General Chat

Good morning

It’s quite cold but there are blue skies and bright sunshine which always makes everything look better. I’ve just been standing at the window looking out at the daffodils which seem better than ever. Even OH remarked on.how good they are this year.

Nothing planned for the day. I might try and clean another kitchen cupboard if I can rouse the energy.

I’ve been wondering how Gill is getting on. It’s a long while since we heard anything from her.

Gosh Ann you have been busy today. Its surprising what gets done when the men are out.

Glad you found the big sausers Vera. Now you know where they are you can use them when you need them.

Oh made me some tiny things today on his new toy. I did'nt get any craft done today at all which is annoying. He took me up the caravan and I watched for a while as it did the things I wanted. I cleaned these things up while he did his owl. Its looking quite good now.

I hope you all manage enough sleep tonight so we can all get on with things tomorrow. Must finish this thing off for Lewis's hat.

You sound as though you have been really busy today Ann. You might not have gone for a walk but you certainly haven’t been resting. I hope your washer is OK and that it was just a gremlin in the works. Those gremlins get everywhere. You might remember that my machine flooded the utility with suds recently. We never found out why but it hasn’t done it since.

It has been a lovely sunny day here but there has still been a cold wind. OH did a bit more tidying in the garden and started on some weeding. I got all my geraniums out of the mini greenhouse and picked off dead leaves and generally tidied them up. I also gave them their first proper watering this winter. I never did get the antirrhinum seeds sown as my neighbour saw me in the garden and came over to chat and was here for quite a while so I got all behind. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

My back is still giving me a lot of problems but I am trying to do the exercises that physio gave me a while ago and I suppose it will improve eventually. I just get angry and frustrated that I can’t get on with some of the gardening and household jobs I want to do.

One good thing today - I found the large plant pot saucers that had gone walkabout. They’re the ones OH definitely put behind the greenhouse. It must have been the naughty elf who took them from there and put them on top of a tall cupboard in the garage with the big Christmas tree stand on top of them ;-)

I think I’ll have a go at the crossword now and then finish the last few pages of the book I’m reading. Sleep well tonight folks.

Afternoon All,

It's 9 degrees and sunshine here. I slept well last night and have cleaned out 2 drawers in the kitchen that hold 'implements' and cutlery and tidied them so I can find things easily, chucked some things out too. For some reason when the oven cleans itself it doesn't affect the glass door so I got my scraper out and made that sparkle. OH has gone to a match at Southwell where the big workhouse is that we went round once so he's been out most of the day.

I love Antirrhinums too and have a lot of self set ones. I even noticed some small self set ones in the gravel on the front the other day and I have never planted any on the front. I like watching the bumble bees climb into them.

My hairdresser is aged 40, lives on her own and has no children but the other hairdresser there is young though. With being in the same building as the gym and the salon owner being trendy, most of his customers are young, so that will bring more risk. I think they will keep their own measures in place for now as they will lose business anyway if cautious customers go elsewhere. OH has all face to face meetings next week which is a bit worrying but I expect they will still take the usual precautions as they don't want their own staff off sick.

I was going to go for a short walk but my knees needed a break today and I couldn't decide where to go, so I stayed in and did more jobs. I sorted the fridge and outside freezer as it's the food drop tomorrow, put a lot of things away in here, hoovered and mopped the ensuite and bathroom, put the washer on, checked my geraniums, which still look good :-D, watered the wall pots and oiled the lock on the garage door. I've put some art magazines aside for a friend's husband for when we eventually meet up and filed away the ones to keep. Now I'm going through my paintbrushes and paints, then I have to unpick a pretty bracelet I was finishing off. You join it so it is like a rope, but I found it is too stiff to bend round my wrist now!

I'm hoping the washer hasn't gone wrong. It was on ages this morning and showed the light for the dryer to be hot. The prog I'd set was for no dryer and that looked right. Isn't it a pain that it is hard to get the door to release. I tried all sorts. OH said to let it continue, but soon changed his mind when I said his pants were in there and would be reduced to budgie smugglers if it finished on hot heat. :-S Eventually I got the door open and got the washing out. Shut the door again and switched on and it wanted to finish the cycle, but when I pressed the the button it began all over again and did a wash cycle with it empty. Ah well, I'll see if it's sorted itself next time I use it. At least it should be nice and clean now.

I expect you all have this wonderful sunshine and thats why its very quet on here today. Happy whatever you are doing.

I have been to the shop and Em's with 6 eggs and done some ironing so when I have washed up the lunch things I am going crafting.

Morning Vera Anng and all,

Partly sunny here so the pc says and I think it could be right as the sun was out earlier. A very hard from last night before I went to bed.

I love antirhiniums as they go on forever.I still have self sown ones on the patio in an old iron feeding trough without much compost in it.

When I went in the shed the other day there was a huge bumble bee in their but it did'nt look too good so I gave it some water and a crocus flower stipped of petals and it lasted a little longer but was dead yesterday.

Just the shop to do this morning as usual on a Saturday.

Good morning all, bright and sunny here but 0 degree so a bit on the chilly side. I didn't sleep badly, but didn't sleep that well, woke up more than once and dreaming a lot.

That was an interesting bridge Ann, and sounded like a useful walk if it was sheltered. I am sure all these walks are going to be improving your mobility.

Yes it was lucky I didn't have a Friday appointment as I think she must have been in then. They have been so very careful and all wearing masks and everything sanitised all through since they were allowed to open after lockdowns. However two or three of the girls are not that old and still at clubbing age and three of them have children, including Tracey who does my hair (although hers are in their teens not young ones). And, when I last went 6 weeks ago customers were still wearing masks but I suppose some may have refused since it was made not legal requirement. People will go back to going to work if they feel 'under the weather' and mainly I suppose they won't have the virus and that is what has to happen if we are to live with it. Concerning isn't it? We don't all want to become hermits.

Mel, such a nuisance when a tissue gets in the wash. I do have some pocket tissues that actually don't disintegrate but stay whole when wet but the large boc tissues do disintigrate. I find in the tumble drier they do come off clothes and go into the filter so are easy to get rid of then a shake outside usually dislodges them from clothes, but it is a nuisance you don't need.

Glad you had a reasonable night Vera and hope your back is better. Dwarf antirhiniums will be nice among the other plants, Last year I had some that had self seeded so I hope they come up again this year.

Good morning all

It’s a bright and sunny 4 degrees. There was a heavy frost overnight and all the roofs and plants are sparkling in the sun.

I hope you had a better night last night Ann and everyone else slept well. I had quite a good night though I kept waking up from strange dreams. I seemed to go quickly back to sleep and I don’t remember getting up at all during the night.

I haven’t made any plans for the day. I bought some dwarf antirrhinum seeds when I was out yesterday and I want to get those sown. I thought they might be handy just to fill in the odd bare spot in the garden.

Enjoy your day whatever you are doing.

Iv'e made something for Lewis's hat Mandy but it not quite finished yet.

Afternoon All,

It was my turn for a bad night last night as I was awake till 4.00am, so we did like Vera this afternoon and watched the programme about the 1962/63 winter of snow. I'd forgotten some things but it struck me how people just got on with life and work then with much more determination. Interesting to see what poverty looked like then to what is considered poverty now too and nice to see those old cars we used to drive.

It sounds like your birthday carried on today Vera and nice your grandchildren contacted you.

We managed another walk this morning and went to another village next to ours where there is a track that runs along what was the old railway bank. We went to the right along a high bit but saw some workmen were digging to widen the path further along. Their equipment and a truck were blocking the way so we turned back as we were getting frozen with the cold wind in our faces. We went the opposite way then and walked to the end between nice high sheltering hedges. One of the fields alongside had been turned into a park since we last went a few years ago and I was pleased we made it as far as a bridge that the river passes through. It seemed a very solid and huge structure with three arches and we wondered what it's original purpose was as it seems to lead nowhere. I did some googling when we got back and found it was originally 151 yds long with 13 arches, each 30 feet wide to carry trains across the flood plain there at the time.

That was lucky you weren't at the hairdressers in the past few days AnnG. Mind you I expect we are all at risk now with all the restrictions having been lifted. Employees don't have to tell employers now if they need to self isolate so will they if they don't feel ill. Tests from April won't be free so I suspect few will bother to get one unless they are really ill with covid. My next hair appointment is first thing in the morning before others turn up, but the hairdresser is more exposed now. It will be interesting to see whether they still wear masks themselves. Was there a new topic for the photography today? I see you tidied some drawers. It's nice when things are tidied up and orderly.

I see Mel has been busy doing HW too. What a shame about the tissue. I've done the same more times than I care to remember and it doesn't come off easily either. Your OH is clever making the Owl. Sometimes the woodgrain looks more attractive than paint doesn't it and good idea to have it in a box frame to keep the dust off it.

I'd forgotten you were making the easter hat for Lewis Mandy! I liked your idea of the hot cross buns too but the crocheted eggs sound good too.

Annoying that you have had to put your hair appointment off again AnnG but better than taking any chances. I hope you have enjoyed your photography session this afternoon.

Isn’t it infuriating when your washing comes out of the machine covered in bits of tissue? We’ve probably all done it Mel. I let the garments dry and then use one of those sticky lint rollers on them but it can take ages to get all the bits off. Your OH’s owl sounds lovely. Without seeing it I think I would prefer it unpainted, perhaps with just a coat of varnish to protect it.

I had a couple more cards today. My day yesterday just got better and better. First the middle one of my son’s 3 girls texted and we had a nice chat via text, then the eldest one phoned. That really made my day as she is a little withdrawn and doesn’t often phone but we had a lovely chat. Then the youngest one texted and our “conversation” went on for a long while. She is very bright and very funny and makes me laugh.

Today has not been so good; frustrating more than anything. I had an appointment at the opticians to pick up my glasses at 10 am. I got there on time only to be told I didn’t have an appointment. I made it face to face with one of the girls who offered me an appointment for yesterday and I told her it was my birthday and I might be going out, so she said she would make it for 25th instead. After a lot of searching it was discovered that she had put it on the computer for 25th March. I got them to check whether the new glasses had been delivered to them and they had so I was able to bring them home with me. When I got home the post had been and there was a letter telling me I was overdue for an eye test and should make one immediately!! I don’t think they will win any prizes for efficiency.

Then I popped in to the centre where I go for chiropody to see if I could change my appointment for 17th March. There I was told that the chiropodist is away unwell at the moment but is leaving anyway on 9th March. The receptionist didn’t seem to know if they were getting another one or what was happening but has made a note that I would like to be contacted when they do know.

When I got home I went to put something away in a drawer in the study and ended up sorting it all out and cleaning it, so there are a few more bits to go to the charity shop. Then we sat and watched that Big Freeze ’63 programme that we recorded yesterday. I remember it well of course but had forgotten just how bad it was. We got married at the end of March 63 and the thaw had set in and everywhere was wet and there were great piles of grey slush everywhere. Plodding through that to get to the church didn’t do my white velvet dress any good at all.

As it’s getting on for 6 pm I’d better go and start getting dinner ready. It’s gammon steaks tonight. They’re not my favourite but OH likes them so I thought I’d spoil him. I’ll probably do a tray of roast veg with them.

had a lucky escape for tomorrow. Had a hair appointment for 2pm with Tracey. Just had a phone call which I picked up when the message started. Matt at the hairdresser cancelling my appointment as Tracy has Covid. two others off sick but he didn't say what with. annoying as I cancelled last Friday because of storm Eunace. appointment now with Becky ( I don't know what she is like), on 8th March. My hair will be very long!!

Photography this afternoon. Lovely sunny day here and 11 degrees at the moment. I cleaned out the two drawers in the conservatory this morning. found a lot of screws etc in the bottom.  All nice and clean and tidy now and the kitchen bin is half full.

Suns still shining and its 9 degrees and a pic of the sun with a cloud on it.

Went in the shower and put some washing in the machine and did some ironing. Went to put the washing on the line and I had'nt checked the pockets of my cardy where I keep some loo paper for wiping my glasses. Yes you've guessed it all the washing was covered in bit of white, long sleeved t shirts t shirts and black nicks.

Morning Anng and all,

Bright sunshine this morning but its only 3 degrees here and says mostly clear. I can't believe its Friday again, where is this year going so quickly?

The white lillies in my birthday flowers have opened and they look quite vulgar against the rest of the flowers so I think I shall have to put them in another vase today. They need their water changing anyway.

good morning all, window cleaner this morning all being well and photography group this afternoon. fine so far bright. clear sky, sunny and 4 degrees. (Brrr!)

Slept much better last night thank goodness.

The owl sounds lovely Mel. Is it of a material (wood?) that can go outside? Maybe that is why he painted it.

Vera, wow, what a lovely day you had. hope you slept after all that excitement. And now we all wait with baited breath for the unexplained present to be revealed. :-D :-D

You certainly had some lovely presents Vera and it sounds like you enjoyed your day to the full.

I had a broken egg this morning and one little one with it then when I corned them this afternoon there was two morein the nest box so I wouldhave had 4 today. It must be the really old hen who lays the egg with the soft shell so it breaks but it was cleaned out!

Hope all those who did'nt sleep well last night have a better night tonight.

Sending love to Island and a ~~~~~~~~~~~

Just fiddled around with the project today so did'nt really do much to it. Oh has been up the caravan all day playing with his new toy and came down with the most beautiful owl. I looked great and then he decided to paint it which I think spoils it but it his art and he can do whatever he likes with it. I told him I would like one not painted and put it on a backing of black velvet but it would need to go in a deep frame as it would be such a dust collector.

Well I am off to watch the big freeze of 1963 now so saying night night and I will see you all in the morning. <3

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I am having a lovely day. I have received another 3 cards and lots of texts and emails. More presents have included some smellies, a book and a leather bound notebook, chocolates and a cute bee shaped solar light that will be perfect to replace a broken one that sits on a patio table. Just as we were going out to lunch a box arrived from dil and son and that contained a big bunch of lilies that are still in bud but with the colour just showing so I can see that they are multi-coloured and will look great when they are all open.

Our friends bought us both lunch at our local hotel. We opted for the bar rather than the restaurant as it was cosier but still with plenty of space and we could look out on the river. As we were driving back we had quite a hailstorm and had to sit in the car outside our house till it eased up. On the doorstep was another box which contained a basket of flowers. I did think the delivery driver was a bit naughty leaving it on the step as any of our neighbours would have taken it in.

I was a bit concerned that I hadn't heard anything from my daughter but we had only been in a little while when another delivery arrived. This box contained three nice pots of bulbs and some Belgian chocolates but nothing to say where it came from. I am sure it must be from daughter as she is the only one left who would have sent anything like that but I have had to text her and ask. She hasn't read the text yet but is probably still working.

So, all in all, I have had a great day and have felt thoroughly spoiled.

I'm sorry you had a bad night AnnG and hope you don't feel too zonked out. How nice that your step-granddaughter sent you a card. Little gestures like that can mean such a lot.

Mandy, I hope you are going to send us a picture of Lewis's Easter bonnet. I laughed at the idea of you decorating it with hot cross buns.

That's good you managed the longer walk Ann. You are all putting me to shame as I have not walked much at all recently. I am going to go back again to doing the exercises to loosen my back up and will start tomorrow, then hopefully I can start walking again.

You're doing well with eggs Mel. Your new girls must be feeling at home now.

Son has just rung and said I have another present to come from him and my daughter but it won't be ready for a few weeks yet! What on earth can that be?

The cherry on the top of the birthday cake is that a pretty yellow hellebore that I bought quite a while ago and has never bloomed is suddenly showing two little flowers with two more buds to open. It is really pretty - yellow with a red centre.

Right, I have bored you with my birthday for long enough so I am going to go and look for that programme about the 1962/63 winter and get OH to record it for me.

Afternoon All,

<3 <3 <3 <3 :-D :-D HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERA :-D :-D <3 <3 <3 <3

I hope you have had and are still having a lovely day and your presents to now sound good and I hope your back isn't too bad. You have a lot of cards and they will be uplifting to see around you.

I recorded the programme about 1963 snow. Mum and dad had recently moved house to a village near here down a country lane and midway between 2 villages. There were 6 houses and the houses had a quarter of a mile of fields either side to the next villages and there were fields behind and in front of the houses. The houses faced east and boy that east wind whipped up large drifts across the road. I was still at school in the city, 2 bus rides away and the bus didn't go past our house anyway as it turned round in the village before it got to us, so there was a quarter of a mile walk after catching the 2 buses. It normally took me till after 5.30pm to get home. During that winter the bus broke down once near where I live now and we all had to get off and walk, in my case a good 3 miles. No mobiles then to let anyone know you would be late. I only had my school uniform shoes on and it had snowed more during the day and the pavements were deep in snow with drifts so I walked in the slush on the road unless cars were coming by in the dark. I had my heavy satchel to carry and my feet were soaked, blistered and frozen by the time I struggled home. Like AnnG says about pushing prams through the snow ruts, we'd see people that had given up and were pushing bikes and mopeds along our lane. The snow drifts were up to the top of the hedges along there so you couldn't walk on the path that was on one side and dad had to clear the snow every morning where it piled up against the garage doors during the night. We had no central heating then and the fern patterns on the bedroom windows were really thick in the mornings. I used to put the next day's underwear in bed with me so it would be warm to put on in the morning and I'd put it on in bed! My sister still walked to the village school though and you didn't hear of teachers staying at home then.

We managed a walk in the sunshine this morning but had a hailstorm half an hour ago. We managed the Long Walk and crossed the maize field and walked back past the church and farm where a work friend's mum lived years ago. She is the one who passed away in her 90s last year. She test drove the dutch dog cart we built in the 80s. They have built large new houses around the old farmyard now and converted the single storey dairy into a home. The old farmhouse is still there though. I was pleased I managed the rest of the walk through the village to the carpark as I'd wondered whether OH might need to go ahead and fetch the car for me!

Lunch was a nice easy cod mornay with added leeks and beans. We then discovered a parcel left at the front door. I do wish they'd look for the door bell on the doorframe. Some just rattle the letterbox, which rattles anyway in all the wind. I think it is the paints I ordered. :-D

thanks Mandy.