General Chat

I too felt a bit emotional Mel with the War Horse. I couldn't even go and see the film .

Mandy I had a pair of those hold ups years ago but I never felt right and worried they would roll down !!. My tights will be coming off as soon as the Wedding meal is over :-D. I will feel comforatable then for the rest of the evening. :-D

James has just got home with a Xmas gift from Jess's Mum. She always goes so over the top :-S. (that sounds very ungrateful ) but it is silly. We never see her. This year it is a hamper with booze,chocs,biscuits etc.I say to James every year to tell her not do do gifts but he says this is what she does and won't change. It will be a Bottle of Red,and bottle of Bubbly and possibly a nice candle from us :-D I think that will be fine :-D I dont want to get into competion !!!

It feels so much later than 4.30.I have par boiled the pototoes ready to roast.Carrots and Parsnips prepared,Chicken Breasts in the roasting pan ,Yorkshire Pudds in the fridge(not my own) and a bag of Sprouts.
Chris is just sitting down to watch the Snowman and Snow Dog. That will get his mind off the Speech :-D :-D.He has a glass of wine beside him too :-D

No Frank today? That is unusual not to hear from him by this time of the day.

Anne ,who made the Rat Poison Sausages? Surely they must know that dogs would head straight for a sausage!!.

Still no rain here but it feels like the middle of the night. I would have loved to have had the woodburner going but it is just not really cold enough.

Just come in. Shut the girls away and its just about dark. Started two more rings and I have wired all the green and yellow stuf and got that in and wired the holly and thats in now they just need flowers bows and cones and holly with berries and thats two more done so 5 to go down the shop tomorrow hopefully.

Hi all

It's nice to be back on here my internet has been down it started yesterday and has only just come back on, I don't know what the problem was but hope it doesn't happen again.

We took Sandra to a Christmas market and craft fayre this morning, she's been looking forward to going for ages. She didn't find anything she liked to buy but loved seeing the horses and was allowed to stroke one called Leo. I bought some little baubles for our Christmas tree and was given a few bows and a little bird for nothing as the lady was only using them to decorate her table, they are lovely and are now on the tree as well. We were very lucky with the weather as the sun was out. We had such bad weather last night with torrential rain and very high winds, at one point I thought our trees at the back were going to blow over, but thankfully they're okay. Sandra was worried that the weather would be to bad to go out so was pleased when it was sunny. Although it did rain when we came home.

The builder is cutting through the side wall ready for the new window to be put in. He did say he'd let us know when he was doing that but didn't tell us so we've just been rushing around trying to block a couple of air vents. The cutter he's using has water on it so there's no dust at the moment but once the dust dries out the wind is bound to blow it about so we're leaving the air vents blocked for a few days until it's all cleared away. The reason he didn't tell us is because he thought it was the car we didn't want getting dirty and it was on the road. Thankfully there's no dust around at the moment so nothing came into the bungalow. It was getting dark and he was trying to mortar the lintel in so I went down to our front gate to knock the security light on at the side of the bungalow so he could see what he was doing, I only had to do it twice which gave him enough time to finish the job. The steels went in today so the works getting on quite quickly now. I hope it carries on like that and it's finished soon.

I spent all day yesterday writing out my Christmas cards so I'll be posting them tomorrow for everyone. I'm also posting your birthday card Anne.

The pictures of the cakes were great Ann, I loved the Royal family one, but like you I thought they were a bit like sculptures rather than cakes. I've seen animal cakes before and the cake was red velvet which looked awful when they cut into it. It's like cutting the animal open, I don't think I'd like to eat it as it's quite upsetting to see.

I'm not sure how long the internet is going to stay on for so I'd better post this incase it goes off again.

Afternoon All,

Yes, the artistry of the War Horse cake was so very good and the way the subject was portrayed was very moving and upsetting, as it brought home the awful conditions. It was a cake that told a story.

I never realised before that slugs were used by the soldiers, as they are very sensitive to mustard gas and close their breathing holes at the first whiff, so the soldiers could get their gas masks on quickly.

They had lamb again at the carvery this week, so we were chuffed when we saw that! The little stack of tiny drawers at the factory shop I was going to get to put some things in out of the bathroom cabinet to make some room was too big when I measured it, which is a pity so I'll have to look elsewhere.

When we got home the new neighbours opposite were adding to their outside Christmas decorations. Now call me a miserable old git, a grumpy old woman or whatever, but for me these things have to be 'tasteful'. I love twinkly lights under the eaves, (which they have), I love garden trees, and Christmas trees in the garden, shrubs, arches, etc.all lit up with lights, whether they twinkle or not. But those plastic Santas, blow up Santas that always deflate and lit up Reindeer are not my thing! Pity there are no children or grandchildren down here to enjoy them. LOL.

Jane I don't think I could manage to get tights on now and am the same in not remembering when I last wore them. There are some that you can buy with one leg (don't laugh, I haven't quite lost the plot) :-D. There are 2 legs, but each on a different waistband. I think they would be less restricting and easier for the loo. Poor Chris, he wants to get his speech just right doesn't he. I would be the same with it going round and round my head till the day.

Oh, Gill cutting that red cake would have been like watching Noel Fitzpatrick performing on the operating table! :-0 It's a nuisance your internet has been down, but it sounds like the weather where you are has been worse than here so might have affected it. At least Sandra got to go to the fayre and stroke a horse and you did get some things for your trees. The building work seems to be going up quite quickly, which is good and now your vents are blocked up you shouldn't get any dust in.

LOL Ann those tights you describe sound quite complicated to get on. I am guessing the good thing about them is there is no gusset :-D.. I will stick with the ones I bought and like I said they will be off as soon as possible :-D Gareths Mum is having one of those all in one things with poppers underneath !!!!. She made me laugh when she said she might need some help when she goes to the loo. The things us ladies go through . It would be far easier just to wear trousers like the men . They have no idea!!!!!

Dinner is ready to dish up here now and I am really hungry.

Jane do you mean a Teddy? Why on earth would she want to wear one of those on this special day. Surely its better to be comfortable and not all trussed up in one of those.

Ann I bet that lights up all your close with the amount of lights you describe. Have they gt plastic Santa's and blow up oes too???? :-(

Our neighbour next door to Mr Grumpy, the weird's as we call them (their surname is Wier) have all sorts of plastic blow up things in their garden, it looks very tacky. I'm like you Ann and like tasteful lights. Like you say lights under the eaves and around archways, it's looks so pretty, much better than plastic Santa's. Pleased to see you had the lamb you wanted today.

I've never wore tights Jane, I always wore hold up stockings, although I don't wear them anymore as the ones I got had elastic around the top that almost stopped the circulation to my legs, very uncomfortable. I don't blame you for taking your tights off when you don't need to wear them later in the day.

Well, the hole for the side window is cut to size and we've now lost all our privacy, not only in the garden but in the kitchen to as they will be able to see right across the back of our bungalow. OH and I aren't very happy about it so have decided to put some big plants in front of the window on our side to block their view. OH is getting lots of bricks out of the skip at the moment before it's emptied tomorrow, so we can stand our tall Red Robins on them, that should do the trick, then we're going to build a wooden box around the bricks and pots to hide them and make it look like a raised border, it'll also stop them blowing over in the wind.

We might have to buy a few tall plants to put where the Red Robins were but not as tall as before. We're also hoping the Red Robins, once moved, will hide some of the wall we can see from our kitchen window. The way they have extended and moved the window around looks awful, I just hope it looks better once they've had the extension rendered. I'm glad we've got a few tall plants we can use to try and hide everything, which hopefully will make it look better. I've never been so glad I have a pot garden and not plants in the ground, so we can move the plants around. We're both very upset with the situation and are now wondering what else they have planned.

When I looked out of the window Mel.........I told OH we were in Las Vegas! LOL ;-) Some of the things have now disappeared, so were probably for the back garden? At least they have been switching the other lights on the guttering off at a reasonable time, otherwise it could be harder still to get off to sleep. Their next door neighbour in the corner has twinkly lights on his gutters, but before that he had those long pulsing icicle lights that were awful when you were trying to sleep. We think our next door neighbour opposite him must have said something, as he started switching them off really early and the following year he changed them for the twinkly lights which are pretty and not a nuisance. Our side we all just have wreaths (only ours is lit) and one bungalow has a small outside Christmas tree lit up which looks lovely. I'm wondering now if this is just the start over the road........

Jane, I only ever had a Teddy once that I can remember and agree with Mel that it wasn't very comfy. Not what I would want to wear for a long day! Yes I think the ordinary tights would be best. I seem to remember the two elastic waistbands on the one legged ones were a bit restrictive. They were handy when you snagged one leg though.......just swap the one leg! lol. :-D Carrying spares is a good idea too.

Do you think Jess's mum's gifts are a bit OTT because she is trying to repay you for all the times you have Jess to stay at your place? It's just a thought and something I would try to repay in some way myself.

Oh Gill, how disappointed you must be at losing your privacy! Is the window facing the fence between you or on the back but they can look across? I don't blame you for putting some tall plants across. We had complete privacy here at the back when we moved in as it is all bungalows and we have fields at the bottom of the garden. Then a new neighbour put a conservatory up that was raised higher off the ground than we expected and they could see across our garden, patio and into our conservatory. Fortunately they liked privacy too and had blinds fitted which are kept closed all the time on our side. If they move though, it could become a problem. I hope that nothing else happens as you seem to be getting one problem after another since this work began.

No Frank today or since yesterday morning? I hope he and Ros are both ok.

I have been wondering that too Ann. I hope they are both ok. I do worry about them. Lets hope it is just a pc problem and we will hear from Frank tomorrow. I hope he has'nt had another fall. Sending love..... <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Morning all,

Dry here at present but we have had some sunshine and now we have clouds.

I do hope we hear from Frank today. I know he was going to go around the close with his Christmas cards the other day but we have not heard from him since then.

Must get on with the rings so see you all later.

Morning all

A damp start to the day but it seems to be brightening up a bit now.

I hope Frank and Ros are okay, it's not like him not to post.

Thank you Jane and Mel for your lovely Christmas Cards, they arrived this morning. Sandra loves having post in her name.

Yes, Ann, it's very disappointing to have lost our privacy I was saying to OH this morning if we had left the garage we would still have our privacy, but then again the garage was ugly so putting up large plants will stop the neighbour's seeing over into our garden and bungalow. The window is on the side, it was on the back and wasn't a problem but it's been moved to the side or the window would of looked into their new extension. The window is right on the end of the back of the bungalow, almost on the corner so they can see right across over to us. I sometimes have my morning cuppa outside and only have my nightie and dressing gown on but now I won't be able to do that and will have to get dressed first. But it's not just that it's the fact that we put all the screening up to give us privacy and now it seems a waste of time and money. Never mind at least they're nice people, so it's not all bad.

When you were talking about all the lights in your neighbour's garden Ann and wondering how many more they were going to put up, it reminded me of Sandra's favorite Christmas film "Deck the Halls" It's about a man who wanted his Christmas lights to be seen in space, so you can imagine how many lights he had on his house. You definitely won't get any sleep if your neighbour is like that LOL.

I've been busy wrapping up the last of Sandra's Christmas presents this morning while she was asleep. The workmen are here but were quieter today so they didn't wake her up. She woke up just as I was putting them away, so that was good timing. The Christmas cards have been posted today so you should all get them in a day or two.

Going to get some lunch now then watch a few Christmas films I've recorded. We're off to MIL sometime this week to give out her Christmas presents and the family cards. Everyone leaves the cards at her's so we just pick up our and leave theirs. OH's family is very big so it's easier that way or it would cost us a fortune posting them all. The family that live further afield have had their cards posted to them though. So all in all I'm on track to having everything finished on time. Just the last few bits of food to buy and then the normal day of baking on Christmas Eve. Sandra likes that day and enjoys helping me, we put a Christmas CD on and spend the whole day baking away.

Sandra's just told me "Long lost Family Christmas Reunion" is on 17th December (next Monday) ITV 9pm to 10.30pm, if anyone is interested. I'll be watching it with OH, Sandra doesn't like those types of programmes but it was nice of her to let me know it was on as she knows I like to watch them.

Frank's ok and will be on here soon. Thank goodness. x

Here I am. Sorry to worry you.xxx

I have been so out of salts, you wouldn't believe. Saturday morning I got showered and shaved, and had every intention of going to the pub for the football. I had the most horrible pains in my chest and right side. I thought "THIS IS IT" I got back to thee bedroom and laid down. After an hour or so, I felt a bit better, so came and sat in the lounge.

Ros had gone shopping with Martine and was going for her hospital appointment for 12.30, so there was no way I was going to ring her. IN FACT I STILL HAVEN'T TOLD HER. The doctor is changing one of her tablets to try to help with her breathlessness. She has to take them for two months. If no improvement, then it will be the STENT/S.

Harvey arrived around midday and did the jobs that needed doing, then sat and waited for Ros to come home. He left about 4.00 pm. Taking their Christmas presents and Julia;'s Birthday present was a great help.

Yesterday morning after having my shower, I dressed and did the walk round the close with the cards. When I got back Ros was ready to go and deliver the "VILLAGE FRIENDS CARDS". which to say the least is quite a GAUNT around the village. When we stopped at our old neighbours (Jonathan and Nicola) she came out and chatted in the cold for ages. Fortunately I had got the Veg done before I did the card walk, so I could sit down when I got home.

Last night the door bell went, and it was Jonathan with a Christmas present . As I got up to open the door I collapsed into the other armchair with pains in my right leg. which I am pleased to say didn't last long, butt gave me a scare. He sat with us for a hour or so, chatting and saying sorry, for not popping round to see how we were. Ros treats him like another son.

After the Jungle I went to bed. Didn't sleep and came out when Ros came to bed 12.00 midnight. I sat and watched T.V until 3.00 am. Went back and laid Clock watching till after 4.30 am And was awake by 8.00, I thought BLOW THIS I'm staying in bed, which I did until 10.00 am.

I haven't caught up with what's ben going on, but MUST THANK MEL for her call this morning.

Ros and Carolyn are off to Blenheim palace tomorrow, so another day on my own.

Take care of yourselves, catch up again soon.

O Frank what a time you have had over the last few days. You should really go to the doc and tell him whats been going on. You don't want to be bad if you are going away for Christmas. Are you eating properly? You know there are some nasty viruses going around at the moment. You should get yourself checked out.

Finished two more rings this morning and I am now going out to do Erics's special one. No bows but all natural stuff. I enjoy doing this one as its different from the rest and I have to hunt for special bits for it. I have some nice rose hips but she liked the reindeer moss I put in last years but with the dry hot summer we had there is'nt any around.

Afternoon All

Phew! you are here Frank :-D :-D. We were really all getting quite concerned about you.I think Mel is right and you really should get yourself checked out before you go away. I think Ros would have had you straight to the Dr if you had told her about the chest pain.I know you didn't want to worry her but please dont be a stubborn old goat :-D

You are getting on well with your Xmas Wreaths Mel. What a shame there is no Reindeer Moss thsi year for your soecial one.

I have wrapped all the presents I have so far.So that is one job out the way for now. I just need to deliver the neighbours cards and then concentrate on what to pack for Friday. I sorted out a couple of pairs of earrings this morning and out them in a tiny black pouch.Not the ones for the Weddding but for Friday eve. Two minutes later I couldnt find them. It took me almost an hour and then I discovered them in the clutch bag. I had looked in there several times too but the pouch had somehow got right down into the corner of the bag. I thought I was loosing my marbles !!!.
Chris took himself off for a long walk this morning and practised his speech yet again to himself. I asked him if had an audience such as some Sheep or Cows :-D. :-D

Its a cold evening now.We lit the woodburner this afternoon so its all nice and toasty.
I have a Chicken Curry cooking so no doubt in a minute once it starts to smell I will be sweating buckets :-S

Afternoon All............when does afternoon change to evening? One of life's little puzzles.

Glad to hear from you and know you are ok Frank, but I agree with Mel that it would be best to get yourself to the docs and be checked over before you go away. You know it's what you would say to us!! I hope the different tablets will help Ros with her breathing.

As well as a thank you to Anne for her snowy card, thank you Jane and Mel for your lovely cards too. OH has grouped them together. He's been up in the loft today and found the first mouse this winter. He brought down my little icicle tree and the door wreath, but he's going back up tomorrow to see what other bits he can find to bring down without all the big tree baubles!

We were going to be up early this morning but slept in again. We fetched my prescription and luckily it was there for me as I thought I may have to go back tomorrow. Next stop was the farm shop where we ordered the Turkey Crown. I wasn't sure what size to get, but got a 9lb one which should be plenty for us two with slices for the freezer as well. We were surprised to see the restaurant was half empty so decided on the spur of the moment to have one of their Xmas lunches which was nice apart from the red cabbage, which I usually like, but not with vinegar and raisins in it. The rest was very tasty, especially the turkey and the carrots were white, orange and purple. OH had most of my potatoes and was eyeing up my pig in blanket as I don't usually eat sausage. Afterwards we drove to Hinckley to do more signing at the solicitors, so that is all finished now and then we went to Lidl which is near there and bought quite a bit!.

As you say Gill it's worse the window being at the side. Was it on the plans they showed you and is it far from the fence? I think your idea to screen in front of it like you plan to do is best. People often buy bungalows partly for the privacy from any overlooking so it is a shame to lose it. Like you, we wander out in our dressing gowns to have breakfast sometimes and OH goes out in his jamma bottoms to peg out the washing.

I didn't send my post straightaway as 'you know who' wanted me to do something, so I didn't see you Jane. You have reminded me I meant to ask Mel what reindeer moss is like. It isn't the Sphagnum moss used in baskets is it? That's just the sort of thing you did with your earrings that I do all the time!! LOL. :-) It drives me mad too and wastes so much time searching.

Chris is getting lots of practice with his speech, but I bet he will be glad when he's done it now. Has he been bending Thomas's ears?

Evening all,

Oh Frank i'm glad your about we all worry you now when your not posting , get your self to the doctors tomorrow you don't want to have these pains when your away and you should tell Ros ,she will be annoyed with you if you have another turn and you haven't told her about these pains.

It was a very shape frost this morning , i nipped to the post box to post Hannah's card and did a bit of shopping .
I saw a nice little Nordic candle light that i thought would do for my sister for christmas it's really pretty ,it's white porcelain with dog pictures on it and has a tiny little battery light that you can use or you can put a tea light in it ,you carn't see the dogs on it until it is lit , i've taken a photo so i'll send it .

Thanks Mel for your card a lovely sparkly one .
Your getting on with your wreath making Mel ,i think you sent a photo of the special wreath you made last year made with all natural stuff .

Gill do you think the new neighbours might put some thing up ,a fence or screening on their side once they move in as i'm sure they'll probably want privacy too , i'm sure they will soon sort it out once they are in .

I'm not keen on red cabbage with a Christmas dinner Ann much prefer it with cold meats .
So the little furry visitors are arriving again i wonder where the little blighters are getting in

We're off to see Lewis in the church tomorrow morning ,i don't think it's a play i think they will just be singing a few songs ,then Thursday we will see Lacey in her play .

What a pretty little lamp Mandy! So good to be able to use it with a candle as well as battery. I bet Lewis and Lacey are looking forward to you seeing them perform. :-)

Yes, I'm not much of a fan of pickled red cabbage, OH is, but I do have a bit with cold meats sometimes like you say. I think it being hot cabbage and vinegary was what put me off.

Hair trim tomorrow so I can't lie in bed!

Its not reindeer moss its Lichen, greyish green. I will send a pic of the ring so you can see.