General Chat

It's a very big cat Mandy but your comment made me laugh. I suppose it's possible it could be female though and maybe overdone things a bit at Christmas LOL :-D :-D
Love Lewis's birthday cake, what a good idea for the topping I bet that went down a treat with him. Sorry to hear DIL isn't feeling very well, hope she feels better soon, what a lovely comment little Lewis made to his mum.....bless him.

It's stopped raining here and the sun is out, still don't feel like doing much though, so I've been taking another look at my family tree and found a second wife for one of my ancestors, there are 3 tree match's so I've messaged them in the hope they may know if he had any children with either of his wives, as I can't seem to find any for him.

If you're anything like me Mel you don't feel like doing much when the weather is damp and miserable, at least you've done something today.

Sandra spent most of yesterday making Frank a lovely GET WELL CARD it was posted yesterday afternoon so I hope he got it okay and it made him feel better. I wonder how he is and whether he'll post today or not.

Once again I keep forgetting to say my Long Tailed Tits are back. Hooray... :-D

How lovely Mel, I'm surprised we've had as many birds as we've had with all the goings on next door, they are lovely to watch though and we've even had a few Blackbirds drinking from your new water feature, which is nice to see. OH said he thinks they'll bath in the water when it gets warmer, that'll be nice for us to watch, I know Sandra enjoyed watching them when they used to wash in a pot that had some water in, last year. She's still checking her bird book we bought her. We had a new bird come to the feeder the other day, a Goldfinch, such a lovely colour, but it hasn't been back since. Hopefully it'll return soon.

Afternoon all, thanks for your lovely comments and concerns about my health.It means a lot knowing I have you all as my FRIENDS. THANKS xxx

Ros got my tablets and liquid morphine from the Drs. about 5.45 last night. I had a dose then, and another at 10.30 before going to bed. I have had Three doses so far today. I will try to go without anymore until I go to bed tonight.

I had a reasonable nights sleep last night, and only got out once. I managed to get out of bed this morning without disturbing Ros. BUT she must have heard me fill the kettle, as she was beside me within minutes. She made me go and sit down while she made the tea, and got my Aspirin. She later got me a Bacon sarnie with my 2nd COT. At lunchtime she cooked Lamb, roast pots and parsnips, with lots of veg, followed by a Apple crumble and Custard. Best meal in over a week.

The phone was very busy this morning, with Harvey, Conrad, Simon, Jan, Val, Martine and Pam ringing to see how I was. I didn't expect, but also had a call from LEWIS. He is off to Barcelona on Friday with four friends to see Barcelona play football, at home. Then a night out in the town. They will fly back Sunday evening. Oh to be young again and also have the money to be able to afford to do things like that. ;-) ;-) ;-) Good luck to him. <3 <3 <3

Thanks Anne for your get well card. Very kind of you. Will keep my eye on the post for Sandra's card Gill. It's very kind of her to take the trouble to make me one.Give her a HUG from me as a big thank you. xxx

Still having a lot of trouble taking a deep breath, but I am sure it will improve as my ribs begin to heal. They say SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS. So Hurry up.

Simon and Sally have invited us to theirs on Sunday 3rd March, as they have invited my 2nd eldest brothers (JACK) children. PAT AND JOHN with their husband and wife to dinner that day.I speak to John most weeks, but haven't seen either of them for over 20 years.

Ros is having a night off from Choir tomorrow to stay at home with me. She feels she shouldn't have left me last night. I have told her I will be alright, but she won't listen.

Once again dear friends, THANKS for your kind words. xxx

Its so good to see you posting Frank and good to know you got your meds last night.

It brightened a bit a little while ago but its gone all dark again but it is 4.38pm and I hav'nt done the girls yet. Must go and give them their corn before they go to bed for the night.

Still not done anything only washed up the lunch things.

Afternoon Everyone

What a lovely cake Mandy :-D. I bet there isn't much of it left now !!!. I hope your DIL isn't going down with a nasty bug and feels better soon. As Lewis said he will be home to look after her :-D :-D. How sweet was that.

Gill, what a pain having to park your car so far from your house . I can understand why you need to do it though . With all the work cracking on next door now ,hopefully you won't need to be worrying much longer about any more damage.

Talking of damage. Chris took me to get my car at lunch time. I had to have a new Battery. Anyway just as he was leaving some chap reversed into the back of his car and has done some damage to the back wheel arch. This was the last thing Chris needed on top of the way he is feeling right now. But luckily it is not too bad. He had been on the phone to the insurance people and had a call from this chaps insurers so he just needs to take the car into the Body Workshop .He will go tomorrow . At least he
was not responsible for the bump. The other car has a big dent !.

I have done a fair bit today. Hoovering and then unblocking the tube :-S :-S. It was chocked up with muck and Xmas Tree needles.So I had to hoover again . Emptied the recycling box into the big bin .You should have heard all the bottles clattering as I tipped everything into the bin!!!. It wasn't just bottles of course :-D. Washed out the bin which was disgusting with all the dregs of things ,cleaned the shower screens with Viakal and done 2 loads of washing . The tumble dryer has been on nearly all day as it has rained non stop.

I got a free bottle of perfumed screen wash from the garage. I wonder what it smells of.It might give me an itchy throat if it is too scented.

I love little Cleo Ann :-D. What unusual markings on her little face. It makes her look a bit lopsided doesn't it. But she looks a cutie :-D
Gill maybe your Thomas is a Thomasina :-D :-D. I wonder if you can find out where he/she lives.
I think Frank is going to be getting a lot of get well cards :-D :-D. I have one here ready for the post in the morning. I bet Sandras is going to be really really pretty.He is going to love that one.

I have my hair appointment tomorrow (after missing the one on the 3rd). Its at 5.15!!. So will be pitch black then. It is going to feel really strange parking in the town carpark at that time and then walking down the little narrow street.I often see some oddbods around there :-S. Driving home down our road in the dark I am not looking forward to as my night driving vision is not brilliant . I shall probably be hunched right over the steering wheel :-S

Time to get Spag Bol on the go.

Turned out to be a very wet afternoon here the sky was really black at times .
I got some of the ironing done this afternoon ,Colin was doing a bit on the Jig Saw puzzle so i got the ironing board out beside him in the conservatory .

That's nice you have Long Tailed Tits are back Mel is your little Robbie still about ?

I'm glad you got your meds sorted Frank, it's still very early days so i'd keep the dose's regular while you have all the pain ,that way you keep your self topped up all the while.
You should be well on the way to feeling better by the 3rd March it will be lovely to have a good catch up with your family .

No not a lot of cake left Jane i think there was about fourteen of us so a lot got eaten last night and i expect any left would be eaten tonight .
Poor Chris having his car bumped into ,that's the trouble when some one hits you, you end up having to sort it all out !!!! not some thing he wante when he's not feeling great .
You'll be ok now through the winter with the new battery ,son had to have a new one a few weeks ago and his is a big car so it was a big battery !!
So you've been busy cleaning the shower glass ,i meant to say the other day i saw the wet and forget advertised it's one that you can use on the tiles in the shower ,i keep meaning to have a goggle for it to see what it's like .
I'm not keen on night driving now i seem to get a lot of reflection from the lights of the cars in my specs.

Gill I hope you get lots of Goldfinch. I just love those little birds. Sandra will enjoy seeing all the birds having a bath :-D. It is fascinating watching them as they do have a really good scrub up :-D.

So nothing much done today then Mel. I think we all have days when we have lots of plans to get things done but in the end we end up doing nothing :-D. I have been looking at a hanging cobweb on the lounge ceiling for days . It is still there :-S It's becoming part of the furniture :-S :-S

Frank you are sounding as though things are gradually beginning to improve. That Oramorph will be helping so much with the pain .Just make sure you keep taking it :-D
A date in March at Simon and Sally's is something to look forward to and seeing old family members again after so long. You should be fit again by then :-D
It looks like it is going to get much colder from tonight. Brrrrrrr!!

Evening All,

It's been tipping it down with rain here a good chunk of the day and dull, dull the rest of the time. Poor OH was trying to write up notes this morning and the new puppy was barking a lot, then the dog the other side of us was yapping as well. OH made me smile when he looked up and said we have barking IN STEREO now! It is hard to work with all that going on though and will be worse when we have to have windows and the back door open in the summer.

The chap was taking the puppy up the close yesterday and if the dog stops, he stops, if the dog moves, he follows her. The poor little thing kept looking at him unsure what she was expected to do and he seemed to have no more idea than her and was throwing titbits up the footpath ahead of them to get her to move forward!! Why he doesn't go ahead of her and call her I don't know. He seems frightened to pull the lead attached to her harness even gently.

Lewis's cake was lovely Mandy.........I would have been picking the topping treats off my slice first! :-D How nice of him to ask about looking after his mummy when he came home. <3 You made me smile about Gill's cat visitor possibly being a she! lol.

Gill, it was me who had the DNA match and the chap has already sent me a photo of his grandad wearing his medals taken in the 1920s. We both have more to swap and he also has a friend in Tamworth with one of the surnames I gave him from my tree and he has ancestors from where my family lived too so he is going to get more info from him to see if he is a rellie of mine as well.

Jane what a shame about Chris's car and just not what he would have wanted while he is below par too! At least your car is ok now with a new battery......was it sparkling when you picked it up? :-D Talking of your cobwebs, I've been studying the ones on the bedroom ceiling with not sleeping! They are still there though! Make sure you have your scarf when you get your hair cut. It's getting colder and with your hair shorter you want to keep warm with that lingering cough.

I'm the same with night driving. What with the bright headlights and potholes at the sides, like you say you end up hunched over the wheel. It's bad enough in the daytime with people coming the other way at speed barging onto your side of the road to overtake a row of parked cars and nearly forcing you off the road. It happened to OH today and then someone drove at speed right up to the end of a junction on our left. OH swerved as he thought they were coming straight out in front of us.

I'm glad you have the pain relief now Frank......don't be tempted to skimp on it!
Mel's idea of a walker could be a good idea for getting about at first. It's good you have a get together to look forward to in March as well..

Mel I love the long tailed tits but don't often see them here. Such happy, active little birds. I haven't got going much today either. I did another shelf of my books, but I keep stopping and looking at them and reading bits! There are so many I haven't read yet! I used to read in bed but don't anymore as it hurts my back. I've also been filling in forms ready for my knee assessment next week. They are making sure you are entitled to free treatment!

Good evening All

It's been raining here all day too, first heavy rain we've had in ages, I even had to top up the ponds the other day.

That cake looked good with all the sweetie toppings Mandy, Lewis sounds a lovely boy wanting to look after his Mum who I hope is now feeling better.

Frank I'm pleased you managed to get a reasonable night's sleep, glad the tablets are helping you. Your family show how much they care about you by phoning to see how you are The invite from Sally & Simon will be something to look forward to.

Poor Chris having his car damaged especially when he is still feeling under the weather Jane.

How sweet of Sandra making Frank a Get Well card, because she made it herself it will mean so much more to him I'm sure.

We have had a lot of long tailed tits suddenly appear in the garden in the last few days, I have put a lot of filled coconut shells on the free standing bird feeder and they love these as do the sparrows and a little robin, the blackbirds aren't interested but they do like to bathe in the waterfall between the two ponds.

Ann, I would love to see the photo of the little kitten ,please I am like you with having so many unread books, I also use to read in bed but can't keep awake long enough, having Ruby stops me reading much during the day most of the time.

Hav'nt read the last two posts yet but ust wanted to say it has just poured down here and there were hailstones in it.

Love the cake Mandy. You make some smashing cakes for the children.

In the end I washed out two bird feeders I use for the sunflower seeds as they get very greasy and cleaned all the sink, bowl and drainer after doing the feeders. You can't be too careful with wild birds and your sponges or cleaning cloths must be ones used for only that.

Ann I have the filled coconut shells too and the Long Tailed Tits like the BIG fat balls but I can't seem to get those now and the last lot I bought went mouldy so I stick to the tablets from Morrisons which they love and at £3 for 6 I think thats the best buy. They only last my birds about two days though. They are such lovely little birds and licve in family groups and the younger ones help feed the chicks of the older ones.

Fancy that bloke hitting poor Chris's car. Now thats another job to be done. I bet Chris was really cross. Did they wash your car for you in the end Jane?

Sterio dog barking is awful. I do get it here sometimes if Nicola's dog and her mums dog are out and the ones down the big house start up. You feel like yelling out "shut those dogs up". Oh would have a fit if I did that.

Well I am signing out now so saying night night and see you all in the morning.

Morning all

Sunny here today with hardly any cloud around, so it's quite cold. They said on the weather this morning we might be in for a few snow flurries.

How lovely to have contact with a new family member Ann, how does the DNA matching work? I've always wondered. You'll be able to share all sorts now and maybe add a few more people to your tree.
So you have barking in stereo now? I had to smile when you were explaining how the puppy is taken for a walk, it sounds so funny. I'm sure they'll both learn how to do it properly in time.

I had a quick look at the post last night when I was shutting my laptop down and noticed your post Frank, so I've given Sandra a big hug from you and passed on your thanks. I hope the card arrives today for you. Yes, keep up with your painkillers they'll really help. I bet you can't wait to see your family after 20 years, that'll be something to look forward to in March. How nice that everyone is ringing to see how you are.

So all the cake's nearly gone now Mandy, I'm not surprised, it looked delicious.

Poor Chris, having a bump on his car, it's the last thing he needs right now with feeling under the weather Jane. At least the other driver didn't drive off and sorted it out with him. Hopefully now the insurance is involved it'll be fixed quickly.
OH went out early today and parked the car outside ours, you're right parking it half way down the street isn't ideal. Mind you he's just had to go out so whether they'll still be space outside when he gets back we don't know.

It's gone quiet again next door with only the electrician there so far today, he's wiring up the kitchen. I had to laugh yesterday, the plasterers were plastering the walls, but the roof hasn't been done yet so there are gaps all around the edges of the roof, it poured with rain so I dread to think what state the walls are in. They were suppose to turn up today, but so far haven't arrived.

I think I'll get a cuppa now then take another look at my family tree while OH is out and Sandra's still asleep. I've got access to a tree so that is helping. At least it's quieter next door today......well so far anyway, so I can concentrate.

Morning Everyone,

I'm so sorry I missed you out Anne and will send you a pic when I am on the laptop later! The little cat isn't a kitten. She's a few years old now and needed a home when the lady's neighbours moved to Spain. They didn't really want a third cat, but took pity on her. They used to feed her when the neighbour was away so had got to know what a sweet girl she was. I really must get a proper list of you all set up for emails.

Gill, I hope the plaster next door had set enough before all the rain started! I'm pleased for you that they are getting on with it though. The builders here took 2 years to finish the 3 properties and workmen were often using our drive for backing into to turn around.

I feel like shouting at times too Mel. It's alright for their owners as they can stop the noise when it suits them. It's annoying the worst one is allowed right down to the side gate within feet of our bedroom window at 7.00am or earlier sometimes. It would be so easy for her to put a small gate further down the side and would stop him hearing so much of the sounds on the front that set him off and be less loud for us. She must think we are deaf not to be disturbed by it. Then when she goes out at night it can be midnight when he's let out and barking next to our bedroom. One reason OH uses the dining table the other side of the bungalow rather than the study is to be further away from the noise, but the new puppy has a fenced off area on their patio, which is right close to where he works. I doubt it will be allowed in the rest of the garden as there is just a hedge it could get through at the bottom of their garden. The puppy seems to have a less excitable temperament than the other dog at the moment, so we are hopeful!!!

Mel I never knew the youngsters helped feed the other babies! I must read up about them as to where they nest etc. I must also try some of those fatballs you mention as the birds seem to be turning their noses up at mine just now. Maybe the weather that's coming will change their minds!

Well I'd better get moving and decide what to do! OH is just back from the dentist with news he needs 2 teeth out, one a front one, but not urgent yet, and that he will most likely have to go to hospital for them to do it with him having osteoporosis!!

Morning Gill and all,

I have just got up. Had a lie in today as I did'nt feel too good yesterday and perhaps that why I did'nt get a lot done.

I relented yesterday........ I am going to pick up two new girls tonight at five o'clock. I don't want anymore becasue it will mean a lot more cleaning out and as I am 70 in a couple of weeks I am keeping the numbers down.

Quite bright out there this morning and we have a little sunshine although its so low in the sky we don't get a lot of it with the trees out the back.

I must clean the girls out today and find something to get two girls in as I am not humping the great big chicken crate for just two hens. Somewhere I have a cat carrier but I think it may be up the potting sheds. I know there are two cat baskets up the loft but oh has moved everything up the far end over his study and its all piled up so not sure if I would be able to reach them. I shall have to see. Wish me luck please?

Well, I've seen it all now THE KITCHEN HAS JUST BEEN DELIVERED NEXT DOOR talk about daft, the roof isn't done yet, but they're starting on the inside. At least it's given OH and I something to laugh about......how daft are some men????

Apparently the plasterers have put up most of the ceilings, but that's not going to stop the rain coming in. They were plastering while it was raining yesterday Ann. I know silly or what?.

Sorry to hear about the dogs, the noise is bad enough during the day but to have it before 7am and midnight must be terrible. Can't you have a word with your neighbours, you can't carry on like that, it's not fair on your both and for your OH to have to work elsewhere just isn't on, he should be able to work in peace in his study. I hope it improves for you both soon. Oh having two teeth out, I'm not one for dentists and neither is Sandra. Hope all goes well for him when he has it done.

I didn't know the younger birds helped feed the babies either Mel, you learn something new every day :-) :-)

I can hear a bit of banging so the fella doing the electrics must be doing the flat pack kitchen too. At least it's not wet weather so far today and the sun is out, although it's still very cold out there.

Good luck Mel. So you gave in and are having two new girls today. Do you have names for them? I hope they settle in nicely with your other hens.

Thank you for your email Frank, but unfortunately it didn't come through!! :-( it was very appreciated and thank you anyway.
So glad you are feeling a bit better. Today is very sunny although cold, but great for OH and our 'little maid' who have gone beating! I'm going to be making a Venison stew in the slow cooker for supper which should go down well with them both!!
Gill, our birds are VERY busy as I put out the remain of a syrup sponge pudding that I made when son came on Tuesday. As you can imagine, they absolutely love it!!
Two teeth Gill! I certainly don't envy your OH and fingers crossed it goes well. I have the Dentist next week (check up) and the Hygienist the week after! Hopefully all will be ok!

Good morning to you lovely people,

Had a very comfortable night last night. Ros only had to get up once to help me to the loo. I had some medication then (about 3.30) which lasted me through the rest of the night. I got up on my own at 7.00 for the loo, and went back to bed until 9.30.

Oh how I would love to get in the shower and have a good wash down, under HOT WATER. I did have a wet shave last night, which made me feel a little more human.

Gill, Sandra's card has arrived and sits in pride of place on the Mantle Piece. What a great job she has made of it. More HUGS for her please. xxxx

I have skimmed over the posts, and pleased you are all well. Sorry about the bump on Chris's car. How old are the NEW GIRLS Mel. ?? and what Breed. ?? It does sound silly fitting the kitchen, when they haven't finished building. It will get ruined in the rain.

I must get in the bathroom for a wash down and get fresh cloths on. I think that'll make me feel a little better.

We had a lot of rain last night, and snow this morning, only a little but it settled on the grass and roofs. A taste of what's to come. I HOPE NOT.

Will love and leave you for now. Take care. xxxx

Its good you have managed to have a nice shave Frank and I bet you feel a lot better after that. A good nights sleep too which was just the ticket.

So you had a little snow this morning. We have sunshine since quite early this morning so I got the chickens cleaned out ready for the new arrivals. I wonder if they will be bald like the last lot? Remember Mandy knitting me a coat for one before?

I am just about to go cobwebbing while the suns still out and I can see them. I know there's a big one in the bathroom but that has one of those leggy spiders there up ubder the blind so that a hoover job.