three weeks in water.

Did you know that thoses leggy spiders eat the BIG house spiders? I had one of the big ones fall out my bath robe when I put it on last week.

I seem to have given myself indigestion with all the bending over I have been doing this afternoon.

Chicken crown new pots and peas for us tonight. Nice and quick.

Liz I just saw the the number 2 LOL and thought it was 2 ponies . So just the 1 :-D
Still nice company for L's horse :-D.
After a very grey and miserable day it is quite nice here now.(for now). :-D

Cod in a crumb coating ,Bubble and Squeak and mixed veg for us soon.A nice easy dinner.

I like both Harry and William . Harry in particular .I always used to think he would be a good catch for Hannah LOLOL . (no need for that now). I am sure both of them if they were totally honest would say they would have preferred not to have been born into the Royal Family and just have a 'normal life' .

I don't like or dislike them, but I just can't see wanting to make a TV programme about personal stuff. Of course they loved her, they were 'very young and she was their mother, but they're grown men now, its all such a long time ago, will inevitably put their father in a bad light which is horrid for him and disloyal of them. I must admit to not being a Diana fan! for me she was a very silly young woman and not over bright! so I daresay that colours my opinion!!
Oh! University Challenge, must watch that!!!!

Yes please get a pic if you can Liz, they both sound good and a bay with white socks always looks striking! My word they have quite a menagerie don't they!

Jane, you old social climber you!! I think Harry could still be a bit of a handful behind the scenes! I probably won't be watching as my planner is nearly full!! I'm not sure what I think. I can't find it in myself to feel sorry for Prince Charles as he didn't help things himself in the past and brought matters into the public eye with his actions. If it helps the boys to talk about their mother now and give their own perspective after hearing all the press negativity all these years since she died, then it 's important for them and maybe for us to hear a different slant on things. We wouldn't have these two lovely princes that are so natural and in touch with us if it wasn't for Diana and the way she brought them up.

Those archealogical reports can make interesting reading can't they. They have found all sorts round here with being next to the old Fosse Way. It doesn't seem to stop them building though!

I bet you are so glad the itching has stopped Mel. Do you think the cooler weather has helped? We find a lot of bending gives us indigestion now too.

Mandy I got my bag from the Tofs factory shop. :-)

Did you see my last EM I sent yesterday Jane?

Morning all,

Another nice day at the moment although they say rain tomorrow.

Today I have woken up with indigestion so I am going to take my pills after having something to eat and then go shopping.

Home alone AGAIN. Good morning to you all, evening Kim.

Nothing to shout about weather wise, but tomorrow will be something different. Thunder, Lightning and heavy rain is forecast. So will be glad to be indoors with my book.

We had a nice lunch with Simon and Sally. We all had a starter and main course, too full for a sweet. Sally was driving so Simon was able to enjoy a few beers !!! They came back here until about 4.30. Simon went down the garden and got a bags of Apples, new potato's and tomato's, I did't cook list night just had a salmon sarnie and a bag of crisps.

I have made a Chicken casserole for tonight, just the potato's to do a bit later.

Simon has sent me via my Nephew John, who arranged the get together. About 30 family photo's, which include a lot of my Dad, The three Eldest's wedding, Bills, Teds, Jean and Mine of my first wedding. WHO CAN HELP PLEASE. How can I save these photo's on the email into my Mac Book ??? As the last thing I want to do is loose them. I would also like to get PRINTS of them, so I can pass them onto Lewis. How do I do that ???
I'm glad you had a nice day with L Liz, It's nice for the family to get together, which I am now finding out. Even though I send a fair bit of time with Harvey and Conrad (when he's home from Spain) He will be home on Friday this week for a month.

Jane That rabbit sounds big enough to give Thomas a run for his money. I bet it would make a lovely rabbit stew. !!!!

Ann, I bet you were in a mess trying to alter the seat on your car. He must learn to put it back in the right position when he moves it again. I bet you will give him an EAR BASHING ;-) ;-) ;-)

I really aught to get the lawns cut, but the way I feel, they are going to have to wait, I will see how I feel later.

Beautiful sunny day here with a light wind. Done a load of washing bearing in mind the forecast for the next few days!!
Can't help you with the photos Frank. I just save any I get sent on my prime photo app on my Kindle. Some really important ones like you've described I transfer onto a SanDisk, for safe keeping. They are completely secure then, provided you don't lose it!!!
So glad your lunch went well, and really glad that you've found your son.
Better get the rest of this washing out!

Thanks Liz. I will leave them where they are for now. Must remember not to delete them.

I got myself together, and got the front lawn cut, and thinking of tomorrows weather, continued and did the back one. I feel totally whacked out now, so will get myself a coffee, then a shower and get changed. JJ has been out the back barking and chasing the mower. I had to be careful I didn't run him over. He's now curled up in the armchair.

Not sure when Ros and Carolyn will be back, they tend to pop from one shop to another, and go to the garden centre for a bit of a mooch round and get some lunch. It's not my choice of things to do, but I'm not a woman LOL LOL

BBL