General Chat

I am glad Sandra's throat is a bit better and hope she enjoys her dinner today. What's her favorite dinner Gill?

Frank I did'nt think you would get away with not putting up the deccies! :-D :-D

Frank we eat around 5-6pm during the week but have always eaten around 2pm on a Sunday. I think it stems from when I was a child, we always had Sunday dinner mid afternoon and I just carried on that way after I left home.

I hope your West Ham team win, who are they playing? I used to follow the football back in the 80's, but when I had the children I was so busy with them I stopped following it. I used to support Liverpool and now I live just down the road from John Barnes an ex-Liverpool player.

We often bump into him around the shops and one day I was in the bank waiting for an appointment when John walked into the bank. I was called into the appointment the woman I was seeing asked if that was John Barnes, I said yes so then she said "I won't be long just going to get a pen" and promptly left the room. Three guess's on what she was doing and I don't think it was to get a pen, or maybe it was to get John's autograph :-D :-D.

I'm more into the Formula 1 now and follow it all through the year. I've always loved cars and bikes and won 2 Red Bull VIP tickets once for Oulton Park race track where we saw all the motorbikes.

Because I had VIP tickets breakfast, lunch, and dinner were put on. I treated my hubby with the other ticket it was in August not long after his birthday, he had chicken pox on his birthday so it was a belated birthday treat. Everyone at his works kept asking him if they could buy the tickets off him but he said no.

I went on a motorbike simulator and got the fastest track time which is how I won the tickets and we had a great time. The weather was lovely and sunny that day which was a bonus.

Sandra enjoyed her chicken dinner and is feeling much better now, we are just going to watch a Christmas film and settle down for the afternoon. Good luck with your Christmas decorations, ;-)

Afternoon All

Gill,Mel was a Biker in her younger days :-D :-D.That sounded a wonderful prize you won there !!!..That is good to hear Sandra is feeling much better now.Hopefully there'll be no more nasty bugs for you all now with Christmas just around the corner.

it must be he day for getting decorations out Frank.Chris got ours down from the loft earlier.They are sitting in their boxes in the garage now.I might just check the lights tomorrow.I remember a couple of years ago having to rush out at the last minute to get a new set for the tree and I was lucky to get them as there were hardly any left on the shelves.

Mel your Bathroom is looking lovely.I do like the lights.I would like that kind in my kitchen ,but can't see that happening.
The Moon with the tree was beautiful.it would make a lovely picture in a frame.

Beef Casserole focus today.No Roast.I've been to busy to do a roast.So I got the casserole in a couple of hours ago and it is smelling good.Just turned the oven right down now so it will stay in until we eat.

My lights have just switched on on the Mantlepiece .They went off at 10.15 last night so at least I know that work.Off for 18 hrs and on for 6.Perfect :-D

James got back a little while ago ,but went straight out again.Johnny's Mum and Sister are holding some do in town to try and raise a bit more money in Memory of Johnny.I think about £4,000 has been raised so far and they are hoping to get to £5,000.

I have wrapped a couple of presents but really need to get cracking with them all.There is also a massive pile of ironing waiting to be done :-S :-S.I usually keep on top of it but it's all gone to pot this last week.As long as there is a clean shirt for James for tomorrow then the rest can wait a bit longer.

Chris finally covered up my 2 Olive Trees this afternoon with the fleece bags.I don't want to lose them as they are looking really good now.He also dug up the rest of the Carrots which didn't look brilliant ,so they have gone on the compost now.The last few I had I was cutting lots of black bits out :-S and ending up with not a lot.So it will be back to buying them again now.
I need to put another log on the fire as it looks like it is nearly out !!!!

Jane can't you put your olive trees in the greenhouse over the winter? Thats what I used to do with mine until I forgot it one year! :-S

I did'nt get much more sone today after lunch befor eit was dark! I was in the shed sorting some green stuff and decided to go up the top for some evergreen and by the time I had done that and picked a bit of ivy flowers and came back down it was nearly dark so I had to do the chickens and feed the hogs and shut the girls in. Now I am indoors and oh is still out in the garage making some tressles to cut wood on. He will be in in a min for a coffee and cake I expect.

I brought my wire cutters and seccies in form the shed so I can wire some flowers and make some bows but I don't feel like it yet.

I too have a pile of ironing again. I really don't know where it all comes from!!

Just gone through my emails and noticed the ones you sent Mel. I love your bathroom, mine is tiny. I'd love a large bathroom big enough to have a bath and shower in but unless we knock through to Sandra's bedroom we'll have to stay with the one we've got. A lot of our neighbours have knocked through and it does make a difference but I don't want to lose a bedroom with our property being on the market.

The picture of the moon is very clear and with the tree it looks really nice. I agree with Jane it would make a lovely picture if framed and put on a wall.

I didn't know you were biker Mel, I haven't been on a bike since I won the tickets and that was probably about 20 years ago now.

Good luck everyone with your decorations, I'm glad Sandra asked me to put ours up early it' nice to know it's all finished and it does look pretty. Glad your timer worked Jane you'll soon be all Christmassy like us soon ;-).

Good job Chris covered your Olive Trees, the weather here has turned really cold and windy and we've had hailstones on and off most of the day. There's suppose to be a storm on the way, hope it's not to bad or better still the weather man has got it wrong :-D.

Well, Sandra and I never got to see the Christmas film, just as it was about to start my sister rang me and was on the phone for almost 2 hours, luckily I recorded it so we can watch it tomorrow. It's the results for X Factor and Strictly tonight, Sandra likes those programs so will want to watch them and then it's the final of her Jungle program so that's the telly sorted for tonight.

I'm not keen on the Jungle program but do enjoy the big waterslide tasks they have and watched that episode with her last night. It didn't take them long, normally it takes longer and is much funnier watching them being washed down the slide and having to start all over again.

Johnny's mum and sister have done well raising £4000 Jane, lets hope they hit their target of £5000. What are they spending the money on, if you don't mind me asking?

Off to see what's on TV now before Sandra's programs start. I've got a lot of things recorded and need to start watching them before I run out of space on the planner.

Sorry Mel, forgot to say, Chicken is Sandra's favourite dinner and she didn't leave any on her plate so hopefully she's well on the mend now.

Mel ,the Olive trees weigh a ton in the pots and the green house is a long way off lol.I think they should be ok wrapped up in the fleece.

Gill ,the money raised in memory of Johnny is going to a charity called St Mungos .A charity for the homeless and people at risk.I don't know if you know,but Johnny was an old school friend of James and tragically he took his life by throwing himself under a train :-( :-(..I still can't believe it.

I must remember ..Remember Me tonight .I think it is the final programme.
I have to laugh ,Chris is not really a tv person.But he loves Strictly !!!!.I think retirement has softened him up a bit :-D.He used to hate that programme.He even seems to know whats going on in Eastenders!.More than I do :-S

That chap on strickly from eastenders I think always reminds me of HOmer Simpson.

Yes Gill I was a byker in my younger days but only a pillion rider. Hated scooters, was a real rocker in leather jeans and jacket with studs on the back and cowboy boots that were too big for me!!

LOL Mel ,he is one of my favourites on strictly.He can move ;-) it's the hip movement :-D
Dinner ready here.

Evening All,

Yes I love Strictly too!! :-D I love all the judges, such different personalities. This year is one of the best. Never could stomach Eastenders though.

That's good to collect and donate to a charity following Johnny's sad death. I'm sure it will help the family to feel some good has come from the tragedy.

We have lots of Ivy flowers in the hedge at the end of the close, the ball shape of them will look good in your wreaths Mel.....shame the wood changed hands and you have lost access to some greenery! With all the evergreens in our garden now I'm hoping there will be some pickings this year for a table decoration.

Yes Mandy it was ME who took the shoes back! LOL. We were at the shop again today and there was just the same one pair there, but blow me, he tried them again and they are definitely bigger.........but he wants bigger ones still now so he can wear 2 pairs of thick socks!!

I told him what you said about Davy Crockett Frank and he laughed! He's said I can borrow it!! LOL. After getting stuff out of the loft his sciatica has played up today, so we still haven't put the tree up.......the lounge looks like a warehouse with all the boxes of stuff around.

MIL gave us stuff to take to a charity shop today to save them carrying it. A new clock in it's box, new eggtimer in it's box, 2 pairs unworn shoes and a stainless steel saucepan with a glass lid hardly used! :-S She said now they don't use the wheelchair and she walks they can go to more places. :-S We don't think she's really needed the wheelchair for a while. I just hope that doesn't get dropped off at a charity shop next........they won't think they might need it in future. :-S

That's good Sandra is enjoying her food and feeling better Gill. As you say a good sleep is the best thing sometimes.

My beaded candle holder is coming along nicely, but I had to stop tonight as doing it is making my fingers feel quite bruised.

Now we have to appeal again about the builder's plan......so that's another job to do! :-S There's an application to build 850 homes not far from MIL. I have never seen so much building going on. It must have been like this after the war!!

Meant to say Mel that your OH will be able to make some intricate things with the scroll saw. My first OH never got around to getting one of those although he had most woodwork machines. He had a router and did fancy edges on shelves and things with that. You will need a bigger workshop for him soon!! :-)

Gill, we have had hailstones today, and the ground now is very wet & slushy, the temp in the car says -2, Brrrr :-0

OH met Carolyn our new neighbour they are planning to move in next weekend, at least they will be sorted out in time for Christmas,

I'm off to watch Tv . better clear up the dinner table, We expect Katherine & Jake for their dinner, theres plenty left from our meal , but I'll not be surprised if they call and say they are not coming down, Katherine will probably be tired and want to go straight home, she was on the late shift tonight, so glad that Jake has a car now at least Katherine can be picked up every night sometimes when her dad has had a glass of wine he couldn't pick her up

night night all

You are funny Mel but you're right, looking at Jake (Eastenders) on strictly he does look a bit like Homer Simpson. He's a good dancer and was so funny this week with his facial expressions.

I must admit I do watch most of the soaps. My hubby calls Eastenders "The huffers and tuffers" program, because most of the time they are complaining or arguing over something or other.

Sandra was happy that Simon out of "Blue" stayed in Strictly although she prefers Lee, I personally prefer Duncan, but that's as far as my knowledge goes with that pop group I'm afraid. My favourite is "Take That" their music is great, but from the beginning they've gone from 5 band members to 3 so their sound isn't as good as it used to be.

I'm sorry to hear about your son's friend Jane, it's nice to know the money his mum and sister are raising is going to a good cause.

What a shame about the shoes Ann, at least he has them now and like you said he can always wear two pairs of socks, his feet will be nice and cosy through the winter now :-D :-D.

I agree with you Mel, scooters, glorified hair dryers more like, give me a proper bike any day. I wore leathers as well, although my boots did fit me lol

Just watching the end of X Factor, I'd like to see Lauren Platt go through she's a lovely singer. So glad Fleur East got through I hope either she wins or Lauren if she gets through.

Oh no poor Lauren didn't make it through :-( :-( :-(

I see Fiona that the drink/driving has changed in Scotland, so a small glass of wine or ONE PINT can put you over the limit. Good job I can't drive anymore, I use to push my luck years ago. !!!!

TREE UP and decorated. I don't know how she gets all the decs on it. It's full to falling over. We have a bag with a bag of logs and a brick in it hanging down the back to stop it falling over into the lounge. We have box's everywhere, and tomorrow I will check the outside lights are working before putting them up.

Glad everybody is well and behaving yourselves.

See you in the morning.

She is good Gill ,but not quite up to Andreas's standard.I thought he was great tonight.
I'm having to miss The Jungle now as it is Remember Me.
I will say Night Night now quickly as it is starting .

So who do you think will win X Factor?? My money is on Fleur I think or maybe the other chap. Was nice to see the girl who won it last year on there again. I liked her from the start of last years show.

Gill every time you see Jake now you will think of Homer Simpson........He he he :-D Sorry can't help it................................I liked the facial expressions too.

I shall watch Remember Me on catch up as oh turned over to strickly and then after a bit went to bed.

I have lost count of the machines he has in the workshop Ann. All I know is it is getting harder for me to get to the bits I do keep in there like my wood shavings and two chicken food bins and I can't get to the poultry grit bin now as it is under a big table with things in front of it. I have had a bag of cement in front of the corn bin which has now been moved but the gun cabinet has been put behind one of the doors so now is not far from the pellet bin. More bending and turning and it's not funny with my back.
He also bought a router this week and has been playing with that.

All I hope is that something good is going to come from all these tools...........

He did make a nice shelf and coat hanger for the kitchen. We had this old victorian coat stand and it had these grey hooks for coats and hats. He took them off before he burnt the wood and when he cleaned them up they were brass underneath the paint or coating. Only trouble is he put the hanger where I used to have the kitchen paper towel holder and now the roll is on the work surface because we don't really have a suitable place for it to go now.

Hope Johnny's mum raises that £5000 as that would really be well done but there again so is £4000.

Ann I bet the hat suits hubby. We shall need a picture of him in it please? He'll be glad of that at his matches and the boots too if you can get them.

I don't watch any of the soaps as I can't stand all the shouting and arguing. Stopped watching them years ago.

Been recording some of the Christmas films and watching those in the evenings when oh has gone to bed. Some are really drippy but at least there is no swearing in them. Can't stand that either.

Hoovered my keyboard today and now it looks smart again.

Frank do be careful doing your outside lights. Ros did well doing the whole tree as quickly as she did, mine seemed to take forever. Mind you it is 7ft tall with almost 400 lights on it, so it was a bit awkward trying to put things on while keeping them away from all the lights, plus avoiding the wires.

Andreas is a good singer, I agree Jane, but I just had a soft spot for Lauren. I think it might be between Andreas and Fleur to win now, what do you think?

I couldn't believe what you said Mel about your mirror, some drivers don't care. Did the other driver stop or just carry on driving? Hope the car is fixed soon and glad it wasn't any worse than it was.

-2 that's cold Fiona. Hubby said we had a bit of snow before, he was on his pushbike coming home from work and was freezing when he got here. He's now going to take the car. It's only a short distance from here to his work, but at least in the car (when the heater is on) it'll be warmer than a pushbike.

Going to sign off now
night night all

Just been out to put something in the dustbin and recycling bin and the light came on and as I looked up a deer came over the fence into the hog garden and stood there for a little while looking at me and then it walked across and past the bantams house and into the orchard. I only wished I had had my camera with me.

3-1 win for West Ham Frank, I bet you're pleased, just noticed it on the news before signing off.
Now I will sign off. Night :-D