General Chat

Sincere thanks to Fiona Fairhurst for her card <3

Good morning to you all,

Clear sky and windy here this morning. Ros has gone to meet Martine, then onto the Hospital for 12.30 to see the Heart doctor about the other stent she needs.

Harvey just rang, he is coming up about Midday to do a few little jobs, that I can't do. It's such a help, knowing he's only a phone call away. We try not to bother him unless it's something I can't do. He can take Julia's D'Day present back with him, if I can find it. I hope Ros will be home while he's here.

Went to get out of bed in the night and fell A over Head. No damage done, and I didn't wake Ros. Managed to pull myself up on the door, went to the loo, and back to bed. Ros said I should have shouted, and she would have helped me.

You will have to have a good check around before to leave for the wedding Jane. I would be terrible if you left something of importance, that you would really need on the day.

That ws some detour you had Mel, glad you got home safe and sound. We noticed the amount of water lying on the roadside. I think that's because the drains are blocked with leaves. I must be worst for you being in the Country.

Ros has got all the cards for the close, ready for me to walk round and deliver. I might do that while Harvey is here.

I was saying to Ros last night, that I hope the surprise Conrad has for me, for my Birthday, isn't too strenuous. as the way I am feeling lately, it will just be too much.

Off to get my shower and shave. Might see you all later.

Morning all you lovely people,

Really horrid day here today with blowing rain thats not going to give up.

Got up late again so hav'nt done anything yet except drink a COT and look at my emails, answer the phone for a wreath order and get dressed.

I have the egg delivery to do and pop to the shop for my Saturday paper and then I shall do lunch and start on the rings.

Not going to get much picked inthis driving rain so I am glad I picked a load of ivy flowers and berries yesterday. I only have some holly to pick and I can do that when I do the chickens. Yes not let out yet but at least they are in the dry and the eggs should be clean.

That was an amazing cake Mandy made was'nt it? I imagine Katie's face when she saw it and nobody else would have had one the same. Bless <3

Morning All,

I was up late too Mel and have only just had my shower. We were going to the farm shop to order a Turkey crown as I had noticed they were advertising them when we were there last week and to have poached eggs on toast while we were there, but we both decided we were too tired to get up early this morning and went back to sleep. It will be heaving with people by now and they've extended the parking twice since building the new restaurant, so I'll have to go on Monday as that is the last date for Christmas meat orders.

We have glorious sunshine here but it blew a gale in the night and woke me up. OH has gone with a pal to a match near Warwick, he is a bit concerned about another footie pal, the one whose son died while they were away. He hasn't been to his usual matches the past week or two and he usually contacts OH with the scores and for a chat. We are wondering with Christmas looming whether the sudden loss of their only child is hitting home hard. OH is going to contact him if he doesn't hear from him soon. Ooops he's just come back and said he couldn't get anywhere near the garage down the road for queuing traffic so will fill up on the way home instead. He wanted his sunglasses he'd forgotten!

Anne, it would be good if Colin could find some local lecture work he could do. He obviously has a very active brain and enjoys what he does and it would give him some normality back in his life which we all need after the kind of shock he must have had. I can only imagine how hard it would be to deal with Steven and for him to cope with being in hospital. Poor Angus must have been really poorly to be on a drip for a week. It sounds as if it was a bit touch and go too for a while. I wonder where he found the poison or if any other dogs found it too. People aren't always too careful where they put it down.

I expect Sandra has been playing her video of Santa!! She's in her element this time of year isn't she, with presents and lights and the Christmas trees. It's a pity we lose the excitement she has as we get older!! :-D :-D

Better fetch the papers now before they sell out.

Just had to smile as I have received an e-card that was meant for someone else.

I thought I'd better reply so it could be re-sent so this is what I put:

'Well, thank you so much for your lovely card which I have really enjoyed, but I have to let you know that I do not know you and that we are not the Anne and Mike it is intended for. I'm letting you know, so that Anne and Mike may still receive the card from you and not be crossing you off their card list!! Thank you again, I'm sure they will enjoy it. Merry Christmas!!

O bless Ann how nice was that to get an ecard that was'nt for you. I am glad you replied so Anne and Mike can enjoy it too. A very unexpected delivery.

Thank you Jane for your card. I can see why I got that one with the Robin Reindeer and cockerel on it. I am a bit puzzles about the sheep though? Loved the baubles on the reindeers horns and just my colours of red and green.

Done the shop but still hav'nt got to the shed yet to start on the rings and now its time to get lunch.

Afternoon All
Just back from Tesco. I went for just a few things but somehow I ended up over £70 lighter :-S. There was nothing fancy either.

Good job you didnt hurt yourself last night Frank. Do you put a light on or have to fumble in the dark? I use the torch light on my mobile phone when I get up in the night and that way it doesn't disturb Chris.

Sounds horrible weather with you Mel. No rain here so far. Its been quite a bright and sunny day so far and I can't decide whether ot hang washing out or not.I don't want to be having to dash out to get it all in again if it does rain. Its all James's bedding and a new white shirt he bought for the wedding.

Angus was a lucky dog to have survived that poison Anne. It sounded a very close thing.Is he a young dog? I hope he continues to get back to full health now .You just never know what are animals are going to find and eat.
Ann I expect as you say OH's footie pal is just feeling so down after the loss of his son he probably just can't face going to Footie just yet.I hope he is ok though.He might like a call from Gordon as sometimes when something so tragic happens people are sometimes scared to contact .I was a bit the same when Johnny died and I kept putting off contacting his Mum. I felt bad about it when I did finally go asnd see her as she said she found people would actually cross the road to avoid her and she found that very upsetting.It is only that people just don't know what to say .Just a hug is sometimes enough without words.

Ann I wonder who your new friends are LOL How did they have your email ? That was a lovely reply you sent back :-D :-D.. Good idea to give it a miss ordering the Turkey Crown today.I am sure Monday will far less crowded and you will still be in time.

I have decided to wait until after Xmas to get a big Turkey Crown. There seems no point at the moment as I won't be needing it until mid Jan when H&G will be here.James too but not Jess sadly as she has a convention or something she has to attend in Brighton. But I will be doing a full Xmas Dinner,crackers and all then.

It is getting soooo dark here!!!! It looks like the heavens could open very soon.

I want to take a little Xmas gift to the lady who runs the cattery as Thomas will be going on Thursday .But I dont know what .She is so lovely and looks after Thomas so well . I just wonder if she might be inundated with biscuits/chocolates etc from other clients. Help?

Gill you have got your hair coloured in time for Xmas :-D. Does Sandra have hers done at all? If I remember from a pic you sent ages ago she has long hair too.

Well I must get on . I think I will get a few Xmas presents wrapped. That is what my Sister is doing today as she is on her own for the whole day. Larry has gone up to Leeds to visit his Mum . She is I think 96 and in a nursing home.This is his last free weekend before Xmas to get to see her. On Tuesday Janice and Larry will finally get a new boiler installed. They have been without one now for well over a year!!!! as they have been having to top up the nursing Home payments . Things finally sorted now so they no longer need to do that and can at last afford the new boiler :-D It hasn't been easy for them.We have helped a little by paying for their 2 nights in London for the wedding for which I know they are grateful but embarrassed . I said not to be so daft. Family help family . They would do the same for us if it was the other way around.

How about a nice scented candle for the cattery lady Jane? Yes, I have new 'e' friends, lol. I think it must be the e-card site that made a mistake, as they would be the only ones that have my email address?

OH has seen his friend at a few matches since his son died and said he seemed as fine as you would expect given the circumstances, but he did have a spell of depression a long time ago and I remember OH lending him some books on the subject at the time. I know OH will get in touch soon as he is very good at knowing just the right thing to say, whereas I might be a bit more hesitant and be unsure what to say. I agree a hug can say far more than any words can!! :-) It's a good idea to have your Christmas Dinner in January as it could be too much with everything else going on next weekend!!!!! :-0 I think I would be getting in a tizzy now!

I hope Janice and Larry have a better year next year. It's good the Home payments are sorted now as I can remember it being a concern about FIL's Home. You and Chris are kind to help out with the stay in London, but I can also understand them feeling embarrassed as I would. There would be no way of helping without it being the case though and I'm sure they would help you in any way they could if you needed it.

Have you managed to start the wreaths yet Mel? I'm looking to do some painting, well start sketching some ideas first! I must have a close look at our gravel too as there might be some pebbles I can use for the pebble picture I want to make.

Frank, I think Ros needs to get you a crash helmet. :-) It's lucky you didn't hurt yourself though. I hope Ros got to know more about the stents she needs and that Harvey got your jobs done for you. It is raining here now.

Ann I have the gift sorted . I have seen the lady wearing woolly hats in cold weather so have ordered a Peruvian style hat with pom pom . It was Janices idea . Seems perfect for spending hours down in the cat quarters in the mid winter. I have found it on Landsend site for £18 instead of £35 :-D.... I did speak to the cattery lady earlier to see what time I could take Mr. Thomas on Thursday and found out she doesn't drink . So I think the hat thing seems quite a good prezzie. Scented Candle was something I had considered ,but not sure if that is her kind of thing :-S
I have a feeling next week will be a stressful one TIZZY !!!!!. Its all starting now !

Well done Janice........it sounds a perfect gift and not something anyone else would think of. :-)

OH has arrived home with his jeans wet through halfway up his calves. :-S He said it threw it down with rain.......the things they do for pleasure! Ask him to do something outside in the garden if it was spitting with rain and he would look shocked. lol :-S I've told him he will get 'trench foot'. :-)

I think a hat is a smashing idea for a little pressie for the cattery lady. I have loads of bobble hats and I wear all of them but having a small head some of them are not clingey enough like the mauve one I had on yesterday.

Ann I have done pictures with pebbles in the past. I love stones and if I see one I fancy I have to pick it up. Also I always look for stones with holes in if we go to the beach or somewhere that has the sort of stone paths.

I got two more rings done all but some yellow stuff which I was'nt going up to the yellow tree in this wind and rain we have had today. I was going to cut some yellow off Em's trees but when I went round with the eggs they were all out and I forgot my secs so could'nt cut any and it was rain blowing in the wind anyway.

There's always tomorrow and perhaps it won't be raining then!!

Evening all,

It's been quite a nice day here ,i hung some bedding out and it got lovely and dry as the wind has been quite strong ,the wind woke me up in the night it was so gusty.
Think it's raining now though.

Jane that's an ideal pressie for the cat lady as she must have to send lots of time in the cold when she seeing to the cats .
Not long now till the big day ,what time is the wedding ?
It's a good idea to have your Christmas Dinner in January when you can all be together ,did you say you and Chris were going out for a meal for Christmas day ?

That was good you didn't hurt yourself when you tripped last night Frank ,how did Ros get on at the hospital today ? did they say when they would do the next lot of stents ?

The cake went down a treat everyone loved it , Lewis has his birthday in January and he loves Bin Lorries so that was mentioned as a cake for him ,not sure i could do one of those .

We decorated the indoor tree today Max kept eyeing up all the baubles :-D

Good evening everyone

Just finished watching Strictly , Michael Macintyre next one of my favourites since he appeared at SHP and he is so down to earth, no swearing or smutty jokes.

Thank you for your pretty card Jane. Angus is 8 years old and getting better. We had the same problem with rat poisoning placed in sausages to attract dogs, some time ago on one of the popular dog walks The most up to date photo of Ruby is the one on my avator she is very tiny still even for a Boston she now weighs 7.1 kilos last week. A warm hat for the cat lady seems ideal for the cold weather, good for Janice to suggest it.

Your cake sounds like a huge success Mandy, the next one seems a challenge but I'm sure you can do it for Lewis. .

I bet the cake did go down a treat too. Was it sponge inside Mandy or chocolate......I know they like your chocolate cakes. :-) Crikey, there's no stopping them now they know how good you are at making these things is there.......a bin lorry!!! I had to laugh at that. Ours are yellow so marzipan would be good. :-) Yes, those round liquorice all sorts with a liquorice lace wrapped around for the wheels and tyres. You can tell I've been watching Kirstie. lol. :-D :-D

There was a smashing cake my friend saw at the NEC show of a war horse. I'll see if I have a pic of it to send. It didn't look as tasty as yours though Mandy! :-)

I think I shall be on the lookout for nice stones now Mel. It sounds like you have made some headway with your wreaths.

Not as much as I would have liked though. There's always other things I have to do first before I get out in the shed.

A bin lorry sound a bit of a challenge to me for a cake. Is'nt there anything else he likes?

Gosh I thought Fleur was going to win the jungle and she's just gone out.

Morning all on this wet and very windy day,

The gales blew all night here and inthe chicken run this moring it blew over the plastic drinker and the plastic table thing I have next to the house. Not been out there yet to see if the drinker is busted or not. I hope not as Mole Valley don't sell these ones anymore. These have three little legs you can fold down and it raises the drinker up to a better height for the big girls and the bantams.

Went to bed earlier and still got up late.

No damage to the chicken drinker or the old table and thye are back in position now but for how long I don't know as the wind is still very high.

Going outside again now to the shed after picking enough yellow stuff for three more bunches for the third ring.

Afternoon Everyone

Ann those cakes were amazing and the War Horse was incredible .What talent to make something like that.

Horrible weather again for you then Mel :-S. It is sun and cloud here so far but a bit on the chilly side now. I dont know if we are due any rain.
That was lucky no damage was done to the Drinker. At least you dont have to go out looking for a new one now.

Chris is getting himself all worked up with his speech again !!!. He has had a sudden panic about it this morning. I read it back to him in the way I think he should read it. He does tend to mumble :-S :-S. He also needs to look up and face Hannah when he is talking to her. I have said to put it away now for today as he will be driving me nuts ,and himself !!!. I got him a Sunday paper so he can get reading that instead of the speech :-D :-D I tried my tights on earlier. Oh my word,it was quite exhausting lol . I cant remember when I last wore tights. Trying not to put my fingers through them and getting them up over my tum.They looked ok once on but I think I had better get a spare pair just incase I ruin them getting them on on the day.

Mandy the Wedding is at 12 at Stoke Newington Town Hall. Chris and Me will get a cab from the Hotel to Hannahs and be there for about 10. Her Hairdresser and Makeup lady will be there seeing to her and the 2 Bridesmaids and will hopefully maybe run the straighteners through my hair to get rid of any unwanted kinks and curls and get the fascinator firmly in place LOL
James will head of to where Gareth will be staying and then all the men (Best Man ,Ushers and Groom will walk just up the road to the Town Hall.

I had one of Franks and Anns sleepless nights last night.It must have been about 2am when I finally dropped off but then it was coughing episodes that kept waking me up. I think I have so much catarrh it trickles down the back of the throat . Blooming nuisance :-S

Im going to peel the spuds and get the veg ready for tonight now.

Afternoon all,

Bright and breezy here with lovely blue sky ,i've got some washing out again as there is such a good blow .

Ann those cakes are just brilliant i love the war horse one, the work that has gone into that it must have taken ages to do thanks for sending them .

Jane i carn't remember the last time i wore tights either , why don't you try some of those hold up stockings i'm sure they are much better now then they use to be they might be more comfortable to wear and easier when you need the loo ,you could try them at home for a few days to see how you get on with them .
Oh dear poor Chris having a panic over the speech he will have to have a toddy to calm his nerves on the day .
Thanks for your christmas card it was like yours Mel with the reindeer on .

Sounds as if you've had a rough night with all that wind Mel ,that was lucky the drinker for the girls wasn't damaged if they are not many about to buy now .

Those cakes were amazing but I think they were more like sculptures than cakes like on Kirstie. I know they were very good but I did'nt like the thought of the war horse and it upset me a bit. Sorry. The artistry was stupendous though.

Going back to my rings now..............not much daylight left.

We've had sun this morning and the winds dropped a lot then we had a shower of rain.