General Chat

Evening All,

I slept badly last night and felt off the pace today so I've done little other than get lunch and walk up to the post box.

OH's new car is ordered from Milton Keynes now. We have had new cars or pre registered or ex demonstrators for over 20 years now. I always do the haggling for both of us and get a few thousand knocked off the price each time. It means we get a new car for the price of a 2-3 year old car without suffering the high depreciation for the first few years. Car salesmen have targets to meet, so the end of a month is a good time to haggle if they haven't met their targets, particularly January when sales are slack. Because my own present car was a model being discontinued, I got it for £5,000 below the retail price and they threw in fitting parking sensors for me as well. The market has changed now and because of the delay waiting for a new car, (shortage of chips for them), the price of a like for like second hand car can cost more than buying a new one simply because it is available! It's a crazy world. It seems that younger people mostly lease rather than buy these days, having a new car every three years. It costs more though and so much for the young saving the planet!

Vera I dread losing our transport too. I was watching Jane MacDonald in Bucharest and they had some marvellous little one seater cars like our dodgem cars for driving around the city and were great for seeing the sights. They were quite nippy and you wore a helmet and I thought one would be great if they made special road lanes for them. I was fancying your blueberry cakes, but I expect they soon all vanished. It's nice you have a lovely, clean oven now, but like AnnG says I never want to use mine after.

So many new road laws are coming in and more soon. I see dogs in public places are going to have to be on leads no longer than a metre which is quite short, I expect it's because people don't bother with training and their dogs lunge at people and traffic. Sadly our rescue centres here are beginning to have young dogs, obviously bought during the pandemic, that are described as excitable, some tending to nip, destructive if left, strong and needing training, even house training! :-S
I'm off to bed now to see if I can catch up with some sleep. Hope you all sleep well.

Not got on at all well today. I have manage to go a bit of painting and thats about all.

Hope you now have a gleaming cooker Vera. You won't want to cook in it now and make it dirty again.
I do watch the soaps, well Emmerdale, Corrie and East Enders. I have watched Corrie since it started in December 1960 when we were first married. I am pleased that I watch them as, stupid though some of the story lines are, they have been a boon in the past year making me feel things are normal as I settled to watch them at 7pm onwards. T didn't use to watch them once we had a second TV, so probably for about 20 years, he would watch his sport upstairs. People are very disparaging about the soaps but there are actually some really good actors in them. and for the past few years they have covered all sorts of health problems (breast cancer, depression, alcohol dependence, gambling) and the storylines have been realistic and I am sure will have helped some people. I have come across people who try and make those who watch them feel guilty "because they are rubbish". I have no problems with people who don't watch them, that is fine we are all different. I also watch Call the Midwife, good Karma Hospital, plus re-runs of Morse, lewis, Midsummer Murders and other similar Oh yes, Hearbeat. And of course I watch other things as well. Mainly these days, anything familiar keeps me company.

Pleased that you had a good chat with your friends Vera sounds like it was a good afternoon.

I cleaned the bathroom and cloakroom and dusted the bedrooms. I also had a walk round the garden, quite breezy out there now. And I have crocus and Tete a Tete daffodils in flower as well as 8 Narcissi and three patches of snowdrops. the tulips in tibs are just showing as well, just the tips.
Oh I also sorted through the large number of CDs that T had in his office and they have migrated into my office.

Good morning everyone

Gosh, it did rain yesterday. Today it’s dry and there have been a few gleams of sun and it’s very mild but the wind is really getting up now.

I’ve got a cooker cleaning man coming any minute but OH can see to him when he arrives. We always cleaned the cooker ourselves but had someone in to do it just before the first lockdown and decided then to have it done regularly but Covid put paid to that. i always wipe the hob down when I’ve used it and OH cleans the oven a bit after the Sunday roast but it will be good to have it thoroughly cleaned again. My man arrived while I was typing this bit so I should soon have a gleaming cooker :-)

I had a nice afternoon with my 3 friends yesterday. Lots of chatting. Even the muffins I made in the morning were perfect and you can’t always say that about my cooking lol. As for the toilet arrangements, it’s funny but I never thought about keeping us safe, which of course it would do. I have only been concerned with my guests feeling safe and comfortable in my house.

Getting a new car will be nice Ann. I’d really like a new one, perhaps a bit smaller, but OH has decided our current one will “see us out”. I suppose he’s right. I hardly drive at all now and he’s not getting any younger so we may not be driving for all that much longer. I dread being without a car.

I’m not a fan of soaps and don’t watch a lot of TV at all. I did often see Doctors as it comes on after the lunchtime news and we are usually having our lunch then. I quite liked it at first but it seems to have got more far fetched and silly so I turn it off now.

I’ve already received a few birthday cards and 2 presents but are keeping them to open on my birthday. One that came yesterday had an Exeter postmark so I guess that’s from you Mel so thank you.

Morning Anng and all,

Still wet and windy here and grey skys so very dull. NOt a nice day at all.

Hoping for a bit of craft today but I should do some HW too as when I am into a project the HW goes out the window so to speak.

No Mandy yesterday hope she's ok.

Sending love to all those absent. <3 <3

Good morning all. Hope you all slept well I had quite a good night. Dry here so far and a glimpse of sun and pale blue sky but, according to the forecast, it can't last.

No plans to go anywhere so a bit of HW, a bit of jigsaw and a bit of knitting. and maybe a bit of card making is in order.

~~~~~~ waving to Island, Gill and Frank. Hope Frank had got his PC sorted. :-) :-) :-)

Are there any young crops in the fields the pigeons visit Ann? They could be after young shoots. And could the ‘shots’ have been a bird scared?

Exciting getting a new car. Not that we ever had a brand new one, always went for older luxury cars that were in excellent condition.

Afternoon All,

Another wet and slightly windy day and so dull again. we were up late so it was a good job it was just fish cakes with salad today. Lots more Pigeons arrived while we were eating and spread all around the trees in the field. We heard a lot of shooting at the back a few days ago and thought someone was shooting them, but there still seem to be a lot left if they were.

Just some paperwork to do for OH's new car to be ordered now as the latest price is about £3000 off the new price and the offer for his old car is the best we've had. I sent photos of it, but we expect them to give less once they see it as they are sure to find some reason. Then a 4 month plus wait till he gets it! I will try and get him to get the aircon fixed next.

Then I had to chase up my thyroid blood test with the register holders at the hospital, as it is overdue and I wasn't sure if it was included in the last lot of blood tests recently and they hadn't sent me the usual letter and form to get it done. It wasn't and I wonder how long we are going to hear covid being the excuse that is trotted out. Maybe I'm just cynical but it is an easy excuse for everything now. Anyway they will send me a blood test form for the surgery.

I've also requested some blackout vertical blind samples to see if we can get the front and study windows done at last. I didn't realise you can now just buy the slats to replace and might do that for the study as it already has a vertical blind and the rail for it is fine.

We hardly ever watch daytime tv either AnnG unless it is a big event and would often be out like you and T. If there's something I want to watch I record it to watch later. I've never watched Doctors but I remember Jane was a big fan. :-)

Better to be careful and have peace of mind than wish you'd been more careful later Vera. You never know how particular others are and it does put me off going to friends' houses. I had to use the toilet last time we went to a garden centre but I carry my own sanitiser and open and close doors with my sleeve or elbow! I've done it for years to be honest to try and avoid flu and norovirus.

I have never ever watched that one. didn't get hooked on the daytime soaps as we were always out.

Glad you had a good chat Anng.

I have just watched Doctors and I think that has to be the best one yet.

I do let friends use the downstairs loo but don't do anything more than normal cleaning. I also use loos when out. As long as I wash my hands I feel safe.

That was a very wet trip out, we couldn't walk rounf outside in the garden centre and that one doesn't have a lot to see inside except for absolutely masses of garden furniture. Obviously that is what people buy from them the most.

We were there almost two hours so had a good chat there were about 12 of us on two tables so a good turn out on a bad day.

That'll be a nice afternoon for you three ladies Vera. Its not silly being careful so keep doing what you are doing and stay safe.

Morning all

Very grey, wet and breezy here too and only 7 degrees. The forecast isn’t good for the next few days. Why do we British always talk about the weather? It’s not as though we can change it.

I’ve got two friends coming this afternoon for a CoT and a chat. One is long since divorced and the other never married so I expect OH will retreat to the study rather than have his cuppa with 3 ladies. I’ve taken some shop cakes out of the freezer but I’ve also made a dozen blueberry muffins which OH is already eyeing.

If people are coming I always give the downstairs cloakroom a clean and disinfect and then we leave that one for the visitors use. I usually put a kitchen roll in there as well in case they would prefer to dry their hands on something disposable. I’ve only done this since Covid but, two years down the line, I am wondering if I need to be quite so careful. Still, I’d better go and do it today.

Waving to Island, Gwyn, Gill and hopefully Frank ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning Anng and all,

About the same here very wet and very windy and pc says 10 degrees but it dos'nt feel like it.

Hope you can cancel your hair appointment Anng as its not the weather to have your hair done and I am sure it will wait for a while.

Thats lovely about Cynth and the red roses. I have had them every year on my birthday for 25 years this year.

I have the big wipe down today...........

Good morning all from a very wet glos. Round to the garden centre later for coffee and chat so that is a nice break. Heard the forecast last night seems we are expecting two storms this week one of us well be bad even inland all over this area (and others). I am a bit concerned because I have a hair appointment if it is stormy weather I have no means of getting there except walking. thinking I may cancel.

Mel Cynth carried red roses at her wedding and every year since Phil has given her red roses on her birthday. She had red roses on his coffin, they were beautiful.

Hope G feels better in the morning Ann and I had to laugh at the Daring Wife card. Its one of those things that you can miss so easily.

My card to oh read I searched and searched for the perfect gift and then remembered you have me.

His to me read I'm yours................no refunds sorry for the inconvenience.

It sounds as though you have had a good day Mel with nice pressies and all your flowers. I remember you usually get red roses. How romantic is that! I don't think my dearly beloved would recognise a red rose if it leapt up and bit him on the nose.

I'd wave to the invisible woman if I could see her ;-) I'm always moaning to OH about being the invisible woman so I guess I know how you feel.

Sorry to hear your OH took a tumble Ann. I hope all his aches and pains ease up very quickly. I did have a laugh at his "daring wife" card and had to read that bit out to OH who thought it was hysterical until I pointed out that at least you got a card which is more than I did. He usually makes up for it with a beautiful card at Christmas, probably because even he can't forget the date at Christmas.

I'm glad the funeral for Cynth's OH went smoothly. She will be glad that the day is over and I am sure you will be a great help to her in facing that first year. We have our friend's funeral on Saturday and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it.

After a couple of really terrible nights I slept well yesterday and have felt much more "with it" today. I changed beds and got all the washing done, had an early lunch and then went for my optician's appointment. That took ages as first of all my details seemed to have disappeared from their computer which seems odd as I have been going to the same place for about 30 years. So I had to be re-entered which took a while. Then when they came to do the pressure readings the machine failed to puff air into my eyes, so the technician had to go and get the optometrist who managed to get it working. Then there was the eye test proper and an extended test for AMD as my father had it, and checking to see how much my cataracts had grown in the last year (hardly at all so I still can't be referred). Eventually the optician said that there was a change in my distant vision but it was very slight so she didn't think I needed to get new glasses yet. I had thought it was my close vision that had deteriorated as sometimes my eyes really ache when I am trying to read, which is usually late at night, but she said that I am reading through quite a narrow strip on my varifocals and suggested that I had just some standard reading glasses that I can use when I am more tired. It will give me the full sized lens to read through.

When the assistant was showing me frames for these reading glasses and was directing me to the designer section I told her I wanted the cheapest glasses she had as I would only be using them in my own home probably late at night. She produced quite a decent pair for £40 which were fine for my needs. When I went to pay I expected it to be £40 for the frame plus the cost of the lenses but it turned out to be £40 in total. As I usually have to have varifocals in both ordinary spectacles and sunglasses I usually end up paying a few hundred pounds so £40 came as a very pleasant surprise. I even had £5 towards it as I had gone out in a jacket I hadn't worn for months and found a fiver in the pocket.

To make a good afternoon even better our next door neighbour knocked. He had been cooking via Zoom with his grandchildren and made cranberry scones so 4 scones made their way to our door.

I must now get a card written and a birthday present wrapped as someone is coming to collect it in the morning. I'm hoping for another good night and I hope you all sleep well too.

OOh yes I will have to remember to take my phone up with me. No idea how long before he can do it though. Just been over the road to have a cup od tea with Louise who usually comes to me. She went to Phil's funeral. I watched it on the web cam, was pleased I didn't go as I found it quite hard just watching it. It was a lovely service and Cynth was braver than I would have been as she stood and read the Desiderata which they have on their wall. Hearing the date read out of his birth, it was strange to realise that he was born just two weeks before I met and started going out with, T.

Glad you liked your card Mel.

we both spent a half an hour at least trying to do the house insurance online. The letter says Renew on loine its easy. I don't think so. Its still not done so I shall have to ring them as usual but when I tried this morning after waiting for all the press this and press that it said there could be a 20 minuet wait to have your call answered!!!!!!! I see now how they are making their money.

After giving up on that just as I was getting sorted out Em called round with a lovely planter of flowers for me and a card. We had a chat at the door and then I got lunch. We had just sat down when a van came down the driveway. Yes it was my red roses and valentines card and another box of birthday flowers (all white) and a birthday card from oh. Now I have two huge vases of flowers on my desk and little filing draw next to it.

I am now going to attempt to ring the insurance company again. They kept saying online to enter your code off the letter sent but there was'nt one on it!

Afternoon All,

Dull, dull and rain, rain here all day up to now, but the PC says rain to stop so I hope it is right!

<3 <3 :-D :-D <3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL! <3 :-D :-D <3 <3

I like craft things for presents too and it will be good to be alble to make some moulds for things. Your other pressies sound nice and did you get your red roses this year? You have your roast lunch to look forward to as well!

OH had had a go at ordering a personalised valentine card online for me this year and it did make me laugh as it said 'To my daring wife' instead of 'darling wife'! I said he obviously realised I had to be 'daring' to be with him! He hadn't even noticed it himself.

Hi to the 'invisible' one. I wish a bit more of me was invisible. :-D

That's good you have made some progress in getting the loft access sorted out AnnG. It sounds like it may be an improvement to make it better too. I expect you will, but make sure to always take a mobile phone with you if you go up there. I got stuck in the loft once when the ladder shot forward and OH was in Newcastle!! :-S

OH's back isn't too happy yet but his knee is just sore now. I had to remind him last night that he was forgetting to 'ham it up' as he was rushing about. :-D ;-)