General Chat

Morning to all my world friends,

It's so dark here, raining and down right miserable. Heating is ticking over and side lights on in the lounge. I'm thinking of all that drying you have to do ANN !!!

Ruby, I am sure I could find a place for you in my home. On your return to Canada, you would have to pay for EXCESS BAGGAGE, with all the weight I would put on you, with my cooking. :-D :-D :-D Our petrol is coming down now. They say it could get down to under £1.00 a litre. Shill dear enough.

Mel I haven't ventured out to check on the hog. By the time I remove all the covering of branches etc. I would be soaked.

Ros didn't get a jigsaw this year, but Martine always gets them, so she will pass them on. Ros has a BIG jigsaw zip up container which is padded. So when you have had enough you can just fold up the container and zip it up, it's there ready for you when next you want to do a bit. Saves taking up a whole table.!!!

What a WELCOME to Iceland for James, how cold is it out there ???

Is there any improvement with Hannah ?? Lets hope so. When is she due back ??

I think Conrad and Jan will have a home to be very proud of. I know it will take time and money, but whatever they have done so far, is very nice and of top quality. (typical JAN)

As I said yesterday I am "HOME ALONE" until 3.30/4.00 pm. so I will put my spot light out and read my kindle. A great story of a young woman in the American WAC who is in a plane that crashes into a jungle. Only three alive. Now they have to survive. That's as far as I have got !!!

I just heard they have caught the two gunmen in Paris. I must say that paper should have taken WARNINGS more serious from what happened before. It's alright saying all these things about all the different religions, but they must face the consequences of their actions. (I hope I haven't offended anyone)

What a miserable start to the day this morning.It was just like the middle of the night and pouring with rain
But now the sun is trying to come out :-D.Just needs a little more effort lol

Oh dear Ruby..I have to say that bread sounded pretty horrible.Good on you though for giving it a go.It might give the little birds the runs if it has laxative properties !!! :-S :-S :-S

Frank Ruby is in USA,,me thinks you are thinking of Shirl lol

I am having to dash now as I have my hair appointment

James had gales and hail this morning and said he almost got blown over in the wind.But it is due to clear this afternoon :-D
Hannah sent a pic from this morning .Breakfast on the beach watching the fishermen .
She is feeling a lot better now.Thankyou everyone for thinking of her.The antibiotics must be working at last :-D

Righty Ho I'm'orf..BBL

What a difference a couple of hours make. The sky is blue and the sun has got his hat on. A nice pleasant day out.

I have checked the hogs dish and a little has gone. COULD BE the BLOO#Y cats again.

I am having trouble with the bedroom radiator. I have had to bleed it twice this week. It's happened since I had the Bathroom one out in :-P :-P

Poor old James and Jess, facing weather like that. I'm pleased that Hannah is going on O.K. and enjoying her holiday at last. <3 <3

Gill, Not being nosey, but if you are not moving south, why bother moving locally. Do you have itchy feet and ants in your pants :-D :-D :-D

Time for a bit of lunch. What shall I have ??? Fridge is full, so should find something I fancy !!!

Sorry Jane, I do realise Ruby is in the USA, but you know me, head all over the place !!!

Hi all

Bright sunshine here, but cold with it. Not so windy like it was last night though.

Yes Ann we have lived in quite a few different places over the years, we've lived here 7 years in April. Must be getting the 7 year itch, wanting to move again. lol. No we have to sell this place and we've been thinking of moving to Devon for years now but could never afford it and although most of the properties we like down there are still out of our price range there are some we can finally afford, so we thought now might be the best time to move down there before the prices went back up and we were priced out of the area again.

OH and I had a good chat last night and have decided to take a proper look into moving to Devon and also jobs in that area too, just to see if it's possible to still make the move. Like OH said, there's no harm in looking, then we can make a decision on weather now is the right time or not. We are also looking at reducing the price on this place in the hope we can sell it quicker.

OH was very disappointed with the extra hours he was given, it was only 3, and doesn't think it's worth missing out on moving to Devon for just those few hours. There's talk around work that he might get more hours but until they are offered to him he wants me to check out Devon incase he isn't offered the hours, or again it's only a few. His contracted hours are only 24 and he thinks he might get more hours if we move to a busier place. I can see how he's thinking, so it's back to looking to see what's available. Luckily our property is dearer, than some of the properties down south so we'll have a few bob left over to live on till OH can find another job.

Oh dear Jane, sounds like it's really bad weather where James has gone, let's hope it does clear up and they can enjoy their holiday. Glad to hear the antibiotics are working for Hannah and hope she can now enjoy the rest of her holiday. You're going to have so many photo's to see when they both come back and all the stories of their travels to hear about. I bet you can't wait.

It's always nice to try new recipe's Ruby, pity the bread wasn't to your liking, but I'm sure you'll find other recipe's you will like.

How long have Conrad and Jan lived in their home, is it a recent move Frank. What they've done so far looks lovely and having a sea view is a bonus.

Well, I'm off to do some washing now, the bedding needs changing again.....A woman's work, and all that ;-)

Gill. They only bought the house in May 2014. The previous owner was an OLD LADY who only lived in two rooms upstairs. The ceilings were falling down, and the window are all loose. They can't touch them for fear they will fall in or out. The draught from them is horrendous, but they hope to get them replaced very soon. Every room has now been re-plastered and painted ,with the exception of the Hall Landing and Stairs, two spare bedroom and Kitchen. That will all get done as money allows. When it is finished, I am sure it will be an exceptional family home. By the way the roof had to be completely stripped and re-tiled as it was letting water.

We bought a telescope for Conrad for Christmas. He has it in the bedrooms bay window, and can see many miles out to sea as well as Torquay sea front.

Thinking of your possible move. You should contact the Estate agents telling them that you are interested in property that needs renovation. I have seen many while nosing around on the sites.

Regards to your OH employment. There are SO MANY care homes all around the coastal areas of DEVON that I don't think it would be difficult to find employment.

Why not look on line for "NURSING HOMES IN DEVON" and ask the question relating to employment. stating his qualifications etc. At least you will get a feel of what's on offer. If there are positions available now, I am sure there will be when you are ready to make the move.

I'm not trying to drive you away from the Wirrel, only suggesting what I would do if I was you :-D :-D :-D

I wasn't offended about what you said Frank, about the French magazine but they certainly didn't deserve to die for mocking religion, and the christian world should not be intimidated by these radicals for voicing their opinions.

I wish I had the chance to move further south near the sea but if I'm going to move anywhere it will be further north now. Son has been looking at houses in Bedford that I might like but I've told him I will wait until they are settled first, shouldn't leave it too long though as I think house prices there will be going up as more people are being priced out of London and Bedford is commutable.

Shame about the bread Ruby, are the birds enjoying it, if you find your lawn covered white I don't think it will be snow :-0

I always get mixed up with Iceland and Greenland, it's the opposite way round isn't it, Iceland is really quite green and Greenland is icy. Is there much there of interest Jane. I've quite fancied Prague for a long weekend, don't think I'll ever get there though.

That is my hair done now for the next 5 weeks. It really needed a good thinning out.
I got back my car to find 2 car park attendants standing by it.I was a few minutes over ,but they were really nice and said they usually give 10 minutes.(some hardly give 10seconds!).Had a nice chat with them about Red Kites as there was one flying around overhead.

Maureen.I think it is the landscape ,Northern Lights and the Blue lagoon that people go to Iceland for.Not sure it would be my kind of place .But Prague if you get the chance is certainly worth a trip.

So all change then Gill :-D :-D...Ivybridge and Plympton might be worth having a look at.Both a few miles outside of Plymouth just off the main Plymouth to Exeter Rd.
I used to love looking at all the houses for sale when we moved and having mountains of details on all sorts.I did get annoyed though sometimes when estate agents kept sending details of houses that were not what we were looking for at all.I suppose it is all different now with being able to see everything on line.

Just now I was watching the Moorhen making its way up to the patio and then I spotted the rat too in the rockery bit .When the Rat spotted the bird it stopped dead still and hid in the foliage.It didn't take its eyes off the bird.I wonder if it thought it was going to catch it !!!!!..Now what a great idea :-D

I don't think a Moorhen would be interested in a rat Jane, But I get your idea. !!!

Am sitting watching "TRAWLER MEN" What a life they live. Having to rely on so many things, and never sure they will earn any money. They have to get by on three hours rest. and work in such bad conditions. We complain at the price of fish. !!!

I know what you mean Maureen, but knowing what these Bugge's are like, you don't need to give them any reasons to retaliate.

Scampi Chips and salad tonight.

Just heard from Jan. Conrad is out of Surgery, very groggy and can't go home to Kerry's for at least two hours. All being well they will call here tomorrow for lunch before the journey back home.

All spruced up now then Jane, and chatting up the parking attendants. YOU BEHAVE YOURSELF. :-D :-D :-D

I always behave Frank ;-)Well most of the time :-D
We have decided we are far too fat and have to do something about it.There are so many nice things still left from Christmas too :-S :-S.
So now begins the healthy eating.Chris has so much more self control than me and determination.I am just so weak willed BUT WILL TRY MY BEST :-D
I'm starving :-D :-D :-S :-S :-(
It will be porridge now to start the day and not my Banana and Breakfast Biscuits.
Haven't thought much further yet LOL

Hannah sent a message to say she has bought Chris a Rug for his study and it is on the way...It should arrive sometime this year :-D :-DI think the girls plan a lot of shopping at the weekend once they get to a large town.
I doubt James and Jess will be buying much in Iceland as everything is so expensive there.
Frank did you have a look to see if the Hog is sleeping?I think if it was the cats eating the food it would all have gone.Maybe it's mice.
Did you see that dear dog that was abandoned at a station with a suitcase with his blanket ,bowl and toy :-( :-(

Just remembered it is James's Birthday tomorrow.Must send him a Birthday Message.

Maureen, I thought the same thing about the birds, if I were to give them my bread. The neighbours would think I have snow on the roof :-D :-D

My son has been to Prague a few times and really likes it there. You mentioned Bedford, and it brings back memories of a dear friend I had when I lived in Texas. She was born in Ireland, but her family moved to Bedford when she was still young, and she and I had so much fun together. One time we went on a river boat and she arrived at my house with some cheap white sandals she had bought for a dollar or two. They looked as though they had been cut from a sheet of white rubber, but they were actually very comfortable. Anyway, we went off for the day, and sat at the front of the boat, near the big wheel. We had huge sunhats and these cheap rubber sandals, and we laughed the day away. We used to day dream about owning a little tea shop down in the west country, knowing it would never materialize. Unfortunately, Bridget passed away from cancer before the age of 50.

So you;re all gussied up then Jane :-D Actually I had my hair cut yesterday, but it didn't improve my looks - still the same old wrinkled face looking back at me in the mirror :-(

Glad Conrad has got through his surgery Frank, whatever it was. Since it was outpatient, then I'm sure he'll soon be well.

How nice to have a rug directly from India Jane. They do make some beauties - some of them are worth a lot of money. How much weight do you want to lose? I'm being nosy now. I'm aiming for 15 lbs, but hoping for 20. This diet that I'm on is going to be a slow weight loss, but a much healthier way of eating. My main problem is having to reduce my portion size. Meals here, especially in restaurants, are huge, but I'm finding that by eating more grains and nuts, I'm not feeling hungry so quickly. For the first few days, I felt quite miserable and had no energy, but I think that was probably from sugar withdrawal, because I'm feeling quite spry now :-D :-D

Did my shopping but they had the road into Holsworthy closed so had to go around the back roads to get to town. Banked my money I had to get in there and then remembered I needed some out!! so on to the cash machine. Oh's cold has returned with abundance today so I got him more cough medecine (sp) and then went and bought some bird food, fat balls and nuts. Into the paper shop just a shop away after to get oh's fishing mag and I bought a diary and calender in there too. Just an ordinary dairy and not a fancy one like I usually like. It was £3.

Back down the road for oh's ciggies and down to Mole Valley again round the back roads. Oh had said to bring F & C in for dinner and then just a sandwich this evening.

Bought his cider in MV and they had a lovely diary in there £9.99 more my kind of thing so I bought that too. When she rang it up it was half price, even better but now I had two diary's !! :-(

Went into Wai*ross and got my shopping and then went back up the square to get the fish and chips.........NO shop was closed. Now I have never seen this cafe and chip shop closed before. I did go back to the little square and took the diary back and they gave me a refund of the full price which was good.

On the way home the river was just going over it's banks at Dipper Mill so I was pleased I did'nt leave it any later. I had only had half a bowl of cornflakes and a cup of tea before I went out saving myself for the lovely fish and chip. When I got home we had a cuppa and cakes. We are having hot dogs for dinner because I can't be bothered to make a dinner. Oh is alright with that and he suggested it as he saw some nice soft finger rolls I had bought.

The last sauage roll disappeared this morning. That make it that he had 20 and I had 4. Needless to say I went and bought more sausages and flour to make him some more. Do I spoil him or what? It's only because I love him... <3 <3

Jane I have a good diet I could send you if you can eat a nice lot of eggs but you can only stay on it for two weeks. It certainly works even if you do have a few drinky poos in the evening. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Another nice picture from Hannah and I am glad her medics have seemed to kick in now and she is feeling better. Breakfast on the beach sounds good to me. It's a long while since I had that.

Will James send any pics do you think? I would love to see some of those please.

All gussied up !! Not heard of that before Ruby.But yes I guess I am :-D
As for the weight ...Not telling..Just as long as the dial goes the right way on the scales I will be happy LOL..I need to lose a lot .But have been saying that for so many years and it has gradually been creeping up.I know the wine doesn't help.But I do like a glass or two in the evenings..Fitz is coming for lunch tomorrow so that isn't going to a calorie free time :-S.I had already bought a Pizza for tomorrow knowing he was coming ,but we hadn't discussed our healthier eating then !!!..Any excuse .But true.
I will just have a slice :-D ;-)
I have a feeling the rug won't be the only thing being posted straight from India.I know she has a bedspread for James too.I wonder what I might have.I did suggest something ornamental.But I have a feeling that the girls will post all major stuff as they only have big backpacks.It is supposed to be very reasonable to to post things from there.But it will be interesting just to see how long it takes.

I hope Conrad is ok this evening Frank and that he won't have to go back for any more surgery.He has had a few little ops hasn't he?

Oh Eastenders is on so I am off :-D

Evening All,

Frank, I couldn't believe it when I got up to all the rain!! We didn't put the washing out till it stopped later on, then had to fetch it in quick when there was another downpour, but it is on the airer now finishing off!! There's 3 more loads still to do as well. :-S

Good luck Jane! I lost some weight early last year, but a few pounds have crept back on. I said to OH I need to get a grip again now if I can and try and lose more. I don't normally eat that much, but have let things go over Christmas so I need to cut down if I want to succeed. I went to the farm shop today and got fresh veg to make some soup to freeze so that's a start! :-D I still have deserts in the freezer though!! I bet you felt the cold around your neck after the hairdressers!!

Gill that sounds like a good plan to keep your eyes on the market and do your research on places. I thought just the same as Frank about all the Residential Homes you see at the seaside. The Jobcentre or Agencies my be worth contacting in areas you fancy just to ask if many jobs come up in your hubby's line of work. It will give you some idea of what his job prospects might be.

I think the thing that would attract me to Iceland (no, not Peter Andre!! lol) would be the geysers. We have thought about going to Prague in the past.

I must watch Silent Witness part 2 on the iplayer now. I forgot to record the second bit.

Yes, I had a chuckle at your 'snow' Ruby! :-D At least you tried the bread......it might have been wonderful!

I hope Conrad soon bounces back Frank, hopefully he's feeling less groggy now.

Jane, it would have been lovely watching those fishermen while you have breakfast on the beach. Its good she's feeling better now. Poor Fitz would have a shock if you served him lettuce leaves and sparkling water!! lol. Yes, you need to let him know first as you say!!

Well I have been very good and sat through two Emerdales and one East Enders. I can't stand any more soaps tonight.

Our old neighbour popped round tea time with my B'day card and our Christmas present. He said he has been ringing us, and didn't know we had been away so long.

I think I would had the fresh fish, if I had been on that beach. It looked very nice, and inviting to go and have a dip.

I weighed myself over Christmas, and was pleased to see I am 13 stone 5 lbs. I was up to 14 st 2 lb and I haven't been trying to loose weight.

"Bring back the Borstal" is just starting, so I will say good night.

Just had to make a payment to Genes because it didn't go through automatically, hopefully they've received the payment ok, so I should be back here tomorrow. Will read all your posts in the morning.

Night Night all

Am I first this morning ???

Good morning all/Evening Kim.

Bright blue sky, and no breeze. They promised winds and rain.

The shade for the oil lamp arrived this morning, So well packed I never thought I would get it out :-D :-D

Just heard from Conrad. He was in the operating theatre for TWO AND A HALF HOURS. They have done THREE different procedures, so hopefully he will be fine now. They are putting him on a course of medications, so we will see how things go from here. They will be here about 1.00 pm for lunch, before making their way home.

see you later

Morning all and evening everyone else,

Wind came up last night with lashing rain and it's the same this morning and dull too.

Ruby I just loved the old boy with the ice shed and can crusher. What a character.

Well thats another week gone and Christmas is two weeks past now. I don't know where the time has gone. When I was young, really young Christmas seemed to go on for ever but now I am old it seems to flash by. O for the good old days....eh