General Chat

Morning Frank and all,

I hope you have a nice time tonight Frank at Simon's. what have you bought Sally for her birthday or have you sent flowers?

Dry here this morning with clouds moving across the blue sky and sun. So sometimes its out and sometimes its in. I think some washing could be on the cards for today as I think it will dry well.

Hope Colin gets a clear bill of health today. It dos'nt really seem a year since his op. The time seems to go so quickly lately. Its no sooner Sunday night and then its Friday and gardeners World is on again and then Tuesday shopping day comes around so quickly and I can't believe we have eaten all I bought!!

Morning All,

I agree Mel, I can never quite believe it's shopping time again or that best before dates on food has been reached so quickly! lol.

I felt really under the weather last night and even got up after a few hours in bed to get a HOT WATER BOTTLE!! OH knew I wasn't well then as I'm always too hot. I drank a glass of water and got a COT at the same time and a couple of crackers with cheese to eat and managed to go to sleep even though I had a headache. This morning the throat and head seem better and I feel ok again now. Last night I had to stop painting as I couldn't seem to focus on any detail and thought my specs needed changing.

We are popping out to have a jacket potato soon. They do delicious ones where we are going with big fluffy potatoes done in a proper oven and loads of varied salad and home made coleslaw. OH is off to a council meeting later on and doesn't usually eat till he gets back at about 9 0'clock so will sort out what he wants to eat then himself. I might have some of the runners with something. :-)

I can understand Ros being put off going to that house again Frank. I don't mind untidiness and a bit of dust as long as kitchens and bathrooms are clean, but that place sounds really neglected. I remember from my visits when working how I would refuse food in some places. You would see people petting their dog and, without washing, the same hand would be putting cake slices on a plate to offer you or the cat walking on the kitchen worktops having a sniff where they had put a plate of biscuits ready for your visit! I hope you have a nice evening at Simon's and don't forget to take the toms and apples!

We have a delivery driver who comes here to us and he has the most amazing hipster beard. Today I got a side shot of him without him knowing so I will send it later. I wish I could get a full frontal. He strokes it when its windy to keep its shape. He's quite a character.

Ann I am sorry you did'nt feel well last night. Do you think it could have been too much consentration of the painting that made your eyes funny. Or it coldhave been a mild migraine. Cheese before bed! Did you dream?

I have to go up and get our scripts that were missing when I collected our scripts last week.

Well I can't say my life is boring. I cut the back lawn this morning, as I was putting the mower away, I heard the phone ringing. It was Conrad from Devon, saying they were setting off to pick us up to go down there for a few days.

Ros was picking apples, and I had dug potato's and picked beans (without falling over) So I rang Simon and told him we wouldn't be able to make this evening, he said not to worry, and to enjoy ourselves. We then drove to Daventry to take Sally's B'Day card and present (A nice pearl and diamond necklace and matching ear rings) Ros's handy work. Plus Apples Potato's and Tomato's. Left them at the bins, so he knows where they are. The journey both ways were horrible. Massive trucks that on that road you couldn't pass.

All showered and shaved now. Ros is packing, and we have had a sandwich, so will eat tonight at Conrad's, or go out for a bite to eat.

Not taking Computer, so will see you when I get back. Hope you all stay safe and sound xxx

Sent some pics. Let me know if I have missed anyone.

There are a few nice hipster beards at the hand carwash in the village Mel. I like a nice well kept beard as you know.........OMG I just looked at your email!! That isn't like the ones round here which are just below the chin. I don't think I would like that, much too long as is the moustache!! He does look a character though as you say.

I had the headache all day yesterday, before I started painting, but I think the concentration painting probably brought it on worse! I only had a bit of cheese on the crackers and it was the low fat sort. No I didn't dream, in fact I don't dream much at all, probably because I don't sleep that well!.

Its annoying when prescriptions are wrong/missing. We started a while ago to check them all before we drive home after having had problems. The times they don't have enough tablets for your prescription as well. :-S

I see Frank has had a last minute change of plan. I don't know, spoiled for choice with his social diary!! lol. It sounds like Ros has made some lovely jewellery for Sally's birthday. Hopefully he should get good weather the next few days and it will be nice to be near the sea. :-) It's good he got his lawns all cut before going.

Afternoon All
Another lovely sunny day here :-D. All the washing dry and brought in. Ironing done too :-D Looks like rain is forcast overnight.But should clear here early morning.
I think Mandy you should be ok for the beach tomorrow . Fingers crossed.

Love the pics Mel . What a beard !!! It looks well cared for but far too long for my liking.
We too have lots of young men with the Hipster Beards. I think some look really nice,but am glad Chris just has a very short beard.

Ann, that sounded a really horrible headache you had last night,and feeling cold too wanting a hot water bottle is definately not you is it ! Glad you are feeling ok today.

Frank, what is Ros packing for? Have I missed something? I think Sally is going to get a lovely surprise when she sees the lovely necklace and Earrings. Iam sure you will see them both again soon.

Gill I hope that OH's Brother will soon be out of hospital and be able to enjoy a little break away with the family before his next lot of Chemo. It will do him good I am sure.
His Sister sounds very low if she is shutting herself from everyone. As you say maybe this is just her way of dealing with things at the moment And as for OH's Mum she probably doesn't know whether she is coming or going with both her Sons going through difficult times.

Hannah and Gareth are back in London. She said she will give us a call later.

After all that business yesterday with the baby bunny and the stinky rotting one I had one more worry. I couldnt get Thomas in. I had been out in the back garden for ages calling and whistling and it got to 10.30 and still no sign. I thought I would just have a look out on the front drive and the security light came on as I walked towards the gate.Who did I see just strolling across the road from where I dumped the little bunny?
Yes THOMAS :-S :-S A car had just gone down the road before he stepped off the verge the other side.I tried to pick him up but he went under my car. After a few minutes he came out the other side and I grabbed him quick. He really should have been on the naughty step after all his shenanigans .

Have you had a good old catch up with your Brother Anne? I bet it was nice to have him around for a bit. I can't remember now where you said he is off to next.

Mel that little Hog was sooooo tiny !!!!. I love to see them all curled up like that with just the little face showing :-D :-D

Yer cute or what Jane?

O rank we need you to take your pc with you so you can keep in touch as we all miss your posts when your away. I am sure Sally will be delighted with her present but its a shame you can't go tonight for a meal.

Its come over all dark here and I had to bring the wahsing in as it looks like rain but two of the bathroom mats were dry but the really thick one is still damp so thats gon e on the airer.

That chap with the beard would make a good father Christmas if it was powdered white!! It looked so clean and shiney so I guess he looks after well.

Naughty Thomas playing you up like that. I bet he thought to himself " I'll show her I can find my prey even if she thinks she has hidden it" "that'll teach her to take me to the vet".

Yes the hog was really tiny, I had told you so when oh brought it down the garden and presented me with it. I hav'nt seen it again since I let it go. It must be a lot bigger by now anyway.

Must do the chickens before it rains.

Oh has just lit a bonfire and came in stinking of it.

Evening all,

Phew it's been hot here today ,we went off early to the hospital ,Colin had to have an x ray before seeing the surgeon ,we were early for both appointments and got home just after ten so that was good.
The surgeon was very pleased with everything ,he said that looking at the x ray the space where Colin had a piece of bone missing and where he had to build the bone up near the ball joint part of the hip is beginning to join up ,he was very surprised and pleased ,he wants to see Colin again in two years time as he said it's interesting to see how things are after doing what he said was a major op .

Ann i hope your feeling better now ,not like you to want a hot water bottle your usually too hot so you must have felt bad , i find i feel cold like that when i have a tummy bug .

I see Frank is off for a few days away ,he'll enjoy a nice bit of sea air , poor Ros having to go to a dirty house she must have felt very uncomfortable ,i wouldn't have felt like eating after seeing the dirty house ,i always remember Colin saying he had been in a dirty house to do some work......he said it was a place where you wiped your feet on the way out !!!!! :-0

Oh Mel dear little Hog :-D
Not sure i like the beard though ,i would be worried some might be lurking in it :-D
Don't mind shorter beards when they are trimmed nicely .

Mel, I am a bit confused with me being cute or what LOL What do you mean? I know i am cute :-D :-D
So where is Frank going? I really must have missed some posts.

Just had a long chat with Hannah. They had a wonderful 2 weeks other than it being a tad too hot.

The traffic is sounding very loud from the A14.. That usually means rain on the way. It must be coming up from you Mel.

I love the smell of bonfire on Chris when he has had one.Our bonfires smell nice whereas next doors stink of plastic :-S I am sure they burn their household rubbish.

I had a call from the surgery this morning about my blood results. All good except for a high Cholesterol . I say high,but it is borderline . I need to get it down . It was 7.8
That is pretty high. I need to look at my diet.

Just had this from Shirl.

What a wonderful thing to see , You do have all of nature about you .Where is he now?I will be in Scotland next week at this time
can’t wait ,Looking forward to all the good food I’ve been missingPlus the family Ha Ha
lol Shirl x

Shirl is going to have a ball 'coming home' after so many years. Back in Bonnie Scotland :-D

Mandy that is really good news today for OH :-D :-D For the consultant not to need to see him again for 2 years is brilliant.

Good evening all

That was good news that Colin's got the all clear and the surgeon was so pleased with the results Mandy.

I hope Frank & Ros have a nice restful break in Cornwall and the weather is kind to them

Thomas seems back on form again than Jane, poor little bunnies. It was good news about your blood test, I have to take tablets for high cholesterol it seems to go with high blood pressure in my case. It sounds that Hannah & Gareth had a really good holiday, I expect you will be hearing all about it when she phones

It was lovely seeing Colin again as it has been a while, he had been lecturing to Radlett Art Society, Herts which isn't too far from us.They have details on their web site about the lecture on Pieter Bruegel

Hope you are now feeling better Ann you must have been feeling ill if you needed a hot water bottle in the summer.

They were lovely photos of the hogs Mel and baby robin being fed he/she looked bigger than the parent feeding him/her

Pleased to hear Colin had good news today Mandy, you both must be so glad?

One and half hour queue for the Jorvik Viking Centre Anne, that was a long time I don't blame you for not bothering. It does show how popular it is though.

The hog was so tiny Mel, shame you haven't seen it again, but like you said it will be much bigger now so will probably have gone off somewhere. You never know it might come back one day. Not sure about your delivery drivers beard though.

So Frank is going away, how nice to spend some time by the sea. The necklace and earrings sound very nice, I bet Sally loved them. Hope she had a lovely birthday.

Pleased to hear you're feeling better today Ann. I've had the shivers today and needed a hot water bottle. It feels a bit like mild flu, I'm hoping it's gone by tomorrow as I want to get on with my screening in the garden. I've just been catching up with my emails and noticed the painting you sent me, you are very clever, it's lovely.

So Thomas is playing "Catch me if you can" Jane, the little minx. He definitely sounds as though he's feeling better now. I loved the photo's you sent, what lovely views for Hannah and Gareth to look at. Almost all okay with your blood tests, I'm sure your Cholesterol will come down after a slight change in diet :-)

I managed to get one piece of screening up today but then started feeling unwell so came in to get warm. It started raining shortly afterwards so I wouldn't of been able to do anymore anyway.

Just watching Love your Garden then I'm going to have an early night as I've still got the shivers so I want to snuggle down and get warm.

Jane it was meant for the tiny hog not you!! Not that you're not cute though.
I think Frank and Ros are going to Devon not Coronwall Jane.

Will you have to take a statin for your Cholesterol? I take them and so does oh but his have just been halved as he also takes Amlodapine and they have only just noticed after years and years. He had said he was getting pain in his muscles and this was why.

Good results for Colin then Mandy. It sounds like the surgeon is very pleased to see the bone joining together again. You got in and out quickly then and had the rest of the day to do what you wanted.

Hope you feel better in the morning after a good nights sleep Gill. You have been doing a lot lately and with the worry of oh's brother it all adds up.

Morning all,

A nice sunny day here so far so I may go in the garden and do a bit.

Rained heavily last night so evrywhere is wet.

Have made a bad move this morning. I am sitting here eating toast and honey and am getting rather sticky so will see you all later.

Hope Frankk and Ros had a good journey down here and if they have a day like it is today it should get their break off to a good start. Its breezy with plenty of sunshine.

Washing is blowing well on the line and now I am going to hoover.

Afternoon All,

Good news for Colin then Mandy with his checkup! It's good too that they want to see how things are progressing in 2 years and that it's more of interest than necessity.

Jane, what can I say.........taking these dead critters across the road seems to be a no no now you know it will tempt him across the road. Maybe he could smell it or has gone there before and found previous disposals!! :-S Whatever it is you don't want him crossing that road. He seems to be one step ahead of you doesn't he and is obviously back to his old self! Your cholesterol does seem high. They told me at the Diabetes research place that mine should be less than 5 ideally when it was 5.6. It's due to be tested in a few months and I expect it to be higher as I'm heavier now. I take plant sterols to help lower it but losing weight would probably be more effective and help my knees as well!!

I can see why Scruffy is called Scruffy Mel. The little hog was sweet and is hopefully a big hog now and putting on weight for the winter. I can see Shirl will be having a great time in Scotland. What a great trip for her!!

I bet your OH's sister is finding it tough dealing with her brother's diagnosis Gill. She probably needs a bit of space and time to be able to cope and come into her own. Not everyone is the same and not everyone shows their deep feelings. It does sound as if your MIL doesn't know whether she is coming or going and has got mixed up about her son's treatment. Best to rely on the other brother for reliable info as you say. Hopefully, a little break will help before the next chemo treatment.

We had a rain shower earlier while we were out, but the washing has dried and it is sunny now. The security light at the front kept coming on last night and we thought it was the cats triggering it at first, but when we looked there was a big web on it! I dusted that off and thought that would be the end of it but no, it kept coming on every half minute or so. OH twigged it in the end.......it was some shoots off the plant in the wall pot under it waving in the wind that was triggering it. I've pruned them now so we'll see if it happens again.

Had to laugh about your security light Ann. Its happened to me too with the one out on the wall just outside the back door. Oh says they only work on heat detected but plants don't have heat, or do they?

Scruffy is a bit more like he's normal self now having fed all his babies and had a l
moult and my shed Robby who we called Baldric for obvious reasons has now grown his tail and most of the feathers on his head.

Oh has just said, sitting at the table, "O well better get up then, no nothing happened" and he just sat there for a min before getting up. Then he says Alexa who is your mother?" and she answers "Sorry I don't know that one" which made us both laugh.

I am missing our Frank already and he only went yesterday. I don't even know how long he is away for. FRANK we miss your posts.