General Chat

Hi Everyone.
Been another muggy day and the rain has poured down , was dry when I went to the hairdressers at 1.00 and when I came out at 3.15 it was just a drizzel but the heavens have opened within the last hour.

Very happy with my hair, the young girl who usually did my hair has just come back from maternity leave, and it was good to see her and she has done another good job.

Hi William
yes thats exactly what happens to our boiler on a windy night, also sometimes the central heating does not work properly and the pipes get blocked it then sounds like someone is knocking to get out, lol
We have a delivery tomorrow afternoon of the combi boiler plus 12 new radiators in all, we live in a 4bed detached house, so there's a radiator in all 4 bedrooms, 1 on the top landing, 1 in the hallway, 1 in the study. 1 in the living room, 1 in the dining room ,1 in the kitchen, we will have a small one put in the down stairs toilet and where they take the cilinder tank out of my airing cupboard we want a little one in there so I can still use the cupboard for towels and drying clothes.

they will be starting on Thursday morning at 8.30. (we hope) and they said it will only take a couple of days.I will be really glad to see that old boiler go and what a difference it will make to the kitchen, we plan to fit a new kitchen and redecorate some time next year.

Afternoon all.It's good you are staying with us William .I love your tales.I can just see you and Frank having a good old chinwag together lol

This heat is really too much for me .I have just been layed out on the settee nodding off and then waking up with a little snore :-S.I just chivvied myself up and have watered most of the garden.The fans are on overdrive.I hope we don't burn the motors out before the weather cools.It looks like we are in for some heavy rain Thursday I think.
How is Ros this afternoon Frank?I do hope she has perked up a bit and that the patches are helping at least a little.

Poor Fitz's School Friend passed away on Sunday morning,so he is feeling very sad about it.He won't be going to France for the funeral as the ashes will come back to England ,so he will go to the scattering of them.

Still no Maureen.MAUREEN ,this is not good enough you know :-S :-SWhere are you?

I had a number of Swifts or Swallows on my aerial this afternoon.They weren't half make a racket lol.I did get a pic or two,but some had flown off by the time I got outside.I will see if the y are any good.
I really need a cold drink ,all this talking does make you thirsty ;-) ;-) ;-)

Afternoon all, and nice to see William back with us.

William I am three years younger than you. !!!!1938. It's strange that we came from almost the same area, When I was leaving school, I went to Stratford, to try to become a driver/stoker. boiler cleaner or anything to do with the railway. Unfortunatly as I was colour blind, I wasn't allowed and would never be allowed on the steam train. So I gave up the idea. As a child, a day trip to Southend started with me and Mum going by train, I was always sick on the bus.

Still have relatives in East Ham and surrounding area's My cousin had a stall on Green Lane Market. selling Veg. I remember,after the war. My 2nd eldest brother would take me out digging for Horse Raddish. We would bring it home and scrub all the dirt off in an old tin bath,then take to the market and my cousin would sell the roots, we got a few coppers as well. My gran lived in STAR LANE, Canning Town. She was 86 when she died. When we visited during the week, she would say "I must pop out and get the papers for the (OLD PEOPLE) she was the oldest in her block of terraces. It's true what you say, We should have asked more questions as kids, we would have known all the old receipies, and the trades of our four fathers.

Kim, Please take it easy for a few days, to get over your trip. It's better to do that, than try to over do it.

Girls, I think we all go throught these forgetful moments, I am always putting things down and can't remember where I put it, and when I find it, I think how the Bloo## hell did it get there :-D :-D :-D

Has been very hot this afternoon, gone sultry now, as though we could get some rain, Every door and window open and fan on, Poor cat is laid out on the lawn under the shade of the trees. There is a slight breeze for him there.

Ros had half a jacket potato lunchtime, I just asked her what she wanted for tea. NOTHING THANKS, I might have a bit of Rice pudding later.

Hi Everyone,
I feel a bit of nostalgia coming on (can't touch your for it! - it's Frank's fault.)
You were posh having HAT PINS for your winkles Frank - we had to make do with ordinary 'knob' pins. Dad always had one inserted into the tip of his lapel.
You didn't say which we there was three years difference between us Frank! There was only my brother and myself, Mum & Dad got married late as my Dad was in the Buffs regiment for 7 years, mostly in the Middle East, he came out in 1927 shortly after he married my mother. That was why he wasn't called up for the 2nd WW but he was on the railways at Stratford (London) and worked continuous shifts, travelling up and down in spite of the Blitz. He got the civil medal when the war ended, but I don't know where it went to. Because of his hours we used to get extra cheese ration, which looked more like soap, and probably didn't tast much different. For ages after the war I wouldn't eat cheese.
My Mum was born in Bethnal Green but later moved to Plaistow, Dad was born in Southwark but his parents moved to the 'other side of the water', as I have a postcard that they sent to him when he was in the army, I think they were in Canning Town too.
We had an Anderson shelter sunk into our back lawn and piled up with the spare soil. My Dad pushed the potty into the wet cement to leave the shape, so the potty could be put in & out after it set. I was in case we were 'taken short' during an air raid. I don't think we ever used it though.
I suppose that was the original 'Portaloo'!
Fiona, our house had an old iron boiler until we had it changed to a combi. I think it took four guys to carry it out. It looked more like the boiler out of a small steam ship! I used to hate it when the wind blew the pilot light out and I had to get on the floor and try to relight it, which was part luck and part gymnastics.
Annx, funny you should mention clicking knife. When I was researching my maternal grandparents side, they all being boot & shoe makers (well, the men anyway), there were several whose occupation was described as a 'clicker', I had to enquire what the term meant on here, so that was new to me and my Dad never refered to his curved knife by any special term. It never dawned on me to ask my Dad how he learnt to repair all our shoes. Just shows we took a lot of things for granted and now wish we'd have asked more questions.
I'll leave all you folks in peace till I look in again. It's a bit on the close side here so I'll delve into my family tree again and see if it's any cooler in the past LOL.
Take care all, have a good day
William

Annx will take me a few days to get over this trip. We were there 3 hours, have to take notes as it's all very heavy. We would never remember otherwise. This doctor is for my children and she is very thorough:-S

My niece was going through depression, anxiety and has obsessive compulsive disorder. She cleans all the time - houswork at 4 in the morning. My brother got her to therapy and she was doing really well dealing with her demons. Then she got this idea into her head that she should be pregnant again in case life passed her by (she's just turned 33), so she picked a fellow out had only known him a few weeks and that was it. She was taking medication for her illness, so I guess that would have affected a growing baby. Wrong time and not good circumstances to be having a child. I don't see her these days, but my brother always keeps me up to speed.

Glenda, Rod's wife is back working. I haven't really seen her since the funeral, but Keith pops in. He was helping their son put up a punching bag in the garage. She still can't talk about Rod and bursts into tears, so you have to tread gently and just let her know we are here. She is off to America next week with her daughter, just for 10 days. She and Rod had to cancel their trip (would have been 5 weeks) when he got ill. We all miss him very much; life sure has changed.

Thanks for asking, she would like that. Off to bed with me. Tata all.

12.32 am EST

Frank my sleeping pill is starting to kick in ;-)

Sounds like you need a good rest today Kim after your Sydney trip. It is good to have a look around the shops, but here you find a lot of the same shops with the same things in in every town/city .......not so interesting as it used to be when you went somewhere new. Your poor niece going through all that and her fella going too!! She has got it tough just now as you say and poor thing already back at work, though I suppose that may help, having to think of something other than what has happened. How is your neighbour doing now since losing her hubby?

Hi Everybody,

Your episode with the steps made me laugh Mel, sounded soo familiar!! Mine even asks me if I can remember where HE has put things! He will stand in front of a food cupboard with the door open asking me where something is that is sat on a shelf right in front of his nose!! lol. Your OH was lucky to get his heart fixed without needing to have a bypass, but it must have been a bit of a shock at the time. You wouldn't know he'd had anything wrong with him now would you. I hope it stays dry for him while the roof is off the garage. When MIL was my age her OH was age 77.....my 'toyboy' is age 58, nearly 20 years difference. They keep us young Mel!! lol

An old schoolfriend is arranging a jaunt for us! Ride and drive Rocky and his owner have moved this way, so she is asking her if she'll take us out in her carriage (she does weddings so if a bride can climb in, I should be ok). Because I built/restored/repainted a few with my ex eons ago I just know I will be looking for chips and scuffs to paint!! Old habits die hard!!

Pat I don't think I could cope........would have to take the children to a zoo or something for the day!!

Frank, you deserve a rest after all that work!!

Two stables Liz? Will you be getting a little friend for Merlin.....or the grandchildren? There is nothing like moving house for making you decide what to get rid of. When I moved here I took 14 black bags crammed full of clothes to the charity shop......all mine!! It was a good idea to sort the loft early on while it is cooler where you are.....it can be boiling in there!

Hello everyone, big day in Sydney and totally pooped. We got back very late after 6 tonight seemed to be police everywhere today.

Frank, no I haven't been shopping in Sydney in over 25 years. The trip exhausts me; just go because I have to. I do miss all the arcades and stores, so just make do with the local centres occasionally. Regards to Ros from me, she is having a rotten battle at the moment and you are a champ. Good on ya mate.

Big brother Bill was 63 today. Just gave him a call before we left. My niece just lost a baby. Very sad for her and she was very sick after the miscarriage had to be hospitalised. On the other hand a bit of a relief as the fella took off weeks ago. She has one child and she is just coping with him; life is very tough for her. She was back to work yesterday, not much time to grieve, poor girl.

Must be off to the couch. I will read your posts properly tomorrow.

Pat very happy that your home is taking shape again. ESPECIALLY with 3 little ones coming tomorrow ;-) ;-)

Love to everyone else I have not mentioned. I think of you all everyday :-)

Cheers for now. 10.41 pm EST

In about six weeks Frank, we are trying to do a bit each day so that it is not quite such a marathon at the end, at least that's the theory!!! Gosh you do work hard, 'Do you hire yourself out'? whoops, I think that needs re-phrasing!! but you know what I mean!!!! Sun being very fickle, but am going to mow this pm. :-S

Morning all, At last.

Boy have I been busy. Got up 7.30 Ros was already up. She had a bad night. I stripped the bed, and got that in the machine. Remade the bed with clean sheets and pillow cases. Got in blowing on the line as we speak.
Took everything out of the kitchen, Got our the hoover, and cleaned right through, Then bucket of Cili# Bang. washed and moped the floor and cupboards fronts. Hoover right through the bungalow, shook the mats, cleaned the cats mat and bowls Done the conservatory,cleaned away all the cobwebs. Cleaned the outside drains. Just putting a broom up my bum, so I can sweep the patio, as I walk around :-D :-D :-D

The guy who was suppose to come and see me thismorning, phoned to say he was stuck in traffic out Rushden way. Accident he thinks, so wouldn't be able to make it. Will phone another day.

Ros, hasn't had anything today YET. a glass of milk first thing. She has managed to wash her hair, and is sitting in the conservatory getting it dried.

I am now going to sit in the shade of the cherry tree, and finish off my book. KANE and ABEL. Geoffery Archer. about 20 pages to go.

Mel, I didn't know your OH had been through all that with his heart. When you say toyboy. How old is he. ????

Pat, You will be tearing your hair out tomorrow, with three kids and workmen. Better you than me. :-D :-D :-.

Liz, How long will it be now before you move. ????

Hello Everyone. Like you Mel,we haven't been having such hot weather in fact it has been quite drizzly and miserable, although today looks brighter and is warmer. Sheila, you certainly do have an eventful life! What an awful thing to happen, it must have upset you a lot. Your SIL sounds a bit of a rascal to say the least! Sadly I think your daughter is better off without him. Better news with Ros Frank, good to hear that she managed to eat even if it was only a small amount; let's hope today goes in the right direction for you both. Like you we have to write everything down else it gets forgotten. We have a board in the kitchen, facing our table, so no excuses for forgetting!!!! Packing china today, (stuff we don't use!!) and ornaments! Poor Millie is certainly beginning to wonder what we are up to, following us around more than usual, and whining (rather annoyingly!) Mel, Ian is exactly the same! Flies about not being able to find whatever, (veiled overtones of where have I put it!) and 'X' turns up right under his nose, found by ME!!!! It's hard to be patient sometimes! I can see blue sky! just enough to make a sailor a pair of bell bottoms!

OH is taking the old roof off the garage today. He has just gone out armed with a mug of coffee and a BIG bottle of orange juice as he says it is going to be sooooo dusty and dirty :-P

Morning All,

Dull here today but dry. I don't think we have had such hot weather as you lot seemed to have had. I sleep ok with the big quilt over me!!

Pat I do hope things start coming together for you soon as with children around it can be awful not haveing the proper facilities. I hope they get things done for you soon.

Sheila what a terrible thing about the garages. It dos'nt matter what the men were like they are still human beings whether homeless or not. Such a shame one died.

Frank good that Ros fancied something to eat alst night. I hope all goes well for her on Thursday and they find what is really wrong with her. It must be really worrying she is loosing so much weight.

Kim hope you have abetter day today and don't feel so tired.

I watched the The Night Gate film last night and did enjoy it. I like Johnny Depp. He seems a good actor in whatever parts he takes.

No William yesterday.

When I try to log in to this site it now takes ages to get on here. Has anyone else been having this trouble?

OH just came in and asked me for the step ladder from the lounge. I said it is not in there. He came and looked for himself as he did'nt beleive me. No it was'nt there. I said where did you use it last. He could'nt remember!! Off he went to look in the old shed and he found it just outside the kitchen up against the wall where he had left it and must have walked right past it to come and ask me where it was.

Frank OH had three stents put all round his heart about three or four years ago. He nearly had to have a bypass. So you see not only do I have a toyboy but a bionic one as well specially with his new lense in his eye too.

Crumbs Pat! You are going to need another holiday at this rate.Good luck today with whatever is done.

I am too hot already.Mind you I did a very early short walk with Chester and have been to Tes**.I slept really well last night (thank goodness) the fan was just in the right place
Am now off this other car place!.The things us Mums do :-( :-(

I hope Ros will have a better day again today and manages to have a bit more food.
BBL

Morning All.
What aday yesterday.
Bath is in but not plumbed yet...no sink... and yes we have a toilet..

The tiler left for the day at 5.30 then we had to wait for the plumber to come back to put the system back on WC..

He had left the system out of the front door with all the rubbish unknown to me.
Then our usual man came and removed it all..
So when he came back to refit it temp we didnt have it. So he was here to 8pm putting the new one in temp so the grouting could be done behind it...
He will be back on Thurs now... I have 3 grandchildren here wed not sure if all the tiling etc will be finnished in time so we have had to delay the plumber..
Oh well we are now washing in the sink downstairs I suppose it makes a change from washing up in the bath..

I have the tiler arriving 8.30 and the painter to carry on with the kitchen...
When I get time I will read though your posts...I did see some more reminissing is going on.
catch you later.

I am off to bed now ,hopefully sleeping the right way up tonight.
Frank my hips will be fine tonight ,as the clotted cream is untouched.Still in the fridge.I might worry tomorrow lol
Night Night everyone xx.I am fading fast :-S :-S
What are the bets I will be awake at 11 and think I have been asleep for hours :-( :-(

Sheila ,I know I will suffer again tonight even with the fan.Isn't the sweat horrible when it gets under your boobs.Men have no idea !!!!.I sleep in the nuddie when it is hot and sticky ,but always have to a sheet over at least part of me.I always need some weight on top of me.(I don't mean OH),just some of the Duvet ,even if it is just on my feet.
Ethan is still suffering from Reflux.Thought he might have had something called Pyloric Stenosis.But he had an ultrascan today and that has been ruled out (thank goodness).It is something he will grow out of so they say.Hopefully soon!!.I think his temp has settled.Poor little soul,has had a bit of a rough ride in his first 2 months of life.
I think you are right not get involved passing messages to Michelle.I know you are very fond of your SIL,but he is sounding a selfish person.
Must go and dish up dinner.I started this post about an hour ago but had a phone call from an old school friend.I don't know whether I'm coming or going at the moment lol

Evening all,

Beat you to it Mandy, I have just come in from doing all my Tomato plants, Hanging baskets patio pots etc, also my young neighbours are away for a few days, so have watered their herbs, and peppers, they also have chillies. I won't be asking him for any of those.!!!!

My, it has been a scorcher this afternoon, fourtunatley I have spent most of the afternoon sitting in the conservatory, with doors and windows wide open.,reading the paper.

Ros decided she fancied a Chicken Kiev, chips and sweetcorn tonight. She didn't eat masses, but a least she ate some of it. I had a Spag Bol, out of a box, no bad, but not as good as mine.!!!! Filled a hole. With her not wanting to eat a PROPER meal. I don't feel like cooking for myself.

Annx, If you are anything like Ros and I. everything has to go down on the calender, otherwise we forget what we have to do. Thats just reminded me I have a guy coming at 9.30am from the stroke Ass.

Naughty, Naughty, Jane Clotted cream, you know where thats going ON YOUR HIPS. if you still have any :-D :-D :-D :-D

Evening all,

Phew !!! its been a hot one, and looks like we will be even hotter tomorrow .

Sheila, that poor man , what terrible way to die ,i hope they catch the low life that started the fire, is the other man still hanging on ?

Glad to hear you had a good holiday Pat , when we went to Majorca a few years ago we had a terrific storm , the streets were running in water, in the front door of shops and out the back !!!
It ran down to the beach and carved out a huge rut in the sand .

Frank, glad to hear Ros has an appointment on Thursday and that she has had a little some thing to eat today .
You make sure you have some thing , it's not like you to miss a meal.

Striped off the bed today ,have just got hubby to help me turn the mattress ,its so heavy , not some thing i can do on my own .

Off to do the watering now , the water butts will soon be dry .

KIM sorry I have not contacted you have some things to send you but aol is playing up in fact the whole computor seems a little under the weather a bit like me. I hope ros is feeling better frank. i have a pile of cards sitting on the shelf also to be posted but just have not got round to doing it been so down in the dumps with the advents of the past. Also do you remember Lee the bus driver who was murdered by Tracy she said someone else did it and she stabbed him. Well shes been released and Ashley knew Lee .I got on his bus once. A lovely bloke and of course thats made news today. So its all morbid. Not long ago there was a taxi driver
murdered we knew not far from here and his son is bank manager of Michelles school bank. He was in the shop having just gone to big school
such a cute little lad sad he lost his dad. What a area this is.