General Chat

Afternoon all,

A lovely day here ,plenty of sun and not so cold , got the bed stripped off first thing ,all washed ,dried , ironed and in the airing cupboard ,i'll never last the day at this rate !!

Yes Frank i think we are lucky to be able to just toddle off to the coast when we want ,it's only about 40/45 minutes to Wells ,where ever we go over the week end will be busy i expect .

Went to the shops and got DIL some things for her birthday ,i bought a nice bag with owls on but after thinking about it i think son bought her one just like it for christmas ,i rang him and he had !! but in a different colour !! now do i change it or let her change it so she can pick one she likes ...that means trotting up to the shop again !!!

Oh look at the time better get some lunch , BBL

My parents were both in their 60's Mel , so not that old! My grandfather was 56 when he died very suddenly, but he had been gassed and shell shocked in the first world war, which didn't do him or thousands like him a lot of good, and my Granny was 61. Sadly for us, longevity isn't a family trait as we all tend to suffer from hypertension and heart problems which years ago was curtains. OH's family on the other hand mostly go into their 80's or beyond. An uncle is 100 in August!!! .It's the luck of the draw really.

Afternoon all,

What a beautiful day it turned out to be. I went out in the garden and sat for half an hour id that lovely warm sunshine.

Mandy I would think it will be best to give DIL the bag and receipt, and she can change it if she likes. You never know she might like to keep it !! Enjoy your day out to Wells, I used to go there when I lived in Kettering. Don't eat all the CRABS. !!

Liz, Ros and I were only talking a short time ago, about the number of MEN who have died in the village in the passed few months who were in the 60s or 70s. She said the woman should all get together and form a WIDOWS CLUB. They could arrange trips out together. There is enough of them. ;-) ;-) ;-) ( and I won't be short of women to chat up) LOL LOL

Have booked a nice restaurant for Sunday Lunch, overlooking the Grand Union Canal, it's only 10 minutes away, if Ros wants to go anywhere after, and the weather is fine, we can go on from there.

I'm doing Grilled Sirloin steaks, Onions, mushrooms, peas and chips tonight with a peppered sauce. One of Madams favourites.

Mel if this weather holds you will be able to get stuck into the garden. Don't go mad and overdo it. <3 <3 <3

Did you get the pots you wanted for your Olive trees Jane. Have you had any olives yet. We had tint ones last year but too small to eat.

Any news on the drains Gill. ??

Afternoon everyone.What a smashing day it has been :-D.We spent a fair time at Poddington Garden C ,and yes Frank we got some nice pots for the Olive trees.Chris has put them in now and they look grand :-D.We had a breakfast there ,Egg,bacon, sausage,hash brown and baked beans.It was delicious and a bargain at under £3 each.Then we stopped off at Bosworths Garden C on the way home.
Chris has just done the lawn and the Plumber has finally been to get the details of a faulty valve on the hot tank.I wonder how long it will be now before he actually comes back to fit the new one??

I have just gone through a load of photos writing names and dates on the backs.But I have some and i just can't tell if it's Hannah or James as new borns :-S

No Frank we haven't had any Olives to speak of.Last year there were some teeny weeny onset they never came to anything.It would be so nice to have some.Maybe one year it will happen :-D

Mandy I think if it was me I would let DIL choose another one.I'm sure she would be happy to do that.
It must be the time of year for anniversaries of our loved ones.Tomorrow would be the 93rd Birthday for my dear Dad.So sad he died at the age of 64 :-(.He was a man so full of life it was so cruel for him to end up with MND :-(

I think I must have slept badly again last night and also awkwardly.My neck and back are so achey and creaky :-S

Mmm Steak sounds good Frank.We have our Low Cal meal tonight .

I have been thinking about Johnny's family today as I think it has been the Inquest into Johnny's death..It will have been a very difficult day for them :-(

Ann ,Chris often goes the long way around to get somewhere ,even if i try and tell him of a better shorter route...There is just no telling him :-S.So I shut up :-D and like (I think Mel said) watch the world go by :-D

I have a long scratch on the side of my car :-S :-S :-S..Not a deep one,but it looks the kind that might be caused by someone trying to squeeze through with a supermarket trolley :-| :-|.I haven't bothered ringing the garage yet with the tracking problem.I will leave it until after Easter now.

I bet Fitz's house will be crazy now with all their visitors.He was dreading it .I can quite understand it.Just the thought of having so many people staying and having to be fed and entertained for 3 or 4 days would have me in a right old tizzy.

Anyone going to watching the BIG TALK tonight by all our Politicians?I think I will have to .Trouble is will any of it make any sense lol.I wonder if there will be any 'spats' :-D :-D
I think I must go and shut some windows now .Rain tomorrow :-S
Also I think I can hear a Nightingale again :-D

Afternoon All,

Well it was lovely sunshine here earlier, so I got some washing dry. I had a hair appointment at 1.00pm but my hairdresser rang at 11.00am and said could I come at 12.00pm instead. The earlier the better suits me so I had to rush round to be there on time.

OH obviously knew he was guilty Mel! :-S I had said to him that if I had the bright idea of driving him anywhere again to remind me it would be more fun to stay at home and stick pins in my eyes!!!!! lol. He tried not to grin, but I think he got the point as he apologised. Mind you I expect he'll soon forget and be back to his old ways.

Mel, my dad died on the 28th April 1979, just over a fortnight later than your dad and was aged 58.

The council has passed the plans for the 2 bungalows......now we have to see what happens about the appeal to build the house as well as 2 bungalows. Neighbours aren't happy as it looks like they will now have to watch their land isn't pinched which it will be if the builder builds to his plans he submitted. :-S Just as the builders in the field are finishing after 12 months of noise, now there will be noise and diggers going even closer to us for another 12 months. I don't know how the builders delivery of materials will get down here without knocking branches off our tree. There'll be mud all over the road too. :-S

We've found out that the farmer cut the hedges down as he wants to be able to see all the cattle from the road. It had worried him after seeing 2 men wandering around in the fields with guns. He obviously didn't know people have gone in there shooting rabbits for at least the 15 years we've lived here.

I noticed a fortnight ago that one of my evergreen ball shaped Hebe bushes was half dead. The 3 others like it were all fine. This morning we were sitting in the conservatory in the warm when OH spotted the reason. Hello Kitty was spraying it!!! No wonder it has died if he has been marking it regularly. Now how to stop him and will he start doing it to the other shrubs when I dig that one up?? Then he disgraced himself further by pooping on the gravel and covering it!!!!:-| :-| I'll have to pour Jeyes F*uid on there now, but again how to stop it!! He was no trouble till 2 grey cats arrived at the top of the close, but obviously feels his territory needs making clear now!!

One of the neighbours also saw the van in the close at 2.00am a few mornings ago. They wondered if they were looking for cars that had easy access to their catalytic converters, as that seems to be the latest thing thieves are after.

Back from an awful shopping trip. I had to get corn but some things in the square in Holsworthy first.. Just as well I did'nt get the corn first as when I got back to the car in the square I had a puncture on the near side right. Rang oh who told me he had'nt had his car MOT'd or taxed yet so could'nt come out to me. I asked Dave in the green grocers, who I was parked outside and he said his back was bad so he could'nt bend down. So off I go across the square to the pc shop where I know a chap called Andy. Asked if he was in the shopp and he came from out the back and said he had'nt changed a wheel for years but in the end he said he would have a go. Now the dampers on the boot lid have gone so I have a piece of wood in the back to hold that open. Got that up and lifted up th ebase of the boot for the jack and spare. He found the jack point after looking in my manuel which I had in the car!!!! He found it and got it jacked up a bit and then took the wheel off. I was surprised at the ease he undid the wheelnuts as they are usually put on with a tool thing and they can be very hard to get off. Anyway he moved the bit of wood holding the back lid up and as he got the spare out he knocked the wood and the back came down on his back. Luckily i had my hand up too so it did'nt hit him too hard :-S

He did it all for me and put the stuff back in the boot and I gave him £20 for his trouble.

I am absolutely tired out now as I did the shopping after that and everywhere was heaving.

Must make myself another cupps now. I have already had one oh made me when I got home with a nice bun but I am as dry as dust and must have another.

I would let your DIL change the bag if she wants to Mandy. She can choose then and it will save you a trip back to the shop. :-) I enjoyed our day at Wells years ago. It is nice if you can pop to the coast from where you live.

These people were advertising in our local paper today Frank. It's worth a look and is another idea if you don't want the full time tie of owning a dog.

http://www.petstay.net/

It's looking after other people's dogs in your own home while they are on holiday etc. They pay you for doing it too!

Did you get 'pot' pots Jane? Could you weigh them down with something heavy in the bottom so they don't blow over? Mind you, you don't want Chris doing his back in moving them!!

Oh Mel, I just saw your post! A puncture is always something I dread happening when I'm out and no-one seems to rush to help you these days. Thank goodness Andy was able to help though and well worth what you gave him. Now you have to get the puncture mended next! I bet you were relieved to get home and have that cuppa and bun. :-)

Ann I find the answer from the farmer a bit strange.It is a pretty drastic thing to take down those hedges so he can see his cows.People with Guns don't shoot cows do they (or at least I have never heard of that ).They might steal them but nor shoot.
I do wonder if there is an ulterior motive.He can't so thick not to realise it is most likely to be rabbit hunters !!!!
What a disappointment that the bungalows have been given the go ahead.If there is any damage done to your trees at all would you be able to make a claim?
I don't envy you at all when the noise starts.I hear Beep Beep Beep all day long at the moment from lorries up in the field where the school is being built.Heaven knows what it will be like when housing starts .When I was down at Fitz's yesterday I could hear the beeping down there.The school is about midway between him and us.
There are some beautiful young cattle in another field just up the road.They all have a splash of white colour on the bottom end of their backs and I think a blob of white near the top end of their tails.I have never seen markings like that before.We did have some with a ring of white around their middles so they looked like a Liquorice Allsort :-D
James's dinner is ready now..He has a scrummy curry.Lucky thing.We have these pretty ropey meals with extra veg.But as we aren't hungry just yet we will have ours a little later.
Bet Frank has tucked into that nice juicy steak :-D

Yes, it does seem a bit of a weak answer Jane, but he only rents the fields . He said he was expected to 'maintain' the hedges and fencing, but there was no suggestion he had applied for permission. He's stopped part way along the middle hedge now, but I think that's because of the bird nesting rules.

We had blaring radios early in the morning as well as the beep beeps while they've been building on the field, but our neighbour complained about the radios so that stopped happening so early. The school they are building between you and Fitz could cause problems if it is like the one between us and the village. There are swarms of parents parked all over the place and doing silly things when they collect their children. We have ready meals some days when I am trying to lose a few pounds and I cook veg to bulk them out and it does work :-) I had red peppers stuffed with rice, sweetcorn and feta cheese today and added some swede and carrot mash. I shall be watching that prog you mentioned. I watched the one with Cameron and Milliband a few days ago and was amazed at the different slants the papers put on it!

It will be a hard day for Johnny's mum as you say, but maybe once this is behind her she may cope better. I remember looking at the local coroner's site for something a couple of years ago. It lists all the inquests and reasons for them at the side. I was shocked then at how many suicides there were, especially people only in their 20s.

Ohhhh Mel! .That is the one thing I dread (a puncture)...Thank heavens you had someone to get you sorted.

Oven pinging ..Dinner ready.

Family just gone and daughter left her wellies!! Shall ask son to take them back with him tomorrow and take them over to her! We've had a long walk, rescued some calves who got out of their field, had a big tea and then played a spirited game of Ludo, which daughter won and I came last!!!! We both feel exhausted, so an early night is in order. Tomorrow will be much calmer!!!
Oh Jane, your poor dad dying of of that terrible illness, my S_father dying of cancer was awful enough, but MND is just shocking. Johnny's family must be struggling, poor them.
A widow's club Frank?!!!! you'd be in your element!!!!!
Super Vet on now, they're trying to cope with a VERY feisty cat!!!!

"Evening All" Dixon of dock green, for those to young to remember.

East Enders on from being recorded earlier. So I am out of the way.

The steak was perfect. Ros said it was the best meal "EVER" I said, that says a lot about my general cooking !!

Not good getting a puncture Mel, and only one person willing to help. Aren't you with a breakdown service?? They are worth their money in an emergency. They have got us out of trouble a few times, with punctures and flat batteries over the years.

I wish I had done my lawns this afternoon as it looks like rain overnight, and damp and cooler tomorrow. Monday seems the best day of the holiday.

I haven't bothered with the "TALK" tonight. They are all as bad as each other. Promises they never keep. I will go and put me X on the paper when the polls open, and that will be it !!

Going to catch a bit of ITV 3 before turning in. I hope I sleep though tonight, as I am feeling tired.

Goodnight all, sleep tight.

Dos'nt it make you annoyed when they get planning permission for bungalows where they should'nt. You just think you have found the right quiet place to live in peace and then along come the builders.

I hope your trees will be ok ann but you must kick up a stink if they do damage them and make a claim as Jane suggested.

Ann dad would have been 58 in the begining of August of that year.

Goodness it's teeming this morning, so no boating for us today!! Just had son on the phone to say that he and partner will come here for lunch and then they'll go on to the river to join the others. (too wet for us!!!) Trouble is these plans have changed about three times in as many days, so hopefully we all know what we're doing!!!
Yes we belong to a well known breakdown service Frank, and like you have been 'rescued' a few times!!!! Once when OH was in hospital (!!!) which was a godsend.
I can remember years ago Ann, that we were threatened with house building in the field behind our then house! Luckily it was designated flood plain and planning was refused! Not sure that would be the case these days!
We didn't watch the political 'jamboree' last night either Frank. Like you we have made up our minds and that's that! Whatever the arguments, for us it doesn't make any difference, neither of us can bear to listen to the Punch and Judy show and certainly wouldn't be swayed by it!

Morning my "EASTER BUNNIES" evening Kim,

I suppose I was lucky to still have my DAD at aged 72. But the way he went I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy I was only 17 when I started nursing , and 19 when he passed away.

On to better thoughts, The weather is horrible here this morning RAIN. no wind to speak of, but very cloudy, so it's a day in doors today.

Ros was at the Dr yesterday. She has been sent to have a chest xray, to try to find out why she still has this horrible cough and bringing up all this "muck". Martine has taken her, then they will shop today, rather than tomorrow. So "HOME ALONE" again.. Thank goodness for my books !!

Yes Ann keep an eye on the builders, any damage to anything. Photograph it and REPORT IT. ;-) ;-) ;-) You may not be able to stop him building, but you can make life difficult !!!!

Liz, Can I come to lunch. ??? Fish pie would be lovely. Ros doesn't eat fish, SEA FOODS and she's in her element, but put a piece of fish in front of her, and up goes the nose !!!! Where as I could eat it three times a week.

Well I'm off for a bacon sarnie and another cuppa. See you later.

Morning Every one, Evening Kim.

Must wish everyone on our thread a Happy Easter, (Nearly wrote Christmas there :-S) I have been busy doing a few household chores before I have lunch today, I have decided to go to the GOOD FRIDAY VIGIL SERVICE at 12.noon .so meeting up with one of my Wednesday coffee pals, she is doing a coffee duty down at St Johns so it will be handy to pop into the centre, and then when she is finished her duty we will go into church together,

After Sunday, my babysitting duty is over till after the Easter hols, well thats what I have been told ;-) Daniele mum arrives on Monday for two weeks and she will take over the looking after of the kids, I bet she is desperate to see them it was last June when the family went over to Italy for their summer holiday. she will see a big difference especially in Matteo he has lost his toddler looks and has become more of a little boy, and Sofia has grown up a lot since going to school. mind you I know Sofia is fine with her Nonna Adele but I think Matteo will take a bit more time to come round , he is a clinger especially when there's someone who he doesn't know.

Better go and sort out what I am having for lunch and get ready to go out. at least the weather is dry at the moment.

Morning all and evening Kim,

Morning Liz......

Dreadfull here this morning with high winds and lashing fine rain no not a day for boating Liz and I don't blame you staying put.

We have no plans for today only for me to cut oh's hair.

Fiona thanks for the pics of Matteo. He is a lovely little boy. How is you r hand now? Mine is still as bad really.

Clearing up here now but still VERY damp! not cold though! Fish pie is made with a potato topping so it only needs to go under the grill. We shall have courgette for veg, and chocolate sponge for pudding!!
OH had to have a chest X-Ray back in the winter Frank as he had the same symptoms as Ros. It was a nasty infection which took a bit of shifting, so I expect this is the same problem. You'd be very welcome to lunch! I ALWAYS over cater, and there's enough to feed an army!!
Sorry your hand is still troubling you Mel. Have you tried putting honey on the wound? We swear by it as it's nature's antiseptic. During and after the war burnt airmen were initially treated by a liberal amount of honey on their wounds at the burns units at East Grinstead and the Churchill in Oxford to great effect. You can read it up on Google who explain things much better than I can.
Better get on!

Morning/Evening All

(well good afternoon now)

It is just that horrible light drizzle here today and not a breath of wind.I have been out and got everything I need now for the weekend..It was crazy .No small trolleys to be had anywhere.
So now
I am going to be in the kitchen for a couple of hours to see what concoctions I can come up with :-S
James has just gone to get Jess from the station.Chris is doing the accounts
:-S
BBL