General Chat

That was a lovely compliment and boost for your OH Gill, but sensible to check what the rules are before he does anything. I imagine they don't encourage card giving by the staff in case it causes hurt or upset if they doen't all get them or get as many as each other!! My mother used to run a small home mainly for day patients at a mental hospital but she had some ladies who had the mental age of a child so it was a mixture. She had to be very careful what she did, they were as sharp as can be about anything they thought wasn't fair!! lol. Their beady eyes were on everyone elses plates when food was served in case someone had more. :-0

Well, as luck would have it when I went to get the tiny tree today, while I was looking they reduced ALL the trees to half price. So, I bought a different one, not frosted like I really wanted but it was a better size and had sturdy branches. Like with all trees, some are the right height, but the top 18 inches can be just a single shoot! I decided I will get frost spray for it when I use it next time. I bought 2 chandelier effect bunches of icicles and dismantled them and they cost half what they would in packets and have sat and made about 16 beaded icicles and a beaded star for the top! I think we will get another set of battery lights for it though. Everything on it is unbreakable and tied on so hopefully I can just gently fold the branches and pop it in a plastic bag to put away after Christmas and next year it will take just a few minutes to set up. :-)

I had a card from one of my old work colleagues who moved on many years before I finished and runs her own driving school these days. I thought she was late with her card this year, but she said in her card that her mum died just a few days ago. I can't see her Christmas being very good this year. I remember in the 70s attending my MIL's funeral on the 15th of December. I had an awful cold and it was a bitterly cold day as well. The funeral was the same day as our Christmas meal at work and OH insisted I didn't miss it. I'd had an awful year as it was, burying my father 6 months before and then helping my mother keep her business going. We'd only moved into a house that we were gutting ourselves the previous year and I was working full time as well. I remember the restaurant putting a toureen of delicious home made soup on the table for us to help ourselves.....it was so good and warming!

What a shame you are getting your OH's cold Mel. That will teach you to go waving your new mistletoe in his direction!! ;-) ;-) LOL!! It's good all your wreaths have been sold now. I saw a nice one today on a very old house on the way to the garden centre. It had lovely dusky pink roses in it. I think our Holly tree has things wrong with it......now OH does most of the weeding I'm not there as much to notice these things. It seems to have curling leaves and the lower branches have leaves that are going black. There seem to be little grubs in cobwebby spots under the leaves too.......must try looking it up! It's a lovely yellow edged Holly like a column down to the ground and about 6 foot high now.

Well, I'd better get off to bed now......we have our Christmas tea tomorrow, lots of cold meats and pork pie with all kinds of salad, then trifle and cake. :-)

Morning/Evening All
Just a quick one now to wish Frank and Ros a safe trip .I hope Ros isn't too sore still this morning for driving.
Happy Birthday for tomorrow Frank .Enjoy your Birthday Meal xxxx

Morning All, Evening Kim

OH working , so I will have to leave to walk to Church a bit earlier than usual, hoping it doesn't rain to much on the way,

Good journey to Ros & Frank, enjoy your time away, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FRANK, enjoy your meal.

better go and start getting ready. BBL

Morning all and evening Kim,

Shortest day today so things should get better from now on day length wise and we can all look forward to Spring.

My friend is supposed to be coming today for an hour but I don't know what time she will get here. Annoying as you can't get on with anything.

Oh has gone ringing

Morning all

Bright sunshine here but still very windy and cold.

Yes Mel Shortest day, roll on the spring. I'm looking forward to getting back out in the garden, it's not the same looking at it from indoors. I miss my morning cuppa on the patio.

Not much to do today so will watch a couple of Christmas films I've recorded with Sandra, she enjoys that, then off to the shops tomorrow to buy the rest of the food for Christmas.

Hoping to find longer use by dates on a few things and Sandra would like a chocolate trifle. All the chocolate trifles have only had one or two days left on the dates so haven't been able to buy it for her yet. I hope I can get one before Christmas. I asked if they could be put in the freezer but unfortunately they can't. Such a shame :-( :-(.

Hope the weather isn't to bad for you Fiona on your walk to church. Wrap up warm ;-).

You were lucky Ann finding the little tree you wanted and at half price too what a bonus. I have a frosted tree and bought a bunch of crystals last year, then took it all apart and made lots of smaller decorations for our tree and like you it cost me a fraction of the price it would of done to buy them already made up. They are also none breakable.

I didn't put beads on mine I'm not as clever as you, so cheated and just took them apart and put them on the tree individually. I think the beads will look better as they're hard to see properly once the lights are on with having no colour in them. What colour beads are you going to use?

I would love to see a picture of your tree when you have finished ;-).

Maybe you could give your friend a call Mel to see what time she'll be with you. Then you can plan your day. :-).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for tomorrow Frank

Off to get a cuppa now
Back later

I can see you all must be really busy.

We've had our lunch and I just need to get motivated now and do something constructiveRos and Frank should be well on their way by now. I am afraid the weather is not at all nice today down here. We have dull grey skies and that fine rain that is blowing in the wind.

Di came and took her presents off with her and as she was driving out of the arch Oh came from the other side so he had to back up out of the way probably right to the top of the drive as the grass is so wet.

Better get on with something so see you all later.

I wonder if Gill is still ploughing through Dallas????????? Never watched any of those.

Back to the London thing again. My sister in law came from Ilford. In fact when she and my late brother were first married they had a flat in one of the side roads off where the town hall is. I went to some good big band jazz concerts in that town hall. S in L now lives at Hornchurch where they got the house after living in the flat for about a year. I've got a niece who lives in Rainham, another who lives in Harold Wood and a nephew who lives round that way somewhere.

Thanks for asking everyone, Carmel's leg is slowly on the mend and she has been able to do without a dressing today and yesterday. There is a big red weal about the size of a postage stamp on the back of her leg though. With her bruising record, that will take a couple of weeks to go.
She has had an appointment from the low vision unit at Uni hospital Coventry for January 7th so that wasn't too long to wait.

Ann, no I didn't know about the explosion in Hinckley, hope no one was hurt. When we lived in our flat in Goodyers End Lane here there were sometimes mysterious explosions in the middle of the night and no one seemed to know what it was. There was talk that it was some of the old mine working, which stretched far and wide under this area and also the Nuneaton area, so maybe that was what it was. Still scary in the middle of the night.

Yesterday was our granddaughter Siobhan's birthday (32) so we were invited over to Measham where they now live for "tea and cake", arrive at 2pm. So we were punctual having made a call at Atherstone before making our way out there. When we got there Siobhan, her husband Matt and children Ralph and Maggie greeted us and said Carmel's daughter Dorothy and Co would be a little later as there was a gas leak at home. We'll we got our cups of tea Okay and plenty of time for some chat until Dorothy arrived about an hour later with the birthday cake. And yes we got a slice of birthday cake - and that was it!!! I don't like to put family down but I'm among friends here I know but Siobhan certainly doesn't take after her mother for catering. We left about 4.30pm as Carmel was tiring, called in at F*arm Foods on the way back and got beef burgers and burger buns so we could make our selves a meal when we got in = by that time there were two rumbling tums!
Dorothy, like us, has the 'Irish hospitality' way, and you can expect to be well fed - thank goodness we are going to her on Christmas Day :-) All the years I've been back and forward to Ireland visiting Carmel's family, I've experienced the utmost in hospitality. You'll get, "have a seat in the 'parlour' while I make us some tea" - and when I think the 'tea' is taking a while to brew, the next thing we're ushered into the dining room where a spread would be laid out.
One year when we were staying in Dublin with family, I hired a car so we could do a bit of travelling. We got to Kilkenny (a town quite like Warwick) and Carmel said she had a cousin who lived there. Well we found their house, were made welcome and asked if we wouldn't mind waiting in the parlour while they fed the family as they came home from work. Then we were offered a lovely dinner and they insisted we stay the night. That was a lovely visit with wonderful folks.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. At least we will be fed tonight, we called in at a supermarket and Carmel bought more food resulting in my having to reshuffle the whole freezer to get it all in.

Any special plans tomorrow Frank to mark the celebration of your 21st birthday? :-) :-) (Again and again and again) - - -

Oh it's nice to stop now.I feel like it has been a very long day.We all actually slept late this morning.Well I say late ,I think it was nearly half past 8.So I was first up and came down stairs to make myself a cup of tea and then I cracked on with the ironing.I watched that programme with Fern Briton and the Rev Richard Coles.The one that was in the Communards back in the 80's.It was very good.Richard is now a Vicar just a few miles from here in Finedon.He lives just by a friend of mine.
Then once I was dressed I went off to ASd*and got a few bits ,then on to Dunel* and bought a new duvet cover ,fitted sheet and pillowcases for our bed.They are all in the washing machine at the moment just to get rid of that 'new smell'.I'm not sure if I will get around to putting it on the bed tonight.
I have finally finished wrapping presents and cleaned my glass cabinet and glasses.So that is me done for the day now.We are just having Baked Potatoes tonight with Beans and grated cheese.James will do his steak that he didn't have last night.

Oh William ,no wonder you were starving.Is Measham a way from you? I have heard of it but can't think where it is.I am worrying about what to offer Jess's Mum and step dad on tuesday eve when they bring Jess here for Xmas.I don't think they will get here until 9-10pm.James says they will have eaten before they set off from Chislehurst so maybe just some Dundee Cake or Mince Pies and a drink will be ok.It will be a quick turnaround for them .

Mandy did you have a nice meal out last night? I remember when your poor BIL was in agony this time last year.It must seem like a bad dream for him now.

Ann will be tucking into her Christmas tea now I expect
:-D :-D

Frank and Ros should be all settled in Torquay by now.I hope they had a good journey with now major holdups.That M5 can be a nightmare at times.

Well I think I need to put a long sleeved top on.I wondered why I was feeling a bit chilly .I have been in short sleeves all day.

Afternoon All,

I'd forgotten about the shortest day........won't be long before the weeds start sprouting then! lol. It's been quite sunny here, another day I could have got some washing dry if I'd put it in to wash!

William the explosion was at an electricity substation not far from where OH's parents live. A plume of black smoke poured out but reports said no-one was injured, although I think people nearby were evacuated for a while. It's good Carmel's leg is healing now. Oh dear, you didn't get the feeding you expected then. Mind you, we don't even get offered a cuppa at MIL's unless it is the time they usually have one!! We found OH's 2nd cousin loads a table with food unless you say you will eat before you arrive. He fills the table just before you leave then which is awkward because neither of us like travelling after eating much. We are all so different!

We've had a lazy day today, I wasn't up till gone 11.00am and watched the prog Jane saw about the Cunnards too. We didn't even go out today, yet I feel more tired than if I had :-S Yes, we had our 'tea' quite early Jane at about 2.00pm and neither of us want anything more to eat yet!

Gill, I hope you mange to get the Chocolate Trifle for Sandra.Tes** do a nice one :-D.We have had that a few times.It isn't too rich either.
Crikey Ann that was a lie in this morning.Why not eh!.Tea at 2pm.Now that is early lol
I bet it was all scrummy.
We are going to Fitz for lunch tomorrow so I must take the camera and see if I can get a pic showing all the tree dec.They have mice back again in the roof and he says it sounds like the Charge of the Light Brigade at night :-S :-S.He still has a contract with the Mouse catcher man so is hoping he can get back there again before Christmas as they will have a house full .
Baked Potatoes in cooking here.James has cooked his steak and things and has finished in the kitchen so I can get back in there now :-D
I have no idea what is on TV tonight .Probably nothing much :-S.

Evening all,
It's been quite a nice day here again, we went and did a big Christmas shop this morning ,we went nice and early and it wasn't that busy when we first got there ,plenty of parking spaces but by the time we came out the rush had started and the car park was full.
This afternoon i made some little Viennese biscuits ,they are DIL's favourite , i just have to dip them in some chocolate now but i think i'll do that tomorrow .

Yes Jane we had a nice evening last ,at least this year BIL was free from pain and could enjoy the evening .
We had quite a late night and both feel tired tonight so it will be an early night for us tonight .

Hope Frank and Ros had a good journey down to Devon, i expect they are all unpacked and settled in by now.

Ann your little tree looks lovely with all the icicles and lights on it , you went at just the right time to get a bargain didn't you .

The little tree is very nice Ann and looks a treat all dressed in white. I hav'nt had time for any beading this year in fact I don't know where this year has gone. It seems like only a few months ago we were talking about last Christmas.

Bet Frank and Ros are tired out tonight after that drive down here.

I iced my cake this afternoon but hav'nt stuck the things on top yet. I saw a cake in a magazine and thought it was one I had but I have looked through all mine and could'nt find the picture so did it from memory. Not sure if I like it now and it took the whole afternoon. I shall have to stick the bits on another day.

Mandy it is so nice to know your BIL enjoyed this years evening out without pain.

Oh yes I'd forgotten what a state your poor BIL was in last year Mandy. It must have been so much more enjoyable for him this time. Was your meal a nice one?

Mel I don't know where this year has gone either! Especially the last couple of months! What things will you be sticking on top of your cake? It must be a work of art if it has taken all afternoon. Not making a marzipan scroll saw for the top are you? :-)

Like everyone else I'm hoping there will be things with longer dates in the shops tomorrow.

Off to bed now ready for an early start tomorrow.......zzzzzzz.

Yes Jane the chocolate trifle you mentioned is the one Sandra likes, we've had it for the last two Christmas's as neither of us like Christmas pudding or Christmas cake. It is very light and fluffy and taste wonderful. I've yet to find one with the correct date on it for us to have over Christmas so I'm hoping they'll have one tomorrow

Well, Frank and Ros should be settled now, hope the long journey didn't make Ros's injuries worse and that she had plenty of breaks through the journey. At least she can rest now before the journey back home.

Thanks for the pictures Ann, you're very clever and what you did with the twig was lovely.

It's good to hear Carmel's leg is on the mend Will

How thoughtful Mandy, Viennese biscuits, your DIL is lucky to have you, wish I had a MIL like you.

No Mel, we didn't watch anymore DALLAS today as OH was in work, he's got the next two days off, so once we've been shopping first thing tomorrow we'll be back watching them.

Sandra and I have been watching some Christmas films today, and have had a great day together. She has recorded some programs for herself in the other room because she said she didn't want to watch DALLAS tomorrow, which is fair enough.

Just watching the final of the Apprentice with OH, so I'd better get back to it, otherwise I won't know what's going on. I had to record it because OH was in work when it started earlier.

Night all

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKY BOY <3 <3 <3 <3

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Morning all and evening Kim,

Very windy here today and dull. We had two big wood pigeons sitting up on the grass by our road and they were there for ages. Oh had been watching for a while when a whole load of other came over and they all flew off together. His coment was "They must have been waiting for the Pigeon Bus".

I can't beleive it is Christmas this week as it seems to have suddenly come upon us. Must remember to get the turkey out of the freezer so it defrosts in time to cook it on Christmas Day.

Oh will be ringing Christmas morning in Okehampton which gives me a bit of breathing space to get things done while he is out. I get on much better when he is out..............

Morning All. Evening Kim

Thanks Shirl for the Christmas Card, it arrived this morning.

Wet & windy again, weatherman said this weather will continue over Christmas , here's hoping the mild weather stays too.

Off to St John's for my last coffee duty of the year this afternoon, we may be busy, then again what with the weather or busy shoppers, we can be quiet,

Happy Birthday Frankxxx

I need to do a bit bathroom cleaning, and change towels etc, I have some nice cream & gold towels which I bought for the downstairs loo, not used them yet wanted to save them for Christmas,
Better get on.

Can' remeber if I thanked Ruby and Shirl for their cards. If not thanks once again.

Still windy here but it is not that cold. We don't have the heating on.

Where is our birthday boy this morning???????????

gOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL MY FRIENDS, AND THAK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CARDS AND GOOD WISHES Sorry caps were on.

We left home 10.50 yesterday and stopped on M 4 for coffee and snack. That left
us 120 miles to go.apart from a wee stop we cracked on .The traffic was very light on them 5 and we were down here in FOUR AND A HALF HOURS..

Conrad and Jan were out shopping, so we sat in the car after ringing them. They were back within 15 minutes. The time we got unloaded and sorted it was nice to sit and relax. The journey down was RAIN (drizzle) all the way.

We were tucked up in bed by 10.30 last night, and up about 8.00 am.

I said to Ros, Do you know what day it is ?? OH MY GAWD, It's your birthday, and she had forgotten.

Had 19 cards my new Kindle Fire. which Conrad is sorting out as I speak. Lewis bought me a carved horn eagles head, on a long handled shoe horn. There was wine, liqourise allsorts, port. and socks.

The girls have gone visiting Jan's Sister. they went at 10.00 am. We are out to dinner at 6.00 pm It's early because it's the only time they could get, and we have to think of Ella's bed time.

I have boiled the Gammon, and skinned it. covered it in Honey and Mustard and studded with cloves, ready to go in the oven to bake. That can then be covered and put in the fridge till required.

I glad everybody is getting sorted for Christmas, and you GOT YOUR TREE ANN. You must have known they were being reduced :-D :-D

The stairs here are giving me loads of trouble, I haven't fell yet. and hope I don't, but they are very steep and I hold on, for fear of missing my footing.

Hope I don't contact you from Torquay Hospital. !!!!

Afternoon All,

<3 <3HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!! <3 <3 Hope you have a lovely meal on the seafront today. :-D NO WHITEBAIT or you will be seeing your WHITE FRIEND before you know it!! :-S

Very breezy here too but warm. It was quiet in Nuneaton being as we got there very early this morning. There was a Polish (I think) man making a Labrador dog out of sand on the road through the market. It was very good. Then to the garden centre on the A5 to get an extra set of lights for the little tree. Then back to Morr*sons for a snack and to get a few perishables before popping in to MIL's to exchange gifts.

I had to tell OH to be quiet in the car this morning Mel! I was going through my shopping list in my head as you do, to see if I'd forgotten anything and he was nattering away thinking my head was as empty as his no doubt. :-S As you say, much as we love them, it is easier to get more done when they aren't around at times. He's gone visiting a friend with gifts now so I can relax a bit!

I was going to knit a little neck wrap that would be quick to do but either the local wool shops aren't answering their phone, have it switched to their fax line or don't stock what I want. :-S I think I may have to order it online and knit it after Christmas.

Oh just saw your post Frank!! It must have been WOMENS INTUITION with the tree and the price going down. ;-) lol. Try going down the stairs on your bottom if it's easier and you can sit down on the steps. At least you won't fall then! :-0

I now have pictures of our Frank sliding down the stairs on his bottom Ann.

Although that is a good idea and you could probably go up the same way!

Just made myself a big moss ball and plonked it in a terracotta flowerpot. Looks quite good.

Going to give the chickens some mash I have cooked for them now just before I corn them.